Former Kimberly-Clark exec joins C-suite at JCPenney

JCPenney has expanded its executive leadership team.

JCPenney appointed Keith Melker as chief transformation and strategy officer, effective February 1, 2023.

Melker most recently served as CEO of Wehner Multifamily, a Texas-based property management company. Prior to that, he held the position of chief strategy officer for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, from 2018 to 2020.

Prior to Kimberly-Clark, Melker was a managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, from 2007 to 2018.

At JC Penney, Melker will be responsible for transformation, strategy and partnerships. His key areas of focus include driving profitable consumer traffic, enhancing inventory management, further advancing digital growth, exploring strategic partnerships and evolving the value delivery model, among others.

“As we continue our transformation journey into 2023, we’re laser-focused on achieving our goals to better serve our customers as they turn to JCPenney for style and value,” said Marc Rosen, who took the reins of the department store company in November 2021. “Keith’s extensive experience in transformation work and strategic leadership abilities will make him a valued advisor in this next step for our organization.”

The company noted that Katie Mullen will remain chief digital officer and “continue to play a vital role in our transformation journey.”

JCPenney was acquired by Brookfield Property Group and Simon Property at the end of 2020 after filing for bankruptcy in the spring.  The company operates more than 650 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico.

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