Mike Ullman, J C Penney Company Inc (NYSE:JCP) Chairman, is officially passing his current post to Marvin Ellison, J C Penney CEO, effective August 1. It can be recalled that Ullman passed his CEO title to Ellison during the same date last year. The decision of the board of directors materializes the company’s succession plan proposed two years ago.
Ellison’s Appointment
Ullman is pleased that it was Ellison who has been chosen to serve as the new Chairman, citing his excellent leadership skills that shaped J C Penney to what it is now— sustainable and profitable.
Ullman and Ellison have already worked together for almost a year when they were preparing for the smooth transition of the CEO post.
Prior to joining J C Penney, Ellison served as Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) Head of Stores. He also has 15 years of retail store experience with Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT).
J C Penney Rewards Longest-Time Employee
Ellison, together with a number of J C Penney corporate employees, paid Eleanor Hodges, who has served the company full-time for nearly 70 years, a visit on Thursday.
To honor her loyalty and unfailing commitment to the company, Joe McFarland, J C Penney Executive Vice President (EVP) of Stores, awarded Hodges with a silver plate with her name engraved on it. Hodges also received a J C Penney gift certificate worth $500. However, the most astounding reward was the chance to pick any appliances she wish from J C Penney.
The 82-year-old loyal employee began working for the company in 1949 as a part-time employee assigned in the stockroom. Two years later, she was promoted as a full-time worker in the women’s and children’s section. Since then, she has always been with J C Penney.
Presently, she oversees the Greenwood J C Penney department store’s lingerie section. Hodges emphasized that every single day over the past 67 years has been enjoyable for her.
Ellison told Hodges in gratitude that employees like her are the reason J C Penney is still thriving in a highly competitive industry today.
