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© History Oasis / Created via Midjourney
1902-1946
James Cash Penney founded the Golden Rule store in Wyoming in 1902. During America’s retail awakening, Penny built it into a nationwide chain based on Christian values and fair dealing.
1946-1958
Albert Hughes led during the post-war economic booms and modernized JCPenney’s operations. He expanded the store’s merchandise, helping it become popular with the middle class.
1958-1964
Known for introducing the JCPenny credit card, William M. Batten transitioned the company’s cash-only model into one that embraced new consumer technologies.
1964-1974
William A. Coughran steered the retail giant through the counter-cultural revolution. He expanded distribution to meet growing demand and was known for his operational stability during the volatility of the Vietnam War.
1974-1984
Donald Seiber had to deal with stagflation and the energy crisis. He kept JCPenney’s market position during an economically turbulent decade that took many retailers to the brink.
1984-1989
By embracing the information age, J. Carter Bacot installed computer systems across stores, laying the technological foundations for future growth during the Reagan-era retail boom.
1989-1995
William R. Howell executed a painful but necessary restructuring of the company. Howell cut costs during the early ’90s recession. He also successfully waved off newer discount rivals that popped up in the decade.
1995-2000
Best known for launching jcp.com, James E. Oesterreicher understood the approaching e-commerce revolution before many traditional rivals.
2000-2004
Allen Questrom maintained a stable hand through strategic store closures and debt reduction, including the pivotal $4.5 billion Eckerd pharmacy chain divestiture, which refocused the company on its core retail operations.
2013-2015
Myron “Mike” Ullman III is best known for his Sephora partnerships during his first tenure. With strategic in-store partnerships, he steered the company to calmer waters in the 2008 financial crisis and its retail aftershocks.
2011-2013
During his brief tenure, Ron Johnson masterminded a radical “everyday low price” strategy that backfired spectacularly, alienating core customers and sending sales plummeting 25% despite his Apple retail pedigree.
2013-2015
Returning, Myron “Mike” Ullman III had to reverse Johnson’s failed initiatives, reinstating discounts and promotions beloved by the JCPenney customer base while working to rebuild shattered consumer trust.
2015-2018
Marvin Ellison attempted revitalization by returning to appliance sales and enhancing customer experiences. But he ditched the company within a couple of years to go to its competitor, Lowe’s.
2018-2020
As JCPenney’s first female CEO, Jill Soltau faced the challenge of guiding the company through COVID-19 and into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
2021
Stanley Shashoua briefly helmed the ship during a critical transition period in 2021, preparing the foundation for new ownership under Simon Property Group as JCPenney emerged from bankruptcy with an uncertain future.
2021-Present
Today, Marc Rosen directs JCPenney’s post-bankruptcy renaissance as its current retail CEO with a billion-dollar store modernization plan. He brings Levi’s and Walmart experience to reimagine the legacy brand for today’s multi-channel retail landscape.
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