JCPenney Names Execs to Lead eCommerce, Tech Units

JCPenney announced Monday (Jan. 11) that it has named two new executive appointments, with Sharmeelee Bala now the new chief information officer and Katie Mullen being named chief digital and transformation officer.

Bala’s responsibilities will cover the IT organization and global tech systems powering the company’s stores, operational centers, supply chain and corporate functions. Her goal will be to combine the physical parts of the company with its new digital footprint.

Bala’s previous work include leadership at Gap since 2018, where she was head of product engineering. Before that, she was at Walmart for 20 years and held several tech and executive roles.

Mullen’s job will entail leading eCommerce growth, including the company website. The company has been trying to evolve into a more digital-focused company as the pandemic has changed how business is done.

Mullen’s experience includes three years with Neiman Marcus Group as chief transformation officer and then chief digital officer, having also worked at Boston Consulting Group.

“With a strong balance sheet and unique products and services backed by our iconic American brand, JCPenney is a destination for best-in-class talent like Sharmeelee and Katie,” said JCPenney CEO Marc Rosen. “Sharmeelee and Katie will be invaluable partners as we move forward with our digital journey and transform the business through technology and innovation.”

PYMNTS wrote last year that JCPenney had been talking about the benefits of buy now, pay later (BNPL) business models, in an attempt to try and evolve with the way the economy was going.

Read more: JCPenney Teases BNPL Announcement As Retailer Wants To Meet Consumers Where They Are

That didn’t come with a formal announcement from the company at the time, but then-chief information officer Melissa Pint told PYMNTS’ Karen Webster that payments had always been “a very big part” of the retail experience.

Pint said the company always wanted to try and make things frictionless and safe for users. She added that JCPenney had plans to look into BNPL because customers had expressed interest in it.