Castagna promoted at Penney, Hicks joins as president/coo

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/12/2002 3:10:00 PM

Plano, TX — Vanessa Castagna has been promoted to executive vp, J. C. Penney Co. Inc. and chairman and ceo of JCPenney stores, catalog and Internet, new positions for the corporation and the department store retailing entity. Castagna was previously coo of JCP stores, catalog and Internet. She still will be responsible for marketing, human resources, product development and sourcing.

Ken Hicks has joined the company as president and coo of JCPenney stores and merchandise operations, a new position. He reports to Castagna. He is responsible for stores, planning and allocation, supply chain management, store environment and coordination for stores, catalog and Internet.

Allen Questrom, chairman and ceo of the parent corporation, said, "This new title recognizes [Castagna's] scope of leadership and is consistent with retail organizational practice."

Hicks, most recently president of Payless Shoe Source, previously was with McKinsey and Co. consultants and held senior merchandising positions for Home Shopping Network and May Department Stores.