J.C. Penney Co. Inc. has appointed W. Paul Jones, a former Payless ShoeSource chief executive officer with vast retail experience, to its board.
Jones was ceo of Payless from 2012 to 2017 during which time the retailer grew internationally and developed omnichannel capabilities. He retired in 2017, two years before Payless filed for bankruptcy and liquidated.
“Paul’s areas of expertise are highly complementary to the company’s focus on delivering an exceptional shopping experience to our customers,” said Ron Tysoe, chairman of J.C. Penney’s board of directors. “In addition to his impressive omnichannel experience, Paul brings a wealth of merchandise and marketing insight.”
Prior to Payless, Jones served as president, chairman and ceo of Shopko Stores from 2009 to 2012, and held the role of president and chief merchandising officer after joining the company in 2007. Shopko also declared bankruptcy and decided to close all of its store this year.
Jones also served in senior leadership and merchandising roles at Kohl’s Department Stores from 1997 to 2004, and at May Department Stores where he started his retail career in 1986 and served for more than 11 years. May was purchased by Macy’s in 2005.