Dallas-based J.C. Penney announced a new CIO and chief digital and transformation office to lead the company's e-commerce and omnichannel investments, according to a news release.
Sharmeelee Bala has been named chief information officer and will assume responsibility for the retailer's IT and global technology systems. She will lead the development of solutions to unite JCPenney's physical and digital assets.
Bala joins the retailer from Gap Inc., where she has held leadership positions since 2018 and most recently served as the head of product engineering. Bala also spent 20 years with Walmart in a number of technology and executive roles.
Katie Mullen was also named JCPenney's chief digital and transformation officer (CDO). Mullen will lead the growth of the e-commerce business and the company's reimagining of how their consumers shop with them. She will also be responsible for driving enterprise strategy and the retailer's transformation agenda.
Mullen most recently spent nearly three years with Neiman Marcus Group, serving as chief transformation officer and then chief digital officer. Previously, she was a partner and managing director 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 talents like Sharmeelee and Katie," CEO Marc Rosen said in the release. "Sharmeelee and Katie will be invaluable partners as we move forward with our digital journey and transform the business through technology and innovation."
Rosen became CEO in November and came to the company from Levi Strauss & Co., where he served as executive vice president and president of Levi Strauss Americas, leading the company's global e-commerce and retail businesses. He had previously held roles at Walmart and Ernst & Young.
