What: Keith Melker had been appointed as J.C. Penney’s chief transformation and strategy officer.

Why it is important: J.C. Penney is focused on its transformation initiatives and achieving its goals to better serve customers.

Melker will oversee the retailer’s transformation office, ensuring that initiatives are executed effectively as the retailer focuses on its reinvention, optimising processes and initiating strategic partnerships.

The key areas of focus for the NYC-based retailer include driving profitable consumer traffic, enhancing inventory management, further advancing digital growth, exploring strategic partnerships, and evolving the value delivery model.

Melker previously served as CEO of a property management company, and has also held the position of chief strategy officer for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, in addition to more than ten years as a managing director and partner for Boston Consulting Group.

J.C. Penney names new transformation and strategy chief