WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
MajorsJan 16, 2019
JC Penney CEO Makes 2 C-Suite Moves
However, Jill Soltau still has several positions to fill coming off a lackluster holiday season and a credit downgrade by Fitch.
Plano, Texas—J.C. Penney is shaking up its executive team as it looks to escape the clutches of the so-called retail apocalypse, which has already swallowed up household names like Sears and Toys “R” Us.
CEO Jill Soltau, former head of Jo-Ann Stores Inc. and the company’s first female CEO in its 116-year history, replaced Marvin Ellison back in October and is working to build her own team.
On Tuesday, the retailer announced that Mike Robbins, executive vice president of private brands—which includes Modern Bride—and supply chain, will step up to executive vice president, chief stores and supply chain officer as of Jan. 21.
Current Senior Vice President of Stores Tony Hurst is leaving the company Jan. 20 to pursue another opportunity, a J.C. Penney spokesperson told National Jeweler.
The retailer also added Truett Horne, currently an associate principal at McKinsey & Company, as its chief transformation officer, a new position that will put Horne in charge of its “strategic and transformational initiatives.”
J.C. Penney has not yet found a successor for Robbins and is also on the hunt for: a chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, chief customer officer, senior vice president of planning and allocation, and chief merchant officer.
The company’s last CFO, Jeffrey Davis, stepped down last September after just a little over a year on the job. Andrew Drexler, the retailer’s senior vice president, chief accounting officer and controller, plans to leave the company at the end of March.
Former Chief Customer Officer Joseph M. McFarland III left in August, following former CEO Marvin Ellison to Lowe’s, and current Senior Vice President of Planning and Allocation Amy Wooden will retire on April 5, the J.C. Penney spokesperson said.
The retailer is reviving the position of chief merchant officer after giving it the boot back in November 2017 following the departure of John Tighe.
“By appointing and recruiting the right leaders who have the expertise and fortitude to accelerate a turnaround strategy, our senior executive team will play an instrumental role in energizing teams, connecting with our customers and positioning J.C. Penney for profitable growth,” Soltau said.
The retailer is assembling a new team in the hopes of combatting a rocky holiday season in which same-store sales dipped 5 percent.
Its lackluster holiday sales contributed to Fitch’s decision to downgrade the retailer’s credit rating from B to B-, citing the company’s “significant erosion” and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
uncertainty surrounding its new leadership.
Three more J.C. Penney stores will be close this spring, with details to follow in its fiscal fourth-quarter results scheduled to be reported Feb. 28.
Three more J.C. Penney stores will be close this spring, with details to follow in its fiscal fourth-quarter results scheduled to be reported Feb. 28.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
