After four years with Kraft Foods, most recently as vice president, marketing strategy and engagement, Debra Berman has been named J.C. Penney's (JCPN.Q) senior vice president of marketing, Penney's announced today, filling a void in the company that remained for 14 months. Berman's appointment became effective on Aug. 2.
According to J.C. Penney, Berman is responsible for "leading the Company's marketing efforts with a focus on revitalizing the jcpenney brand, building its brand architecture and communicating the jcpenney brand promise." Berman has also been named to the J.C. Penney board, and will report directly to CEO Myron Ullman.
Commenting on Berman's appointment, Ullman was quoted as saying, "Debra Berman is an enormously talented marketing executive, and her desire to join the jcpenney team is a testament to our brand and its potential."
Prior to her leadership position at Kraft Foods, Berman had a long history working with multiple advertising firms, including five years as strategic planning director with DDB Advertising.
Berman fills the void left by Michael Francis, who departed in June 2012 after being hired by then-CEO Ron Johnson eight months earlier. Francis, who was president and marketing chief, was responsible for marketing a new pricing plan created by Johnson. After Francis left, Johnson himself oversaw marketing, until he was fired in April.
-- Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
