Former Apple exec roping in old colleague at J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson, Apple's former retail chief, is reportedly looking to bring on a fellow former executive from his days at the tech company.
Apple's former retail chief may be looking to get some of his old gang back together at his new gig.
J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson, who officially left his post as Apple's senior vice president of retail operations this month, is now said to be in the process of trying to hire a former Apple executive he worked with while at the technology company.
Citing sources, The Wall Street Journal reports (subscription required) that Johnson in trying to hire Michael Kramer, who was the chief financial officer of Apple's retail operations between 2000 and 2005. The Journal says Johnson is vying to get to get Kramer--who is currently the CEO of fashion company Kellwood Co.--to come on as J.C. Penney's chief operating officer. That's with the help of Daniel Walker, Apple's former chief talent officer, and the one who brought Johnson to Apple, the report says.
Johnson decided to leave Apple for retailer J.C. Penney in June, having spent more than a decade working to build Apple's retail ambitions into an empire. Under Johnson's direction, Apple's stores became a major success, helping to fuel record sales and act as service stations for the company's growing product line. Johnson is credited both with the strategy of the stores, as well as much of the micromanaging that goes into the details, from materials used, all the way to the layout of each store.
Apple has not yet announced a successor for Johnson's position. In a statement issued last week, the company said it was still searching for a replacement.