Former Wal-Mart exec heads jewelry at J.C. Penney

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Former Wal-Mart exec heads jewelry at J.C. Penney

July 02, 2009

Plano, Texas--Pam Mortensen, former vice president and divisional merchandise manager of fine jewelry and watches for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., has joined J.C. Penney Inc. as senior vice president and general merchandise manager of fine jewelry, according to a release issued on Thursday by the Plano, Texas-based retailer.

Mortensen replaces industry veteran Beryl Raff, who left J.C. Penney in April to head Helzberg Diamonds.

Mortensen began working at Wal-Mart in 2002, but opted to leave the company when it moved its jewelry operations from Arkansas to New York.

At J.C. Penney, she will report to Jeff Allison, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of home and custom decorating.

In the release, Mortensen said her new position is a great opportunity.

"J.C. Penney has long been known as a leader in fine-jewelry retailing for Middle America, based on the great appeal of its selection and the value it offers," she said in the release. "It is a wonderful opportunity for me to help build on the success of the Jewelry Store inside J.C. Penney today and to further build its market share when the environment improves."

J.C. Penney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Myron E. (Mike) Ullman III called Mortensen an industry veteran who brings with her a strong track record of success that is based on a deep understanding of what customers' want.

"She shares our dedication to offering an assortment that reflects style and quality at prices that make sense for our customers' budgets. We are delighted to welcome her to our team and look forward to benefiting from her expertise and leadership," he said.

Prior to serving as Wal-Mart's vice president and divisional merchandise manager for the Fine Jewelry and Watch division, Mortensen worked for five years as vice president, divisional merchandise manager for Service Merchandise, leading its Home Division.

Before that, she spent 12 years as a senior buyer in the Bailey Banks and Biddle division of Zale Corp., responsible for bridal, fashion jewelry and watches.

Mortensen, who holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas, began her career as a buyer at Sanger-Harris Federated Department Stores.

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