14 DAY TRIAL // Ron Johnson is out as JC Penney CEO, according to a press statement issued by the retailer this week. In his place comes Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, but that’s the least important thing for Apple fans. What many are hoping for is to see Johnson return to Apple.
According to a press statement pushed out by the retailer, “The Board of Directors of J.C. Penney Company, Inc., today announced that Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III has rejoined the Company as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.”
Ullman has also been elected to the Board of Directors, with JCP adding that he is “a highly accomplished retail industry executive,” who had previously served as CEO of the company.
“He succeeds Ron Johnson, who is stepping down and leaving the company,” reads the press release.
Thomas Engibous, chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to thank Ron Johnson for his contributions while at jcpenney and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Jon Johnson left Apple in 2011 to become CEO of JC Penney, as he wanted to pursue his own venture as the head of a major retail chain. It is unknown whether he was also fed up with Apple at the time of his departure.
But if no doors were slammed when Johnson left the Cupertino company, it’s certainly not far-fetched to assume he may well return as SVP of Retail within Apple Inc.
Currently, Apple’s retail division is being handled by Tim Cook, the CEO and successor of Steve Jobs.
Johnson has been an instrumental part of Apple and it would be great news for everyone if the company announced his return as head of retail.