J.C. Penney names Guess alum as new general merchandising manager for women’s apparel

By

Robin Driver

Published
Jun 6, 2019

Texas-based department store retailer J.C. Penney Company, Inc. announced on Monday that it has appointed Victor Ejarque Lopez as senior vice president and general merchandising manager for women’s apparel, effective June 10.

 
In his new role, he will be tasked with overseeing and developing the company’s women’s apparel merchandising strategies, as well as creating an engaging customer experience. He will report to chief merchandising manager Michelle Wlazlo.
 
Ejarque Lopez brings 25 years of experience in merchandising, product, supply chain and operations to the position, and joins J.C. Penney from Guess, where he served as VP and GMM of global operations.

During his time at Guess, he was responsible for improving gross margin and increasing speed to market, as well as defining the company’s product and merchandising strategy.
 
Prior to working at Guess, Ejarque Lopez was VP and GMM of women’s apparel and accessories at Kmart, having also spent 13 years at Inditex-owned Stradivarius, where he held a number of top leadership roles, including head of buying, head of commercial department and allocation, and head of sourcing and supply for Asia.
 
The executive began his career at Polo and Co., where he served as a business and production manager for a period of 10 years.
 
“I am delighted to welcome Victor to our team. His appointment fills a vital component of our merchandising leadership team, and we are eager to leverage his broad expertise in women’s apparel as we curate and develop sought-after brands and assortments to make JCPenney a preferred shopping destination for our customers,” said Wlazlo in a release. “He will be an integral part of our senior leadership team as we create an inspirational experience for our customers at every touchpoint.”