J. C. Penney Company appointed Pam Mortensen as senior vice president and general merchandise manager of Fine Jewelry, effective July 27, 2009. Mortensen previously worked for Wal-Mart as vice president and divisional merchandise manager of its fine jewelry and watch division. Mortensen will report to Jeff Allison, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of home and custom decorating.

Prior to her role at Wal-Mart, Mortensen spent five years as vice president, divisional merchandise manager, for Service Merchandise, leading their Home Division. Before that post, she spent 12 years as a senior buyer in the Bailey, Banks, and Biddle division of Zales Corporation, with responsibility for bridal, fashion jewelry and watches. She began her career as a buyer at Sanger-Harris Federated Department Stores, where she spent 12 years. Ms. Mortensen received her B.S. degree from the University of Arkansas in 1977.

JCK