Former Lowe's exec to help lead powerhouse retail entity
JCPenney and SPARC Group have combined to form a new organization, Catalyst Brands, which now features portfolio of six well-known retail banners. Catalyst Brands brings together SPARC Group’s brands Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica with JCPenney and its private brands, including Stafford, Arizona and Liz Claiborne. Catalyst Brands, which says it has served over 60 million customers over the past three years, is also unveiling a new leadership roster that includes former Lowe's exec Marisa Thalberg as chief customer and marketing officer.
Catalyst Brands business details and ownership
Catalyst Brands says it is launching with more than $9 billion of revenue, 1,800 store locations, 60,000 employees and $1 billion of liquidity. The combined Catalyst Brands organization is a joint venture formed in an all-equity transaction between JCPenney and SPARC Group, with shareholders Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group and Shein.
In addition, Catalyst Brands has sold the U.S. operations of Reebok and is "exploring strategic options for the operations of Forever 21."
Leadership and organizational structure
Marc Rosen, formerly the chief executive officer of JCPenney, has become CEO of Catalyst Brands. There are three brand CEOs who will oversee the portfolio that report to Rosen. Michelle Wlazlo, formerly the chief merchandising and supply chain officer of JCPenney, has been promoted to Brand CEO of JCPenney. Natalie Levy continues her role as Brand CEO of Aéropostale, Lucky Brand and Nautica, and Ken Ohashi will continue leading Brooks Brothers and has assumed responsibility of Eddie Bauer in his new role as Brand CEO of both brands. Kevin Harper, formerly an executive with Walmart, will join Catalyst Brands as chief operating officer. Marisa Thalberg, formerly a marketing exec with Lowe's and the consulting chief marketing and brand officer of JCPenney, has become the chief customer and marketing officer of Catalyst Brands. She shared her thoughts about the move on LinkedIn.
Catalyst Brands is headquartered at the current corporate location of JCPenney in Plano, Texas, with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Seattle.
