Plano, Texas — J. C. Penney Company, Inc.’s board of directors has appointed Jill Soltau as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective October 15, 2018. Soltau is a 30-year retail veteran who most recently served as president and CEO of JOANN Stores, the nation’s largest fabric and crafts retailer, after serving as president of Shopko Stores.