Since 2011, Apple has searched and struggled to replace its celebrated former head of retail Ron Johnson.
But, now, a qualified candidate may be on the market and available to fill that critical retail leadership void at Apple.
His name? Ron Johnson.
On Monday, CNBC reported that the former Apple executive who left Cupertino in order to become CEO of JC Penney is now on his way out at JC Penney.
“JC Penney CEO Ron Johnson is out and Mike Ullman will rejoin the company as CEO,” the cable news giant reported last night, adding that JC Penney posted losses in each quarter under Johnson’s tenure.
Ullman – who was CEO at the retailer from 2004 to 2011 – was recently approached by the board and asked to return in hopes of helping the “troubled retailer” regain its lost footing.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Mike’s proven experience and leadership abilities to take the reins at the company at this important time,” Thomas Engibous, chairman of the company’s board, said in a statement today. “He is well-positioned to quickly analyze the situation JC Penney faces and take steps to improve the company’s performance.”
Although Johnson’s old job at Apple is still vacant, it remains to be seen if Apple will take back the prodigal son of retail.
