JC PENNEY: Bill Ackman Firing Our CEO Is 'Disruptive And Counterproductive'
Unfortunately, now it seems like the company's board feels Ackman, who owns 17.74% of the retailer, spoke too soon.
Bloomberg reports that the board does not agree with Ackman's decision to fire CEO Mike Ullman after just 4 months, and that they're pushing back.
"His latest actions are disruptive and counterproductive at an important stage in the Company's recovery," said the board in their statment.
Here's the full statement from JC Penney's board (emphasis ours):
Plano, Texas (August 8, 2013) - Thomas Engibous, Chairman of the Board of Directors of J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (JCP), today responded to the public disclosure of a letter to the Board of Directors from William Ackman, head of the investment firm Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. and a J. C. Penney director.On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Engibous said, "The Company has made significant progress since Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III returned as CEO four months ago, under unusually difficult circumstances. Since then, Mike has led significant actions to correct the errors of previous management and to return the Company to sustainable, profitable growth."
Mr. Engibous noted that this includes critical work to stabilize the organization, improve the Company's financial position, bring inventory back to appropriate levels across all businesses, restore successful private brands - notably in time for back-to-school - address issues in the Home business, make the stores easier to shop, and reintegrate the online business with stores.
"Mike is the right person to rebuild jcpenney by stabilizing its operations, restoring confidence among our vendors, and getting customers back in our stores. He has the overwhelming support of the Board of Directors, and we are confident the Company is in good hands."
Mr. Engibous continued, "When Mike returned, it was understood that there would be an effort to rebuild the management team, including a search process to identify his successor. The CEO search process, which began in earnest three weeks ago, will be careful and deliberate to ensure we find the right long-term leader for jcpenney. In the meantime, Mike and the leadership team will continue the work under way to improve the Company's performance and get back on a path to profitable growth."
Mr. Engibous concluded, "The Board of Directors strongly disagrees with Mr. Ackman and is extremely disappointed that his letter was released to the media at the same time that it was sent to the Board. Mr. Ackman has been integrally involved in the Board's activities since he joined two years ago. This includes leading a campaign to appoint the Company's previous CEO, under whose leadership performance deteriorated precipitously. His latest actions are disruptive and counterproductive at an important stage in the Company's recovery."