Lauren Tessaro

Lauren Tessaro is senior vice president, general merchandise manager of women’s specialty, adult active, and team sports, reporting to Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. Tessaro is charged with managing all buying activities within these categories to ensure the assortment is aligned with Company strategy and promote brand loyalty and excitement among customers.

Tessaro brings more than 25 years of experience in fashion merchandising, production development, inventory management, and financial planning to the Company. She joined the Company in August 2019 as vice president, divisional merchandise manager of intimate apparel, sleep, lounge, active, and swim. Before joining JCPenney, she served as vice president of merchandising for intimate apparel and swimwear at FULLBEAUTY Brands™ where she developed merchandise, marketing, and pricing strategies for multiple plus-size women’s brands in print and digital channels. Prior to FULLBEAUTY, she held leadership positions at Cupid Foundations Inc., Lane Bryant, and Macy’s Inc. In Tessaro’s six years at Lane Bryant, she served as vice president, divisional merchandise manager of intimate apparel and senior vice president, general merchandise manager, where she led strategic initiatives in bra innovation, swimwear, and plus-size intimate apparel. Tessaro spent 10 years at Macy’s Inc. in merchandise buying and planning roles, ultimately serving as vice president, divisional merchandise manager of intimate apparel.

Tessaro holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fashion merchandising from Florida State University.