Penney Axes Chief Operating Officer

J. C. Penney Co. Inc. has fired executive vice president and chief operating officer Catherine West but gave no reason.

Areas previously reporting to her such as store operations, property development and logistics, will again report to chairman/CEO Myron E. Ullman III as they had before West's hiring in July.

According to wire service reports, West joined Penney from Capital One Financial Corp, where she had been president of its U.S. credit card divisions. She also spent nine years at First USA Bank, rising to executive vice president of marketing services.