PLANO, Texas — JCPenney’s Charles Chinni, who championed

the expansion of the JCPenney Home Collection into one of the nation’s largest home brands, will retire in February as executive vice president, home and leisure, women’s accessories and family footwear.

Until his retirement he will assume the position of special advisor to Ken Hicks, president and chief merchandise officer, the retailer said.

Jeffrey Allison, currently executive vice president, planning and allocation, will succeed Chinni on Dec. 1 as executive vice president, and general merchandise manager for home and custom decorating.

Hicks said Chinni, who joined Penney in 2001, has made solid contributions to the company. His support of the Home Collection led to the retailer’s exclusive partnership with designer Chris Madden and its new modern furnishings offerings, Studio by JCPenney Home Collection.

“Under Charlie’s leadership, women’s accessories and family footwear continue to be among our strongest merchandise categories,” Hicks added.

Allison joined JCPenney in March 2000 as senior vice president, planning and allocation. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2012. Before coming to Penney, he was vice president of finance at Express, a division of The Limited, since 1990. He began his career with Exxon Corp.

Clarence Kelley, vice president of planning and allocation for Penney since 2001, succeeds Allison. Allison and Kelley both report to Hicks.