Brandy Treadway has officially stepped in as general counsel and senior vice president for J.C. Penney Co.

Treadway's promotion in the legal department of the Plano, Texas-based retail chain comes after serving as interim GC for less than a month.

She replaces Janet Link, who left last month to become the top lawyer with Stanley Black & Decker, well known for its power tools.

Treadway's appointment was effective Aug. 17, company spokesman Joseph Thomas confirmed. 

Treadway joined J.C. Penney as senior counsel in the securities department in June 2011. According to Thomas, she was promoted to assistant general counsel in 2014 and tacked on a vice president title two years later.

In her LinkedIn profile, Treadway lists experience in various areas, including work in supporting merchandise, marketing, IT, and product development. She also said she was the “principal IP attorney” handling clearance, prosecution, protection, maintenance and enforcement at J.C. Penney. Before going in-house, Treadway worked for Weil, Gotshal & Manges, according to her LinkedIn profile, focusing on corporate, M&A, private equity, capital markets and bankruptcy.

J.C. Penney did not make Treadway available for interviews, but Thomas praised her work. “She has provided legal guidance and leadership to nearly every business and support function in the company, while driving important compliance and governance efforts,” he said in an email Monday afternoon.

Link, Treadway's predecessor, served as general counsel for two years, before leaving in late July.

“We thank her for her meaningful contributions to the company, and wish her well in future endeavors,” Thomas said when her departure was announced.

Contact Stephanie Forshee at [email protected].