Kohl’s CEO Appointed For Positive Impact on Firm’s Culture

The US department store retail chain Kohl’s Corporation has announced that Michael J. Bender has been unanimously appointed as CEO by its Board of Directors.

Effective 23 November, Michael becomes the third CEO of the department store in about three years after serving as Interim Chief since 1 May.

Michael has been Director of Kohl’s Board since July 2019 and was appointed Interim Chief due to his vast leadership experience across the retail sector.

Discussing his time in the temporary role, Board Chair John Schlifske says in a company statement: “Over the past several months as interim CEO, Michael has proven to be an exceptional leader for Kohl’s – progressively improving results, driving short and long-term strategy and positively impacting cultural change.

“With three decades of leadership experience across retail and consumer goods companies and a deep commitment to the Kohl’s brand, we are confident Michael will continue to lead the Company forward in a way that will benefit our associates, customers and shareholders.”

Michael Bender shared in a post on LinkedIn: “Since stepping into the interim CEO role in May, it’s been an incredible experience to work more closely with our talented team. I’m deeply grateful to our associates for their passion, resilience and commitment to Kohl’s.

“Over the past few months, I’ve seen teams coming together with urgency, focus and belief in our future. We’re building momentum, embracing change and taking important steps to strengthen our business for the long term.”

A career in retail leadership

Michael served as President of Eyemart Express, LLC beginning in September 2017, and advanced to President and CEO from January 2018 until April 2022.

Prior to this, according to the exec’s LinkedIn, he spent over eight years at Walmart, starting as a Vice President and Regional General Manager in 2009 and progressing through multiple roles to Chief Operating Officer in July 2014.

He has also been a Board Member at multiple companies, and currently is at Acuity Brand, Wawa, Included Health, Flexe and Spotless Brands.

Taking on the CEO role permanently at Kohl’s, he will remain on the company’s Board.

Discussing his appointment in a company statement, Michael says: “I’m looking forward to reestablishing our leadership position by putting our customers first every day. While we’re pleased by our recent progress, we’re deeply motivated to accelerate our transformation – together with our partners, vendors and incredible Kohl’s associates all across the country.”

Ashley Buchanan’s tenure

On 1 May, Kohl’s announced that its Board of Directors made the decision to terminate Ashley Buchanan’s tenure, less than four months after she replaced Tom Kingsbury who served as the company’s leader from 2023 until early 2025.

Prior to Tom was Michelle Gass who left the company in 2022 to join Levi Strauss & Co.

Announcing Ashley’s departure, Kohl’s said: “An investigation conducted by outside counsel and overseen by the Audit Committee of the Board determined Mr Buchanan violated company policies by directing the Company to engage in vendor transactions that involved undisclosed conflicts of interest, which the Board determined to be cause.

“My Buchanan’s termination is unrelated to the Company’s performance, financial reporting, results of operations and did not involve any other Company personnel.”

This also saw him withdrawn from being a Member of the Board.

At the time, John said that the company has “full confidence” in Michael as Interim CEO. In a recent news release, he added that this was affirmed by an external firm and “conducted a comprehensive search” for the retailer’s new leader.