Kohl’s Corp. has appointed Michael Bender as CEO, following his May appointment as interim chief executive.
Bender (pictured above) remains on the Kohl’s board, where he has been a director since 2019, including as chair from May 2024 until his interim CEO appointment, the company noted.
Bender’s experience includes serving as president and CEO of Eyemart Express, an optical retailer, and holding executive management positions at Walmart. Bender’s appointment as interim CEO occurred after Kohl’s board terminated CEO Ashley Buchanan for violating conflict of interest rules.
“Over the past several months as interim CEO, Michael (Bender) has proven to be an exceptional leader for Kohl’s, progressively improving results, driving short and long-term strategy, and positively impacting cultural change,” Kohl’s Board Chair John Schlifske said. “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.”
