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A trusted retail veteran steps into permanent leadership as Kohl’s seeks stability after years of executive upheaval.
After months of turbulence and rapid leadership changes, Kohl’s prepares to solidify its future under seasoned retail veteran Michael Bender.
Kohl’s Corp. is expected to name Michael Bender as its permanent Chief Executive Officer as early as Monday, according to reporting from Bloomberg News citing a source close to the matter. The company’s board is said to have interviewed multiple candidates before ultimately deciding that Bender—who has served as interim CEO since May—was the right leader to steer the struggling department-store giant through its next chapter.
Kohl’s has yet to comment publicly on the reported decision, and Reuters noted that attempts to reach both the retailer and Bender for confirmation were unsuccessful.
Bender stepped into the interim CEO role earlier this year following the abrupt ousting of former chief executive Ashley Buchanan, whose tenure collapsed just 100 days in after an internal investigation revealed an undisclosed personal relationship with a vendor whose deals he had aggressively pursued. Buchanan’s departure marked Kohl’s third CEO change in three years, highlighting the volatility and internal challenges facing the retailer.
For Kohl’s, Bender’s appointment arrives at a defining moment. The company continues to confront declining sales, losing ground to both e-commerce competitors and big-box chains while navigating its own strategic missteps. Stability at the top may be the first step toward rebuilding investor confidence.
Bender brings more than three decades of leadership experience, having served in senior roles at Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, Eyemart Express, and as a member of Kohl’s board since 2019. His tenure as interim CEO has provided him with a firsthand view of the company’s challenges—and opportunities—as it seeks to modernize operations, streamline brand identity, and reconnect with shifting consumer behaviors.
Kohl’s announced in May that it would begin a search for a permanent CEO immediately after Buchanan’s dismissal. Now, with Bender likely to assume the role officially, the retailer appears ready to move forward with renewed focus.
As the retail landscape evolves faster than ever, the company’s future may hinge on Bender’s ability to restore consistency, inspire confidence, and guide Kohl’s toward sustainable growth.
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