Kohl’s Appoints 30-Year Retail Veteran Michael Bender As Permanent CEO To Lead Company Through Ongoing Challenges And Drive Turnaround – AfroTech
Kohl’s has officially named Michael Bender as its permanent CEO, putting a seasoned retail executive in charge after a turbulent period for the department store chain, the New York Post reports.
According to the outlet, Bender, who stepped in as interim CEO in May 2025 following the dismissal of Ashley Buchanan, now faces the challenge of steering the company through declining sales, profit pressure, and shifting consumer habits.
In a company press release, Bender said, “I’m honored to take on the role of CEO at Kohl’s. Working with the teams over the last six months has deepened my love of this company and my conviction in what’s possible for our future.”
He added, “Kohl’s has a storied and important role in the retail industry, serving and celebrating families with great products, compelling value, and a differentiated shopping experience. 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.”
According to the press release, Bender brings more than three decades of retail experience, having held leadership roles at Victoria’s Secret, PepsiCo, and Walmart — where he served as chief operating officer of global e-commerce. He has also been on Kohl’s board since 2019, giving him insider knowledge of the company’s operations and strategic priorities.
The New York Post reports that, since taking the interim role, Bender has already made moves to strengthen Kohl’s appeal to budget-conscious shoppers through private-label brands, targeted discounts, and carefully curated product assortments. In the first full quarter under his interim leadership, Kohl’s exceeded market expectations and raised its annual profit targets, signaling early optimism about his direction, notes the outlet.
“The most pressing priority is to win back customers and spend … by simplifying the offer and injecting more fashion and oomph into the assortment,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of retail at GlobalData, per the New York Post. As a result, the company has introduced fresher items to engage lower- and middle-income shoppers, who continue to face high inflation and rising costs.
As the New York Post notes, Bender’s approach also includes leveraging strategic partnerships with brands like Sephora and Babies “R” Us, while streamlining operations through selective store closures and job cuts. His leadership marks a continuation of efforts to modernize Kohl’s offerings while keeping the chain competitive against both online retailers and off-price stores.
In addition, the company’s stock has reflected investor confidence since Bender became interim CEO, more than doubling in value before slipping slightly in recent trading, according to the New York Post. Kohl’s, which had experienced turnover at the top, hiring four full-time CEOs in three years, is now hoping that a long-term appointment will bring consistency and stability to its leadership, per the New York Post.
