Michael J. Bender transitions from interim chief executive to permanent leader following an extensive external search
Kohl’s Corporation has brought an end to months of leadership uncertainty by appointing Michael J. Bender as its permanent chief executive officer. The department store chain’s board of directors made the unanimous decision effective Nov. 23, promoting Bender from the interim position he has held since May.
The appointment caps off a comprehensive external search conducted by the board, which ultimately determined that the best candidate for leading Kohl‘s forward was already at the helm. Bender will continue serving on the company’s board of directors, a position he has held since 2019.
Board confidence in proven leadership
Board Chairman John Schlifske expressed strong confidence in Bender’s abilities, citing his performance during the interim period as evidence of exceptional leadership. Over the past several months, Bender has progressively improved company results, driven both short-term and long-term strategy, and positively impacted cultural change within the organization.
The chairman emphasized that Bender’s three decades of leadership experience across retail and consumer goods companies, combined with his deep commitment to the Kohl’s brand, position him well to benefit associates, customers and shareholders. The board engaged an external firm to conduct a comprehensive search before enthusiastically and unanimously selecting Bender for the permanent role.
A career built on retail excellence
Bender brings impressive credentials to the permanent CEO position. Most recently, he served as president and chief executive officer of Eyemart Express, an optical retailer, from January 2018 to April 2022. Before that appointment, he held the president role at the same company starting in September 2017.
His experience at Walmart proved particularly valuable, where he held various executive management positions including chief operating officer of global ecommerce and executive vice president and president of the Walmart West business unit. These roles gave him exposure to both digital retail transformation and large-scale brick-and-mortar operations.
Prior to Walmart, Bender held senior positions at Cardinal Health and Victoria’s Secret for L Brands. He launched his career at PepsiCo, spending more than a decade in sales, finance and operational roles that built his foundation in consumer goods and business management.
Beyond his corporate roles, Bender currently serves as a director of Acuity Brands and previously served as a director of Ryman Hospitality Properties. His board service at Kohl’s began in 2019, and he held the board chairman position from May 2024 until his appointment as interim CEO in May 2025.
Vision for Kohl’s future
In accepting the permanent appointment, Bender expressed honor at taking on the CEO role and shared that working with teams over the past six months has deepened his appreciation for the company and strengthened his conviction about its potential. He emphasized Kohl’s storied and important role in the retail industry, particularly its focus on serving and celebrating families with great products, compelling value and a differentiated shopping experience.
Bender outlined his commitment to reestablishing Kohl’s leadership position by putting customers first every day. While acknowledging recent progress, he stressed the team’s motivation to accelerate the company’s transformation in partnership with vendors and the thousands of Kohl’s associates working across the country.
Turbulent leadership history
The appointment brings stability to a company that has experienced significant executive turnover in recent years. Bender’s predecessor, Ashley Buchanan, was dismissed in May amid an ethics investigation into a vendor deal, creating the interim leadership situation. Kohl’s has now cycled through four chief executives in four years, making leadership continuity a pressing concern for stakeholders.
This pattern of turnover likely created uncertainty among employees, suppliers and investors about the company’s strategic direction. Bender’s permanent appointment allows the organization to shift focus from managing transitions to executing long-term plans and improving operational performance.
Looking ahead
Kohl’s operates more than 1,100 stores across 49 states while maintaining a robust online presence through Kohls.com and its mobile app. The company positions itself as a leading omnichannel retailer built on a foundation combining great brands, incredible value and convenience for customers.
The retailer faces ongoing challenges common to traditional department stores, including competition from e-commerce giants, changing consumer preferences and economic pressures affecting discretionary spending. Bender’s track record suggests he understands these dynamics and has experience navigating digital transformation while maintaining physical retail operations.
Kohl‘s announced it would release third-quarter 2024 earnings results on Nov. 25, providing an early opportunity for Bender to communicate his vision and address investor questions about the company’s direction under his permanent leadership.
Source: Kohl’s Corporation