Michael J. Bender Officially Named CEO of Kohl's
HOSPITALITY
Michael J. Bender is Kohl's Chief Executive Officer, effective November 23, 2025. Bender, who has served as Interim CEO since May 1, 2025, will continue to serve on the Company's Board.
The future of Kohl's Corporation (NYSE: KSS) gained clarity today as the company's Board of Directors announced the unanimous appointment of Michael J. Bender as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 23, 2025. Bender, who has served as Interim CEO since May 1, 2025, will continue to serve on the Company's Board.
This permanent appointment follows a comprehensive search conducted by the Board and an external firm, ultimately confirming that Bender is the right leader to guide Kohl's through its next phase of strategic transformation in the competitive retail landscape.
A Proven Leader for a New Era
Bender brings three decades of executive leadership experience from some of the world's most complex retail and consumer goods organizations. His career background is uniquely suited to Kohl’s omnichannel needs, spanning:
E-commerce & Operations: He previously held various executive management positions at Walmart Inc., including Chief Operating Officer of Global eCommerce and Executive Vice President for the Walmart West business unit.
Specialty Retail: He served as President and CEO of Eyemart Express, LLC, and held senior positions at Victoria's Secret for L Brands, Inc.
Foundational Experience: Bender began his career at PepsiCo, Inc., where he spent over a decade in sales, finance, and operational roles.
Board Chair John Schlifske praised Bender’s performance during his interim tenure. "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," Schlifske said. "With his three decades of leadership experience... we are confident Michael will continue to lead the Company forward."
The Vision: Putting Customers First
Bender's vision for Kohl's is rooted in re-establishing its leadership position by sharpening its focus on the customer experience, value, and product quality.
"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," said Bender.
He acknowledged the brand’s unique place in the retail industry, serving and celebrating families with "great products, compelling value, and a differentiated shopping experience." While pleased with the recent progress, Bender noted that the motivation to "accelerate our transformation" remains deep, a goal he plans to achieve collaboratively with the company's partners, vendors, and associates nationwide.
The appointment comes just ahead of Kohl's third-quarter 2025 earnings results, scheduled to be announced tomorrow, November 25. With a definitive leader now in place, Kohl's is strategically positioned to leverage its extensive national footprint, more than 1,100 stores in 49 states, and integrated digital platforms to drive sustained growth and cement its purpose to "take care of families' realest moments."