Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, United States, December 2025 — Michael J. Bender has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Kohl’s Corporation, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Directors. The appointment comes after his impactful six-month tenure as Interim CEO, during which he drove meaningful operational improvements, strategic progress and positive cultural shifts. Board Chair John Schlifske commended his leadership, affirming the Board’s confidence in his three decades of executive experience to steer the company’s next phase of transformation.
In his most recent responsibilities at Kohl’s, Michael served as Interim Chief Executive Officer, guiding the organization through a critical transition period while improving performance and strengthening strategic alignment. Alongside this role, he has also been a long-serving Board Member at Kohl’s, contributing to key committees including Audit, Finance, Compensation and Nominating & ESG, and previously serving as Chair of the Board and Chair of the CEO Search Committee.
Before taking on senior roles at Kohl’s, Michael served as President and CEO of Eyemart Express, LLC, where he led growth, operational efficiency and business transformation efforts. He also held multiple senior leadership positions at Walmart Inc., including roles such as Chief Operating Officer of Global eCommerce, Executive Vice President and President – West Business Unit, and earlier leadership assignments across operational and regional management.
Earlier in his career, Michael held important commercial and leadership roles across major organizations including Cardinal Health, L Brands (Victoria’s Secret), and PepsiCo, where he spent more than a decade in sales, finance, strategy and operational roles that shaped his executive capabilities. He also contributed significantly as a Board Member at Ryman Hospitality Properties, serving in senior committee leadership capacities for nearly 15 years.
Alongside his executive career, Michael continues to serve on the Boards of several organizations including Acuity Brands, Wawa, Inc., Included Health, Flexe, and Spotless Brands, and also contributes as an Executive in Residence at Wunderkind and as Senior Advisor at Simon-Kucher. He holds an MBA in Marketing, Finance & Management Policy from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management, further supporting his leadership across dynamic and large-scale business environments.
About Kohl’s
Kohl’s is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores across 49 states, known for its unmatched brand portfolio, industry-leading loyalty programs and a strong digital footprint across Kohls.com and the Kohl’s mobile app. With a customer base exceeding 60 million, Kohl’s continues to focus on a customer-first strategy, inventory discipline and operational excellence to drive long-term growth in a competitive retail landscape.
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