November 24, 2025
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Kohl’s names Michael Bender permanent CEO

Kohl’s appointed Michael Bender as permanent CEO on Monday, nearly seven months after he took the role on an interim basis, as the retailer seeks to stabilize after a leadership scandal and ongoing sales declines. Bender replaces Ashley Buchanan, who was fired in May following an internal investigation into a vendor conflict, and arrives with three decades of retail experience at companies including Walmart and PepsiCo.

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📌 Key Facts

  • Bender becomes Kohl’s fourth CEO in roughly four years
  • Buchanan was terminated in May after an internal probe found a vendor conflict tied to a personal relationship
  • The board used an external search firm; Kohl’s reports Q3 earnings Tuesday

📰 Sources (1)

Kohl's names new CEO as it seeks to move past leadership turmoil
https://www.facebook.com/CBSMoneyWatch/ November 24, 2025