TL;DR
Kohl’s to appoint Michael Bender CEO as early as Monday, per several reputable outlets. The board interviewed multiple candidates before opting for continuity with its interim leader. The kohl’s ceo announcement underscores stability after a year described as disarray in coverage.
Kohl’s to appoint Michael Bender CEO as early as Monday
Reports say the retailer plans to finalize the move as early as Monday. The kohl’s ceo announcement would formalize Bender’s interim role, which began in May 2025.
The contradiction: The company has faced leadership turbulence this year, yet it is signaling continuity with its interim leader. Evidence shows outlets independently report the same timeline and outcome.
Kohl’s to appoint Michael Bender CEO: why the board chose him
According to available reports, directors interviewed several candidates before deciding to put Bender in the role full time. The kohl’s board search appears to have weighed continuity and speed, given the prolonged interim period.
Follow the money: Selecting an insider avoids a long transition and preserves momentum during a crucial stretch, according to the reporting.
Timeline: From Buchanan’s dismissal to the expected appointment
Bender became interim CEO in May 2025 after the board removed former chief Ashley Buchanan. Reports indicate ashley buchanan fired followed an investigation into an undisclosed personal relationship with a vendor.
Since spring, Bender has led operations on an interim basis. Now, reports that Kohl’s to appoint Michael Bender CEO suggest the interim period may end this week. Coverage of ashley buchanan fired frames the decision as a policy matter.
Who is Michael Bender? Tenure and retail experience
Bender has served on Kohl’s board since July 2019 and brings more than 30 years of senior retail leadership. Prior roles include CEO of Eyemart Express and leadership posts at Walmart and Victoria’s Secret. Across outlets, michael bender kohl’s background is emphasized for breadth and depth, that experience positions michael bender kohl’s as a continuity candidate.
Context: Leadership shifts and the search process
The anticipated appointment follows a year of executive upheaval. During the kohl’s board search, directors interviewed multiple candidates before choosing the interim chief. As a result, this retail leadership change reflects a preference for stability after a period various reports call disarray.
What’s next: announcement timing and transition details to watch
Reports say an official kohl’s ceo announcement could come as early as Monday. If Kohl’s to appoint Michael Bender CEO is confirmed, further details on leadership arrangements are expected from the company. Consequently, this retail leadership change will be closely watched across the sector.
Visuals suggested: compact timeline of leadership changes, board search steps, executive resume snapshot.
Sources
- Kohl’s to name Michael Bender as permanent CEO, Bloomberg News reports (Reuters)
- Kohl’s to Name Michael Bender as CEO After Year of Disarray (Bloomberg Law)
- Kohl’s to Name Michael Bender as CEO After Year of Disarray (Business of Fashion)
- Kohl’s to name Michael Bender as CEO after year of disarray (FashionNetwork USA)
