### Kohl's Appoints Michael Bender as CEO Amid Leadership Turmoil and Sales Decline Kohl's has appointed Michael J. Bender as its permanent CEO, marking the company's fourth leadership change in just four years. This decision comes as Kohl's grapples with a significant sales slump and seeks to stabilize its operations after a turbulent period characterized by rapid executive turnover. Bender, who has over 30 years of experience in the retail sector, previously served as the interim CEO since May 2025, following the dismissal of Ashley Buchanan due to financial impropriety [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/nov/25/kohls-hires-fourth-ceo-in-four-years][https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/11/49049734/kohls-names-new-ceo-amid-sales-slump-q3-earnings-in-focus-on-tuesday]. ### Overview of Leadership Changes and Sales Challenges 1. **Frequent CEO Changes**: Kohl's has cycled through four CEOs in four years, indicating instability at the top. Bender's promotion follows a series of short tenures, including the brief stint of Ashley Buchanan, who was fired after just 100 days [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kohls-ceo-michael-bender-sales-decline-ashley-buchanan]. 2. **Interim to Permanent Transition**: Bender was initially appointed as interim CEO in May 2025 and has now been confirmed as the permanent CEO. His leadership experience includes roles at major companies like Walmart and PepsiCo, which may provide the expertise needed to navigate Kohl's current challenges [https://marketingmind.in/kohl-appoints-michael-j-bender-as-chief-executive-officer][https://www.newsday.com/business/kohls-ceo-retail-economy-e68459]. 3. **Sales Decline**: The company is facing a prolonged sales decline, prompting the need for a strong leader to implement a turnaround strategy. Kohl's Q3 earnings report is anticipated soon, which will shed light on the financial health of the company [https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/11/49049734/kohls-names-new-ceo-amid-sales-slump-q3-earnings-in-focus-on-tuesday]. ### Supporting Evidence of Leadership and Sales Trends - **Leadership Experience**: Michael Bender brings over 30 years of experience in retail and consumer goods, having held significant positions at companies like Eyemart Express and L Brands [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/kohl-s-appoints-michael-j-bender-as-chief-executive-officer-ce7d5edcde8efe2c]. - **Sales Performance**: Kohl's has reported several quarters of declining sales, which has been a critical factor in the leadership changes. The upcoming Q3 earnings report is expected to provide further insights into the company's financial trajectory [https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/11/49049734/kohls-names-new-ceo-amid-sales-slump-q3-earnings-in-focus-on-tuesday]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Kohl's In summary, **Kohl's has appointed Michael Bender as its permanent CEO in a bid to stabilize the company after a series of leadership changes and ongoing sales challenges**. The following points summarize the situation: 1. **Leadership Instability**: Four CEOs in four years highlight significant instability within the company. 2. **Bender's Experience**: His extensive background in retail may be crucial for navigating the current challenges. 3. **Sales Concerns**: The company is under pressure to reverse declining sales, with Q3 earnings on the horizon. Kohl's is at a critical juncture, and the effectiveness of Bender's leadership will be closely monitored as the company seeks to regain its footing in a competitive retail landscape [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kohls-ceo-michael-bender-sales-decline-ashley-buchanan][https://www.newsday.com/business/kohls-ceo-retail-economy-e68459].