Michael J. Bender, interim CEO of Kohl’s, is responsible for driving the company’s growth, profitability, and strategic direction. He oversees the company’s 1,100+ store base, e-commerce business, and 100,000 associates across the country.

Bender has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across major retail and consumer brands - including Walmart, Victoria’s Secret, and Eyemart Express. He led Eyemart Express as President and CEO from 2018 to 2022, following his earlier tenure as President. Prior to that, Bender spent nearly a decade at Walmart in various executive management positions, including Chief Operating Officer of Global eCommerce and Executive Vice President & President of the Walmart West business unit. Earlier in his career, Bender held senior leadership positions at Cardinal Health and Victoria’s Secret and began his career at PepsiCo, where he spent more than a decade in sales, finance, and operational roles. 

Bender currently serves on Kohl’s Board of Directors, including Board Chair from May 2024 to May 2025, as well as on Acuity Brands Board of Directors, and he previously served on the Board of Ryman Hospitality Properties.

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