Michael J. Bender

Michael J. Bender

CEO of Kohl’s | Board Director | Advisor | Former CEO and COO | Private Equity and Public Company Leadership

Spotless BrandsGreater Chicago Area

View LinkedIn Profile
Experience9+ Years
LevelLeadership

Executive Overview

Responsible for driving Kohl’s 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.

Career Timeline

Professional employment history
  • WunderkindCurrent
    Oct 2023–Present· 2 yrs 11 mos
    • Executive in ResidenceCurrent
      Oct 2023–Present
  • Aug 2023–Present· 3 yrs 1 mo
    • Senior AdvisorCurrent
      Aug 2023–Present
  • Jul 2023–Present· 3 yrs 2 mos
    • Partner, ChannelCurrent
      Jul 2023–Present
  • Apr 2023–Present· 3 yrs 5 mos
    • Member, BoardCurrent
      Apr 2023–Present
  • FlexeCurrent
    2023–Present· 3 yrs 8 mos
    • Member, BoardCurrent
      2023–Present
  • Nov 2022–Present· 3 yrs 10 mos
    • Member, BoardCurrent
      Nov 2022–Present
  • Wawa, Inc.Current
    Nov 2022–Present· 3 yrs 10 mos
    • Member, BoardCurrent
      Nov 2022–Present
  • AcuityCurrent
    Sep 2022–Present· 4 yrs
    • Member, BoardCurrent
      Sep 2022–Present
  • Kohl'sCurrent
    Jul 2019–Present· 7 yrs 2 mos
    • Chief Executive OfficerCurrent
      Nov 2025–Present
    • Board Member
      Jul 2019–Present
    • Interim Chief Executive Officer
      May 2025–Nov 2025
  • Sep 2017–Apr 2022· 4 yrs 7 mos
    • President and Chief Executive Officer
      Sep 2017–Apr 2022

Education

MBA

Marketing, Finance and Management Policy

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

BA

Economics

Stanford University

Executive Relationship Map

Reports To
Michael J. Bender
Vice Chair & President
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Executive Network Preview

BizKonnect has mapped this leadership network including reporting hierarchies, peer connections, and cross-functional relationships.

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Skills & Expertise

20 of 20 skills
Change ManagementOrganizational CultureP&L ManagementCorporate GovernanceCustomer ExperienceE-commerceLarge Scale Change ManagementOmni-Channel MarketingHealthcareStrategyData AnalysisSupply Chain ManagementBusiness StrategyExecutive AdvisoryExecutive LeadershipIntegrated Supply Chain ManagementLeadership DevelopmentOperations ManagementExtended StayIT Strategy