ON BOARD: Kohl’s Corp. named Wendy C. Arlin as its chairman, succeeding John Schlifske.
Arlin, who was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Bath & Body Works from August 2021 to July 2023, has been a member of the Kohl’s board of directors since 2023. She’s been chairing the finance and audit committees since May 2025. Before Bath & Body Works, Arlin was senior vice president, finance and corporate controller of L Brands from 2005 to 2021. Earlier, she spent 12 years at KPMG in the audit practice. She also serves on the board of Wendy’s.
“It’s a privilege to step into the chair role at a time when the company is undergoing positive change and creating momentum,” Arlin said.
Michael J. Bender, Kohl’s chief executive officer and board member, said Arlin has “deep financial and retail expertise providing valuable perspective to both the board and management team.”
In another change, Niren Chaudhary, former chairman and CEO of Panera Brands from 2019 to 2021, has joined the Kohl’s board. Prior to Panera, Chaudhary was chief operating officer and president of the international unit of Krispy Kreme. He also had a long tenure at Yum! Brands.
Schlifske became Kohl’s chairman in May 2025 when Bender who stepped in as interim CEO. He then went on to become CEO in November.
Schlifske served on the board for nearly 15 years and decided to retire for personal reasons, Kohl’s said in a statement.
Bender said Schlifske “had a unique way of balancing the 60-year history and consumer position that Kohl’s holds with the push for evolution and modernization that consumers expect. He provided a steady and thoughtful voice through challenging years, including the global pandemic, while staying focused on maintaining sound financials and prioritizing shareholder value. I thank him for his collaboration and his support in ensuring a smooth transition for the board.”
Schlifske said: “It has been an honor to serve Kohl’s and its shareholders for the last 15 years. Kohl’s plays an important and valuable role in retail, serving millions of customers all across the country. Over the past year, the company has focused on strategic improvements and strengthened its foundation to position the business and its shareholders well for years to come.”
