Kohl’s has elected Wendy Arlin as chair of its board of directors following the retirement of John Schlifske, who served on the retailer’s board for nearly 15 years.
Arlin joined the Kohl’s board in December 2023 and has chaired its Finance and Audit committees since May 2025. She will continue chairing the Finance Committee and serving on the Audit Committee.
Arlin has more than 30 years of experience in corporate finance and consumer brands. She previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bath & Body Works and held leadership positions at L Brands for nearly 20 years.
Before joining L Brands, Arlin spent 12 years in KPMG’s audit practice and became the partner responsible for several consumer and industrial business practices in central Ohio. She also serves on the board of The Wendy’s Company.
Kohl’s also appointed Niren Chaudhary, the former CEO and chair of Panera Brands, as an independent director. He will serve on the Audit Committee and is expected to stand for election at the company’s 2027 annual shareholder meeting.
Chaudhary brings more than 30 years of consumer brands leadership experience. At Panera Brands, he oversaw Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels, which collectively employed approximately 130,000 people across nearly 4,000 locations.
He previously served as CEO of Panera Bread, President and Chief Operating Officer of Krispy Kreme International and Global President of KFC, where he oversaw 5,000 restaurants in 50 countries.
KEY QUOTES:
“On behalf of Kohl’s executive team and the Board, I want to thank John for his many years of service to Kohl’s business and our Board. John 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.”
“Wendy is a deeply thoughtful and principled Director who will excel in leading the Board as Chair. With deep financial and retail expertise, Wendy provides valuable perspective to both the Board and the management team.”
Michael J. Bender, CEO and Board Director of Kohl’s
“It has been an honor to serve Kohl’s and its shareholders for the last 15 years. 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.”
John Schlifske, Former Chair of Kohl’s
“I thank John for his exemplary leadership as Kohl’s Chair and for his partnership and counsel during my years on the Board. It is a privilege to step into the Chair role at a time when the company is undergoing positive change and creating momentum in the business.”
“We are pleased to welcome Niren to the Board. His experience accelerating digital engagement, building customer loyalty programs at scale, and leading businesses through periods of complex change makes him an excellent addition to our Board.”
Wendy Arlin, Chair of Kohl’s
“Kohl’s has a powerful foundation, a loyal customer base, a national footprint, and a brand that genuinely matters to American families. I am honored to join the Board at a time when bold leadership and disciplined execution are shaping its future.”
Niren Chaudhary, Director of Kohl’s
