Kohl’s Corp. names new chairman
A former Bath & Body and L Brands executive has been tapped as the chairman of Kohl’s Corp.
The department store retailer said its board has unanimously elected Wendy Arlin to serve as the next chair, effective immediately. She replaces John Schlifske who, after nearly 15 years of service, is retiring from the board for personal reasons and is stepping down as chair. Schlifske became Kohl’s chairman in May 2025.
Arlin has been a director on Kohl's board since 2023, and she has chaired the finance and audit committees since May 2025. She held leadership roles at L Brands Inc. for nearly 20 years and most recently served as executive VP, CFO of Bath & Body Works from August 2021 through her retirement in July 2023.
Prior to Bath & Body Works, Arlin served as senior VP, finance and corporate controller of L Brands. Prior to L Brands, she spent 12 years at KPMG.
“Wendy is a deeply thoughtful and principled director who will excel in leading the board as chair," said Kohl’s CEO and board director Michael Bender. "With deep financial and retail expertise, Wendy provides valuable perspective to both the board and the management team. She has been a valued voice and a natural leader in the boardroom since joining in 2023, and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity."
In a statement, Arlin said “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.”
In addition, Kohl's said that Niren Chaudhary has joined its board as an independent director. Chaudhary is the former CEO and chair of Panera Brands. Prior to Panera, Chaudhary was COO and president of the international unit of Krispy Kreme. He also had a long tenure at Yum! Brands.
