New leadership at Kohl's

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis Kohl’s has named Kevin Mansell chairman of the board, effective Sept. 1. Mansell, a 27-year veteran of the organization, will also continue to serve as president and chief executive officer.

With Mansell’s appointment, Larry Montgomery will retire from his position as chairman of the board of directors. Montgomery will continue with the company and serve on the board of directors until Jan. 30, 2010 and has agreed to provide additional transition assistance following retirement.

“Larry has been an exceptional leader and our associates, customers, suppliers and shareholders have benefited under his tenure,” said Mansell. “Throughout his career at Kohl’s, he has demonstrated an unsurpassed commitment to our company and its mission. As a result, he succeeded in establishing a foundation that has allowed for significant growth during a steady economy and financial strength during challenging times.”

Montgomery joined the company in 1988 as SVP and director of stores. During the ensuing years, Montgomery held the progressive positions of EVP and vice chairman. In 1994, he was appointed to the board of directors, and in February 1999, Montgomery was promoted to chief executive officer. He has held the position of chairman since 2003.

Mansell joined Kohl’s in 1982 as a divisional merchandise manager and was promoted to general merchandise manager in 1987. Over the next nine years, his responsibilities expanded to include merchandise planning and allocation. Mansell was promoted to senior EVP merchandising and marketing in 1998. The following year, he was named president. In 2008, he was named chief executive officer.