Kohl's appoints Wendy Arlin as new board chair

US department store chain Kohl’s Corporation (Kohl’s) has announced that Wendy Arlin has been unanimously elected as the new chair of its board of directors, effective immediately. Arlin succeeds John Schlifske, who is retiring from the board for personal reasons after nearly 15 years of service.

Arlin has served as a director on the Kohl’s board since December 2023 and has chaired its finance and audit committees since May 2025. The executive will remain chair of the finance committee and continue as a member of the audit committee.

In addition to the chair succession, Kohl’s announced that Niren Chaudhary has joined its board of directors as an independent director.

Corporate finance experience

Arlin brings more than three decades of corporate finance and consumer brand experience to the role. The executive spent nearly 20 years in leadership roles at US retail group L Brands, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer of US beauty retailer Bath & Body Works from August 2021 through July 2023.

Prior to that, Arlin served as senior vice president, finance and corporate controller of L Brands from 2005 to 2021. Earlier in her career, Arlin spent 12 years as an audit partner at US accounting firm KPMG. Arlin also serves on the board of directors of US fast-food chain The Wendy’s Company and previously held a director role at US food company WK Kellogg Co.

"Wendy is a deeply thoughtful and principled director who will excel in leading the board as chair," said Michael J. Bender, chief executive officer and board director of Kohl’s, in a press statement. "With deep financial and retail expertise, Wendy provides valuable perspective to both the board and the management team."

"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," stated Arlin regarding the appointment.

Board expansion with independent director

Niren Chaudhary has been appointed to a term expiring at the 2027 annual shareholders' meeting of Kohl’s, at which point he is expected to stand for election. Chaudhary will also serve on the audit committee of the board.

Chaudhary brings over 30 years of consumer platform experience, having previously served as chief executive officer and chair of US restaurant group Panera Brands, where he oversaw Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. His career includes roles as chief operating officer and president, international at US brand Krispy Kreme from 2017 to 2019, and 20 years at US restaurant company Yum! Brands, including global president of KFC.

Chaudhary currently serves on the board of directors for Swiss packaging company SIG Group AG, works as a lecturer and executive fellow at Harvard Business School, and serves as a strategic advisor to US technology firm Invisible.co.