8 sources·Business

Kohl's Fires CEO Ashley Buchanan Following Internal Investigation

Kohl's terminates CEO Ashley Buchanan for cause due to undisclosed conflicts of interest after a brief tenure of over four months.

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  1. Kohl's fires CEO Ashley Buchanan for conflicts of interest. He was hired in January

    Kohl's Corp. has fired CEO Ashley Buchanan after just four months on the job − the latest in a series of negative developments for one of Wisconsin's largest companies.

    Kohl's fires CEO Ashley Buchanan for conflicts of interest. He was hired in January

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·20h
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    Center
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  2. Kohl's fires CEO after investigation into conflicts of interest with a vendor

    Buchanan's ouster comes just months after he began his CEO role at Kohl's on January 15 with the mandate of revitalizing a business wrestling with sluggish sales.

    Kohl's fires CEO after investigation into conflicts of interest with a vendor

    CBS NewsCBS News·21h
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  3. Kohl’s ousts CEO Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions

    Kohl’s has terminated its new CEO Ashley Buchanan after an investigation determined that he directed the retailer to engage in vendor transactions that involved undisclosed conflicts of interest.

    Kohl’s ousts CEO Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions

    Boston HeraldBoston Herald·1d
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  4. Kohl's fires CEO Ashley Buchanan after investigation

    As part of efforts to boost its profitability, the company has shuttered some stores and trimmed its corporate workforce in recent months.

    Kohl's fires CEO Ashley Buchanan after investigation

    Fox BusinessFox Business·1d
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    This outlet slightly leans right.
  5. Kohl's ousts CEO Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions

    Kohl’s appointment marks the third CEO for Kohl’s in three years as the department store struggles to reverse sluggish sales.

    Kohl's ousts CEO Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions

    Associated PressAssociated Press·1d
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    Center
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  1. USA TODAY
  2. CBS News
  3. Boston Herald
  4. Fox Business
  5. Associated Press
  6. CNN

Updated: May 1st, 2025, 12:35 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Kohl's has terminated CEO Ashley Buchanan following an internal investigation that revealed he engaged in vendor transactions involving undisclosed conflicts of interest. Buchanan, who served for just over four months, is required to forfeit equity awards and repay a signing bonus. The company reassured stakeholders that this dismissal was unrelated to its financial performance. Michael Bender, the board chair, has been appointed as interim CEO while Kohl's searches for a permanent replacement. This marks the third CEO change in three years amidst struggles with declining sales and competitive pressures.


Perspectives

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  • Kohl's terminated CEO Ashley Buchanan after an investigation found violations of conflict-of-interest policies.

  • Buchanan's dismissal is unrelated to the company's overall financial performance or operations, allowing for ongoing investigations into his conduct without affecting the corporate structure.

  • Board Chair Michael Bender has been appointed as interim CEO while Kohl's searches for a permanent replacement.


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