Kohl’s Fires CEO Tom Kingsbury: 1 Major Reason Behind His Shocking Exit
In an unexpected and bold move, Kohl’s fires CEO Tom Kingsbury following an internal investigation that revealed a serious violation of company policy. This surprising leadership change comes at a time when the company is struggling to revitalize its brand and reconnect with modern retail consumers.
Why Kohl’s Fired CEO Tom Kingsbury
While the company has not disclosed full details, inside sources report that the firing is tied to governance and conduct-related breaches. This decision highlights Kohl’s commitment to transparency and ethical corporate leadership.

Ashley Buchanan Takes Over as New CEO
Following the firing, Ashley Buchanan, former CEO of Michaels and a seasoned executive from Walmart, has been appointed as the new CEO. Buchanan is known for her focus on innovation, operational strategy, and customer experience—qualities Kohl’s desperately needs right now.
Official Statement from Kohl’s
Kohl’s made a clear and concise announcement:
“After an internal review, we’ve decided to terminate Tom Kingsbury’s employment due to violations of internal policies. We welcome Ashley Buchanan, who brings proven leadership and vision to guide us forward.”
You can read the full official coverage on Bloomberg (external DoFollow).
Market Reaction and Investor Response
Kohl’s shares declined by 4% shortly after the announcement. Investors are now watching closely to see how Buchanan will stabilize leadership and steer the company back to growth.
What Ashley Buchanan Brings to Kohl’s
Ashley Buchanan has:
Over 20 years of retail experience
Led digital transformation at Michaels
Previously held executive roles at Walmart
A proven track record in managing operational turnarounds
Her appointment signals Kohl’s intent to push more aggressively into e-commerce, improve in-store efficiency, and regain market trust.

Industry Reactions
Retail experts have called the leadership change “necessary and timely.”
“The firing of Tom Kingsbury shows Kohl’s is serious about accountability. With Buchanan stepping in, it might be the brand reset they needed.” — Retail analyst Sarah Deans
What This Means for Kohl’s Future
Kohl’s will likely focus on:
Expanding private-label products
Investing in tech and omni-channel strategy
Strengthening employee culture
Rebuilding public trust
Final Thoughts
This could be a turning point for the brand. Kohl’s firing of CEO Tom Kingsbury and the appointment of Ashley Buchanan is not just a reaction to a violation—it\’s a strategic attempt to reset and reclaim relevance in a tough retail environment.
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