CEO
Kohl’s | Menomonee Falls
Tom Kingsbury has served as chief executive officer of Kohl’s Corp. since late 2022, initially in an interim capacity and then as a permanent appointment beginning in February 2023. He’s responsible for the Menomonee Falls-based retailer’s growth, profitability and strategic direction, overseeing its 1,170 stores. A Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees, Kohl’s is one of the Milwaukee region’s largest employers.
With more than 40 years of retail industry experience, Kingsbury previously led Burlington Stores Inc. as president and chief executive officer from 2008 to 2019. He also held management positions at The May Department Stores Co., including president and CEO of its Filene’s division. He’s served on Kohl’s board of directors since 2021.
Kingsbury oversees efforts to elevate Kohl’s brand portfolio, grow its loyalty program and grow its partnerships with companies like Amazon and Sephora. Under his leadership, Kohl’s recently launched Babies“R”Us shops within their stores, with plans to open 200 “shop-in-shops” and introduce a Babies “R” Us registry in 2024.
With Kohl’s up against numerous challenges – including the effects of inflation and high interest rates on consumer spending – Kingsbury has said his four priorities are to enhance the customer experience, accelerate and simplify Kohl’s value proposition, manage inventory and expense with discipline and strengthen the balance sheet.
Kohl’s announced in November 2024 that Kingsbury will step down as CEO on Jan. 15, 2025. Ashley Buchanan, who previously served as CEO of Michael’s, will take his place. Kingsbury will stay on in an advisory role to the new CEO and retain his position on Kohl’s board of directors through his retirement in May 2025, after which the size of the board will be reduced by one.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
