Kohl’s CEO Pick Won’t Help It Move Past Its Scandal: Beth Kowitt

Kohl’s Corp. is trying to move on.

Earlier this week, the retailer announced it was making Michael Bender its permanent chief executive officer. Bender had stepped in as interim CEO in May, when his predecessor, Ashley Buchanan, was fired less than four months into the role for directing business to a romantic partner, a relationship he had not disclosed to the company.

On paper, the new appointment makes sense. Bender offers stability to a struggling retailer that has seen four CEOs in as many years. He also has plenty of retail experience, having run Eyemart Express and worked at Walmart Inc. along with Victoria’s Secret ...