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Kohls Names Elliott Rodgers as Chief Operating Officer
On Monday, Kohl’s Corp. announced that former Foot Locker executive Elliott Rodgers will take the reins as chief operating officer, effective September 9. Rodgers, who has spent more than two decades sharpening supply‑chain, technology, strategy, finance and human‑resources functions across the retail sector, will oversee the company’s 1,200 stores, global supply chain, distribution centers, procurement and loss‑prevention teams.
The appointment comes amid a period of volatility for the department‑store chain. In the first quarter of 2026, Kohl’s reported a net loss of $14 million—13 cents per diluted share—compared with a $15 million loss in the same quarter a year earlier. Management said the turnaround is driven by lower operating expenses and modest gains in proprietary brands.
Rodgers’ résumé includes a recent stint as COO at Foot Locker, where he steered technology, supply‑chain, procurement, customer‑care, operations strategy and enterprise transformation. Before that, he served as chief people officer at Project44 and held senior roles at Ulta Beauty, including chief supply‑chain officer and chief information officer. His earlier career features distribution and omnichannel operations at Target and a vice‑presidential role at Citigroup.
"We are thrilled to welcome Elliott to our senior leadership team as we continue our transformational efforts to drive the business forward," the company said. "With more than 20 years of leadership experience in retail and large‑scale operational roles, he has helped brands navigate through change, embrace innovation and drive results through operational execution. Importantly, as he fills the role, which oversees the largest portion of our associate population, Elliott thrives at bringing people together to create an inspiring work environment and a winning‑team mindset."
Rodgers echoed that sentiment: "I’m honored to join Kohl’s and be a part of the company’s strategic path forward. I’m energized by Kohl’s commitment to serving its customers now and for years to come, and I look forward to contributing to the work the teams already have underway—creating a compelling customer experience and paving a path for the future."
CEO Michael Bender noted that Rodgers’ arrival is timely. Kohl’s has been working to improve traffic, optimize its store fleet and strengthen its category mix, particularly in beauty and proprietary brands. Rodgers’ expertise in supply chain and technology is expected to help the retailer reduce costs, improve inventory accuracy and enhance its omnichannel customer experience.
The company’s next earnings announcement is slated for August 26, 2026. Investors will watch how Rodgers’ operational leadership influences financial performance and whether the turnaround strategy continues to deliver measurable improvements.
In short, Kohl’s has added a seasoned operations executive to its senior team as it seeks to stabilize its financial results and accelerate its transformation plan. Rodgers will begin his role on September 9, and the company will report its Q3 results in the coming weeks.
The appointment comes amid a period of volatility for the department‑store chain. In the first quarter of 2026, Kohl’s reported a net loss of $14 million—13 cents per diluted share—compared with a $15 million loss in the same quarter a year earlier. Management said the turnaround is driven by lower operating expenses and modest gains in proprietary brands.
Rodgers’ résumé includes a recent stint as COO at Foot Locker, where he steered technology, supply‑chain, procurement, customer‑care, operations strategy and enterprise transformation. Before that, he served as chief people officer at Project44 and held senior roles at Ulta Beauty, including chief supply‑chain officer and chief information officer. His earlier career features distribution and omnichannel operations at Target and a vice‑presidential role at Citigroup.
"We are thrilled to welcome Elliott to our senior leadership team as we continue our transformational efforts to drive the business forward," the company said. "With more than 20 years of leadership experience in retail and large‑scale operational roles, he has helped brands navigate through change, embrace innovation and drive results through operational execution. Importantly, as he fills the role, which oversees the largest portion of our associate population, Elliott thrives at bringing people together to create an inspiring work environment and a winning‑team mindset."
Rodgers echoed that sentiment: "I’m honored to join Kohl’s and be a part of the company’s strategic path forward. I’m energized by Kohl’s commitment to serving its customers now and for years to come, and I look forward to contributing to the work the teams already have underway—creating a compelling customer experience and paving a path for the future."
CEO Michael Bender noted that Rodgers’ arrival is timely. Kohl’s has been working to improve traffic, optimize its store fleet and strengthen its category mix, particularly in beauty and proprietary brands. Rodgers’ expertise in supply chain and technology is expected to help the retailer reduce costs, improve inventory accuracy and enhance its omnichannel customer experience.
The company’s next earnings announcement is slated for August 26, 2026. Investors will watch how Rodgers’ operational leadership influences financial performance and whether the turnaround strategy continues to deliver measurable improvements.
In short, Kohl’s has added a seasoned operations executive to its senior team as it seeks to stabilize its financial results and accelerate its transformation plan. Rodgers will begin his role on September 9, and the company will report its Q3 results in the coming weeks.
