Core Points - Kohl's terminated its new CEO, Ashley Buchanan, less than four months after his appointment due to ethical violations [1][2] - An investigation revealed that Buchanan directed the company to engage with a vendor with whom he had a personal relationship, resulting in favorable terms for the vendor [2] - Buchanan failed to disclose this personal relationship, violating the company's code of ethics [2] Company Actions - Following Buchanan's termination, the board decided to withdraw his nomination for election as a director at the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders [3] - Buchanan is required to forfeit all equity awards and reimburse $2,500,000 of his signing incentive [3] - The board will initiate a search for a permanent replacement, appointing Michael J. Bender as interim CEO [3]
Kohl's fires its CEO months after he started the job