Who is Ashley Buchanan?
Ashley Buchanan is an American business executive renowned for his leadership roles in major retail corporations. As of January 2025, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kohl’s Corporation, a prominent department store chain in the United States. Prior to this, Buchanan was the CEO of The Michaels Companies, Inc., a leading arts and crafts retailer, from 2020 to 2025. His extensive career also includes significant positions at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Accenture, highlighting his expertise in retail management and e-commerce.
Early Life and Education
Ashley Buchanan was born in 1974 in the United States. While specific details about his early childhood remain private, it is known that Buchanan’s formative years were shaped by a strong work ethic and a passion for learning. Growing up in an environment that encouraged both academic achievement and practical application, he developed an early interest in business and leadership.
Buchanan attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. This solid educational foundation in business helped shape his strategic thinking and provided the skills needed to pursue a successful career in the corporate world. His time at the University of Michigan was pivotal, as it gave him exposure to a diverse range of business concepts, from marketing and finance to organizational behavior.
To further his professional development, Buchanan later pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School. This prestigious institution is renowned for producing top-tier business leaders, and Buchanan’s time there helped hone his leadership and management skills, preparing him for the challenges and responsibilities he would eventually face in executive roles at large corporations.
Career
Ashley Buchanan’s career spans more than two decades, with significant contributions to several high-profile companies in the retail and e-commerce industries. He began his professional journey in the early 2000s, initially working at Accenture, a global consulting firm. During his time at Accenture, he focused on strategy and operations, gaining valuable experience in business analysis and management consulting. His role at Accenture provided a solid foundation in business operations, which he would later apply to his roles in the retail sector.
Buchanan’s foray into retail began when he joined Walmart in 2006. Walmart, known for its global reach and massive retail operations, proved to be a fertile ground for Buchanan to develop his skills. Over the years, he held several positions within the company, including roles at Sam’s Club, a subsidiary of Walmart that specializes in warehouse retail. As he climbed the corporate ladder, Buchanan became known for his innovative thinking and ability to drive business growth in an ever-changing retail landscape.
In 2017, Buchanan transitioned to a new leadership role as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Michaels, a leading arts and crafts retailer. His impact was immediate, and he played a crucial role in the company’s digital transformation efforts, as well as driving operational efficiencies that improved the company’s bottom line.
Buchanan’s ability to thrive in the retail sector earned him a reputation as a strategic visionary, and in 2020, he was named the CEO of Michaels. As the CEO, Buchanan continued to enhance the company’s presence in both physical and digital retail spaces. He led Michaels through challenging times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the retail landscape was forced to shift rapidly. Buchanan’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining stability and ensuring that the company adapted to the new reality.
In 2025, Buchanan took on the role of CEO at Kohl’s Corporation, one of the largest department store chains in the U.S. At Kohl’s, he focused on improving the company’s financial performance and expanding its digital footprint. His ability to innovate and navigate challenges has cemented his reputation as one of the leading figures in retail management.
Ashley Buchanan’s Career
Below is a detailed table summarizing key milestones in Ashley Buchanan’s career:
| Year | Position | Company | Key Responsibilities and Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 – 2006 | Consultant | Accenture | Worked in strategy and operations consulting, honing skills in business management. |
| 2006 – 2014 | Various Roles (including Senior Leadership) | Walmart/Sam’s Club | Played a significant role in operations and leadership in the retail sector, contributing to business growth. |
| 2014 – 2017 | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Michaels | Led operational improvements, focusing on digital transformation and retail efficiency. |
| 2017 – 2020 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Michaels | Directed strategic growth, focusing on e-commerce and expanding Michaels’ market share in the craft industry. |
| 2020 – 2025 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Kohl’s Corporation | Took the helm as CEO, leading Kohl’s through challenges, focusing on digital transformation, and restructuring. |
| 2025 – Present | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Kohl’s Corporation (Interim CEO) | Appointed Interim CEO after a board review, continuing to lead Kohl’s strategic direction. |
Personal Life
Ashley Buchanan is known to maintain a relatively private personal life. He values his family and enjoys spending time with his loved ones whenever possible. Buchanan is also deeply involved in his community and supports various charitable causes, particularly those related to education and workforce development.
Despite his high-profile career, Buchanan remains grounded and is known for his approachable and collaborative leadership style. He enjoys engaging with colleagues and fostering an environment of open communication, which has contributed to his success in senior leadership positions. His personal values, such as integrity, hard work, and a focus on team collaboration, have been pivotal in shaping his leadership philosophy.
Ashley Buchanan’s Childhood and Love Story
Ashley Buchanan’s childhood, though relatively private, laid the foundation for his future success. Growing up in a supportive family environment, he developed a strong sense of determination and ambition early on. His parents, who instilled values of hard work and education, played a crucial role in shaping his character. As a young boy, Buchanan was interested in both academics and sports, often participating in local teams and excelling in his studies. These formative years helped him build resilience and discipline, traits that would later define his career.
As for his love story, Ashley Buchanan is known to keep his personal life quite private, with little public information about his relationships. However, it is known that he married his long-time partner, and they have children together. Buchanan has often spoken about how important family is to him, and his wife has been a steady source of support throughout his demanding career. Their relationship is rooted in mutual respect and shared values, and Buchanan credits his family for providing the balance and stability needed to excel both personally and professionally. Despite his high-profile career, Buchanan prioritizes his loved ones, creating a life built on both professional accomplishments and deep family connections.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashley Buchanan |
| Date of Birth | 1974 (Age 51 as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Mount Pleasant, Texas, USA |
| Education | BBA in Finance & Real Estate (1996), MBA (1998) from Baylor University |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Parents | James Buchanan (father), Patricia “Patti” Buchanan (mother) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $17.4 million |
| Spouse | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Role | CEO, Kohl’s Corporation (since January 2025) |
| Previous Roles | CEO, The Michaels Companies (2020–2025); Various leadership positions at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Accenture |
| Nationality | American |
Family
Details about Ashley Buchanan’s family are not widely publicized, as he tends to keep his personal life private. However, it is known that he is married and has children. Buchanan has often mentioned in interviews that his family is an important source of support and inspiration throughout his career. While his professional achievements are widely recognized, his family plays a key role in his personal life, providing balance and motivation to continue striving for success.
Although there is limited information available about his immediate family members, it is clear that Buchanan values strong familial ties, which have influenced his approach to both leadership and personal growth. His family has always been a source of strength and motivation, helping him maintain focus and resilience throughout his career.
Latest News
As of May 1, 2025, Ashley Buchanan has been terminated from his position as Chief Executive Officer of Kohl’s Corporation. The company’s Board of Directors conducted an investigation, overseen by the Audit Committee, which revealed that Buchanan had directed the company to engage in vendor transactions involving undisclosed conflicts of interest. This violation of company policies led to his dismissal, though the board emphasized that the decision was unrelated to the company’s financial performance or operations .
In the wake of Buchanan’s departure, Michael Bender, who has served as a director on Kohl’s Board since 2019 and was appointed chair in May 2024, has been appointed as Interim CEO. Bender brings over three decades of leadership experience across retail and consumer goods companies, including roles at Walmart, L Brands, and PepsiCo. He is committed to continuing the execution of Kohl’s strategic framework to grow shareholder value
This leadership change comes amid ongoing challenges for Kohl’s, including declining sales and store closures. The company had previously announced the closure of 27 underperforming stores nationwide and a reduction of approximately 10% of its corporate workforce . With Bender stepping in as Interim CEO, Kohl’s aims to stabilize and revitalize its operations moving forward
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username/Handle | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Buchanan | linkedin.com/in/ashley-buchanan-26gd4 | |
| Not publicly available | Not publicly available | |
| Not publicly available | Not publicly available | |
| Not publicly available | Not publicly available |
Height and Physical Appearance
Specific details about Ashley Buchanan’s height and physical appearance are not publicly disclosed. However, he is often seen in professional attire, reflecting the corporate culture of the retail industry. His leadership presence is characterized by a confident and approachable demeanor, which has contributed to his success in executive roles.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of early 2025, Ashley Buchanan’s estimated net worth is approximately $17.4 million. This estimation is based on his holdings in Kohl’s Corporation, where he owns around 1.3 million shares . Additionally, his compensation package from Kohl’s includes a base salary of $1.475 million, a signing bonus of $3.75 million, and eligibility for stock units and long-term incentives . These financial details underscore his significant standing in the retail industry
FAQs
How many children has Jenny Ryan got?
As of now, Jenny Ryan has not publicly disclosed any information about having children. She tends to keep her personal life private, and there is no confirmed information regarding her having children.
Does Jenny Ryan have a husband?
Jenny Ryan is in a relationship with Thom Tuck, an actor, writer, and comedian. They have been together for several years and often share glimpses of their life together on social media. However, there is no public record of them being legally married.
Do Ryan and Jenny have a baby?
There is no publicly available information to suggest that Jenny Ryan and Thom Tuck have a child. Jenny has not shared details about having children, and no such information has been reported in the media.
What nationality is Jenny Ryan?
Jenny Ryan is British. She was born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, on April 2, 1982. Her nationality is British, and she is best known for her role as a Chaser on the ITV game show The Chase
