KOHL’S PROMOTES MEIER
NEW YORK — Arlene Meier has been promoted to chief operating officer of Kohl’s Corp., the fast-growing retail chain, based in Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Meier retains the title of chief financial officer, which she has held since 1994. She joined Kohl’s in 1989 as vice president and controller, following financial positions with Target Stores and Federated’s now-defunct Gold Circle operation. Meier became a member of the Kohl’s board last March.
The post of chief operating officer has been vacant since the departure of John Herma in May 1999.
“This is the final step in our senior management succession plan,” said Larry Montgomery, chief executive, in a statement, adding that Meier’s “clear understanding of our operation and business strategies makes her uniquely qualified to assume this responsibility.”
Meier continues to report to Montgomery and has responsibility for finance, information services, credit, e-commerce and general-counsel functions. Kevin Mansell continues as president, with responsibility for merchandising, marketing, merchandise planning, distribution and logistics. With Meier’s promotion, Kohl’s returns to a management triumvirate structure, like the one in place at the time of Herma’s departure.
Kohl’s currently operates 320 stores in 26 states.