Kohl’s has named Walmart, Target, and Amazon veteran Ryan Waymire as chief merchandising officer, reporting to CEO Michael Bender, effective September 28. Waymire replaces Nick Jones, who has been serving as Kohl’s Chief Merchandising Officer since 2023.
“Nick has played a key leadership role in driving our merchandise strategy, curating our national and private brand portfolio, and improving processes in the way we work,” said Bender. “I want to thank Nick for his leadership and contributions to Kohl’s. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
Waymire reportedly has 25 years of experience at large retailers including Walmart, Amazon and Target, most recently serving as SVP of Fashion at Walmart U.S. He is said to have a proven record of transforming merchandise strategies for a broad customer base and driving results by balancing fundamental merchandising excellence with innovation.
“I’m excited to join Kohl’s at a transformational moment for the company and for retail,” offered Waymire. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping retailers and brands deliver what customers want and need while also inspiring them with stylish, high-quality products that bring joy to their lives. I look forward to helping shape Kohl’s merchandising strategy and delivering differentiated products and experiences that surprise and delight customers across the country.”
In the role of chief merchandising officer, Waymire will be responsible for Kohl’s overall merchandise strategy and all merchandising functions, including buying, omni-channel merchandising, product design and development, allocation and planning, sourcing, and product portfolio strategy.
“I am thrilled to have Ryan join the team,” added Bender. “As we intentionally build our business for the future, Ryan will take the next step with our merchandising teams in modernizing our overall product offering – with customers at the center of all decisions. Ryan has deep experience in understanding how to refresh and drive a merchandise strategy for a broad U.S. customer base, and he has an innovative way of integrating meaningful collaborations and social media influencers into product stories. He is an energetic and inspirational leader, with strong partner relationships, and I know he will be an excellent addition to our senior leadership team. He will hit the ground running with our teams.”
Waymire reportedly has deep merchandise, fashion, brand management, and progressive executive leadership experience. Most recently, he was at Walmart U.S. Prior, he was GM, brand president for BirchLane at Wayfair, SVP of Merchandising and Brand Partnerships at FabFitFun, and managed apparel and brand partnership at Amazon. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade at Target in progressive buying, sourcing, and merchandising roles.
The company new chief merchant has an MBA from Saint Louis University.
Images courtesy Kohl’s Corporation and Ryan Waymire/LinkedIn
