Kohl's names Paul Gaffney as new chief technology officer

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Sep 10, 2019

Kohl’s is restructuring its executive suite, announcing the departure of Sona Chawla from her role as president, and the appointment of Paul Gaffney as the company’s new senior executive vice president, chief technology officer. 

In his new role, Gaffney will be responsible for all technology, information and digital platforms supporting Kohl’s omnichannel business, the company said. He will begin the position in mid-September, and will report directly to Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief executive officer.

Prior to joining Kohl’s, Gaffney served as chief technology officer of Dick’s Sporting Goods, in addition to previously serving as senior vice president of information technology at The Home Depot. 

“[Gaffney’s] extensive experience leading transformational technology teams and impressive track record of results will be a tremendous asset to Kohl’s,” said Gass. “He joins our strong technology team, ready to continue our path forward in driving innovation and change across all aspects of our business.”

“Kohl’s is doing incredible things as an omnichannel retailer during a very exciting time for the company,” added Gaffney. “Retail is a very dynamic industry and, through several new innovations and smart investments back into the business, Kohl’s has established itself as one to watch.”

In a press statement, the company said that Chawla will leave the company in mid-October “to pursue new opportunities.”

The executive changes follow the company’s August statement that it now forecasts a steeper decline in full-year profit margin despite better-than-expected quarterly earnings, as a result of the possible impact of new tariffs on Chinese imports and the cost of more aggressive promotions in the first half. 

Early this month, Kohl’s announced a new series of sustainability goals for 2025, including goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its owned operations by 50% compared to a 2014 baseline; expand its renewable energy platforms; and divert 85% of its operational waste in the U.S. from landfills by the end of 2025, among other goals.