Ashley Buchanan: A Retail Executive’s Rise and Fall
Ashley Buchanan is an American business executive with more than two decades of experience in the fast-evolving retail industry. Born in 1974 in Mount Pleasant, Texas, Buchanan built a strong academic background at Baylor University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and real estate and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Early Career and Financial Foundation
Buchanan began his career in 1996 at Bank of America, entering the financial sector before transitioning to Accenture, where he spent eight years (1996–2004) in strategic consulting. His time at Accenture helped refine his skills in problem-solving and analytics—tools that would serve him well in the retail sector. He later joined Dell Computers as a finance manager, gaining broader operational experience.
Success at Walmart: A Defining Chapter
The most substantial portion of Buchanan’s career unfolded during his 13-year tenure at Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers. His leadership roles included serving as:
- Chief Merchant at Sam’s Club
- Chief Merchandising Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Walmart U.S. eCommerce
These roles positioned him at the intersection of traditional retail and digital transformation, where he gained deep expertise in omnichannel strategies and consumer behavior—core competencies in today’s retail environment.
Transformational Leadership at The Michaels Companies
In 2020, Buchanan became the CEO and President of The Michaels Companies, the nation’s leading arts and crafts retailer. During his tenure, he focused on:
- Enhancing profitability
- Expanding the brand’s e-commerce footprint
- Streamlining store operations with a more efficient format
- Simplifying merchandise assortments to align with customer preferences
These efforts demonstrated his ability to adapt legacy retail models to modern expectations, earning him recognition as a transformative leader in the sector.
Brief Tenure and Controversial Exit from Kohl’s
In January 2025, Buchanan was appointed CEO of Kohl’s, a role that initially seemed like a natural progression. However, his time at the company was abruptly cut short in May 2025 following revelations of ethical misconduct. The issue involved Buchanan directing business toward a company linked to an undisclosed personal relationship—a clear breach of corporate ethics and transparency standards.
This incident not only led to his termination but also cast a shadow over an otherwise distinguished career, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical leadership in executive roles.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Ashley Buchanan’s legacy in the retail world is one of both strategic innovation and ethical caution. While he contributed significantly to the modernization of retail operations at Walmart and Michaels, his dismissal from Kohl’s highlights how ethical missteps can swiftly undermine decades of professional achievement.
