Chandra Holt: Rise, Innovation, and Controversy in the Retail Industry

 With a career characterized by leadership positions at significant corporations including Walmart, Conn's HomePlus, and Bed Bath & Beyond, Chandra Holt has long been acknowledged as a powerful influence in the retail sector. She has gained admiration and recognition for her creative approach to e-commerce and merchandising. But subsequent events have brought her into the public eye for less positive reasons, connecting her to a well-known corporate controversy involving Ashley Buchanan, the former CEO of Kohl's.

Chandra Holt

Childhood and Schooling

Chandra Holt's academic path prepared her well for a career in retail. She graduated from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising, Public Relations, and Communications. She expanded her knowledge by earning an MBA in Business Strategy and Marketing from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. She also finished classes at Harvard Business School, which improved her leadership and strategic thinking.

Career Advancement

Sam's Club and Walmart

During Holt's time at Walmart, where she was the Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising & Integration Officer for Walmart.com, her career took off. Over 70% growth in Walmart's U.S. e-commerce division in fiscal year 2021 was made possible in large part by her leadership. She formerly served as Sam's West, Inc.'s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, where she concentrated on improving customer satisfaction and organizational effectiveness.

Promotion in the Workplace

Walmart and Sam's Club

Holt's career took off while she was employed at Walmart, where she served as the Chief Merchandising & Integration Officer and Executive Vice President for Walmart.com. Her leadership was a major factor in Walmart's U.S. e-commerce division's over 70% growth in fiscal year 2021. In her previous roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sam's West, Inc., she focused on enhancing organizational efficacy and customer satisfaction.

Bed, Bath, and More

Holt was named CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond under Beyond Inc. in February 2024. Her goal was to use customer-centric tactics and unified commerce to restore the brand's leadership in the home goods industry. She left the company in July 2024 due to a leadership reorganization, despite her lofty goals.

Business ventures and advisory services

In January 2025, Holt launched Incredibrew, her first foray into entrepreneurship following her corporate positions. To appeal to consumers who are health-conscious, the company specializes in coffee pods that are packed with vitamins, collagen, protein, and melatonin.

In August 2024, she concurrently became a senior advisor with Boston Consulting Group, offering strategic insights derived from her vast retail background. However, she violated the firm's conflict of interest policies when her consulting position was terminated due to disclosures of her unreported relationship with Ashley Buchanan.

Kohl's Controversy

Ashley Buchanan, Kohl's CEO, was sacked in May 2025 after an internal inquiry revealed that he had directed the business to enter into multimillion-dollar consultancy deals with Holt's company, Incredibrew, without disclosing their personal relationship. Buchanan's dismissal and forfeiture of equity rewards resulted from a violation of Kohl's code of ethics.


Holt denied receiving any remuneration from Kohl's for her business, adding, "I've known Ashley Buchanan for ten years, but I have not received any compensation for my Incredibrew business from Kohl's." Nonetheless, the episode sparked concerns about openness and ethical conduct in corporate collaborations.

Association with Jonas Brothers Ventures

In a now-deleted LinkedIn post, Holt announced her appointment as Executive Chairwoman of Jonas Brothers Ventures, with the goal of spearheading new business prospects inspired by the Jonas Brothers. The nature of this enterprise remains unclear, and the notice was removed shortly after Buchanan's firing, increasing the intrigue surrounding her professional actions.

In conclusion

Chandra Holt's career combines innovation, leadership, and controversy. Her contributions to major retail corporations demonstrate her strategic acumen and adaptability. However, recent events highlight the need for transparency and ethical considerations in business dealings. As Holt navigates the aftermath of these controversies, her future endeavors will be closely watched by industry observers and stakeholders.

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