Kohl’s president headlines 2006 Target Retail Lecture

Kevin Mansell, president and member of the board of directors of Kohl’s Department Stores, will present the 2006 Target Retail Lecture on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 4 p.m. in the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave. This free program is directed primarily to individuals interested in retail careers and is open to the public.

Following the lecture, the UW–Madison School of Human Ecology Student Retail Club is organizing the 34th annual Retail Career Fair, also in the Fluno Center.

In his role as president, Mansell is responsible for the company’s merchandising, marketing, planning and allocation, and distribution functions. Mansell joined Kohl’s in 1982 as a divisional merchandise manager and was promoted to general merchandise manager in 1987. Over the next nine years, his responsibilities expanded to include merchandise planning and allocation, as well as micromarketing. Mansell was promoted to senior executive vice president of merchandising and marketing in 1998. He has served as president and director since 1999.

Mansell began his career in retail in 1975, joining the Venture Store division of May Department Stores, where he held positions in buying and merchandising. He is a native of St. Louis, where he attended the University of Missouri.

The lecture series is made possible through a gift by Target Stores. The annual lectures are held through the department of consumer science.