Former Nike, Hayneedle, Rodan + Fields, and J.Crew executive Steven Dee takes on CTO role at Kohl's

Kohl’s has appointed Steven Dee as Chief Technology Officer.

Starting on 25th August, Dee will join the retailer's executive leadership team and report directly to interim CEO Michael Bender. 

"We are happy to welcome Steve to the Kohl's team during this important time for the company," says Bender. "As an omnichannel retailer, it's critical for our business to have smart, agile tech solutions that both drive the work and enable operational effectiveness. Steve is well positioned to help accelerate our strategic goals and enhance the experiences we deliver to our customers and teams."

"I'm thrilled to join Kohl's, a brand I've known and admired for years," says Dee. "Retail is an exciting and dynamic industry that depends on smart, scalable technology solutions to serve associates all across the country, enable the systems that run operations, and ultimately improve the way Kohl's can serve our customers. I look forward to joining the leadership team and driving the goals of this great company."

Prior to Kohl's, Dee ran technology operations at Nike, Hayneedle and J.Crew and has 12 years of leadership experience at Accenture, leading clients through transformational programmes in the consumer goods and retail spaces.

Most recently, he was Chief Information & Technology Officer at Rodan + Fields, an American skincare and haircare company.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Omnichannel retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.