Chandra Holt, a name that once shone brightly in the retail world, has recently been thrust into the spotlight for reasons far beyond her professional achievements. In May 2025, the business landscape was rocked by a scandal involving this seasoned executive, whose career spans major retail giants and bold entrepreneurial ventures. What began as a story of ambition and innovation has taken a dramatic turn, intertwining romance, corporate ethics, and high-stakes consequences. Let’s dive into the latest developments surrounding Chandra Holt, exploring her rise, her recent controversy, and what’s next for this retail titan.
Chandra Holt’s Meteoric Rise in Retail
Chandra Holt, now 45, carved an impressive path through the retail industry with a blend of strategic brilliance and relentless drive. Born in 1980, she grew up in an environment that nurtured ambition. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising, public relations, and communications from the University of Minnesota, followed by an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, she was destined for leadership. Her early career at Walmart showcased her knack for e-commerce innovation and merchandising strategy. Holt rose through the ranks, playing a pivotal role in Walmart’s digital transformation, particularly in its eCommerce division.
Her journey didn’t stop there. She took on high-profile roles at Conn’s HomePlus as CEO and President, steering the specialty retailer through competitive waters. In February 2024, she joined Beyond, Inc. as CEO of its Bed Bath & Beyond division, though her tenure lasted only until June 2024 amid a leadership shakeup. Despite these short stints, Holt’s reputation as a retail innovator remained intact—until a recent scandal shifted the narrative.
The Chandra Holt and Ashley Buchanan Scandal
The most recent news, breaking on May 20, 2025, paints a vivid picture of a corporate scandal that has captivated the business world. Chandra Holt found herself at the center of a controversy involving Ashley Buchanan, the former CEO of Kohl’s. The two, who met years ago at Walmart, were romantically involved, a detail Buchanan failed to disclose when he directed Kohl’s to enter multimillion-dollar vendor deals with Holt’s associates. On a recent Friday evening, just a day after the scandal broke, Holt and Buchanan were spotted dining at the Vaquero clubhouse in Texas, seemingly unfazed by the corporate storm. Holt, celebrating her 45th birthday, wore a shaggy cream vest, while Buchanan sported a white polo, according to an eyewitness.
The Kohl’s board fired Buchanan on May 1, 2025, after an investigation revealed he violated the company’s ethics policy by funneling business to Holt’s ventures, including a consulting agreement with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where Holt served as a part-time retail adviser. BCG, shocked by the undisclosed relationship, terminated Holt’s contract the same day. The deals, described as “highly unusual” in SEC filings, raised questions about corporate governance and transparency. Holt has publicly distanced herself, stating, “I’ve known Ashley Buchanan for 10 years, but I have not received any compensation for my Incredibrew business from Kohl’s.” Despite her denial, the scandal has cast a shadow over her career.
Chandra Holt’s Entrepreneurial Venture: Incredibrew
Amid the controversy, Holt’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through with Incredibrew, her coffee brand launched in 2022. Incredibrew, which sells coffee pods infused with vitamins, minerals, and supplements like collagen, has been a point of pride for Holt. In a series of LinkedIn posts in 2025, she promoted the brand’s health benefits, emphasizing its appeal for hair, skin, nails, and joint health. Buchanan even reposted one of her promotional videos, a move that later fueled speculation about their intertwined business interests.
Incredibrew’s debut in January 2025 was met with enthusiasm, positioning Holt as a trailblazer in the health-conscious beverage market. However, the Kohl’s scandal has complicated the brand’s narrative. While Holt insists no Kohl’s funds directly benefited Incredibrew, the association with Buchanan’s misconduct has drawn unwanted attention. Still, her vision for Incredibrew remains bold, and industry watchers are curious to see how she navigates this challenge.
The Personal Side of Chandra Holt
Beyond the boardroom, Holt’s personal life offers a glimpse into her multifaceted character. A devoted mother, she enjoys activities like running, CrossFit, and caddying for her daughter’s golf games, highlighting a close family bond. Reports from May 2025 also mention a past connection to Christopher Gilbert, with whom she allegedly planned a wedding reception in August 2023, though no recent updates confirm her marital status. Holt and Buchanan reportedly live together in an upscale golf community in Dallas, a detail that surfaced during the Kohl’s investigation.
Her estimated net worth, ranging from $1 million to $3 million, reflects her lucrative executive roles, including a $900,000 salary at Beyond, Inc., with potential bonuses and stock awards. Yet, the recent scandal may impact her financial trajectory as she rebuilds her professional reputation.
What’s Next for Chandra Holt?
The fallout from the Kohl’s scandal has left many wondering about Holt’s next move. Her brief tenures at Conn’s and Bed Bath & Beyond, coupled with the current controversy, raise questions about her staying power in high-pressure roles. However, Holt’s track record suggests resilience. Her ability to pivot from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship with Incredibrew demonstrates her adaptability. Industry insiders speculate she may focus on growing her coffee brand, leveraging her retail expertise to carve out a niche in the competitive beverage market.
The scandal, while a setback, is unlikely to define Holt’s legacy. Her career is a testament to taking risks, from leading Walmart’s digital charge to launching a startup amid retail’s turbulent landscape. As she navigates this storm, Holt’s story remains one of ambition and reinvention. Will she emerge stronger, or will the shadow of this controversy linger? Only time will tell, but her journey is far from over.
Key Takeaways: Chandra Holt’s Journey
- Early Career: Built a stellar reputation at Walmart, driving e-commerce innovation.
- Leadership Roles: Served as CEO at Conn’s HomePlus and Bed Bath & Beyond, though both tenures were brief.
- Incredibrew: Founded a health-focused coffee brand in 2022, gaining traction in 2025.
- Kohl’s Scandal: Linked to Ashley Buchanan’s firing over undisclosed vendor deals, leading to her BCG contract termination.
- Personal Life: Enjoys running, CrossFit, and family time; lives in Dallas with Buchanan.
What do you think about Chandra Holt’s journey through triumph and turmoil? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for updates on her next chapter in the retail world!