Kohl's Corporation (KSS) stock is soaring in Thursday's pre-market trading, jumping 5.06% following announcements of significant changes to its board of directors. The retailer's shares are reacting positively to news of a leadership shake-up at the top level of the company's governance structure.

According to an SEC filing, Kohl's board appointed John E. Schlifske to serve as the new independent chair of the board on May 7. This move comes alongside the announcement that Christine Day will be resigning as a board member. The company clarified that Day's resignation is not due to any disagreements regarding Kohl's operations, policies, or practices, suggesting an amicable departure.

Investors appear to be viewing these board changes favorably, possibly interpreting them as a sign of Kohl's commitment to strong corporate governance and fresh perspectives in leadership. The appointment of an independent chair, in particular, often signals a company's dedication to maintaining checks and balances at the highest levels of decision-making. As Kohl's continues to navigate the challenging retail landscape, these governance updates may be seen as steps toward enhancing the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency.