Ross Stores executive chairman Balmuth to step down, Bjorklund to succeed

Ross Stores (ROST) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the following Board Chair succession plan: As previously communicated, Michael Balmuth will step down as Executive Chairman of the Board on January 31, 2026, and will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Company through March 31, 2026. Mr. Balmuth has advised that when he steps down as Executive Chairman, he will also retire from the Board. K. Gunnar Bjorklund, current Board member and Lead Independent Director, has been appointed to succeed Mr. Balmuth as Chairman of the Board, effective February 1, 2026. Balmuth commented, “On behalf of the Board, we congratulate Gunnar Bjorklund on his appointment as our next Board Chair. Gunnar has long served as an independent Board member with deep knowledge of the Company and the off-price retail sector, along with a strong background in shaping consumer-driven business strategies. He has also served as our Board’s Lead Independent Director since 2023. His insights and leadership will continue to be significant assets to the Company and its shareholders.”