Karen Hoguet spent more than three decades at Macy's, Inc., formerly Federated Department Stores, rising from senior consultant to chief financial officer. She brings that experience to the boardrooms of The Kroger Company and UC Health. Karen joined the Kroger board in 2019, chairs its Finance Committee, and sits on its Audit Committee. She is Vice Chair of the UC Health Board, Chair of the Finance Committee and sits on the Governance, Quality and Safety, and Strategy Committees.
At Macy's, Inc., she became chief financial officer in October 1997, when the company was still Federated Department Stores, and held the role until July 2018. Karen then advised the chief executive officer until retiring in February 2019. Her responsibilities spanned financial planning, accounting, investor relations, treasury, tax, credit and customer services, and real estate. She played a key role in Federated Department Stores’ transformation following bankruptcy, including major acquisitions, divestitures and the development of its omnichannel retail model. The Wall Street Journal ranked her as the...Karen Hoguet spent more than three decades at Macy's, Inc., formerly Federated Department Stores, rising from senior consultant to chief financial officer. She brings that experience to the boardrooms of The Kroger Company and UC Health. Karen joined the Kroger board in 2019, chairs its Finance Committee, and sits on its Audit Committee. She is Vice Chair of the UC Health Board, Chair of the Finance Committee and sits on the Governance, Quality and Safety, and Strategy Committees.
At Macy's, Inc., she became chief financial officer in October 1997, when the company was still Federated Department Stores, and held the role until July 2018. Karen then advised the chief executive officer until retiring in February 2019. Her responsibilities spanned financial planning, accounting, investor relations, treasury, tax, credit and customer services, and real estate. She played a key role in Federated Department Stores’ transformation following bankruptcy, including major acquisitions, divestitures and the development of its omnichannel retail model. The Wall Street Journal ranked her as the top-performing CFO among S&P 500 companies in 2014.
Having joined FDS in 1982 as a senior consultant in marketing and planning, Karen moved through planning and financial analysis roles before becoming corporate treasurer in 1992. Her career began as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group in Chicago.
Karen has served on the Board of Governors of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. Her public company governance experience includes Nielsen Holdings, where she chaired the Audit Committee and served on the Finance Committee, as well as The Chubb Corporation and Cincinnati Bell, now altafiber. Karen also served as trustee of the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and as Board President and Chair of The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati.
She holds a bachelor's degree (Sc.B.) in applied mathematics from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Karen led finance, treasury, tax, investor relations, credit, and real estate, steering Macy's (previously Federated Department Stores Inc.) through major acquisitions and the growth of their omnichannel retail channel.
Federated Department Stores Inc.
various roles
1982
-
1997
Cincinnati, OH, USA
Federated Department Stores Inc. was a leading American department store group that brought regional retail brands together under one corporate parent before becoming Macy's, Inc. in 2007.
The Boston Consulting Group is a management consulting firm that helps organizations shape strategy, improve operations and adapt to changes in technology and markets.
UC Health is the academic health system affiliated with the University of Cincinnati, with a medical center, hospitals, and research institutes. Karen is Chair of the Finance Committee and Chair of the Quality and Safety Governance Committee at the UC Health Board.
The Chubb Corporation (now part of Chubb Limited) provides property and casualty insurance for individuals and businesses, covering risks ranging from personal assets to complex commercial liabilities.
altafiber delivers fiber internet, telephone and business connectivity services to households and organizations across Greater Cincinnati and surrounding communities.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) was founded in 1919 and is the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the United States. It serves more than 200,000 people each year by producing professional theatrical productions, providing arts training, and school-focused programming.
Brown University hosts the Rhode Island Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Phi Beta Kappa has celebrated academic achievement and advocated for freedom of thought for more than two centuries. It is the oldest and most prestigious academic honors society in the United States.
Awards & Recognition
Greater Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame
Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame Inductee
2026
Cincinnati, OH, USA
The annual induction ceremony honors regional business leaders for their achievements and community impact.
The Walnut Hills High School Alumni Hall of Fame honors graduates, faculty members, and community leaders who have made significant contributions and achieved outstanding success.
The Father's Day/Mother's Day Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that honors contemporary role models of parenthood while raising millions of dollars for family and child-focused charities.
Karen was recognized in the Wall Street Journal's inaugural Best CFO's List when she was named at #3 in the S&P 500. This award honored finance leaders who drove strong financial operations and shaped company strategy.
The YWCA Career Women of Achievement Award is an annual award established in 1980 by YWCA Greater Cincinnati to celebrate women leaders, visionaries, and role models in the region.
