New CEO at Target Shuffles His C-Suite Team

Target Corp. (Minneapolis) has unveiled two high-level executive changes under new CEO Michael Fiddelke that it says are aimed at accelerating the company’s growth plans. The moves, effective Feb. 15, are:

* Cara Sylvester will become chief merchandising officer, having previously served as chief guest experience officer. In her new post, the retailer said, Sylvester is charged with strengthening and expanding Target’s authority in style and design through its merchandising capabilities, product development, assortment design and partner collaborations.

* Lisa Roath will move up to COO. Previously chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty, Roath will focus on scaling Target’s style and design focus across the full operation, improving speed, efficiency and execution.

“Cara and Lisa are proven leaders who deeply know our business and can drive change that delivers results,” said Fiddelke, a longtime Target veteran who took the top spot at the retailer earlier this month. “As they lead two of our most critical functions, we’ve got the right foundation to make bold, strategic moves and execute our plans for Target’s future.”

As part of these changes, Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer, will depart Target and Jill Sando, chief merchandising officer for apparel and accessories, home and Fun101 will retire. Both will stay on for brief periods to support a smooth transition.

The retailer also said it is conducting an external search for a chief guest experience and marketing officer.

Target, which has nearly 2000 stores, has struggled financially in recent years thanks to a variety of factors, including consumer backlash over social issues (including a step back from its DEI initiatives), inflation-weary shoppers switching to cheaper choices such as Walmart and Amazon, and operational issues, including low inventory and reduced staffing.