Target Canada Fires Head Exec

Target (Minneapolis) has fired the president of its troubled Canadian operations, Tony Fisher. The executive will be replaced by Mark Schindele, 45, Target’s senior vice president of merchandising operations. Schindele is a 15-year veteran of Target’s U.S. operations. The change, announced this morning, comes two weeks after the resignation of Target's ceo and chairman Gregg Steinhafel.

Target's expansion into Canada last year has been plagued by weak sales and losses. The changes are effective immediately, according to a report from ABC News.

Schindele played a key role in launching Target’s new store format, which includes an expanded grocery area, as well as Target Express and CityTarget in the U.S. He also led a global team and provided senior-level oversight to Target's merchandising operations, including systems, global sourcing and product development. Schindele will report to Kathee Tesija, Target’s chief merchandising and supply chain officer.

Target also announced the promotions of three senior merchandising executives in its U.S. division: Trish Adams, executive vice president of apparel and home; Jose Barra, executive vice president of essentials and hardlines; and Keri Jones, executive vice president of merchandising planning and operations.