Target Reshuffles C-Suite, Elevates Food and Merchandising Leaders

Target Corporation, the renowned retail giant, has announced a series of executive changes that will reshape its leadership team and strategic focus. The Minneapolis-based company has named a new chief merchant to oversee its food business, while also promoting key executives to drive its growth initiatives and commercial operations.

Elevating Expertise in Food and Merchandising

Roath to Lead Food, Essentials, and Beauty

Target has appointed Lisa Roath, currently the company's chief marketing officer, to the role of chief merchandising officer for food, essentials, and beauty, effective in early 2025. Roath's transition to this new position will see her take over from Rick Gomez, who is being promoted to the role of chief commercial officer, overseeing all of Target's merchandising.Roath's extensive experience in the food and beverage industry will be a valuable asset in her new role. She previously served as senior vice president of food and beverage merchandising, where she oversaw all buying for the grocery business and led the company's rapid digital expansion in this segment. Prior to that, Roath held roles in essentials merchandising, including supervising the baby, health, and household commodities divisions, and establishing a new capability for optimizing pricing and promotional strategies.

Gomez Elevated to Chief Commercial Officer

Rick Gomez, who has been serving as executive vice president and chief food and beverage officer since February 2021, will now take on the role of chief commercial officer. In this expanded position, Gomez will lead merchandising for Target's apparel and accessories, home, hardlines, food, essentials, and beauty product categories, as well as private brand sourcing, design, and merchandising planning.Gomez's extensive experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, including roles at MillerCoors, PepsiCo, and Quaker Oats, has been instrumental in driving Target's food business growth. Under his leadership, the company has repositioned itself as a leading food destination, with industry-leading growth in its own brands, such as Good & Gather and Favorite Day.

Hennington's Expanded Role as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer

In addition to the changes in the food and merchandising leadership, Target has also announced that Christina Hennington will be taking on an expanded role as chief strategy and growth officer, effective July 7. In this new position, Hennington will be dedicated to keeping the company's strategy consumer-centric, differentiated, and future-focused.Hennington's deep understanding of Target's business and her ability to drive strategic initiatives will be crucial in shaping the company's long-term growth plans. Her expanded role will ensure that Target's growth initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs and preferences of its customers.

Searching for a New Chief Marketing Officer

As Roath transitions to her new role as chief merchandising officer for food, essentials, and beauty, Target will launch an external search for a new chief marketing officer. This move underscores the importance the company places on marketing and brand-building, as it seeks to build on its strong marketing foundation and further enhance its customer engagement.The incoming chief marketing officer will be tasked with continuing to drive Target's brand strategy and marketing efforts, building on the successes achieved under Roath's leadership. This strategic hire will be crucial in maintaining Target's position as a leading retailer and connecting with its customers in meaningful and impactful ways.

Sustaining Profitable Growth

Target's executive changes are part of the company's broader strategy to position itself for long-term, sustainable growth. By placing key leaders and capabilities in critical roles, Target aims to accelerate progress on its growth initiatives and solidify its position as a leading retailer."As we execute our 2024 plans and look to the future, we're putting key leaders and capabilities in place to sustain profitable growth over the long term," said Brian Cornell, Target's chairman and chief executive officer. "Today's announcement builds on our January appointment of Michael Fiddelke to chief operating officer and will further accelerate progress on our growth initiatives."The strategic reshuffling of Target's leadership team, with a focus on strengthening its food and merchandising capabilities, underscores the company's commitment to delivering exceptional value and experiences to its customers. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, these changes position Target to capitalize on emerging opportunities and maintain its competitive edge in the industry.