MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Executive retirements are taking place at Target, making way for new Chiefs to step up to the helm. John Mulligan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will remain in his role until February 2024, at which time he will transition to a strategic advisor role until February 2025. Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer, will transition to a strategic advisor role through April 2024.

“As I prepare to retire next year, I want to start by saying thank you to the Target team, particularly our operations, store, and supply chain team members. I’m humbled by the opportunities I’ve had to help grow Target into a Fortune 50 company, fortified by a long-term, durable growth strategy,” said Mulligan.

Mulligan joined Target in 1996 as a Financial Analyst. He has held a variety of leadership positions in finance, digital, and human resources. Mulligan served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer in 2014. As COO, he has played a critical role in the successful rollout of Target’s “stores as hubs” strategy and evolving fulfillment options.

The company will share additional information on its succession plans for Mulligan prior to his official retirement.

“First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude. It has been a great privilege to grow alongside the Target brand and team for 32 years, as we’ve expanded from $9 billion in annual revenue and fewer than 500 stores to more than $100 billion and nearly 2,000 stores,” said Ward.

According to a press release, Ward began her career in 1991 as a frontline team member at Marshall Field’s. She spent more than two decades leading corporate responsibility and the Target Foundation. Ward has received numerous accolades, including the appointment in 2008 by President Bush to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service (now known as AmeriCorps), on which Ward served as the Board Chair under the Obama Administration.

Target also announced that Matt Zabel has been named Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Kiera Fernandez has also been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Community Impact and Equity Officer.

For more comments from the team, check out the press release here.

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