Target shuffles leadership team

Target Corporation announced on Tuesday significant leadership changes aimed at steering the company toward sustained profitable growth.

Effective July 7, Christina Hennington will step into the role of chief strategy and growth officer, while Rick Gomez will become the chief commercial officer, overseeing Target’s expansive merchandising operations. Additionally, Lisa Roath, currently serving as chief marketing officer, will transition to chief merchandising officer of food, essentials, and beauty in early 2025.

Notably, Hennington will be instrumental in advancing Target’s growth strategy, ensuring it remains relevant and differentiated. She will collaborate closely with Target’s CEO and COO, and other senior leaders to modernize Target’s operations, leverage technology including generative AI, and strengthen strategic partnerships. Hennington joined Target in 2003 and has been part of the leadership team since 2020.

Meanwhile, Gomez will take full responsibility for Target’s merchandising business, including categories such as apparel, accessories, home, hardlines, food, essentials, and beauty. His role will be pivotal in maintaining Target’s competitive edge in merchandising and ensuring the product assortment adapts swiftly to consumer demands. Gomez has been with Target since 2013 and part of the leadership team since 2017.

Lastly, early next year, Roath will transition from her current role as chief marketing officer to oversee Target’s food, essentials, and beauty merchandising, joining Gomez’s team. Until her successor is named, Roath will remain in her current role as chief marketing officer, reporting to Cara Sylvester, Target’s chief guest experience officer. Since joining Target in 2006, Roath has held numerous leadership roles.

“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. Today’s announcement builds on our January appointment of Michael Fiddelke to chief operating officer and will further accelerate progress on our growth initiatives,” said Brian Cornell, chair and CEO. 

“As Rick takes on full oversight of merchandising, Christina will be dedicated to keeping our strategy consumer-centric, differentiated and future-focused. Lisa will be an important addition to Rick’s leadership team when she moves into her new role in 2025, bringing her prior experience and accomplishments leading our food and essentials businesses. In the meantime, we’ll conduct a thorough search for a top brand marketer to succeed Lisa and build on our strong marketing foundation.”