Target, a prominent retail corporation, is in the midst of significant executive transitions as two seasoned executives prepare to retire. These transitions come as the company takes steps to ensure a smooth and effective change in leadership.
John Mulligan, currently serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will retain his role until February 2024. Subsequently, he will serve as an advisor to the company until February 2025. Mulligan’s journey with Target began in 1996 when he joined as a financial analyst. Over the years, he has held a variety of leadership positions spanning finance, digital, and human resources.
Laysha Ward, the Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer, is poised to transition into a strategic advisor role, a position she will hold until April 2024. Ward’s history with Target dates back to 1991 when the company was known as the Dayton-Hudson Corporation. During her lengthy career at Target, she played a pivotal role in spearheading corporate responsibility initiatives and leading the Target Foundation.
To ensure a seamless transition and the preparation of the next generation of leadership within the company, Target plans to disclose additional details about the succession plans for John Mulligan prior to his official retirement.
In addition to these executive changes, the company is making strategic appointments in leadership roles. Matt Zabel has been named Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and he will report directly to Brian Cornell, Target’s Chair and CEO. Furthermore, Kiera Fernandez has received a promotion to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Community Impact and Equity Officer. Fernandez will assume a crucial role overseeing external stakeholder engagement, the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy, and corporate philanthropy efforts.
These executive transitions reflect Target’s commitment to ensuring a seamless handover of leadership responsibilities and maintaining its strong focus on corporate responsibility, community impact, and effective external engagement. The departing executives have had illustrious careers at the company, and their successors are well-prepared to continue their legacy and contribute to Target’s ongoing success.
