
Target Corp has a new CEO, Brian Cornell, who took the reins in 2014. He joined the company with a strong background in retail leadership.
Under Cornell's leadership, Target has made significant changes to improve its operations and customer experience. One notable example is the company's decision to revamp its store format, introducing a more streamlined and modern design.
This redesign has had a positive impact on sales, with Target reporting a 4.5% increase in comparable store sales in 2016. The company has also made efforts to improve its online shopping experience, investing in its e-commerce platform and same-day delivery options.
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Target's New CEO
Michael Fiddelke is the new CEO of Target, taking over from Brian Cornell.
He has been with Target for over 20 years, starting as chief financial officer before becoming chief operating officer in January 2024.
Fiddelke has a strong educational background, holding a master's degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from the University of Iowa.
Brian Cornell will transition to the role of executive chair of the Board of Directors on February 1, 2026, allowing Fiddelke to take the reins as CEO.
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Brian Cornell
Brian Cornell is the current chair and CEO of Target, a $100 billion omnichannel retailer. He's been leading the global team behind Target since joining the company in 2014.
Under Brian's leadership, Target has made significant investments in digital and supply chain capabilities, placing its fleet of popular stores at the center of both physical shopping and digital fulfillment. This has catapulted Target into a leadership position in same-day, store-based fulfillment services.
In 2025, Brian was inducted into the World Retail Congress Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition of his achievements in the retail industry. He's also received several other notable awards, including the John Wooden Global Leadership Award from UCLA and the Deming Cup for Operational Excellence from Columbia Business School.
Brian has a long history of leadership in the retail and consumer-products industry, with over 30 years of experience in escalating positions. His work has taken him to various parts of the world, including North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
As of February 1, 2026, Brian will transition to the role of executive chair of the Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in Target's leadership.
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Target Appoints New CEO
Target has appointed a new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, who will join the company's board of directors on February 1, 2026.
Michael Fiddelke has been with Target for over 20 years, giving him a deep understanding of the company's brand and operations.
Prior to becoming CEO, Fiddelke served as Target's chief financial officer, a role he took on after being named chief operating officer in January 2024.
Fiddelke holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from the University of Iowa.
He will be replacing Brian Cornell, who has been the chair and CEO of Target since 2014 and has led the company's growth into a $100 billion omnichannel retailer.
Brian Cornell has been instrumental in building Target's digital and supply chain capabilities, and his leadership has resulted in significant investments in wages, benefits, and team training and development.
Under Cornell's leadership, Target has grown by tens of billions of dollars and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the World Retail Congress Hall of Fame and the John Wooden Global Leadership Award.
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Company Performance
Target's second-quarter earnings report showed a decline in sales. The company reported net sales of $25.2 billion, which is 0.9% lower than last year.
The company's operating income was 19.4% lower than last year, at $1.3 billion.
Target had previously forecast net sales growth of around 1%, but now expects a single-digit decline in annual sales.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Target CEO resign?
Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down due to the company's struggling sales and controversy over its decision to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This change comes after 11 years at the helm.
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