News

Target loses merchandising chief, creates new VP COO role

The executive shuffle continues with a new CFO hired on as well.

August 21, 2015

The leadership ranks at retailer Target is undergoing some big changes and the latest news is that a VP of merchandising has left the building.

Jose Barra, who had been with Target for more than 10 years and was promoted last May from senior VP to executive VP of merchandising, is no longer with the company, according to a report from FierceRetail.

The news comes shortly after the top merchandising leader and 30-year Target veteran Kathee Tesija moved into an advisory role as of July 6. As of Friday there did not appear to be any formal press statement on the management change at Target’s corporate site. Retail Customer Experience has reached out to Target regarding the leadership change and if a replacement for Tesija has been hired.

The most recent official press release regarding management change was posted earlier this week by Target.

John Mulligan has been hired to take the newly created role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective Sept. 1. Mulligan will assume oversight of stores, supply chain and properties.

Also joining Target as executive vice president and chief financial officer will be Cathy Smith. Mulligan and Smith will report to Target’s chairman and chief executive officer, Brian Cornell.