Target shuffles execs, promotes its private brands leader

Target is implementing several changes to its executive leadership team, including a change for its current leader of the private brands division.

First up, the retailer announced that Christina Hennington would be its new executive vice president and chief growth officer.

Hennington has been part of the Target team since 2003, and in this new role will have oversight of merchandising, including the best-in-class product design and global sourcing organizations.

As a result of this change, Jill Sando will lead buying for all of the retailer’s hardlines, report to Hennington and remain part of the executive leadership team. Sando has been executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, style and owned brands, and the latest announcement doesn't say if she will no longer be working with store brands.

Sando  joined Target in 1997 and has established herself as one of the industry’s most skilled merchants, known for her eye for trend, curation and anticipating guests’ needs across Target’s multi-category assortment, the retailer said. She's been a key figure behind Target's All in Motion launch, which just celebrated one year, and many others.

Next up, Rick Gomez will be taking over as the executive vice president and chief food and beverage officer.

Having been part of the Target team since 2013, Gomez most recently served as its chief marketing, digital and strategy officer.

The former president of food and beverage, Stephanie Lundquist will depart the company after 15 years.

Another change will see Cara Sylvester, who joined the company in 2007, taking over as the executive vice president and chief marketing and digital officer.

Sylvester will be responsible for deepening affinity for the Target brand across all platforms, expanding its loyalty program and in-house media.

Lastly, Katie Boylan will be taking over the executive vice president and chief communications officer.

Boylan, who has been with the company since 2011, will be responsible for sustainability initiatives, as well as philanthropic efforts, including the Target Foundation.

“At the core of Target's success is the most talented team in retail,” Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO of Target said. “The depth of expertise across Target’s leadership team in particular has been a critical driver in Target’s winning strategy and the excellence of our operations. The changes we're announcing create new opportunities for key leaders to bring their knowledge and experiences to different areas of the business. I’m confident these moves will drive Target’s position as a best-in-class retailer today and well into the future.”