Target appoints Michael Fiddelke CEO and restructures leadership to accelerate growth

Target has named Michael Fiddelke as its new chief executive and reshuffled senior leadership to sharpen merchandising authority and accelerate growth. The changes consolidate product and operational oversight under two promoted executives and set new reporting lines that will take effect February 15, 2026.

The company, in a Feb. 10 press release datelined Minneapolis, said the appointments are intended to simplify the corporate structure, strengthen merchandising authority and elevate the guest experience as part of a broader strategic reorganization. Target also confirmed it expects fourth-quarter 2025 sales, full-year GAAP EPS and full-year Adjusted EPS to be in line with its previously issued guidance.

Cara Sylvester moves from chief guest experience officer to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer with singular oversight of merchandising functions. Sylvester’s remit includes product development, assortment planning and brand collaborations, and the company says she brings extensive experience across digital, loyalty and marketing. Lisa Roath is promoted from chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty to chief operating officer and will focus on scaling Target’s style and design focus across the full operation while improving speed, efficiency and execution across merchandising, supply chain and stores.

The reorganization also includes departures at the top of commercial and apparel merchandising. Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer, will depart Target and will remain with the company for a short transition period to support a handover. Jill Sando, chief merchandising officer for apparel and accessories, home and Fun101, will retire after a 29-year tenure and will stay on briefly during the leadership handoff. The company has launched an external search to fill a combined chief guest experience and marketing officer role.

Michael Fiddelke framed the moves as aligning talent with priorities. "Cara and Lisa are proven leaders who deeply know our business and can drive change that delivers results," he said in the company statement. Fiddelke added, "I've worked alongside Rick and Jill for many years, and I've seen firsthand the real impact they've made on Target during their tenures. I want to thank Rick for his leadership in service to our team and guests, and congratulate Jill on her retirement after a remarkable 29 years with the company." He also described the changes as the start of "a new chapter for Target" and said the shifts "align the right talent and expertise with key roles, and simplify our structure so we can advance our strategy with greater speed, clarity and accountability."

For employees, the reorganization centralizes decision-making in merchandising and creates clearer executive ownership of operations and guest experience. Merchandising, store and supply chain teams should expect new direct reporting to the CEO via the newly appointed executive vice presidents when changes become effective Feb. 15, 2026. Ongoing initiatives in apparel, home and commercial strategy will see temporary stewardship while the company completes the external search and transition periods for departing leaders.

What comes next is a short-term choreography of handoffs and the external search for the guest experience and marketing role, followed by operational execution under Sylvester and Roath. For workers, the shifts signal management’s push to speed product, assortment and in-store execution and a period of closer alignment between merchandising and operations. Press inquiries: Target Media Hotline, (612) 696-3400; press@target.com.