Target Elects Nike and Hanes Executives John Hoke, Steve Bratspies to Board

Target said in a Jan. 22, 2026 press release that it elected John Hoke, III and Steve Bratspies to its Board of Directors, appointments the company framed as tied to product design, merchandising and governance priorities ahead of an executive transition.

John Hoke, III, former chief innovation officer at NIKE, Inc., will join the board effective March 1, 2026 and serve on the Governance & Sustainability and Compensation & Human Capital Management committees, Target said. Steve Bratspies, former chief executive officer of HanesBrands, Inc., will begin service on April 1, 2026 and take seats on the Audit & Risk and Infrastructure & Finance committees, the release added.

Christine Leahy, Target’s lead independent director, said in the corporate statement that, “These appointments underscore the Board’s continued commitment to strong governance and long-term value creation for shareholders.” Leahy also noted that “John and Steve bring extensive experience that aligns closely with the Board's priorities as we oversee Target's strategy, welcome Michael Fiddelke as CEO and guide the company into its next chapter of growth,” language included in the press materials. The release described the hires as reflecting Target's focus on “delivering style, design and value through products and experiences grounded in a deep understanding of consumers.”

The hires come as Michael Fiddelke prepares to take over as CEO; Progressivegrocer reported that Fiddelke will assume the role on Feb. 1, 2026. The timing places Hoke and Bratspies on key committees that influence everything from sustainability policy and executive pay to financial controls and infrastructure investment as the new chief executive steps in.

Hoke brings a long tenure in design-led retail: Au Investing reported that Hoke spent over three decades at Nike and helped elevate design as a strategic business capability, and Longbridge noted Hoke serves as chair of MillerKnoll. Bratspies arrives with a track record in merchandising and transactions; Progressivegrocer and Au Investing reported he led HanesBrands through the sale of the Champion brand in 2024 and the company’s acquisition by Gildan Activewear in 2025, and earlier spent 15 years at Walmart including five years as chief merchandising officer. Longbridge placed Target’s scale in context, reporting nearly 2,000 U.S. stores, annual revenue exceeding $105 billion and a market capitalization of $47.9 billion.

For hourly workers, store leaders and corporate employees, the board changes signal an emphasis on product assortment, design partnerships and financial oversight. Hoke’s design background could influence merchandise strategy and private-label initiatives, while Bratspies’ operational and M&A experience ties to supply chain and financial decisions that affect staffing, store investments and inventory planning. With the CEO transition imminent and committee seats set, employees should expect the board to play an active role in shaping priorities this spring. Watch for early strategy announcements once Michael Fiddelke is in place and the new directors join their committees.