Target Names New Merchandising, Operating Chiefs Amid Realignment
Less than two weeks into Michael Fiddelke’s tenure as Target CEO, the retailer is making major changes focused on strengthening its merchandising efforts and guest experience.
Cara Sylvester has been named Target’s new chief merchandising officer, while Lisa Roath will serve as chief operating officer. As part of these changes, Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer, will depart Target, and Jill Sando, chief merchandising officer for apparel and accessories, home, and Fun101, will retire. Both will stay on for brief periods to support a smooth transition.
Sylvester and Roath will report to Fiddelke and take their positions Feb. 15.
"It’s the start of a new chapter for Target, and we’re moving quickly to take action against our priorities that will drive growth within our business," Fiddelke said. "These leadership changes 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."
Sylvester, who previously served as chief guest experience officer, is tasked with strengthening and expanding Target’s authority in style and design through its merchandising capabilities, product development, assortment design and partner collaborations.
Previously chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty, Roath will focus in her new role on scaling Target’s style and design focus across the full operation, improving speed, efficiency and execution that elevates the shopping experience.
"Cara and Lisa are proven leaders who deeply know our business and can drive change that delivers results," Fiddelke said. "As they lead two of our most critical functions, we’ve got the right foundation to make bold, strategic moves and execute our plans for Target’s future."
Target is also conducting an external search for a chief guest experience and marketing officer.
Gomez was named chief commercial officer in July 2024 and had full oversight of Target's merchandising business, including its apparel and accessories, home, hardlines, food, essentials and beauty product categories, owned brand sourcing and design, and merchandising planning and capabilities.
Sando's tenure with Target dates back to the late 1990s, holding several key positions in the retailer's merchandising operations. In 2023, she was named to the Private Label Hall of Fame, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"I grew up in retail," Sando previously told Store Brands. "My mother owned a small kitchen boutique, so I became familiar with the industry early in my life. I have always loved analytics and problem solving — and I loved art and fashion, too. I feel so fortunate because I was able to do the best problem solving by finding a profession firmly rooted in my areas of passion."
This article was originally published on P2PI sibling brand Store Brands.
