Target, Inc.

There have been more than a few headline-grabbing leadership transitions in the retail world recently. And, to be honest, “transitions” might be too gentle of a euphemism: some big names from some big-name brands have left, been fired, forced out, voted off the board, or otherwise pressured to step down in the last few months.

Target has added three new external senior-level hires, who will have responsibility for leading teams across information technology, e-commerce and digital products.

New York -- The heat is on — in more ways than one. While Target’s search for a new chief executive has been much in the news, the discounter is not the only big retailer on the hunt for a chief executive. Here’s a brief review (all dates are 2014 except where noted):

By Jason Baker and Kenneth Katz, co-founders and principals, Baker Katz

Seattle -- Target Corp. on Monday announced three executive hires who will have responsibilities for leading teams across its information technology, e-commerce and digital product teams.

Jim Fisher was named senior VP, infrastructure and operations, Target Technology Services, where he will oversee Target’s technical infrastructure and operations. Immediately before Target, Fisher was senior VP of global infrastructure operations at First Data Corporation.

Minneapolis – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly investigating whether Target Corp. adequately protected its data and informed shareholders about the possible consequences relating to its fall 2013 data breach, according to Bloomberg. The report said that Target is one of several public companies that suffered a data breach which is being investigated by the SEC.

New York -- Target Corp. on Wednesday requested that customers no longer carry guns in its stores.

The retailer found itself embroiled in controversy when gun-rights activists in Texas and several other states chose Target stores to demonstrate their belief in the right to openly bear arms. In response, the chain came under heavy fire from groups such as "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense" and others who expressed concern about firearms being carried into an environment where the shoppers are often accompanied by children.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -- Target announced that all 124 store locations it has opened across Canada in 2013 have been awarded Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification.