Cornell's revamp of Target leadership continues

CEO Brian Cornell isn't done retooling theexecutive leadership team at Target Corp.: The retailer now has a new COO and CFO.

Target has promoted current CFO John Mulligan to the newly created role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective Sept. 1. Mulligan will assume oversight of stores, supply chain and properties. Joining Target as executive vice president and chief financial officer will be Cathy Smith, a seasoned retail business leader. Both Mulligan and Smith will report to Cornell.

The moves are the latest management changes announced by the company under new CEO Cornell, who took over last August, as it restructures and refocuses on digital.

“John has unparalleled expertise in Target’s business and I am very pleased that he will be assuming this new leadership position. Bringing together key operations functions under John will put Target on a more progressive path to transformation and help us break down barriers to deliver improvements across our business,” said Cornell. “As our new CFO, Cathy brings significant business and retail expertise to Target. Her background will be integral to accelerating our long-term growth strategy.”

Mulligan has worked at the Minneapolis-based company since 1996, when he began as a financial analyst. He has served as the company’s chief financial officer since 2012. In 2014, he led the company as the retailer’s interim president and CEO from May to August while continuing to act as CFO. Throughout his tenure at Target, Mulligan has served in key leadership positions in finance and human resources, including director of Target.com Finance, director of Capital Investments, vice president of Pay and Benefits, vice president of Financial Planning and Analysis and senior vice president of Treasury and Accounting.

“Integrating operations will help further fuel Target’s transformation and as COO, I’ll prioritize driving improvements in the fundamental areas of our business and equipping the team to move quickly. By working strategically across the enterprise, we will build on the critical capabilities that will fuel Target’s differentiation in the marketplace. Achieving operational excellence is foundational to Target’s long-term success,” said Mulligan.

Last week Target announced that itsvice president in charge of household supplies, electronics and sporting goods was leaving as the company narrows its focus to products such as apparel, wellness products and children's items.

The company in April named grocery retail veteran Anne Dament as senior vice president of merchandising, while moving chief merchandising and supply chain officer Kathee Tesija to an advisory role in June.

The company will report its second quarter financial results on Aug. 19 and host a conference call with investors where Cornell, Mulligan and Smith will participate. Mulligan will also serve as an advisor to Smith throughout her transition into the company and the role. Smith will formally join the company on Sept. 1.