Kennedy assumes new finance role at Target

Scott Kennedy was named president of Target financial and retail service to replace long time finance executive Terry Scully.

Scully spent nearly 35 years with Target and is moving into a strategic advisory role to ensure the smooth transition of the recently sold credit card portfolio to TD Bank Group. Scully, 60, will officially retire in March 2014. Filling his shoes as head of financial and retail services is Scott Kennedy, 44. He joined Target in 2005 and currently serves as VP of pay and benefits.

"For nearly 35 years, Terry has been a valuable member of this Target team," said Gregg Steinhafel, Target’s chairman, president and CEO. "And, for the past decade, Terry’s leadership and his vision have led to the creation of an exceptional suite of financial products and services, which were critical in strengthening guest loyalty and delivering substantial profitable growth. I appreciate his many contributions and am grateful that Target will continue to benefit from Terry’s expertise during this transitional period."

Scully joined Target in 1979 and held a variety of financial and credit card roles. In 1998, he became vp of finance for Target Financial Services and was elevated to his current role in 2003.

The moves come as Target completed the $5.7 billion sale of its entire consumer credit card portfolio to TD Bank Group. The companies entered into a seven-year program agreement under which TD will also underwrite, fund and own future Target credit card and Target Visa receivables in the United States. Under the program agreement, TD will control risk management policies and oversee regulatory compliance and Target will continue to perform account servicing functions.

"We’re pleased that we’ve completed the sale of our credit card portfolio," Steinhafel said. "We look forward to working with TD Bank Group, a premier financial institution, to provide innovative financial products to our guests and profitably grow the portfolio over time."

Target plans to maintain the current deep integration between its financial services operations and its retail operations and the agreement will not have any impact on Target’s 5% REDcard Rewards program.