Target boasts supply chain talent as it nabs Walmart exec

Target Corp. continues to beef up its supply chain management capabilities.



The discounter announced it has appointed Shekar Natarajan to the newly-created role of senior VP, network planning and operational design, effective Nov. 20.



Natarajan, a 15-year supply chain veteran, was most recently VP of last mile operations, emerging sciences and operational excellence at Walmart. He also held leadership roles at Walt Disney Company, Anheuser Busch and PepsiCo.



At Target, Natarajan will oversee the design of the chain’s direct-to-store and direct-to-guest supply chain network, as well as the use of new automation and other technologies to enhance speed, accuracy and efficiency. He will be based in the company’s office in Sunnyvale, Calif., and report to Target’s executive VP and chief supply chain and logistics officer, Arthur Valdez, whom the retailer hired away from Amazon in February.



“Under Shekar’s leadership, I’m confident we’ll be better positioned to deliver with improved speed and precision,” said Valdez. “Additionally, his experience and skills in future-state supply chain network planning will be a tremendous asset as we further develop our capabilities for the future.”