Foot Locker taps Target digital exec as CIO

New York -- Foot Locker has named a digital head from Target Corp. to head up its technology efforts.



The specialty athletic retailer named Pawan Verma as senior VP and CIO, effective Aug. 10. He joins Foot Locker from Target, where he has worked since 2013, most recently serving as VP, digital and marketing technologies and services platforms.



Verma succeeds Peter Brown, who retired in April after 38 years with the company.



Verma will oversee the company's global information technology functions and infrastructure, and provide leadership and vision to align technology with strategic business initiatives.



"Foot Locker has set ambitious goals for our financial and operational performance for the next several years, and we recognize the vital importance that technological leadership will play in that success," said Richard Johnson, president and CEO of Foot Locker.



Verma has extensive background in retail systems strategy, design, and implementation, and has prior e-commerce, mobile, and retail software development experience from roles with Convergys Corporation and Verizon Wireless.



Foot Locker operates 3,419 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.