Target names former Safeway, PetSmart exec to revamp grocery

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. has named former Safeway and PetSmart executive Anne Dament to the role of senior VP, merchandising. She will be responsible for leading the strategic repositioning of Target’s food business.





As it has previously announced, the retailer is working to reinvent its grocery business during the next 12 to 18 months to make it more differentiated and include meal solutions and more organic and natural products.



Dament started her career in food, as a buyer at Supervalu, and then at Safeway, where she held various category and sales management positions, with her last position as group VP, perishable strategy. She spent the past six years as an executive at PetSmart Inc., where was she VP of services.



“Our guests tell us they expect Target to inspire them with differentiated food offerings like we do in other areas,” said Target chairman and CEO Brian Cornell, who worked with Dament at Safeway. “We have an opportunity to make food more reflective of our brand, elevate the shopping experience and make Target a food destination for our guests. Having previously worked alongside Anne, I know her industry expertise and proven ability to reinvigorate existing businesses make her the right leader to drive our reinvention.”



Target’s food reinvention will emphasize six categories: healthy snacks, coffee and tea, premium sauces and oils, specialty candy, wine and craft beer, and yogurt and granola. It will also expand the availability of natural, organic, locally grown and gluten-free choices.



“My very first job was in a local grocery store and I’ve had a passion for food ever since,” Dament said. “Joining the team at Target gives me an opportunity to bring my professional experience and love of food to the organization as their transformation is just getting underway. I’m excited to return home to Minnesota and work alongside great leaders for such an iconic brand.”