Target executive named CEO of Shipt
Shipt is getting a new chief executive in March.
The same-day delivery and last-mile company, which was acquired by Target in 2017, has appointed Kamau Witherspoon as CEO, effective March 1. He will succeed Kelly Caruso, who took the reins at Shipt in 2019 after working 22 years at Target. She will remain in an advisory role during the transition.
Most recently, Witherspoon has served as senior VP of operations at Target Corp. since 2018, responsible for the discounter's operational planning and prioritization, partner operations, M&A integration, and process improvement initiatives across supply chain, stores and properties. Previously, he was senior VP, operational performance and readiness at UnitedHealthcare. Witherspoon also held the position of chief restaurant excellence officer for the KFC U.S. division of Yum! Brands.
The new CEO will take the helm of Shipt on the heels of its biggest national expansion in three years.
"Kamau's vast experience leading teams and operations at scale will help drive Shipt's continued growth and deepen the commitment to its team, partners, customers and shoppers," said John Mulligan, Shipt board chairman and Target COO. "Under Kelly's strategic leadership, Shipt has experienced more growth than at any point in its history by bringing a personalized shopping experience to millions more U.S. families. Kamau's operational expertise and vision for the future will build on Shipt's momentum as an innovative last mile company."
Shipt, which is run independently in Birmingham, Ala., has grown from serving dozens of markets to now reaching nearly 300 metropolitan areas nationwide. The company said that, since 2020, it has tripled its network of shoppers and doubled its retail partners to offer same-day delivery.
"The incredible growth Shipt has realized reflects the strength of its differentiated business model and the value its network of personal shoppers delivers to millions of customers with each and every delivery – and I couldn't be more excited to lead the company into its next chapter," said Witherspoon. "With momentum in our business and a talented, purpose-driven team, I'm confident Shipt will continue to stand out as the premier choice for same-day delivery for both our loyal customers and expanding network of retail partners."
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"Leading the Shipt business and team has been one of the true highlights of my career," said Caruso. "I am grateful to the team for their dedication and drive, to our retailer partners for their partnership and trust they place in us each and every day, to the Birmingham community that has embraced all of us and to Shipt Shoppers who are out in communities each and every day bringing the magic."