Target, CEO
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Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down early next year after more than a decade at the helm of the $107 billion retail giant, the company said on Wednesday. In recent years, Target has suffered sluggish sales as the company weathered consumer boycotts over its Pride collection and a rollback of its diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
Analysts say incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke “deserves a chance to prove himself,” though it could take time and more money for Target to get its charm back
Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down after 11 years at the retailer, as the company faces slumping sales and backlash to its retreat on DEI.
Michael Fiddelke, the company’s chief operating officer, will take over as chief executive in February as Brian Cornell transitions to executive chair. The announcement comes at a time Target is trying to emerge from multiple quarters of sales declines.
Companies like Nike and Target are helmed by veterans who got their start at the companies decades ago.
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What went wrong at Target
Activists and customers on the right attacked Target on social media for its LGBTQ-themed merchandise during Pride Month. Target employees faced threats. Misinformation spread on social media that the swimsuits designed for transgender people were marketed to children, which they were not. The company removed them from stores.
“The stock price reflects that there won’t be change when change is needed,” Gerald Storch, former vice chairman of Target and ex-CEO of Toys R Us, told The Post. “The sales are negative and they are bleeding market share.” Target did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.