Target CEO Reshuffles Leadership Team in First Major Move

Changes come shortly after Fiddelke took over as CEO, as retailer struggles with operations and public backlash

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Target CEO Michael Fiddelke is making significant changes to his leadership team, including the departures of long-time executives Rick Gomez and Jill Sando. Fiddelke is reshuffling roles and responsibilities to help Target move with greater speed as it faces operational challenges and public backlash.

Why it matters

The leadership changes at Target come at a critical time for the retailer, which has struggled with declining sales, messy stores, and public controversies around diversity and its response to federal immigration enforcement. Fiddelke's moves signal an effort to reshape the company's direction in his first major actions since taking over as CEO.

The details

Fiddelke is replacing Chief Merchandising Officer Jill Sando, a 23-year Target veteran, with Cara Sylvester, the former Chief Guest Experience Officer. He is also promoting Lisa Roath, who oversaw food, essentials and cosmetics, to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Meanwhile, Rick Gomez, the executive in charge of Target's vast inventory, will be leaving the company.

  • Fiddelke took over as Target CEO earlier this month.
  • The leadership changes will take effect on Sunday.

The players

Michael Fiddelke

The new CEO of Target, a 20-year company veteran who took over from Brian Cornell.

Rick Gomez

A 23-year Target veteran who oversaw the retailer's vast inventory of merchandise and is leaving the company.

Jill Sando

The chief merchandising officer overseeing categories like apparel and home, who has been with Target since 1997 and is retiring.

Lisa Roath

An executive who previously oversaw food, essentials and cosmetics, and is now being promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

Cara Sylvester

The former Chief Guest Experience Officer, who is now becoming Target's new Chief Merchandising Officer.

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What they’re saying

“It's the start of a new chapter for Target, and we're moving quickly to take action against our priorities that will drive growth within our business.”

— Michael Fiddelke, CEO (Target)

What’s next

The leadership changes will take effect on Sunday, and Gomez and Sando will remain with the company for a short time to help with the transition.

The takeaway

Fiddelke's swift reshuffling of Target's top leadership signals his intent to quickly address the retailer's operational and public relations challenges, as he aims to steer the company in a new direction in his first major moves as CEO.