Target, one of the leading retail chains in the US, has announced Michael Fiddelke as its new CEO, who will take over from Brian Cornell on February 1, 2026. This appointment marks the first time in many years that the company has brought an insider to the top.
Fiddelke’s career is remarkable: He joined Target as an intern in 2003 and has held positions in various areas including finance, human resources, operations, and product management. From 2019 to 2024, he served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and currently manages 2,000 stores, global supply chain, and digital services as the President of Operations.
He also spearheaded the company’s digital transformation with a $2 billion productivity program.In the new era, Fiddelke stated his priorities, saying, “We must move much faster”: improving product quality, strengthening the price-value balance, standardizing customer experience, and integrating technology into all of the company’s processes.
Target faces challenges such as increasing inflationary pressure, US tariffs, competing with giant rivals like Amazon and Walmart, inventory management, and retail crime.
Fiddelke’s leadership will shape the company’s future during this critical period.