Target taps former Tesco exec to serve as new CIO

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced on Tuesday that former Tesco executive Mike McNamara will assume the role of EVP and CIO. As the company’s top technology leader, McNamara will further advance Target’s digital transformation.



McNamara succeeds Bob DeRodes, who is retiring. DeRodes is a 40-year information technology veteran who joined Target last spring with a focus on enhancing data security and technology infrastructure. DeRodes will serve for a short time in a senior advisory role to Target.



McNamara will report to Target chairman and CEO Brian Cornell.

“Technology is critical for Target’s future success. So finding the right leader for this role was one of my absolute top priorities,” Cornell stated. “Mike has been a driving force for technology innovation throughout his career. He’s got a stellar track record, and I’m excited to see how he’ll help our team continue to push new innovations that enhance the shopping experience for Target guests, both online and in stores.”



McNamara will join Target from U.K.-based Tesco, where he worked for more than 15 years. In 2011, McNamara was named the global supermarket chain’s CIO, with responsibility for all information technology systems.



In his new role at Target, McNamara will have oversight of the company’s technology team and operations, including information security, and will help shape enterprise strategy as a member of Target’s leadership team.



“Tesco is a world class brand and I’m grateful for the time I spent there. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to join Target at a time when Brian and the leadership team are intensifying their investment in technology and prioritizing its role in Target’s future success,” McNamara stated. “I have long admired Target as a retailer and its legacy of putting customers first. To be part of an organization like Target and help shape the future of its technology and omnichannel strategy was a dream opportunity for me.”