Target's chief merchandising officer to move into advisory role

MINNEAPOLIS — Target’s EVP, chief merchandising and supply chain officer, Kathee Tesija, will move into an advisory role, effective July 6, the company announced on Thursday.



Target chairman and CEO Brian Cornell issued the following statement:



“During Kathee’s nearly 30-year career at Target, she has earned a reputation as an outstanding merchant and business leader who has been instrumental in Target’s growth and our recent efforts to regain our momentum. Her leadership and countless contributions helped establish Target as one of America’s favorite retailers.

Over the past several months, Kathee and I have had many discussions about the business and together have decided that it is the right time for her to transition to an advisory role. In this role, she will spend the next several months contributing to key enterprise initiatives and ensuring a smooth transition of her responsibilities.

This role is critical to ensuring Target’s future success and we are conducting a comprehensive external and internal search for a new leader. On behalf of the entire Target team, I want to thank Kathee for all she has done on behalf of our company, brand, and team.”



Tesija joined Target in 1986 as a merchandise analyst, and has since held key leadership positions throughout the organization, including VP and SVP of various divisions. She was promoted to her current position in 2008 and added responsibility for the company’s supply chain in 2012.