Target Corp. appears to be on a hiring spree — at least when it comes to the digital and technology space.
The Minneapolis-based retailer announced Monday that it has appointed three new senior-level executives in the fields of information technology, e-commerce and digital products. The additions are part of the company's efforts to accelerate its digital transformation as it tries to catch up on that front with competitors such as Amazon and Walmart.
"Certainly these hires speak to the emphasis and energy we're putting into our digital transformation," said Eddie Baeb, a Target spokesman. "We're actively looking to continue to bolster talent both digitally and throughout the company."
Jim Fisher will become Target's senior vice president of infrastructure and operations as well as technology services. He was most recently senior vice president of global infrastructure for First Data Corp. He will report to Target's recently hired chief information officer, Bob DeRodes, who was brought on board to help the retailer beef up its security following last year's massive data breach.
Alan Wizemann has become vice president of Target.com and mobile products. For the last two years, he was a consultant for Target and led various product teams, including Target's mobile coupon app Cartwheel, which is celebrating its first birthday. He will report to Jason Goldberger, senior vice president of Target.com and mobile.
David Weissman is Target's new president of the DermStore, an online beauty and skin-care products firm based in El Segundo, Calif., that Target acquired last year. He was previously executive vice president of e-commerce and omnichannel for BCBG Max Azria Group Inc. He replaced DermStore's recently departed president, Dan Obegi. Weissman will report to Peter Glusker, Target's recently hired senior vice president of new business integration and operations.
Target has been known for — and sometimes criticized for — promoting mostly from within the company. But Baeb noted that all three of these hires are coming from outside of Target.
"The fact that we're bringing in so much external leadership is a significant move and statement for Target," he said.
The stepped-up activity on the hiring front comes at a time when Target is trying to turn around disappointing U.S. sales. It is also searching for a new CEO following the removal of Gregg Steinhafel in May.
In late May, Target said it will hire at least 50 software engineers for Target.com and its mobile product teams this year as it looks to remake itself digitally. It also has formed a new digital advisory council, which includes leaders from Orbitz Worldwide and Match Group, to help it innovate faster.
In recent weeks, Target has announced other senior-level hires including Brad Maiorino to be its chief information security officer and Kristi Argyilan to be its senior vice president of media and guest engagement.
Kavita Kumar • 612-673-4113