Ex-Target senior vp Thompson joins Rite Aid

CAMP HILL, Pa. Rite Aid added a second former-Target executive to its ranks Tuesday, with the announcement that Robert Thompson, formerly a senior vice president at Target Corp., has joined the company as senior vice president of the Western Division where he will supervise operations of more than 900 stores.

In his new position with Rite Aid, Thompson will report to Brian Fiala, executive vice president of store operations, who made the jump from Target to Rite Aid in June.

“Bob’s wealth of experience in all areas of store operations and his expertise in developing store operational initiatives to drive and increase financial performance will be a valuable asset to our company,” Fiala said. “His understanding of the West Coast market will be instrumental in our continuing efforts to improve the customer and associate experience in that part of the country.”

Thompson joined Target in 1988 as a store team leader, moving up the ranks to district team leader, regional operations director and then to director, Mid-Atlantic stores. He was promoted to vice president, store support for all of Target in 2001, where he was responsible for all store systems and process development and developed initiatives to improve operational and financial performance. He was named senior vice president-West Region in 2002. Before joining Target, Thompson served in progressive management positions for Lamonts Apparel Stores in Seattle, Washington.

Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University.