Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel resigns

MINNEAPOLIS — In the wake of a data breach late last year, Target’s board of directors has announced that Gregg Steinhafel is stepping down as chairman, president and CEO, effective immediately.

 

“Today we are announcing that, after extensive discussions, the board and Gregg Steinhafel have decided that now is the right time for new leadership at Target. Effective immediately, Gregg will step down from his positions as chairman of the Target board of directors, president and CEO.” 

Assuming the role of interim president and CEO is John Mulligan, Target’s CFO. Roxanne Austin, a current member of Target’s board of directors, has been appointed as interim non-executive chair of the board. Both will serve in their roles until permanent replacements are named. Steinhafel has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity during the transition.

CFO John Mulligan is named interim president and CEO

“The board is deeply grateful to Gregg for his significant contributions and outstanding service throughout his notable 35-year career with the company. We believe his passion for the team and relentless focus on the guest have established Target as a leader in the retail industry. Gregg has created a culture that fosters innovation and supports the development of new ideas. Under his leadership, the company has not only enhanced its ability to execute, but has broadened its strategic horizons. He also led the company through unprecedented challenges, navigating the financial recession, reacting to challenges with Target’s expansion into Canada, and successfully defending the company through a high-profile proxy battle,” the board stated.

 

The board added, “Most recently, Gregg led the response to Target’s 2013 data breach. He held himself personally accountable and pledged that Target would emerge a better company. We are grateful to him for his tireless leadership and will always consider him a member of the Target family.”