Target Corp. on Tuesday said Tesco veteran 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 and help Target become a leading omnichannel retailer, the company said.
McNamara replaces Bob DeRodes, who is retiring after playing a pivotal role in guiding the Minneapolis chain’s information security efforts. 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 said. “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 UK-based Tesco PLC, 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. McNamara was instrumental in modernizing and advancing Tesco’s IT and supply chain worldwide, which helped establish Tesco as an e-commerce pioneer that’s now one of the world’s largest online grocers. Under his leadership, Tesco also ushered in a host of breakthrough in-store technologies such as “scan-as-you-shop” capabilities and launched the company’s innovation lab. McNamara also is chairman of Tesco’s technology office in India.
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 said. “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.”

McNamara’s predecessor, DeRodes, is a 40-year IT veteran who joined Target last spring with a focus on enhancing data security and technology infrastructure. Target said DeRodes was instrumental in moving the company’s technology team forward, including hiring Brad Maiorino as the company’s first chief information security officer, and preparing Target for the 2014 holiday season. DeRodes will serve for a short time in a senior advisory role to Target.
“Bob joined Target during a very challenging but important moment for the company,” Cornell said. “I’m grateful for the progress that Bob and his team have made, and for the foundational IT work that’s been done to set Target up for future success.”