THE WHAT? Target’s COO and Chief External Engagement Officer have announced their planned retirements. COO John Mulligan will see out the year from February 2024 in a strategic advisor role while Laysha Ward will step into an advisory position up until April next year.

THE DETAILS According to a report published by Fashion Network, Target will announce its succession plans prior to Mulligan’s official retirement date.

The US retailer has also announced the appointment of Matt Zabel to Chief Corporate Affairs Officer while Kiera Fernandez has been promoted to EVP and Chief Community Impact and Equity Officer.

THE WHY? Brian Cornell, Chair and CEO, reveals, per Fashion Network, “On behalf of the entire Target team, I want to thank John and Laysha for the tremendous impact they’ve had on our team and business during their impressive careers with the company. I look forward to working closely with John until his retirement in 2025 and appreciate the important role he’ll play in setting his successor up for success, and I wish Laysha the very best as she prepares to embark on her next chapter.”