Target Taps Tesco Executive as CIO

Target has announced that former Tesco executive Mike McNamara will be assuming the role of executive vice president and CIO at Target, sources told Drug Store News.

McNamara had been at Tesco for 15 years until he became CIO there in 2011, in charge of overseeing technological upgrades to the Tesco ecosystem, such as the implementation of mobile grocery purchases as well as the use of retail data miner Dunnhumby for its loyalty program, which is in the midst of being sold as of Jan 9.

At Target, McNamara will be in charge of Target’s technology division, overseeing operations as well as helping to shape enterprise strategy for the company. He will be taking over for former CIO Bob DeRobes, who is retiring after 40 years in the business. DeRobes had come on in the spring of 2014 to help enhance Target’s data security, technology and infrastructure — areas that had been the subject of a massive data breach fairly recently.

“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 about the role with his new company. “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 will also answer to Target CEO and chairman, Brian Cornell, who stated that technological upgrades are an important part of the retail chain’s long-term success.

“Mike has been a driving force for technology innovation throughout his career,” Cornell stated. “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.”