In addition to announcing its Q2 2025 results, Target also revealed that it would be getting a new CEO. The company announced that its current CEO, Brian Cornell, will be stepping down from the role in February 2026. On February 1, its new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, will take the reins. Cornell has been Target’s CEO since 2014.

The retailer’s board believes a company veteran can promote much needed change. Now, Michael Fiddelke has to prove himself to others.

Target's choice to name insider Michael Fiddelke as its new CEO in an effort to turn around the struggling retailer was met with a negative reaction from the stock market, as investors viewed the 20-year company veteran as unlikely to fix the company's myriad issues.

Target Corp. on Wednesday named Michael Fiddelke as its new chief executive, promoting the company veteran who has served as chief operating officer since January 2024. Fiddelke, 49, will succeed Brian Cornell, who led the Minneapolis-based retailer for 11 years through a period of significant growth and recent challenges.

Target named Michael Fiddelke as its new CEO, effective Feb. 1. Target beat Wall Street's earnings and sales expectations and reaffirmed its outlook on Wednesday, even as the company's sales and traffic across its stores and website declined.

After Target faced backlash for eliminating some of its DEI programs, the company is replacing its CEO as sales continue to lag. (Scripps News)

Michael Fiddelke, the company’s chief operating officer, will take over as chief executive in February as Brian Cornell transitions to executive chair. The announcement comes at a time Target is trying to emerge from multiple quarters of sales declines.