Target (TGT) recently announced a CEO transition, with Michael Fiddelke set to replace Brian Cornell, highlighting continuity in leadership and a focus on enterprise efficiencies. Despite a decline in earnings,

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

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in 2026, handing leadership to COO Michael Fiddelke as the retailer grapples with boycotts, tariffs, and falling sales.

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.

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

Fiddelke, an Iowa native and University of Iowa graduate, has been with Target since 2003, starting as an intern. Investors reacted negatively to the appointment, causing Target's shares to drop over 6%. An Iowa native and University of Iowa graduate will be the new top executive of Target, one of the nation's largest retail chains.

Incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke has been leading the retailer's acceleration effort to combat falling sales. He laid out plans to restore growth.

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.