Changes at the top of retail chains

This year has been a big one for executive transitions throughout big-box retail, with new leadership appointments seeming to emerge on a weekly basis. These reshuffles come as retailers reestablish their priorities following new CEO appointments, the growth of advertising, e-commerce, and membership programs, or attempts to reinvigorate their financial performance.

Blaine Nielsen, president of retailers for commerce operations platform Rithum, said these moves challenge the notion of merchandising being the most critical division of any retailer. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Kroger have all recently made changes to their leadership, promoting executives responsible for their respective AI, retail media, or e-commerce businesses to key positions.

“Retailers have built new businesses internally — marketplaces, retail media, membership, data, even rapid delivery — and that’s all been on top of an org chart designed traditionally to buy and sell owned inventory in stores,” Nielsen said. “The business has outgrown that org chart or those boxes, and different people who have grown some of those businesses … are now in the running for some of the top positions.”

Target continues its attempt to return to sales growth and transform its business. New CEO Michael Fiddelke has made several changes this year, including the appointment of Chandhu Nair as its first chief AI officer. Nair will join Target after more than six years at Lowe’s as svp of stores, data, AI, and innovation. This move highlights the importance of partnership strategies in the retail industry.

Purvi Shah was promoted to svp of user experience, while Lisa Roath took over as chief operating officer in February. Cara Sylvester became chief merchandising officer in February, and Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer, exited the company in February. Jill Sando, chief merchandising officer for apparel, accessories, home, and Fun101, retired in February.

Best Buy has dramatically overhauled its C-suite ahead of Jason Bonfig’s appointment to the role of CEO. Current CEO Corie Barry will depart on Oct. 31, and Bonfig, who has been with the company since 1999, was previously the company’s chief customer, product, and fulfillment officer.

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At Kroger, former Walmart U.S. leader Greg Foran was named CEO in February. With that, he has already made several leadership changes, including the appointment of Nate Faust as evp and chief e-commerce officer. They have also promoted Milen Mahadevan to chief data and AI officer, a new position for the company.

At The Home Depot, CEO Ted Decker is taking a “temporary medical leave of absence” for the next few months, leading to a few temporary executive changes. Ann-Marie Campbell, senior executive vp of U.S. stores and operations, will oversee day-to-day operations.

Walmart has also reshuffled its C-suite, with new CEO John Furner making changes to the company’s leadership. Seth Dallaire, evp and chief growth officer of Walmart U.S., was named evp and chief growth officer for Walmart Inc.

It’s likely that retailers will place even greater emphasis on e-commerce and digital transformation, leading to further changes in their C-suites. The retail environment is changing, and companies must adapt to stay competitive.

Target’s Halloween assortment is 70% new this year. Walmart is proposing a fulfillment warehouse in Orange County, New York. Consumers expect to spend less on back-to-school items than they did in 2025.

Taylor Farms is recalling several prepared products sold at Walmart and Target due to a salmonella risk. The products include pico de gallo salsa and guacamole.