Target CEO search spotlights retail tech and leadership shift

Target is moving toward a leadership change, with multiple external and internal names in consideration for the top role. Industry reports suggest growing pressure inside the company for a shift in strategy and direction.

Among the leading external options are Greg Hicks of Canadian Tire, Richard Dickson of Gap, and Chris Nicholas of Sam’s Club. The top internal contender is Michael Fiddelke. Each brings a different mix of operational, technology, and category experience, with retail tech capabilities playing a central role in the discussion.

Innovation in store operations

In the past few years, Target has added more technology to its stores. One of the bigger steps was rolling out express self-checkout to almost 2,000 sites. These lanes, set for ten items or fewer, were designed to cut waiting times and keep lines moving.

The company says the change has improved customer scores for both speed and service. Shoppers are also using staffed lanes more often, especially when they have full carts or want extra help from store teams.

Training programs for staff have been expanded alongside these upgrades. The goal is to match in-store service with digital tools such as Drive Up, Order Pickup, and same-day delivery.

Retail tech in focus

The push for express self-checkout is just one sign of how big stores are reworking the way they run. Across retail, more automation is showing up, not only to make buying faster but also cut down slow spots in store operations. Things like checkout-free setups and big automated supply chains are getting more attention, and a lot of it will show at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

Who Target picks as next CEO will likely set how quick these changes roll out. A leader with strong retail tech know-how could push upgrades faster, while still figuring the right plan for grocery, CPG and other main categories.