Target lands Nordstrom exec as chief merchant

MINNEAPOLIS — Nordstrom executive Mark Tritton has joined Target Corp. as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

Target said Tuesday that Tritton will oversee enterprise buying, product design and development, sourcing, visual merchandising strategy, and merchandising transformation and operations.

Mark Tritton

“I’m proud to be joining Target, a brand that I’ve long studied and admired,” Tritton said in a statement. “The retail landscape and consumer expectations have never been more dynamic, and I look forward to leading and supporting the team as we find new ways to innovate, inspire and connect with our current and future guests.”

At Nordstrom, Tritton most recently served as executive vice president and president of Nordstrom Product Group, overseeing the merchandising, design, manufacturing, marketing and omnichannel distribution of more than 50 private-label brands. During his tenure with the upscale retailer, Tritton led his team to double its private-label business, created distinct brand assets and helped establish Nordstrom as a global benchmark for retailers taking an integrated approach to stores and digital merchandising, Target reported. Before joining Nordstrom, Tritton held leadership positions at Timberland and Nike.

“Over the past year, we’ve undergone an exhaustive search for a chief merchant, and I’m confident that Mark’s experience and passion make him the right fit for Target’s business and our team,” Target chairman and chief executive officer Brian Cornell stated. “He’s a bold, decisive leader, and he’ll play a critical role in guiding Target’s merchandising authority across all channels, ensuring we meet the ever-evolving wants and needs of our guests.”

Target also announced Tuesday that it has named Jason Goldberger, president of Target.com and mobile, to the newly created role of chief digital officer. With the appointment, he remains president of Target.com.

Tritton and Goldberger are slated to start in their new roles on June 5. Both will report to Cornell.