TECH-BASED INNOVATION strategies for supply chain technology . McNamara ’ s appointment came at the same time as Target ’ s announcements to refocus its efforts on increasing domestic profits by reallocating resources previously funneled to Canadian businesses .
McNamara , a graduate of the University College Dublin , joins Target after a 15-year stint at British grocer and retailer Tesco . As Tesco ’ s CTO , McNamara headed up much of the company ’ s online expansion , including Tesco Direct , an online general merchandise vertical .
In a brief interview released by Target Corporate in July , McNamara conveyed his enthusiasm for his new role . “ It ’ s a brilliant time to be in retail technology . Now more than ever , technology plays a major role in inspiring guest loyalty , so it ’ s exciting to be working at the front of the business ,” he said .
McNamara could be the ideal hybrid for Target ’ s information needs , given his education in engineering and his extensive experience with retail , and seems to have a firm grip on what is required for his new position . “ My role as leader is to support , not direct . It ’ s the engineers and others on the front line who create the true value ,” he said . “ My job is to get them the resources they need , remove the roadblocks and give them freedom to operate within a framework .” Target ’ s previous CIO , Bob DeRodes , had a background not in retail , but with the U . S . Department of Defense . “ Bob joined Target during a very challenging but important moment for the company ,” Target CEO Brian Cornell said in a press release earlier this year . “ I ’ m grateful for the progress that Bob and his team have made , and for the foundational IT work that ’ s been done to set Target up for future success .”
“ I ’ m thrilled to join Target at a time when Brian and the leadership team are intensifying their investment in technology and prioritizing its role in Target ’ s future success ,” McNamara said when Target made the announcement .
Cornell pointed to McNamara as perfect fit for the company ’ s needs . “ Technology is critical for Target ’ s future success , so finding the right leader for this role was one of my absolute top priorities . Mike has been a driving force for technology innovation throughout his career . He ’ s got a stellar track record ,” Cornell said .
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