New Target Hire To Focus On Optimization

Target today named Anu Gupta senior vice president of operational excellence. In the position, which is new, Gupta will lead a dedicated team in simplifying and optimizing processes across the business to help Target become more agile in anticipating and meeting the needs of shoppers. Gupta, who will start on Oct. 12, will report to John Mulligan, who was recently elevated to chief operating officer — the company’s first — from chief financial officer, a title he held since 2012.

Gupta was previously senior operating executive at private equity investment firm Hellman & Friedman, where her responsibilities included oversight for improving business processes and productivity across Hellman’s portfolio companies. Prior to that, Gupta was vice president for process and profit improvement at Michaels Stores, where she led the improvement of a variety of core business processes, including inventory productivity, product delivery lead times and store operations. Prior to Michaels, Gupta held an operational leadership role at Safeway and was responsible for creating strategic retail services initiatives.

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Gupta’s appointment comes as Target renews its focus on improving operational fundamentals, including technology systems and platforms, supply chain and out-of-stocks and the guest experience. Target previously announced that it’s investing $1 billion in supply chain and technology infrastructure this year. Part of the effort includes putting the right leaders and teams in place.

“Anu has a proven track record of increasing effectiveness across every aspect of organizations in a variety of complex businesses, including retail,” said Mulligan. “She brings the right expertise to help simplify our operating processes to be more nimble and sustainable, an important early step as we focus on shoring up our core operations and giving guests an on-demand experience.”

“My focus upon arriving at Target will be working closely with leaders to help make strides in the effort to strengthen the fundamentals,” Gupta said.