Retail tech and innovation focused Canadian Tire boss Greg Hicks a leading candidate for Target CEO

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, there is a growing level of frustration inside Target that the retail giant has lost its way, and a push for a new CEO is underway.

Greg Hicks, Canadian Tire Corporation CEO, Richard Dickson, CEO at Gap, and Chris Nicholas, President and CEO at Sam's Club, are the top three external candidates, according to Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.

The leading internal candidate, meanwhile, is Michael Fiddelke. “Michael is my choice to be CEO if an internal candidate is chosen,” Ladd said. “However, based on discussions with industry analysts, and according to the WSJ, the overwhelming preference is that an external candidate be hired to be the CEO.”

“But who? There are several executives that I believe would be a great fit for Target. Walmart has several executives who could be its CEO. The problem is this: Walmart enforces non-compete agreements that prevent senior executives from leaving the company and working for a retailer with more than $7 billion in annual revenue. Target's 2024 revenue was $106 billion.”

A challenge for Target is that the company needs someone who is skilled in softlines, CPG and grocery, and hardlines. And most of the executives with this experience work at Walmart.

Another challenge, Ladd believes, is that Target urgently needs to undergo a transformation. This means replacing the majority of executives and hiring exceptionally talented executives to take their place. Such a move would require a CEO who is skilled at stepping into the role and making significant changes immediately, and still generating results.

Of the three aforementioned external candidates, Ladd argues that Chris Nicholas is by far the most qualified because of his supply chain and grocery experience in addition to his technology and store operations expertise. However, it's unlikely that he can become Target head honcho because of his non-compete.

Greg Hicks is very similar to Nicholas in terms of experience except for groceries. “What makes Greg special is that he embraces technology and innovation far better than most CEOs. He has overseen the launch of what is arguably the most innovative retail store in North America, with big plans to roll-out additional innovations,” Ladd commented. “Like Nicholas at Sam's Club, Greg may simply have no desire to leave Canadian Tire. Nonetheless, I believe Target should absolutely assess Canadian Tire’s new store model.”

Richard Dickson, meanwhile, has had an exemplary career. Prior to becoming Gap boss, he was the President and COO at Mattel. At Gap, he has hired a trusted team of executives, and has made multiple merchandising and operational changes. The results thus far have exceeded expectations.

“In my opinion, Richard should be named the next CEO at Target. He has proven his ability to step into a new CEO role and lead with authority to get things done. He will hire a new team of executives, and think big,” Ladd concluded.

Express Self-Checkout

In March 2024, Target rolled out Express Self-Checkout across nearly 2,000 stores, setting a ten items or fewer limit to keep lines moving.

It is now claiming that these lanes have reduced average transaction times across self-checkout and staffed lanes by nearly 8%.

The retailer’s net promoter score for wait times across checkout is up five points, while the NPS for interactions rose three points since Target implemented the change.

More customers are choosing its fully staffed registers, pitched as “the perfect option for anyone who has more in their carts, needs a helping hand, or just enjoys connecting with our team to help them get on their way sooner”.

It has invested in staff training alongside the express lanes to improve the overall checkout experience.

In an online post, Target said: “We’ll continue evolving to match guests with the right checkout options so they can get what they need - alongside same-day fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pick Up and our same-day delivery. It’s all in service to demonstrate the convenience, joy and value of the Target run.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Self-checkout technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.