Target's chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke, is set to succeed current CEO Brian Cornell in 2026. Cornell will transition to the role of executive chair of the board of directors. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Target CEO Brian Cornell will be replaced by chief operating officer Michael Fiddelke in early 2026.

Analysts say incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke “deserves a chance to prove himself,” though it could take time and more money for Target to get its charm back

The chief operating officer, who will take the top job in February, said the retailer needs to revive its focus on stylish merchandise.

Michael Fiddelke, the company’s chief operating officer, will take over as chief executive in February as Brian Cornell transitions to executive chair. The announcement comes at a time Target is trying to emerge from multiple quarters of sales declines.

Shares of Target Corp. slumped 10.5% in premarket trading Wednesday, after the discount retailer said it was replacing for Chief Executive Brian Cornell, who has been in charge for the past 11 years, with current Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke, effective Feb. 1, 2026.