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

In addition to announcing its Q2 2025 results, Target also revealed that it would be getting a new CEO. The company announced that its current CEO, Brian Cornell, will be stepping down from the role in February 2026. On February 1, its new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, will take the reins. Cornell has been Target’s CEO since 2014.

Fiddelke, an Iowa native and University of Iowa graduate, has been with Target since 2003, starting as an intern. Investors reacted negatively to the appointment, causing Target's shares to drop over 6%. An Iowa native and University of Iowa graduate will be the new top executive of Target, one of the nation's largest retail chains.

Target (NYSE: TGT) has named insider Michael Fiddelke its next chief executive (CEO). Fiddelke has been with the retail behemoth for more than 20 years and will replace Brian Cornell on Feb 1. But the announcement didn’t sit well with investors as evidenced in a 6.

Key Takeaways Target announced it was replacing CEO Brian Cornell with 20-year company veteran Michael Fiddelke, and shares plunged.Fiddelke was instrumental in the struggling retailer's efforts to reshape how it operates.

Target reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter earnings Wednesday, but that may not matter much to investors, who finally know who the retailer’s next chief executive is going to be. Target announced that longtime veteran and current Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke will succeed CEO Brian Cornell on Feb.