Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down, and Michael Fiddelke, chief operating officer (COO), will become chief executive on Feb. 1, 2026. Cornell has led Target for 11 years. Fiddelke began his career at Target as an intern in 2003.

Now, investors have another wrinkle to consider. On Wednesday, Target replaced its CEO of 11 years, Brian Cornell — a shakeup that was widely expected and likely overdue. Taking his place to steer the brand out of its malaise is … Cornell’s right-hand man.

Michael Fiddelke, Target's current chief operating officer, will succeed Brian Cornell as chief executive officer, the company said in a release. Cornell, who has served as the company's CEO since 2014, will step down and Fiddelke will take over the role on Feb. 1, 2026.

On his shopping list come Feb. 1, new Target CEO Michael Fiddelke faces a multitude of challenges from making its offer clearer to unwinding the damage from DEI missteps.

Wall Street had hoped the big box retailer would hire someone from outside the company. Target's stock is down about 60% since 2021.

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.

Companies like Nike and Target are helmed by veterans who got their start at the companies decades ago.

Activists and customers on the right attacked Target on social media for its LGBTQ-themed merchandise during Pride Month. Target employees faced threats. Misinformation spread on social media that the swimsuits designed for transgender people were marketed to children, which they were not. The company removed them from stores.

Target's choice to name insider Michael Fiddelke as its new CEO in an effort to turn around the struggling retailer was met with a negative reaction from the stock market, as investors viewed the 20-year company veteran as unlikely to fix the company's myriad issues.

The news the retail industry has been anticipating for months was finally announced on Wednesday: Target CEO Brian Cornell is finally stepping down after 11 years at the helm and will be replaced by his operations chief Michael Fiddelke in February.