Target has hired Prat Vemana as EVP, chief digital and product officer, effective October 31. He will report to chief guest experience officer Cara Sylvester.
“With his experience leading digital businesses across consumer-facing industries and a guest-centric vision, Prat is the ideal leader to further accelerate Target’s digital growth and maximize our impact for guests, team members and our business,” said Sylvester in a statement.
In this role, Vemana will oversee Target’s digital business, including site merchandising, user experience, digital operations and product, and Target+, the retailer’s online third-party marketplace. Additionally, he will provide key support for Target’s product teams across the company.
“Digital continues to be a major growth driver for Target, and we’re excited for Prat to bring his proven expertise in this area to an elevated role on our leadership team,” said CEO Brian Cornell in a statement. “Our team has created a digital shopping experience that is truly best in class, and under Prat’s leadership, our digital business is well-positioned to continue growing for years to come.”
Vemana joins Target from Kaiser Permanente, where he served as SVP and chief digital officer, leading enterprise product management and experience teams. While at the company, he advanced its digital strategy by modernizing its platforms to migrate, deploy, and manage applications with greater agility. He also helped implement consumer experience enhancements like the redesign of the company’s mobile app and to launch same-day home delivery for its pharmacy business.
“Target sets the standard for consumer experience in retail and is known for delighting its guests in a way that’s consistent and engaging across every touchpoint,” said Vemana in a statement. “I’m thrilled to join a company that I’ve long admired, and I look forward to playing a key role in shaping the future of Target’s leading digital experience.”
Digital currently represents 20 percent of Target’s business, according to the company, and the digital shopping experience continues to receive investments in its suite of same-day services.
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Image: Target