Who is Michael Fiddelke? Target's COO to replace Brian Cornell as company's CEO starting February to reverse sliding sales

On August 20, US-based retail giant Target announced that Michael Fiddelke, its current Chief Operating Officer, would be its next CEO. Fiddelke will reportedly replace Brian Cornell, who held the position for over a decade. This managerial change comes amid the retail giant battling reverse sliding sales amid new tariff laws.

For the uninformed, Michael Fiddelke, aged 49, is a company veteran who joined Target in 2003 as an intern and rose through the ranks. According to his bio on the Target website, the executive held a "variety of leadership positions across the organization, including finance, merchandising, human resources and operations."

Nyra Kraal

@NyraKraal

Target Corp. has appointed veteran Michael Fiddelke as CEO, placing its hopes on the insider to revitalize sales and restore the retailer’s once-storied legacy.

In the announcement, Target added that the board of directors unanimously voted Fiddelke as Cornell's successor. In a press release, Christine Leahy, a member of the Board of Directors, said:

"It is clear that Michael is the right leader to return Target to growth, refocus and accelerate the company’s strategy, and reestablish Target’s position as a leader in the highly dynamic and fast-moving retail environment."

Furthermore, she added that what set Michael Fiddelke apart was "how he combines those strengths with a ‘fresh eyes’ mindset, challenging the status quo to evolve how the business operates, differentiates and delivers long-term value."

In its last fiscal quarter, Target noted a 1% loss in sales compared to the previous year, with the company citing low demand for merchandise such as apparel and electronics as the reason for the loss.

The company's profit for this quarter stands at $1.3 billion, a 19% loss from last year. According to Reuters, its stock has also undergone a 27% dip in the past year, and the company has faced calls for a boycott due to DEI practices.

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Michael Fiddelke graduated from the University of Iowa

According to his LinkedIn profile, Michael Fiddelke graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in industrial engineering. Between 2002 and 2004, he did his MBA at Northwestern University. He worked at Deloitte Consulting, LLP for three years before joining Target as a finance intern in 2003.

Over the next two decades, Fiddelke rose through the ranks at the retail giant, holding various leadership roles including finance director, vice president of pay and benefits, and COO.

Midnight Jones

@BobbiCool

“Cornell will be replaced on February 1, 2026, by Michael Fiddelke, Target’s current chief operating officer. Fiddelke started as an intern at Target and has been at the company for 20 years.”

According to a recent press release, Michael Fiddelke was tasked with managing 2,000 stores as COO and oversaw "efforts that enabled exponential growth across the business, including investments to build and scale the company's stores, supply chain, digital capabilities, and team." He also "spearheaded enterprise efforts to deliver more than $2 billion in efficiencies."

In a statement for the press release, Michael Fiddelke emphasized that his focus will be on "urgent commitment to drive growth and deliver better results," adding:

"After more than 20 years at Target, I know the power of our brand, the talent of our team, and the special place we hold in retail. My history with the company also deepens my sense of responsibility for where Target goes next, and I step into the role with an urgent commitment to drive growth and deliver better results."

He continued:

"I am eager to refocus our strategy and build on the assets and capabilities that have made Target a beloved destination for incredible products and a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. And to be clear, we have work to do to reach our full potential. Now's the time to take full advantage of our strengths, embrace change with pace and purpose, and regain our momentum."

Not much is known about Michael Fiddelke's personal life or family.

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According to the press release, Michael Fiddelke and Brian Cornell will reportedly work together "throughout the transition," with Fiddelke taking on the role of CEO and Cornell "moving into the role of executive chair" from February 1, 2026. The company has yet to announce Fiddelke's successor as COO.