As Target looks to turn its grocery business around and boost its appeal to consumers looking for fresh and tasty offerings, the retailer has announced two new leaders to its lineup. Mark Kenny and Liz Nordlie are joining the company as Vice Presidents for two of its food divisions, bringing experience from established brands like Walmart and General Mills.
"We have been making positive progress with our assortment, presentation and operations in food and beverage this year," said Mark Tritton, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Target, in a statement according to Fortune.
Mark Kenny is joining the Target team as its new Vice President of Meat and Fresh Prepared Food, according to Reuters. Previously, Kenny served as Senior Director Private Brand, Deli and Bakery for Walmart. Kenny broke into his buy-side career in 2007, working for Sam’s Club and moving up through the ranks to land as Senior Merchandise Director Frozen Food before moving to Walmart, according to his LinkedIn.
The two new hires will help the company "go even further, faster, delivering both an experience and assortment that’s uniquely Target," Tritton added. Fortune noted that these two new hires will help Target improve its prepared foods, as well as its brands.
Liz Nordlie will now serve as Target’s Vice President of Product Design and Development for Food and Beverage. Nordlie formerly served as the President of Baking Division at General Mills, holding a variety of leadership positions with the company since 1995.
For a similar boost on its grocery offerings, Target brought on Jeff Burt earlier this year as Senior Vice President of Grocery, Fresh Food & Beverage. Burt came to the retailer with 30 years of experience from Kroger, including time spent as President of its Fred Meyer division.
Target recently sparked talk that it may be on the upswing, after boosting its second-quarter earnings. The store cited improved traffic and sales amongst its stores, but analysts put an emphasis on the chain’s need to invest in its grocery business; an investment that Target looks to be delivering on.
Will Target continue to ramp up its grocery offerings? Deli Market News will have the latest.
