Target hires Amazon executive to help improve supply chain

Target Corp. has hired a seasoned veteran from archrival Amazon as it doubles down on upgrading its supply chain.

Arthur Valdez will relocate to Minneapolis in the coming weeks to become Target's executive vice president of supply chain and logistics. He spent the past 16 years of his career at Amazon, most recently as its vice president of operations focused on expanding the online giant's international supply chain.

He will replace Keri Jones, who has been with Target for more than two decades. Jones will stay on for a time to help in the transition, a Target spokeswoman said.

Valdez, who starts March 28, is the second major hire at Target in the last six months who will be focused on getting items better stocked on store shelves. In September, Target hired Anu Gupta to fill the new position of senior vice president of operational excellence to also help in that endeavor.

Both report to John Mulligan, who Chief Executive Brian Cornell promoted to chief operating officer last summer and was charged with the task of helping Target improve on the fundamentals. Cornell last summer said the frequency that stores didn't have items had become "unacceptable." Part of the problem, he said at the time, was that Target's system of dealing with suppliers and goods was built around stores and wasn't equipped for the additional pressure of online orders.

"While we've made significant progress in improving our operations, Target's growth hinges on our ability to enhance the fundamental aspects of our business, starting with the supply chain," Mulligan said in a statement. "Arthur's leadership and experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to drive improvements in end-to-end processes including leveraging our almost 1,800 stores to deliver a seamless experience for our guests."

Target executives are expected to delve into changes in operations at a meeting with investors on Wednesday in New York.

Kavita Kumar • 612-673-4113