As it works to keep pace with e-commerce leaders, Target Corp. has announced the hire of Prat Vemana as executive vp, chief digital and product officer.
He joins Target on October 31 and will report to chief guest experience officer Cara Sylvester.
In his new role, Vemana will supervise Target’s digital business, including site merchandising, user experience, digital operations and product, and Target+, the company’s growing online third-party marketplace. He also will provide support for Target’s product teams across the company by bringing a holistic view to the retailer’s overall product strategy.
Vemana joins Target from Kaiser Permanente, where he served as senior vp and chief digital officer, leading its enterprise product management and experience teams. There, Target maintained, he advanced and accelerated digital strategy by modernizing platforms to migrate, deploy and manage applications with greater speed and agility. Vemana oversaw critical consumer experience enhancements including the redesign of the company’s mobile app and launched same-day home delivery for its pharmacy business, the company added.
Before joining Kaiser Permanente, Vemana held digital leadership positions at The Home Depot and Staples.
“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. “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.”
Target pointed out that digital currently represents 20% of its business.
