Target hires former Walmart leader for top seafood role

As Target expands further into fresh seafood, it has strategically hired two new executives to fill food leadership roles.

Mark Kenny, formerly the senior director of private brands, deli and bakery for Walmart, was named the vice president of meat and fresh foods at Target. Kenny will oversee the meat, seafood, deli, bakery and the prepared foods category.

“The prepared food space is growing rapidly in the U.S., and Kenny will help sharpen the retailer’s focus on convenient eating, saving Target guests time and money, in addition to offering a curated mix of owned and national brands in these categories,” Target said in a statement.

In addition, Liz Nordlie will join Target as the vice president of product design and development for food and beverage. Nordlie comes to Target from General Mills, Inc., where she spent 20 years in general management roles, building brands across cereal, snacks, meals, yogurt and baking core businesses, as well as naturals and organics. 

Nordie will help Target “accelerate the retailer’s food and beverage strategy, aimed at offering a differentiated experience, with an emphasis on fresh produce, convenient eating and a curated assortment of affordable and accessible owned and national brands,” the retailer said.

“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 at Target. “With Jeff Burt’s leadership, and the investment we’re making to bring on two new seasoned executives, combined with our already talented team, I’m confident we’ll be able to go even further, faster, delivering both an experience and assortment that’s uniquely Target.”

Kenny and Nordlie will start their new positions in late August.

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