Beth Jacob, chief information officer at Target, has resigned from her position, the first major executive change following a massive data breach last year that resulted in 40 million consumer accounts being stolen along with the names and addresses of 70 million customers.
Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel said the company would immediately begin an external search for an interim CIO to help guide the retailer through an overhaul of its "information security and compliance structure and practices."
"To ensure that Target is well positioned following the data breach, we are undertaking an overhaul of our information security and compliance structure and practices. As a first step, Target will be conducting an external search for an interim CIO who can help guide [the company] through this transformation."
Target is also creating a new position, chief information security officer, which the company intends to fill from the outside, as well.
"We are also working with an external adviser, Promontory Financial Group, to help us evaluate our technology, structure, processes and talent as part of this transformation," Mr. Steinhafel said.
"I believe this is definitely a measure in restoring faith and really showing that they are taking the breach seriously," Heather Bearfield, national technology assurance services practice group leader for Marcum LLP, told Reuters.