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Will outside recruits help fix Target’s supply chain?

Written by George Anderson

Photo: Target

Target has gone outside the company, once again, to find talent to help improve its supply chain performance. The latest hire, Shekar Natarajan, comes to the retailer from Walmart where he led a project testing drones in its warehouses. Mr. Natarajan, who held the title of vice president of last mile operations, emerging sciences and operational excellence at Walmart, has been hired as senior vice president of network planning and operational design, a new position created at Target. His responsibilities will include "new automation and other technologies to enhance speed, accuracy and efficiency." Mr. Natarajan will report to Arthur Valdez, Target’s chief supply chain and logistics officer. “At Target, we are laser-focused on delivering our guests the products they want quickly, accurately and efficiently,” said Mr. Valdez in a statement. “Under Shekar’s leadership, I’m confident we’ll be better positioned to deliver with improved speed and precision. Additionally, his experience and skills in future-state supply chain network planning will be a tremendous asset as we further develop our capabilities for the future.” Mr. Valdez, who came to Target after 16 years at Amazon.com, has been assembling a supply chain team since joining the company in March. In July, Mr. Valdez hired Ben Cook as senior vice president, global logistics, inventory allocation and replenishment. Mr. Cook came from Apple where he was director, logistics and supply chain strategy. “We need a supply chain that’s increasingly fast and precise,” said Mr. Valdez. “Ben’s expertise and proven track record in cutting cost and reducing complexity in the name of speed will be an incredible asset to our team.” In August, Mr. Valdez hired Preston Mosier, a 10-year Amazon vet, as senior vice president, fulfillment operations. “Bringing the online fulfillment function under a specialized leader will enhance our direct-to-guest operation,” he said. “Preston’s experience using technology and data to deliver smaller packages directly to consumers will help us continue building capabilities that will put product in guests’ hands even faster.” Other recent VP additions to Target’s supply chain team include Kevin Vliet from Tesla and Sumesh George from Walmart, according to the Star Tribune.

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