Gregg Steinhafel Steps Down As CEO Of Target

It was announced Monday morning that Gregg Steinhafel will step down as Chairman, President and CEO of Target TGT. CFO John Mulligan will take the role of interim CEO as the company looks for a new executive and Roxanne Austin will replace Steinhafel as chairman.

Steinhafel had been with the company for over 35 years. He became president in 1999 before also taking the role of CEO in 2008.

There are two related catalysts that are likely cause for his removal. Sales for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2014, dropped 0.97 percent year-over-year and income for the year fell 52.16 percent. This is partly related to the massive data theft that comprised credit card information for 40 million customers and other information (home address, phone number) from 70 million customers. The press release announcing his resignation stated that he holds himself personally responsible for the incident.

Related: Benzinga Weekly Preview: Earnings Season Continues, Albeit A Tad Slower

Belus Capital CEO Brian Sozzi is critical of the company for not replacing Steinhafel before the spring selling season and before Target began to plan for the upcoming holiday season -- including back-to-school time. Sozzi also notes that traffic has not increased for the first quarter, despite increased price competitiveness and that its Canada business is still in a bad state.

He thinks the board will look for an outsider with a global perspective as its next CEO.

Shares of Target have taken a hit following the news and were last trading down 0.94 percent at $61.43.

Posted In: NewsRetail SalesManagementBelus CapitalBrian SozziGregg Steinhafel
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