Recode: Amazon Poached Target Exec Who Was Tasked With Beating Amazon

According to Recode, Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN just poached a notable executive from Target Corporation TGT who was ironically tasked with exploring growth initiatives to counter ecommerce giants such as Amazon.

A source told Recode that Amazon hired Jamil Ghani, who served as Target's SVP of strategy and innovation. Recode added his LinkedIn profile stated he lead a "150-person team spanning strategy, innovation, merchandising, business development, and technology that identify and build what's next for Target."

His LinkedIn profile also notes he is an adviser to Paypal Holdings Inc PYPL and his job description reads: "Influence PayPal technology, customer acquisition, and other business strategies that will advance the movement of money. Participate in community to accelerate growth for the business and customers alike."

A Target spokesperson confirmed with Recode that Ghani left the retailer, but didn't offer any further commentary.

At Amazon, he will be running the Amazon Prime membership business in international markets. Recode suggested the company's growth in the international markets has become vital as growth among Prime members in the U.S. is expected to cool down in the coming years.

In fact, nearly one out of every two American households already pay Amazon's $99 a year subscription cost for Prime.