Target names Tesco’s McNamara as CIO

Mike McNamara is replacing the retiring Bob DeRodes as Target CIO, the company announced.

McNamara joins Target after a 15-year run at Tesco PLC in the U.K., most recently as the chain's CIO, where he helped modernize and advance the company's IT and supply chain which provided the underpinnings of Tesco's e-commerce initiative, one of the earliest contenders in e-commerce.

He also led efforts to introduce “breakthrough” technologies in Tesco stores, including “scan as you shop,” and the creation of an innovation lab.

DeRodes, who will continue for a short time in a senior advisory position, became Target CIO last spring after a data breach led to the resignation of then CIO Beth Jacob and a restructuring of the company's security and compliance group. He hired the company's first CISO, Brad Maiorino.

McNamara will report to Brian Cornell, Target's chairman and CEO.