Target taps Kaiser Permanente exec to lead digital

Target Corp. has added a seasoned digital leader to its leadership team.

The discounter appointed Prat Vemana as executive VP, chief digital and product officer. He will join Target on Oct. 31, reporting to chief guest experience officer Cara Sylvester. 

Vemana joins Target from managed care consortium Kaiser Permanente, where was senior VP and chief digital officer and led its enterprise product management and experience teams. He accelerated Kaiser’s digital strategy by modernizing its platforms to migrate, deploy and manage applications with greater speed and agility. His work included launching same-day home delivery for its pharmacy business.

Prior to Kaiser Permanente, Vemana held digital leadership positions at The Home Depot and Staples.

In his new role at Target, Vemana will oversee the company’s digital business, including site merchandising, user experience, digital operations and product, and the retailer’s growing online third-party marketplace, Target+. Additionally, he will provide key support for Target’s product teams by bringing a holistic view to the retailer’s overall product strategy, the company said.  

Digital currently represents 20% of Target’s business. The company continues to advance its digital shopping experience through investments in its suite of same-day services.

“Digital continues to be a major growth driver for Target, and we’re excited for Prat to bring his proven expertise in this area to an elevated role on our leadership team,” said CEO Brian Cornell. “Our team has created a digital shopping experience that is truly best in class, and under Prat’s leadership, our digital business is well-positioned to continue growing for years to come.”