Target strengthens AI and UX leadership

August 11, 2026 — Technology is most powerful at Target BB #:166987 when it brings together our team’s expertise, creativity and care with the speed and intelligence of trusted data, AI and modern platforms.

In our next chapter of growth, we’re strengthening our AI and user experience (UX) capabilities to advance our strategic priorities: leading with merchandising authority, elevating the guest experience, accelerating technology and strengthening our team and communities.

On Aug. 24, Chandhu Nair will join Target as senior vice president and our first chief AI officer, bringing greater focus and coordination to AI across the enterprise.

At the same time, Purvi Shah will move into the role of senior vice president of UX, reinforcing our belief that human-centered design is essential to creating experiences that feel distinctly Target.

Together, these capabilities will help Target move from insight to action faster, while keeping people at the center of what we build.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to make AI real for the people who experience Target every day,” said Nair. “The most meaningful AI stories won’t be about what happens in a lab. They’ll be about what happens on the front line — how we make shopping easier for a guest, give a team member a better tool, make a business decision with more confidence or bring a new idea to market faster.

“Target has distinctive strengths in its stores, merchandising and team. The opportunity is to use AI to build on those strengths and support Target’s priorities, not create a separate AI strategy. We should begin with the outcomes we want and focus the technology where it can make the biggest difference.”

“This moment gives UX the opportunity to engage more deeply than ever as a key part of the teams building the technology,” said Shah. “Our role is to shape not only what people see, but the systems and decisions behind it to ensure each experience is as easy, inspiring and valuable as it can be.
“That’s another way Target can continue to lead through design, bringing the same thoughtfulness we’re known for in our assortment to the technology and experiences that shape how people interact with Target.

“Experience is everywhere at Target. It’s how a guest discovers a product, how a field team member completes a task and how a business partner works with our team. These moments are connected and powered with intelligence. When we make these experiences even better, we create more opportunity for Target to grow.”