Target Appoints Former Nike and HanesBrands Executives to Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Target (NYSE: TGT) elected John Hoke, III and Steve Bratspies to its board, effective March 1, 2026 and April 1, 2026 respectively. Hoke, former chief innovation officer at NIKE, will serve on the Governance & Sustainability and Compensation & Human Capital Management committees. Bratspies, former CEO of HanesBrands, will serve on the Audit & Risk and Infrastructure & Finance committees.

The appointments align with Target's leadership transition under incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke and emphasize design, merchandising and operational experience. The release notes Bratspies led HanesBrands through the sale of Champion (2024) and its acquisition by Gildan last year.

Positive

• Board additions add retail and design leadership ahead of CEO transition
• John Hoke brings 30+ years of Nike design and innovation experience
• Steve Bratspies led HanesBrands through Champion sale and Gildan acquisition
• Committee alignments place hires on governance, compensation, audit and finance panels

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+0.43%

1 alert

+0.43% News Effect

On the day this news was published, TGT gained 0.43%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

• John Hoke, former Chief Innovation Officer at NIKE, Inc., will join the Board on March 1 and serve on the Governance & Sustainability and the Compensation & Human Capital Management committees
• Steve Bratspies, former CEO of HanesBrands, will join the Board on April 1 and serve on the Audit & Risk and the Infrastructure & Finance committees
• The appointments come as Target prepares for its next chapter of growth under incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announced today the election of two accomplished retail leaders to its Board of Directors: John Hoke, III, former chief innovation officer at NIKE, Inc., and Steve Bratspies, former chief executive officer of HanesBrands, Inc. Their appointments reflect Target's focus on delivering style, design and value through products and experiences grounded in a deep understanding of consumers.

A creative trailblazer in design-led brand building, Hoke served more than three decades at NIKE, Inc., serving as the company's first chief innovation officer and heading the global design team responsible for product innovation and brand development across the Nike, Jordan and Converse businesses. During his tenure, he served as chief design officer, helping elevate design as a strategic business capability and driving product differentiation and market growth. Prior to Nike, he worked at Michael Graves Architecture & Design. He currently serves as chair of the board of MillerKnoll and as an advisor for Piaggio Fast Forward.

Bratspies brings a strong track record of leading complex consumer businesses with a sharp focus on merchandising and operations. He led HanesBrands, Inc., beginning in 2020, guiding the company through a significant global transformation, including the sale of the Champion brand in 2024 and the acquisition of HanesBrands by Gildan Activewear last year. Before joining HanesBrands, he spent 15 years at Walmart Inc., including serving as chief merchandising officer from 2015 to 2020. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America division and served as chief marketing officer for Specialty Brands. He currently serves on the board of The Clorox Company.

"These appointments underscore the Board's continued commitment to strong governance and long-term value creation for shareholders," said Christine Leahy, Lead Independent Director of Target's Board of Directors. "John and Steve bring extensive experience that aligns closely with the Board's priorities as we oversee Target's strategy, welcome Michael Fiddelke as CEO and guide the company into its next chapter of growth."

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at nearly 2,000 stores and at Target.com, with the purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website (corporate.target.com) and press center. 

 

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SOURCE Target Corporation

FAQ

When do John Hoke and Steve Bratspies join Target's board (TGT)?

John Hoke joins on March 1, 2026 and Steve Bratspies joins on April 1, 2026.

Which committees will John Hoke serve on at Target (TGT)?

John Hoke will serve on the Governance & Sustainability and Compensation & Human Capital Management committees.

Which committees will Steve Bratspies serve on at Target (TGT)?

Steve Bratspies will serve on the Audit & Risk and Infrastructure & Finance committees.

How do these board appointments relate to Target's leadership change?

The appointments are timed ahead of welcoming incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke and aim to support Target's next growth chapter.

What relevant experience does John Hoke bring to Target (TGT)?

Hoke served 30+ years at NIKE as chief innovation officer and chief design officer, leading global product design and brand development.

What recent transactions did Steve Bratspies lead at HanesBrands noted in the announcement?

Bratspies oversaw the sale of Champion in 2024 and HanesBrands' subsequent acquisition by Gildan last year.