Target Names Data Security Expert DeRodes as CIO

Target Corp. has hired Bob DeRodes as its new chief information officer. DeRodes, whose resume includes companies like CitiBank, Home Depot and Delta Air Lines, has also advised the Department of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense and the Department of Justice on issues of data security and information technology.

“Establishing a clear path forward for Target following the data breach has been my top priority,” commented Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel in a statement. “I believe Target has a tremendous opportunity to take the lessons learned from this incident and enhance our overall approach to data security and information technology. Bob’s history of leading transformational change positions him well to lead our continued breach responses and guide our long-term digital strategy.”

Target’s former CIO, Beth Jacob, quit in March after pressure mounted from the December security breach. Initially thought to have compromised the personal data of 40 million customers, the breach damage was later estimated at 70 million customers. The retailer’s fourth-quarter profit was hit by $17 million in costs associated with the breach.

Target operates 1,797 stores in the United States and 127 in Canada.