Jeff England joins Target as EVP and chief global supply chain and logistics officer
According to Supply Chain Dive, Target has appointed Jeff England as its new Executive Vice President and chief global supply chain and logistics officer. England will begin his role on May 31, 2026, succeeding the previous leader in a move aimed at strengthening the company’s in-stock reliability and supply chain performance.
Former Walmart executive brings proven inventory expertise
England previously worked at QXO, a company focused on supply chain optimization, where he led efforts to improve inventory availability. His background in inventory management and supply chain operations is expected to help Target address persistent challenges with product availability. According to the report, his prior experience at Walmart—where he contributed to inventory efficiency improvements—positions him well for the role.
“Target is focused on delivering the right product at the right time, and Jeff’s track record in inventory availability will be critical to that mission.” — Source, Supply Chain Dive
Strengthening supply chain reliability in a competitive retail environment
Target has faced ongoing scrutiny over stockouts and fulfillment delays, particularly in high-demand product categories. The appointment of England is part of a broader strategy to enhance end-to-end supply chain resilience. The company aims to improve its on-time delivery rates and reduce out-of-stock incidents, which have impacted customer satisfaction and sales in recent quarters.
According to the source, Target has been investing in digital supply chain tools and real-time inventory visibility systems. England’s leadership is expected to accelerate the implementation of these technologies. The company reported that in Q4 2025, its in-stock rate for key categories reached 89%, a 4 percentage point improvement from the prior year. This metric is expected to be a key performance indicator under England’s oversight.
Industry context: Retailers prioritize supply chain leadership
Target’s move reflects a broader trend among major U.S. retailers to elevate supply chain leadership. In 2025, Amazon appointed a new global logistics head, and Walmart named a new chief supply chain officer in January 2026. These appointments underscore the strategic importance of supply chain efficiency in maintaining competitive advantage.
According to a 2024 report by Gartner, 73% of retailers cited supply chain reliability as a top priority for 2025–2026. The same study noted that companies with dedicated C-suite supply chain leaders experienced a 22% reduction in stockout incidents compared to those without. Target’s decision to appoint a senior executive with deep operational experience aligns with this industry pattern.
Practical implications for supply chain professionals
For supply chain professionals, the appointment signals a shift toward operational excellence and data-driven decision-making. England’s background in inventory optimization suggests a focus on demand forecasting accuracy, safety stock modeling, and warehouse automation. These areas are critical for reducing carrying costs while maintaining service levels.
Supply chain managers at other retailers may now prioritize similar leadership hires, especially those with cross-functional experience in retail operations and logistics. The role of the chief supply chain officer is increasingly seen as pivotal to omnichannel success, particularly as retailers expand same-day delivery and buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) options.
Source: Supply Chain Dive
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
