Target to Open Analytics and BI 'Center of Excellence'

US retailer Target Corporation is creating a 'center of excellence' to strengthen its data, analytics and business intelligence capabilities. The initiative will be led by Paritosh Desai in the new role of Senior Vice President, Enterprise Data, Analytics and Business Intelligence.

The retail giant has a total of 1,934 stores - 1,801 in the US and 133 in Canada - and an online presence at Target.com. Desai joined the firm in 2013, with a background of designing and delivering support systems using various advanced analytics algorithms, primarily for the retail industry. He previously served as Director of Advanced Analytics at Gap Inc Direct, where his focus was on applying predictive models for analyzing and affecting customer behaviour. Before this, he held senior roles at IBM-owned consumer analytics firm DemandTec.

Target has also announced a number of senior moves. Casey Carl is promoted to the position of Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer; Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Jones will take on the added responsibility of leading the firm's work on guest experience across all channels; Laysha Ward becomes EVP, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer; Jason Goldberger has been named President, Target.com and Mobile; and John Hulbert has taken on the role of Vice President, Investor Relations.

Target Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell (pictured) comments: 'Today's organizational announcements reflect our continued focus on the guest and our goal of delivering an extraordinary experience to ensure that Target not only meets but exceeds our guests' expectations. With these changes, we are even better positioned to continue to drive the momentum in our business in 2015 and beyond.'

A month ago, the firm acquired Pittsburgh-based Powered Analytics, which uses mobile technology, location data and machine learning to integrate retailers' apps with their in-store shopping experience.

Web site: www.target.com .