Wall Street had hoped the big box retailer would hire someone from outside the company. Target's stock is down about 60% since 2021.

Michael Fiddelke, Target's current chief operating officer, will succeed Brian Cornell as chief executive officer, the company said in a release. Cornell, who has served as the company's CEO since 2014, will step down and Fiddelke will take over the role on Feb. 1, 2026.

Target promoted insider Michael Fiddelke on Wednesday as its new CEO to turn around the struggling retailer after a series of challenges over recent years that caused its shares to vastly lag those of its peers.