Target hires new CIO, announces security updates

Minneapolis--In the wake of its massive data breach, Target Corp. announced Tuesday the hiring of a new chief information officer, Bob DeRodes, who has served as an advisor to both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department.

The appointment is effective May 5.

In his new position, DeRodes will be responsible for overseeing the Target technology team and operations, managing the company’s ongoing data security enhancement efforts as well as the development of Target’s long-term information technology and digital plans.

DeRodes joins the company with 40 years of experience in information technology, data security and business operations. He has served as senior information technology advisor for the Center for CIO Leadership, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the U.S. Department of Justice, among other positions.

He replaces Beth Jacob, who resigned from the post in March after a massive data breach at Target stores in November and December affected millions of the company’s customers.

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Target said its search for a chief information security officer and a chief compliance officer is ongoing.

Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said in the release that “establishing a clear path forward for Target following the data breach has been my top priority.”

The company outlined the steps it has taken since the breach to strengthen security across the network, including enhanced security of accounts and reviewing and limiting vendor access, among other things.

Earlier this year, Target announced a $100 million plan to move its entire REDCard portfolio, including all Target-branded credit and debit cards, to chip-and-PIN technology. Target will begin accepting payments from the cards in its stores by early next year.

The company is also installing the supporting software in stores. The new payment terminals will be in all 1,797 stores across the U.S. by this September.