Target hires new CIO to repair damaged security cred
Bob DeRodes will take over as the company's top IT man after serving as a long-time IT adviser to the Department of Homeland Security.
Target, which was hit last year by a massive data breach that left customers' personal information and credit card numbers open to hackers, has hired a new chief information officer to bolster its security.
Bob DeRodes will lead Target's information technology as executive vice president and CIO starting May 5, the mega-retailer announced Tuesday. In his new role, DeRodes will focus much of his work on improving the company's security apparatus. He'll also help to shape the company's long-term digital plans.
DeRodes' appointment comes just months after Target was hit by a massive security breach. The company reported that over 110 million customers had personal information and credit card data stolen as part of the hack, leaving the company with egg on its face, angry customers, and a need to dramatically improve its security.
DeRodes has a respectable pedigree in the security community, acting in a technology consulting capacity in a wide range of US government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. He has also provided advisory services to a number of major companies.
Although DeRodes won't start at Target for another week, that hasn't stopped the company from bolstering its security. Target reported on Tuesday that starting early next year, its entire REDcard portfolio of Target-branded credit and debit cards will come with MasterCard's chip-and-PIN technology. That technology enhances security and aims at safeguarding user data.
CNET has contacted Target for comment on the new CIO. We will update this story when we have more information.