Target’s incoming chief executive, Michael Fiddelke, opened his message by directly addressing the unrest unfolding in Minneapolis as the city reels from recent deadly encounters involving federal agents.
In an internal video sent Monday, just days before he formally becomes CEO, Fiddelke acknowledged the emotional toll that those events, including two separate fatal shootings of civilians by federal immigration enforcement agents, have had on the Twin Cities community.
“As someone who is raising a family here in the Twin Cities and as a leader of this hometown company, I want to acknowledge where we are,” he said. “The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful.”
The message, reviewed by Business Insider, deliberately avoided naming specific federal figures or agencies amid growing local scrutiny of immigration enforcement operations and protests in the city.
Fiddelke stressed that Target will keep its immediate focus on protecting employees and customers. A Target spokesperson confirmed the video and shared a transcript but declined to comment further, while Bloomberg was first to report on the message.
Company calls for calm
Fiddelke said he signed an open letter with more than 60 Minnesota business leaders on Sunday, urging “constructive dialogue and de-escalation” to help reduce tensions in the state.
The message comes after Target’s chief human resources officer, Melissa Kremer, sent employees a memo directing them to new internal resources on handling “disruption near our locations.”
Kremer also said that Target does not have cooperative agreements with immigration enforcement agencies and that the company is listening to employee concerns while working to de-escalate situations where possible.
Stores under oversight.
Target is one of Minnesota’s largest employers, with its headquarters and roughly 50 stores in the greater Twin Cities area. Recently, some of those locations have drawn heightened attention on social media after federal agents were seen using store parking lots and publicly accessible areas during enforcement operations in the city, sparking protests and community concern in recent weeks.
In response, Fiddelke pointed to Target’s long-standing commitment to local communities, noting that the company has historically donated 5% of its profits and contributed millions of volunteer hours nationwide, efforts he said reflect how deeply Target’s roots run in the places where it operates.
Looking ahead
Fiddelke said he plans to spend his first days as CEO in stores and offices, listening to employees before holding a company-wide discussion on next steps.
“Our leadership team is activated, HR is equipped, and our resources remain ready to support you,” he said.
He closed by thanking employees for their continued dedication to customers, colleagues, and the communities Target serves.
Image source: Business Insider
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