Target executive replaces Shipt founder as CEO

On March 11, 2019 same-day delivery service Shipt announced Kelly Caruso would succeed founder Bill Smith as CEO of the company. Smith, who founded Shipt in 2014, will continue to serve as an advisor to the company.  

Caruso, who has more than 25 years of retail experience, was senior vice president for hardlines at Target prior to taking on her new role. Earlier in her career, she held a number of merchandising and inventory planning businesses at Target, May Merchandising and Abercrombie & Fitch.

“With expertise ranging from the sales floor to sourcing and merchandising, Kelly is a proven leader who knows retail inside and out. She’ll help Shipt continue bringing same-day convenience to more consumers through its growing marketplace of retail partners,” said John Mulligan, Shipt director and Target’s COO. “Bill’s entrepreneurial achievements have changed the game in same-day delivery and we thank him for his outstanding leadership of Shipt,” Mulligan said.

“Coast to coast, nearly 100,000 Shipt shoppers are delivering orders within hours from more than 60 retailers with an unmatched personalized touch that has raised consumer expectations for quality and convenience,” said Kelly Caruso, Shipt CEO. “I’m honored to join the Birmingham community and lead the Shipt team as we continue to grow our shopper network, assortment and retail partners to make life simpler for millions of people.”

Shipt was acquired by Target in 2017 and operates as an independent subsidiary. It is available in more than 250 markets.

“In 2014, I started Shipt to help people spend more time on what’s important to them. It’s been an incredible experience to be part of such a great team that built Shipt from an idea into a national leader in same-day delivery,” said Bill Smith, founder and former CEO of Shipt. “I am proud of what the Shipt team has accomplished and have confidence that Shipt’s momentum will continue, which is why I have decided now is a good time for me to get back to my passion – creating and building early stage companies. The company will benefit from Kelly’s retail leadership as it focuses on being the best same-day, personalized service for members,” Smith said.

Caruso will be located in Birmingham, Alabama, where Shipt is headquartered. The company also has operations in San Francisco.