Target appoints GM exec to help oversee security efforts

Retailer Target, recovering from a massive data breach, named General Motors Co executive Brad Maiorino to the newly created position of chief information security officer.

Maiorino, who will join Target on June 16, will be responsible for the company's information security and technology risk strategy, the third-largest U.S. retailer said on Tuesday.

Maiorino was the chief information security and information technology risk officer at GM, Target said.

Target disclosed in December that a cyber attack had resulted in the theft of at least 40 million payment card numbers and 70 million other pieces of customer data.

The breach at Target was the second largest at a U.S. retailer. The theft of more than 90 million credit card details over about 18 months was uncovered in 2007 at TJX, operator of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains.

Following the breach at Target, top executives have departed the company with the latest being Gregg Steinhafel, its CEO since 2008.

His departure in May followed the exit of Chief Information Officer Beth Jacob in March.

The company had appointed Chief Financial Officer John Mulligan to the post of interim CEO, and Bob DeRodes as its chief information officer.

Maiorino, who prior to GM worked with industrial conglomerate General Electric Co, will report to DeRodes, Target said.