MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. has appointed Tony Fisher as president of Target Canada, leading the discount store chain’s foray north of the border.

Target Corp. has appointed Tony Fisher as president of Target Canada, leading the discount store chain’s foray north of the border.

The retailer said Tuesday that Fisher will be responsible for building the team, establishing the headquarters and leading the daily operations of the Target’s recently announced expansion into Canada with the purchase of over 200 Zellers store sites from Hudson’s Bay Co.

With Target since 1999, Fisher has held a variety of leadership positions at the company. Most recently, he was promoted to vice president of merchandise operations in 2010, directing the retailer’s efforts to enhance customers’ in-store shopping experience through technology advances and process improvements.

In announcing its move into Canada, Target named its chief marketing officer, Michael Francis, as executive committee sponsor of Target Canada to oversee the extension of the retailer’s brand as it makes its first store expansion beyond the United States.

"Tony has a strong sense of Target’s unique culture, merchandising strategy and brand and a proven record of delivering results," Francis stated Tuesday. "His positive energy, broad merchandise experience and keen understanding of what differentiates Target in the retail industry make Tony well-suited for this new role and position Target for success in Canada."

Plans call for Target to open 100 to 150 Target stores across Canada beginning in 2013. The company said those stores will furnish a foundation for a "more robust Target presence" in Canada in the future.