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BC

Brian Cornell

Operator

Brian Cornell is Executive Chair of Target Corporation. He was Target’s CEO for 11 years until February 1, 2026, when Michael Fiddelke succeeded him; Cornell oversaw the growth of Roundel, Target’s retail media network.

Last updated Sep 26, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team

Role
Executive Chair
Based
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Boards
2
Connections
2
Years in industry
10 years

Career

  • CEO, PepsiCo Americas Foods

    PepsiCo · 2012-2014

  • President and CEO

    Michaels Stores · 2011-2012

  • Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer

    Safeway · 2004-2009

  • Senior Vice President and President, Sam's Club

    Walmart · 2009-2011

Board memberships

Target Corporation (Chairman)Yum! Brands

Expertise & education

Expertise

Retail Media NetworksFirst-Party Data StrategyShopper MarketingClosed-Loop AttributionOmnichannel CommerceConsumer Data MonetizationBrand Advertising PartnershipsDigital Transformation

Education

  • B.S., Business Administration, UCLA

Speaking topics

Retail Media and the Future of AdvertisingFirst-Party Data and Consumer PrivacyOmnichannel Retail StrategyBrand and Retailer PartnershipsDigital Transformation in Retail

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Launched and scaled Roundel, Target's retail media network, into a multi-billion dollar advertising business
  • Led Target's overall revenue growth from approximately $73 billion to over $100 billion during his tenure
  • Oversaw Target's digital and same-day fulfillment transformation, driving first-party data depth that underpins Roundel
  • Positioned Target as a top-tier retail media competitor alongside Amazon Advertising and Walmart Connect

Awards

Fortune's Businessperson of the Year (recognized among top executives)Named to Time 100 Most Influential People list
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