Former OfficeMax, Target marketing exec pursues new opportunity

The consulting firm Gravitytank named Bob Thacker as a strategic advisor to help the firm’s consumer electronics, retail, consumer packaged goods and technology clients. Thacker most recently served as SVP of marketing and advertising at OfficeMax and was with Target from 1989 to 1998 as a VP of marketing. He also served as president and CEO of BBDO in Minneapolis and served as an SVP of marketing at Sears.

In a statement, Gravitytank said, “Thacker has a proven record of applying unconventional creativity to benefit the bottom line during his tenure at OfficeMax and Target. The firm said he pushed the bounds of non-traditional marketing with campaigns such as the OfficeMax “World’s Largest Rubberband Ball,” and the holiday campaign, “ElfYourself.” While at Target, Gravitytank said Thacker was responsible for bringing designer Michael Graves into Target which spurred a wave of exclusive partnerships with other design professionals.

Gravitytank bills itself as an innovation consultancy that helps businesses define breakthrough products and services, enter new markets and change organizations. The work is closely guarded by its clients and project teams because of both the scope of investment and scale of the market impact, according to the firm. Thacker will serve as an advisor on projects that involve cultural and organizational change that goes along with the vibrant and resonant innovation.