Target board gains retail, CPG expertise

Two retail and consumer product goods veterans are the newest members of Target's board of directors.

The company announced Wednesday that its board of directors elected Donald R. Knauss, former executive chairman and former chairman and chief executive officer of the Clorox Company, and Robert L. Edwards, former CEO of Safeway Inc., as new directors, effective immediately.

Knauss, 64, served as chairman and CEO of Clorox from October 2006 until November 2014. He then served as executive chairman until July 1. Before joining Clorox, he was president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola North America. He is also a former U.S. Marine Corps officer.

Edwards, 60, served as CEO of Safeway from May 2013 until April. He also served Safeway as president and chief financial officer, from April 2012 to May 2013. He joined Safeway in 2004 as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“Don and Robert each bring a deep understanding of the consumer and a wealth of relevant expertise to Target. Don has a lengthy track record of driving the strategic growth of prominent, consumer brands at global companies. Robert has held leadership positions in the grocery industry for more than a decade and will offer a fresh perspective on our food reinvention, in particular. Don and Robert will be important additions to our board as we continue to transform Target and elevate the guest experience,” said Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO of Target.

Minneapolis-based Target Corp. serves guests at 1,799 stores and at Target.com.