Target taps Hilton exec as marketing, guest experience leader
Target Corporation has added a hospitality veteran to its C-suite
The discount retailer has named Mark Weinstein as chief marketing and guest experience officer, effective immediately. In the role, he will shape a more “connected experience” across all the ways people engage with the brand, according to Target, He will also oversee the chain's retail medial network, Roundel, and its marketplace platform,Target+.
Weinstein joins Target from Hilton Hotels & Resorts, where he most recently served as global chief marketing officer for all 28 brands and Hilton Honors, as well as head of luxury brands. He spent a total of 16 years with the hotel giant in a variety of roles.
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"As we continue writing the next chapter at Target, deepening how we know and engage our guests will be critical to our success," said Target CEO Michael Fiddelke, who took the reins of the retailer at the beginning of the year. "Mark has a proven ability to understand what consumers value and turn those insights into brand connections that feel relevant and personal. His leadership will help us elevate the guest experience across every interaction with Target, deepening existing relationships, welcoming new guests and driving continued growth."
Weinstein joins Target amid signs that its turnaround efforts are beginning to take hold. The retailer reported net earnings of $1.88 billion for the quarter ended Aug. 1, double the $935 million from the year-ago quarter. Comparable sales grew 3.8%, marking the second straight quarter of sales gains. Adjusted earnings per share rose to $4.11 from $2.05, significantly beating Wall Street estimates of $2.33 per share.
Target credited its receipt of $994 million in pretax refunds on tariffs paid on imported products under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, as boosting its net earnings by $752 million.
"Target is an iconic brand with the rare ability to be both deeply familiar and continually surprising," said Weinstein. "I'm excited to join Michael and the team as Target charts its next chapter and build on that incredible foundation in fresh, distinct and more connected ways. We have an enormous opportunity to bring the brand to life across every interaction with consumers, creating experiences that feel unmistakably Target while giving people new reasons to engage with, choose and prefer us."
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Target operates more than 2,000 U.S. stores in addition to its e-commerce business. The retailer is continuing to expand its store network, and plans to open eight stores this fall across six states.
