Brian Cornell: Difference between revisions

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| spouse      = Martha Cornell
| spouse      = Martha Cornell
| children    = 2
| children    = 2
| known_for    = Leading Target Corporation as chairman and CEO
| known_for    = Leading Target Corporation's transformation strategy
| awards      = CNN Business CEO of the Year (2019)
| awards      = CNN Business CEO of the Year (2019)
}}
}}


'''Brian C. Cornell''' (born 1959) is an American business executive who served as the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of [[Target Corporation]] from 2014 until February 1, 2026. Over more than a decade at the helm of one of the largest retailers in the United States, Cornell oversaw a significant transformation of Target's business model, investing billions in store renovations, same-day fulfillment services, and private-label brands. His tenure saw periods of strong growth and shareholder returns as well as stretches of declining performance and public controversy. Before joining Target, Cornell held senior leadership positions at several major consumer-facing companies, including [[PepsiCo]], [[Sam's Club]], [[Safeway Inc.|Safeway]], and [[Michaels (company)|Michaels Stores]]. He was the first outsider to be appointed CEO in Target's history, succeeding Gregg Steinhafel, who had resigned amid a massive data breach.<ref>{{cite news |last=Loeb |first=Walter |date=2014-08-01 |title=Target's New CEO Brian Cornell Lacks Innovative Pizzazz |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2014/08/01/targets-new-ceo-brian-cornell-lacks-innovative-pizzazz/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In August 2025, Cornell announced he would step down as CEO effective February 1, 2026, with chief operating officer Michael Fiddelke named as his successor. Cornell transitioned to the role of executive chairman of Target's board of directors.<ref name="target-press">{{cite web |title=Target Appoints Michael Fiddelke As Chief Executive Officer |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2025/08/target-appoints-michael-fiddelke-as-chief-executive-officer |publisher=Target Corporation |date=2025-08-20 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also serves as non-executive chairman of [[Yum! Brands]].
'''Brian C. Cornell''' (born 1959) is an American business executive who served as the chairman and [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of [[Target Corporation]] from 2014 to 2026. Appointed as an outsider to lead one of the nation's largest retailers, Cornell oversaw a period of significant strategic transformation at Target, investing billions in store remodels, expanding same-day fulfillment services, and growing the company's portfolio of owned brands. His tenure encompassed both periods of strong growth—including record performance during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]—and later challenges marked by declining consumer confidence, inventory missteps, and cultural controversies. In August 2025, Cornell announced he would step down as CEO effective February 1, 2026, to be succeeded by chief operating officer Michael Fiddelke, while Cornell would transition to the role of executive chairman.<ref name="target-press">{{cite web |title=Target Appoints Michael Fiddelke As Chief Executive Officer |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2025/08/target-appoints-michael-fiddelke-as-chief-executive-officer |publisher=Target Corporation |date=August 20, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Beyond Target, Cornell has served as non-executive chairman of [[Yum! Brands]] and held leadership roles at several other major consumer-facing companies, including [[PepsiCo]], [[Safeway Inc.|Safeway]], [[Sam's Club]], and [[Michaels (company)|Michaels Stores]].<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web |title=Brian Cornell Executive Profile |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=9778343&ticker=WMT |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Brian C. Cornell was born in 1959 in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]].<ref name="target-bio">{{cite web |title=Brian Cornell – Leadership |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/leadership/brian-cornell |publisher=Target Corporation |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Details about his upbringing and family background prior to his college years are not extensively documented in public sources. He grew up in the New York metropolitan area before eventually pursuing higher education in California.
Brian C. Cornell was born in 1959 in [[New York City]].<ref name="target-bio">{{cite web |title=Brian Cornell – Leadership |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/leadership/brian-cornell |publisher=Target Corporation |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Details about his upbringing and family background prior to his college years are limited in publicly available records. He grew up in the New York metropolitan area before attending college in California.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Cornell earned a [[bachelor's degree]] from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA).<ref name="target-bio" /> He studied economics at the university.<ref>{{cite web |title=About – UCLA Department of Economics |url=https://economics.ucla.edu/about/ |publisher=University of California, Los Angeles |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> UCLA's [[UCLA Anderson School of Management|Anderson School of Management]] has recognized Cornell among its notable alumni and affiliates.<ref>{{cite web |title=Who's Who – UCLA Anderson School of Management |url=http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/whos-who |publisher=UCLA Anderson School of Management |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Cornell earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA).<ref name="target-bio" /><ref name="ucla-anderson">{{cite web |title=Who's Who |url=http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/whos-who |publisher=UCLA Anderson School of Management |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> UCLA's economics department has also recognized Cornell among its notable alumni.<ref>{{cite web |title=About – Economics |url=https://economics.ucla.edu/about/ |publisher=UCLA Department of Economics |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He has maintained a connection with the university throughout his career.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Career and Pre-Target Roles ===
=== Early Career and Pre-Target Roles ===


Before arriving at Target, Cornell built a career spanning several decades in consumer retail and packaged goods industries. He held leadership positions at a series of prominent companies. Among his early senior roles, Cornell served in executive capacities at [[PepsiCo]], where he gained experience in the consumer packaged goods sector.<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web |title=Brian Cornell Executive Profile |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=9778343&ticker=WMT |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Before joining Target, Cornell built an extensive career across several major consumer and retail companies over approximately three decades. His executive experience spanned multiple sectors of the retail and consumer goods industries. He held senior leadership positions at [[PepsiCo]], where he gained experience in the consumer packaged goods sector, and at [[Safeway Inc.|Safeway]], one of the largest supermarket chains in North America.<ref name="bloomberg" />


Cornell subsequently became the president and CEO of [[Michaels (company)|Michaels Stores]], the arts and crafts retail chain. He also served as CEO of [[Sam's Club]], the membership warehouse club division of [[Walmart]], where he oversaw operations of the warehouse retailer and gained significant experience in large-scale retail management.<ref name="bloomberg" /> Additionally, he held the position of executive vice president and chief commercial officer at [[Safeway Inc.|Safeway]], one of the largest supermarket chains in North America.<ref name="target-bio" />
Cornell served as president and CEO of [[Michaels (company)|Michaels Stores]], the arts and crafts retail chain, further broadening his experience in specialty retail. He also served as CEO of [[Sam's Club]], the membership warehouse club division of [[Walmart]], giving him direct exposure to large-format, value-oriented retail operations at scale.<ref name="bloomberg" /><ref name="forbes-hire">{{cite news |last=Loeb |first=Walter |date=August 1, 2014 |title=Target's New CEO Brian Cornell Lacks Innovative Pizzazz |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2014/08/01/targets-new-ceo-brian-cornell-lacks-innovative-pizzazz/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


These roles across diverse retail and consumer goods sectors—spanning warehouse clubs, specialty retail, grocery, and packaged foods—gave Cornell a broad base of experience that Target's board would later view as valuable for revitalizing the Minneapolis-based retailer.<ref name="forbes-hire">{{cite news |last=Loeb |first=Walter |date=2014-08-01 |title=Target's New CEO Brian Cornell Lacks Innovative Pizzazz |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2014/08/01/targets-new-ceo-brian-cornell-lacks-innovative-pizzazz/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
When Target announced Cornell's hiring in 2014, some retail analysts noted his broad but varied background across different retail segments. Writing in ''Forbes'', retail analyst Walter Loeb observed that Cornell's appointment as CEO came without what Loeb considered a track record of retail innovation, though he acknowledged Cornell's extensive executive experience.<ref name="forbes-hire" />


=== Appointment as Target CEO ===
=== Appointment as Target CEO ===


In August 2014, Target Corporation named Brian Cornell as its chairman and CEO, making him the first external hire to lead the company in its history.<ref name="forbes-hire" /> Cornell succeeded Gregg Steinhafel, who had resigned from the position earlier that year in the wake of a massive data breach in late 2013 that compromised the personal and financial information of tens of millions of Target customers. The breach had severely damaged the company's reputation and financial performance, and Target's board sought a leader who could stabilize the business and chart a new strategic direction.<ref name="forbes-hire" />
Cornell was named CEO of Target Corporation in August 2014, succeeding [[Gregg Steinhafel]], who had resigned earlier that year amid the fallout from a massive data breach that compromised the personal and financial information of tens of millions of Target customers.<ref name="forbes-hire" /><ref name="target-bio" /> Cornell was a notable choice as an external hire; Target had historically promoted from within for its top leadership positions. His appointment signaled the board's desire for fresh perspectives and new strategic direction for the company, which was grappling with the aftermath of the data breach as well as broader competitive pressures from both e-commerce rivals and discount retailers.


At the time of his appointment, some industry observers questioned whether an outsider could successfully navigate Target's distinct corporate culture, which had long been led by executives who had risen through the company's ranks. Retail analyst Walter Loeb, writing in ''Forbes'', noted that while Cornell had a strong resume, he lacked experience with Target's specific brand identity and innovative merchandising approach.<ref name="forbes-hire" />
=== Strategic Transformation ===


=== Strategic Transformation of Target ===
Upon taking the helm at Target, Cornell embarked on what became a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar transformation of the company's operations, stores, and brand strategy. Central to this effort was a significant investment in remodeling Target's fleet of approximately 1,900 stores across the United States, updating their layouts, aesthetics, and operational capabilities to support modern shopping habits including same-day fulfillment options such as in-store pickup, drive-up service, and delivery through the company's Shipt subsidiary.<ref name="axios-legacy">{{cite news |date=January 30, 2026 |title=Brian Cornell's mixed legacy as CEO of Target |url=https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/30/brian-cornell-tenure-ceo-success-failures |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="retaildive-exit">{{cite news |date=August 20, 2025 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell to exit |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-ceo-brian-cornell-departure-michael-fiddelke/758105/ |work=Retail Dive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Cornell launched a broad strategic overhaul of Target's operations during his tenure. Among the most significant initiatives was a multibillion-dollar investment in renovating and modernizing Target's store fleet. The company also invested heavily in developing same-day fulfillment capabilities, including in-store order pickup, drive-up service, and same-day delivery through the Shipt platform, which Target had acquired. These investments proved particularly significant during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], when demand for contactless shopping surged.<ref name="axios">{{cite news |date=2026-01-30 |title=Brian Cornell's mixed legacy as CEO of Target |url=https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/30/brian-cornell-tenure-ceo-success-failures |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Under Cornell's leadership, Target also aggressively expanded its portfolio of owned and exclusive brands across categories including apparel, home goods, and food and beverage. These private-label brands became a key differentiator for the company, helping to drive customer traffic and improve profit margins by offering products that could not be directly price-compared with competitors' offerings.<ref name="axios-legacy" />


Under Cornell's leadership, Target also expanded its portfolio of private-label and exclusive brands, launching dozens of owned brands across apparel, home goods, food, and other categories. This strategy was designed to differentiate Target from competitors such as Walmart and Amazon by offering products that could not be purchased elsewhere.<ref name="axios" />
Cornell also oversaw Target's expansion into smaller-format stores in urban markets and near college campuses, allowing the company to reach customers in densely populated areas where traditional large-format stores were impractical. These initiatives were part of a broader effort to reposition Target as a modern, omnichannel retailer that could compete effectively against both [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] in e-commerce and [[Walmart]] in value-oriented physical retail.<ref name="retaildive-exit" />


The company's stock price and comparable sales experienced a period of strong growth in the years following these investments. Target's performance during the pandemic, in particular, saw substantial revenue gains as the retailer was classified as an essential business and benefited from shifts in consumer spending patterns.<ref name="axios" />
=== COVID-19 Pandemic and Peak Performance ===


=== Contract Extension and Continued Leadership ===
The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] proved to be a pivotal period for Target under Cornell's leadership. As consumers shifted their purchasing patterns during lockdowns and social distancing measures, Target's prior investments in same-day fulfillment services—including drive-up, order pickup, and Shipt delivery—positioned the company to capture a significant surge in demand. The company experienced record sales growth during 2020 and 2021, with its revenue and market share expanding substantially as consumers relied on Target for both essential goods and discretionary purchases.<ref name="axios-legacy" /><ref name="retaildive-exit" />


In September 2022, Target announced that Cornell had agreed to a contract extension that would keep him in his role for approximately three more years, through at least 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell said to stay with the retailer for 3 more years |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/foodservice-retail/target-ceo-brian-cornell-to-stay-with-the-retailer-for-3-more-years |work=Supermarket News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The extension came as Target was dealing with a downturn in performance following the pandemic-era boom. The company had been forced to mark down excess inventory as consumer spending shifted away from the discretionary goods categories—such as home décor and electronics—in which Target had experienced outsized growth during the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |date=2022-09-07 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell to stay on |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/07/business/target-brian-cornell-ceo/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
This period of strong performance under challenging circumstances contributed to Cornell's recognition in the business community and strengthened his position within the company. The pandemic-era results were widely viewed as validation of the multi-year investment strategy Cornell had championed since his arrival.<ref name="axios-legacy" />


Cornell's compensation during his tenure at Target was substantial. According to the ''Star Tribune'', his total pay packages placed him among the highest-paid CEOs in the retail industry.<ref>{{cite news |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell pay |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627142632/https://www.startribune.com/target-ceo-brian-cornell-pay/600362512/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Post-Pandemic Challenges ===


=== Challenges and Controversies ===
Following the pandemic-driven peak, Target faced a series of challenges that tested Cornell's leadership and complicated his legacy. As consumer spending patterns shifted again in 2022 and 2023, Target struggled with inventory management issues, finding itself overstocked in discretionary categories such as home goods and apparel at a time when consumers were redirecting spending toward experiences and essentials due to inflationary pressures.<ref name="axios-legacy" /><ref name="modern-retail">{{cite news |date=August 4, 2025 |title=This executive could become the next CEO of Target with Brian Cornell expected to retire |url=https://www.modernretail.co/operations/this-executive-could-become-the-next-ceo-of-target-with-brian-cornell-expected-to-retire/ |work=Modern Retail |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Cornell's tenure was not without significant challenges. Following the strong performance during the pandemic years, Target experienced a period of declining comparable sales and profit margin pressure. The company struggled with excess inventory in 2022, which required aggressive markdowns and contributed to a sharp decline in profitability.<ref name="axios" />
The company was forced to take significant markdowns to clear excess inventory, which compressed profit margins and led to a period of weaker financial results. Target's stock price declined from its pandemic-era highs, and the company experienced what ''Modern Retail'' described as "a dismal few quarters" heading into 2025.<ref name="modern-retail" />


In the years leading up to his departure, Target faced public controversy over its corporate policies, including debates surrounding its merchandise and marketing decisions related to social and cultural issues. These controversies attracted attention from various activist groups, consumers, and political figures, and contributed to periods of negative publicity for the retailer.<ref name="axios" /><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-01-20 |title=Meeting between clergy, Target CEO rescheduled for Thursday |url=https://kfgo.com/2026/01/20/meeting-between-clergy-target-ceo-rescheduled-for-thursday/ |work=The Mighty 790 KFGO |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Target also became embroiled in cultural and political controversies, particularly surrounding its [[Pride Month]] merchandise in 2023, which drew backlash from some consumers and advocacy groups. The company's handling of the situation—which involved pulling some merchandise from stores—drew criticism from multiple sides of the debate and became a recurring challenge for Cornell's leadership team.<ref name="axios-legacy" />


Industry publication ''Modern Retail'' noted in mid-2025 that Target had endured "a dismal few quarters," and that the retail industry was awaiting a change in leadership at the company.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-08-04 |title=This executive could become the next CEO of Target with Brian Cornell expected to retire |url=https://www.modernretail.co/operations/this-executive-could-become-the-next-ceo-of-target-with-brian-cornell-expected-to-retire/ |work=Modern Retail |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
An assessment published by ''Axios'' in January 2026 characterized Cornell's tenure as a "mixed legacy," acknowledging the significant strategic investments and modernization he led while also noting the challenges and controversies that marked his later years at the company.<ref name="axios-legacy" />


In October 2025, an activist investor group filed a shareholder resolution calling for an independent board chair at Target, opposing Cornell's planned transition to the executive chairman role. The investors argued that the chairman position should not be held by the departing CEO and instead called for independent oversight of the board.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-10-01 |title=Activist investor group calls for independent board chair at Target, not Brian Cornell |url=https://www.startribune.com/target-activist-investor-brian-cornell-board-chair-accountability/601484273 |work=Star Tribune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Contract Extension and Succession ===


=== Departure and Succession ===
In September 2022, Target announced that Cornell's contract had been extended, keeping him as chairman and CEO for approximately three more years.<ref name="cnn-extension">{{cite news |date=September 7, 2022 |title=Target extends CEO Brian Cornell's contract |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/07/business/target-brian-cornell-ceo/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="smn-extension">{{cite news |date= |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell to stay with the retailer for 3 more years |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/foodservice-retail/target-ceo-brian-cornell-to-stay-with-the-retailer-for-3-more-years |work=Supermarket News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> This extension came at a time when Target was navigating post-pandemic challenges and reflected the board's confidence in Cornell's long-term strategic vision for the company.


On August 20, 2025, Target announced that Cornell would step down as CEO effective February 1, 2026. Michael Fiddelke, who was serving as Target's chief operating officer, was named as his successor. Fiddelke, described by ''Yahoo Finance'' as "homegrown talent," had spent his entire career at Target, marking a return to the company's historical practice of promoting from within.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-08-20 |title=Target names insider Michael Fiddelke new CEO, succeeding Brian Cornell, who led retailer since 2014 |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-names-insider-michael-fiddelke-new-ceo-succeeding-brian-cornell-who-led-retailer-since-2014-103001266.html |work=Yahoo Finance |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
On August 20, 2025, Target announced that Cornell would step down as CEO effective February 1, 2026, and would be succeeded by Michael Fiddelke, the company's chief operating officer, who had spent his entire career at Target.<ref name="target-press" /><ref name="fox9">{{cite news |date=August 20, 2025 |title=Target's CEO Brian Cornell will step down, COO to succeed him |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/targets-ceo-brian-cornell-will-step-down-coo-succeed-him |work=FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Cornell was to transition to the role of executive chairman of Target's board of directors.<ref name="target-press" />


According to Target's corporate announcement, Cornell would remain with the company as executive chairman of the board of directors following the CEO transition.<ref name="target-press" /> ''Retail Dive'' noted that Cornell had "shaped the mass retailer's reputation and performance for over a decade."<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-08-20 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell to exit |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-ceo-brian-cornell-departure-michael-fiddelke/758105/ |work=Retail Dive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
''Yahoo Finance'' described Target as being at "one of the most pivotal moments in its 63-year history" at the time of the leadership transition, noting both the challenges facing the company and the significance of selecting an internal candidate as Cornell's successor.<ref name="yahoo-finance">{{cite news |date=August 20, 2025 |title=Target names insider Michael Fiddelke new CEO, succeeding Brian Cornell, who led retailer since 2014 |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-names-insider-michael-fiddelke-new-ceo-succeeding-brian-cornell-who-led-retailer-since-2014-103001266.html |work=Yahoo Finance |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Other Board and Industry Roles ===
The announcement that Cornell would remain as executive chairman drew opposition from some shareholders. In October 2025, an activist investor group filed a shareholder proposal calling for Target to install an independent board chair rather than allowing Cornell to retain the chairmanship after stepping down as CEO.<ref name="startribune-activist">{{cite news |date=October 1, 2025 |title=Activist investor group calls for independent board chair at Target, not Brian Cornell |url=https://www.startribune.com/target-activist-investor-brian-cornell-board-chair-accountability/601484273 |work=Star Tribune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Beyond his role at Target, Cornell has held several board and leadership positions in the retail industry and nonprofit sector. In 2015, he joined the board of directors of [[Yum! Brands]], the parent company of [[Taco Bell]], [[KFC]], and [[Pizza Hut]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2015-09-18 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell joins Yum Brands board |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/09/18/target-ceo-brian-cornell-joins-yum-brands-board.html |work=Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He eventually became non-executive chairman of Yum! Brands' board.
=== Yum! Brands Chairmanship ===


Cornell served as chairman of the [[Retail Industry Leaders Association]] (RILA), a trade association representing major retail companies in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Target CEO named chairman of RILA |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-ceo-named-chairman-of-rila/515442/ |work=Retail Dive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also served on the board of directors of [[Polaris Industries]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Corporate Governance – Polaris Industries |url=http://ir.polaris.com/investors/corporate-governance/default.aspx |publisher=Polaris Industries |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In addition to his role at Target, Cornell joined the board of directors of [[Yum! Brands]], the parent company of fast-food chains including [[KFC]], [[Taco Bell]], and [[Pizza Hut]], in 2015.<ref name="yum-board">{{cite news |date=September 18, 2015 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell joins Yum! Brands board |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/09/18/target-ceo-brian-cornell-joins-yum-brands-board.html |work=Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He subsequently became the non-executive chairman of Yum! Brands' board.


In the nonprofit sector, Cornell served on the board of directors of [[Catalyst (nonprofit)|Catalyst]], an organization focused on expanding opportunities for women in business.<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Directors – Catalyst |url=https://www.catalyst.org/mission/board-of-directors/ |publisher=Catalyst |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also held a leadership role with the [[National Museum of African American History and Culture]] (NMAAHC), a [[Smithsonian Institution]] museum in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leadership – National Museum of African American History and Culture |url=https://nmaahc.si.edu/about/leadership |publisher=Smithsonian Institution |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Industry Leadership ===
 
Cornell served as chairman of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a trade organization representing major retail companies in the United States.<ref name="rila">{{cite news |date= |title=Target CEO named chairman of RILA |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-ceo-named-chairman-of-rila/515442/ |work=Retail Dive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Brian Cornell is married to Martha Cornell. The couple have two children.<ref name="target-bio" /> Cornell maintained a relatively low personal profile during his years as Target's CEO, though he became more publicly visible on social and corporate responsibility issues during the latter part of his tenure. In 2021, he spoke publicly about the impact of the murder of [[George Floyd]] in Minneapolis—the city where Target is headquartered—saying the event pushed him to take more action on issues of racial equity.<ref>{{cite news |date=2021-04-27 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell said George Floyd's murder pushed him to do more |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/27/target-ceo-brian-cornell-said-george-floyds-murder-pushed-him-to-do-more.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Brian Cornell is married to Martha Cornell, and the couple has two children.<ref name="target-bio" /> Details about his personal life beyond these facts are limited in public records. Cornell has largely maintained a distinction between his public corporate role and his private family life.


Cornell has also been involved with health-related causes in the communities where he has lived and worked.<ref>{{cite news |title=Health care community involvement |url=https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/health-care/article255147437.html |work=Bradenton Herald |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Following the murder of [[George Floyd]] in [[Minneapolis]] in May 2020—in the city where Target is headquartered—Cornell spoke publicly about the impact the event had on him personally and on the company. In an interview with [[CNBC]], Cornell stated that Floyd's murder pushed him to take more concrete action on issues of racial equity and inclusion within Target and in the broader community.<ref name="cnbc-floyd">{{cite news |date=April 27, 2021 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell said George Floyd's murder pushed him to do more |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/27/target-ceo-brian-cornell-said-george-floyds-murder-pushed-him-to-do-more.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
In January 2026, as Cornell was preparing to leave the CEO role, a meeting was scheduled between Cornell and faith leaders, though the meeting was rescheduled.<ref name="kfgo-clergy">{{cite news |date=January 20, 2026 |title=Meeting between clergy, Target CEO rescheduled for Thursday |url=https://kfgo.com/2026/01/20/meeting-between-clergy-target-ceo-rescheduled-for-thursday/ |work=The Mighty 790 KFGO |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Cornell's total compensation as Target CEO was a subject of public reporting. The ''Star Tribune'' reported on his compensation package, which included salary, stock awards, and other incentive-based pay consistent with CEO compensation at major publicly traded retail companies.<ref name="startribune-pay">{{cite news |date= |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell pay |url=https://www.startribune.com/target-ceo-brian-cornell-pay/600362512/ |work=Star Tribune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Cornell received several notable honors and awards during his career, particularly during his time leading Target. In December 2019, [[CNN Business]] named him "CEO of the Year," citing the strong performance of Target's stock and the success of the company's strategic investments in stores and digital fulfillment.<ref>{{cite news |date=2019-12-18 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell is CNN Business' CEO of the Year |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218153809/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/18/investing/target-brian-cornell-ceo-of-the-year/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Cornell received several notable recognitions during his tenure at Target. In December 2019, [[CNN Business]] named him "CEO of the Year," citing Target's strong financial performance and the success of the company's multi-year investment strategy under his leadership. The recognition highlighted the effectiveness of the company's store remodel program and its expansion of same-day fulfillment services.<ref name="cnn-coty">{{cite news |date=December 18, 2019 |title=Target's Brian Cornell is CNN Business' CEO of the Year |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/18/investing/target-brian-cornell-ceo-of-the-year/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Target's Brian Cornell is CNN Business' CEO of the Year (archived) |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218153809/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/18/investing/target-brian-cornell-ceo-of-the-year/index.html |publisher=CNN (archived) |date=December 18, 2019 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In 2022, ''RIS News'' named Cornell "Visionary of the Year" for his leadership in transforming Target's retail operations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell Named Visionary 2022 |url=https://risnews.com/target-ceo-brian-cornell-named-visionary-2022 |work=RIS News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2022, ''RIS News'' named Cornell its "Visionary of the Year," recognizing his leadership in transforming Target's retail operations and strategy.<ref name="ris-visionary">{{cite news |date=2022 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell Named Visionary 2022 |url=https://risnews.com/target-ceo-brian-cornell-named-visionary-2022 |work=RIS News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


''Fortune'' magazine included Cornell in its coverage of influential chief executives through its CEO Initiative program.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brian Cornell – Fortune CEO Initiative |url=https://fortune.com/ceoi/brian-cornell |publisher=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Cornell was also recognized by ''Fortune'' as part of its CEO Initiative coverage, which profiled corporate leaders engaged in addressing social and business challenges.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brian Cornell – Fortune CEO Initiative |url=https://fortune.com/ceoi/brian-cornell |publisher=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Beyond corporate awards, Cornell served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. He was a member of the board of directors of [[Catalyst (nonprofit)|Catalyst]], an organization focused on advancing women in the workplace.<ref name="catalyst">{{cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.catalyst.org/mission/board-of-directors/ |publisher=Catalyst |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He also served on the advisory council of the [[National Museum of African American History and Culture]] (NMAAHC), part of the [[Smithsonian Institution]].<ref name="nmaahc">{{cite web |title=Leadership |url=https://nmaahc.si.edu/about/leadership |publisher=National Museum of African American History and Culture |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Brian Cornell's legacy at Target is viewed as multifaceted. ''Axios'', in a January 2026 assessment of his tenure, described his record as "mixed," acknowledging the significant transformation he led while also noting the challenges that marked the latter years of his leadership.<ref name="axios" /> On one hand, Cornell is credited with modernizing Target's physical stores, building industry-leading same-day fulfillment capabilities, and developing a portfolio of private-label brands that helped distinguish Target from its competitors. The investments he championed in store renovations and digital services positioned Target to capitalize on shifting consumer behaviors, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brian Cornell's twelve-year tenure as CEO of Target Corporation left a complex and multifaceted legacy. As assessed by ''Axios'' in January 2026, his leadership encompassed significant strategic achievements alongside notable setbacks, making a simple evaluation of his impact difficult.<ref name="axios-legacy" />
 
On the positive side of the ledger, Cornell is credited with fundamentally modernizing Target's operations and customer experience. His decision to invest heavily in store remodels and same-day fulfillment capabilities positioned Target to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic and established infrastructure that continued to serve the company. The expansion of Target's owned-brand portfolio created a differentiated product offering that distinguished the retailer from its competitors. These strategic investments were made at a time when many traditional retailers were retreating from physical stores, and they demonstrated a conviction in the viability of an omnichannel retail model.<ref name="axios-legacy" /><ref name="retaildive-exit" />
 
''Retail Dive'' noted that Cornell "shaped the mass retailer's reputation and performance for over a decade," acknowledging the breadth of his influence on the company's direction.<ref name="retaildive-exit" />


On the other hand, the post-pandemic period brought persistent headwinds, including excess inventory challenges, declining comparable sales in key quarters, and public controversies that affected the company's brand perception among some consumer segments. The activist investor challenge to his planned executive chairman role reflected ongoing questions about corporate governance at Target as it entered its post-Cornell era.<ref name="axios" />
However, the later years of Cornell's tenure were marked by challenges that tempered assessments of his overall record. The inventory management difficulties of 2022 and 2023, the cultural controversies surrounding Target's merchandise decisions, and a period of weaker financial performance leading up to his departure all contributed to a more complicated picture. The activist investor challenge to his proposed role as executive chairman reflected ongoing concerns among some shareholders about governance and performance.<ref name="startribune-activist" /><ref name="modern-retail" />


Cornell's status as the first outside CEO in Target's history and his more than decade-long tenure made him a defining figure in the company's modern era. His successor, Michael Fiddelke, inherited both the infrastructure Cornell built and the challenges that remained unresolved at the time of the leadership transition.<ref name="target-press" /> ''Retail Dive'' characterized Cornell as an executive who "shaped the mass retailer's reputation and performance for over a decade," underscoring the extent to which Target's identity during the mid-2010s through the mid-2020s was closely associated with his leadership.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-08-20 |title=Target CEO Brian Cornell to exit |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-ceo-brian-cornell-departure-michael-fiddelke/758105/ |work=Retail Dive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Cornell's selection of an internal successor in Michael Fiddelke—after Cornell himself had been an external hire—represented a return to Target's historical preference for promoting from within and suggested confidence in the leadership pipeline he had helped develop during his tenure.<ref name="yahoo-finance" /><ref name="target-press" />


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 04:43, 24 February 2026

Brian Cornell
Cornell in 2024
Brian Cornell
Born1959
BirthplaceNew York City, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusiness executive
TitleChairman and CEO of Target Corporation
Known forLeading Target Corporation's transformation strategy
Spouse(s)Martha Cornell
Children2
AwardsCNN Business CEO of the Year (2019)

Brian C. Cornell (born 1959) is an American business executive who served as the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Target Corporation from 2014 to 2026. Appointed as an outsider to lead one of the nation's largest retailers, Cornell oversaw a period of significant strategic transformation at Target, investing billions in store remodels, expanding same-day fulfillment services, and growing the company's portfolio of owned brands. His tenure encompassed both periods of strong growth—including record performance during the COVID-19 pandemic—and later challenges marked by declining consumer confidence, inventory missteps, and cultural controversies. In August 2025, Cornell announced he would step down as CEO effective February 1, 2026, to be succeeded by chief operating officer Michael Fiddelke, while Cornell would transition to the role of executive chairman.[1] Beyond Target, Cornell has served as non-executive chairman of Yum! Brands and held leadership roles at several other major consumer-facing companies, including PepsiCo, Safeway, Sam's Club, and Michaels Stores.[2]

Early Life

Brian C. Cornell was born in 1959 in New York City.[3] Details about his upbringing and family background prior to his college years are limited in publicly available records. He grew up in the New York metropolitan area before attending college in California.

Education

Cornell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).[3][4] UCLA's economics department has also recognized Cornell among its notable alumni.[5] He has maintained a connection with the university throughout his career.

Career

Early Career and Pre-Target Roles

Before joining Target, Cornell built an extensive career across several major consumer and retail companies over approximately three decades. His executive experience spanned multiple sectors of the retail and consumer goods industries. He held senior leadership positions at PepsiCo, where he gained experience in the consumer packaged goods sector, and at Safeway, one of the largest supermarket chains in North America.[2]

Cornell served as president and CEO of Michaels Stores, the arts and crafts retail chain, further broadening his experience in specialty retail. He also served as CEO of Sam's Club, the membership warehouse club division of Walmart, giving him direct exposure to large-format, value-oriented retail operations at scale.[2][6]

When Target announced Cornell's hiring in 2014, some retail analysts noted his broad but varied background across different retail segments. Writing in Forbes, retail analyst Walter Loeb observed that Cornell's appointment as CEO came without what Loeb considered a track record of retail innovation, though he acknowledged Cornell's extensive executive experience.[6]

Appointment as Target CEO

Cornell was named CEO of Target Corporation in August 2014, succeeding Gregg Steinhafel, who had resigned earlier that year amid the fallout from a massive data breach that compromised the personal and financial information of tens of millions of Target customers.[6][3] Cornell was a notable choice as an external hire; Target had historically promoted from within for its top leadership positions. His appointment signaled the board's desire for fresh perspectives and new strategic direction for the company, which was grappling with the aftermath of the data breach as well as broader competitive pressures from both e-commerce rivals and discount retailers.

Strategic Transformation

Upon taking the helm at Target, Cornell embarked on what became a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar transformation of the company's operations, stores, and brand strategy. Central to this effort was a significant investment in remodeling Target's fleet of approximately 1,900 stores across the United States, updating their layouts, aesthetics, and operational capabilities to support modern shopping habits including same-day fulfillment options such as in-store pickup, drive-up service, and delivery through the company's Shipt subsidiary.[7][8]

Under Cornell's leadership, Target also aggressively expanded its portfolio of owned and exclusive brands across categories including apparel, home goods, and food and beverage. These private-label brands became a key differentiator for the company, helping to drive customer traffic and improve profit margins by offering products that could not be directly price-compared with competitors' offerings.[7]

Cornell also oversaw Target's expansion into smaller-format stores in urban markets and near college campuses, allowing the company to reach customers in densely populated areas where traditional large-format stores were impractical. These initiatives were part of a broader effort to reposition Target as a modern, omnichannel retailer that could compete effectively against both Amazon in e-commerce and Walmart in value-oriented physical retail.[8]

COVID-19 Pandemic and Peak Performance

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a pivotal period for Target under Cornell's leadership. As consumers shifted their purchasing patterns during lockdowns and social distancing measures, Target's prior investments in same-day fulfillment services—including drive-up, order pickup, and Shipt delivery—positioned the company to capture a significant surge in demand. The company experienced record sales growth during 2020 and 2021, with its revenue and market share expanding substantially as consumers relied on Target for both essential goods and discretionary purchases.[7][8]

This period of strong performance under challenging circumstances contributed to Cornell's recognition in the business community and strengthened his position within the company. The pandemic-era results were widely viewed as validation of the multi-year investment strategy Cornell had championed since his arrival.[7]

Post-Pandemic Challenges

Following the pandemic-driven peak, Target faced a series of challenges that tested Cornell's leadership and complicated his legacy. As consumer spending patterns shifted again in 2022 and 2023, Target struggled with inventory management issues, finding itself overstocked in discretionary categories such as home goods and apparel at a time when consumers were redirecting spending toward experiences and essentials due to inflationary pressures.[7][9]

The company was forced to take significant markdowns to clear excess inventory, which compressed profit margins and led to a period of weaker financial results. Target's stock price declined from its pandemic-era highs, and the company experienced what Modern Retail described as "a dismal few quarters" heading into 2025.[9]

Target also became embroiled in cultural and political controversies, particularly surrounding its Pride Month merchandise in 2023, which drew backlash from some consumers and advocacy groups. The company's handling of the situation—which involved pulling some merchandise from stores—drew criticism from multiple sides of the debate and became a recurring challenge for Cornell's leadership team.[7]

An assessment published by Axios in January 2026 characterized Cornell's tenure as a "mixed legacy," acknowledging the significant strategic investments and modernization he led while also noting the challenges and controversies that marked his later years at the company.[7]

Contract Extension and Succession

In September 2022, Target announced that Cornell's contract had been extended, keeping him as chairman and CEO for approximately three more years.[10][11] This extension came at a time when Target was navigating post-pandemic challenges and reflected the board's confidence in Cornell's long-term strategic vision for the company.

On August 20, 2025, Target announced that Cornell would step down as CEO effective February 1, 2026, and would be succeeded by Michael Fiddelke, the company's chief operating officer, who had spent his entire career at Target.[1][12] Cornell was to transition to the role of executive chairman of Target's board of directors.[1]

Yahoo Finance described Target as being at "one of the most pivotal moments in its 63-year history" at the time of the leadership transition, noting both the challenges facing the company and the significance of selecting an internal candidate as Cornell's successor.[13]

The announcement that Cornell would remain as executive chairman drew opposition from some shareholders. In October 2025, an activist investor group filed a shareholder proposal calling for Target to install an independent board chair rather than allowing Cornell to retain the chairmanship after stepping down as CEO.[14]

Yum! Brands Chairmanship

In addition to his role at Target, Cornell joined the board of directors of Yum! Brands, the parent company of fast-food chains including KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, in 2015.[15] He subsequently became the non-executive chairman of Yum! Brands' board.

Industry Leadership

Cornell served as chairman of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a trade organization representing major retail companies in the United States.[16]

Personal Life

Brian Cornell is married to Martha Cornell, and the couple has two children.[3] Details about his personal life beyond these facts are limited in public records. Cornell has largely maintained a distinction between his public corporate role and his private family life.

Following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020—in the city where Target is headquartered—Cornell spoke publicly about the impact the event had on him personally and on the company. In an interview with CNBC, Cornell stated that Floyd's murder pushed him to take more concrete action on issues of racial equity and inclusion within Target and in the broader community.[17]

In January 2026, as Cornell was preparing to leave the CEO role, a meeting was scheduled between Cornell and faith leaders, though the meeting was rescheduled.[18]

Cornell's total compensation as Target CEO was a subject of public reporting. The Star Tribune reported on his compensation package, which included salary, stock awards, and other incentive-based pay consistent with CEO compensation at major publicly traded retail companies.[19]

Recognition

Cornell received several notable recognitions during his tenure at Target. In December 2019, CNN Business named him "CEO of the Year," citing Target's strong financial performance and the success of the company's multi-year investment strategy under his leadership. The recognition highlighted the effectiveness of the company's store remodel program and its expansion of same-day fulfillment services.[20][21]

In 2022, RIS News named Cornell its "Visionary of the Year," recognizing his leadership in transforming Target's retail operations and strategy.[22]

Cornell was also recognized by Fortune as part of its CEO Initiative coverage, which profiled corporate leaders engaged in addressing social and business challenges.[23]

Beyond corporate awards, Cornell served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. He was a member of the board of directors of Catalyst, an organization focused on advancing women in the workplace.[24] He also served on the advisory council of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), part of the Smithsonian Institution.[25]

Legacy

Brian Cornell's twelve-year tenure as CEO of Target Corporation left a complex and multifaceted legacy. As assessed by Axios in January 2026, his leadership encompassed significant strategic achievements alongside notable setbacks, making a simple evaluation of his impact difficult.[7]

On the positive side of the ledger, Cornell is credited with fundamentally modernizing Target's operations and customer experience. His decision to invest heavily in store remodels and same-day fulfillment capabilities positioned Target to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic and established infrastructure that continued to serve the company. The expansion of Target's owned-brand portfolio created a differentiated product offering that distinguished the retailer from its competitors. These strategic investments were made at a time when many traditional retailers were retreating from physical stores, and they demonstrated a conviction in the viability of an omnichannel retail model.[7][8]

Retail Dive noted that Cornell "shaped the mass retailer's reputation and performance for over a decade," acknowledging the breadth of his influence on the company's direction.[8]

However, the later years of Cornell's tenure were marked by challenges that tempered assessments of his overall record. The inventory management difficulties of 2022 and 2023, the cultural controversies surrounding Target's merchandise decisions, and a period of weaker financial performance leading up to his departure all contributed to a more complicated picture. The activist investor challenge to his proposed role as executive chairman reflected ongoing concerns among some shareholders about governance and performance.[14][9]

Cornell's selection of an internal successor in Michael Fiddelke—after Cornell himself had been an external hire—represented a return to Target's historical preference for promoting from within and suggested confidence in the leadership pipeline he had helped develop during his tenure.[13][1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Target Appoints Michael Fiddelke As Chief Executive Officer".Target Corporation.August 20, 2025.https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2025/08/target-appoints-michael-fiddelke-as-chief-executive-officer.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Brian Cornell Executive Profile".Bloomberg.https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=9778343&ticker=WMT.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Brian Cornell – Leadership".Target Corporation.https://corporate.target.com/press/leadership/brian-cornell.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Who's Who".UCLA Anderson School of Management.http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/whos-who.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "About – Economics".UCLA Department of Economics.https://economics.ucla.edu/about/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 LoebWalterWalter"Target's New CEO Brian Cornell Lacks Innovative Pizzazz".Forbes.August 1, 2014.https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2014/08/01/targets-new-ceo-brian-cornell-lacks-innovative-pizzazz/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 "Brian Cornell's mixed legacy as CEO of Target".Axios.January 30, 2026.https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/30/brian-cornell-tenure-ceo-success-failures.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "Target CEO Brian Cornell to exit".Retail Dive.August 20, 2025.https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-ceo-brian-cornell-departure-michael-fiddelke/758105/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "This executive could become the next CEO of Target with Brian Cornell expected to retire".Modern Retail.August 4, 2025.https://www.modernretail.co/operations/this-executive-could-become-the-next-ceo-of-target-with-brian-cornell-expected-to-retire/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Target extends CEO Brian Cornell's contract".CNN.September 7, 2022.https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/07/business/target-brian-cornell-ceo/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Target CEO Brian Cornell to stay with the retailer for 3 more years".Supermarket News.https://www.supermarketnews.com/foodservice-retail/target-ceo-brian-cornell-to-stay-with-the-retailer-for-3-more-years.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Target's CEO Brian Cornell will step down, COO to succeed him".FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.August 20, 2025.https://www.fox9.com/news/targets-ceo-brian-cornell-will-step-down-coo-succeed-him.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Target names insider Michael Fiddelke new CEO, succeeding Brian Cornell, who led retailer since 2014".Yahoo Finance.August 20, 2025.https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-names-insider-michael-fiddelke-new-ceo-succeeding-brian-cornell-who-led-retailer-since-2014-103001266.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Activist investor group calls for independent board chair at Target, not Brian Cornell".Star Tribune.October 1, 2025.https://www.startribune.com/target-activist-investor-brian-cornell-board-chair-accountability/601484273.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "Target CEO Brian Cornell joins Yum! Brands board".Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.September 18, 2015.https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/09/18/target-ceo-brian-cornell-joins-yum-brands-board.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Target CEO named chairman of RILA".Retail Dive.https://www.retaildive.com/news/target-ceo-named-chairman-of-rila/515442/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Target CEO Brian Cornell said George Floyd's murder pushed him to do more".CNBC.April 27, 2021.https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/27/target-ceo-brian-cornell-said-george-floyds-murder-pushed-him-to-do-more.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Meeting between clergy, Target CEO rescheduled for Thursday".The Mighty 790 KFGO.January 20, 2026.https://kfgo.com/2026/01/20/meeting-between-clergy-target-ceo-rescheduled-for-thursday/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Target CEO Brian Cornell pay".Star Tribune.https://www.startribune.com/target-ceo-brian-cornell-pay/600362512/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Target's Brian Cornell is CNN Business' CEO of the Year".CNN.December 18, 2019.https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/18/investing/target-brian-cornell-ceo-of-the-year/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ "Target's Brian Cornell is CNN Business' CEO of the Year (archived)".CNN (archived).December 18, 2019.https://web.archive.org/web/20191218153809/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/18/investing/target-brian-cornell-ceo-of-the-year/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "Target CEO Brian Cornell Named Visionary 2022".RIS News.2022.https://risnews.com/target-ceo-brian-cornell-named-visionary-2022.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  23. ↑ "Brian Cornell – Fortune CEO Initiative".Fortune.https://fortune.com/ceoi/brian-cornell.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  24. ↑ "Board of Directors".Catalyst.https://www.catalyst.org/mission/board-of-directors/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  25. ↑ "Leadership".National Museum of African American History and Culture.https://nmaahc.si.edu/about/leadership.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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