CMO to oversee Target's Canadian venture

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that its chief marketing officer, Michael Francis, will serve as the executive committee sponsor of Target’s entrance into the Canadian market. In this role, Francis will oversee the extension of Target’s brand as part of the corporation’s first-ever expansion of its stores beyond the United States, the company reported.

“Under Michael’s leadership, Target has emerged as one of the most recognizable brands in the world and I am pleased that he will guide our expansion into Canada,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and CEO. “With more than 25 years of experience with this corporation, Michael has a deep understanding of Target and the retail industry. His responsibility for corporate brand and reputation, including our community relations efforts, uniquely position him to lead this effort.”

Target recently announced that the company acquired leasehold interests in up to 220 sites from Zellers, in an effort to open 100 to 150 Target stores across Canada beginning in 2013.

Francis began his marketing career in 1985 with Marshall Field’s in Chicago. In 1990, Marshall Field’s was acquired by Target and Francis joined the marketing division of the department stores division, where he held a variety of positions. He was promoted to EVP marketing for Target in 2001, and most recently was named chief marketing officer in August 2008.

In his role as chairman, president and CEO, Gregg Steinhafel will continue to oversee all aspects of corporate strategy and operations. Francis will continue to report to Steinhafel.