The Power Story of Target CEO Brian Cornell
Who Is Brian Cornell?
Brian Cornell became the Chairman and CEO of Target Corporation in August 2014. Since then, he has overseen a massive brand reinvention, expanded digital capabilities, and navigated the company through social controversies and the COVID-19 pandemic. But Cornell didn’t inherit a silver spoon—his journey to the C-suite is marked by persistence, vision, and unexpected personal challenges.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1958 in Queens, New York, Cornell was raised by a single mother and his grandparents after his father passed away when he was only six. His upbringing was modest, and he credits that experience for instilling in him a strong work ethic and deep understanding of the average consumer.
Cornell graduated from UCLA and later completed the advanced management program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. His educational background helped sharpen the analytical and leadership skills that would define his corporate climb.
Career Climb to the Top
Before joining Target, Cornell held executive roles at major corporations including PepsiCo, Sam’s Club (a division of Walmart), and Safeway. At PepsiCo, he served as CEO of Pepsi Americas Foods, where he managed some of the company's biggest food brands.
In 2014, Cornell became the first outsider CEO in Target’s history, a move signaling the company's desire to transform its culture and image after a massive data breach and disappointing Canada expansion. He quickly launched a turnaround strategy focused on upgrading stores, launching private-label brands, and pushing digital retail.
Challenges and Controversies
Cornell has faced several challenges during his tenure:
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LGBTQ+ and Pride merchandise backlash: Target’s decision to sell Pride-themed merchandise led to both praise and boycotts. Cornell defended the company’s values, but also had to pull some items amid security threats to staff—drawing criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
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COVID-19: During the pandemic, Target was praised for hazard pay and safety protocols. However, critics noted that pandemic-era bonus payments didn’t always keep pace with the profits the company was earning.
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Shrink and theft: In recent years, Target, like other retailers, reported billions in losses from organized retail crime and theft, forcing store closures and new security measures.
Despite these headwinds, Cornell has maintained investor confidence through steady earnings and consistent brand growth.
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How Much Does Brian Cornell Make?
As of 2024, Brian Cornell’s total compensation package was estimated at $17.6 million, according to Target’s most recent proxy filing. This includes salary, stock options, and bonuses.
His net worth is estimated to be around $80–100 million, largely from stock ownership and years of high-level executive compensation.
Who Is Brian Cornell’s Wife?
Cornell is married to Martha “Lora” Cornell, and the couple has two children. They have been active in philanthropic causes, including cancer research and children’s health organizations. Despite his public role, Cornell keeps much of his family life private, preferring to focus public attention on Target and his work.
Conclusion
Brian Cornell represents a rare mix of resilience, strategic acumen, and relatability. In a volatile retail environment plagued by shifting consumer habits, labor issues, and political crossfire, he’s steered Target into calmer waters—even as storms gather.
But with pressure mounting from all sides, the question is whether Cornell can continue balancing profitability with principle in an increasingly divided marketplace.
One thing’s for sure: the red bullseye will remain under a microscope—and so will the man behind it.
