SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Jeff Jones, Target’s Chief Marketing Officer, has announced he will be leaving the position he’s held since 2012 in order to become President of ride service company Uber.
Jeff has been a major part of revamping Target’s image under relatively new CEO Brian Cornell, and also expertly navigating through moments like the company’s highly publicized data breach. Jeff is not unfamiliar with leading a company, however, having been Partner and President of McKinney, a Durham, NC-based advertising agency; EVP and CMO at Gap; and Division President for Gap’s gift card subsidiary, Direct Consumer Services LLC, among other leadership positions.
“Since joining Target in 2012 as our Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Jones has modernized Target’s marketing and helped drive Target’s strategy, creating momentum for the company and positioning Target for the future,” Cornell said about his exiting marketing head. “These campaigns not only drove the business, but created a deep, emotional connection with our guests. Because of his many contributions, Target continues to be among the world’s most recognized and beloved brands.”
Now at Uber, Jeff’s role will reportedly include everything from Uber’s operations, marketing, and customer support globally. According to Travis Kalanick, Uber’s CEO and Co-Founder, he first met Jeff at his TED Talk this past Feburary, where they talked about how the company could improve its reputation.
“As we move into the next phase at Uber, one in which we will build a global brand infused in every customer interaction, I cannot think of a better person to lead us on this journey than Jeff,” Travis wrote in a post on the Uber website. “It’s super clear to me that Jeff understands scale, operational excellence, innovation, and storytelling—and that he’s up for learning and testing his limits. Most of all I love Jeff’s optimism about, and enthusiasm for, our mission.”
Where will Target head next now that its marketing strategies are likely to shift? Stay tuned for updates from AndNowUKnow as more information on the company’s plans are revealed.
