MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - A graduate from Parkersburg Catholic High School has been named executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Target.
Jeffrey J. Jones II, 44, immediately will assume the position, the company said in an announcement.
"Target is a brand I've studied and admired as a marketer for more than a decade and one my family shops almost daily," Jones said. "I am ecstatic to lead the marketing team and help shape the future of one of the world's most loved and iconic brands."
Jones graduated in 1985 from Parkersburg Catholic and has a degree in advertising and marketing from the University of Dayton, which he received in 1990. He worked for Leo Burnett Worldwide, an advertising agency, after college.
His parents, Jeffrey and Sue Jones, live in Dublin, Ohio.
Jones will be based in Target's corporate headquarters in Minneapolis.
"We are very excited to welcome Jeff to the Target team. Not only does Jeff have a proven track record of success in both the development and execution of countless marketing campaigns but Jeff is also a passionate, dedicated leader who understands the importance of working as a team," said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Target. "Marketing is a key differentiator for Target and I am confident that under Jeff's stewardship, we will continue to build on our long history of surprising and delighting our guests."
Jones has led global marketing strategy and operations across a variety of industries, including consumer products and retail. Most recently, Jones served as partner and president of McKinney, a Durham, N.C., advertising agency. Under Jones, the agency achieved record growth and profitability.
Prior to McKinney, Jones held several leadership positions at Gap Inc., including executive vice president and chief marketing officer where he was responsible for leading marketing strategy, retail store design, store experience and consumer communication. He also managed Gap's gift card subsidiary, Direct Consumer Services, serving as president of the division.
In addition, Jones previously held leadership positions at marchFIRST Inc., Coca-Cola, Leo Burnett Worldwide and was president and chief executive officer of LB Works, a Chicago-based advertising agency associated with Leo Burnett.
Target has 1,765 stores across the United States. The company plans to open its first stores in Canada in 2013.
The company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs, more than $3 million a week.
