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MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. executive vice president and chief marketing officer Jeff Jones is leaving the company to join online car service company Uber.
Jeff Jones
Target said Tuesday that Jones is leaving the company effective Sept. 9. Jones, who has served as Target’s top marketer since 2012, will become the president of ride sharing at Uber, with responsibility for the company’s global operations, marketing and customer support.
“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,” Uber chief executive officer and co-founder Travis Kalanick wrote in a blog post. “He has a long track record of working with the best: he’s held leadership roles at the best creative agencies (Leo Burnett), consumer products companies (Coca-Cola) and retailers (Target and Gap).”
In a statement, Target chairman and CEO Brian Cornell credited Jones with modernizing the retailer’s marketing and helping to drive its strategy and position it for the future.
“He worked tirelessly to sharpen our focus on the guest and evolved our marketing capabilities to center on the important role digital plays in their lives,” Cornell said. “Under his leadership, the team has also produced a number of unforgettable brand moments form the introduction of #MoreMusic during the industry’s biggest awards night to notable moments like our 2015 holiday campaign, which exceeded all previous brand measures. 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.”
Before joining Target in 2012, Jones was partner and president of McKinney, a Durham, N.C.-based advertising agency. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Gap, where he was responsible for leading marketing strategy, retail store design, store experience and all consumer communications, globally. He also managed Gap’s gift card subsidiary, Direct Consumer Services LLC, serving as president of the division.
Jones has also held leadership positions at marchFIRST Inc., The Coca-Cola Co., Leo Burnett Worldwide and LB Works, a subsidiary of Leo Burnett, where he served as president and CEO.
