Target names new head of strategy, innovation

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has tapped a McKinsey veteran to head up its innovation efforts.



The retailer appointed Minsok Pak as EVP, chief strategy and innovation officer. He replaces Casey Carl, who left the company in May.



Pak, who will join the retailer on Sept. 11, will be responsible for Target’s enterprise strategy development and retail innovation with the goal of enhancing the shopper experience and accelerating growth. He will also oversee business development, including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and joint venture initiatives.



Pak most recently served as senior VP, Lego Retail at The Lego Group. He was responsible for leading Lego's branded retail channel, including more than 250 stores and e-commerce sites across 24 markets.



Prior to Lego, Pak spent two decades with McKinsey, where he held various leadership roles and worked with leading global retail and consumer companies. Additionally, Pak led McKinsey’s digital transformation group. Pak also served (on temporary transfer from McKinsey) as the global EVP and chief strategy officer at LG Electronics.



"Minsok brings deep business acumen and proven leadership capabilities to Target," stated Target CEO Brian Cornell. "Throughout his career, he has counseled numerous companies and led through significant times of change. He brings strategic vision, an innovative spirit and an ability to address complex business challenges by capturing near-term opportunities and charting a course for the future,” said Cornell. “As we build an even better Target for tomorrow, we must plan purposefully to drive growth and continue instilling innovation in every part of our business. I am confident Minsok is the right leader to fill this critical role.”



Pak will report to Cornell, and serve as a member of Target’s Leadership Team.