Target hires former Wingstop exec Maurice Cooper as marketing SVP
Veteran brand marketer to help discount retail giant get closer to customers
September 3, 2020
Ex-Wingstop Restaurants executive Maurice Cooper is joining Target Corp. as senior vice president of marketing.
Plans call for Cooper to start in the post at Target on Sept. 14. He will report to Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief marketing, digital and strategy officer.
At Target, Cooper will oversee marketing, including the creation of customer-centric and culturally relevant and inclusive strategies to drive consumer affinity for the brand and help grow the business, the Minneapolis-based discount retailer said. He will lead the strategy and execution of brand, category and promotions marketing across paid, owned and shared media, as well as direct key campaigns, such as for the holiday season.
“Having been a longtime fan of this iconic brand, it’s so inspiring to see Target’s transformation and leadership in retail, along with its impressive growth, and continued commitment to better serve its guests,” Cooper (left) said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to join the team and am eager to help Target’s marketing bring even more joy and inspiration to all guests.”
Most recently, Cooper served as executive VP and chief growth and experience officer at fast-casual chain Wingstop, known for its menu of chicken wings. He left Dallas-based Wingstop last September after joining the company in June 2018 as chief marketing officer.
Prior to that, Cooper spent five years at Intercontinental Hotels Group, most recently as global VP of Holiday Inn, and nearly eight years at The Coca-Cola Co., where he held a range of brand marketing roles, including as leader of emerging brands and ventures.
Following his stint at Wingstop, Cooper founded and led Forward Vision Strategies, a marketing consulting firm.
“Maurice has an incredible passion and curiosity for understanding the consumer, their mindset and their shifting preferences,” Gomez stated. “His extensive experience and leadership will make him a great addition to our marketing team as we continue to evolve Target’s marketing to be even more closely connected to our guests.”
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