Greg Cunningham is Senior Group Manager, Experiential Marketing &
Alliances, at mega retail chain store Target. The Minneapolis-based Cunningham earned his MBA at Fordham
University after receiving his BA in marketing from Clark-Atlanta
University. Before joining Target he worked at the United Negro College
Fund.
Cunningham tells TNJ.com more about his work with Target.
TNJ.com: Can you describe your role at Target?
Greg Cunningham: I lead the Lifestyle Marketing team at Target ? our role is to find creative ways to engage Target?s guests by incorporating our brand into activities they are passionate about. We build and maintain relationships with key influencers from athletes to celebrities and bring to life memorable and sharable experiences that create advocacy for the Target brand. If you have brand love for Target ? we?re doing our job right.
TNJ.com: How do you decide on partnerships?
GC: Target?s partners range from athletes like IndyCar driver Scott Dixon and snowboarder Shaun White to designers like Joseph Altuzarra to entertainers like Justin Timberlake and DJ Irie. Our business priorities and our guests? needs and interests drive our partnerships. I?ve found that the best partnerships come organically ? a conversation that unveils shared beliefs and values that align with what?s best for Target as well as our partners.
TNJ.com: How did you come to work at Target?
GC: Sixteen years ago, I gave a speech at an event about my passion for living a life of purpose. A woman from Target happened to be in the audience, and she must have been moved by what I said because she basically offered me a job on the spot. I?ve been happily with Target ever since in a variety of roles. What I love about my current position is the opportunity to interact with guests and influencers through the experiences we create and watch firsthand as they fall in love with Target ? whether for the first time or all over again.
TNJ.com: Describe a typical day.
GC: My days are anything but typical! Target?s involved in a range of events, experiences and partnerships throughout the country, so I?m frequently traveling. This work keeps me energized ? I wouldn?t have it any other way. The travel does make me truly value having time in the office with my team, connecting with each of them one-on-one to find solutions to roadblocks and fuel new ideas and excitement for the business. I have a mantra that sits on my desk to remind myself, and others: (in order of importance) involve me; show me you care; be brief, be bright, be gone; and give me details.
TNJ.com: What do you enjoy the most about what you do?
GC: I get to work with amazingly smart people on an iconic brand and have a personal passion for my work ? that makes it much easier to strive for the best in everything I do. I love that I work for a company that shares my beliefs and treats partners and team members with respect.
