Gregg Steinhafel was the CEO of Target Corporation from 2008 to 2014. He started at Target in 1979 as a merchandise trainee and climbed the ranks over 30 years. During his time as CEO, he focused on brand growth and...

Gregg Steinhafel was the CEO of Target Corporation from 2008 to 2014. He started at Target in 1979 as a merchandise trainee and climbed the ranks over 30 years. During his time as CEO, he focused on brand growth and aligning executive pay with performance. In 2011, he earned nearly $5 million, which included a significant bonus for achieving record earnings. However, by 2015, his total compensation dropped to just $1.5 million without any bonuses because the company did not meet its performance goals. After stepping down in 2014 amid mixed results, he was noted for his role in shifting Target's pay structure towards long-term stock-based compensation rather than immediate cash bonuses. Gregg also emphasized retirement benefits, notably his involvement in multiple pension plans that focused on rewarding long-term service at the company. His educational background includes a degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, further supporting his deep connection to retail and marketing. As of his departure, Target had grown significantly, operating nearly 2,000 stores and reaching over $100 billion in sales, highlighting his impactful career.