MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target Corporation has announced that former Safeway CEO Robert L. Edwards will be joining the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. 

“Robert has held leadership positions in the grocery industry for more than a decade and will offer a fresh perspective on our food reinvention, in particular,” said Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO of Target. 

Edwards served as CEO of Safeway from May 2013 until April 2015 and as President and Chief Financial Officer from April 2012 to May 2013. He began his tenure at Safeway in 2004 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. 

Prior to joining Safeway, Edwards served as a Senior Executive at Maxtor Corporation, Imation Corporation and Santa Fe Pacific Corporation. He has served as a Director on KKR Financial Holdings, LLC and on Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Safeway. Edwards holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Sciences in Accounting from Brigham Young University.

Also announced by Target, Donald R. Knauss, Former Executive Chairman and Former Chairman and CEO of The Clorox Company will join the board as well.

“Don and Robert each bring a deep understanding of the consumer and a wealth of relevant expertise to Target,” continued Cornell. “Don and Robert will be important additions to our board as we continue to transform Target and elevate the guest experience.”

Lately, Target has been refocusing its efforts on the grocery and food aspects of its business. Target has previously reported that it would like to become a leader in “wellness,” and expects to revamp the food aisles in 2016.

Target