Laura McDonell

About

Highly motivated and sophisticated strategist and leader with proven record of success and goal-oriented focus. Experienced in brand marketing, strategy and planning, insights and market research, and executive communication. Skilled in cross-functional leadership and change management.

Experience

• Director, Guest Marketing Strategy · Target Corporation12-01-2021 – 04-01-2024

  Led strategy and planning for key guest segments and discretionary businesses, encompassing marketing campaigns, external partnerships, and social and influencer strategies, with $75M marketing budget. Transformed processes and operations across partners and executive leadership to deliver strategy and achieve goals. Drove pro-bono program, managed operations, and recruited volunteers to meet DE&I goals.

• Director, Category Marketing, Apparel & Home · Target Corporation2019 – 2022

  Redefined marketing strategy and plan for $30B Home and Apparel & Accessories business, inclusive of owned brands, category marketing campaigns and external partnerships, to deliver against consumer-led insights and growth audiences opportunities.

• Director, Category Marketing, Home · Target Corporation2016 – 2019

  Drove reinvention of $8B home owned brand and partnerships strategy and marketing plan to deliver against a range of key style aesthetics, growth audiences and white space business opportunities.

• Group Manager, Brand & Category Marketing · Target Corporation2012 – 2016

  Led marketing strategy and planning for $14.6B home business inclusive of owned brands, design partnerships, seasonal moments and registry service.

• Sr. Manager, Enterprise Insights · Target Corporation2009 – 2012

  Drove strategic choices with executive leadership through the creation and execution of qualitative and quantitative learning plans across primary and secondary research resulting in business growth and increased market share.

• Account Executive · Wunderman–

  Managed accounts for Sears, Craftsman, and NASCAR.

• Marketing Manager, Brand / Category / In-Store / Community · Target Corporation–

  Developed marketing strategies for various categories and community engagement.

• Brand and Marketing Consultant · LSJ Brand Lab, LLC04-01-2024

  Building industry-leading brands and delivering exceptional results through innovative strategies, impactful marketing plans, and influential strategic partnerships. With background spanning a Fortune 50 retailer, global advertising agency, private label, notable brands and sponsorships, powerhouse celebrities, and emerging designers, I bring a diverse range of expertise to every client and project. Pursuing consulting opportunities with brands and partnerships of all sizes, focusing on consumer-driven initiatives that drive growth and engagement.

Education

• College of St. BenedictBachelor of Arts (BA), Communications
• Spanish American Institute, Seville, SpainIntercultural Learning Experience

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