Target Welcomes Amy Tu Amidst Leadership Transition

 

In a significant leadership shift, U.S. retail giant Target has announced the appointment of Amy Tu as its new Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, a move that signals the company’s commitment to maintaining robust legal and governance standards. Amy Tu steps into this critical role following the retirement of Don Liu, who served in the position for over eight years and will transition into a strategic advisory role until his departure in May of the next year.

 

Amy Tu brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous tenure at Tyson Foods, where she held the title of Group President for International Markets, and before that, Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Her distinguished career also includes significant roles at Boeing, where she spent over 16 years, and at Gap Inc., where she honed her legal expertise in international matters. With her diverse background, Tu is expected to lead Target’s legal, compliance, and corporate governance functions with a fresh perspective, enhancing the company’s strategic goals.

 

Amy Tu’s Strategic Vision for Target’s Legal Future

 

As she prepares to assume her new role on August 25th, Tu will become an integral part of Target's leadership team, reporting directly to CEO and Chairman Brian Cornell. Her responsibilities will encompass overseeing all aspects of legal affairs, compliance, and corporate governance. This leadership change comes at a pivotal time for Target, which continues to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape, including regulatory challenges, supply chain issues, and evolving consumer behavior.

 

Brian Cornell expressed confidence in Tu’s ability to guide the legal department through these challenges, stating, "Amy’s experience, both in legal and business leadership, offers strong continuity at the top of our legal affairs and compliance teams. Her stewardship will help our strong and tenured leaders in legal affairs sustain their role in serving our stakeholders and growing our business." He further highlighted Tu’s "growth mindset" and her "passion for the law," which he believes will be instrumental as Target pursues its roadmap for growth and enterprise priorities.

 

Reflecting on Don Liu’s Legacy at Target

 

Don Liu’s retirement marks the end of an era for Target. Having joined the company in 2016 from Xerox, Liu has been a key figure in shaping the company’s legal strategy and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. His contributions to Target extend beyond legal matters, as he has been a mentor to countless teammates and peers, and a strong advocate for the company’s broader strategic objectives.

 

Cornell praised Liu’s impact, stating, "Over the course of his distinguished career, Don has made an incredible impact on Target and the legal industry. As a member of our leadership team, he was an advocate for our company strategy, served as a mentor to teammates and peers and is regarded as a trailblazer for diversity, equity and inclusion within the legal profession. We’re grateful for his many contributions and wish him nothing but the best."

 

Liu’s departure from the role is set against a backdrop of broader shifts within the U.S. retail sector. Just earlier this year, Walgreens Boots Alliance appointed Lanesha Minnix as its new Chief Legal Officer, replacing former White House lawyer Danielle Gray. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of legal leadership within major U.S. corporations as they adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

 

Target’s Forward-Looking Legal Strategy

 

Amy Tu’s appointment signals Target’s intent to continue its legacy of strong legal governance while embracing innovation and growth. Her extensive experience across various industries and her leadership in international markets make her uniquely qualified to steer Target through the evolving legal landscape. As she takes on this new challenge, the retail giant is poised to benefit from her strategic vision and legal acumen, ensuring that Target remains a leader not just in retail, but in corporate governance and compliance as well.