Event Description

Bob Thacker’s impressive career includes being CEO/President of BBDO Minneapolis, as Senior Vice President of Marketing Services at Sears Roebuck, and as Vice President of Marketing at Target Corporation. Bob may be best known, however, as the man who brought Michael Graves to Target. Bob’s work with Michael Graves Design Group started the wave of new partnerships with other companies and properties which were marketed exclusively at Target, and brought Target to a new level of consumer loyalty and national recognition as one of the hottest brands in American retailing. Bob is a champion of innovation and creativity and continues to consult and teach on the subject for clients such as Target, Best Buy, Sears Canada, Saks Dept. Stores and others.

Moderated by Joseph Michael Essex, AIGA Chicago Fellow and Advisory Board Member.

Event Summary

The second discussion in the Business of Design series took place Thursday morning, March 7th at the Alliance Francais. Bob Thacker, the Senior Vice President of Office Max, was the featured guest for the event moderated by Joseph Michael Essex.

"Don't make ads, make news," is the expression that has carried Bob through his career. The chronological format focused on his varied experiences spanning from boutique agencies to large corporations such as Target and Sears. Each agency had its distinct perks, challenges, and successes.

Notably, Bob was instrumental in forming the relationship with Michael Graves while at Target – a success that blazed the trail for other designers to later partner with the company. Presently, Bob is taking on a new set of challenges at Office Max to further differentiate the brand. The results will surely “make news”.

Bob joked, "If these are the autumn years, I'm having an Indian Summer."