Cara Sylvester Speaking Fee: $200,000 to $300,000

Cara Sylvester is the Executive Vice President and Chief Guest Experience Officer at Target Corporation, where she leads the company’s efforts to create a seamless and emotionally resonant shopping experience. In this role, she oversees marketing, media, creative strategy, e-commerce, loyalty programs, and the in-house media company, Roundel. Her leadership is central to Target’s mission of delivering joy and connection to millions of guests across both digital and physical platforms. Sylvester joined Target in 2007 after beginning her career at Deloitte Consulting. Over the years, she has held a variety of leadership roles within the company. As Vice President of Beauty, she launched the Beauty Concierge program, a pioneering service model among mass retailers. Later, as Senior Vice President of Home, she significantly increased digital penetration and sales in one of Target’s key categories. Her strategic vision and ability to integrate technology with customer insights have been instrumental in shaping Target’s omnichannel success. In 2022, Sylvester was appointed to her current position, a newly created role reflecting Target’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience. She emphasizes the importance of emotional connection in retail, stating, “We think about designing our guest experience around a deep emotional connection with our guests, not a transactional, linear one.” Her approach underscores the belief that when guests feel seen, heard, and cared for, it leads to greater loyalty and satisfaction. Beyond her professional achievements, Sylvester is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and care within Target. She believes that investing in team members and listening to their needs is crucial for delivering exceptional service to guests. This philosophy extends to her involvement in the broader community, including her role on the advisory council for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. Sylvester holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Her career reflects a commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and leadership that inspires both her team and the guests they serve.