A former Target Corp. executive is joining the American Refugee Committee (ARC) to manage staff members in some of the world's most troubled nations.
John Griffith, who left Target in 2014 as its executive vice president of property development, will lead global humanitarian operations for Minneapolis-based ARC. He will direct more than 1,600 people in 11 countries, notably Syria, Congo, Pakistan and Somalia.
"As ARC works toward building a 21st century humanitarian organization that puts its customers — refugees — at the center of our work, John could help us to fundamentally rethink what's possible in this industry," Daniel Wordsworth, ARC's chief executive, said in a statement Thursday.
Before taking the job, Griffith, 54, traveled to East Africa and became familiar with ARC's efforts there, which include providing medical staff at clinics in Mogadishu, Somalia, and supporting job and shelter creation.
"They really know what they're doing, and they're going to make an incredible team," Griffith said in the statement issued by ARC. "It was kind of like a new coach going in for the first time to meet his players, and realizing — hey, we can win."
Griffith, who lives in Maple Grove, left Target on good terms in mid-2014 after 15 years with the Minneapolis-based retailer. He worked on new store prototypes and formats including PFresh, CityTarget and Target Express, as well as corporate buildings worldwide, including those in India and Canada. When he joined Target, the company had 912 stores; that total is now nearly double.
Griffith continues to serve as a commissioner for the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the body that oversees U.S. Bank Stadium.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
