2024 Private Label Hall of Fame: Hope Lenhart of Target
Sixteen leaders from the world of private brands were recently honored as the newest inductees to the Private Label Hall of Fame during a ceremony held during the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s (PLMA) Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Tex. Members of the Class of 2024 are a combination of long-time leaders and up-and-coming visionaries who have provided a strong foundation for an industry that continues to see record-setting growth.
RELATED: The complete list of the Private Label Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Created in 2006 to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the global private brand industry, this year’s event featured retail and product supplier honorees in four categories. They include Next Gen Private Label Leader, Private Brand Innovator, Private Brand Champion, and Lifetime Achievement.
Hope Lenhart
Director Of Brand Management
Target
Hope Lenhart’s journey at Target began four years ago, and in that relatively short amount of time, she has had a major impact on the retailer’s private label assortment. During her tenure with the Minneapolis-based mass merchant, she has played a role in propelling more than $4 billion in private label sales for the retailer.
Today, Target’s director of Brand Management is a member of the Private Label Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 in the Next Gen Private Label Leader category.
“Throughout the extent of my career, I have dedicated myself to brand development but no work has held a bigger place in my heart than private label initiatives, or what we call them at Target, our ‘owned brands,'” she said.
One of Lenhart’s more notable achievements was the launch of Mondo Llama, which quickly soared to become one of Numerator's 10 fastest-growing Private Label brands in 2022. This accomplishment showcased her keen understanding of market trends and her ability to turn insights into impactful strategies that drive growth.
Currently, Lenhart is overseeing the launching or relaunching of four private brands set to hit Target shelves this spring. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and her knack for identifying opportunities have positioned these brands for success, further solidifying Target's position as a leader in the retail landscape.
Those closest to Lenhart said her unique leadership style sets her apart from others in the industry. She leads with optimism, passion, and dedication, qualities that resonate deeply with her team and partners alike. Her approach is collaborative, empowering her team members to bring their best ideas forward and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
“I’m known for infusing my relationships and the work we do every day with optimism and drive, staying focused on crafting brand strategies grounded in deep consumer insights that ultimately end up winning the hearts of consumers,” she said. “However, I am nothing without the collective power of my team and partners who work tirelessly alongside me to bring our incredible brand portfolio to life.”
As Lenhart continues to drive growth and innovation at Target, her impact goes beyond numbers. She is shaping a culture of excellence, collaboration, and empowerment, setting a high bar for leadership within the organization and inspiring those around her to reach new heights of success.
