Brad Pomerleau, Vice President, Procurement for Target, builds strong partnerships with diverse suppliers and underrepresented businesses. The Supplier Diversity Mentor Program has hosted three cohorts with 35 MBE and WBE businesses in HVAC, transportation, and other categories. In support of the Racial Equity Action and Change (“REACH”) strategy, Brad and his team are dedicated to spending $2B with Black-owned companies including marketing agencies, construction companies, facilities maintenance providers and others by 2025. They are also increasing support for other diverse businesses like women-owned, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ+ enterprises.
These supplier diversity initiatives align directly with Target’s enterprise-wide DE&I business goals. Brad looks for certified diverse suppliers who can provide newness and innovation in an affordable and reliable way. Teams work across pyramids to share best practices, opportunities for development and business inclusion through the Circle of Champions, an internal advisory committee of Target leaders across spend categories. Externally, Brad’s team actively supports vendor fairs, conferences, diverse certification organizations, and matchmaker events.