#USA #Atlanta #Home Depot #Michael Rowe #Stephanie Smith

The Home Depot Announcements: New Executive Appointments

In a significant move to bolster its leadership, The Home Depot®, recognized as the world's leading home improvement retailer, has appointed Michael Rowe as the new Executive Vice President (EVP) of Pro, effective immediately. This announcement, made on March 4, 2025, comes alongside the promotion of Stephanie Smith to EVP of Human Resources, a role she will assume following Tim Hourigan's retirement on June 6.

Michael Rowe: Leading the Charge for Professional Customers

Michael Rowe's new role as EVP of Pro places him at the forefront of The Home Depot's strategy to enhance its offerings for professional customers. With an extensive background spanning 19 years within the company, Rowe previously led The Home Depot Canada as its president. His tenure has been marked by significant leadership roles, where he oversaw online, marketing, and contractor services. Under his guidance, the Canadian division witnessed impressive growth in their professional sector, demonstrating Rowe's capability to drive innovation and capture market share.

In his new capacity, Rowe is set to advance the Pro market through the enhancement of delivery capabilities, salesforce development, and the integration of technology and CRM tools designed to optimize order management. Ted Decker, the Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot, expressed confidence in Rowe's vision, highlighting his historical success in fostering the Pro business in Canada. "Mike's operational expertise makes him perfectly suited to lead our Pro segments into a new era of growth," Decker noted.

Stephanie Smith: A Focus on Culture and Human Resources

Stepping into the role of EVP of Human Resources, Stephanie Smith brings a wealth of experience that will be vital in shaping The Home Depot's work environment for its over 470,000 associates. Having previously served as the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Smith is poised to promote a culture of engagement and leadership development that aligns with the company’s core values. Decker praised her operational know-how and leadership style, calling her instrumental in enhancing engagement within the supply chain operations.

Throughout her 22 years at The Home Depot, she has impacted various departments, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by associates. As she transitions into her new role, Smith is set to prioritize enhancing the organization’s culture and the overall experience of its workforce.

The Future Outlook

The changes in leadership come at a pivotal time for The Home Depot, as the company is focused on maintaining its dominance in the home improvement sector amidst evolving market dynamics. Rowe's and Smith's appointments are expected to stimulate growth and foster an innovative work environment that better serves both professional customers and associates alike.

As The Home Depot prepares for its next growth phase, the leadership team is keenly aware of the importance of strengthening relationships with professional clients while nurturing a positive and engaging culture among staff. This dual approach is seen as essential for the company's long-term success, enabling them to effectively meet the needs of all stakeholders involved.

In conclusion, with Rowe's experience in expanding the Pro customer base and Smith's commitment to cultivation of a supportive company culture, The Home Depot is well-equipped to navigate the demands of the current market landscape and continue its trajectory of success. The changes represent a strategic alignment with both immediate priorities and long-term goals, positioning The Home Depot for sustained growth and innovation in the home improvement industry.