Ted Decker
Summary
Ted Decker is the chair, president, and CEO of The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer. With over 2,300 stores and 500,000 associates, he leads the company in providing a seamless interconnected shopping experience for both professional and do-it-yourself customers while upholding the company's unique culture.
Prior to his current role, from 2020 to 2022, Ted served as the president and chief operating officer, overseeing global store operations, supply chain, outside sales and service, real estate, as well as merchandising, marketing, and online strategy. During this time, he focused on enhancing the company's capabilities to blend online and in-store experiences to better serve customers.
Ted has been with The Home Depot since 2000 and has held various strategic positions within the company, including chief merchant and executive vice president of merchandising. In this role, he was responsible for store and online merchandising departments, merchandising strategy, marketing, vendor management, and in-store environment.
Before joining The Home Depot, Ted worked in business development, strategic planning, and finance at Kimberly-Clark Corp. and Scott Paper Co. He also gained experience in corporate finance, lending, and credit positions at PNC Bank. Ted's international experience includes living and working in England and Australia.
Beyond his work at The Home Depot, Ted is a board member of the Atlanta Committee for Progress. He holds a bachelor's degree in English from The College of William and Mary and a master's degree in business administration from Carnegie Mellon University.
Biography
Ted Decker, born Edward Decker, is an American business executive who currently serves as the CEO, president, and chairman of The Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer in the world. He has played a significant role in the company's growth and success, holding various executive positions throughout his tenure.
Growing up in Fairview Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, Decker developed an early interest in landscaping and gardening. He started managing landscaping projects for residential and commercial clients while still in high school. Decker pursued his education at the College of William and Mary, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1985. Later, he obtained a Master of Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University in 1993.
Decker's professional journey began with positions in business development and finance at Kimberly-Clark and Scott Paper Company, where he gained valuable experience in the industry. He also worked in Australia and Pittsburgh for PNC before joining The Home Depot in 2000.
During his time at The Home Depot, Decker held multiple executive roles, showcasing his versatility and leadership abilities. He played a crucial role in managing the company's store and online merchandising departments. In October 2020, he was appointed as the president and chief operating officer, responsible for overseeing various aspects of the company's operations.
In January 2022, Decker was named the CEO and president of The Home Depot, assuming the position in March of the same year. His appointment came at a time when the demand for home improvement materials surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the company achieved record earnings and sales, with a particular focus on the rise in "DIY" home projects.
Recognizing his significant contributions and leadership qualities, the board of The Home Depot elected Decker to assume the position of chairman on October 1, 2022. He succeeded Craig Menear, who had previously served as both CEO and chairman of the company.
Throughout his career, Ted Decker has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving the success of The Home Depot and fostering its unique culture. His strategic vision and extensive experience in the industry continue to shape the company's growth and expansion.
Vision
As the CEO, president, and chairman of The Home Depot, Ted Decker has a clear vision for the company's future. He envisions The Home Depot as the leading home improvement retailer, empowering customers and professionals alike to bring their visions to life.
Ted Decker aims to create a seamless and interconnected shopping experience, blending the best of the online and in-store worlds. He believes in leveraging technology to provide customers with convenience, choice, and personalized solutions. By embracing digital innovation, The Home Depot can cater to the evolving needs and preferences of customers, making their home improvement journeys effortless and inspiring.
Additionally, Ted Decker recognizes the importance of nurturing a unique and inclusive company culture. He believes in fostering a supportive environment where employees are empowered to excel, grow, and contribute their unique perspectives. By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, The Home Depot can leverage the collective talents and experiences of its workforce to deliver exceptional customer service and drive innovation.
Ted Decker also understands the significance of sustainability and responsible business practices. He aims to make The Home Depot a leader in environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable products, reducing waste, and minimizing the company's environmental footprint. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of the business, The Home Depot can create a positive impact on the communities it serves and contribute to a greener future.
References
- The Home Depot | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Home Depot soon changing how it pays hourly employees | New York Post
- Ted Decker Profile | Wikipedia
- Ted Decker - Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer | Home Depot
- Ted Decker Linkedin profile | Linkedin
- W.L. Mellon Speaker: Ted Decker | Carnegie Mellon University
- Bold Leaders Ted Decker | William & Marry
- Board Leaders | Atlanta Committee for Progress
- Carnegie Mellon University | openbusinesscouncil.org
- Edward P Decker "Ted" | Bloomberg
- How The Home Depot Became the World’s Largest Home-Improvement Retailer | Startup Talky
- Meet the CEO: Ted Decker named Home Depot chief executive | Business Chief
- Edward Decker named CEO of The Home Depot | ChannelX
- The rise of the home improvement sector — and where it could go next | Retail Drive
- Home Depot names company veteran Ted Decker as CEO | CNBC
- Home Depot Redefines a Retail Radical | The Robin Report
- Dean's Speaker Series: Ted Decker, Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot | Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business
- Home Depot Revamps Tech Leadership With Focus on Customers | The Wall Street Journal
- The Home Depot Names Ted Decker CEO, Effective March 1, 2022 | PR Newswire
- The Home Depot’s Commitment to Corporate Responsibility | Yahoo Finance