Ted Decker, chief executive of Home Depot, has taken medical leave. Two executives will share his responsibilities while Decker recovers over the coming months.
Home Depot appointed Ann Marie Campbell, executive vice president of stores, and Annmarie Hordern, executive vice president of merchandising, supply chain and product development, to oversee Decker's duties during his absence. The company expects Decker to return within a few months.
Decker took the helm of Home Depot in February 2023, replacing longtime CEO Craig Menear. His tenure has covered a period of modest home improvement spending as elevated interest rates dampened consumer demand. Home Depot shares have traded sideways through much of 2024 as the company navigated softer discretionary spending trends in housing.
The medical leave marks the first major executive transition at the retailer since Decker's appointment. Home Depot, a key bellwether for consumer health and housing demand, has roughly 400,000 employees and operates more than 2,300 stores across North America. The company's stock performance often reflects broader economic sentiment tied to mortgage rates, job security, and homeowner confidence.
Campbell and Hordern bring decades of retail and operational experience. Campbell oversees Home Depot's massive store footprint, while Hordern manages the critical supply chain and merchandising operations that determine product availability and pricing power. The split leadership structure allows each executive to focus on their core area while maintaining operational continuity.
Investors will watch whether the interim arrangement affects execution on Home Depot's strategic initiatives, including e-commerce expansion and supply chain optimization. The company last reported earnings showing revenue pressure from lower customer traffic and ticket size, both tied to housing market uncertainty.
Decker's expected return within months suggests the medical situation is not expected to require extended leave. Still, the timing comes as retailers face holiday