Home Depot Names Seasoned Executive to Lead Professional Customer Growth

In a bold step to enhance its dominance in the home improvement sector, Home Depot has appointed Michael Rowe as Executive Vice President of Pro, effective immediately. With nearly two decades of experience within the company, Rowe is poised to drive Home Depot’s ambitious growth strategy targeting professional customers—contractors, builders, and tradespeople who form a cornerstone of the retailer’s revenue. This executive appointment highlights Home Depot’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its professional customer segment, a move backed by significant infrastructure investments and leadership restructuring.

Michael Rowe: A Veteran Leader for Home Depot’s Pro Division

Michael Rowe brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having spent 19 years climbing the ranks at Home Depot. Most recently, he served as President of The Home Depot Canada, where he spearheaded remarkable growth and expanded the company’s footprint in the Canadian market. His extensive resume includes key positions such as Vice President of Online, Marketing, and Contractor Services, as well as Vice President of Finance, Contractor Services, Procurement, and Strategic Business Development—all within the Canadian arm of the business.

Rowe’s proven track record caught the attention of Home Depot CEO Ted Decker, who lauded his leadership: “As the head of our Canadian business, Mike led an unprecedented period of growth and expansion across the country and was instrumental in building our Pro business in Canada. His vision and operational expertise make him an ideal fit to lead our Pro business through its next phase of growth.” Reporting to Ann-Marie Campbell, Senior Executive Vice President overseeing operations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Rowe is well-positioned to elevate Home Depot’s professional offerings.

Leadership Transitions: Building a Strong Future

Rowe’s appointment is part of a broader leadership shake-up at Home Depot, ensuring continuity and expertise across its operations. The company also announced two additional promotions:

• Vinod Nalajala steps into Rowe’s former role as President of The Home Depot Canada, effective immediately. Like Rowe, Nalajala reports to Campbell, maintaining a seamless transition in this critical market.
• Stephanie Smith will succeed Tim Hourigan as Executive Vice President of Human Resources upon Hourigan’s retirement on June 6. This move reinforces Home Depot’s focus on cultivating internal talent to lead its global workforce.

These strategic appointments signal Home Depot’s intent to maintain a robust leadership team capable of navigating the evolving demands of the home improvement industry.

Boosting the Pro Business: New Distribution Centers and Beyond

Home Depot’s focus on professional customers is more than just a personnel change—it’s a comprehensive growth strategy. In the first half of last year, the retailer opened four new distribution centers in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Toronto. These facilities are designed to cater specifically to the needs of professional customers, stocking large, bulky items such as lumber, insulation, and roofing shingles that are essential for construction and renovation projects.

CEO Ted Decker emphasized the significance of this investment: “We are uniquely positioned to win as we build out our Pro ecosystem, investing in capabilities to grow share of wallet with Pros no matter how they choose to shop with us.” By enhancing its supply chain and tailoring its inventory to meet the demands of contractors and tradespeople, Home Depot is solidifying its position as a top choice for professionals in the industry.

Financial Wins and a Cautious Outlook

The emphasis on professional customers is already bearing fruit. In its most recent fourth quarter, Home Depot reported positive comparable sales for the first time in two years, with an overall increase of 0.8% and a 1.3% uptick in the U.S. Notably, all professional customer cohorts posted positive comps, underscoring the strength of this segment even amidst broader market challenges.

While these results fuel optimism for 2025, Home Depot remains prudent in its projections. Economic factors such as pending tariffs and elevated interest rates could impact consumer spending and construction activity, prompting the retailer to adopt a cautious stance as it plans for the year ahead.

Competitive Edge: Lowe’s Joins the Race for Pros

Home Depot isn’t alone in recognizing the value of professional customers. Rival Lowe’s is also intensifying its efforts, recently unveiling a simplified loyalty program aimed at small- and mid-sized professional contractors. This initiative makes it easier for pros to earn and redeem rewards, reflecting an industry-wide trend of courting this lucrative market segment. As competition heats up, Home Depot’s strategic moves under Rowe’s leadership will be critical to maintaining its edge.

Looking Ahead: A Pro-Centric Future for Home Depot

With Michael Rowe steering its Pro division, Home Depot is primed to capitalize on the growing demand from professional customers. Backed by new distribution centers, a revamped leadership team, and a clear focus on meeting the needs of contractors and tradespeople, the retailer is setting the stage for long-term success. As the home improvement landscape continues to evolve, Home Depot’s investment in its professional customer base positions it as a leader in the industry, ready to tackle both opportunities and challenges in the years to come.