Leading Executives in Hardware Stores

Ted Decker

Chair, President & CEO, The Home Depot

Chairing the world’s largest home improvement retailer, he’s known for pushing a seamless Pro-and-DIY omnichannel model since becoming CEO in 2022 and later Chair.

Marvin Ellison

Chairman, President & CEO, Lowe’s

Turnaround specialist who took the helm on July 2, 2018; under his leadership Lowe’s sharpened Pro focus and operations while navigating housing cycles.

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John Venhuizen

President & CEO, Ace Hardware

Longtime co‑op leader credited with sustaining Ace’s customer‑satisfaction streak and global store growth since becoming CEO in 2013.

Dan Starr

President & CEO, Do it Best

Veteran cooperative executive steering vendor and member growth; confirmed as CEO with ongoing focus on independent hardware success.

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Chris Kempa

Chief Executive Officer, True Value Company

Led the wholesaler through strategic portfolio moves—including brand acquisitions and a 2024 transaction process—while emphasizing supply‑chain resilience.

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John Menard Jr.

President & Owner, Menards

Founder‑owner and driving force behind the U.S.’s No. 3 home‑improvement chain; still serves as company president.

Hal Lawton

President & CEO, Tractor Supply Company

Retail veteran leading the largest rural lifestyle retailer since January 2020, scaling its Life Out Here strategy and Pro‑rural assortments.

Eric Smidt

Founder, Chairman & CEO, Harbor Freight Tools

Founder who expanded the retailer to 1,600+ U.S. stores; continues as chairman and CEO with a value‑engineering model.

Thierry Garnier

Chief Executive Officer, Kingfisher plc

Group chief since 2019, driving multi‑brand home‑improvement retail across Europe with ongoing cost and market‑share programs.

Michael (Mike) Schneider

Managing Director, Bunnings Group (Wesfarmers)

Managing Director known for community engagement and trade expansion, keeping Bunnings the dominant DIY retailer in Australia & NZ.

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David Wood

Chief Executive Officer, Wickes Group plc

Retail CEO since 2019, steering a digitally‑led, service‑enabled UK model with renewed growth in big‑ticket kitchens & bathrooms.

Adrian Ong (Ong Chu Jin)

Chief Executive Officer, MR D.I.Y. Group (M) Berhad

Accountant‑turned‑retail chief scaling Asia’s largest value DIY chain across multiple countries and formats (MR.DOLLAR, MR.TOY).

Thomas Bouret

Chief Executive Officer, ADEO (parent of Leroy Merlin)

Took over as Group CEO on January 1, 2024, leading one of the world’s largest DIY groups through an omnichannel and platform strategy.

Andrea Scown

Chief Executive Officer, Mitre 10 (New Zealand)

Co‑op CEO championing community programs and store modernization at NZ’s iconic hardware banner.

Ian White

President & CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited (Canada)

Appointed President & CEO effective November 18, 2024; now leading Canada’s largest dealer‑owned home‑improvement network.

Greg Hicks

President & CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation

CEO since 2020; advancing the True North strategy and loyalty‑driven retail that includes Canadian Tire Retail, Mark’s and SportChek.

Erich Harsch

Chief Executive Officer, HORNBACH Baumarkt AG

DIY‑chain CEO across continental Europe, focused on expansion, omnichannel, and resilient EBIT through 2024/25.

Dr. Sebastian Gundel

Chief Executive Officer, OBI Group Holding

Succeeded Sergio Giroldi in 2022; leading OBI’s platform‑driven transformation and international franchise growth.

Wade Kotula

Chief Executive Officer, Northern Tool + Equipment

Second‑generation co‑owner now serving as CEO (2025), guiding omnichannel growth and community trades programs.

Meagan McCoy Jones

President & CEO, McCoy’s Building Supply

Fourth‑generation leader who became CEO in 2022, expanding the Texas‑based building‑supply and hardware retailer with a people‑first culture. (Industry profile; confirm via company newsroom.)