Ted Decker: Difference between revisions

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| nationality  = American
| nationality  = American
| occupation  = Chair, President, and CEO of [[The Home Depot]]
| occupation  = Chair, President, and CEO of [[The Home Depot]]
| education    = [[College of William & Mary]] (BA)<br>[[Carnegie Mellon University]] (MBA)
| education    = [[College of William & Mary]] (BA)<br>[[Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business]] (MBA)
| known_for    = Leading The Home Depot as Chair, President, and CEO
| known_for    = Leading The Home Depot as Chair, President, and CEO
}}
}}


'''Edward "Ted" Decker''' (born 1963) is an American business executive who serves as the Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of [[The Home Depot]], the world's largest home improvement retailer. A native of [[Fairview, Pennsylvania]], Decker rose through the ranks of The Home Depot over a career spanning more than two decades with the company, holding senior positions in merchandising, marketing, and operations before being named President and Chief Operating Officer in October 2020.<ref name="goerie">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-10-19 |title=Fairview native Ted Decker named president, COO of Home Depot |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827213444/https://www.goerie.com/story/business/2020/10/19/fairview-native-ted-decker-named-president-coo-home-depot-erie/5978002002/ |work=GoErie.com |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In January 2022, the company announced his appointment as CEO and President, succeeding [[Craig Menear]], who remained as Chairman of the Board at the time of the transition.<ref name="cnbc-ceo">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-01-27 |title=Home Depot names Ted Decker CEO; Craig Menear will remain board chair |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827225422/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/27/home-depot-names-ted-decker-ceo-craig-menear-will-remain-board-chair.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Later that year, Decker was elected Chairman of the Board, consolidating the top leadership roles at one of the largest retailers in the world.<ref name="bi-chair">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022 |title=Home Depot elects Ted Decker as Chair of Board, authorizes $15 bln share repurchase |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/home-depot-elects-ted-decker-as-chair-of-board-authorizes-15-bln-share-repurchase-1031694257 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Under his leadership, The Home Depot has navigated a challenging macroeconomic environment marked by housing market pressures, shifting consumer demand, and trade policy disruptions, while continuing to pursue strategic investments in its supply chain and professional customer business.
'''Edward "Ted" Decker''' (born 1963) is an American business executive who serves as the Chair, President, and [[Chief Executive Officer]] of [[The Home Depot]], the world's largest home improvement retailer. A native of [[Fairview, Pennsylvania]], Decker rose through the ranks of The Home Depot over more than two decades, holding leadership positions across merchandising, marketing, and operations before being named President and Chief Operating Officer in October 2020.<ref name="goerie">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2020-10-19 |title=Fairview native Ted Decker named president, COO of Home Depot |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827213444/https://www.goerie.com/story/business/2020/10/19/fairview-native-ted-decker-named-president-coo-home-depot-erie/5978002002/ |work=GoErie.com |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He was elevated to CEO and President in March 2022, succeeding [[Craig Menear]], and later that year was elected Chairman of the Board.<ref name="cnbc-ceo">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-01-27 |title=Home Depot names Ted Decker CEO; Craig Menear will remain board chair |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827225422/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/27/home-depot-names-ted-decker-ceo-craig-menear-will-remain-board-chair.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-chair">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-08-18 |title=Home Depot CEO Ted Decker to replace retiring Craig Menear as chairman |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827213611/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/18/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-to-replace-retiring-craig-menear-as-chairman.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Under his leadership, The Home Depot has navigated significant macroeconomic challenges including housing market pressures, tariff uncertainties, and shifting consumer demand, while continuing to invest in strategic growth initiatives. As of fiscal year 2025, the company reported quarterly sales of $41.4 billion for the third quarter alone.<ref name="q3-2025">{{cite web |title=The Home Depot Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results; Updates Fiscal 2025 Guidance |url=https://corporate.homedepot.com/news/earnings/home-depot-announces-third-quarter-2025-earnings |publisher=The Home Depot |date=2025-11-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Ted Decker was born in 1963 and grew up in [[Fairview, Pennsylvania]], a small township in [[Erie County, Pennsylvania|Erie County]] in the northwestern corner of the state.<ref name="goerie" /> Fairview, located along the shores of [[Lake Erie]], is a community with a population of several thousand residents, and Decker's upbringing there has been noted in regional news coverage as a point of local pride following his ascent to the top of one of America's largest corporations.<ref name="goerie" />
Ted Decker was born Edward Decker in 1963 and grew up in [[Fairview Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania|Fairview]], a small community in [[Erie County, Pennsylvania]].<ref name="goerie" /> Fairview is located in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, near the city of [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]]. Decker's upbringing in this working-class region of the state shaped his early experiences before he pursued higher education and eventually a career in business.


Details about Decker's family background and childhood have not been extensively documented in public sources. What is known is that he eventually left northwestern Pennsylvania to pursue higher education, first at the [[College of William & Mary]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]], and later at [[Carnegie Mellon University]] in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], for graduate studies.<ref name="cmu">{{cite web |title=W.L. Mellon Speaker Series: Ted Decker |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/recruiting-and-partnerships/partner-with-the-tepper-school/wl-mellon-speaker-series/ted-decker.html |publisher=Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His educational trajectory—from a small-town Pennsylvania background to prominent universities and ultimately corporate leadership—has been cited in profiles as illustrative of his career trajectory within the home improvement industry.
Details about Decker's family background and childhood activities remain limited in public sources. However, his roots in Fairview have been noted in regional media coverage, particularly following his ascent to senior leadership at one of the nation's largest corporations. The ''Erie Times-News'' highlighted his local origins when he was named President and COO of The Home Depot in 2020, identifying him as a "Fairview native."<ref name="goerie" />


== Education ==
== Education ==


Decker earned his undergraduate degree from the [[College of William & Mary]], one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, located in Williamsburg, Virginia.<ref name="wm">{{cite web |title=Ted Decker – Bold Leaders |url=https://www.wm.edu/peopleofwm/bold-leaders/decker-t/index.php |publisher=College of William & Mary |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He subsequently obtained a [[Master of Business Administration]] (MBA) from the [[Tepper School of Business]] at [[Carnegie Mellon University]] in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.<ref name="cmu" /> Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School has featured Decker as part of its W.L. Mellon Speaker Series, highlighting his career achievements as a notable alumnus of the program.<ref name="cmu" /> The William & Mary community has also recognized Decker among its "Bold Leaders," underscoring his prominence as an alumnus who has risen to a top leadership position in American business.<ref name="wm" />
Decker attended the [[College of William & Mary]] in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]], where he earned his undergraduate degree.<ref name="wm">{{cite web |title=Ted Decker – People of William & Mary |url=https://www.wm.edu/peopleofwm/bold-leaders/decker-t/index.php |publisher=College of William & Mary |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He subsequently pursued graduate studies in business, earning a [[Master of Business Administration]] (MBA) from the [[Tepper School of Business]] at [[Carnegie Mellon University]] in [[Pittsburgh]].<ref name="tepper">{{cite web |title=W.L. Mellon Speaker Series – Ted Decker |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/recruiting-and-partnerships/partner-with-the-tepper-school/wl-mellon-speaker-series/ted-decker.html |publisher=Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The Tepper School is a graduate business program that has been associated with the development of numerous corporate leaders. Decker's MBA education provided him with a foundation in business strategy and management that would prove instrumental in his subsequent career trajectory at The Home Depot. He has been featured as part of the Tepper School's W.L. Mellon Speaker Series, reflecting his continued association with his alma mater.<ref name="tepper" />
 
The College of William & Mary has also recognized Decker among its notable alumni, listing him among its "Bold Leaders" in its People of William & Mary profiles.<ref name="wm" />


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Career and Rise at The Home Depot ===
=== Early Career and Rise at The Home Depot ===


Before joining The Home Depot, Decker worked in various capacities in business, though specific details of his pre-Home Depot career are not extensively documented in available sources. After joining The Home Depot, Decker progressed through a series of roles that gave him broad experience across the company's major operational areas. Over more than two decades with the retailer, he held positions in merchandising, marketing, supply chain management, and store operations, which provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the company's business model.<ref name="goerie" /><ref name="cnn-ceo">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-01-27 |title=Home Depot has a new CEO |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/27/business/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Before joining The Home Depot, Decker held positions at other companies, though detailed public information about his pre-Home Depot career is limited. He joined The Home Depot and over the course of more than two decades built an extensive track record across multiple areas of the business. His career at the company encompassed senior roles in merchandising, marketing, and supply chain operations, giving him broad exposure to the retailer's core functions.<ref name="cnn-ceo">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-01-27 |title=Home Depot has a new CEO |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/27/business/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Decker served as Executive Vice President of Merchandising, a role in which he oversaw the company's product assortment, vendor relationships, and merchandising strategy across The Home Depot's vast network of stores.<ref name="cnn-ceo" /> His work in this capacity positioned him as one of the most influential executives within the company's leadership structure.
Decker served as executive vice president of merchandising at The Home Depot, a role in which he oversaw the company's product assortment and vendor relationships across its vast network of stores. This position placed him at the center of the company's retail strategy, responsible for the selection and procurement of goods sold across thousands of locations.<ref name="cnn-ceo" />


=== President and Chief Operating Officer ===
=== President and Chief Operating Officer (2020–2022) ===


In October 2020, The Home Depot announced that Decker had been promoted to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).<ref name="goerie" /> This promotion was widely interpreted as a key step in the company's succession planning, as it placed Decker in the most prominent operational role beneath then-CEO Craig Menear. As President and COO, Decker was responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations, including its more than 2,300 stores across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with its growing e-commerce and supply chain infrastructure.<ref name="goerie" />
In October 2020, The Home Depot announced that Decker had been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, a promotion that positioned him as the clear second-in-command to then-CEO Craig Menear.<ref name="goerie" /> The appointment was announced during a period of significant growth for the home improvement sector, as the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] had driven increased consumer spending on home renovation and improvement projects, with many Americans investing in their living spaces during lockdowns and remote work periods.


The announcement generated notable attention in Decker's hometown of Fairview, Pennsylvania, where local media reported on the promotion as a significant achievement for a native of the Erie County community.<ref name="goerie" />
As President and COO, Decker assumed responsibility for the company's global store operations, global supply chain, outside sales and service, real estate, and merchandising.<ref name="goerie" /> His appointment was seen as part of a broader succession planning effort at The Home Depot, signaling that the company's board of directors was grooming him for eventual elevation to the CEO role.<ref name="cnn-ceo" />


=== CEO and President ===
The announcement attracted attention in Decker's hometown region, where the ''Erie Times-News'' reported on his appointment, noting his roots in Fairview, Pennsylvania.<ref name="goerie" />


On January 27, 2022, The Home Depot announced that Decker would succeed Craig Menear as CEO and President, effective March 1, 2022.<ref name="cnbc-ceo" /><ref name="cnn-ceo" /> Menear, who had served as CEO since 2014, retained the role of Chairman of the Board at the time of the announcement.<ref name="cnbc-ceo" /> The Home Depot's board of directors selected Decker for the role based on his extensive experience within the company and his demonstrated leadership as President and COO.<ref name="cnn-ceo" />
=== Chief Executive Officer (2022–present) ===


Decker's appointment came during a period of significant transformation for the home improvement sector. The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] had driven record demand for home improvement products as consumers invested heavily in their homes during lockdowns and remote work trends, leading to exceptional financial results for The Home Depot in 2020 and 2021. At the same time, the company was navigating supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and shifts in consumer behavior that presented ongoing challenges.<ref name="cnn-ceo" />
On January 27, 2022, The Home Depot announced that Decker would succeed Craig Menear as CEO and President, effective March 1, 2022. Menear, who had led the company since 2014, would remain as Chairman of the Board during the transition.<ref name="cnbc-ceo" /><ref name="cnn-ceo" /> The leadership change was characterized as part of an orderly succession plan. The announcement was reported by multiple major news outlets including [[CNN]] and [[CNBC]].<ref name="cnn-ceo" /><ref name="cnbc-ceo" />


The transition was also reported by [[Yahoo! News]], which noted Decker's deep institutional knowledge and long tenure with the company as factors that positioned him well for the role.<ref name="yahoo">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-01-27 |title=Home Depot appoints Ted Decker as CEO |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/home-depot-appoints-ted-decker-161718440.html |work=Yahoo! News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
CNN reported that Decker's appointment reflected his deep experience across the company's operations, noting that he had served in various leadership roles over his long tenure at The Home Depot.<ref name="cnn-ceo" /> At the time of his appointment, The Home Depot was the world's largest home improvement retailer, operating thousands of stores across [[North America]].


=== Chairman of the Board ===
In August 2022, following Menear's retirement from the board, Decker was elected Chairman of the Board. The company simultaneously authorized a $15 billion share repurchase program.<ref name="bi-chair">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-08-18 |title=Home Depot elects Ted Decker as chair of board, authorizes $15 bln share repurchase |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/home-depot-elects-ted-decker-as-chair-of-board-authorizes-15-bln-share-repurchase-1031694257 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-chair" /> With this appointment, Decker assumed the combined role of Chair, President, and CEO, consolidating the top leadership positions at the company.


In August 2022, The Home Depot announced that Decker had been elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Craig Menear, who retired from the position.<ref name="cnbc-chair">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-08-18 |title=Home Depot CEO Ted Decker to replace retiring Craig Menear as chairman |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827213611/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/18/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-to-replace-retiring-craig-menear-as-chairman.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> With this appointment, Decker assumed the combined roles of Chair, President, and CEO of the company, consolidating the top executive and governance positions into a single individual. The board simultaneously authorized a $15 billion share repurchase program, signaling confidence in the company's financial position and long-term strategy under Decker's leadership.<ref name="bi-chair" />
CNBC reported that Menear's departure from the chairmanship was the result of his planned retirement, and that the transition had been anticipated since Decker's elevation to CEO earlier in the year.<ref name="cnbc-chair" />


The announcement came shortly after The Home Depot reported second-quarter 2022 earnings that demonstrated the company's continued strong performance despite a slowing housing market. In August 2022, reporting on the company's results, CNN noted that The Home Depot's business was being affected by rising interest rates and a cooling housing market, but that the company continued to deliver solid financial results.<ref name="cnn-earnings">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-08-16 |title=Home Depot earnings |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/16/investing/home-depot-earnings-housing/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Navigating Economic Headwinds (2022–2025) ===


=== Navigating Macroeconomic Challenges ===
Decker's tenure as CEO has coincided with a period of significant economic uncertainty affecting the home improvement sector. In August 2022, during The Home Depot's quarterly earnings report, the company reported strong results even as the broader housing market began to cool. CNN reported on the earnings in the context of the housing market, noting the dynamics facing the retailer.<ref name="cnn-earnings">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-08-16 |title=Home Depot earnings and housing |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/16/investing/home-depot-earnings-housing/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Under Decker's leadership, The Home Depot has faced a prolonged period of macroeconomic headwinds. The housing market, which is a significant driver of home improvement spending, experienced a slowdown as the [[Federal Reserve]] raised interest rates aggressively beginning in 2022 to combat inflation, leading to reduced home sales activity and lower discretionary spending on home renovation projects.
By late 2025, The Home Depot faced a more challenging macroeconomic environment. In November 2025, the company reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 sales of $41.4 billion and updated its fiscal year guidance.<ref name="q3-2025" /> The company lowered its outlook, citing consumer uncertainty and pressure from the housing market.<ref name="retail-brew">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-11-19 |title=The Home Depot lowers outlook as consumer uncertainty, housing pressure hurt demand |url=https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2025/11/19/the-home-depot-lowers-outlook-as-consumer-uncertainty-housing-pressure-hurt-demand |work=Retail Brew |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Retail Brew reported that the home improvement sector was "struggling with a lack of demand even as it drives sales of bigger-ticket items."<ref name="retail-brew" />


In November 2025, The Home Depot reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 sales of $41.4 billion and updated its fiscal 2025 guidance, reflecting ongoing pressures from consumer uncertainty and housing market conditions.<ref name="hd-q3">{{cite web |title=The Home Depot Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results; Updates Fiscal 2025 Guidance |url=https://corporate.homedepot.com/news/earnings/home-depot-announces-third-quarter-2025-earnings |publisher=The Home Depot |date=2025-11-18 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The company lowered its outlook for the fiscal year, with reporting by Retail Brew noting that the home improvement sector was struggling with a lack of demand even as the company sought to drive sales of larger-ticket items.<ref name="retailbrew">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-11-19 |title=The Home Depot lowers outlook as consumer uncertainty, housing pressure hurt demand |url=https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2025/11/19/the-home-depot-lowers-outlook-as-consumer-uncertainty-housing-pressure-hurt-demand |work=Retail Brew |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In a November 2025 interview with SaportaReport, Decker reflected on The Home Depot's corporate culture and founding principles, stating that "the founders were brilliant," referencing the company's co-founders [[Bernie Marcus]] and [[Arthur Blank]].<ref name="saporta">{{cite news |last=Saporta |first=Maria |date=2025-11-17 |title=Home Depot CEO Ted Decker: 'the founders were brilliant' |url=https://saportareport.com/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-the-founders-were-brilliant/columnists/mariasmetro/maria_saporta/ |work=SaportaReport |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In December 2025, The Home Depot provided a strategic update and reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance while establishing a preliminary fiscal 2026 outlook and what the company described as a "market recovery case."<ref name="hd-strategic">{{cite web |title=The Home Depot Provides a Strategic Update; Reaffirms Fiscal 2025 Guidance; Establishes a Preliminary Fiscal 2026 Outlook and a Market Recovery Case |url=https://ir.homedepot.com/news-releases/2025/12-09-2025-110026216 |publisher=The Home Depot |date=2025-12-09 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> This strategic communication indicated the company's efforts under Decker to position itself for an eventual recovery in the housing and home improvement markets while managing costs and investing in long-term growth areas.
In December 2025, The Home Depot provided a strategic update to investors, reaffirming its fiscal 2025 guidance and establishing a preliminary fiscal 2026 outlook along with a "market recovery case."<ref name="strategic-update">{{cite web |title=The Home Depot Provides a Strategic Update; Reaffirms Fiscal 2025 Guidance; Establishes a Preliminary Fiscal 2026 Outlook and a Market Recovery Case |url=https://ir.homedepot.com/news-releases/2025/12-09-2025-110026216 |publisher=The Home Depot |date=2025-12-09 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The strategic update signaled the company's efforts to plan for a potential recovery in the housing market while managing through near-term uncertainty.


In a November 2025 interview with SaportaReport, Decker reflected on the company's heritage, stating that "the founders were brilliant," in reference to The Home Depot's co-founders [[Bernie Marcus]] and [[Arthur Blank]].<ref name="saporta">{{cite news |last=Saporta |first=Maria |date=2025-11-17 |title=Home Depot CEO Ted Decker: 'the founders were brilliant' |url=https://saportareport.com/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-the-founders-were-brilliant/columnists/mariasmetro/maria_saporta/ |work=SaportaReport |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Tariff Negotiations and Government Relations (2025) ===


=== Tariff Policy and Pricing Strategy ===
In April 2025, Decker attended a meeting at the [[White House]] with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Donald Trump]] to discuss the impact of [[tariffs]] on the retail sector.<ref name="11alive">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-04-23 |title=Home Depot CEO attended meeting with Trump on tariffs, reports say |url=https://www.11alive.com/article/money/business/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-attended-trump-white-house-meeting-tariffs-reports/85-466fe102-3d04-4799-9fd3-958896489d48 |work=11Alive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The meeting reflected the significance of tariff policy to The Home Depot's business, given the company's reliance on imported goods across its product categories.


In April 2025, Decker attended a meeting at the White House with President [[Donald Trump]] to discuss the impact of tariffs on the retail industry, as reported by 11Alive.<ref name="11alive">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-04-23 |title=Home Depot CEO attended meeting with Trump on tariffs, reports say |url=https://www.11alive.com/article/money/business/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-attended-trump-white-house-meeting-tariffs-reports/85-466fe102-3d04-4799-9fd3-958896489d48 |work=11Alive |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The meeting took place amid broader concerns about the effects of tariff policies on the cost of imported goods, which are significant for a retailer like The Home Depot that sources products from global supply chains.
In May 2025, during the company's quarterly earnings call, Home Depot officials stated that the company did not plan to increase prices as a result of tariffs, distinguishing its approach from that of some competitors. [[Axios]] reported that this stance contrasted with [[Walmart]], which had indicated potential price increases.<ref name="axios-tariffs">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-05-20 |title=Home Depot doesn't plan price hikes for tariffs unlike Walmart |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/home-depot-stock-prices-tariffs |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The decision to absorb tariff costs rather than pass them on to consumers was a notable strategic choice that attracted media attention.


During the company's quarterly earnings call in May 2025, The Home Depot officials stated that the company did not plan to increase prices as a result of the tariffs, distinguishing its approach from that of some other major retailers. Axios reported that Home Depot's decision not to pass tariff costs along to consumers was a notable divergence from the strategy announced by [[Walmart]], which indicated it would need to raise prices.<ref name="axios">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-05-20 |title=Home Depot doesn't plan price hikes for tariffs unlike Walmart |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/home-depot-stock-prices-tariffs |work=Axios |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
=== Corporate Restructuring (2026) ===


=== Corporate Restructuring ===
In January 2026, The Home Depot announced the layoff of approximately 800 workers and a requirement that corporate employees return to the office five days per week, ending the hybrid work arrangements that had been in place.<ref name="cnbc-layoffs">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-01-28 |title=Home Depot lays off 800 workers, says corporate employees will return to office 5 days a week |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/home-depot-layoffs-return-to-office.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The restructuring was part of broader cost management efforts at the company. The return-to-office mandate aligned with a broader trend among major corporations that moved to scale back remote and hybrid work policies during this period.<ref name="cnbc-layoffs" />


In January 2026, The Home Depot announced it would lay off approximately 800 workers as part of a corporate restructuring. Simultaneously, the company announced that corporate employees would be required to return to the office five days per week, ending more flexible remote and hybrid work arrangements that had been in place.<ref name="cnbc-layoffs">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-01-28 |title=Home Depot lays off 800 workers, says corporate employees will return to office 5 days a week |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/home-depot-layoffs-return-to-office.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The layoffs and return-to-office mandate were part of broader cost management and organizational efficiency efforts under Decker's leadership, reflecting trends seen across major American corporations during this period.
=== Immigration Enforcement Controversy (2025) ===


=== Immigration and Labor Issues ===
In September 2025, the [[League of United Latin American Citizens]] (LULAC) publicly called on Decker to implement a policy denying [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (ICE) access to Home Depot stores and facilities without court warrants or advance notice. LULAC National President Roman Palomares issued a statement urging the company to take a position on workplace immigration enforcement actions.<ref name="lulac">{{cite web |title=LULAC Calls on Home Depot CEO Ted Decker to Deny ICE Access Without Court Warrants or Advance Notice |url=https://lulac.org/news/pr/LULAC_CALLS_ON_HOME_DEPOT_CEO_TED_DECKER_TO_DENY_ICE_ACCESS_WITHOUT_COURT_WARRANTS_OR_ADVANCE_NOTICE/ |publisher=LULAC |date=2025-09-12 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The request placed The Home Depot and Decker at the intersection of corporate policy and national immigration enforcement debates.


In September 2025, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) publicly called on Decker to adopt a policy of denying [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (ICE) access to Home Depot stores and facilities without court warrants or advance notice. LULAC National President Roman Palomares directed the appeal specifically to Decker in his role as Chair and CEO.<ref name="lulac">{{cite web |title=LULAC Calls on Home Depot CEO Ted Decker to Deny ICE Access Without Court Warrants or Advance Notice |url=https://lulac.org/news/pr/LULAC_CALLS_ON_HOME_DEPOT_CEO_TED_DECKER_TO_DENY_ICE_ACCESS_WITHOUT_COURT_WARRANTS_OR_ADVANCE_NOTICE/ |publisher=LULAC |date=2025-09-12 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The request reflected broader national debates about immigration enforcement in the workplace and the role of major employers in responding to government agencies.
== Personal Life ==


== Personal Life ==
Decker was born and raised in Fairview, Pennsylvania, a small community in Erie County in the northwestern part of the state.<ref name="goerie" /> He has maintained connections to his educational institutions, having been recognized by the College of William & Mary as one of its notable alumni<ref name="wm" /> and participating in Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business speaker series.<ref name="tepper" />


Ted Decker is from Fairview, Pennsylvania, a small community in Erie County.<ref name="goerie" /> Details about Decker's personal and family life have remained largely private. He has maintained a relatively low public profile outside of his professional responsibilities at The Home Depot, with most public attention focused on his corporate leadership role.
Public information about Decker's family life remains limited. He is based in the [[Atlanta]] metropolitan area, where The Home Depot has its corporate headquarters.


Decker has been recognized by both of his alma maters. The College of William & Mary has highlighted him among its community of "Bold Leaders," and Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business has featured him in its W.L. Mellon Speaker Series, where he has shared insights from his career with students and the broader business community.<ref name="wm" /><ref name="cmu" />
In July 2022, CNBC reported that Decker was among individuals who contributed to political fundraising efforts, specifically in connection with a fundraiser associated with [[U.S. Senator]] [[Joe Manchin]].<ref name="cnbc-manchin">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-07-15 |title=Joe Manchin raises $1 million from Bob Kraft, Wall Street, energy companies |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/15/joe-manchin-raises-1-million-from-bob-kraft-wall-street-energy-companies.html |work=CNBC |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Decker has received recognition from the academic institutions where he studied. The [[College of William & Mary]] has profiled Decker as part of its "People of William & Mary" series, categorizing him among the institution's "Bold Leaders."<ref name="wm" /> [[Carnegie Mellon University]]'s [[Tepper School of Business]] has also recognized Decker's achievements by featuring him in the W.L. Mellon Speaker Series, a program that brings prominent business leaders to campus to engage with students and faculty.<ref name="cmu" />
Decker has been recognized by his alma maters for his professional achievements. The College of William & Mary has featured him in its "People of William & Mary" profiles under the "Bold Leaders" category, highlighting his career trajectory from the college to the leadership of a [[Fortune 500]] company.<ref name="wm" /> Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business has featured Decker as part of its W.L. Mellon Speaker Series, a program that brings prominent business leaders to campus to share insights with students and faculty.<ref name="tepper" />


As Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot, Decker leads a company that is consistently ranked among the largest retailers in the United States by revenue. The Home Depot, headquartered in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], operates more than 2,300 stores and employs hundreds of thousands of associates, making Decker one of the most prominent corporate leaders in the American retail sector.
His appointment as CEO of The Home Depot in 2022 was covered extensively by major financial and general news outlets, including CNN, CNBC, and Yahoo News, reflecting the significance of the leadership transition at one of the world's largest retailers.<ref name="cnbc-ceo" /><ref name="cnn-ceo" /><ref name="yahoo">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2022-01-27 |title=Home Depot Appoints Ted Decker as CEO |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/home-depot-appoints-ted-decker-161718440.html |work=Yahoo News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


His decision in 2025 to absorb tariff costs rather than pass them on to consumers received attention in the business press as a significant strategic choice, distinguishing The Home Depot's approach from that of competitors.<ref name="axios" /> His attendance at a White House meeting on tariffs further underscored his role as a representative of the retail industry in national economic policy discussions.<ref name="11alive" />
As the leader of the world's largest home improvement retailer, Decker's public statements and strategic decisions have attracted regular media attention. His engagement with policymakers on tariff issues in 2025<ref name="11alive" /> and the company's decision to refrain from tariff-related price increases<ref name="axios-tariffs" /> generated coverage in outlets including Axios, 11Alive, and financial media.


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:People from Erie County, Pennsylvania]]
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Latest revision as of 04:38, 24 February 2026




Ted Decker
BornEdward Decker
1963
BirthplaceFairview, Pennsylvania, United States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationChair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot
Known forLeading The Home Depot as Chair, President, and CEO
EducationCollege of William & Mary (BA)
Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business (MBA)

Edward "Ted" Decker (born 1963) is an American business executive who serves as the Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer. A native of Fairview, Pennsylvania, Decker rose through the ranks of The Home Depot over more than two decades, holding leadership positions across merchandising, marketing, and operations before being named President and Chief Operating Officer in October 2020.[1] He was elevated to CEO and President in March 2022, succeeding Craig Menear, and later that year was elected Chairman of the Board.[2][3] Under his leadership, The Home Depot has navigated significant macroeconomic challenges including housing market pressures, tariff uncertainties, and shifting consumer demand, while continuing to invest in strategic growth initiatives. As of fiscal year 2025, the company reported quarterly sales of $41.4 billion for the third quarter alone.[4]

Early Life

Ted Decker was born Edward Decker in 1963 and grew up in Fairview, a small community in Erie County, Pennsylvania.[1] Fairview is located in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, near the city of Erie. Decker's upbringing in this working-class region of the state shaped his early experiences before he pursued higher education and eventually a career in business.

Details about Decker's family background and childhood activities remain limited in public sources. However, his roots in Fairview have been noted in regional media coverage, particularly following his ascent to senior leadership at one of the nation's largest corporations. The Erie Times-News highlighted his local origins when he was named President and COO of The Home Depot in 2020, identifying him as a "Fairview native."[1]

Education

Decker attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he earned his undergraduate degree.[5] He subsequently pursued graduate studies in business, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.[6] The Tepper School is a graduate business program that has been associated with the development of numerous corporate leaders. Decker's MBA education provided him with a foundation in business strategy and management that would prove instrumental in his subsequent career trajectory at The Home Depot. He has been featured as part of the Tepper School's W.L. Mellon Speaker Series, reflecting his continued association with his alma mater.[6]

The College of William & Mary has also recognized Decker among its notable alumni, listing him among its "Bold Leaders" in its People of William & Mary profiles.[5]

Career

Early Career and Rise at The Home Depot

Before joining The Home Depot, Decker held positions at other companies, though detailed public information about his pre-Home Depot career is limited. He joined The Home Depot and over the course of more than two decades built an extensive track record across multiple areas of the business. His career at the company encompassed senior roles in merchandising, marketing, and supply chain operations, giving him broad exposure to the retailer's core functions.[7]

Decker served as executive vice president of merchandising at The Home Depot, a role in which he oversaw the company's product assortment and vendor relationships across its vast network of stores. This position placed him at the center of the company's retail strategy, responsible for the selection and procurement of goods sold across thousands of locations.[7]

President and Chief Operating Officer (2020–2022)

In October 2020, The Home Depot announced that Decker had been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, a promotion that positioned him as the clear second-in-command to then-CEO Craig Menear.[1] The appointment was announced during a period of significant growth for the home improvement sector, as the COVID-19 pandemic had driven increased consumer spending on home renovation and improvement projects, with many Americans investing in their living spaces during lockdowns and remote work periods.

As President and COO, Decker assumed responsibility for the company's global store operations, global supply chain, outside sales and service, real estate, and merchandising.[1] His appointment was seen as part of a broader succession planning effort at The Home Depot, signaling that the company's board of directors was grooming him for eventual elevation to the CEO role.[7]

The announcement attracted attention in Decker's hometown region, where the Erie Times-News reported on his appointment, noting his roots in Fairview, Pennsylvania.[1]

Chief Executive Officer (2022–present)

On January 27, 2022, The Home Depot announced that Decker would succeed Craig Menear as CEO and President, effective March 1, 2022. Menear, who had led the company since 2014, would remain as Chairman of the Board during the transition.[2][7] The leadership change was characterized as part of an orderly succession plan. The announcement was reported by multiple major news outlets including CNN and CNBC.[7][2]

CNN reported that Decker's appointment reflected his deep experience across the company's operations, noting that he had served in various leadership roles over his long tenure at The Home Depot.[7] At the time of his appointment, The Home Depot was the world's largest home improvement retailer, operating thousands of stores across North America.

In August 2022, following Menear's retirement from the board, Decker was elected Chairman of the Board. The company simultaneously authorized a $15 billion share repurchase program.[8][3] With this appointment, Decker assumed the combined role of Chair, President, and CEO, consolidating the top leadership positions at the company.

CNBC reported that Menear's departure from the chairmanship was the result of his planned retirement, and that the transition had been anticipated since Decker's elevation to CEO earlier in the year.[3]

Navigating Economic Headwinds (2022–2025)

Decker's tenure as CEO has coincided with a period of significant economic uncertainty affecting the home improvement sector. In August 2022, during The Home Depot's quarterly earnings report, the company reported strong results even as the broader housing market began to cool. CNN reported on the earnings in the context of the housing market, noting the dynamics facing the retailer.[9]

By late 2025, The Home Depot faced a more challenging macroeconomic environment. In November 2025, the company reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 sales of $41.4 billion and updated its fiscal year guidance.[4] The company lowered its outlook, citing consumer uncertainty and pressure from the housing market.[10] Retail Brew reported that the home improvement sector was "struggling with a lack of demand even as it drives sales of bigger-ticket items."[10]

In a November 2025 interview with SaportaReport, Decker reflected on The Home Depot's corporate culture and founding principles, stating that "the founders were brilliant," referencing the company's co-founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank.[11]

In December 2025, The Home Depot provided a strategic update to investors, reaffirming its fiscal 2025 guidance and establishing a preliminary fiscal 2026 outlook along with a "market recovery case."[12] The strategic update signaled the company's efforts to plan for a potential recovery in the housing market while managing through near-term uncertainty.

Tariff Negotiations and Government Relations (2025)

In April 2025, Decker attended a meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump to discuss the impact of tariffs on the retail sector.[13] The meeting reflected the significance of tariff policy to The Home Depot's business, given the company's reliance on imported goods across its product categories.

In May 2025, during the company's quarterly earnings call, Home Depot officials stated that the company did not plan to increase prices as a result of tariffs, distinguishing its approach from that of some competitors. Axios reported that this stance contrasted with Walmart, which had indicated potential price increases.[14] The decision to absorb tariff costs rather than pass them on to consumers was a notable strategic choice that attracted media attention.

Corporate Restructuring (2026)

In January 2026, The Home Depot announced the layoff of approximately 800 workers and a requirement that corporate employees return to the office five days per week, ending the hybrid work arrangements that had been in place.[15] The restructuring was part of broader cost management efforts at the company. The return-to-office mandate aligned with a broader trend among major corporations that moved to scale back remote and hybrid work policies during this period.[15]

Immigration Enforcement Controversy (2025)

In September 2025, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) publicly called on Decker to implement a policy denying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to Home Depot stores and facilities without court warrants or advance notice. LULAC National President Roman Palomares issued a statement urging the company to take a position on workplace immigration enforcement actions.[16] The request placed The Home Depot and Decker at the intersection of corporate policy and national immigration enforcement debates.

Personal Life

Decker was born and raised in Fairview, Pennsylvania, a small community in Erie County in the northwestern part of the state.[1] He has maintained connections to his educational institutions, having been recognized by the College of William & Mary as one of its notable alumni[5] and participating in Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business speaker series.[6]

Public information about Decker's family life remains limited. He is based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, where The Home Depot has its corporate headquarters.

In July 2022, CNBC reported that Decker was among individuals who contributed to political fundraising efforts, specifically in connection with a fundraiser associated with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin.[17]

Recognition

Decker has been recognized by his alma maters for his professional achievements. The College of William & Mary has featured him in its "People of William & Mary" profiles under the "Bold Leaders" category, highlighting his career trajectory from the college to the leadership of a Fortune 500 company.[5] Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business has featured Decker as part of its W.L. Mellon Speaker Series, a program that brings prominent business leaders to campus to share insights with students and faculty.[6]

His appointment as CEO of The Home Depot in 2022 was covered extensively by major financial and general news outlets, including CNN, CNBC, and Yahoo News, reflecting the significance of the leadership transition at one of the world's largest retailers.[2][7][18]

As the leader of the world's largest home improvement retailer, Decker's public statements and strategic decisions have attracted regular media attention. His engagement with policymakers on tariff issues in 2025[13] and the company's decision to refrain from tariff-related price increases[14] generated coverage in outlets including Axios, 11Alive, and financial media.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Fairview native Ted Decker named president, COO of Home Depot".GoErie.com.2020-10-19.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827213444/https://www.goerie.com/story/business/2020/10/19/fairview-native-ted-decker-named-president-coo-home-depot-erie/5978002002/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Home Depot names Ted Decker CEO; Craig Menear will remain board chair".CNBC.2022-01-27.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827225422/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/27/home-depot-names-ted-decker-ceo-craig-menear-will-remain-board-chair.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Home Depot CEO Ted Decker to replace retiring Craig Menear as chairman".CNBC.2022-08-18.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827213611/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/18/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-to-replace-retiring-craig-menear-as-chairman.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "The Home Depot Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results; Updates Fiscal 2025 Guidance".The Home Depot.2025-11-18.https://corporate.homedepot.com/news/earnings/home-depot-announces-third-quarter-2025-earnings.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Ted Decker – People of William & Mary".College of William & Mary.https://www.wm.edu/peopleofwm/bold-leaders/decker-t/index.php.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "W.L. Mellon Speaker Series – Ted Decker".Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/recruiting-and-partnerships/partner-with-the-tepper-school/wl-mellon-speaker-series/ted-decker.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 "Home Depot has a new CEO".CNN.2022-01-27.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/27/business/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "Home Depot elects Ted Decker as chair of board, authorizes $15 bln share repurchase".Business Insider.2022-08-18.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/home-depot-elects-ted-decker-as-chair-of-board-authorizes-15-bln-share-repurchase-1031694257.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Home Depot earnings and housing".CNN.2022-08-16.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/16/investing/home-depot-earnings-housing/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "The Home Depot lowers outlook as consumer uncertainty, housing pressure hurt demand".Retail Brew.2025-11-19.https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2025/11/19/the-home-depot-lowers-outlook-as-consumer-uncertainty-housing-pressure-hurt-demand.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ SaportaMariaMaria"Home Depot CEO Ted Decker: 'the founders were brilliant'".SaportaReport.2025-11-17.https://saportareport.com/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-the-founders-were-brilliant/columnists/mariasmetro/maria_saporta/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "The Home Depot Provides a Strategic Update; Reaffirms Fiscal 2025 Guidance; Establishes a Preliminary Fiscal 2026 Outlook and a Market Recovery Case".The Home Depot.2025-12-09.https://ir.homedepot.com/news-releases/2025/12-09-2025-110026216.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Home Depot CEO attended meeting with Trump on tariffs, reports say".11Alive.2025-04-23.https://www.11alive.com/article/money/business/home-depot-ceo-ted-decker-attended-trump-white-house-meeting-tariffs-reports/85-466fe102-3d04-4799-9fd3-958896489d48.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Home Depot doesn't plan price hikes for tariffs unlike Walmart".Axios.2025-05-20.https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/home-depot-stock-prices-tariffs.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Home Depot lays off 800 workers, says corporate employees will return to office 5 days a week".CNBC.2026-01-28.https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/home-depot-layoffs-return-to-office.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "LULAC Calls on Home Depot CEO Ted Decker to Deny ICE Access Without Court Warrants or Advance Notice".LULAC.2025-09-12.https://lulac.org/news/pr/LULAC_CALLS_ON_HOME_DEPOT_CEO_TED_DECKER_TO_DENY_ICE_ACCESS_WITHOUT_COURT_WARRANTS_OR_ADVANCE_NOTICE/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Joe Manchin raises $1 million from Bob Kraft, Wall Street, energy companies".CNBC.2022-07-15.https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/15/joe-manchin-raises-1-million-from-bob-kraft-wall-street-energy-companies.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Home Depot Appoints Ted Decker as CEO".Yahoo News.2022-01-27.https://web.archive.org/web/20220827164017/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/home-depot-appoints-ted-decker-161718440.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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