By Michael Calia
Lowe's Cos. (LOW) on Tuesday said it named Michael A. Jones its
new chief customer officer, replacing 32-year company veteran
Gregory M. Bridgeford.
Mr. Jones, currently the hardware retailer's merchandising
chief, will take over responsibility for customer-engagement
initiatives, including merchandising, marketing and communications.
He will assume his new post April 30, the company said.
Mr. Bridgeford and Mr. Jones have been working together on
boosting the store's customer experience since early last year,
when Mr. Jones joined the company, Chairman and Chief Executive
Robert A. Niblock said.
Lowe's, along with rival Home Depot Inc. (HD), have enjoyed
relatively better sales than other retailers, thanks to positive
signs in the housing market.
The Lowe's appointment follows Home Depot's decision last week
to name Craig Menear head of its U.S. retail operations, a move
observers saw as a consolidation of its CEO succession plan as the
company looks to expand its presence online.
At Lowe's, Mr. Jones' responsibilities will also include
overseeing customers' experience on the web.
Lowe's shares were inactive premarket. The stock closed at
$50.19 Tuesday and is up 1.3% so far this year, outpacing Home
Depot and the broader market.
Write to Michael Calia at michael.calia@wsj.com
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