Billy Bastek named Home Depot EVP of merchandising
The Home Depot announced that William "Billy" Bastek has been appointed executive vice president of merchandising.
The move is effective immediately, the world’s largest home improvement retailer said. Bastek replaces Jeff Kinnaird, who has decided to leave The Home Depot.
Bastek is a 33-year veteran of of the company, having served in several leadership positions across the merchandising organization.
Most recently, he was senior vice president of hardlines responsible for merchandising and marketing strategies for the hardware and garden departments. Prior to that role, he was merchandising vice president (MVP) of hardware and tools, where he oversaw the growth and transformation of the power tools and automotive departments in stores and online.
"Billy is an experienced merchant, leader, and mentor who is known for his innovative approach to merchandising, transforming The Home Depot's product assortment and bringing incredible value to our customers," said Ted Decker, chair, president, and CEO of The Home Depot. "We're fortunate to have a talented bench of senior leaders like Billy, as well as future leaders across the company, and I look forward to working with him in his new and expanded role."
The retailer also said that under Bastek's leadership, the merchandising team has led the modernization of the power tools and outdoor power categories, driving an industry-wide shift from corded or gas-powered to battery-powered equipment, with an ecosystem of innovative tools powered by the same battery platforms.
The Home Depot noted that Bastek and his team also drove the successful growth of The Home Depot's Halloween and holiday categories both online and in-stores, which have achieved record sell-through over the past several seasons.
Bastek began his career in 1989 at HD Supply, formerly known as Maintenance Warehouse, which was originally acquired by the company in 1997. He has held various roles of increasing responsibility, including global product merchant, senior merchant, divisional merchandise manager, and MVP for building materials.
The retailer did not provide a reason for Kinnaird's departure.
Kinnaird was named executive vice president of merchandising in October 2020. Prior to the promotion, he served as President of Home Depot Canada. The former Home Depot executive's Linked profile still lists him as EVP at the company.
“Jeff has made significant contributions to The Home Depot since starting in the lumber aisle nearly 27 years ago and progressing through every role in our stores," said Decker. "His leadership of our Canadian division and more recently of our merchandising, marketing, and online businesses is greatly appreciated. Jeff has been a champion of our culture and values, and I would like to thank him for his hard work and numerous contributions across his career. I wish him well in his future endeavors."
Kinnaird recently took part in The Home Depot's fourth quarter and year-end 2022 financial conference call and detailed how falling lumber prices had impacted the company's sales.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, The Home Depot operates 2,322 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces, and Mexico. The company employs approximately 475,000 associates.
