Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Home Hardware announced several leadership changes as they continue to execute on their vision to be Canada’s most trusted and preferred home improvement retail brand.
John Pierce joins Home Hardware Stores Limited as vice-president, retail business development, effective September 21, 2022. John brings over 20 years of experience as a strategic and results-oriented executive in operations, human resources and labor relations. He most recently led store operations for a national operator-owned Canadian retailer. In his new role, John will oversee dealer support, recruiting, onboarding and succession planning. John’s portfolio will also include real estate, capital venture and Home’s training and education programs.
Bernie Gauthier joins Home Hardware Stores Limited as vice-president, retail operations. Bernie is a bilingual senior executive with extensive experience in sales, international sales and residential and commercial construction. Prior to joining Home, Bernie was sales director of siding and pressure treated lumber at Taiga Building Products. Bernie also brings a special relationship and knowledge of Home Hardware which was developed when his parents became Dealer-Owners in 1967.
Chris Marinis has been promoted to the role of vice-president, information technology. Chris was previously senior director, business solutions and has been with Home Hardware for two years. Chris brings over 25 years of progressive IT experience in the retail and transportation industry to this new role.
Chris Parsons has been promoted to senior director, omni-channel marketing and strategic insights. Chris joined Home Hardware in 2019 as director, e-commerce and has more than 19 years of experience in digital marketing. He
has been instrumental in driving the strategic direction of Home Hardware’s online digital strategy and most recently led the successful launch of our ship-to-home program.
Melanie Beatty has been promoted to director, e-commerce. Melanie joined Home Hardware in 2004 and has played an integral role in leading the digital roadmap for our e-commerce strategy. She supported the planning and execution of projects such as the rollout of ship-to-home and the redesign of Home’s website to create a harmonized shopping experience. Melanie was recently recognized with the 2022 Retail TouchPoints Top 40 Under 40 award.
Kristi Stemmler’s new title will be director, brand management, marketing communications and research. In this role, Kristi will have increased focus on leading the master brand, private brands, advertising, the in-store brand
experience and market research efforts. Kristi joined Home Hardware in 2018 as director of content and media. She has 30 years of experience in the retail industry, with a focus on brand and private brand marketing as well as mass communications spanning traditional and digital media channels.
Home Hardware Stores Limited has also announced Marianne Thompson has been appointed to the new role of chief commercial officer.
In this role, Thompson will be responsible for Home Hardware’s overall commercial strategy with a focus on driving business growth and expanding market share. As chief commercial officer, Thompson will continue to oversee merchandising in addition to marketing, supply chain and retail operations. She will continue to report to Kevin Macnab, president and CEO.
“With over 30 years of experience in the home improvement industry, Marianne Thompson has the strategic vision and leadership skills needed to drive continued results for Home Hardware and the success of this great Canadian retailer,” says Kevin Macnab, president and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Marianne is a transformative leader who brings passion, creativity and heart to everything she does. Since joining Home Hardware in 2019, Marianne has been instrumental in the success of our LBM and Hardlines merchandise strategies while also reinforcing the value of our people and culture.”
Those reporting directly to Thompson include John Dyksterhuis, chief supply chain officer; Rob Wallace, chief retail operations officer; Laura Baker, chief marketing officer; Rob Szekszer, vice-president, merchandise Hardlines; Carol Crystal, vice-president, merchandise LBM; Meriyem Kaf, director, merchandise strategy & execution and Colin Lalonde, director, merchandise services.
“I am honored to take on this important role during a time of transformational growth and investment at Home Hardware,” Thompson says. “I am passionate about the success of this Canadian company and our independent Dealer-Owners across the country who work tirelessly to provide their customers with the products, services and helpful advice they depend on us for.”
Thompson joined Home Hardware in 2019 as vice-president, merchandise LBM. She was appointed to senior vice-president of merchandise in 2020 and moved into the role of chief merchandising officer in March 2022. Thompson was named a 2022 Top Women in Retail honoree by the Women in Retail Leadership Circle.
“I am delighted to welcome Marianne Thompson to the role of chief commercial officer,” says Christine Hand, board chair, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Home Hardware is on an exciting journey with a bright future, and I am confident Marianne will continue to bring strategic leadership and strong business acumen as we move forward.”
Prior to joining Home Hardware, Thompson was senior vice-president of North American Sales at JELD-WEN Windows and Doors. She also held executive positions with Alexandria Moulding, Supplier Pipeline and Colonial Elegance Inc.
