Tractor Supply Company Finds a New CEO
More on Tractor Supply
With more than 1,800 stores across the US, Tractor Supply has discovered the winning formula for merging its in-store and online customer experiences.
Hear from Letitia Webster, VP Omni Channel for Tractor Supply, during “How Tractor Supply cultivates true omni channel wins,” on how a clear customer vision and an iterative approach can drive transformational change, at the NRF Big Show 2020.
Tractor Supply Company has snagged Macy’s current president to be its new CEO.
Hal Lawton will become the rural lifestyle retailers president, CEO and a member of the board, effective January 13, 2020. Lawton will Greg Sandfort, who previously announced his intent to retire.
Sandfort has led Tractor Supply since December 2012, and previously served as president and COO. He will remain with the company through February 29, 2020, and then serve as advisor until August 31, 2020, to ensure a seamless transition. He will serve out his term on the board until May 7, 2020.
“After conducting a robust search process, the Board is convinced Hal Lawton is the right CEO to build on Tractor Supply’s success and lead the next stage of the Company’s growth,” said Cynthia Jamison, Tractor Supply’s chairman of the board. “Hal is a proven leader with a unique omnichannel experience to deliver on our customer’s evolving expectations as we look to the future of retail. With a strong track record of results across different companies, responsibilities and cultures, Hal has a broad base of experience in retail with a proven ability to drive innovative growth strategies.”
Lawton has served as president of Macy’s since September 2017 and had responsibility for all aspects of the Macy’s brand, including merchandising, marketing, stores, operations, technology and consumer insights and analytics. Previously, Lawton was SVP, eBay and oversaw all aspects of eBay’s Americas business unit, including marketing, merchandising, operations, business selling, consumer selling and advertising, as well as global responsibility for shipping, payments, risk and trust. Prior to joining eBay, Lawton spent 10 years in various leadership roles at Home Depot, where he most recently was SVP for merchandising. Lawton was responsible for starting Home Depot’s Internet business and building it to nearly $2 billion in sales.
“I am extremely excited and honored to join Tractor Supply as I have long admired the company for its strong brand and focus on serving the Out Here lifestyle,” Lawton said. “Greg and the team have built a tremendous company culture, and I look forward to an exciting future and continuing to drive growth and shareholder value.”
“Leading Tractor Supply has been a tremendous honor, and I am exceptionally proud of all that our team members have accomplished together,” said Sandfort. “Hal is a great cultural fit and the right leader for the future growth of Tractor Supply. I believe Tractor Supply has a very bright future. I am committed to working closely with Hal to ensure a smooth transition.”