Bell will become Home Depot’s new executive vice president and chief technology officer, effective Monday (April 6), and will lead Home Depot’s technology, product management, data and AI efforts, the company announced in a press release Tuesday (March 31).
Home Depot Chairman, President and CEO Ted Decker said in a release that the retailer’s customers are increasingly interacting with AI online, in stores, and more.
We want to be your favorite news source.
Add us to your preferred sources list to see our news, data, and interviews in your feed. thank you!
“Fran is a respected leader in data science and AI and understands the power of technology to improve the customer experience,” Decker said. “Her expertise will be invaluable as we invest in removing friction and making home improvements smoother for our employees and customers.”
Bell led a “leading AI transformation” at Ford as chief data, AI and analytics officer, according to the release. Previously, he was senior vice president of digital technology at BP and held executive positions at Uber and Toyota.
In his new role at Home Depot, Bell will drive the integration of agent AI and machine learning across the enterprise to benefit the retailer’s employees and customers, including both do-it-yourselfers and professionals, according to a release.
Advertisement: SCROLL TO CONTINUE
“I’ve always believed that the most powerful technology is the one you don’t even notice because it’s busy behind the scenes making your life easier,” Bell said in the release. “Joining a customer-first brand like The Home Depot is a great opportunity to leverage technology and AI where it matters most, whether it’s helping homeowners tackle their first renovation with confidence or giving professional contractors the digital tools they need to grow their business.”
Home Depot executives said on an earnings call in February that one way the company aimed to deepen loyalty among professional customers was by rolling out AI-powered tools that allow contractors to upload digital plans and receive automated material estimates within minutes.
PYMNTS reported in December that The Home Depot added AI-powered tools for DIY users. It’s a conversation system designed to help customers research home improvement projects online.
