Home Depot Chief Executive Ted Decker is taking a temporary medical leave of absence expected to last several months, prompting the retailer to hand day-to-day control to two of its most senior executives.
The home improvement giant said Decker’s absence is temporary and that he is expected to return to his role once the leave concludes. During his time away, leadership responsibilities will be shared by two top company executives overseeing operations across the business.
The arrangement is designed to ensure continuity across Home Depot’s sprawling network of stores and supply operations while the chief executive is away. The company did not disclose the nature of the medical condition, citing privacy.
Decker has led Home Depot since 2022, having previously served in a series of senior operational and merchandising roles at the retailer over nearly two decades. He also holds the title of chairman.
Leadership transitions, whether permanent or temporary, have drawn heightened investor attention across corporate America in recent months, as companies from technology to energy navigate changes at the top. Williams Cos., for example, recently announced its longtime chief executive would step down as the company raised its profit outlook.
Home Depot remains one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world, operating more than 2,000 stores and employing hundreds of thousands of workers across North America. The company has been contending with a cooler housing market and cautious consumer spending on large renovation projects.
The retailer signaled that its strategy and near-term priorities would continue unchanged during the interim period, with the executive team maintaining oversight of merchandising, store operations and the company’s push into professional contractor sales.
Decker is expected to resume his duties following his recovery, and the company said it would provide updates as appropriate.