The Home Depot Names Franziska Bell EVP and Chief Technology Officer
"Joining a customer-first brand like The Home Depot is an incredible opportunity to put technology and AI to work where it matters most."
The Home Depot announced on March 31 the appointment of Franziska Bell as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective April 6, 2026.
Bell will lead the strategy, development and alignment of technology, product management, data and artificial intelligence for the company, and will report directly to Ted Decker, chair, president and CEO, as per the press release.
Bell's mandate covers the enterprise-wide integration of agentic AI and machine learning across The Home Depot's operations and customer touchpoints.
The company described the focus of the role as creating a seamless, interconnected and data-driven experience for the company's associates, DIY customers and professional contractors.
"The Home Depot is a project retailer, and customers engage with us across multiple touch points, whether that's online, in our aisles or increasingly, with AI," Decker said. "Fran is a respected leader in data science and AI, and she understands the power of technology to improve the customer experience. Her expertise will be invaluable as we invest to remove friction and make home improvement seamless for our associates and customers."
Bell joins The Home Depot from Ford Motor Company, where she served as Chief Data, AI and Analytics Officer. In that role, she led AI transformation at the company, with a focus on improving customer experiences and translating AI investments into measurable business value.
Prior to Ford, Bell served as Senior Vice President of Digital Technology at BP and held executive roles at Uber and Toyota, as per the press release.
"I've always believed that the most powerful technology is the kind you don't notice, because it's busy behind the scenes making your life easier," Bell said. "Joining a customer-first brand like The Home Depot is an incredible opportunity to put technology and AI to work where it matters most."
Home Depot launched Magic Apron, a suite of generative AI tools aimed at improving the customer experience, over the past year. In March 2026, the company expanded its digital hub with new capabilities for professional builders, remodelers and renovators, including real-time tracking of building materials and integration with its Material List Builder AI tool, according to CIO Dive.