Russell Householder
Seasoned Retail Merchandising Executive with Proven Track Record of Driving Growth
Professional Overview
Russell Householder is an accomplished Merchandising Vice President with over 30 years of experience in the retail industry. He specializes in leading high-performing merchandising teams, driving strategic category management, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Householder's expertise spans the home improvement and consumer goods sectors, making him a valuable asset to organizations seeking to optimize their merchandising operations and capitalize on market opportunities.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Merchandising Vice President at Lowe's Companies, Inc. since 2024, Householder is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and execution of the company's merchandise assortment. He collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to curate innovative product offerings, enhance in-store and online customer journeys, and drive category profitability. Under his leadership, Lowe's has achieved consistent year-over-year growth in key product segments and improved overall customer satisfaction ratings.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Householder served as the Merchandising Director at Lowe's from 2018 to 2024, where he spearheaded the implementation of data-driven merchandising strategies that resulted in a 12% increase in gross margin. He also held the position of Merchandise Vice President at Lowe's from 2019 to 2024, overseeing the successful integration of new product lines and improving inventory management processes.
Earlier in his career, Householder served as the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at Big Time Products from 2012 to 2016, where he led the company's brand transformation and expansion into new market segments. He also held the role of Senior Director and Field Merchandise Manager at The Home Depot from 1990 to 2012, during which he played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and enhancing the customer experience across the organization's retail network.
Academic Background
Householder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a concentration in Marketing.
Areas of Expertise
- Retail Merchandising Strategy
- Category Management and Optimization
- Supply Chain and Inventory Management
- Customer Experience Optimization
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Omnichannel Retail Operations
Professional Impact
Householder is recognized as a strategic thinker and innovative problem-solver in the retail industry. His ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, coupled with his expertise in driving operational excellence, has enabled him to deliver consistently strong financial results and enhance customer satisfaction for the organizations he has served.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, exceptional leadership skills, and deep industry knowledge, Russell Householder is poised to continue making a significant impact in the retail sector. His passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving sustainable growth make him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to strengthen its competitive position and maximize its market potential.
