Lowe’s names new president of international business

Lowe's Cos. has appointed Sylvain Prud'homme to the position of president of international business, effective Dec. 15.

Prud'homme will be based in Boucherville, Quebec, and report to Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO Robert Niblock.

As president of Lowe’s international business, Prud'homme will continue to serve as president and CEO of Lowe's Canada and add responsibilities for the retailer’s Mexico business, with the president of Lowe's Mexico now reporting to him.

The appointment follows last month’s news that Richard Maltsbarger is transitioning to COO of the U.S. business in February 2018.

"Sylvain's outstanding operational leadership has been instrumental in growing the company into one of the leading home improvement retailers in Canada," Niblock said. "We continue to be pleased with the integration of RONA and believe we are well positioned for continued success in Canada." 

Niblock added: "Sylvain has more than three decades of experience in the retail industry and we feel confident that he will continue to drive operational excellence for our operations in Canada and Mexico."

Prud'homme joined the retailer as president of Lowe's Canada in 2013. Following the 2016 acquisition of Rona, he was named president and CEO of Lowe's Canada. He is responsible for driving the Canadian home improvement business for Lowe's, including RONA's network of stores and independent dealers operating under other banners.

"I'm honored to lead strong leadership teams in both Canada and Mexico and continue building on the positive momentum and growth in these operations over the past several years," Prud'homme said.

Prior to Lowe's Canada, Prud'homme served as EVP of operations and merchandising for Loblaw Companies Limited. He was also president of western operations for Sobeys Inc. and spent several years as SVP of operations and merchandising for Walmart Canada.

Lowe's, based in Mooresville, N.C., operates or serves more than 2,370 home improvement and hardware stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico.