Tractor Supply Co. names Macy’s exec as CEO

Brentwood, Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Company announced that its Board of Directors has named Hal Lawton as its President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective Jan. 13, 2020. Lawton, who is currently President of Macy’s, will succeed Tractor Supply’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Sandfort, who previously announced his intent to retire. 

“After conducting a robust search process, the Board is convinced Hal Lawton is the right CEO to build on Tractor Supply’s success and lead the next stage of the Company’s growth,” said Cynthia Jamison, Tractor Supply’s Chairman of the Board.  “Hal is a proven leader with a unique omnichannel experience to deliver on our customer’s evolving expectations as we look to the future of retail.  With a strong track record of results across different companies, responsibilities and cultures, Hal has a broad base of experience in retail with a proven ability to drive innovative growth strategies. The Board is delighted to welcome Hal to the role and believes he is the right person to extend the remarkable track record of success under Greg’s leadership.”

“I am extremely excited and honored to join Tractor Supply as I have long admired the Company for its strong brand and focus on serving the Out Here lifestyle,” Lawton said.  “Greg and the team have built a tremendous company culture, and I look forward to an exciting future and continuing to drive growth and shareholder value.”

Commenting on Greg Sandfort’s retirement, Jamison stated, “The Board is immensely grateful to Greg for his outstanding leadership.  His contributions have been innumerable. Throughout his 41-year career in retail, including 12 years at Tractor Supply, Greg has served with a level of distinction reserved only for the very best. Looking ahead, we are pleased Greg will work closely with Hal to ensure a smooth transition.”

Sandfort said, “Leading Tractor Supply has been a tremendous honor, and I am exceptionally proud of all that our team members have accomplished together. Hal is a great cultural fit and the right leader for the future growth of Tractor Supply. I believe Tractor Supply has a very bright future. I am committed to working closely with Hal to ensure a smooth transition.”

Sandfort, 64, will remain with the company through Feb. 29, 2020, and then serve as advisor until Aug. 31, 2020, to ensure a seamless transition. He will serve out his term on the Board until May 7, 2020.  

Lawton, 45, most recently served as President of Macy’s, since September 2017.  As President, Lawton had responsibility for all aspects of the Macy’s brand, including merchandising, marketing, stores, operations, technology and consumer insights and analytics. 

Previously, Lawton was Senior Vice President, eBay North America from August 2015 to September 2017. In that role, Lawton oversaw all aspects of eBay’s Americas business unit, including marketing, merchandising, operations, business selling, consumer selling and advertising, as well as global responsibility for shipping, payments, risk and trust. 

Prior to joining eBay, Lawton spent 10 years in various leadership roles at Home Depot, where he most recently was Senior Vice President for merchandising.  Lawton was responsible for starting Home Depot’s Internet business and building it to nearly $2 billion in sales.  Prior to that, Lawton was an associate principal at McKinsey & Co., providing strategic advice to executive teams in consumer-packaged goods and manufacturing industries.

Lawton holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia.  Lawton serves on the board of Sealed Air.  He and his family plan to relocate to the Nashville area.

At September 28, 2019, the Company operated 1,814 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states.