Lowe's Names Michael Jones New Customer Chief

   By Michael Calia 
 

Lowe's Cos. (LOW) on Tuesday said it named Michael A. Jones its new chief customer officer, replacing 32-year company veteran Gregory M. Bridgeford.

Mr. Jones, currently the hardware retailer's merchandising chief, will take over responsibility for customer-engagement initiatives, including merchandising, marketing and communications. He will assume his new post April 30, the company said.

Mr. Bridgeford and Mr. Jones have been working together on boosting the store's customer experience since early last year, when Mr. Jones joined the company, Chairman and Chief Executive Robert A. Niblock said.

Lowe's, along with rival Home Depot Inc. (HD), have enjoyed relatively better sales than other retailers, thanks to positive signs in the housing market.

The Lowe's appointment follows Home Depot's decision last week to name Craig Menear head of its U.S. retail operations, a move observers saw as a consolidation of its CEO succession plan as the company looks to expand its presence online.

At Lowe's, Mr. Jones' responsibilities will also include overseeing customers' experience on the web.

Lowe's shares were inactive premarket. The stock closed at $50.19 Tuesday and is up 1.3% so far this year, outpacing Home Depot and the broader market.

Write to Michael Calia at [e-mail]

Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires