Stanley, Black & Decker names new CEO
Stanley Black & Decker, parent company of Dewalt, Cub Cadet and Hustler among other brands, has named Christopher Nelson as the company’s next president and CEO, effective October 1, 2025. Nelson currently serves as Stanley Black & Decker’s COO and EVP as well as president of the Tools & Outdoor business. He will succeed Donald Allan, Jr., who has served as CEO since July 2022. Nelson will join the Board of Directors upon assuming the CEO role.
As part of the transition, effective October 1, 2025, Allan will become executive chair of the board, and Andrea Ayers, current chair, will become lead independent director and continue to chair the executive committee. Allan is expected to retire on October 1, 2026.
“Don has made an indelible impact on Stanley Black & Decker, and we are deeply appreciative of his leadership over the past 26 years,” said Ayers. “His tenure with the company and as CEO will be defined by his strong connection to our business, our customers and our brands, along with his tireless work to position the company for lasting success. As the architect of our transformation strategy, Don has been instrumental in simplifying the business and has been a stabilizing force during a very challenging period. Don will be an important resource to Chris, the company and the board as he continues his journey with Stanley Black & Decker as executive chair.”
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as CEO of Stanley Black & Decker and work alongside an extraordinarily talented and resilient team,” said retiring CEO Allan. “Together, we have made numerous achievements, including successfully transforming Stanley Black & Decker into a more streamlined, focused organization with a durable portfolio of iconic brands and businesses that are poised to deliver sustainable market share gains. As we approach the end of our supply chain transformation and look ahead to the next horizon, the board and I believe now is the right moment to initiate this transition.”
Incoming CEO Nelson
Nelson said, “I am honored to become president and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, an iconic American company with a proud legacy and an incredibly bright future. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Don and the leadership team, gaining a deep understanding of the needs of our customers and end-users, as well as the unique opportunities ahead for our company. I am energized by the opportunity ahead and look forward to working together with the board and our teams around the world to deliver on the amazing potential for our brands and innovation in the marketplace. I am confident we have created a strong foundation with our transformation that positions the company for sustainable long-term growth and value creation.”
Stanley, Black & Decker financials
In its first-quarter earnings call on April 30, the company reported net sales were down 3%. On product pricing, CFO Patrick Hallinan said, “We intend to implement pricing actions judiciously to preserve our long term margin journey and our ability to continue to meet the needs of our end users, while we respond decisively with operational and supply chain initiatives.”
