Stanley Black & Decker announces board leadership changes
Stanley Black & Decker announced a series of board leadership changes and a senior legal appointment.
Debra Crew, an independent director, will become chair of the board effective Oct. 1, 2026, following the retirement of Executive Chair Donald Allan Jr. Crew will serve as lead independent director effective immediately and transition to chair later this year.
Crew succeeds Andrea Ayers as lead independent director. Ayers will continue to serve on the board until her retirement at the company’s annual shareholders meeting in April, concluding more than 11 years of service.
“I would like to thank Andrea for being a valued partner to me during my time as CEO of the company and her exemplary leadership and significant contributions throughout her tenure, particularly during her time as Chair leading the Board through the transformation of Stanley Black & Decker,” Allan said.
Crew has served on the board since 2013 and currently sits on the compensation and talent development committee and the finance and pension committee. She most recently served as chief executive officer of Diageo plc from June 2023 to July 2025 and previously held senior roles at several global consumer companies. Earlier in her career, she served as a captain in the U.S. Army.
“Debra’s leadership and profound industry expertise have been instrumental to Stanley Black & Decker,” Allan said. “Her extensive background in marketing, operations, and strategic leadership — paired with her global perspective — provides the Board with critical insights that drive innovation and support sustained growth.”
The company also appointed Shane M. O’Kelly to its board of directors effective Jan. 23. O’Kelly is president and chief executive officer of Advance Auto Parts and will serve on the board’s compensation and talent development committee and corporate governance committee.
“Shane’s exceptional expertise in customer-focused strategy and operational excellence will significantly enhance the strength and effectiveness of our Board,” Allan said. “We are confident that his leadership and vision will play a pivotal role as we drive forward our strategic priorities.”
O’Kelly previously served as chief executive officer of HD Supply, PetroChoice Holdings and A.H. Harris & Sons. He began his career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army.
Separately, the company announced the appointment of Francesca Campbell as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective Feb. 16. Campbell joins Stanley Black & Decker from Carrier, where she served as senior vice president and chief legal officer.
“We are proud to welcome Francesca to our leadership team,” said Chris Nelson, president and chief executive officer of Stanley Black & Decker. “Her exceptional legal acumen and bold leadership in tackling complex challenges and advancing corporate governance have made a lasting impact wherever she has served. Francesca’s commitment to integrity and her unwavering dedication to the highest ethical standards will be instrumental in driving our success as we advance our ambitious growth strategy.”
At Carrier, Campbell led global legal and compliance functions and oversaw legal matters related to mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships and corporate governance. She also served as corporate secretary to Carrier’s board of directors and directed legal oversight for Carrier Ventures, as well as securities and environmental, social and governance reporting.
Before joining Carrier, Campbell was an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell, where she worked in the mergers and acquisitions group. She earned a law degree from Columbia Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.
