Marianne Thompson was recently named a 2022 Top Women in Retail by Women in Retail honouree. She is a strong and effective female leader in the traditionally male-dominated field of Merchandise and LBM (lumber and building materials). She joined Home Hardware’s leadership team in January 2019 as Vice-President, Merchandise LBM, and a year and a half later, was appointed Senior Vice-President, Merchandise. Under this expanded role, Marianne oversees the entire Merchandise team at Home Hardware, Canada’s largest Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials, and furniture home  improvement retailer. In April 2022, Marianne was appointed to Chief Merchandising  Officer. Followed by Marianne’s appointed to the role of Chief Commercial Officer in September 2022. This newly created role expands her responsibility to oversee Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain and Retail Operations.  

Marianne has over 30 years of experience in the North American building materials industry  where she has routinely proven herself as a results-oriented and effective leader.  Marianne’s previous roles include Senior Vice-President of North American Sales at JELD WEN Windows and Doors, and she has also held executive positions with Alexandria  Moulding, Supplier Pipeline and Colonial Elegance Inc.

Marianne is a proven leader who engages her teams in the successful execution of growth  strategies. Her leadership and strategic acumen are an excellent addition to Home  Hardware’s Leadership Team and significantly raises their expertise in the LBM category. She also shares the same values, customer focus and passion for innovation as Home  Hardware and their Dealer-Owners as well brings significant expertise in the LBM category  from both the retailer and supplier sides of the business 

Over the past two years, Marianne has skillfully led her team through the challenges faced  by the North American lumber and building materials industry. The COVID-19 pandemic  drastically impacted supply and demand in 2021, which was felt by all LBM businesses.  Home Hardware’s close to 1,100 Dealer-owned stores were well prepared to face these challenges due to the foresight and constant communication from Marianne and her team.  Her team describes her leadership style as a coach. 

Marianne has a passion for mentoring and supporting her team’s development and growth.  At JELD-WEN North America, she co-led the development of a Women’s Leadership Program. Today she is mentoring 5 mentee’s aspirations for career growth and supporting our Diversity and Inclusion program here at Home Hardware. 

Marianne has extended her passion for the Home Improvement industry by giving back in 3rd world countries by building homes and installing Eco-stones for the less fortunate to  aide in building sustainable footprints for their futures.