MOORESVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announced today that Michael K. Brown, executive vice president and chief information officer, has announced plans to accept the company’s Voluntary Separation Program and retire after almost 28 years with the company.
“Mike’s leadership in both store operations and information technology over the years has been invaluable to Lowe’s,” said Robert A. Niblock, chairman, president and CEO. “After a successful career in store operations and merchandising, Mike took on responsibility for the company’s IT function, upgrading technology and store infrastructure, positively impacting employees' ability to access information and better serve customers. We respect Mike’s decision to go a different direction and wish him well.”
Brown was named CIO in 2011 after a 26-year career in store operations and merchandising. He joined the company in 1984 and served in numerous roles, including store manager, merchandising vice president and vice president of specialty sales, regional vice president, senior vice president and executive vice president of store operations.
The company has already begun a search for a chief information officer. Brown will continue to serve in his present role for a period of time to assist with the transition.
With fiscal year 2011 sales of $50.2 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,745 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.