THE ASSERTIVE & COURAGEOUS LEADER

As Chief Merchandising Officer at Petco, Amy is responsible for developing and driving Petco's global merchandising strategy across all categories, visual merchandising and merchandising operations. She will also serve on Petco's Executive Committee.

Amy joined Petco in September 2019 as Senior Vice President, Operations & Strategy and Territory General Manager and has played an integral role in Petco's transformation, overseeing a variety of strategic growth initiatives for the company in recent years.

Previously, Amy spent more than 20 years in merchandising and category management leadership roles at Best Buy—from buyer to vendor management to Chief Category Officer. She succeeds Nick Konat, who will be leaving Petco.

She learned her first lessons in retail from her grandmother in Jamaica, who owned a small furniture store and had a reputation for friendly, top-notch customer service. "I learnt the importance of serving others and having an entrepreneurial spirit. My grandma constantly reminded me to be 'always thinking ahead,' work hard and never give up," recalls Ann-Marie.

However, there was one instance where Ann-Marie wanted to give up. She had come back from maternity leave with her second son and wanted to quit the job. The news reached her then boss, Lynn Martineau who flew in and surprised Ann-Marie in the parking lot. "I had bad numbers, bad shrinks [returns], and every Monday on the company conference call, I was being pounded on everything. And I had two kids under 4," she explains. Lynn patiently heard and told her that she was being promoted to to district manager, with 13 stores under her leadership. "I was completely overwhelmed," she says. Lynn had observed Ann-Marie's assertive talent and recognized her good instincts and simply wanted to put her where she can grow. Back then the company was still young and growing fast and it was people like Ann-Marie who made the difference.

Living Home Depot’s values is a passion for Ann-Marie. She is an active Team Depot volunteer, working side by side with other associates to give back to local communities. She serves as the board chair of The Homer Fund, a charity that supports Home Depot associates facing unexpected financial hardship. She is also on the board of the Georgia Aquarium and Workday.

Ann-Marie is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in business administration. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society and the National Scholars Honor Society.

After more than 35 years with the company, Ann-Marie brings a deep understanding of The Home Depot’s operations, culture and customers. From championing change and diversity to showing confidence in others to empowering others to succeed, Ann-Marie embodies traits that make a bold leader.

Amy College

Chief Merchandising Officer, Petco