Fred Stokes

DIVISION PRESIDENT, WEST, LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.

Fred Stokes is an accomplished senior leader known for building high-performing teams and ability to focus those teams on driving profits and shareholder value. In 2021, Fred was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business for 2021.

Throughout his 22+ years in retail leadership, Fred has delivered results, including propelling a Pro/ Services business from a $12b to a $20b dollar business. He also led a bottom performing sales region to a top region generating over $5b in revenue in the competitions back yard of Atlanta, GA. Fred has extensive experience in bringing strategies to life, driving operational efficiencies, and transforming underperforming organizations into high-performing organizations. Fred’s corporate leadership is recognized for its collaborative approach, focus on results and servant leadership approach.

Currently, Fred serves as Division President of the Western Division, with over 100,000 associates, 500 store locations – spread across 26 states and generating over $25 billion in revenue. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. a Fortune 50 retailer with over $95B in annual revenue.

In this role, Fred manages a $25B P&L and continues to leverage his vast background as a Senior Leader with Lowe’s. Fred has led multiple functions including Human Resources, Pro Sales and Services. In addition to his 16-year tenure with Lowe’s, Fred has held leadership roles with Starbucks Corporation and Walmart and served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Fred received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Governors State University, an MBA from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and served 8 years in the U.S. Navy. In addition to professional affiliations, Fred is SHRM-SPHR Certified and serves on the Board of Governors for the USO, sitting on the Board’s compensation committee.