The Home Depot announces new Atlanta divisional headquarters

ATLANTA - The Home Depot today announced plans to consolidate two of its nine divisional offices to form a new division that will service its stores in the Southeastern U.S. and Caribbean.<br> <br> Effective immediately, the company said it would combine its Midsouth Division, currently based in Atlanta, and its Southern Division, currently based in Tampa, FL, into a newly organized Southeast Division. The new Southeast Division, which will service more than 260 Home Depot store locations, will be headquartered in Atlanta. <br> <br> Tom Taylor, a 19-year Home Depot veteran, has been named to lead the new organization. &#34;This consolidation is an opportunity for Home Depot to better leverage operating efficiencies as we continue to grow our business,&#34; said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president & CEO of The Home Depot, Inc. &#34;It&#39;s also a great opportunity to promote one of our most capable leaders, Tom Taylor, who has an outstanding track record of delivering strong business results.&#34;<br> <br> Taylor most recently served as the company&#39;s senior vice president, professional business. Prior to that, he was president, Northwest Division from 1999 to 2000. Since joining the company in 1983, Taylor has also held virtually every other operating position, including store manager, district manager, and regional vice president. The company expects to announce a replacement to lead its Pro Business unit shortly.<br> <br> Founded in 1978, The Home Depot is the world&#39;s largest home improvement specialty retailer and the third largest retailer in the Unites States with fiscal 2000 sales of $45.7 billion. The company employs more than 250,000 and has 1,327 stores in 49 states, Puerto Rico, seven Canadian provinces and Mexico. <br> <br>