Tools and outdoor equipment maker Stanley Black & Decker announced updates to its Board of Directors. In a Jan. 26 news release, the company announced the appointment of Shane O’Kelly to its Board of Directors, effective January 23. In addition, effective Oct. 1, 2026, The move coincides with the upcoming retirement of Executive Board Chair Donald Allan, Jr. on Oct. 1 of this year. Allan, Jr. stepped down as SBD’s CEO on Oct. 1, 2025, succeeded by Christopher Nelson.

Meanwhile, Debra Crew, an independent director of SBD, has been elected Chair of the Board. SBD noted that Crew’s election is consistent with the company’s previously disclosed intention to return to a non-executive Chair at the completion of Allan’s tenure.

In addition, effective immediately, Crew will assume the role of Lead Independent Director, succeeding Andrea Ayers, who currently holds this position. Ayers will continue to serve on the Board as an independent director until her retirement from the Board at the annual meeting of shareholders in April, following more than 11 years of service.

“I would like to thank Andrea for being a valued partner to me during my time as CEO of the Company and her exemplary leadership and significant contributions throughout her tenure, particularly during her time as Chair leading the Board through the transformation of Stanley Black & Decker,” said Allan.

Crew currently serves on SBD’s Compensation and Talent Development Committee and the Finance and Pension Committee. She has served as a SBD director since December 2013.

Most recently, Crew led Diageo plc as CEO and board member from June 2023 to July 2025, following previous roles as Chief Operating Officer and President, North America and Global Supply. Her career also includes senior executive positions at Reynolds American, PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, Nestlé S.A., and Mars, Inc., and she began her professional journey as a captain in the United States Army.

“Debra’s leadership and profound industry expertise have been instrumental to Stanley Black & Decker,” said Allan. “Her extensive background in marketing, operations, and strategic leadership — paired with her global perspective — provides the Board with critical insights that drive innovation and support sustained growth.”

O’Kelly — President and CEO of Advance Auto Parts, brings a wealth of expertise in driving both organic and inorganic growth, with deep experience in supply chain management, logistics and distribution across both B2B and B2C sectors. O’Kelly will also serve as a member of the Board’s Compensation and Talent Development Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee.

“Shane’s exceptional expertise in customer-focused strategy and operational excellence will significantly enhance the strength and effectiveness of our Board,” Allan added. “We are confident that his leadership and vision will play a pivotal role as we drive forward our strategic priorities.”

O’Kelly has served as President and CEO of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. since September 2023. Previously, he was CEO of HD Supply, Inc., a subsidiary of The Home Depot, Inc., and served as CEO of PetroChoice and A.H. Harris & Sons. O’Kelly began his career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, serving for seven years and earning Airborne and Ranger qualifications. He holds an MBA from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.