Tractor Supply Company Appoints New EVP Chief Human Resources Officer
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced that Melissa Kersey has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 20. Kersey, who brings senior-level experience from Walmart and, most recently, McDonald’s USA, will report to Hal Lawton, Tractor Supply’s President and CEO, and will serve on the Company’s Executive Committee.
In this role, Kersey will have oversight for all Human Resources strategy for the company, including compensation and benefits, recruiting, talent management, leadership development and training, along with the Company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“At Tractor Supply, investing in our people and promoting a culture centered around our Mission and Values is of the highest priority. Melissa brings to Tractor Supply deep expertise and experience in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. Her strong background at the intersection of strategy, talent and culture will help us to continue to drive growth and strengthen our business,” Lawton said. “I am excited to welcome Melissa to our executive leadership team and believe her proven experience across both the retail and service industries will be invaluable as Tractor Supply continues to grow and further develop our team’s capabilities and culture.”
Kersey most recently served as the SVP and Chief People Officer for McDonald’s USA where she provided executive-level leadership to expand and build people capabilities, create and drive a high-performing culture and strengthen the business alignment of the human resources function. Before joining McDonald’s in 2017, Kersey held a number of executive-level roles with Walmart from 2008 to 2017, including Senior Vice President of Global HR Transformation and People Services, Senior Vice President and Chief HR Officer, US Stores, and Senior Vice President of Learning and HR Strategy. Prior to Walmart, Kersey spent eight years with Alltel and four years with Target in Operations, Distribution, Human Resources and Technology roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a communications minor from Emporia State University.
Kersey replaces interim Chief Human Resources Officer Brian Evans, who has announced his plans to retire in the early fall of 2020.
Lawton said, “We sincerely thank Brian for his many contributions to Tractor Supply over the last 16 years, and we extend best wishes on his retirement.”