Ann-Marie Campbell, Senior Executive Vice President at Home Depot, has been named Caribbean National Weekly’s Female Person of the Year for 2024. Her remarkable career, steadfast commitment to giving back, and deep ties to her roots exemplify a life of service, resilience, and leadership.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Campbell’s journey from humble beginnings to corporate leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Born in 1965, she grew up as the youngest of four children. Her father’s untimely death at age 26 left her mother and grandmother, a savvy retailer, to shape her upbringing. Campbell learned her first lessons in retail at her grandmother’s furniture and appliance store, experiences that would lay the groundwork for her exceptional career.
Campbell’s educational journey began at Holy Childhood High School (HCHS) in Kingston, where she boarded and developed a lasting connection to her alma mater. After graduating in 1981, she and her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Miami. She pursued higher education at Georgia State University (GSU), earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and later an MBA. Along the way, she became a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and the National Scholars Honor Society, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence.
Her professional ascent began in 1985 when she joined Home Depot as a part-time cashier to support her college education. Campbell’s assertiveness and dedication caught the attention of executives, leading to mentorship opportunities and a rapid rise through the company’s ranks. By 2009, she was President of Home Depot’s Southern Division, overseeing 690 stores and 100,000 employees. In 2016, she became Executive Vice President of U.S. Stores, responsible for 2,000 stores and nearly 400,000 employees, a role that has positioned her as one of the most influential figures in the retail industry. Her leadership has been integral to Home Depot’s status as the world’s largest home improvement retailer and one of the largest U.S. companies by revenue.
Campbell’s contributions extend far beyond corporate success. She has consistently leveraged her platform to make a difference, particularly in education and community development. Her $100,000 donation to Holy Childhood High School in 2024 underscores her enduring commitment to her roots. Announced during the HCHS International Alumni Gala in Sunrise, Florida, this generous gift will fund the renovation of the school’s gymnasium, new athletic equipment, and financial aid for deserving students.
“Sports are important, and I understand the value of a good education,” Campbell expressed during the event. “I’m excited to see the positive impact this donation will have on current and future Holy Childhood students.”
Holy Childhood High School Principal Sister Maxine McIntosh shared her gratitude for Campbell’s generosity. “We are incredibly grateful for Ann-Marie Campbell’s generosity and her continued dedication to our school,” Sister McIntosh said. “This donation will have a lasting impact on our students and the entire community. We are also thrilled to have the Holy Childhood International Alumni Association as a partner in our mission to provide a world-class education.”
Her philanthropic initiatives are not limited to her high school. In 2014, she established the Ann-Marie Campbell Scholarship for undergraduates at GSU’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, supporting the next generation of business leaders. Her dedication to service is further reflected in her roles on various boards, including the Metropolitan Atlanta chapter of the American Red Cross and Workday’s Board of Directors. Additionally, she has been recognized by Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business list multiple times, including rankings in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.
Campbell’s story is a testament to resilience and leadership. Her journey—from boarding school in Kingston to overseeing Home Depot’s expansive operations—continues to inspire countless individuals across the Caribbean and beyond. By balancing corporate excellence with a profound commitment to her community, Ann-Marie Campbell has firmly established herself as a beacon of empowerment and change.
