Franziska Bell Named TIME Executives of the Year for Accelerating AI Adoption at Home Depot
Home Depot's new Chief Technology Officer, Franziska 'Fran' Bell, has been named one of TIME Magazine's Executives of the Year for 2026 in the Tech and Data category.
Since joining Home Depot in April, Bell embarked on a listening tour to see where technology could be leveraged across the company. With over 2,000 stores, she visited many locations to understand the user's perspective and identify opportunities for improvement.
Bell is currently overseeing the integration of generative and agentic AI across Home Depot, with a goal of accelerating AI adoption by introducing tools that associates actually want to use.
One such tool is Magic Apron, an AI shopping assistant launched in 2025 and expanded in August. It includes localized store knowledge, making it easier for customers and associates alike to navigate aisles, search inventory, and ask questions about specific products and projects.
Bell believes that the companies that will win are those that absorb AI the fastest, and when you build something that solves a true pain point, adoption is like wildfire.