Stanley Black & Decker announced early Monday that Donald Allan Jr., CEO of the New Britain-based toolmaker, will step down from the company he has led since July 2022.
The board of directors selected Christopher Nelson, chief operating officer and executive vice president and president of the company’s tools and outdoor business, to succeed Allan, effective Oct. 1.
Nelson will join the board of directors as he takes on the role of CEO, the company said.
Nelson, who joined Stanley Black & Decker in his current role in 2023, has more than 25 years of experience in executive leadership, product development, innovation and growth transformation, the company said.
Previously, Nelson was president of Carrier’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning segment. Before that, he held leadership roles with the U.S. Army, Johnson & Johnson and McKinsey & Co.
He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business from Cornell University.
Board Chair Andrea Ayers called Nelson a “key member of the executive leadership team and a seasoned global leader” who helped streamline the company’s core businesses and portfolio of global brands.
Allan, who has worked for Stanley Black & Decker for 26 years, will become executive chair of the board until he fully retires Oct. 1, 2026.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as CEO of Stanley Black & Decker and work alongside an extraordinarily talented and resilient team,” Allan said. “Together, we have made numerous achievements, including successfully transforming Stanley Black & Decker into a more streamlined, focused organization with a durable portfolio of iconic brands and businesses that are poised to deliver sustainable market share gains.”
With Allan as board chair, Ayers will become lead independent director and will continue to serve as chair of the executive committee.
Ayers credited Allan with being the “architect” of the company’s supply chain transformation strategy and “a stabilizing force during a very challenging period.”
“His tenure with the company and as CEO will be defined by his strong connection to our business, our customers and our brands, along with his tireless work to position the company for lasting success,” Ayers said.
On Oct. 1, 2026, the board plans to revert to a governance structure of independent board chair.
