Home Depot adds information security expert to board

Nearly a year after a massive data breach, the Home Depot is looking to a cybersecurity veteran to add expertise to its board directors.

The world's largest home improvement retailer said it has appointed Linda R. Gooden to the company's board of directors. Gooden will serve on the company's Audit and Leadership Development and Compensation Committees. Her appointment gives the company 12 directors, 11 of whom are independent.

Gooden, who retired in 2013 from Lockheed Martin Corporation as executive vice president, Information Systems & Global Solutions, has an extensive background in information technology, cybersecurity, operations and finance. As EVP, she expanded Lockheed's IT capabilities beyond government customers to international and commercial markets. She also served as president of Lockheed's Information Technology division from 1997 to 2006, which she grew into a multi-billion dollar business.

"I'm very pleased to welcome Linda to our board of directors," said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president. "She brings a wealth of expertise in IT, strategic planning, risk management and general business."

Home Depot was the victim of a data breach in 2014 that involved the theft of payment card information and customer e-mail addresses.

The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,270 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.