Arthur Blank, Chairman
Arthur Blank is Owner & CEO of the Atlanta Falcons and Co-Founder of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer and second largest retailer in the United States. When he retired as Co-Chairman of The Home Depot in 2001, the company was a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and one of Fortune magazine’s “Global Most Admired Companies.”
Since Blank purchased the Falcons in 2002, there have been significant changes that have created renewed excitement among Falcons fans across the region. During Blank’s first year as owner, the Falcons generated a 100 percent increase in season ticket sales – the highest single-year increase in NFL history – began a streak of 56 consecutive sold-out games, and built the franchise’s first season ticket waiting list. Now in his tenth season, Blank has distinguished himself as one of the most innovative and progressive owners in all of professional sports, allowing him to attract and retain some of the most talented executives, coaches and players in the NFL.
Blank’s Family of Businesses portfolio also includes The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation; Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers; PGA TOUR Superstores; and Mountain Sky Guest Ranch and the Pop Stand in Montana. While diverse in nature, all of his businesses are run based on a common set of core values, which focus on developing customer relationships, treating associates with respect, and supporting communities.
Blank is also dedicated to serving communities personally. Through his generosity, The Blank Family Foundation has granted more than $250 million to support early childhood development, education, the arts, and parks and greenspace.
Blank serves on the corporate boards of Cox Enterprises and Staples. He also serves on the board of Outward Bound USA, and on the board of trustees of The Carter Center; Emory University; and The Cooper Institute.
Blank has six children and three grandchildren. He and his wife, Stephanie, and their three youngest children live in Atlanta.
