Executive Leadership

Brian Hutto, Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Hutto brings over 30 years of experience and a proven track record in the home improvement and services industry. He most recently served as President and CEO of SageHome, a company he founded and grew, through acquisitions and organic expansion, into one of the largest fully dedicated providers of aging-in-place bath remodeling services in the United States. Prior to SageHome, Mr. Hutto was the CEO of Staymobile, a technology provider specializing in mobile and desktop device deployment, protection and service solutions. He also was an executive for Best Buy, where he led Best Buy for Business and Geek Squad’s strategy, in-home services, repair centers, remote technical support and warranty divisions. Additionally, Mr. Hutto spent seven years at The Home Depot, where he led their multi-billion-dollar home services programs.

Charlie Lockyer, Chief Financial Officer

Charlie Lockyer is the Chief Financial Officer at Empire Today, overseeing financial strategy and operations. Mr. Lockyer brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, and transformation.  He previously served as EVP & CFO at David’s Bridal, co-founded the software company POP Tracker, and held senior investment banking roles at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank. He began his career at First Union National Bank.  Charlie holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a BS from Washington and Lee University.

Ash Eldifrawi , Chief Growth and Marketing Officer

Ash Eldifrawi joined Empire in August 2026 as Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience building brands, driving growth, and transforming customer experiences across a wide range of industries. In his career, Ash has held senior leadership roles at some of the world’s most recognized technology, service, and retail companies, including Google, McKinsey, and The Wrigley Company. Prior to joining Empire, Ash served as Chief Commercial and Brand Officer at The Aspen Group, the healthcare services organization behind familiar consumer-facing brands such as Aspen Dental. While at TAG, Ash spearheaded the rebuild of integral marketing, product, and UX functions, resulting in consistently exceeded growth targets and a significant increase in revenue. Ash is also a licensed clinical psychologist. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Paul Carter, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer

An integral part of the Empire Today team since 2009, Paul Carter was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in 2024 and took on the additional role of Chief Technology Officer in 2025. He originally joined Empire to head its commercial business operations, and most recently served as Executive Vice President of Strategic Projects. That role had him overseeing various elements of Merchandising and Market Operations, as well as other transformation projects. Prior to joining the Empire, Mr. Carter held Vice President positions at Sears Holdings Corporation in a variety of operational, strategic, and development capacities and was President of American Leak Detection, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Iowa State University. 

Hillary Victor, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel

Hillary Victor serves as the company’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Ms. Victor joined the Company in 2012 from optionsXpress by Charles Schwab (NYSE), where she served as Chief Counsel. Prior to her role as Chief Counsel, Ms. Victor was the Vice President and Associate General Counsel of optionsXpress Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ). Ms. Victor was also a litigation associate at Jenner & Block. She earned her JD cum laude from The John Marshall Law School and Bachelor of Arts cum laude from North Central College.

Terry Gornet, Chief Human Resources Officer

Terry Gornet serves as the Company’s Chief Human Resources Officer. Mr. Gornet joined Empire Today in 2025 from Transamerica Life Insurance, where he served as Chief Talent Officer. Previously, he held various human resource roles at TIAA, Bank of America, and The Home Depot. Mr. Gornet brings experience in leading business transformation, strengthening culture and values, and promoting a talent mindset.  He earned his PhD (ABD) from the University of Southern Mississippi in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Xavier University, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisville.

Lindsay Tillie, Chief Merchandising Officer

Lindsay Tillie serves as the Company’s Chief Merchandising Officer.  Lindsay is a business leader and merchandising executive with over 20 years of experience in the home improvement and specialty retail sectors.  She held leadership roles at Floor & Decor, The Home Depot, and Artisan Custom Closets. Over the course of her career, she has built expertise in merchandising, supply chain, operations, and category growth.  Lindsay holds a BS in Business Management from Georgia Tech and an MBA from the University of North Carolina.

Mac McIlvried, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain

A key member of the Empire team since 2018, Mac McIlvried was named Executive Vice President of Supply Chain in February 2025. Prior to his promotion, McIlvried served as Senior Vice President of Warehouse and Distribution. In that role, he helped optimize Empire’s inventory processes. Mac came to Empire with nearly 25 years of high-level executive and management experience at some of the country’s most iconic brands, including a role as Vice President of Supply Chain at Sears Home Services and a 14-year tenure at Pepsi Bottling Group, where he was a vice president in charge of two major markets. Mr. McIlvried is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having reached the rank of Major by the end of his seven-year active-duty career. He holds a BS from Penn State University.