ATLANTA (AP) — The Home Depot has appointed Blue Nile Inc. co-founder Mark Vadon to its board, the home improvement retailer said Friday.

Vadon, 42, co-founded the online diamond and jewelry business in 1999 and serves as the chairman of its board. He also co-founded Zulily Inc., a daily deals site with products for moms, kids and babies, in 2009.

Home Depot said Vadon's expertise in developing and implementing successful online strategies will be a benefit to the company and board. Vadon will be a member of the audit and finance committees. His appointment gives the company 11 directors, 10 of whom are independent.

Home Depot, based in Atlanta, is the world's largest home improvement retailer with 2,250 stores. Shares increased 55 cents to $59.83 in midday trading.