Niko Lahanas, Former Central CFO, Brings 18 Years of Experience at the Company

Brad Smith, Former CFO, Pet Segment, Appointed Central CFO

Interim CEO and Director Beth Springer to Return to Role of Lead Independent Director

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., September 27, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA), ("Central" or "the Company"), a market leader in the Pet and Garden industries, announced today that Niko Lahanas has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, and Brad Smith has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective September 29, 2024. Mr. Lahanas will also join Central’s Board of Directors. Mr. Lahanas succeeds Beth Springer, who has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since October, 2023. Ms. Springer will return to the role of Lead Independent Director.

"We are pleased to promote Niko to the role of CEO and are confident he is the right leader for Central as the Company enters its next phase of growth," said Bill Brown, founder and Chairman of Central Garden & Pet. "Niko is a trusted and seasoned leader at Central, with nearly 18 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility. He was appointed CFO in May 2017 and has been instrumental in setting the Company’s strategic direction and driving performance in that role. His experience in many financial, strategic and operating aspects of the organization will be invaluable to the future success of Central."

Prior to joining Central, Mr. Lahanas worked in private equity and investment banking for over eight years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Business Administration degree from The George Washington University.

"Central has been my home for nearly 18 years. It is a great honor and privilege to take the helm as we embark on the next chapter in Central’s journey," says Niko Lahanas, CEO of Central Garden & Pet. "I look forward to partnering with the Board and our leadership team to deliver strong results for our customers, employees, shareholders and communities. With our strong operational foundation, M&A capabilities and entrepreneurial culture, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead."

Mr. Brown added, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Beth for her steady leadership of Central during the past year. Her strong executive experience and familiarity with the Company resulting from her directorship made her the ideal candidate to guide Central as Interim CEO."