– USA, CA – Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT | CENTA), a leading innovator, producer and distributor of branded and private label products for the lawn & garden and pet supplies markets, said today that its Board of Directors has appointed Tim Cofer as CEO, effective October 14, 2019. Mr. Cofer will also join the Company’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Cofer succeeds George Roeth, who, as previously announced, will retire from his management and Board positions at the end of the Company’s fiscal year on September 28, 2019. The Company also announced that its Founder and Former CEO, Bill Brown, has been re-appointed Chairman of its Board of Directors. Mr. Brown succeeds Sonny Pennington who will remain on the Board.
“We are pleased to welcome Tim, one of the most accomplished executives in the consumer products industry, to the Central team and are confident he is the right leader to move Central forward,” said Mr. Pennington. “With an extensive track record of growing consumer products businesses both organically and through acquisitions, Tim has proven himself a distinguished leader throughout his multi-faceted career. His ability to deliver value across many aspects of an organization gives the Board the utmost confidence that he and the team will continue our positive momentum and drive profitable growth in the years ahead.”
Mr. Pennington continued, “We are grateful to George for his outstanding service as CEO, President, and a member of our board, during which time Central has evolved into a larger, stronger and more diverse company that is growing sustainably. Under George’s leadership, Central today is well-positioned to build on its achievements of the last several years. The Board and I thank him for his many contributions to the success of Central and wish him well.”
Mr. Brown said, “On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank George and Sonny for their instrumental roles in positioning Central for success in the future. The Board and I look forward to working with Tim and could not be more excited about the direction we are headed in the future.”
Mr. Brown founded Central Garden & Pet in 1980 and served as its Chairman of the Board from 1980 to 2018. From 1980 to June 2003, Mr. Brown served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and also held the position from October 2007 to February 2013, when the Board re-appointed Mr. Brown to the post.
About Tim Cofer
Mr. Cofer brings to Central a proven track record of success in driving commercial operating excellence in both revenue growth and margin expansion, inspiring high performing teams to embrace a winning growth culture and leading significant M&A initiatives. He joins Central with over 30 years of business leadership experience across general management, corporate strategy, marketing, sales, R&D and innovation in the consumer products industry. Mr. Cofer most recently worked for over 25 years at Mondelēz International, where he held a variety of executive positions, including most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer. Previously, he successfully led two of Mondelēz’s largest and highest growth regions – its Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa region and its European region. He also held leadership roles in key Kraft Foods U.S. businesses as President, Oscar Mayer Foods and President, Kraft Pizza Company.
“It is an incredible privilege to join Central, a leader in the pet and lawn & garden industries, at such an opportune time for the Company,” said Mr. Cofer. “Central is at an inflection point, with significant opportunities to grow in a number of different ways. I look forward to working closely with its group of highly capable employees to continue moving Central forward, realizing its significant potential and enhancing its value for all of Central’s stakeholders.”
Mr. Cofer received his MBA from the University of Minnesota and earned a BA in economics and political science from St. Olaf College.
About Central Garden & Pet
Central Garden & Pet Company is a leading innovator, producer and distributor of branded and private label products for the lawn & garden and pet supplies markets. Committed to new product innovation, our products are sold to specialty independent and mass retailers. Central Garden & Pet Company is based in Walnut Creek, California, and has approximately 5,400 employees, primarily in North America.
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