Central Garden & Pet Company announced that, effective immediately, J. D. Walker will lead its Garden branded products commercial organization and Dan Pennington will lead its wild bird and private label Garden businesses. In these roles, Mr. Walker and Mr. Pennington will report into Michael A. Reed, Executive Vice President, who will have oversight of the Garden segment. Mr. Walker will have responsibility for Central's branded Garden business, including sales, marketing, innovation, control products, grass seed products, and décor products, as well as retail sales and service.

Mr. Walker joined Central in 2011 and brings to his role 33 years of experience in consumer packaged goods including 16 years in Garden products, representing Duracell, Gillette, Spectrum and Central brands. Mr. Pennington will be responsible for Central's wild bird business within the Garden segment and its private label lawn & garden businesses. Mr. Pennington has been with Pennington Seed for 32 years working in and building virtually every part of the business.

Mr. Reed served as President of the Garden segment for five years and also worked in various other leadership capacities. He joined the company in 2000. Previously, Mr. Reed served as President and CEO of PM Ag Products Inc.