Core Viewpoint - Central Garden & Pet Company has appointed Apur Patel as Chief Legal Officer, effective January 26, 2026, succeeding George Yuhas who is retiring [1][2][3] Group 1: Appointment Details - Apur Patel will oversee all legal matters including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities and compliance, litigation, intellectual property, and enterprise risk management [2] - Patel has over 30 years of global experience in legal roles across consumer packaged goods, technology, and healthcare, previously serving at The Clorox Company as Vice President & Deputy General Counsel [3][4] Group 2: Leadership Transition - Niko Lahanas, CEO of Central Garden & Pet, expressed gratitude towards George Yuhas for his interim role and welcomed Apur Patel, highlighting his experience in aligning legal strategy with business priorities [3] - Patel is recognized for his executive presence and ability to build high-performing legal teams [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Central Garden & Pet Company is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries, with fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion [6][7] - The company has a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands and employs over 6,000 people, primarily in North America [7]

Core Insights - Central Garden & Pet Company has opened a new state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Salt Lake City, Utah, enhancing its logistics network and supporting long-term growth [2][3] - The new facility consolidates two legacy sites, improving efficiency and reducing complexity in serving customers nationwide [3][4] - This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make the company leaner and more agile while pursuing organic growth and strategic M&A opportunities [3][5] Company Strategy - The Salt Lake City facility is designed to be a modern, direct-to-consumer (DTC)-enabled hub, which will enhance the company's ability to manage its DTC business and improve drop shipment execution for retail partners [5] - The facility features advanced safety systems, optimized workflows, and expanded capacity, contributing to logistics savings and increased throughput [5] - Central Garden & Pet aims to build a more efficient and resilient network that seamlessly connects retail, eCommerce, and wholesale demand [5] Financial Overview - Central Garden & Pet reported fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, indicating a strong market position in the pet and garden industries [6]