Central Garden & Pet names Jason Barnes to lead garden segment

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) announced a leadership transition in its Garden segment, with J.D. Walker set to retire as President of Garden Consumer Products effective September 26, 2026.

Jason Barnes, currently Executive Vice President of Garden Consumer Products, will succeed Walker and take responsibility for sales, marketing, and service across the Garden segment, along with management of the Branded Controls, Grass Seed, Live Plants, Packet Seeds, and Vendor Partner businesses. Walker will remain with the company in a consulting role following the transition.

Barnes has held his current title since October 2025 and has been with Central Garden & Pet since 2006, having started his career with Pennington Seed in 2002. He most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bell Nursery, DoMyOwn, and Central's Vendor Partner business. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from Emory University.

Chief Executive Officer Niko Lahanas cited Barnes' familiarity with the business and customer relationships as factors in the selection. "He knows our garden business, has earned the trust of our customers and our teams, and has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver results and develop talent," Lahanas said.

Walker joined Central Garden & Pet in 2011. During his tenure, the company expanded its garden portfolio through acquisitions including Arden, Bell Nursery, Hopewell Nursery, Green Garden Products, and DoMyOwn.

Central Garden & Pet, based in Walnut Creek, California, reported net sales of $3.1 billion in fiscal 2025 and employs more than 6,000 people primarily across North America.

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