Central Garden & Pet appoints top execs
Central Garden & Pet Company has appointed Niko Lahanas as chief executive officer and Brad Smith as chief financial officer.
Lahanas will also join Central’s board of directors. Lahanas succeeds Beth Springer, who had served as interim CEO since October 2023. 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, Lahanas worked in private equity and investment banking for over eight years.
“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 Lahanas. “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.”
Smith will succeed Lahanas as CFO. Smith joined Central in May 2017 and has provided strong financial leadership to the Pet segment. Before joining Central, Smith worked at the Delhaize Group (now Ahold Delhaize), where he served 12 years in finance roles of increasing responsibility, including as CFO of its European operations. Prior to Delhaize Group, Smith spent 11 years at Arthur Andersen.
