Central Garden names new executive

Central Garden & Pet has announced the appointment of Frank Palantoni as executive VP and president of the pet segment, effective Feb. 14, 2011.  Palantoni will report to William Brown, Central's chairman and CEO.

Since 2006, Palantoni has been CEO of P3 Capital Management, an advisory and private equity firm specializing in consumer goods acquisitions and product development. He previously served as president and CEO of Prestige Brands and as a senior executive of Novartis Pharmaceuticals AG, Gerber Products Co. and Groupe Danone. His professional experience spans 19 years in general management, and includes international and worldwide roles, in food, baby care, household products, personal care, OTC pharmaceuticals, medical devices and insurance.

Based in Walnut Creek, Calif., Central Garden & Pet is a supplier of lawn, garden and pet products under a variety of brands, including Pennington, Kaytee, Amdro, Sevin, Ironite, Norcal and New England Pottery.