Central Garden & Pet Announces Garden Segment Leadership Transition

J.D. Walker, President, Garden Consumer Products, to Retire from That Role

Jason Barnes, Executive Vice President, Garden Consumer Products, to Succeed Walker

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., September 21, 2026--Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) ("Central"), a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries, today announced a planned leadership transition for its Garden segment. J.D. Walker, President, Garden Consumer Products, will retire from that role effective September 26, 2026, at which point Jason Barnes, Executive Vice President, Garden Consumer Products, will assume responsibility for sales, marketing and service across Central's Garden segment, as well as management of the Branded Controls, Grass Seed, Live Plants, Packet Seeds and Vendor Partner businesses. After the transition, Mr. Walker will continue to support Central in a consulting capacity.

Mr. Barnes has served as Executive Vice President, Garden Consumer Products since October 2025 and brings more than two decades of experience in the lawn and garden industry. He began his career with Pennington Seed in 2002 and joined Central Garden & Pet in 2006. Since joining Central, he has held a series of leadership roles of increasing responsibility across sales, business development, and general management, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bell Nursery, DoMyOwn™, and Central's Vendor Partner business.

"As we planned for this transition, we were focused on identifying a leader who combines a deep understanding of our business and customers with a strong track record of execution and a commitment to Central's entrepreneurial culture," said Niko Lahanas, Chief Executive Officer of Central Garden & Pet. "Jason brings all of those qualities. 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. I have tremendous confidence in Jason's leadership and believe he is the right person to build on our momentum, accelerate growth and innovation, and lead our branded garden business into its next chapter."

Mr. Walker has been a key leader at Central since joining the company in 2011, playing an instrumental role in shaping and growing the Company's Garden segment. Under his leadership, the business delivered significant sales growth and improved profitability, while strengthening Central's portfolio of leading brands and deepening relationships with key retail partners. He also played an important role in expanding the garden portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including Arden®, Bell Nursery, Hopewell Nursery, Green Garden™ Products and DoMyOwn™. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Walker has been widely respected for his customer-focused leadership, commitment to the business, and ability to build strong, high-performing teams.