Central Garden & Pet Company Names Frank Palantoni Executive Vice President, President-Pet Segment

Central Garden & Pet Company Names Frank Palantoni Executive Vice President, President-Pet Segment

Central Garden & Pet Company Names Frank Palantoni Executive Vice President, President-Pet Segment

Central Garden & Pet Company, a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the lawn and garden and pet supplies market, today announced the appointment of Frank Palantoni as Executive Vice President, President-Pet Segment, effective February 14, 2011. Mr. Palantoni will report to William E. Brown, Central's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He will play a senior management role at the Company, including leadership of the Company's Pet Segment.

Since 2006, Mr. Palantoni has been chief executive officer of P3 Capital Management LLC, an advisory and private equity firm specializing in consumer goods acquisitions and product development. He previously served as president and chief executive officer of Prestige Brands, Inc. and as a senior executive of Novartis Pharmaceuticals AG, Gerber Products Company 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.