Personnel changes at Central Garden

The American pet product supplier Central Garden & Pet Company has announced the appointment of John R. Ranelli as president and chief executive officer with effect from the company’s annual shareholder meeting to be held on 11 February. Ranelli has been a member of the board of directors of Central Garden & Pet and a member of the board's audit committee since 2010. He will remain on Central's board. Bill Brown, Central’s chairman and CEO, will continue as chairman. It is expected that during the next six months, Gus Halas will continue in his present role and help to ease John R. Ranelli into the CEO position. Gus Halas will then focus exclusively on transformational change and business development initiatives.