The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. said Oct. 29 that Jim Hagedorn has decided to continue to serve as both chairman and CEO. In 2008, he announced his intention to retire as CEO during this fiscal year. “The success we’ve seen over the past two years has been exciting, but it really just reinforces how much more opportunity remains for our company and the lawn and garden category,” Hagedorn said. “While I thought I wanted to step aside after I turned 55, I’ve decided I want to stay engaged in the business and, with the approval of our board of directors, intend to do so.”
Scotts also said that Mark Baker, who was hired as president and chief operating officer two years ago, has departed the company and the board.
Barry Sanders has been named president of the company, effective immediately. He joined Scotts in 2001, overseeing the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system as well as the consolidation of the North American Consumer business. He later led the sales force in the U.S. and was then promoted to lead the company’s Global Supply Chain. In 2008, Sanders was selected to lead the U.S. Consumer business, and earlier this year was named executive vice president of the entire Global Consumer segment.
Ameropa North America has added Rick Sompel as sales director, Northern and Industrial Markets. He will be responsible for managing national accounts in the Northern Tier as well as industrial sales. He previously held various positions of increasing responsibility with CF Industries during his 25 years with the company. Sompel will open an office for Ameropa North America in Northern Chicago and can be contacted at Ameropa North America Inc., 1324 North Riverside Drive, McHenry, Ill. 60050-4510; Phone: (815) 385-0120; Mobile: (815) 980-9300; Fax: (815) 385-0149; or email: rick.sompel@ameropa-na.com.