John R. Ranelli has served as a director of Central Garden & Pet Company since 2010. He served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer from February 2013 to May 2016 and as Acting Principal Financial Officer from February 2016 to September 2016.
Mr. Ranelli served as Chairman of the Board of Woolrich, Inc., a global apparel and accessories company, from 2011 until November 2016, and also as its Chief Executive Officer from March 2012 until October 2012. From 2008 to 2012, he pursued corporate acquisition opportunities while advising companies and private equity firms. From 2007 to 2008, he was Chief Executive Officer and President of Mikasa, Inc., a global dinnerware, crystal and home accessories company, and from 1999 to 2006 he served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of FGX International, an optical and jewelry company. He previously held senior executive roles with Stride Rite Corporation, Deckers Outdoor Corporation, TLC Beatrice and The Timberland Company.
As a former CEO of the Company and an experienced chief executive of consumer products companies, Mr. Ranelli brings deep knowledge about the Company and extensive experience leading and managing mid-sized to large consumer products companies.