ScottsMiracle-Gro Announces Final Phase of Executive Restructuring Focused on Improving Operational Efficiency

Barry Sanders, President and Chief Operating Officer, to Depart the Company January 31

Jim Gimeson Assumes Leadership at Scotts LawnService as Mark Wilhelmi Retires

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Dec. 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG), the world's leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, today announced Barry Sanders, president and chief operating officer, will depart the Company January 31, 2015, as part of an ongoing effort focused on de-layering the company to improve operational efficiency and speed to market.

Since the beginning of the current calendar year, the Company has eliminated approximately 25 percent of its leadership roles at the senior vice president level or higher. The Company intends to have completed the vast majority of these efforts by the end of the first half of fiscal 2015.

"Two years ago, we committed to our shareholders that we would improve the focus and profitability of this Company and we continue to deliver on this promise," said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive officer. "The decisions we have made over the past year have often been difficult, but none more difficult than this one. Barry's contributions to ScottsMiracle-Gro during his 15-year tenure were significant and we will continue to benefit from the result of that leadership for years to come. The decision we reached regarding his departure came after a series of conversations with the entire leadership team, including Barry, who agreed on the need to continue improving our decision-making processes and eliminate executive-level redundancies.

"While we are the leader in the lawn and garden industry, we are modestly-sized compared to other leading consumer goods companies. So when we objectively assessed our organizational structure, we realized we had more layers of executive decision-making than we needed. Therefore we decided to further de-layer and divide Barry's duties appropriately."

Mike Lukemire, who currently leads the North American consumer business, will become chief operating officer. The entire global consumer segment will report to Lukemire as will Scotts LawnService. Strategic planning will report to Hagedorn.

"I agree that continuing to streamline the executive ranks of the organization is the right move for ScottsMiracle-Gro at this time and Mike Lukemire, who has been engaged in nearly all parts of the business during his 20-year tenure, is the right choice for this role," Sanders said. "While I will deeply miss my colleagues, I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to help lead this great company. I wish them continued success as I now look ahead to beginning the next chapter in my life and career."