By Ben Glickman


Central Garden & Pet Company on Wednesday named Beth Springer, lead independent director, as interim chief executive officer after CEO Tim Cofer said he will leave to accept a position at Keurig Dr Pepper.

The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based garden-products maker said that Cofer will depart effective Oct. 6 to become chief operating officer and eventually CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper. Keurig Dr Pepper's CEO Bob Gamgort will step aside in the second quarter of 2024, the company said Wednesday.

Central said it was conducting a comprehensive search for a permanent successor.

Springer has served on the board since 2013 and has held roles at Clorox, including executive vice president and general manager.

Central reaffirmed its forecast for fiscal 2023 adjusted earnings per share of $2.55 or better.


Write to Ben Glickman at ben.glickman@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

09-20-23 1714ET