Central Garden & Pet Co. of Walnut Creek, Calif., reported on Jan. 15 that the company’s chief financial officer Jeffrey Blade has resigned. Stuart Booth, who retired as CFO in 2009, has agreed to fill the position until a permanent successor is found.

Central’s chairman and CEO William Brown said Blade’s departure is by “mutual agreement.”

“He is a true professional, and we wish him well,” Brown said in a statement.

“We are grateful to Stu for stepping back into the full-time role pending our new search,” Brown continued. “We remain committed to our program to drive improved capital efficiency and margins and believe we are well-positioned to pursue new growth strategies.”

In related personnel news, Central has hired Eileen VanEss to serve as vice president of investor relations. In her new role, VanEss is responsible for investor communications and reporting as well as leadership in the areas of risk management, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, tax and accounting.

VanEss most recently served as vice present of investor relations for LeapFrog Enterprises, a developer and marketer of technology-based educational products. <HOME>