Former Home Depot exec named Scotts president and COO

Scotts Miracle-Gro has named former Home Depot COO Mark R. Baker president and chief operating officer, effective Oct. 1, the lawn products company announced.

Baker has been a Scotts board member since 2004 and was most recently president and chief executive of Gander Mountain, an outdoor retailer. He was with Home Depot from 1996 to 2001, serving in various roles, including regional president, chief merchandising officer and chief operating officer.

James Hagedorn relinquishes the title of Scott’s president but remains chairman and chief executive.

Baker will remain on the company’s 12-member board, but will step down from his roles on the Governance and Nominating Committee as well as the Compensation and Organization Committee.

Reporting to Baker will be Barry Sanders, executive vp-North America; Claude Lopez, executive vp-international and chief marketing officer; and Mike Lukemire, executive vp-global technologies and operations. Baker will report directly to Hagedorn.