Scotts names interim CFO

Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that David Evans has been named chief financial officer on an interim basis replacing Cory Miller, who has departed the firm.

Scotts said it has engaged a leading executive search firm to assist in identifying a permanent CFO with a focus on external candidates.

“I have worked with Dave in various capacities, and he is one of the finest finance professionals I have ever known,” said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive officer. “During his prior tenure as our CFO, Dave played a key role in reshaping our business portfolio while helping improve our cost structure and overall profitability.

“He returns to the CFO role with even more valuable experience. This experience, combined with his proven track record of success, gives us confidence Dave will help address the challenges we are facing and ensures a seamless transition during the search for a permanent CFO. We thank Cory Miller for his long and dedicated service to the company,” said Hagedorn.

Miller’s departure is not related to any disagreements regarding historical financial reporting, accounting, or legal matters, said the company.

Evans, who has more than 35 years of finance and accounting experience, has been a director of Scotts Miracle-Gro since 2018, serving on the board’s audit and finance committees.

“I assume the interim CFO role and day-to-day management of the finance organization with a focus on action and execution,” said Evans. “My engagement as a member of the audit and finance committees has allowed me to remain extremely familiar with the business and the unusual challenges that have presented themselves over the past several quarters.”

He previously served as Scotts Miracle-Gro’s chief financial officer from 2006 to 2013 after having held a variety of executive finance roles at the company.

He resigned in 2013 to join Battelle Memorial Institute as executive vice president and CFO, a role he held until 2018. He is currently a member of the board of directors of Cardinal Health, where he also served as interim CFO.

“I look forward to working with the finance and executive leadership teams to continue executing Project Springboard, which is already making progress on the goals of reducing costs, improving margins and strengthening the balance sheet.” Said Evans.

Based in Marysville, Ohio, Scotts Miracle-Gro markets branded consumer products for lawn and garden care.