The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company announced that it is executing a succession plan for President and COO Mike Lukemire in preparation for his retirement in fiscal 2024. Under the plan approved by the Board of Directors and agreed upon by Lukemire and Chairman and CEO Jim Hagedorn, Lukemire will step down as COO on September 3, 2023, and retain his position as president until his retirement. In a related move, Nate Baxter, 50, executive vice president of technology &operations, will be promoted to chief operating officer on September 4, 2023, reporting to Lukemire, who will mentor Baxter during a transition period. Lukemire, 65, has been with the Company for almost 28 years, serving as president since February 2016 and COO since January 2015. Baxter joined the Company on April 28, 2023, to oversee research and development, information technology, regulatory, quality and environmental health and safety.