Nicholas Lahanas is the Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Financial Officer at CENTRAL GARDEN AND PET, a leading innovator, producer, and distributor of branded and private label products for the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets. Lahanas joined the company in 2007 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience in financial management and strategic planning. Prior to his tenure at CENTRAL GARDEN AND PET, he served as the Vice President, Controller, and Treasurer at Metris Companies, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing financial operations and driving growth. In his role as Chief Financial Officer at CENTRAL GARDEN AND PET, Lahanas was instrumental in strengthening the company's financial position and guiding it through periods of significant growth and transformation. His strategic vision and financial acumen were key factors in the successful execution of several acquisitions that expanded the company's product offerings and market reach. In 2020, Lahanas was promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer, where he has continued to lead the company with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, CENTRAL GARDEN AND PET has maintained its position as a market leader, consistently delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. Lahanas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Certified Public Accountant. His extensive experience in finance and executive leadership, combined with his deep understanding of the lawn and garden and pet industries, have made him an invaluable asset to CENTRAL GARDEN AND PET. As CEO, Lahanas continues to drive the company forward, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that positions CENTRAL GARDEN AND PET for long-term success.