ScottsMiracle-Gro Names Jim Safka to Lead Ecommerce Initiatives

Rhea-AI Summary

ScottsMiracle-Gro (NYSE: SMG) has appointed Jim Safka as senior vice president of ecommerce, demonstrating its commitment to channel expansion. Safka, former CEO of Match.com where he achieved over 20% annual growth, brings extensive experience in technology, marketing, and management.

His track record includes leading AT&T Wireless's ecommerce platform to significant revenue and profitability increases, serving as CEO of Ask.com, and most recently as CMO at CapConnect+. The appointment aligns with SMG's strategy to strengthen retailer relationships while expanding into new channels.

The company, with approximately $3.6 billion in sales, plans to enhance its ecommerce capabilities by increasing presence on retail partners' ecommerce sites. As the world's largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden care products, SMG aims to better connect with consumers through digital channels while maintaining its market-leading position with brands like Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho®.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced ecommerce executive with proven track record of 20% growth at Match.com
• Strategic expansion into ecommerce channels to drive growth
• Strong market position with $3.6B in sales
• Enhanced digital presence through retail partners' platforms

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+7.26%

1 alert

+7.26% News Effect

On the day this news was published, SMG gained 7.26%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Appointment of former Match.com CEO to new position demonstrates commitment to channel expansion

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG), the world’s leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden care as well as a leading provider of indoor and hydroponic growing products, today announced that Jim Safka has been named senior vice president of ecommerce.

Safka is an accomplished executive with extensive and pioneering experience in technology, marketing and management. He previously served as CEO of Match.com, which grew by more than 20 percent annually under his leadership. He also ran AT&T Wireless’s ecommerce platform, where under his leadership the digital channel generated significant revenue and profitability increases. Previously, he was CEO of Ask.com, ran a venture portfolio and held key product and marketing roles at E-Trade and Intuit. Most recently, Safka was chief marketing officer at CapConnect+, a financial technology company whose digital marketplace simplifies fixed income issuing and investing.

“As we continue to evolve our Company, we are committed to investing in initiatives that strengthen our retailer relationships while expanding into new channels to maximize our growth potential,” said Nate Baxter, president and COO of ScottsMiracle-Gro.

“Jim’s unique blend of technology and digital marketing expertise will help us develop powerful ecommerce capabilities to better connect with consumers on multiple levels and drive more people to our leading brands. We will jumpstart this channel expansion effort with an increased presence on the ecommerce sites of our retail partners.”

Safka added, “I could not be more excited to create a digital future for a legendary American company whose roots go back to 1868. I’ve spent my career building deep connections between brands and consumers - and building communities like I did at Match.com – and the potential to create and nurture those connections is the opportunity of a lifetime. Love grounds us, and so do our lawns and gardens.”

Safka holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and earned his master’s in management and marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

For investor inquiries:
Brad Chelton
Vice President
Treasury, Tax and Investor Relations
brad.chelton@scotts.com
(937) 309-2503

For media inquiries:
Tom Matthews
Chief Communications Officer
tom.matthews@scotts.com
(937) 844-3864

FAQ

What is Jim Safka's role at ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG) and when was he appointed?

Jim Safka was appointed as senior vice president of ecommerce at ScottsMiracle-Gro on March 4, 2025, to lead the company's ecommerce initiatives and channel expansion efforts.

How will SMG's ecommerce expansion strategy be implemented?

SMG will jumpstart its channel expansion by increasing presence on retail partners' ecommerce sites while developing new digital capabilities to enhance consumer connections.

What is ScottsMiracle-Gro's current market position and annual sales?

SMG is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden care products with approximately $3.6 billion in sales.

What experience does Jim Safka bring to ScottsMiracle-Gro (SMG)?

Safka brings experience as former CEO of Match.com (20% annual growth), AT&T Wireless ecommerce leader, Ask.com CEO, and most recently as CMO at CapConnect+.