WALNUT CREEK, CALIF. — Central Garden & Pet, a leading company in both garden in pet industries, on March 1 announced that Joyce McCarthy has been appointed general counsel, effective April 4, 2022. McCarthy will succeed George Yuhas, general counsel and corporate secretary, who is retiring after 11 years spent at Central.

“I would also like to thank George Yuhas for his 11 years of service and dedication,” said Tim Cofer, chief executive officer, Central Garden & Pet. “George has been an incredible leader for the company and has played an integral role in helping Central become the company we are today.”

Joyce McCarthy, general counsel, Central Garden & Pet. (Source: Central Garden & Pet)

McCarthy will oversee all legal affairs at Central, including litigation, enterprise risk management, corporate and commercial transactions and government compliance.

“Joyce McCarthy is a highly skilled attorney who brings incredible experience to her new role as General Counsel to Central Garden & Pet,” Cofer said.

Prior to Central, McCarthy served as general counsel and secretary at Ferrara Candy Company, where she was responsible for legal and compliance matters. She has also held several important roles at Colgate-Palmolive Company’s pet food division, including general counsel for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. McCarthy also has transactional experience, advising acquisitions and divestitures at Ferrara and Colgate-Palmolive. Before joining Colgate-Palmolive, McCarthy also served as an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell and was a law clerk for a US District Court Judge in New York.

“As we continue to execute against our long-term Central to home strategy, we need a strong leader to help us navigate key elements of our growth plans, both organic and via acquisitions,” Cofer added. “I’m thrilled to have a leader like Joyce as a trusted partner on our journey.”

McCarthy holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the State University of New York at Binghamton, as well as a law degree from Fordham University School of Law.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.