MARYSVILLE, Ohio, May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the global leader in the consumer lawn and garden industry, announces that Brian Kura has been promoted to senior vice president, North America Sales, of The Scotts Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary. In this position, Kura oversees the relationships with all of the Company's retail partners to ensure the organization's industry-leading sales force provides quality, in-store service for consumers. "Brian's professional experience, combined with a strong background in sales and marketing, will further strengthen our commitment to customer service," said Chris Nagel, executive vice president. "Through his proven leadership and results-oriented approach, Brian will continue to help drive sales and maintain the Company's momentum in the marketplace." Kura began his career with Scotts in 1997, where he established the Lowe's Business Development Team (BDT). His assignments with the Company have also included leading the Wal-Mart and Sam's Club BDT, as well as the Roundup marketing organization. Prior to joining Scotts, Kura held positions with Chevron Chemical Company and Monsanto. In his new position, Kura succeeds Dan Paradiso, who was named to the newly created position of senior vice president, North America Growth and Innovation. Paradiso's new role will focus on the implementation and review of strategic growth initiatives in the business, along with the assessment of key process improvement plans. A graduate of The University of Arizona, Kura earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. He also holds a master's in business administration from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. About ScottsMiracle-Gro With more than $2.7 billion in worldwide sales and more than 6,000 associates, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, with products for professional horticulture as well. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R) and Ortho(R) brands are market leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup(R) brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. The Company also owns Smith & Hawken(R), a leading brand of garden-inspired products that includes pottery, watering equipment, gardening tools, outdoor furniture and live goods. Additionally, the Company owns Morning Song(R), the leading brand in the wild bird food category. In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol(R), Pathclear(R), Evergreen(R), Levington(R), Miracle-Gro(R), KB(R), Fertiligene(R) and Substral(R). For additional information, visit us at http://www.scotts.com/. DATASOURCE: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company CONTACT: Su Lok of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, +1-937-578-5169 Web site: http://www.scotts.com/

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