MARYSVILLE, Ohio – The Scotts Co. announced that it has formed a dedicated environmental stewardship function and named Rich Martinez as Chief Environmental Officer. Martinez will drive the integration of the company's environmental stewardship mission across business areas that include product design, manufacturing, distribution, communications and government relations.
Martinez will report directly to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Hagedorn.
"Our corporate slogan, 'Dedicated to a Beautiful World,' has long been a reflection of our commitment to environmental stewardship and being a good corporate citizen," Hagedorn said. "By creating the role of chief environmental officer, we are now taking that commitment to a higher level. Our focus is to integrate sound environmental practices and messages into everything we do – including our communications with homeowners who have trusted our products for generations. Rich is uniquely qualified to lead this effort."
Martinez joined Scotts in 1979 in research and development, where his efforts focused on product formulation and processing technology advancement. Since 2002, he has been vice president of product and technology strategy, working closely with all key areas of the company's North America business group.
In his new role, Martinez will directly supervise the regulatory and government affairs functions. He also will directly serve as a liaison with academic organizations and environmental advocacy groups.