Scotts Miracle-Gro Appointed New Chief Information Officer
The Marysville-based company has tapped Prathima Hegde to lead its digital modernization efforts.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company has appointed Prathima Hegde as senior vice president and chief information officer. She will oversee enterprise technology initiatives as part of the companys long-term growth strategy.
Why it matters
The hire aligns with the SMG 2.0 multi-year growth strategy, which aims to transition the manufacturer into a consumer lifestyle company. Technology upgrades are intended to drive product innovation and operational efficiency.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company reports annual sales of approximately $3.3 billion. The new CIO brings two decades of enterprise technology leadership experience to the role.
The players
Prathima Hegde
She is the new senior vice president and chief information officer at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company who previously served as CIO of Del Monte Foods.
Nate Baxter
He is the president and CEO of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company to whom Prathima Hegde will report.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
This is a Marysville, Ohio-based organization that produces lawn and garden products for the North American market.
The details
Hegde will manage enterprise IT systems with a primary focus on digital capabilities, operational excellence, and AI integration. She is tasked with supporting the implementation of SAP S/4HANA to help the company achieve omnichannel expansion.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Scotts Miracle-Gro announced Prathima Hegde as the new CIO.
Market Landscape
The appointment of a new CIO is a critical step in executing the SMG 2.0 multi-year growth strategy to evolve into a consumer lifestyle company. This shift positions the firm to improve its competitive standing through enhanced digital capabilities and operational efficiencies.
While the appointment of a new CIO is an internal corporate move, the focus on operational efficiency and product innovation may eventually improve the availability and quality of products for customers. Shoppers should not see immediate changes to pricing or retail availability as a result of this hire.
The takeaway
The move signals that the company is prioritizing digital infrastructure to support its long-term evolution. Implementing new enterprise systems like SAP S/4HANA is a common method for large firms to streamline their supply chains and improve consumer-facing operations.
Further reading
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