Baker Leaving Gander Mountain for Scott’s

Hunting and camping gear cataloger Gander Mountain announced this week that its president/CEO of the past seven years, Mark Baker, has resigned for a position as president/CEO of lawn care products manufacturer Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.

David C. Pratt, chairman of Gander Mountain, will serve as interim CEO. He will continue to serve as chairman, but will leave the company’s compensation and governance and nominating committees.

Baker, whose resignation is effective at the end of the month, also served as a Gander board member and has been a member of the Scott’s board since 2004.

Scott’s bought upscale gardening products cataloger/retailer Smith & Hawken in 2004. During a conference call with analysts last month, Scott’s officials said they were considering selling Smith & Hawken.

The news of Baker’s departure follows Gander Mountain’s announcement last week that it has dropped its 244-page catalog, marking its return to that channel after a 12-year hiatus.