General Nutrition Centers, Inc. ("GNC" or the "Company"), a leading global specialty retailer of nutritional products, today announced that Michael F. Hines, a senior retailing industry executive, has joined the Boards of Directors of GNC and its parent companies. Mr. Hines will also sit on the Audit Committee, serving as Chairperson.

Mr. Hines was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc., from 1995 to March 2007. From 1990 to 1995, he held management positions with Staples, Inc., most recently as Vice President, Finance. Earlier, he spent 12 years in public accounting, the last eight years with the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Boston. Mr. Hines also serves on the Board of TJX Companies, which he joined in 2007. Previously he served on the Board of Yankee Candle, Inc. from 2003 to 2007, when the company went private.

GNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., a leading global specialty retailer of nutritional products including vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products. As of September 30, 2009, GNC has more than 6,700 locations, of which more than 5,300 retail locations were in the United States (including 919 franchise and 1,814 Rite Aid franchise store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 47 international markets. The Company - which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well - also offers products and product information online at www.gnc.com.