Global CEO of Mars Grant Reid has resigned after eight years in the role and 34 years with the company. Global president of Mars Petcare, Paul Weihrauch, will be the new CEO and will start in late September.
Mars chair Frank Mars said Reid left an “extraordinary legacy”.
“While he is too modest to admit it, our significant transformation and record growth as a business would not have happened without Grant’s leadership.
“He has visibly lived our principles and embedded purpose at the heart of our business strategy. The Mars Family are tremendously grateful for his dedication and service.
“He has been a tower of strength, helping us charter new courses and pushing us beyond what we thought possible.
“He’s represented Mars on the global stage, particularly around climate change, and he has ensured that we are known for acting, not just making commitments.
“We will greatly miss his principled leadership, his highly collaborative and engaging style and – not least – his dry Scottish sense of humour,” Mars said.
Under his leadership, Mars expanded into veterinary health, pet services, and healthy snacking.
Sales grew more than 50 per cent to almost $65 billion under Reid’s tenure, the company said.
Reid said it had been a privilege to lead the company.
“I’m proud that, in the face of challenges such as a global pandemic, we have never lost sight of our strategic path or our ambition to help create the world we want tomorrow – and to drive both purpose and performance.
“Whether that be challenging ourselves to deliver a truly net zero supply chain, ensuring our most impactful raw materials like palm are deforestation-free, or innovating with packaging solutions to help ensure our products do not turn up as waste,” Reid said.
He said that after he leaves Mars he will spend more time, “following his passion as a champion for climate action, the sustainability agenda, and the broader role for business in society.”
Paul Weihrauch has been with Mars for 22 years, originally as the European brand leader for Snickers. He led the Mars Food business and became president of Global Petcare in 2014.
“He has overseen significant growth and diversification into veterinary health, diagnostics, data, and platforms, doubling the size of the business,” the company said.
Frank Mars said, “He is known for his inspirational and inclusive leadership style, for growing businesses and renovating brands and for his deep commitment to associate engagement and development.”
Loic Moutault, President at Royal Canin, is to become Mars Global Petcare President, and Cecile Coutens will take over as Global Royal Canin President.
