Mars Inc. recently announced key leadership changes within its Food & Nutrition division, appointing Dave Dusangh as Regional President for North America and Hans Bakker as Regional General Manager for Europe. These appointments, effective immediately, are intended to fuel the company’s momentum and expand growth and innovation in their respective markets.
Shaid Shah, the global president of Mars Food & Nutrition, expressed confidence in the ability of both leaders to enhance business outcomes. He stated, “I am confident that Dave and Hans will continue to strengthen our business and brands, enhancing the value we deliver to our customers and consumers in their respective regions.” The emphasis on investing in talent as a core principle is noteworthy; it demonstrates Mars Inc.’s commitment to fostering leadership capability for sustained performance.
Before assuming his new role, Dusangh served as the regional GM for Mars Food & Nutrition Europe. During his tenure, he successfully led transformative initiatives that spurred growth in the region. His career at Mars began in 2011 with Mars Pet Nutrition Canada, where he developed key customer relationships and established himself as a capable team leader. In 2016, he transitioned to lead Mars Food & Nutrition Canada and later took on additional responsibilities for Tasty Bite North America as well as joining the board of Tasty Bite Eatables in India.
“I am honored to lead the Mars Food & Nutrition North American business and look forward to working with our talented associates as we move towards accelerated growth,” remarked Dusangh. His focus on reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in nutritious and convenient meal offerings reflects an understanding of the evolving consumer landscape. Brands under his purview include Ben’s Original, Seeds of Change, and Tasty Bite, which are all aligned with the increasing consumer demand for wholesome and balanced meal options.
Hans Bakker brings over 20 years of experience with Mars to his new role. Before serving as the Vice President of global transformation, Bakker managed Mars Food & Nutrition Germany and led various sales and marketing roles, which equipped him with the skills necessary to tackle complex challenges effectively. In his recent global role, he drove programs designed to enhance growth and productivity across the company’s vast operations in 30 countries.
“Europe is a vibrant and diverse region, brimming with rich cultures and culinary traditions,” Bakker stated. He is keen on collaborating with passionate associates and focusing on nurturing relationships with customers to continue the company’s impressive progress in Europe. His dual focus on consumer needs and workforce collaboration is anticipated to yield high dividends in market development.
Mars Food & Nutrition is part of a larger family-owned business—Mars Inc.—which boasts an annual revenue exceeding $50 billion. This segment alone features a workforce of around 2,000 associates spread across 30 markets. Some of the leading food brands under Mars include Ben’s Original, Kevin’s Natural Foods, Masterfoods, Seeds of Change, Tasty Bite, foodspring, and Dolmio, each contributing to the organization’s overarching mission: “Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow.”
These leadership transitions come at a pivotal time for the food industry, where the need for sustainability and innovation is paramount. As consumer preferences shift toward healthier and more sustainable options, the new leadership team is set to navigate these dynamics effectively. Both Dusangh and Bakker are expected to leverage their extensive experience to adapt strategies that not only meet consumer demand but also advance operational efficiencies within their teams.
In conclusion, the strategic appointments at Mars Food & Nutrition underscore the importance of capable leadership in driving growth and innovation amidst evolving market conditions. Mars Inc. continues to position itself as a frontrunner in the food industry, underscoring its dedication to quality, consumer satisfaction, and broad-reaching impact.
