Mars has appointed Hans Bakker as the new head of Mars Food & Nutrition Europe, marking a strategic leadership shift.
- Bakker previously led Mars’ global transformation initiatives across 30 countries.
- He brings over 20 years of experience within Mars to his new role.
- Dave Dusangh, the previous head for Europe, transitions to a North American role.
- The leadership change aligns with Mars’ continued investment in talent and growth strategies.
Mars has made a significant leadership change by appointing Hans Bakker as the new regional general manager for Europe at Mars Food & Nutrition. This appointment is part of Mars’ broader strategy to bolster leadership within its key markets. Bakker brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked with Mars for over two decades. His extensive knowledge in sales, marketing, and global transformation makes him a fitting choice to lead the European division.
Before this new role, Bakker led transformational initiatives that spanned 30 countries as the vice president of global transformation since 2021. These initiatives were aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and driving growth, showcasing his capability to manage large-scale projects and diverse teams effectively.
Bakker’s appointment reflects Mars’ commitment to nurturing internal talent to maintain robust business performance. His comprehensive understanding of the European market and its diverse culinary traditions will be crucial in his efforts to provide nutritious and healthy meals to consumers. Bakker expressed his enthusiasm about the vibrant and culturally rich European region and is eager to work alongside passionate team members to drive growth.
The change in leadership was necessitated by Dave Dusangh’s move to become the regional president for North America. Mars’ global president, Shaid Shah, expressed confidence in both Bakker and Dusangh, commending their ability to enhance the value Mars delivers to customers. Such strategic appointments underscore Mars’ dedication to leadership excellence and talent management.
This leadership shift coincides with Mars’ recent acquisition activities, including the purchase of the Pringles maker, Kellanova, for over $29 billion. These developments signal Mars’ aggressive expansion strategy and its focus on solidifying its market presence in key regions.
These leadership changes are expected to bolster Mars’ strategic growth and operational efficiency across Europe and North America.
