USA | Mars has announced the appointment of Christina Ruggiero as Regional President, Mars Pet Nutrition North America.
In this role, Ruggiero will lead one of Mars Petcare's largest units, overseeing a portfolio of trusted and iconic brands across the United States and Canada.
By working closely with retailers, suppliers, industry partners, agencies, and other strategic collaborators, Ruggiero will strengthen the partnerships that drive growth, accelerate innovation, and create exceptional experiences for pet parents and their pets.
Ruggiero has joined Mars from The Coca-Cola Company, where she most recently served as President of the Global Nutrition Category, leading a USD nine billion portfolio that included Minute Maid, Simply, Santa Clara, fairlife, Maaza and Innocent, and delivering one of the fastest-growing businesses in Coca-Cola's portfolio during her tenure.
Prior to leading Coca-Cola's Global Nutrition Category, Ruggiero served as President, North America Operations, Central Zone, and spent nearly four years in India as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., where she doubled the company's net worth and significantly expanded its retail footprint.
Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles across procurement, operations, and supply chain, including serving as Vice President of Procurement at Diageo, where she led teams across North America, Europe, Russia, and Africa. She began her career as a cryptologist in the U.S. Navy supporting the National Security Agency.
Ruggiero has been recognised throughout her career for her commitment to inclusive leadership and organisational culture, earning various honours. She holds a Master's degree in Management from the University of Huddersfield and a Bachelor of Science degree from Marymount College.
Her appointment comes at a moment of significant opportunity for the pet care category. Nearly two-thirds of Americans are now pet parents, and over one-third of American pet parents say their pet is the most important thing in their life, investing more in their health, wellbeing, and longevity than ever before.
With more than four in five pet parents viewing nutrition as the most important contributor to their pet's health, demand has grown for science-backed nutrition, trusted wellness solutions, and innovative products that help pets live full, healthy lives.
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