Mars has appointed Melodie Nye as Managing Director and General Manager, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) of its Pet Nutrition division, with the incumbent, Craig Sargeant, taking up a new role as Global Vice President for Strategic Revenue Management.
Nye is currently Chief Growth Officer for Mars Pet Nutrition Europe and has been with Mars for more than 12 years, with extensive experience in senior marketing, innovation and leadership roles in both Europe and the United States (USA).
Prior to joining Mars, Nye held executive roles at Kraft Foods and was an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force.
Among Australia’s largest domestic pet food manufacturers, the Mars business has more than 800 associates working in its Pet Nutrition division, three manufacturing plants producing iconic brands including PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, ADVANCE, OPTIMUM, DINE and SCHMACKOS, with a supply chain that sources ingredients, equipment and materials from more than 200 local Australian suppliers.
“Growing with a business that champions bold innovation, meaningful community impact, and a future-focused approach to pet nutrition has been a privilege,” said Nye.
“I’m energised by the opportunity to build on this momentum and how we stay ahead of the curve by strengthening our role as a trusted partner to customers and continuing to delight and meet the needs of pet parents across Australia and New Zealand”.
Mars Pet Nutrition Regional President, Developed APAC, Deri Watkins added that Australia and New Zealand are among the most pet-loving countries in the world, with over 60 percent of households owning at least one pet.
“That pet passion presents a huge opportunity for us to keep evolving and meeting the growing expectations of pet parents,” said Watkins.
“Melodie is a bold, purpose-driven leader who looks at things differently, especially when it comes to how we meet the changing needs of pet parents and the fast-moving world of pet nutrition. She really gets what today’s consumers expect, and that makes her perfectly placed to strengthen our customer partnerships and keep delivering the trusted, innovative products and brands that pet parents want and expect into the future.”
Watkins added Nye was leaving behind a strong legacy of leadership, innovation, and commitment to the company’s growth in Europe and the United States.
“Melodie’s appointment is a testament to the exceptional calibre of talent within Mars and reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing and elevating world-class leaders.”
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