Reid has taken the decision to retire from Mars after more than 8 years in the role & 34 years in the business. According to Mars, under his leadership, the company has seen “unprecedented growth & transformation combined with a focus on sustainability and purpose, and significant expansion into newer areas including veterinary health services.”
Mars board chair, Frank Mars, paid tribute to Reid’s '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 said.
Acting on commitments
“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.”
Reid said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Mars team and work closely with the Mars Family. We have built on our core strengths and moved into new areas, setting the business up for a brilliant, sustainable future.”
Weihrauch has worked in many parts of the business since joining in 2000 as European brand leader for Snickers. Having led the Mars Food business, he became President of Global Petcare in 2014 and, during that time according to the company, has overseen significant growth and diversification into veterinary health, diagnostics, data, and platforms, doubling the size of the business.
Weihrauch said: “We live in challenging times but I’m an optimist and I believe in the power of business to have a positive impact and, in particular, the freedom we have at Mars to do the right thing for our Associates and the world we operate in.”
As a result of Weihrauch’s appointment, Mars has announced a series of subsequent senior appointments. Loic Moutault, President at Royal Canin, is to become Mars Global Petcare President, and Cecile Coutens will take over as Global Royal Canin President.
Carlsberg leadership changes
Mars is not the only company to face changes in its leaders as Carlsberg has revealed that its chief financial officer (CFO) Heine Dalsgaard has resigned from the company to take up the CFO position in a private equity-backed company in a different industry. He will continue at Carlsberg until 31 December 2022 at the latest.
The company said it would initiate the succession process and announce Heine’s successor in due course.
CFO Heine Dalsgaard says: “Carlsberg is a fantastic company, and it has been a true privilege to be part of the team during the past six years. Together, we have created a much stronger Carlsberg with a clear strategy, strong results and continued significant value-enhancing opportunities. I take this opportunity to already now wish Carlsberg and all its great people the very best for the future.”
CEO Cees ’t Hart said: “I have highly valued the partnership with Heine since he joined Carlsberg in 2016. He has been instrumental in driving the improvements that Carlsberg has delivered. Thanks to Heine, our Funding the Journey culture with focus on costs and cash is today well embedded across the Group. While we of course regret Heine’s decision, we also respect his wish to pursue new opportunities outside Carlsberg. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
