MCLEAN, Va. — Mars CEO Grant Reid plans to retire from his role in September, and Poul Weihrauch, global president at Mars Petcare, will become the new CEO.
Reid (pictured, left) has been CEO at McLean, Va.-based candy maker Mars since 2014. According to Mars, Reid delivered growth, built iconic brands and helped the company expand into new territories such as veterinary health, pet services and snacking.
“He has been a tower of strength, helping us charter new courses and pushing us beyond what we thought possible,” said Frank Mars, founder and board member at Mars. “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.”
Sales grew by over 50% to nearly $45 billion under Reid’s tenure and the number of associates increased from 60,000 to more than 140,000, according to the company.
“We will greatly miss his principled leadership, his highly collaborative and engaging style and—not least—his dry Scottish sense of humor,” said Mars.
Reid and Weihrauch have been collaborating for several months to ensure a smooth succession. Weihrauch will succeed Reid from the end of September, and Reid plans to represent Mars until the end of the year.
Weihrauch’s time at Mars began in 2000 when he was a European brand leader for Snickers. In 2014, he became president of global petcare.
“He is known for his inspirational and inclusive leadership style, for growing businesses and renovating brands and for his deep commitment to associate engagement and development,” said Mars. “Following Grant’s decision, the board and I are grateful to be able to appoint such a strong Mars leader and are confident that Poul will both protect our legacy, while leading us into what promises to be a bright and exciting future.”
With $40 billion in annual sales, Mars produces brands including Dove, Extra, M&M’s, Milky Way, Snickers, Twix, Orbit, Pedigree, Royal Canin, Skittles, Ben’s Original, Whiskas, Cocoavia and 5.
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