Mars Petcare CEO Grant Reid has stepped down after more than eight years in the role.
Under his leadership, Mars saw unprecedented growth and transformation, including significant expansion into newer areas including veterinary health services.
During Reid’s tenure, Mars sales had grown by over 50% to nearly $45 billion (£36 billion) and the number of associates had increased from 60,000 to more than 140,000.
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Reid will remain at Mars until the end of year and informed the board of his intentions to retire 18 months ago. He has served in the role since 2014.
Poul Weihrauch, current global president at Mars Petcare, will succeed as CEO from the end of September.
Frank Mars, Mars board chair, said: “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.
“We will greatly miss his principled leadership, his highly collaborative and engaging style and – not least – his dry Scottish sense of humour.”
Commenting about his departure, 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.”
He added: “Having worked closely with Poul for many years I consider him and his family to be close friends. I am very excited about the future of the business under his leadership and congratulate him on his appointment as CEO of this incredible company.”
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