US-based food giant Mars has added a senior executive role to its global operation as the Snickers-to-Dolmio maker looks to adapt to the “disruption” in the industry.
Russell Stokes joins the business as the company’s chief strategy officer, a position in which he will be “responsible for overseeing Mars’ enterprise strategy, portfolio strategy and transformation agenda”, the Uncle Ben’s owner said in a statement.
Stokes was previously the head of strategy and M&A at home-appliance supplier Whirlpool Corporation. Prior to Stokes’ three years at Whirlpool, he was partner and managing director at The Boston Consulting Group, where he worked “extensively with Mars on a range of topics”, the food manufacturer said.
The Mars statement read: “In this position, Stokes will be responsible for overseeing Mars’ enterprise strategy, portfolio strategy and transformation agenda. In a time when disruption is to be expected, Stokes will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Mars continues innovating and transforming our business in the face of new and fast-paced competition, changing consumer trends and retail environment.”
Stokes, who will report into Mars CFO Claus Aagaard, said: “I’m thrilled to join the business at a time when it continues to reinvent itself.”
Aagaard, who joined Mars in 2016, added: “In today’s dynamic business landscape, change and uncertainty is the new norm and companies have to be relevant, consumer-focused and agile. Russell will bring a depth of knowledge and experience to define and enable our growth plans in the current environment, with a view for the long-term, while helping us continue to create products and services that our customers and consumers love.”
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