With over three decades of senior-level experience at Mars, Inc., a distinguished family-owned multinational with a global footprint and an annual turnover exceeding $45 billion, I have forged a dynamic professional journey that spans eight countries across four continents.
My initiation into the world of Mars commenced on the shopfloor, where I cultivated a profound understanding of the company’s operations and the fundamental importance of people. Over the years, I evolved through various local, regional and global roles, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of my career as the Vice President of Supply for the entire Americas region. Subsequently, I assumed the role of Vice President of Manufacturing & Engineering on the North American Leadership team.
In these pivotal positions, I spearheaded the development of industrial strategies, orchestrated multimillion-dollar capital investments, and provided leadership for manufacturing operations across multiple chocolate and gum production sites. Managing a workforce of approximately 6000, I navigated challenges ranging from production line closures to manufacturing site transitions with resilience and success.
My journey has equipped me with firsthand knowledge of guiding large teams through significant changes, reinforcing the pivotal role of people as an organization’s most valuable asset. I firmly believe in the power of a thoughtful and empathetic approach, which has been instrumental in driving successful organizational and cultural transformations.