Grant F. Reid, Mars chief executive officer, has written an exclusive piece in the Financial Times in which he details his plans to hand over the reins as CEO after leading the business through a period of unprecedented growth, impact and transformation.
Reid – who will remain at Mars until the end of the year – informed the board of his intentions to retire from Mars 18 months ago and has been closely involved in his succession plan. Poul Weihrauch, global president of Mars Petcare, will succeed him as CEO in September. Weihrauch has worked in all segments of Mars, having begun his career in Slough, England, in 2000 as European brand leader for Snickers.
During Reid’s tenure, the number of Mars associates has increased from 60 000 to more than 140 000 and sales have grown by over 50 per cent to nearly 45 bn dollars.
