Mars, a prominent food and drink manufacturer, has made a significant leadership change by appointing Hans Bakker as the new regional general manager for Europe.
Hans Bakker, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience at Mars, will now lead the Mars Food & Nutrition Europe sector. This division includes well-known brands such as Ben’s Original and Dolmio. Bakker, who has been part of the company’s journey through various sales and marketing roles, most recently served as the vice president of global transformation. In that role, he led transformative initiatives across 30 countries.
Bakker expressed his enthusiasm for his new position, emphasising the vibrant and diverse cultures within Europe. He is eager to collaborate with the region’s passionate associates to enhance growth and deliver nutritious meals to consumers. He stated, ‘Europe is a vibrant and diverse region, brimming with rich cultures and culinary traditions. I cannot wait to work with our passionate Associates across the region to drive growth with our customers, bring our purpose to life and provide healthy, nutritious meals for our consumers.’
This appointment follows the transition of Dave Dusangh, the current regional general manager for Europe, to a new role as regional president for North America. Shaid Shah, the global president, expressed confidence in both Bakker and Dusangh, highlighting their potential to strengthen Mars’ business and brands across their respective regions. Shah remarked, ‘Their appointments highlight our dedication to investing in talent as a fundamental enabler of strong business performance and our inspiring purpose.’
The leadership changes at Mars coincide with the company’s recent acquisition of Pringles maker Kellanova for more than $29 billion. This move is part of Mars’ broader strategy to enhance its market reach and product offerings.
Hans Bakker’s appointment as the head of Mars’ European operations marks a forward-thinking step in the company’s strategy to drive growth and innovation across the region. With a wealth of experience and a passion for development, Bakker is well-positioned to lead Mars in delivering its mission of providing healthy, nutritious meals to European consumers.
