Mars Incorporated announced that Natalia Ball has been appointed as global chief growth officer of Pet Nutrition effective April 1.
Ball will lead the growth agenda of beloved global brands including Pedigree, IAMS, Cesar, Whiskas, Sheba, Temptations, Nutro and Greenies.
Ball brings more than 20 years of experience as a global business leader to the role, specializing in brand development and innovation. Serving more than 400 million pets and their pet parents, Ball will fuel further growth across the portfolio by driving the marketing, sales and innovation that pets love.
By working with Mars’ partner agencies, Ball will develop “leading mega brands”. He will develop “advanced” capabilities in pet parent insights, portfolio strategy, superior proposition, breakthrough innovation, and retail excellence including digital commerce, and digital data-driven marketing.
Originally from Venezuela, Ball began his journey to Mars in 2015 as global brand director for Cesar. In 2018 he led Pet Nutrition Europe’s Care and Treats Business Unit before taking over the Global Care and Treats business in 2020.
Ball said: “I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to continue to serve millions of pets and pet parents, fueling the growth of brands I love and admire alongside amazing talent.”
Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition, added: “Natalia is a great example of the talent moving to Mars, bringing a diverse perspective to help accelerate our ambition to transform the pet ownership experience. Natalia’s leadership will be critical to growing our beloved brands, accelerating our goal of becoming a digital first organization, and strengthening our appeal to pet parents through leading insights and breakthrough innovation.
