LONDON — Mars Incorporated announced March 13 the appointment of Natalia Ball to the role of global chief growth officer of Mars Pet Nutrition, effective April 1. She will lead the growth of Mars brands including PEDIGREE®, IAMS®, CESAR®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, TEMPTATIONS®, NUTRO® and GREENIES®.
Ball brings more than 20 years of experience as a global business leader specializing in branding development and innovation to his new role at Mars.
“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,” said Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition. “Natalia’s leadership will be critical in 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.”
Natalia Ball, chief growth officer of Mars Pet Nutrition.
| Source: Mars IncorporatedIn his new role, Ball will be tasked with driving further growth across the portfolio by driving marketing, sales and innovation. He will work with Mars’ partner agencies to help develop its leading brands. In addition, his responsibilities include “developing advanced capabilities in pet parent insights, portfolio strategy, superior proposition, breakthrough innovation, and retail excellence including digital commerce, and digital data-driven marketing,” said the company.
Ball joined Mars in 2015 as global brand director for CESAR. In 2018, he led Mars Pet Nutrition Europe’s Care & Treats business unit before leading the company’s Global Care & Treats business in 2020. In 2021, Ball joined the Royal Canin Global Leadership Team.
Prior to joining Mars, Ball worked at Procter & Gamble for 15 years, where she held various brand and portfolio management roles in the company’s Feminine and Fabric Care divisions.
“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,” said Ball.
Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.
