- Christina Ruggiero has been appointed Regional President of Mars Pet Nutrition North America, effective July 1.
- She will oversee Mars’ pet nutrition portfolio across the U.S. and Canada, including PEDIGREE®, IAMS®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, GREENIES™, TEMPTATIONS® and NUTRO™.
- Mars said Ruggiero will focus on science-backed innovation, omnichannel growth, digital transformation and operational excellence.
- Ruggiero joins Mars after leading Coca-Cola’s $9 billion Global Nutrition Category.
- The appointment comes as consumer demand for premium, health-focused pet nutrition continues to grow.
Mars has appointed Christina Ruggiero as Regional President of Mars Pet Nutrition North America, naming the longtime consumer packaged goods executive to oversee one of the company’s largest regional businesses.
Based in North America, Ruggiero will be responsible for driving growth across Mars’ pet nutrition portfolio in the United States and Canada while working with retailers, suppliers and industry partners to expand the company’s market position.
Leadership aimed at accelerating growth
Mars said Ruggiero’s priorities include advancing science-backed product innovation, expanding omnichannel retail strategies, accelerating digital capabilities and improving operational performance across the business.
She will oversee some of the industry’s best-known pet nutrition brands, including PEDIGREE®, IAMS®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, GREENIES™, TEMPTATIONS® and NUTRO™, as Mars continues investing in nutrition solutions that support hydration, oral health, digestive health and healthy aging for pets.
Consumer trends driving investment
The leadership transition comes as the pet nutrition market continues shifting toward wellness-focused products backed by nutritional science.
Mars cited growing consumer demand for products that promote long-term health and longevity, noting that pet owners increasingly view nutrition as one of the most important factors influencing their pets’ overall wellbeing. The company said those trends are creating opportunities for continued innovation and closer collaboration with retailers and veterinary stakeholders.
Bringing global consumer brand experience
Ruggiero joins Mars from The Coca-Cola Company, where she most recently served as President of the company’s Global Nutrition Category, overseeing a $9 billion portfolio that included brands such as fairlife, Simply, Minute Maid and Innocent.
Her previous leadership roles include overseeing Coca-Cola’s North America Operations, Central Zone, serving as chief executive of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages in India, and leading procurement and supply chain organizations at Diageo. She began her career as a cryptologist in the U.S. Navy supporting the National Security Agency.
In a statement, Ruggiero said Mars’ combination of science-backed nutrition, trusted brands and purpose-driven culture made the opportunity particularly compelling as the company continues expanding its pet nutrition business.
Information sourced from a Mars, Incorporated press release.
