Mars Appoints New Marketing Vice President to Boost Food & Nutrition Segment in North America

Mars Welcomes David Jacobs as New VP of Marketing

Mars, Incorporated, responsible for well-known brands such as BEN'S ORIGINAL™, M&M'S®, and PEDIGREE®, has recently welcomed David Jacobs as the new Vice President of Marketing for its Food & Nutrition division in North America. This strategic move was announced on February 11, 2025, and highlights Mars' commitment to evolving its marketing strategies within the competitive consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.

David Jacobs joins Mars with a wealth of experience in sales and marketing, having previously held significant positions at SC Johnson and Unilever. His career has been characterized by successful product portfolio management and innovative marketing strategies that have driven growth across various markets including the U.S. and Southeast Asia in multiple consumer categories such as food, personal care, and home cleaning.

In his new role, Jacobs is expected to refine and implement strategies aimed at enhancing brand presence and accelerating market penetration within North America, particularly in the rice and ready meal sectors. He will also be tasked with leading growth initiatives for established brands like Ben's Original™ and SEEDS OF CHANGE™, as well as other strategic projects designed to maximize business value.

Dave Dusangh, Regional President of Mars Food & Nutrition North America, expressed enthusiasm about Jacobs' appointment, stating, "David's impressive background in building world-leading CPG brands and leading high-performing teams aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver delicious, convenient, and nutritious meals to meet the evolving needs of today's consumers." Dusangh emphasized that Jacobs' expertise is a valuable addition to the leadership team, particularly as the company ramps up its marketing efforts.

On his part, Jacobs articulated his admiration for Mars and its portfolio of exceptional brands and strong company values. He noted, "Having the opportunity to contribute to creating better food today for a better world tomorrow is inspiring to me." This reflects Mars' overarching philosophy that the changes initiated today lay the groundwork for a better business and community tomorrow.

Mars, Incorporated operates with a strong foundation of core principles known as the Mars Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom. These principles guide the company's operation and strategy, encouraging its 150,000 associates to actively contribute toward creating positive changes for individuals, pets, and the planet.

As a family-owned business valued at over $50 billion, Mars boasts a diverse range of products that cater to pets and people alike, ranging from the iconic ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, and WHISKAS® for pet care to a line of quality snacking and food options enjoyed worldwide. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Mars Food & Nutrition continues to expand its market presence globally, with approximately 2,000 associates dedicated to advancing its food brand lineup, which includes not only Ben's Original™ but also others enjoyed in over 30 markets.

In conclusion, David Jacobs' expertise and fresh perspective are anticipated to propel Mars Food & Nutrition forward, ensuring that the company remains a leader in providing innovative and desirable food products that resonate with consumers today and in the future.