Mars, Incorporated announces the appointments of two Regional Presidents for its Pet Nutrition division. Following five and a half years leading Pet Nutrition Europe, Deri Watkins has been appointed Regional President, Pet Nutrition Developed Asia Pacific (APAC). Whilst the previous General Manager of Pet Nutrition UK, Ireland & Nordics, Paolo Rigamonti, has been appointed Regional President, Pet Nutrition Europe. Both commenced their new roles on 1st March.
During his role as regional president, Pet Nutrition Europe, Watkins steered the business through some of the most challenging times in recent history. He successfully navigated the impacts of the COVID pandemic and the subsequent Supply Chain shortages. In addition to the many pets and pet parents served during his time in the role, Deri played an instrumental part in supporting the business’ sustainability efforts, such as driving partnerships to support the regenerative agricultural transition across the European pet food Supply Chain.
Speaking on his new role, Watkins said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time leading Pet Nutrition across the European region and seeing what we’ve achieved as a business for the pets and pet parents we serve. I feel fortunate to have worked with so many talented colleagues for over 20 years at Mars, and I look forward to meeting and working with many more of our dedicated Associates in my new role.”
Paolo Rigamonti has led Pet Nutrition UK since 2022, expanding to lead the UK, Ireland and the Nordics cluster in 2024. Passionate about driving both performance and a people and purpose-driven business, in his role, Rigamonti championed rights for pet owners, securing progress in providing more pet-friendly tenancy options in the UK through Pet Nutrition’s Better Cities for Pets programme.
Speaking on his new role, Rigamonti said: “I’m really excited to lead the truly diverse European region in my new position, working in close partnership with our customers to meet the needs of pets and pet parents. Deri has done an excellent job of leading this region for the last five and a half years, and I’m looking forward to continuing this progress, accelerating our goal to be the most pet parent centric organisation in the world.”
Ikdeep Singh, Global President, Mars Pet Nutrition, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Deri and Paolo to their new roles. They are exceptional leaders with a passion for people, pets and pet parents. Their diverse experience across geographies will be invaluable as they work alongside key retailers and partners to continue growing and leading the petcare category as we accelerate our ambition to transform the pet parent experience and deliver our purpose: A Better World for Pets.”
Mars believes pets make the world a better place and is inspired to deliver on its Petcare purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS – a world where they’re healthy, happy and welcome.
