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Mars, Incorporated has announced a significant addition to its regional leadership team, appointing Lauren Larsen as Chief Customer Officer (CCO) for Mars Food & Nutrition, North America.

The appointment brings extensive commercial expertise to the division responsible for some of the company's most recognisable pantry staples. Larsen is tasked with spearheading sales strategies to drive market penetration across the US rice and ready meal categories.

Strategic Mandate and Portfolio

In her new role, Larsen will oversee the sales planning and execution for a portfolio of heritage and growth brands, including Ben's Original™, Seeds of Change™, and Tasty Bite®.

Her remit focuses on maximising value creation and driving commercial excellence. Mars has indicated that her leadership will be pivotal in strengthening customer partnerships and executing shared goals with retail partners regarding quality and long-term category growth.

Executive Profile and Track Record

Larsen joins Mars with 18 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. Her career spans sales, category management, and commercial strategy at leading global organisations.

• Previous Experience: She has held significant roles at Procter & Gamble and Glanbia, where she was credited with building high-performing teams and driving category growth initiatives in competitive markets.

Dave Dusangh, Regional President of Mars Food & Nutrition North America, commented on the strategic value of the hire: "Her ability to build high-performing sales organisations and drive commercial excellence will help accelerate growth across our portfolio, strengthen trusted customer partnerships, and deliver against the shared goals we hold with our retail partners around quality, value, and long-term growth."

Lauren Larsen expressed her outlook on the role: "Mars Food & Nutrition stands out for the strength of its brands and the way it partners with customers to deliver quality and value at scale. The portfolio plays an important role in everyday meals for families across North America, and I'm excited by the opportunity to build on that foundation."