Global food and snacking manufacturer Mars, Incorporated has announced the appointment of Kemal Cetin as Global Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) for its Snacking business unit, effective 3 August 2026.
Cetin will report directly to Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking, and will join both the Mars Snacking Leadership Team and the Mars Digital Technologies Leadership Team. In his new capacity, Cetin will oversee the division's digital, data, and technology strategy to support commercial growth, advance digital capabilities, and drive technological innovation across the global snacking portfolio.
The transition comes at a critical operational period for the multinational, which continues to consolidate its IT infrastructure and systems following high-profile corporate acquisitions.
Strategic Mandates and Digital Acceleration
Cetin’s role will focus on transitioning the business's digital infrastructure to support next-generation manufacturing, distribution, and commercial sales.
The primary strategic priorities for the new CDIO include:
🤖 AI and Analytics – Advancing the deployment of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics to streamline supply chain decisions and market forecasting.
📈 Business Agility – Implementing cloud-based enterprise systems to improve commercial efficiency and accelerate speed-to-market for new snacking innovations.
🍬 Portfolio Integration – Overseeing the technology integration and systems consolidation of the newly acquired Kellanova brand portfolio.
👥 Platform Optimisation – Enhancing digital experiences and operational tools for both retail partners and internal business associates globally.
According to Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking, the appointment arrives at an important transitional moment for the business. He noted that as the organisation continues to bring together the Kellanova brands, Cetin will play a key role in accelerating decision-making processes and building a digital infrastructure designed for future scale.
Professional Experience and Corporate Background
Cetin brings nearly 30 years of international information technology and business transformation experience within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector to Mars.
Prior to joining the company, Cetin served as Global Business and Digital Solutions Officer at dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina, where he was also a member of the executive team. His career includes senior regional and global IT leadership roles across Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom for several multinational corporations:
Diageo – Leading digital technology programs and enterprise software deployments.
Coca-Cola Enterprises – Managing high-volume distribution and supply chain technology networks.
Whirlpool – Directing regional systems integration and operational technology development.
Cetin stated that the company will focus on advancing its data capabilities and digital tools to establish a highly connected enterprise model, ensuring that technological investments translate directly into sustainable value for retail customers and consumers.
Enterprise Footprint and Snacking Growth
First established as a family-owned business, Mars, Incorporated operates across the snacking, food, and pet care sectors, employing more than 150,000 associates globally.
The Snacking division remains one of the fastest-growing business units within the parent company’s global portfolio. By investing in dedicated digital leadership, Mars Snacking aims to modernise its route-to-market logistics and leverage first-party data to better navigate shifting purchasing habits in the global confectionery and snack categories.
The integration of Cetin’s digital transformation roadmap is designed to support the business's broader volume growth goals, providing commercial teams with the analytical tools required to secure shelf space and optimise promotional campaigns in a highly competitive global retail landscape.
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