Mars Inc. has appointed Natalia Ball as global chief growth officer of pet nutrition effective April 1.
In her new role, she will lead the growth agenda for global brands including Pedigree, Iams, Cesar, Whiskas and Sheba by driving marketing, sales and innovation. In addition, her responsibilities will include building advanced capabilities in pet parent insights, portfolio strategy, superior proposition, breakthrough innovation, and retail excellence including digital commerce, and digital data-driven marketing.
"I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to continue to serve millions of pets and pet parents, fueling growth of brands I love and admire alongside amazing talent," she said.
Ball brings over 20 years of experience as a global business leader to the role, specializing in brand building and innovation. Originally from Venezuela, Ball spent 15 years at Procter & Gamble, where she held various brand and portfolio management roles in its feminine and fabric care divisions. She joined Mars in 2015 as global brand director for Cesar and in 2018, she led Pet Nutrition Europe’s care and treats business unit before taking the lead for the global care and treats business in 2020. In 2021, Ball joined the Royal Canin global leadership team.
“Natalia is a great example of talent moving across Mars, bringing diverse perspective to help accelerate our ambition to transform the experience of pet ownership,” said Ikdeep Singh, global president of Mars Pet Nutrition. “Natalia’s leadership will be critical to growing our beloved brands, accelerating our aim to become a digital first organization, and bolstering our obsession with pet parents through leading insights and breakthrough innovation.”
According to Petfood Industry's Top Companies, Mars Petcare is the world's leading pet food company. Its nearly 50 pet food brands include five billion-dollar brands. Mars Petcare also owns the BluePearl chain of emergency and specialty veterinary care clinics, Banfield and VCA animal hospitals.
In 2022, Mars Petcare products held a 17% market share in the U.S. market, according to retail sales data from Nielsen.
