Royal Canin has appointed Rémi Rocca as Global VP of Sustainability, bringing nearly two decades of sustainability expertise from McDonald's to accelerate the pet food manufacturer's environmental initiatives.
During his tenure at McDonald's, Rocca spearheaded critical sustainability programs including plastic packaging reduction, the establishment of a Global Regenerative Agriculture Program, and carbon emission reduction efforts. Most recently, he served as senior director of Impact, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Sustainability and Philanthropy for McDonald's France.
In his new role, Rocca will develop and execute Royal Canin's sustainability strategy alongside the company's sustainability team and senior leaders, focusing on the brand's three core areas: pets, people, and planet. The appointment comes as Royal Canin continues advancing its environmental commitments, including sourcing renewable electricity to cover 86% of its global factory electricity needs in 2024.
"We are happy to welcome Rémi to our team and believe the breadth of his experience at this critical time will enable Royal Canin to continue our sustainability progress," said Andy Turner, global vice president of Supply Chain and Operations at Royal Canin.
Rocca expressed enthusiasm for joining the Mars-owned brand, citing a "deep connection to Royal Canin's and Mars' values: a family-owned business with an ambitious climate commitment, a long-term vision, and a maturity in addressing critical issues." He highlighted particular excitement about Royal Canin's partnerships, such as its work with Soil Capital on regenerative agriculture initiatives.
The appointment positions Royal Canin to accelerate progress on Mars' Net Zero roadmap and the company's Sustainable in a Generation Plan, leveraging Rocca's extensive experience in corporate sustainability and supply chain management to drive meaningful impact across the pet food industry.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Royal Canin USA, a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 50 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders, and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process.
