Mars appoints Managing Director to lead India’s pet nutrition business

INDIA – Mars Incorporated has appointed Manish Syag as Managing Director of its pet nutrition business in India, as the company positions itself to capture growth in one of the world’s fastest-expanding pet food markets.

Syag will oversee Mars Pet Nutrition India, which markets pet food brands including PEDIGREE, WHISKAS and SHEBA.

The appointment comes as India’s organised pet food market continues to expand, driven by rising pet ownership, urbanisation and increasing consumer demand for packaged pet nutrition products.

Syag joined Mars in 2024 as Chief Sales Officer and previously held senior leadership positions at Hindustan Unilever Limited and GSK Consumer Healthcare.

In his new role, he is expected to lead Mars’ India growth strategy, strengthen operational capabilities and expand the company’s presence in the country’s evolving pet food sector.

“India is at a defining moment for the pet food market, which is expected to grow into a US$2 billion category in a decade,” Syag said.

He added that the company aims to strengthen its portfolio of pet food brands, expand market access, and build consumer trust in packaged pet nutrition.

India emerges as strategic growth market for pet nutrition

Industry analysts increasingly view India as one of the most promising growth markets for global pet food manufacturers, with demand for premium and scientifically formulated pet diets rising steadily.

Mars said the leadership transition also reflects the growing strategic importance of its India operations within the company’s global pet nutrition business.

Syag succeeds Salil Murthy, who has been promoted to Global Vice President, Enterprise Transformation at Mars Pet Nutrition and will relocate to London.

In his new global role, Murthy will focus on organisational transformation, digital and AI capabilities, and long-term operational development across Mars Pet Nutrition’s international business.

Francisco Fernandez said India remains one of the company’s most important emerging markets.

“India is one of the most important growth markets for Mars Pet Nutrition,” Fernandez said, adding that the appointments demonstrate Mars’ focus on developing leadership talent while strengthening the country’s role in the company’s future growth strategy.

Mars Pet Nutrition entered the Indian market in 2002 with the launch of PEDIGREE and later established the country’s first pet food manufacturing facility in 2007.

The company said the investment helped support the development of India’s organised pet food category, which has expanded significantly over the past decade as pet owners increasingly shift toward commercial pet nutrition products.

Global pet food manufacturers continue increasing investments in India as rising disposable incomes and changing consumer behaviour reshape the country’s companion animal nutrition market.

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