Mars names new exec to yummy position

Mars has appointed Jean-Christophe Flatin as president of global chocolate, effective Oct. 1. Flatin, who is currently global president of Royal Canin, a unit of Mars Petcare, replaces Grant F. Reid, who recently moved into the role of office of the president for Mars.



As head of the global chocolate business, with brands such as M&M'S, Snickers, Dove, Galaxy, Mars, Milky Way and Twix, and a growing population of more than 17,000 employees, Flatin will be responsible for setting the global agenda for all aspects of this dynamic business. He will be a member of the Mars leadership team, reporting directly to the office of the president.



"We are very pleased to have a leader of Jean-Christophe's caliber at the helm of the global Chocolate business," said Reid. "Jean-Christophe's proven leadership, strategic mind set and background in finance and general management will help continue the growth of this important segment within our business. It's always fantastic when we live out our goal of promoting from within our own business. Appointments like this remind us of how fortunate we are to have such depth and diversity of talent within Mars."



Since becoming president of Royal Canin in late 2007, Flatin has led his team to become one of the fastest-growing business units at the Mars. He has held various roles at or collaborated with Mars for the past 22 years.