MARKETING Mars Announces
MARKETING Mars Announces Appointment of Two Regional Presidents Deri Watkins has been appointed to Regional President, Pet Nutrition Developed Asia Pacific (APAC). Paolo Rigamonti has been appointed to Regional President, Pet Nutrition Europe Both commenced their roles on 1st March, to continue driving Mars Pet Nutrition’s category leadership globally. Mars, Incorporated announces the appointments of two Regional Presidents for its Pet Nutrition division. Following five and a half years leading Pet Nutrition Europe, Deri Watkins has been appointed Regional President, Pet Nutrition Developed Asia Pacific (APAC). Whilst the previous General Manager of Pet Nutrition UK, Ireland & Nordics, Paolo Rigamonti, has been appointed Regional President, Pet Nutrition Europe. Both commenced their new roles on 1st March. During his role as Regional President, Pet Nutrition Europe, Watkins steered the business through some of the most challenging times in recent history. He successfully navigated the impacts of the COVID pandemic and the subsequent Supply Chain shortages. In addition to the many pets and pet parents served during his time in the role, Deri played an instrumental part in supporting the business’ sustainability efforts, such as driving partnerships to support the regenerative agricultural transition across the European pet food Supply Chain. Speaking on his new role, Watkins said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time leading Pet Nutrition across the European region and seeing what we’ve achieved as a business for the pets and pet parents we serve. I feel fortunate to have worked with so many talented colleagues for over 20 years at Mars, and I look forward to meeting and working with many more of our dedicated Associates in my new role.” Paolo Rigamonti has led Pet Nutrition UK since 2022, expanding to lead the UK, Ireland and the Nordics cluster in 2024. Passionate about driving both performance and a people and purpose-driven business, in his role, Rigamonti championed rights for pet owners, securing progress in providing more pet-friendly tenancy options in the UK through Pet Nutrition’s Better Cities for Pets programme. Speaking on his new role, Rigamonti said: “I’m really excited to lead the truly diverse European region in my new position, working in close partnership with our customers to meet the needs of pets and pet parents. Deri has done an excellent job of leading this region for the last five and a half years, and I’m looking forward to continuing this progress, accelerating our goal to be the most pet parent centric organisation in the world.” Ikdeep Singh, Global President, Mars Pet Nutrition, said: "I’m thrilled to welcome Deri and Paolo to their new roles. They are exceptional leaders with a passion for people, pets and pet parents. Their diverse Technology & Marketing For more information www.mars.com Paolo Rigamonti, Regional President, Pet Nutrition Europe Deri Watkins,Regional President, Pet Nutrition Developed Asia Pacific (APAC) experience across geographies will be invaluable as they work alongside key retailers and partners to continue growing and leading the petcare category as we accelerate our ambition to transform the pet parent experience and deliver our purpose: A Better World for Pets." Mars believes pets make the world a better place and is inspired to deliver on its Petcare purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS – a world where they’re healthy, happy and welcome. Photo: Mars About Mars, Incorparated Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s bestloved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S ORIGINAL. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA and ANICURA span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. 42 Technology & Marketing
Interzoo 2026 – Exhibitor Registration Already Started by Stefanie Klinge-Engelhardt, WZF MARKETING The new Interzoo trade fair year begins: From 18 March, companies from the pet supplies industry have been able to register quickly and easily for Interzoo 2026 (12 to 15 May 2026) using the online exhibitor portal. Companies planning their presentation at the world’s leading fair for the pet supplies industry in good time can benefit from a choice of preferred stand locations until 31 May 2025. Photo: Interzoo In 2024, international interest in Interzoo was at an all-time high: 2,150 exhibitors from 68 countries came to Nuremberg to showcase their latest products, services and innovations for pets. “The last event didn’t just meet exhibitor expectations; it surpassed them,” explains Gordon Bonnet. The Managing Director of Interzoo organiser WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services is convinced that in the coming year too “companies from our industry participating in the fair will benefit greatly from this most important innovation and networking platform for the international pet supplies industry and make promising business contacts.” Dr Rowena Arzt, Exhibition Director stresses: “Trade fairs continue to be the most important B2B marketplaces, so companies that network globally and export widely will have the edge. The countdown to Interzoo 2026 is now beginning with the opening of the registration portal for exhibitors. The 39th round of the leading international fair will again use almost all the available halls. Exhibitors can book their stands quickly and easily in the digital registration portal on the Interzoo website. The NürnbergMesse event team is available to answer any questions about the registration process and can help companies achieve a successful trade fair appearance. “From 12 to 15 May 2026, the next Interzoo will once again provide the international pet supplies industry with an exhibition that is unique worldwide and offers a supporting programme tailored to the latest issues affecting the sector, innovative special display areas like the Fresh Ideas Stage, and networking events,” says Dr Rowena Arzt. Technology & Marketing For more information www.interzoo.com Issue 2 2025 43
