Mars family members pay tribute to Reid’s extraordinary legacy
In an exclusive piece in the Financial Times on June 22, 2022, Mars Chief Executive Officer, Grant F. Reid, announced his plans is to hand over the reins as CEO after leading the business through a period of unprecedented growth, impact and transformation.
Reid – who will remain at Mars until the end of the year – informed the Board of his intentions to retire from Mars 18 months ago and has been closely involved in his succession plan. Poul Weihrauch, Global President at Mars Petcare, will succeed as CEO in September.
The article includes quotes from members of the Mars family’s third generation including Mars Board Chair, Frank Mars, who paid tribute to Reid’s “extraordinary legacy,” including fusing performance with purpose, delivering sustainable growth, ramping up Mars digital capabilities, building its iconic brands and expanding into newer territories like veterinary health, pet services and healthy snacking.
During Reid’s tenure, the number of Mars Associates have increased from 60,000 to more than 140,000 and sales have grown by over 50% to nearly $45B.
“His values and character align so well with the family, and he has a wonderful sense of humour that helped carry us through some difficult challenges,” said Jacqueline Mars. John Mars hailed his “healthy dissatisfaction for the status quo.”
Read more on his powerful legacy(Opens a new window).
