Mars Petcare creates new chief digital officer role

BRUSSELS — On Oct. 17, Mars, Incorporated announced the appointment of Christoph Heyn to chief digital officer for its Mars Petcare division. In the newly created role, Heyn will lead the digital transformation of Mars Petcare throughout the globe.

Heyn currently serves as global vice president of digital at Ikea and has extensive experience in digital transformations for companies in the retail, hospitality and financial service industries. During his time at Ikea, he led the company’s transformation in digital customer experience and tech platforms, taking the company from a store-based retail model to an omni-channel business. Heyn has also held leadership roles at Ritz-Carlton & Marriott International and Capital One.

“Christoph’s unique leadership experience in consumer facing technology, across a variety of relevant industries, will bring huge value to both our business and pet owners,” said Leonid Sudakov, president of growth, digital and platforms at Mars Petcare. “We are on a journey to accelerate the transformation of our digital products and services, and I’m thrilled to have Christoph join us.”

Heyn will officially transition to Mars Petcare on Nov. 27, reporting to Sudakov. He will lead the global scaling of Mars Petcare’s digital products and the development of digital capabilities, advancing the company’s ability to respond to the needs of pet parents, according to Mars Petcare.  

The appointment furthers Mars Petcare’s continued focus on digitalization and technology to accelerate its business transformation, drive growth, and better serve pets and consumers, according to the company.

“When you look at the transformation Mars has already undertaken in pet care over the last decade, from nutrition to care and platforms, in service of creating: A Better World for Pets, you get a real sense of the ambition and commitment,” Heyn said. “That’s why I’m so excited to join the team, helping to revolutionize the role digital plays in making pet ownership simpler and more joyful.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.