Royal Canin promotes finance leader

ST. CHARLES, MO. — Royal Canin North America, a division of Mars Incorporated, announced the promotion of Viral Patel to vice president of finance, effective April 1. Patel will leverage his expertise to help accelerate growth and value creation for Royal Canin. 

Patel has 14 years of finance experience at Mars and has held various roles throughout the company, including in accounting, financial planning and analysis, supply and transformation. He joined Royal Canin North America in 2021 as chief financial officer of the company’s veterinary business unit, where he played a crucial role in supporting the business’s short- and long-term success through implementing new tools and processes. 

In his new role, Patel will support Royal Canin’s ultimate goal of supporting the health of pets by building strong governance and controls culture and developing talent and finance capabilities. He will also join the company’s North American Leadership Team. 

“Viral is a critical addition to the North American Leadership team, and I am excited for his future contributions in his new role,” said Daryn Brown, regional president of Royal Canin North America. “Bringing a sharp financial acumen, focus on developing talent, and a result-driven leadership style, Viral continues to play an instrumental role in achieving our brands’ financial goals and continued commitment to meeting the nutritional needs of cats and dogs across North America.”

Patel holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Michigan and a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago. 

“I am thrilled to take on this new role and to continue living our purpose of creating A Better World for Pets,” Patel said. “It’s an honor to join this group of dynamic and collaborative leaders, while applying my learnings and successes within the veterinary business unit of Royal Canin North America across the entire organization.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.