Mars, Incorporated has appointed Marc Carena as global president of Mars Petcare, with the move taking effect from January 2026.
Carena joins the global petcare leadership role from his previous position as regional president of Mars Snacking Europe, Central Eurasia & International Travel Retail, where he led a business spanning 55 markets. Mars said he delivered “exceptional results” during his time in the role.
Before joining Mars in 2022, Carena held senior leadership roles across foodservice, retail and FMCG. He previously served as managing director for McDonald’s in Russia, overseeing more than 60,000 employees and helping to turn it into the company’s fastest-growing market within its Top 20. His earlier career also includes positions with Metro Group and Nestlé.
Carena is also vice-president of the European Food and Drink Association, which represents the interests of FMCG companies in Europe.
Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, Incorporated, said Carena would help guide the petcare business through its next stage of development amid a fast-evolving global landscape.
“Marc is the right person to lead Mars Petcare into its next chapter,” he said. “His track record for delivering results whilst driving ambitious change – with the customer and consumers always at the centre – will help to ensure our business will continue to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.”
Weihrauch added: “Marc brings a wonderful mix of experience from different business models and geographies, combined with a people centric leadership style – and like all our associates in Petcare, it helps that he loves pets!”
Speaking about his new role, Carena said he was looking forward to leading the next phase of growth.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to lead this incredible business,” he said. “We have the privilege of providing pets and pet owners with products, services and innovative solutions that make their lives better and easier.
“With more than 100,000 passionate associates around the world and incredible brands, science and healthcare businesses I’m looking forward to leading the next phase of growth and continuing to deliver on our purpose: A Better World for Pets.”
Carena replaces Loïc Moutault, who is stepping down after a 30-year career with Mars across multiple functions, business segments and countries. Mars said Moutault played a key role in shaping Mars Petcare into a global operation spanning both nutrition and care.
Mars Petcare is a global petcare business with operations across veterinary services, nutrition and diagnostics. Its portfolio includes veterinary care brands such as AniCura, Banfield, BluePearl, Linnaeus and VCA, alongside nutrition brands including Pedigree, Royal Canin and Whiskas.