Mars names new leaders for pet businesses in UK, Ireland and the Nordics

Mars announces leadership changes for its pet food operations in the UK, Ireland and Nordic regions, appointing two general managers to oversee its Mars Pet Nutrition and Royal Canin businesses.

Nick Foster, who previously served as general manager for Royal Canin UK & Ireland, has been named general manager for Mars Pet Nutrition UK, Ireland and Nordics. James McGrath has expanded his role from general manager of Royal Canin Nordics to include Royal Canin UK and Ireland operations.

Foster joined Mars in 2006 through the company's graduate program, initially working with Mars Food before moving to the pet food division in 2008. During his tenure at Mars Pet Nutrition, he held three director positions on the UK leadership team, including Marketing & Category and interim sales director roles.

Since 2022, Foster led Royal Canin UK & Ireland, where he implemented a digital acceleration program focused on team capabilities, digital platform development and eCommerce partner growth. He also developed relationships with key opinion leaders, customers, charities and professional organizations.

"After my time with the incredibly talented team at Royal Canin, I'm very excited to be returning to lead Mars Pet Nutrition as General Manager UK, Ireland and Nordics," Foster said. "Having started my career at Mars on our graduate program almost 20 years' ago, it's a privilege to lead this business into its next chapter, and to serve a new generation of pet parents 90 years after Mars started its journey in the pet care category in the UK."

James McGrathMars, Inc.McGrath joined Mars through its graduate program in 2009 and has worked across supply chain, marketing and sales functions. His previous roles included marketing director for Multisales Central Europe and general manager for Mars Multisales Sweden. He joined Royal Canin as general manager for the Nordics in September 2024.

"Having spent the last nine years working across different parts of Europe, it feels meaningful to take on a general manager role in the unit where I started - and it's testament to the investment and support that Mars offers," McGrath said.

"At Royal Canin, our health and nutrition expertise helps us to achieve our purpose: A Better World for Pets," he said. "It's a mission we live every day, whether through our long-term relationships with partners like Medical Detection Dogs, fostering close partnerships with pet professionals or the millions of pets we serve with tailored nutrition each year through our retail partners. The UK & Ireland team is hugely passionate about the pets we serve, and I'm looking forward to playing a role in the business' exciting growth journey."