MCLEAN, VA: David Kamenetzky, Mars’ VP of corporate strategy, strategic initiatives, and corporate affairs, has departed company to start his own investment business.
He has been succeeded by Andy Pharoah, SVP of corporate affairs, sustainability, and strategy at Mars segment Wrigley. Pharoah began transitioning into the role over the summer and formally took up the position last month.
CFO Claus Aagaard has taken over Kamenetzky’s corporate strategy responsibilities.
Pharoah is reporting to Grant Reid, CEO and office of the president at Mars.
"To operate successfully in the modern world, companies need strong relationships with customers and consumers in the communities in which we operate and with stakeholders," said Pharoah. "My primary role is helping drive that active conversation."
Kamenetzky is starting his own independent firm, which will invest in small and medium-size high-growth businesses in food, beverages, and ingredients, Mars said in a statement. He had worked at Mars starting in May 2006. Previously he was a VP at Goldman Sachs, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Pharoah has worked in various roles at Wrigley since he joined the company in 2008 and has led corporate affairs, based in Chicago, since 2009. His role was expanded over the past four years to also lead sustainability and strategy at Wrigley. Before joining Mars, Pharoah worked at Hill+Knowlton Strategies for 13 years in various roles. His most recent role at H+K was as head of corporate practice for EMEA, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Earlier this year, Bruce McColl retired from his position as Mars’ CMO after 10 years. Chief customer officer Andrew Clarke assumed the newly created role of chief marketing and customer officer upon his departure.
Mars created the role to keep up with changing consumer behavior in the digital age. By bringing its sales, marketing, and customer strategy functions into closer alignment, the confectionary and pet-food giant said it hopes to take a more integrated approach to reaching consumers.
Mars, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, has more than $35 billion in sales from five business segments: Petcare, Mars Wrigley Confectionary, food, drinks, and Symbioscience. The company has more than 80,000 staffers across 78 countries. Earlier this month, it said it was combining its chocolate and Wrigley segments into Mars Wrigley Confectionary.
This story was updated on October 14 with comment from Pharoah.
