Mars, Incorporated, makers of brands including BEN'S ORIGINAL™ and DOLMIO®, announced Dave Dusangh as regional president for North America and Hans Bakker as regional general manager for its food & nutrition business in Europe. These appointments are intended to build on the company's strong momentum and drive ongoing growth and innovation in the vibrant food and nutrition business. Dusangh and Bakker will report into global president of Mars food & nutrition, Shaid Shah and will begin these roles immediately.

"I am confident that Dave and Hans will continue to strengthen our business and brands, enhancing the value we deliver to our customers and consumers in their respective regions," said Shah. "Their appointments highlight our dedication to investing in talent as a fundamental enabler of strong business performance and our inspiring purpose: Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow™. I look forward to working with them in their new capacities."

Before becoming Mars food & nutrition regional president for North America, Dusangh was the regional general manager (GM) for Mars food & nutrition Europe where he drove transformation and growth in the region.

Dusangh started at Mars in 2011 with Mars pet nutrition Canada and moved on to lead Mars food & nutrition Canada in 2016. In 2018, he also became GM of TASTY BITE® North America and joined the board of Tasty Bite Eatables in India, a position he continues to hold. Dusangh has expertise in customer relationships and team leadership. In his new role leading Mars food & nutrition North America, he will oversee brands including BEN'S ORIGINAL™, SEEDS OF CHANGE®, and TASTY BITE®.

Hans Bakker has taken on the role of regional general manager for Mars food & nutrition Europe with a brand portfolio that includes leading brands BEN'S ORIGINAL™, DOLMIO® and SUZI WAN®. 

Bakker has worked for Mars for over 20 years. Since 2021, he has been vice president of global transformation for Mars food & nutrition where he has led transformational programs to drive growth and productivity across the 30 countries in which the company operates. Prior to his global role, Bakker worked across sales and marketing roles before becoming general manager of Mars food & nutrition Germany. His ability to tackle complex challenges and develop talent makes him the ideal leader to continue the strong momentum in Europe.

"Europe is a vibrant and diverse region, brimming with rich cultures and culinary traditions. I cannot wait to work with our passionate Associates across the region to drive growth with our customers, bring our purpose to life and provide healthy, nutritious meals for our consumers," said Bakker.

Mars food & nutrition continues to deliver global growth through new innovations from its best-known brands including Ben's Original and Dolmio and by acquiring fast-growing, trailblazing businesses such as Kevin's Natural Foods. The focus remains on providing healthy, tasty and accessible food to all in a way which protects the planet and supports its farmers.