Following five and a half years leading Pet Nutrition Europe, Deri Watkins has been appointed regional president for Pet Nutrition developed Asia Pacific (APAC).
During his role as regional president for pet nutrition Europe, Watkins steered the business through the challenges of Covid and the subsequent supply chain shortages. He also played an instrumental part in supporting the business’ sustainability efforts, including driving partnerships to support the regenerative agricultural transition across the European pet food supply chain.
Speaking on his new role, Watkins said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time leading pet nutrition across the European region and seeing what we’ve achieved as a business for the pets and pet parents we serve. I feel fortunate to have worked with so many talented colleagues for over 20 years at Mars, and I look forward to meeting and working with many more of our dedicated associates in my new role.”
Paolo Rigamonti meanwhile has taken on Watkins former role, moving across from his previous position as general manager of pet nutrition UK, Ireland & Nordics.
Having led the UK Pet Nutrition division since 2022, Rigamonti assumed responsibility for Ireland and the Nordics cluster in 2024.
In his role, Rigamonti championed rights for pet owners, securing progress in providing more pet-friendly tenancy options in the UK through Pet Nutrition’s Better Cities for Pets programme.
“I’m really excited to lead the truly diverse European region in my new position, working in close partnership with our customers to meet the needs of pets and pet parents,” Rigamonti said. “Deri has done an excellent job of leading this region for the last five and a half years, and I’m looking forward to continuing this progress, accelerating our goal to be the most pet parent centric organisation in the world.”
Ikdeep Singh, global president for Mars Pet Nutrition, added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Deri and Paolo to their new roles. They are exceptional leaders with a passion for people, pets and pet parents.
“Their diverse experience across geographies will be invaluable as they work alongside key retailers and partners to continue growing and leading the petcare category as we accelerate our ambition to transform the pet parent experience and deliver our purpose: A Better World for Pets.”
In other pet news, last month saw the world’s first cultivated meat dog treats go on sale in the UK.
