Christina Ruggiero appointed as Mars North America pet nutrition president to accelerate growth and innovation

Mars has named Christina Ruggiero as regional president of its pet nutrition division in North America, signalling a focus on science-led product development, digital expansion, and premium pet wellness amid rising demand.

Mars has named Christina Ruggiero as regional president of its pet nutrition business in North America, giving her responsibility for one of the group’s most important regional divisions from July 1, 2026, according to the company.

She will oversee brands including Pedigree, Iams, Sheba, Cesar, Greenies, Temptations and Nutro across the United States and Canada. Mars said her remit will centre on science-led product development, broader omnichannel reach, faster digital execution and tighter operational discipline.

The appointment comes as Mars seeks to capture continued growth in premium pet food and wellness products. The company says pet ownership remains high in the US and that nutrition is a major priority for owners, supporting demand for products positioned around health, convenience and evidence-based benefits.

Ruggiero joins from Coca-Cola, where she was president of the global nutrition category and led a $9bn portfolio including Minute Maid, Simply, fairlife, Maaza, Innocent and Santa Clara. She also held senior roles in North America and spent nearly four years running Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages in India. Earlier in her career, she worked at Diageo and began as a cryptologist in the US Navy supporting the National Security Agency.

Mars said Ruggiero will work with retailers, suppliers and other partners to strengthen commercial relationships. In a statement, she said she had been drawn to businesses with “category-defining brands” and “meaningful impact”.