Philadelphia, PA (July 18, 2016) – Today, MARS DRINKS announced a new leader for the North America segment of their global business.
Bobby Chacko, previously the company’s chief marketing officer, has been appointed to the position of MARS DRINKS regional president and general manager of North America. The move comes as the former North American general manager, David Flochel, prepares to return to his native France at the close of an 18-month assignment.
“David has established strong foundations for growth towards our growth ambition in North America and delivered solid results by bringing focus on execution to the market,” said Xavier Unkovic, global president, MARS DRINKS. “I wish him the best as he returns to his native France.”
Chacko brings a wealth of general management experience to North America. Since joining MARS DRINKS in 2013, he has been closely involved in developing MARS DRINKS’ global growth strategy and establishing the global marketing function. In his role as chief marketing officer, Chacko reshaped the company’s brand, innovation and product development strategies. He is now positioned to execute those strategies in North America as a change agent, to further accelerate our growth and build on strong foundations, in collaboration with our business partners.
“Our business strategy and priorities are unchanged,” said Bobby Chacko, regional president and general manager of North America, MARS DRINKS. “We remain 100 percent dedicated to the workplace, delivering quality solutions that bring people together to connect wherever they work. The North American market is poised for growth and I am honored at the prospect to accelerate our growth in-market with the team.”
“As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome Bobby into his new position. He is a trusted leader in our business, with a strong background in business development and deep expertise in the beverage industry,” says Unkovic.
ABOUT MARS DRINKS
MARS DRINKS creates great tasting moments at work by being at the center of workplace engagement, collaboration, productivity and well-being. Throughout North America, Europe and Asia, MARS DRINKS supports businesses who want to provide great working environments for their people. Part of Mars, Incorporated MARS DRINKS focuses its energy and resources on the workplace, with the belief that people are the most important asset to any business. In 1973 MARS DRINKS introduced KLIX® the first-ever fully automatic in-cup drinks vending machine that serves large manufacturing channels across Europe. In 1984 MARS DRINKS pioneered the single serve hot drinks category, introducing FLAVIA®, the first system for making hot drinks using fresh ground coffee and leaf teas sealed in individual servings. Through its ALTERRA® Coffee Roasters coffees, THE BRIGHT TEA CO.® teas, and DOVE® Hot Chocolate, MARS DRINKS creates more than 1 billion great tasting moments at work! Find MARS DRINKS online at www.marsdrinks.com.
ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars’ first roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a “mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders” – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 75,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance. Mars, Incorporated is proud to have been ranked 85th in the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, compiled by the Great Place to Work® Institute, for the third consecutive year.
