Leadership moves at Mars, Hershey and Appetronix

Executive and board appointments across the food and beverage industry are bringing new leadership talent to companies ranging from global snack manufacturers to emerging beverage and foodservice brands.

Kemal Cetin

Mars appointed Kemal Cetin as global chief digital and information officer for its Snacking business, effective August 3.

Cetin joins from FrieslandCampina, where he served as global business and digital solutions officer. His nearly 30-year career also includes leadership roles at Coca-Cola Enterprises, Diageo and Whirlpool. He will lead Mars’ digital, data and technology strategy as the company continues integrating its recently acquired Kellanova brands.

Mitchell Arends

The Hershey Company named Mitchell Arends chief supply chain officer, effective June 22. He succeeds Jason Reiman, who is retiring after a 30-year career with the company and will remain through April 2027 to support the transition.

Arends joins Hershey from Utz Brands, where he served as executive vice president, principal operating officer and chief integrated supply chain officer. He previously led North American supply chain operations for Kraft Heinz.

Alexandre Ruberti

Zevia appointed board member Alexandre Ruberti as president and CEO, effective immediately. He succeeds Amy Taylor, who resigned to become CEO of Angel City Football Club.

Ruberti joined Zevia’s board in 2024 and brings more than 25 years of experience in the beverage industry. His background includes leadership roles at Future Farm, Red Bull Distribution Co. and Red Bull North America, as well as earlier sales, marketing and distribution positions with Coca-Cola bottlers.

Tracey Warner Halama

Functional snacking dough brand Doich named Tracey Warner Halama to its board of directors. Halama spent nearly a decade at Vital Proteins, ultimately serving as CEO and helping guide the company through its acquisition by Nestlé Health Science.

Halama also founded Creekside Ventures, where she advises and invests in emerging CPG brands. Her appointment comes as Doich expands distribution into Jewel-Osco stores in the Chicago market and grows its presence in Hy-Vee locations across the Midwest.

Jane Grote Abell

Appetronix, a company focused on developing fully autonomous restaurant-in-a-box solutions, appointed Jane Grote Abell to its board of directors. Grote Abell is chief purpose officer and executive chairwoman of the board at Donatos Pizza and serves on the board of Texas Roadhouse.

A second-generation leader of the Donatos family business, Grote Abell helped guide the company through its acquisition by McDonald’s and later led the effort to buy the brand back. Appetronix said her experience scaling restaurant brands and leading transformational growth initiatives will support the company’s plans to expand its autonomous restaurant platform.