Mars Petcare Appoints Alanna McDonald North America Regional President
Mars Petcare has announced Alanna McDonald as the Regional President for its Mars Pet Nutrition division in North America. McDonald will join the company on Nov. 21.
McDonald is a highly regarded senior leader with more than twenty years of experience growing some of the most recognizable brands around the globe. Prior to her appointment at Mars Pet Nutrition North America, McDonald spent the last seven years in general management roles building and growing iconic beauty brands in the US and Canada. Most recently, she was President of Maybelline New York, Garnier and essie at L’Oreal, where she led her teams to deliver record-breaking results, amplifying Maybelline as the national leader in the makeup category with significant growth in e-commerce. Through McDonald’s highly effective portfolio management strategies, the business was able to reinvest in key growth priorities. Prior to L’Oreal, McDonald spent 17 years at Procter & Gamble, working in China, Hong Kong, Canada and the US in a variety of roles focused on category leadership, sales and marketing/brand management.
In her new role, McDonald will bring her deep consumer packaged goods expertise to drive continued innovation in the dynamic pet food category. She will be responsible for the full Mars Pet Nutrition North America portfolio, including brands like PEDIGREE, IAMS and CESAR.
“Alanna is a proven leader who brings strong global perspective on what consumers want and what retailers need. She understands the massive potential of a well-placed digital experience – positioning us to meet the evolving needs of pet parents for years to come,” said Ikdeep Singh, Global President, Mars Pet Nutrition. “She is purpose-driven and a champion of equity, inclusion and diversity with a passion for Associate development that will greatly benefit our North American business and talented Associates.”
“I am honored to join Mars Petcare, a purpose-led and principles-driven organization, filled with Associates committed to making life better for pets and pet parents alike,” said McDonald. “Pets have played an important role in my life so the opportunity to be part of the growing, dynamic pet category is an exciting next chapter, and I look forward to partnering with this passionate team to drive the company’s iconic brands forward.”
McDonald holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from The University of Calgary and is on the Board of Directors at Big Rock Brewery based in Calgary.