Catch you later, Snickers? Execs unwrap exit plans at Mars India ahead of Kellanova merger

New Delhi | Mumbai: A significant leadership churn at Mars Wrigley's India unit, ahead of its global merger with Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Co) has created uncertainty among executives about their future roles, people directly aware of the developments said.

Nearly a dozen executives have left the confectionery and snacks maker's India unit while a few have been relocated for roles outside the country over the past 12 months.

"There is uncertainty about how the merger will impact India roles of both companies; there is no clear communication yet from the headquarters," one of the people cited above said. "Besides, there has been instability at the leadership level after former India chief Kalpesh Parmar relocated to a global role in March 2023."


The maker of Snickers, Galaxy and M&M chocolates has named Ahmed Abdel Wahab as India general manager, after Tamer Kadry-who had succeeded Parmar as country GM-relocated to an Asia leadership role about 6 months back.

Some of the people cited above, however, said the India role of Wahab is an interim arrangement.

Mars Incorporated announced the buy-out of Kellanova for $35.9 billion in August last year, and both companies are expected to formally start the merger process starting October this year.

Kellanova has larger operations in India than Mars, with stronger on-ground distribution network and ecommerce and quick-commerce capabilities, people cited above said.

"Hence, the global parent is mulling relocating the headquarters of the merged entity to Mumbai where Kellanova India is based," an executive said. "Also, Kellanova and Mars Wrigley both have manufacturing plants in Maharashtra, so there are logistics synergies and cost savings to draw from."

Mars Wrigley's India office is in Gurugram.

Among the executives who have left Mars Wrigley India in recent months are chief information officer Rajni Singh, in-house counsel (legal head) Sameer Guha, marketing director Varun Kandhari, supply director Neeraj Goel, sales director Piyush Jain, regional sales head (South) Vaibhav Rai, corporate affairs director Sunita Patnaik, regional sales head Anand Mishra, alternate channel head Tarun Mehta, and digital commerce head Aditya Sayan.

"A significant number of these transitions reflect internal career progressions, expanded responsibilities, and new roles across markets," a Mars Wrigley India spokesperson said in an email. "Others are the result of individual choices to pursue external opportunities, either driven by long-term aspirations or by better fitment elsewhere." Close to half of these roles haven't been filled up yet.

While Mars makes confectionery, snacking and pet foods, Kellanova makes breakfast cereals under Kellogg's and Pringles chips.

During the year ended March 2024, Mars International India posted a 3% increase in sales at Rs 2,330 crore-compared to a 24% rise in FY23-indicating a sharp slowdown in its business amid a broader demand challenge in the Rs 25,000-crore chocolate and confectionery market. Its losses narrowed to Rs 1.8 crore in FY25.