Royal Canin USA Announces New Leadership Appointment

ST. CHARLES, Mo., March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Canin, a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, announced Kamie McHenry Eckert has been named president of Royal Canin USA effective immediately. Royal Canin, a global leader in pet health nutrition, has amassed an impressive track record as one of Mars' billion dollar brands globally. Mars, including Royal Canin, is also recognized as being a great place to work, and has just been ranked #50 on the 2017 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work list.  Eckert succeeds outgoing president, Keith Levy, who is assuming a new global leadership position within Mars' recently merged confectionery business.

"Kamie is a brilliant strategist who brings a strong vision for this company and is well positioned to continue to grow the US business," said Levy. "Kamie is also passionate about developing teams and leaders and demonstrates that people are the most valuable resource at Mars. She is also committed to the customer experience – driving the business to make choices based on how it helps customers expand their category while also ensuring pets live the healthiest possible lives."

Eckert began her career with Royal Canin USA as the eBusiness and eCommerce Director, building this pioneering function of the business from the ground level in 2013, including launching B2B eCommerce, a B2C website platform and the market's CRM architecture. In 2015, Eckert was named Vice President of Retail, eCommerce and Professional Network sales teams, overseeing integration of strategy across multiple customer groups. Last year she was appointed Vice President of Veterinary Sales and Chief Customer Officer, rounding out her leadership experience across the areas of the business with the brand's veterinary segment and largest corporate customers. During 2016, the business experienced record sales and earnings under her leadership. 

"My focus going forward is to continue to grow the business, engage consumers and pet owners, deliver precise nutrition for pets, and ensure Royal Canin is top of mind for pet owners in the US," Eckert said. "However, I am most excited to lead a team of passionate associates who continually make Royal Canin a great place to work by living the mission of making the world a better place for pets."

Eckert added, "I have learned so much from the legacy that Keith leaves as he moves into his new role.  Since 2012, he has led the business and transformed the brand through tremendous growth, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Royal Canin into the next phase."

Eckert has more than 20 years of industry experience in retail and customer products, including areas of expertise in general business strategy and management, eCommerce, and website development. Prior to joining Royal Canin, she held roles at Calphalon (a division of Newell Rubbermaid) and Macy's (formerly May Department Stores).

Eckert, her husband Kent Eckert, and two sons, Kordell and Grant, reside in St. Louis, Missouri, along with two Golden Retrievers, Baxter and Bogey.

ABOUT ROYAL CANIN USA
Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. To learn more about Royal Canin, visit www.royalcanin.com and "LIKE" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcaninus.

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 brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital, CESAR®, SHEBA®, DREAMIES® and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™ chewing gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® and LIFESAVERS® mints.  Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – COCOAVIA® and WISDOM PANEL®.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.  Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars, linkedin.com/company/mars.

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SOURCE Royal Canin