Marc Carena
Global President, Mars Petcare
"By delivering on our Purpose: A Better World for Pets, we have the unique opportunity to strengthen the bond between pets and the people who love them – improving the experience of pet ownership and the lives of pets.”
As Global President, Marc leads the growing Petcare segment of Mars. Through comprehensive veterinary care, nutrition, diagnostics and DNA testing, Mars Petcare’s more than 100,000 Associates across more than 130 countries work towards one purpose every day: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
A strategic and purpose-driven leader, he joined Mars in 2022 as Regional President Mars Snacking Europe, Central Eurasia & International Travel Retail and delivered exceptional results in a role spanning 55 markets. Prior to joining Mars, he was a Managing Director for McDonald’s in Russia leading more than 60,000 employees and turning it into the fastest-growing market in their Top 20. He also has extensive retail and FMCG experience from roles at Metro Group and Nestlé and is Vice-President of the European Food and Drink Association, which represents the interests of FMCG companies in Europe.
Marc has worked across Africa, Asia and Europe – living in nine different countries. He is passionate about talent and creating the conditions for people to grow, helping teams bring out their best. He is motivated by navigating complexity with humility and curiosity while building environments where people can thrive and deliver sustainable results.
He is a lifelong pet lover – having grown up with rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs, and later, Snowy the cat, and Mowgli, the King Charles Cavalier. In his spare time Marc enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and scuba diving. He is also a history and archaeology buff and completed a master’s degree in Classical Archaeology at Birbeck College, University of London in 2025. He also holds an MBA from the University of Bern.
Career highlights
- 2026Steps into the role of Global President, Mars Petcare
- 2024Elected Vice President, FoodDrinkEurope representing the interests of the European Food and Drink Industry
- 2022Joins Mars as Regional President Mars Snacking Europe, Central Eurasia & International Travel Retail
- 2017-2022Joined McDonald’s first as Corporate Vice President of International Lead Markets (UK/I, F, GER, CAN, ANZ) and later becomes Managing Director of Russia
- 2011Joins Metro Cash & Carry, first as Corporate VP and Customer Management Director before becoming CEO Croatia
- 2002Hired by Nestle and builds career across roles of ever-increasing size and scope from sales over marketing to general management, culminating in being part of the European Leadership team of Nestle Professional, leading South Europe.
- 1996-2001Formative career in research and management consulting including Swiss Houses of Parliament, University of Bern, Arthur Andersen, Accenture and KPMG
