Supercharging our digital capabilities to transform the experience of pet ownership
Owning a pet is one of the most joyful and meaningful experiences in life, but pet ownership still isn’t as simple as it could be, with a range of challenges still facing pet owners: from how to find the right pet, to bringing it home and knowing what to feed it, to how to train it, and where to get good veterinary care. Research shows that 40% of pet owners struggle to find the information they need and services they can trust.
That shouldn’t be the reality of pet ownership – and Mars is focused on changing that while meeting the needs of a new generation of pet owners. Loïc Moutault, Global President Mars Petcare, said: “Pet owners expect the highest level of care for their pets, and they put digital at the center of how they purchase, connect and engage with the world. To provide solutions to pet owners’ problems, develop meaningful relationships with them and provide a seamless experience in their pet ownership journey, we must move at pace to supercharge our digital capabilities.”
To help accelerate the speed of digital transformation that the business is undergoing, Mars Petcare is announcing the creation of a new Digital Advisory Board (DAB) bringing together experts in digital from across industry, policy and academia to provide insight and knowledge. The Mars Petcare DAB will focus on areas such as data and analytics, end-to-end supply chain, operations, digital marketing and d-commerce.
The Digital Advisory Board is just one aspect of how Mars Petcare is investing in its digital capabilities, as the company uses technology and innovation to advance the future of pet ownership experience, meet pet they are and increase access to high-quality pet nutrition and healthcare.
“We’re proud of the progress already made in this space, we want to further accelerate our learning curve. That’s why we have invited experts to bring an outside perspective to our approach in Petcare. They’ll be our sparring partners, challenging our thinking and ensuring we are equipped with the latest insights into emerging and proven technologies and trends.” Loïc added.
Joining the Mars Petcare Digital Advisory Board are:
- Amy Landucci, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Solventum
- Benedetto Conversano, CIO at Diageo
- Lily Cheng, Founder of boutique AI research and education think tank, Hubel Labs, former Trip Advisor leader
- Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
- Nathan Furr, Professor of Strategy and Innovation at INSEAD
- Saj-nicole Joni, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Cambridge International Group Ltd, former senior executive at CSC Index and Microsoft
Erica Coletta, Chief People & Organization Officer at Mars Petcare, added: “We want our Associates to be equipped with the future-focused skills, tools and knowledge to put digital at the forefront of how we serve pets and their owners. We have a strong foundation of many industry-leading capabilities in place at Mars, and the insights from our new Mars Petcare Digital Advisory Board will help us accelerate these further, learn from the very best and build the unique capabilities needed to deliver on our Purpose: A Better World For Pets.”
Amy Landucci, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Solventum, commented: “As a proud pet parent, it’s an honor to be part of Mars Petcare Digital Advisory Board, alongside some of the most respected names in the field, and support Mars in their inspiring efforts to meet evolving customers’ needs and solve actual problems they face. It’s refreshing to see how they welcome external perspectives as part of their digital transformation journey, and I’m excited to work with the Digital Advisory Board and the Mars Petcare leadership team to accelerate the progress they’re making.”
Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, added: “Regardless of the sector, it’s clear that digital behaviors are driving how consumers interact with brands. Successful businesses need to build a detailed understanding of consumers' needs and challenges and respond by creating a smooth experience which genuinely meets their expectations. Mars Petcare have foresight in this area, and I’m looking forward to supporting them on the journey.”
