- João Belo has been announced as the new Global Vice President, Corporate Affairs for the Mars Snacking division, which includes a portfolio of iconic brands including SNICKERS®, M&M’S®, SKITTLES®, EXTRA®, PRINGLES®, CHEEZ-IT®, POP-TARTS®, KIND® and more
- Belo joins Mars Snacking Leadership Team to drive reputational growth, stakeholder trust and community impact post-Kellanova acquisition
- Belo brings deep expertise in journalism, communications, public affairs and brand-building from his 30+ year career, with experience across the pharmaceutical, healthcare and telecommunications sectors in the U.S., Europe, Japan and emerging markets
CHICAGO, IL (November 12, 2026) – Mars today announced the appointment of João Belo as Global Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Mars Snacking, effective January 4, 2027. Belo will report to Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking and sit on the Mars Snacking Leadership Team and the Mars global Corporate Affairs Leadership Team.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome João to Mars Snacking,” said Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking. “As we build a truly global snacking business, João’s wealth of experience will not only benefit our ambitious growth agenda but also further our efforts to grow in a responsible way that supports our Associates, partners and the communities where we operate – while continuing to build consumer trust.”
In his new role, Belo will lead the Mars Snacking Corporate Affairs function into its next chapter, building on the increased scale and impact of the business following the integration of Kellanova. In this capacity, he will oversee global communications, public affairs and the community impact agenda to further strengthen the reputation of Mars and its brands, while deepening stakeholder trust.
On joining Mars, Belo said, “I am excited to be joining Mars Snacking at such a transformational time for the business. I am passionate about the influence and impact of Corporate Affairs – both internally during a time of significant change, and externally as we continue to grow our presence.”
Belo is an accomplished corporate affairs executive with a career spanning more than 30 years in journalism, communications, public affairs and brand-building, with international experience across the pharmaceutical, healthcare and telecommunications sectors in the U.S., Europe, Japan and emerging markets. He joins Mars Snacking from Danaher Corporation, where he has served as Chief Communications Officer, leading global communications, philanthropy and community impact initiatives, as well as driving brand preference and integrating generative AI. Previously, as Senior Vice President, Global Communications at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, he led a comprehensive digital and communications transformation. In his roles at AbbVie, he led global public affairs and played a pivotal role in major product launches, as well as the Allergan acquisition and integration.
Commenting on the appointment, Andy Pharoah, Global Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for Mars, Incorporated added: “João is a seasoned global leader who will bring invaluable perspective to our global Corporate Affairs Leadership Team. His experience across complex industries and passion for modernizing communications is crucial as we continue to drive our purpose-led growth agenda across Mars.”
