Mondelez marketer Nikhil Rao takes CMO role in Mars Wrigley India

Mondelez's Southeast Asia vice president of marketing, Nikhil Rao, has stepped down from the role and joined Mars Wrigley India as its new chief marketing officer, according to Rao when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out. 

In this role, Rao will steer the marketing vision, spearhead strategic initiatives, and direct the end-to-end execution of Mars Wrigley’s portfolio strategy in India.

He will be based in the Gurgaon corporate office and will report to Tamer Kadry, country general manager, Mars Wrigley India, according to the chocolate and confectionary segment of Mars Incorporated. 

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Prior to his appointment at Mars Wrigley, Rao spent 10 years at Mondelez International. He joined the company in 2013 as Cadbury's global brand equity director, a role he held for just under four years. Rao then transitioned into roles such as regional senior marketing director AMEA, senior marketing director of biscuits and baked snacks SEA. He was named vice president of marketing in SEA in 2021. 

Prior to his stint at Mondelez, Rao also worked at Kraft Foods and Cadbury in leading marketing roles. 

“I am delighted to welcome Rao as our chief marketing officer and key member of the India leadership team," said Tamer Kadry, country general manager at Mars Wrigley India. "The India business is on a growth trajectory, and our constant endeavor has been to drive relevance and be consumer-focused and agile. Rao will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Mars Wrigley continues innovating in the face of new and dynamic competition and ever-evolving consumer trends.

Kadry added that Rao's knowledge and experience will be instrumental in shaping and executing its long-term growth plans for India. He added that Rao will also contribute significantly to enhancing experiences with its iconic brands.

“I am excited to join Mars and I am looking forward to embarking on this journey with an incredible team of passionate associates at a time when both Mars and India are poised for the next phase of growth,“ said Rao. 

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