Updated: Mars Wrigley Australia, Bega get new marketing chiefs

Mars Wrigley Australia has brought on Bega's former marketing and innovation director as its new local marketing chief across its 17 iconic brands including Mars, Snickers, Maltesers, Skittles, Eclipse and M&Ms.

Ben Hill comes with 20 years’ experience in the FMCG space, working in marketing, category, shopper insights and planning and activation for brands such as Mondelez, Coca-Cola Amatil, Nestle and Unilever. Most recently, Hill was marketing, innovation and corporate affairs director at Bega Cheese, and was heavily involved in work to transition the Vegemite brand back to Australian ownership as well as setting up Bega’s marketing function. Bega acquired Vegemite from Mondelez in early 2017.

His career encompassing working in Australia, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

Hill replaces Suzanne Morrison, who left the marketing director’s post in November 2019 after 18 months in the position and nearly 18 years with the Mars group. Morrison was recognised in the top 25 of the 2019 edition of the CMO50 for her marketing efforts during and post-merger between Mars and Wrigley in 2017.

Mars Wrigley Australia general manager, Andrew Leakey, said Hill’s experience made him a welcome addition to the leadership team as the business looked to try and reinvent the snacking category.

“Ben’s experience, coupled with his energy and creativity, will be invaluable as we drive category growth for our customers and transform our portfolio for tomorrow,” he stated.

Hill said he was looking forward to spearheading a new growth agenda for some of Australia’s most iconic brands.

“With a fresh perspective, I’m most looking forward to working with the team to unlock the power of our gum, bite-size and bars brands, ensuring we continue to evolve our portfolio through world-class innovation and bold thinking to connect with the evolving preferences and values of our customers.”

Meanwhile, Bega Foods confirmed to CMO it has appointed Matt Gray to the role of head of marketing, and Julia Glass to head of strategy, insights and innovation. Gray was most recently responsible for leading Vegemite as senior marketing manager, while Glass moves into her new role from consumer insights and innovation.

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