New Delhi, India: Mars, Incorporated has announced the appointment of Manish Syag as Managing Director of Mars Pet Nutrition India, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the country’s fastest-growing FMCG segments — the organized pet food market.
Manish will lead Mars Pet Nutrition India, which manages some of the nation’s most recognized pet care brands including PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, and SHEBA®.
Leadership Transition at Mars Pet Nutrition India
Manish Syag succeeds Salil Murthy, who has been promoted to Global Vice President, Enterprise Transformation at Mars Pet Nutrition. In his new London-based global role, Murthy will focus on accelerating transformation, strengthening digital and AI capabilities, and building a future-ready operating model for the global business.
Murthy’s elevation reflects India’s growing importance within Mars Pet Nutrition’s global strategy and highlights the leadership talent emerging from the Indian market.
Manish Syag’s Experience in FMCG and Sales Leadership
Manish brings over two decades of FMCG experience, having held senior sales leadership roles at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and GSK Consumer Healthcare.
He joined Mars in 2024 as Chief Sales Officer, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s expansion strategy in India’s rapidly evolving pet nutrition market.
An alumnus of IIM Lucknow, Manish is recognized for building high-performing teams and scaling consumer businesses through strong distribution networks and operational excellence.
Focus on India’s Growing Pet Food Market
India’s pet food industry is witnessing accelerated growth, driven by rising pet adoption, increasing awareness around pet nutrition, and expanding urban disposable incomes. Industry estimates suggest the Indian pet food market could reach USD 2 billion over the next decade, positioning it among the fastest-growing FMCG categories in the country.
Speaking on his appointment, Manish Syag said India is at a pivotal stage in the development of its pet food market, similar to the early growth years of mainstream FMCG sectors.
He emphasized that Mars Pet Nutrition India will focus on:
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Expanding access to packaged pet food
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Strengthening consumer awareness and trust
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Growing its portfolio of premium and everyday brands
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Building world-class operational capabilities
At the core of this growth strategy will be Mars’ guiding framework — the Mars Five Principles — and its purpose of creating “A Better World for Pets.”
Mars Pet Nutrition’s Journey in India
Mars Pet Nutrition has been present in India since 2002, beginning with the launch of the PEDIGREE brand. In 2007, the company established India’s first pet food manufacturing facility, marking a major milestone in the formalization of the organized pet food category.
Today, Mars Pet Nutrition India serves millions of pets and pet parents across the country, offering high-quality nutrition products for both dogs and cats.
Strengthening India’s Role in Global Strategy
Francisco Fernandez, Regional President for Rapid Growth Markets at Mars Pet Nutrition, highlighted India as one of the company’s most important growth markets.
He noted that Manish’s appointment reinforces Mars’ confidence in its India leadership team and underscores the country’s strategic importance in the company’s long-term global expansion plans.
A New Growth Chapter for Mars Pet Nutrition India
With rising consumer demand, premiumization trends, and increasing awareness of pet wellness, the Indian pet care industry is entering a high-growth phase. Under Manish Syag’s leadership, Mars Pet Nutrition India is expected to further consolidate its market leadership while expanding distribution and strengthening brand equity.
As India’s pet food sector evolves into a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, Mars’ leadership transition signals a renewed commitment to scaling operations and accelerating innovation in one of the country’s most dynamic FMCG categories.
