Mars Wrigley strengthens its Asia Leadership Team with two key appointments. Kristi Kee is now Sales and Operations (S&OP) and Activity Management Director for Asia, while Huyen Bui is General Manager for Vietnam.
Mars Wrigley, a global leader in the treats and snacks category and a business division of Mars Incorporated, has announced the appointment of two senior executives to bolster the strength of its Asia Leadership Team, as it pursues quality growth in a region that is poised for double-digit growth, and home to nearly five billion people. Kristi Kee is the Sales and Operations (S&OP) and Activity Management Director for Asia, and Huyen Bui is the General Manager for Vietnam. Both leaders bring more than two decades of deep experience in each of their functional areas and will join the Mars Wrigley Asia Leadership Team.
Both Kristi and Huyen report directly to Kalpesh Parmar, General Manager for Mars Wrigley Asia. Following his transition from Mars Wrigley in India to Mars Wrigley Asia, Kalpesh has leveraged his experience in business strategy and brand building to drive growth while focusing on talent development and engagement. The appointment of both Kristi and Huyen underscores the company’s commitment to fostering gender diversity and representation in key leadership roles that reflects the race and ethnicities of the region it operates in.
In her role as S&OP and Activity Management Director for Asia at Mars Wrigley, Kristi plays a pivotal role in leading a diverse and engaged team across the region to transform Asia’s sales planning and commercial operations. Kristi’s robust commercial background and strategic agility is demonstrated through her global experience in previous roles, including spearheading the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process across 80 countries which led to demand forecasting improvements and resource optimization.
Nurturing local markets for success
As the General Manager for Vietnam, Huyen will play a critical role in accelerating quality growth to optimize share growth, distribution and profitability in this strategic market of opportunity for Mars Wrigley Asia. She has joined the company since January this year and brings with her 22 years of experience in various leadership roles within the FMCG industry. A seasoned commercial leader, Huyen has made significant contributions across the Home Care, Snack Food and Beverage segments in her previous roles. As General Manager of Vietnam, she will also focus on nurturing local talent and strengthen Mars Wrigley’s brand presence amongst Vietnamese consumers.
Kalpesh Parmar, General Manager at Mars Wrigley Asia said, “We are delighted to welcome two female leaders – Kristi and Huyen – to the Asia team. As the Mars Wrigley Asia business is expected to fuel the future growth for the company, I am confident that their strong credentials in transformational leadership and commercial acumen will accelerate Asia’s trajectory to achieve our billion-dollar ambition by ensuring our iconic brands such as M&M’S, Snickers, Doublemint and Skittles inspire moments of everyday happiness.”
About Mars, Incorporated
For over a century, Mars, Incorporated has been guided by the conviction that shaping a better tomorrow begins with responsible business practices today. This shared purpose unifies the company’s 140,000+ associates, defining its identity as a global, family-owned enterprise and propelling its ongoing transformation and innovation for a positive global impact. Annually, Mars delivers joy to millions through its diverse portfolio of quality confectionery, food, and pet care products.
Boasting nearly $45 billion in yearly sales, the company produces renowned brands like Ben’s Original™, CESAR®, Cocoavia®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, KIND®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®.
Source: Mars Wrigley
