In order to amp its focus on inclusion and diversity and continued investment in the talent pool in India, Mars Wrigley announced the appointment of three new women executives in its India Leadership Team. In addition, two executives from India will also take up global roles critical to the company’s growth strategy.  

Richa Singh, Sunita Patnaik and Shahine Ardeshir have joined Mars Wrigley India Leadership Team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Director - Corporate Affairs, and Director - People and Organization (P&O) India, respectively, while Chirag Shah has been elevated as CFO of Nature’s Bakery, a Mars business in the US, and Hegeler Solomon promoted to Director of People and Organization, Mars Wrigley Asia. 

Kalpesh R Parmar, General Manager, Mars Wrigley, India said, “Fostering talent and building capability remain a cornerstone of Mars Wrigley and we are highly intentional in finding the best talent, building the right capabilities and creating an environment of inclusion and diversity. This is instrumental to our ability to deliver our growth legacy and navigate the challenges as well as capitalize on the opportunities that lay ahead as we remain steadfast on our long-term commitment to India. Aligned with this, I am pleased to welcome Richa, Sunita and Shahine to Mars Wrigley India’s leadership team. These appointments advance our commitment to bringing on board strong women leaders to position us well in our journey of purpose-led growth."

Richa Singh who joins as the CFO comes with a global experience of over two decades across consumer durables and FMCG companies, leading business accelerations and transformations, process optimizations, among others. She joins from Niine Pvt Ltd, a start up in feminine hygiene that she led for three years. Prior to Niine, she has had stints with Philips Healthcare@Home, Philips Consumer, J&J Medical ASEAN, Coca-Cola and P&G across India, ASEAN, Australia and Japan.  

Sunita Patnaik comes with nearly two decades of experience in journalism, corporate affairs, communications, CSR and Sustainability. She joins from Facebook India where she led content and programs policy communications. Prior to Facebook, she has worked with Walmart India and Cargill India. In her current role, Sunita will be tasked for leading government relations, corporate communications, PR and advocacy efforts across all Mars Wrigley India brands and verticals.  

Shahine Ardeshir, who has been promoted to Director – People & Organization, had joined Mars in 2012. She has held a number of significant roles within the leadership team, including most recently as Associate Relations (AR) Lead for the segment across India, Middle East and South Africa. She also played an integral part in launching and stabilizing AR operations of the new People and Organization operating model, across a diverse region, supporting all segments including Mars Wrigley, Pet Nutrition and Royal Canin.