Mars Elevates Manish Syag to Lead India Pet Nutrition Business; Salil Murthy Moves to Global Transformation Role

Mars, Incorporated has named Manish Syag as Managing Director of its Pet Nutrition operations in India, marking a strategic leadership transition in one of the company’s fastest-growing markets. He takes over from Salil Murthy, who will assume a global leadership position within the organisation.

Syag will oversee the company’s India portfolio of pet care brands, including Pedigree, Whiskas and Sheba, among others.

Industry Veteran to Drive Next Phase of Growth

With more than 20 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Syag brings extensive expertise in sales leadership and business scaling. Prior to joining Mars in 2024 as Chief Sales Officer for India, he held senior leadership assignments at Hindustan Unilever Limited and GSK Consumer Healthcare.

An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, Syag has been closely involved in strengthening distribution, expanding reach and sharpening go-to-market capabilities for Mars’ India pet nutrition business. In his new mandate, he is expected to accelerate category development, enhance operational systems and consolidate the company’s market position in the country’s expanding pet food segment.

India’s pet care industry is projected to witness sustained double-digit growth over the coming years, supported by rising pet ownership, urbanisation and increasing awareness of specialised nutrition.

Salil Murthy to Lead Enterprise Transformation Globally

Outgoing India head Salil Murthy has been elevated to Global Vice President, Enterprise Transformation, Mars Pet Nutrition, and will relocate to London.

In his new role, Murthy will steer long-term transformation initiatives across the global pet nutrition business, with a focus on organisational agility, digital capability enhancement and building a streamlined operating framework designed to support sustained growth across markets.

His elevation reflects India’s growing importance within Mars’ international portfolio and highlights the depth of leadership emerging from the region.

India’s Strategic Importance in Mars’ Global Portfolio

Mars entered the Indian pet food market in 2002 with the launch of Pedigree and subsequently established the country’s first pet food manufacturing facility in 2007. Over the past two decades, the company has expanded its distribution footprint nationwide, serving a rapidly expanding base of pet parents across urban and semi-urban centres.

Francisco Fernandez, Regional President for Rapid Growth Markets at Mars Pet Nutrition, described India as a priority growth market for the company. He noted that the leadership changes underscore Mars’ long-term commitment to strengthening its presence in the country while cultivating internal talent for global roles.

As the Indian pet nutrition segment evolves toward becoming a multi-billion-dollar category, Mars’ leadership reshuffle positions the company to capitalise on rising consumer demand and deepen its competitive advantage in the mark