MCLEAN, VA. – Jean-Christophe Flatin has been named to lead the global chocolate business of Mars, Inc., effective Oct. 1. Mr. Flatin, who is currently global president of Royal Canin, a unit of Mars Petcare, will succeed Grant Reid, who recently stepped into a co-president position at Mars.

In his new role, Mr. Flatin will oversee a portfolio of such brands as M&M’s, Snickers, Dove, Galaxy, Mars, Milky Way and Twix, and a team of 17,000 associates.

"We are very pleased to have a leader of Jean-Christophe's caliber at the helm of the global chocolate business," Mr. Reid said.  "Jean-Christophe's proven leadership, strategic mind set and background in finance and general management will help continue the growth of this important segment within our business."

As president of Royal Canin since late 2007, Mr. Flatin led his team to become one of the company’s fastest-growing business units. Previously, he has held a number of leadership positions and various roles with Mars over the past 22 years.

“Appointments like this remind us of how fortunate we are to have such depth and diversity of talent within Mars,” Mr. Reid said.