Mars New Zealand has appointed Shannon Watts as Marketing Director following an Executive Search conducted by SEQEL Partners.

Reporting to the General Manager, Peter Simmons, Shannon joins the Mars New Zealand Management Team and will be accountable for the development of Mars New Zealand’s marketing strategy and driving its successful implementation. The role combines the elements of strategic leadership, commercial focus, consumer and customer insight, championing an innovation culture, and positive people leadership.

Shannon has a deep pedigree in marketing with a significant focus on FMCG. Since returning to New Zealand in 2013, Shannon has been the Marketing Director for L’Oreal New Zealand’s Consumer Products division where she leads the marketing strategy across multiple categories including skincare, haircare and cosmetics. Prior to L’Oreal, Shannon was with Coty in the UK and Ireland. Coty is one of the world’s largest beauty, fragrance and toiletries companies. In her last role with Coty, she developed and managed the UK marketing strategy for seven cosmetics brands.

Shannon as a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Marketing & International Management & German from the University of Waikato.