Gerry Lynch, General Manager of Mars New Zealand, has decided to step aside and look for the next challenge in his career. He has been with the company for just over eight years in the Mars GM role and 11 years at Mars NZ and will leave the business at the end of April 2018.
“I have loved every minute of my time at Mars,” says Lynch “but my next move would mean an overseas commitment and for family reasons I have chosen not to move in the short term,” he says.
Having succeeded in amazing growth initiatives for the business – and the bringing together of Wrigley and Mars chocolate this year, Lynch says the time is right to hand onto someone else to continue the Mars growth journey.
“I am very proud of my achievements over my time at Mars, not only in leading to growth above average industry every year, but also having Mars NZ as a finalist for the IBM/Kenexa Best Workplace every year. The integration of the Wrigley business, the building of great talent and driving safety leadership across the industry in partnership with our retail partners have been my other key highlights”.
Lynch’s successor will be one of the talents he brought on board 11 years ago and who has progressed through the business in New Zealand and global roles. Pete Simmons will return from Brussels, where he has been in the role of Global Care & Treats director, at the beginning of February.
Lynch notes that Simmons is a fantastic New Zealand talent who will continue to drive mutual growth and bring with him a wealth of experience in sales, marketing and more recently global innovation.
