Mars Wrigley Australia appoints new GM

Mars Wrigley Australia has announced that Andrew Leakey has been appointed general manager for its business in Australia.

The company says Leakey will lead the business from its headquarters in Melbourne, with responsibility for its manufacturing facilities in Asquith (NSW) and Ballarat (VIC).

Leakey has worked for Mars Wrigley since 2008 in a variety of senior leadership roles across Asia and the Pacific. Most recently as general manager for Mars Wrigley India, where he oversaw double digit growth and the opening of the first local Mars chocolate factory in Pune near Mumbai.

Previously, Leakey served as the general manager of Wrigley Pacific from 2011-2016 leading the Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Islands operations.

He brings over two decades of experience in the FMCG industry and joined Wrigley Pacific as marketing director, where among his many achievements, he launched the award-winning EXTRA “Eat. Drink. Chew” campaign.

“It’s great to be back in Australia, leading a business with a strong legacy of market leading brands, great associates, strong customers and passionate consumers. For over 100 years, Mars has remained committed to local manufacturing in Australia and this year we’re looking forward to celebrating the 40th anniversary of our Ballarat site with our customers and consumers​,” he said.

Andrew Loader, the previous general manager of Mars Wrigley Australia, leaves the business after almost 20 years to pursue other interests.