Mars beefs up its commitment to innovation with new head of R&D

Zimerfeld will serve as a member of the Global Food & Nutrition Leadership Team, and the Mars, Incorporated, Global R&D Leadership Team  and report to Shaid Shah, President Mars Food & Nutrition.

Mars R&D arms has 2000 Associates across 30 countries working to bring to life the segment’s Purpose: Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow. In her role Zimerfeld will lead R&D for Mars Food & Nutrition, including overseeing R&D Innovation, Quality and Food Safety, Science & Technology, and Scientific & Regulatory Affairs.

“Food has a unique role in the fabric of humanity. It not only fuels us, but brings people together, is central to our health and wellness, and connects us with our planet. I’m thrilled to have Karina join us as we continue our journey as an innovative, purpose-driven food business of tomorrow.  With 25-years of deep experience in innovation, science and technology Karina will play an integral role in helping us pursue further growth and innovation, drive value for consumers and make a positive impact on society​,” said Shah.

Zimerfeld joins Mars after an outstanding 25-year career with Unilever, where she was most recently Global Vice President R&D for Unilever’s foodservice business unit leading it through a significant business transformation with numerous initiatives focused on digital, customer-centric, healthy and sustainable innovations. Prior, she held several senior R&D leadership roles based in Latin America, Europe and globally for multiple food and nutrition categories, both in business-to-consumer and business-to-business.

Zimerfeld will serve as a member of the Global Food & Nutrition Leadership Team, and the Mars, Incorporated, Global R&D Leadership Team.