Mars names new head of marketing for MY, SG and TH

Mars has appointed Denise Tan as head of marketing for Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, as the snacking giant continues integrating its Mars Snacking and Kellanova portfolios across the region.

In her new role, Tan will oversee marketing across the three markets and a portfolio spanning chocolate, salty snacks, cereal, gum, mint and fruity confectionery, according to a LinkedIn post announcing her appointment.

She takes on the role after more than four years with Mars, having most recently served as Asia marketing manager for M&M'S, Maltesers, seasonal and gifting from February 2025 to July 2026.

Don't miss: Mondelēz Thailand marketing head exits after 14 years

Tan joined Mars in March 2022 as Asia brand manager for chocolate filled bars, where she managed the Snickers and Twix category across Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia.

She was promoted to Asia marketing manager for chocolate seasonal and gifting and portfolio in April 2023, before taking on her most recent remit in February 2025.

Before Mars, Tan spent more than four years at The Estée Lauder Companies as product marketing manager from August 2017 to February 2022.

She began her career at Nielsen in 2010, before joining Reckitt as a management trainee in 2011. She subsequently held product and shopper development roles at Colgate-Palmolive and a brand manager position at Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting.

A+M has reached out for more information. 

Tan's appointment comes as Mars continues to build out its regional snacking organisation following its acquisition of Kellanova.

Mars first completed its acquisition of Kellanova on 11 December 2025, bringing together the two businesses and expanding Mars Snacking's portfolio with brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, RXBAR and Kellogg's international cereal brands.

The combined business brings Kellanova's major brands into a portfolio that already includes Mars brands such as Snickers, M&M'S, Twix, Dove, Skittles and Extra, alongside KIND and Nature's Bakery.

The deal also expanded Mars Snacking's Accelerator division with brands including RXBAR, Nutri-Grain bars and Special K bars.

In Southeast Asia, the integration has resulted in changes to the leadership structure. In June, Mars Snacking appointed Sanjib Bose as general manager for Indonesia and Vietnam, expanding his remit from leading Mars Wrigley's Philippines business.

Bose previously spent a decade at Kellogg, including as regional CMO for Southeast Asia, before joining Mars.

Related articles:
Exit interview: Mondelēz’s MY, SG, TH affairs lead signs off after 13 years
PepsiCo Malaysia names new head of marketing for foods portfolio  
Nespresso SG marketing head steps down after seven years