Mars names new v.p. of sales

Rick LaBerge joins the company after working for Johnson & Johnson.

Mars Chocolate North America has named Rick LaBerge as its new v.p. of sales.

Rick LaBerge

LaBerge joins Mars from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) where he most recently served as the general manager-Walmart global cross functional team for the consumer products segment. In this role, he oversaw a complex mix of brands and segments across the consumer sector representing $1.6 billion in sales.

In his new role leading the Mars Chocolate Sales organization, LaBerge oversees the strategy and execution of its retail management, customer account teams, field sales and customer development. He serves as a member of the Mars Senior Management Team and will play an active role in industry events.

In his 20-plus years with J&J, LaBerge held a variety of sales positions with progressive responsibility in J&J Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals, McNeil Consumer Health Care and Nutritionals and in J&J Consumer Products. Prior to his general manager role, he served as vice president, OTC Medicine Customer Marketing for McNeil Consumer Healthcare from 2011 to 2012 and as vice president of U.S. field sales from 2009 to 2011.

LaBerge received his undergraduate degree from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Cornell University.

Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 72,000 associates worldwide.

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.