Aimargues, France: Royal Canin, a division of Mars, Incorporated, announces the appointment of Rémi Rocca as the Global Vice President of Sustainability.
Rémi joins Royal Canin from McDonald’s, where he held various roles in Sustainability, Supply Chain, and Corporate Affairs – both in France and globally. In his new role at Royal Canin he will develop and execute the Royal Canin sustainability strategy, together with the sustainability team and senior leaders.
Known for its unique nutritional approach, Royal Canin has consistently integrated environmental and social considerations into its product formulations. For example, through a partnership with Soil Capital in Europe, over 220 farmers are supported in France and Belgium in adopting regenerative agriculture practices, promoting sustainable farming methods that enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Furthermore, in 2024, ROYAL CANIN® reached a significant milestone by sourcing enough renewable electricity to cover 86% of its factory electricity needs globally. These initiatives help ensure the maintenance of best-in-class nutrition for pets while actively striving to minimize environmental impact.” Rémi Rocca’s leadership will be crucial ensuring that Royal Canin, one of Mars’ biggest brands, plays its part in delivering against the sustainability initiatives within the broader Mars group priorities and its “Sustainable in a Generation Plan.” These initiatives aim to help achieve Mars’ ambitious goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. Rémi’s expertise will be instrumental in driving carbon emission reductions and enhancing circularity within Royal Canin’s core business operations.
Rémi brings experience from his tenure at McDonald’s. Over nearly two decades, Rémi led transformative initiatives, including a plastic packaging reduction program, the establishment of a Global Regenerative Agriculture Platform, and advancements in carbon emission reduction. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Impact, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Sustainability, and Philanthropy for McDonald’s France.
Reflecting on his first 150 days as Vice President for Sustainability at Royal Canin, Rémi Rocca shared, “I feel a deep connection to Royal Canin’s and Mars’ values: a family-owned business with an ambitious climate commitment, a long-term vision, and a maturity in addressing critical issues. I’m particularly excited by Royal Canin’s work with partners, such as Soil Capital. We have big opportunities and challenges ahead in sustainability and will need to continue to partner with our customers, suppliers and our own people to drive meaningful impact”.
Andy Turner, Global Vice President of Supply Chain and Operations of Royal Canin, stated, “We are happy to welcome Rémi to our team and believe the breadth of his experience at this critical time will enable Royal Canin to continue our sustainability progress aligned with our three focus areas: pets, people and planet”.