Varun Kakaria ends 13 year run at Reckitt for Chief Digital and Information Officer role at Mars
Mars has appointed Varun Kakaria as Chief Digital and Information Officer, North America. He joins from Reckitt where he spent the past 13 years, most recently serving as North America CIO.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "As I begin my next chapter, I want to express my gratitude for an incredible 13-year journey at Reckitt. From global and regional leadership roles across multiple geographies, I had the privilege of leading at the intersection of business, digital, and AI alongside exceptional talented teams and leaders around the world. The experiences, cultures, and people shaped my leadership perspective and reinforced the value of diversity, collaboration and shared success. To everyone who supported, challenged, and inspired me along the way, thank you."
He added: "I am excited to join Mars Pet Nutrition as the Chief Digital & Information Officer for North America. After 22+ years driving global digital transformation across 40+ markets, I join Mars to help accelerate its digital first journey. I believe technology is at its best when it solves real problems, simplifies complexity, and delivers measurable value."
"This role is also especially meaningful because of my lifelong love for animals, including the many years I have spent caring for stray and rescue dogs. I am really looking forward to partnering with our talented MARS associates across North America and globally as we support the next chapter of the business."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
