Who is Victor Mehren? - Experienced Executive Leader

Early Education and Career Beginnings

Victor Mehren's professional journey began after completing his Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Eastern Illinois University, a public university located in Charleston, Illinois. The university is known for its comprehensive programs and has been recognized for producing notable alumni in various fields. During his time there, Victor was distinguished by making the Dean's List and receiving the Marketing Faculty Excellence Award.

Advancing in the Beverage Industry

After university, Victor started his career at Romano Brothers Beverage Company, an E&J Gallo Distributor based in Chicago, Illinois. He progressed from an Account Representative to a District Sales Manager, and then to a Key Account Manager, honing his skills in sales management and consumer products.

Transition to the Health and Wellness Sector

In 1997, Victor shifted to the health and wellness sector by joining PowerBar, Inc., a company based in Berkeley, California, known for its energy bars and sports nutrition products. He served as a Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest Region and later took on roles in sales management and customer marketing when PowerBar was acquired by Nestlé, the world-renowned food and beverage company.

Building a Foundation at Wrigley

Victor's extensive tenure at Wrigley began in 2002 in Chicago, Illinois. Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, is a leader in the field of confectionery and chewing gum. Over the years, he held various leadership roles, including Customer Marketing Manager, Director of National Customer Marketing, and Marketing Director for the Breath Freshening Platform. His strategic leadership was instrumental in the launch of the 5 Gum brand, which achieved significant market success.

Executive Leadership at Mars

Victor's career at Mars, a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products, included roles of increasing responsibility. He served as General Manager for Mars Chocolate Canada, where he led the Canadian chocolate unit to substantial growth. He also managed the Ice Cream & Substantial Snacks U.S. business unit, delivering five times the sector growth. His last role at Mars was as the Chief Operating Officer for Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S., where he was responsible for the integration of the Mars Chocolate and Wrigley units into a $6 billion organization.

Leading Second Nature Brands

In October 2019, Victor took on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Second Nature Brands, located in the Greater Detroit Area. Second Nature Brands is a company that focuses on better-for-you snacks and treats, including Kar's Nuts, Second Nature Snacks, and Sanders Chocolates. Under his leadership, the company has continued to grow and innovate within the snacking industry.

Volunteer Work and Contributions

Victor has also dedicated time to volunteer work, serving on the Board of Directors for Keep America Beautiful, an organization focused on environmental initiatives. Additionally, he contributed his expertise as an Executive In Residence at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he also earned his MBA.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Victor has furthered his professional development by participating in executive programs such as Leadership at the Peak from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and Leading in Turbulent Times from Harvard Business School.

Victor Mehren's career is marked by his ability to drive growth, integrate businesses, and lead teams across various sectors of the consumer goods industry. His strategic planning, sales management, and product innovation skills have been pivotal in his roles, making him a respected leader in the field.