2024 Speakers

Deri Watkins is an accomplished business leader with over 25 years’ experience in the CPG industry. 
In 2019, he was appointed Regional President, Europe & ANZ for Mars Pet Nutrition, responsible for some of the world’s largest pet food brands including PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA® and CESAR®.

He is tasked with leading the strategy for growing the portfolio across the two regions, ensuring access to quality nutrition for the millions of pets and pet parents the Pet Nutrition Europe & ANZ business serves. 
He oversees a high-performing team of over 5,000 Associates (employees) around the world, all joined by Mars Petcare’s Purpose: A Better World for Pets.

With a career of over 25 years at Mars, Deri is known for his deep knowledge of the CPG and retail industry, thanks to his global, regional and market roles. He is also a proud trustee of Battersea Cats & Dogs Home and Vice-Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU).

He lives in Berkshire, England with his wife and three children, as well as their dog, Ruby, and cat, Florence.

Outside of work, Deri is a keen Welsh rugby fan, football coach and cyclist.