Greater Toronto's Top Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 100
100
( 2025 )
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Mars Canada leads the way in employee recognition
S
tephanie Paradis joined
Bolton-Ont.-based Mars
Canada 12 years ago in
a sales role but quickly
realized that her true
passion lay in human resources
long-term. With support from
Mars, she successfully transitioned to a new role in that field.
“Mars encourages us to pursue
the experiences we want to have
and then we’re supported in developing those skills,” says Paradis,
an associate relations manager.
“They gave me the support I
needed to go back to school so I
could change my career path.”
Along with her day-to-day
duties, Paradis is North American
co-lead for the company’s Make
the Difference program. “It’s our
signature associate recognition
program,” says Paradis. “It is a
celebration of how one idea, no
matter how big or small, can
impact our pets, our planet and
our community.”
The global program recognizes employees from across the
world for their work and sources
innovation that can scale for the
business. Associates are encouraged to nominate their peers
across businesses, segments and
regions, with winners advancing
through regional, national and
global competitions. The process
culminates in a final awards gala
night, held every two years at
the National Portrait Gallery in
Washington, D.C.
“It’s proof that great ideas
can come from any level, any
country, any function,” says Ellen
Thompson, general manager,
Mars Wrigley, which owns such
iconic brands as Mars, M&M’s,
Skittles and Excel gum. “It sets
Mars apart as an organization that
values the contribution of all its
people and recognizes individual
Photo goes here
Employees at Mars Canada try out the Excel Beats Lab at the organization’s corporate headquarters
in Bolton, Ont.
associates and teams who have
delivered extraordinary impact
that helps brings us closer to the
world we want tomorrow.”
“Our associates have
opportunities to explore
a range of different
experiences, and to drive
their own career journey.”
— Ellen Thompson
General Manager, Mars Wrigley
Mars Canada comprises three
divisions. Mars Wrigley, Mars
Pet Nutrition and Mars Food
& Nutrition are all based at
corporate headquarters in Bolton.
Royal Canin, which is a leader in
science-based cat and dog health
nutrition, is in Guelph, Ont.
Despite the varied nature of
each division, associates are
encouraged to explore opportunities and positions across
different segments. “Mars has so
many opportunities for associates
to try new things and to move
out of their comfort zone,” says
Thompson. “Our associates have
opportunities to explore a range of
different experiences and to drive
their own career journey.”
The Mars head office is located
on a 96-acre property that also
includes the Mars Petcare and
Mars Food manufacturing facility.
The recently renovated corporate
offices are now completely open
concept with no fixed workspaces. Employees from different
business segments tend to work in
neighbourhood hubs.
“The great thing about Mars is
