Mehren spent 17 years in various positions at Mars Wrigley Confectionary, most recently as its chief operating officer, US, responsible for operations and integration of the newly merged Mars and Wrigley business units.
He previously served as GM of Wrigley, GM of Mars Ice Cream & Substantial Snacks and GM of Mars Chocolate Canada, delivering significant growth in all three units.
As Kar’s CEO, Mehren has been tasked to drive the company’s next phase of growth and innovation. The Madison Heights, Michigan-based manufacturer of better-for-you snacks was founded in 1933 by Sue Kar, who roasted peanuts at home to sell at the Tiger Stadium in Detroit.
Today, its Kars and Second Nature brands have become two of the best-selling trail mix brands in the country.
The company – which has been receiving financial boosts from middle market private equity firm Palladium Equity Partners since March 2017 – acquired Bumpy Cake-maker Sanders Fine Chocolatiers last year for an undisclosed amount.
Nick Nicolay – Kar’s president and CEO since 1995 – will take up the position as the company’s chairman.
“Vic is a proven consumer packaged goods executive with over 26 years of experience successfully leading and growing innovative snacking and confectionary brands, with a focus on strong sales, marketing, innovation and brand-building strategies,” said Nicolay.
“Kar’s Nuts has an incredible brand and has been a snacking staple for over 85 years,” added Mehren.
“I appreciate the leadership Nick and the Kar’s Nuts team exhibited to get to this point, and am honored to be a part of the next phase of growth alongside Palladium.”