PARIS — Nigyar Makhmudova has been named executive vice-president of growth and innovation at Danone S.A. She will be responsible for overseeing the company’s global marketing, innovation, research and development and digital sales functions.

“We are very excited to welcome Nigyar,” said Emmanuel Faber, chairman and chief executive officer at Danone. “She brings a wealth of global experience in driving the growth of businesses, brands and people. Her inclusive leadership style and vast experience in building purpose-led brands will be a tremendous asset.”

Ms. Makhmudova brings more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods industries to the company. She joins Danone from Mars, Inc., where most recently she was global president of the Mars Pet Nutrition division. Previously, she was regional president for Mars Petcare Europe, Russia and South Africa. She also was global chief marketing officer for Mars Petcare. She began her career with Mars in 1998.

She has a business degree from Nottingham Business School in the United Kingdom and a science degree in molecular biology from Moscow State University in Russia.