Hyderabad: Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are increasingly becoming part of how multinational companies redesign their global operations, moving beyond traditional support functions towards technology-led business transformation.
Mars is the latest multinational to expand its presence in this space, with a new 60,000-square-foot Mars GCC in Hyderabad that will use agentic AI-assisted operations to support its business across international markets.
Established in collaboration with Genpact, the Mars GCC will initially have more than 400 Genpact colleagues, with plans to scale the workforce to 1,000 Mars Associates in the future.
However, the more significant aspect of the centre is its proposed operating model, which places Genpact’s Agentic Operations framework at the core of how Mars intends to manage and improve its global business processes.
The development also reflects a shift in how companies are approaching GCC investments.
Rather than building centres exclusively around operational support, Mars intends to use the Hyderabad facility as a hub for digital innovation, business enablement and the redesign of enterprise-wide operations.
Why Is Mars Bringing Agentic AI Into Its GCC Strategy?
One of the defining features of the new Mars GCC is its focus on Agentic Operations, an approach that combines AI-assisted systems with human expertise and oversight.
Mars plans to work with Genpact to design systems that can improve operational speed, consistency and visibility across its global business.
These systems will operate within a governance framework customised to Mars’ requirements, with the objective of delivering measurable business outcomes.
The strategy builds on the relationship between the two companies, which began in 2018. Over the years, Genpact has developed an understanding of Mars’ business processes, providing a foundation for the next phase of operational transformation.
Tarun Chopra, Unit Leader, Consumer Goods, Genpact, said the partnership’s existing process knowledge would be central to implementing the new operating model.
“Almost a decade of running operations with Mars has given us deep process intelligence about how its business works. At the GCC, we will put that to work through Agentic Operations, designing AI-assisted systems that operate within a governance framework tailored to Mars and are designed to deliver measurable business outcomes.
“It is about reimagining operations with agentic AI-assisted capabilities, with human expertise and oversight at the core, to help Mars move faster and operate more efficiently across the markets it serves.”
For Mars, the objective is to connect its global business functions through technology-enabled processes while retaining human oversight. The Hyderabad centre is expected to play an important role in designing these future operations.
From 400 to 1,000 Employees: Mars’ Hyderabad GCC Expansion Plans
The scale of the proposed workforce expansion is another important aspect of the investment.
The 60,000-square-foot Mars GCC will begin operations with more than 400 Genpact colleagues. The company has ambitions to scale the centre and transition to a workforce of 1,000 Mars Associates in the future.
The facility will form part of Mars’ global infrastructure of strategic hubs and support its enterprise-wide priorities across markets.
This also makes the centre more than an extension of the existing Mars-Genpact relationship. It is intended to become a strategic component of how the company connects expertise, technology capabilities and business operations across geographies.
Claus Aagaard, Chief Financial Officer, Mars, Incorporated, said India’s talent pool and established business presence were important considerations behind the investment.
“India is an important market for Mars and has been part of our growth story for decades,” said Aagaard.
“Our continued investment reflects the strength of our business in India and our confidence in the talent the market has to offer. The Hyderabad Global Capability Center is a valuable addition to our global network, helping us strengthen how we work across markets, connect expertise and advance our digital capabilities.
“Ultimately, this is about building a more agile, connected and future-ready Mars, enabling our Associates around the world to better serve the consumers, customers and pets who count on us.”
How Does the New GCC Fit Into Mars’ Larger India Investment Strategy?
The Hyderabad GCC is not an isolated investment in India’s technology ecosystem. It builds on a manufacturing and business presence that Mars has developed over several decades.
Since 1995, Mars has invested in seven local factories in India. The company currently employs more than 2,400 Associates across its Snacking, Food & Nutrition and Pet Nutrition businesses. Its Indian operations also include a Royal Canin packaging centre.
The company has also announced two other significant investments in the country:
- $55 million Pet Nutrition factory expansion in Hyderabad: The investment is intended to support domestic growth and exports.
- $12 million Royal Canin distribution and packaging centre: The facility will strengthen localisation and supply resilience.
These investments indicate that Mars’ India strategy spans manufacturing, distribution and technology-enabled global operations.
The GCC adds a new dimension to this presence by connecting the company’s established Indian businesses with the technology capabilities and talent required to support operations across international markets.
Why Hyderabad for Mars’ Global Capability Center?
Hyderabad’s technology ecosystem and availability of skilled professionals have helped establish the city as a destination for multinational companies setting up GCCs.
The Mars investment adds to this ecosystem, with the facility expected to create opportunities for specialised talent while contributing to the state’s technology capabilities.
D Sridhar Babu, IT and Industries Minister, Telangana, said: “Hyderabad has emerged as a leading destination for global capability centers, supported by its strong technology ecosystem, skilled talent and progressive business environment. Mars has a strong foothold in India’s Snacking, Petcare and Food & Nutrition sectors, a longstanding history of supporting local farmers, and a continued focus on local manufacturing.
“The new Global Capability Center is another step in Mars journey in India, connecting its established business here with the technology capabilities and talent needed to support its global operations. We welcome Mars continued engagement with Telangana and look forward to the center creating opportunities for specialized talent and contributing to the state’s technology ecosystem,” said D Sridhar Babu.
Emilia B. Smith, Acting Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, attended the launch, highlighting the longstanding commercial relationship between the US and India and their ties with Telangana.
