Emily Dowling, General Manager of Mars for New Zealand, has been with the business for almost 20 years. She started as a sales graduate in Australia, working alongside specialists in grocery and in several roles across sales and marketing before moving into the global marketing team in Brussels.
"I had two little girls through that and then returned to Australia as marketing director there, ultimately ending up as the GM of New Zealand from January last year," said Dowling.
With the industry undergoing massive amounts of change, a highlight for Dowling has been seeing her team rise to and take on these changes with agility and continually grow the business. A vital aspect of this has been Mars' purpose initiatives, such as its integration of Te Reo Maori, which many of Dowling's team have picked up and learned more about.
"Ultimately, that results in us recruiting graduates who feel welcomed like they're part of our community."
Another highlight for Dowling has been Mars' reef restoration programmes through its Sheba Dine pet food brand. The company sponsors the campaign Sheba Hope Grows, which has facilitated the restoration of reefs in Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It operates through Reef Stars distribution, allowing the reef to regenerate, aiming to create a healthier ocean.
"My leadership team and I went to the Great Barrier Reef last year to see that in practice, and it's just phenomenal impact."
When asked about mentors, Jane Wakely, CMO at Pepsico, was given special mention.
"Her fantastic advice and for instilling the attitude and understanding that taking care of oneself should be a priority, as performance and success will follow this self-care.
"She has been a very inspiring mentor for me over the years."
Dowling also said that the CEO of Foodstuffs South Island, Mary Devine, has been inspiring for her ability to support people in bringing their authentic selves to work and her strong, positive change agenda.
With a slightly unconventional background as a sociologist, Dowling was attracted to the industry through her deep interest in people, culture, and connection. The more she learned about the industry and how it is poised for interaction between people, their businesses and the community, the more Dowling loved it.
"As time went on, what attracted me to marketing specifically was the opportunity to combine the social and cultural elements because there's a lot of curiosity and insight in marketing."
This has then been matched with real commercial acumen, as Dowling has enjoyed combining those two areas of strength or insight for positive business outcomes.
Dowling's key advice to herself and those entering the industry is to be passionate about it and open to the many opportunities available.
"Don't treat your career as a to-do list."
Some roles that Dowling had taken on may not appear linear to where she is now; however, these experiences have shaped and informed her in meaningful ways that she can understand and appreciate looking back on.
"If I look back, you know, when I was, say, 25, you feel like you're in a rush. Your career is long."
Moving through different roles has led Dowling to realise that each role was an important experience that has helped her form connections with people on a broader level.
