USA | Mars, Incorporated announced that Alastair Child, Vice President of Global Sustainability, Mars Snacking, has been named the new Chief Sustainability Officer, Mars, Incorporated, effective the 3rd of February 2025.
He will be responsible for developing the overall Mars sustainability agenda and leading Mars on its ambitious journey to Net Zero as part of the company’s broader Sustainable in a Generation Plan.
As part of Mars’ Net Zero Roadmap, the company has developed a plan to halve full value chain emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050. It has already delivered on its promises, with 16 percent absolute reductions in GHG emissions in 2023 against a 2015 baseline across its entire value chain.
Child will lead a team of 30 sustainability leaders and experts with remits in climate, coral restoration, community, packaging, data and analytics. He will report to Andy Pharoah, VP of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability and member of the Mars Leadership Team.
“It’s an honour to take on this role. With average global temperatures exceeding 1.5 °C above preindustrial levels for the first time in 2024, it is imperative that we continue to perform on our promises and, in doing so, prove that sustainability is good for business,” said Child.
“I look forward to collaborating with our partners, Associates and stakeholders to ensure we continue to grow responsibly.”
Throughout his 23-year career, Child has been known for his performance and passion for sustainability. For the last seven years, he has played a critical role in Mars Snacking, driving a strategy to embed sustainability across the enterprise.
During his tenure at Mars Snacking, the company made significant strides in its deforestation-free palm oil and pulp and paper supply chains. It doubled the incomes of mint farmers in northern India, led a wide range of sustainable packaging innovations, such as paper-wrapped bars, and helped Mars decouple greenhouse gas emissions from growth with programs such as the Moo’ving Dairy Forward initiative.
“Alastair has established himself as a strong, well-respected leader. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and will play a key part in ensuring sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our business to help us build the world we want tomorrow,” said Andy Pharoah, VP of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability and member of the Mars Leadership Team.
Also, Outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer Barry Parkin announced his retirement after a remarkable career at Mars. He joined the business in 1985 and has held diverse roles in commercial, engineering, business development, supply chain, HR, and sourcing.
Parkin was instrumental in developing the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan and a thought leader for the Mars Net Zero Roadmap. He will retire from Mars in March and embark on a range of new challenges, including sailing worldwide.
