Mars, Incorporated Appoints Alastair Child as Their Chief Sustainability Officer Announcing Strategic Initiatives

Mars, Incorporated Appoints Alastair Child as Chief Sustainability Officer

On January 16, 2025, Mars, Incorporated, the renowned maker of beloved brands like Pedigree, M&M’s, and Ben's Original, announced the appointment of Alastair Child as their new Chief Sustainability Officer, effective February 3, 2025. Alastair, previously serving as Vice President of Global Sustainability in Mars Snacking, is set to lead the company's comprehensive sustainability agenda aimed at achieving its ambitious goals outlined in the Sustainable in a Generation Plan.

A New Era of Sustainability Leadership

In his newly appointed role, Alastair will be at the forefront of Mars' efforts to transition towards Net Zero emissions and will oversee the implementation of the company's Net Zero Roadmap. This roadmap endeavors to cut full value chain emissions in half by the year 2030, moving towards full Net Zero by 2050. Notably, Mars has already made commendable progress, achieving a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 compared to 2015 levels across its entire value chain.

Alastair Child will guide a dedicated team of 30 experts focused on diverse aspects of sustainability, including climate change mitigation, coral restoration, community engagement, sustainable packaging, and data analytics. Reporting directly to Andy Pharoah, the VP Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Child’s leadership is expected to foster a culture of sustainability throughout the organization.

Alastair's Legacy in Sustainability

Alastair's career at Mars spans over 23 years, and he is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to sustainability. His recent tenure at Mars Snacking has been marked by noteworthy achievements, such as driving initiatives to establish deforestation-free supply chains for palm oil and pulp paper. Furthermore, he has been instrumental in improving the livelihoods of mint farmers in northern India and leading innovations in sustainable packaging, including the introduction of paper-wrapped snacks. Alastair's efforts to decouple greenhouse gas emissions from product growth exemplify the meaningful progress Mars has made under his guidance. One initiative, Moo'ving Dairy Forward, stands out for enhancing sustainability in dairy products.

Andy Pharoah commented on Alastair's appointment, stating, "Alastair has established himself as a strong, well-respected leader. He brings a wealth of experience and will play a key role in integrating sustainability into every facet of our business to help us build a better tomorrow." Meanwhile, Child expressed his honor in taking on this role, emphasizing the urgency of continued commitment to sustainable practices in light of rising global temperatures.

Farewell to Barry Parkin

Barry Parkin, the outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer, is set to retire after an extraordinary 40-year tenure at Mars. Barry's extensive career has encompassed various roles across multiple disciplines, and he has been a pivotal figure in shaping Mars' Sustainable in a Generation Plan and facilitating the company's Net Zero Roadmap. Upon his retirement in March, Barry will embark on a new adventure, including plans to sail around the globe.

Mars, Incorporated: A Commitment to Tomorrow

Mars, Incorporated, with a family-owned legacy of over $50 billion, drives its operations under the belief that today's business practices shape tomorrow's world. With a diverse portfolio spanning pet care products, quality snacks, and veterinary services, Mars is devoted to creating lasting, positive impacts for both people and the planet. Some of their most loved brands, including ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, SNICKERS®, and DOVE®, reflect this commitment.

Mars operates an extensive network of veterinary hospitals, facilitating preventive and emergency care that ensures animal well-being. As the company moves forward, the Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—continue to inspire over 150,000 associates globally, reinforcing their commitment to fostering sustainability in all business operations.

For further information about Mars, Incorporated and their initiatives, visit www.mars.com or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.