Mars Incorporates Alastair Child as Chief Sustainability Officer
In a significant development, Mars, Incorporated, the renowned manufacturer behind pet care and snack products like Pedigree, M&M's, and Ben's Original, has announced the appointment of
Alastair Child as its new
Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). This change goes into effect on
February 3, 2025, marking a pivotal step in the company’s journey towards achieving a sustainable future.
Alastair Child is not new to the sustainability landscape at Mars. In his previous role as
Vice President of Global Sustainability for Mars Snacking, he played an integral part in shaping the company's sustainability strategy. With over two decades of experience, Alastair has been instrumental in aligning corporate practices with environmental goals, directly contributing to Mars' overarching
Sustainable in a Generation Plan.
Commitment to Sustainability
As CSO, Alastair Child will oversee the execution of Mars’ sustainability agenda, aiming to fulfill its ambitious targets as outlined in the
Net Zero Roadmap. This roadmap aims to cut emissions across the full value chain by
50% by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving
Net Zero emissions by 2050. Impressively, the company has already reported a
16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 compared to its 2015 benchmark. Under Alastair's leadership, a dedicated team of 30 experts will focus on critical areas such as climate initiatives, sustainable community practices, packaging innovations, and advanced data analytics.
A Vision for the Future
Commenting on his new role, Alastair expressed his honor and urgency regarding the position. He highlighted that with global temperatures having risen over
1.5 °C above preindustrial levels in 2024, immediate action is vital to meet their commitments to sustainability. He stated,
"It's imperative that we continue to perform on our promises and in doing so prove that sustainability is good for business." His approach leverages collaboration across the enterprise, emphasizing responsible growth alongside ecological preservation.
Legacy of a Leader
The transition also marks the retirement of
Barry Parkin, the outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer, who has dedicated over 40 years to Mars. Throughout his career, Barry has held diverse roles and been a thought leader in the development of the
Sustainable in a Generation Plan and the
Net Zero Roadmap. His retirement in
March will open new avenues for him, including plans for sailing adventures around the world.
About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is a $50 billion family-owned business that believes that the path to a better world begins with how they operate today. Their extensive portfolio includes well-loved brands and services that cater to both pet care and human nutrition. The company's commitment to sustainability is echoed in their five core principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom, all driving their over
150,000 associates to foster a healthy planet for future generations. For more about Mars, visit
Mars.com or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
With Alastair Child at the helm of sustainability initiatives, Mars, Incorporated aims not only to meet its ambitious environmental targets but to set a benchmark for responsible business practices in the years ahead.