Key Impact Points:
- New Leadership: Alastair Child, formerly VP Global Sustainability for Mars Snacking, will assume the role of Chief Sustainability Officer on February 3, 2025.
- Sustainability Goals: Child will lead Mars’ journey to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050, as part of its Sustainable in a Generation Plan.
- Leadership Legacy: Barry Parkin, outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer, retires after 40 years, leaving a robust sustainability foundation
Driving Mars’ Sustainability Agenda
Mars, Incorporated, maker of Pedigree, M&M’s, and Ben’s Original, has announced Alastair Child as its new Chief Sustainability Officer. Child, currently VP of Global Sustainability at Mars Snacking, will take charge on February 3, 2025, leading the company’s overarching sustainability strategy.
Child will spearhead Mars’ efforts under its Sustainable in a Generation Plan and Net Zero Roadmap, which aims to halve full value chain emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050. The company has already achieved a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 against a 2015 baseline.
Andy Pharoah, Mars’ VP of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, emphasized Child’s leadership:
“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.”
A Proven Track Record
With a 23-year career, Child has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. At Mars Snacking, he led initiatives that included deforestation-free palm oil supply chains, doubling mint farmer incomes in India, and launching sustainable packaging solutions like paper-wrapped bars.
Reflecting on his appointment, Child stated:
“It’s an honor 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.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer Barry Parkin retires in March 2025 after a distinguished 40-year career at Mars. Parkin played a pivotal role in establishing Mars’ sustainability vision, including its Net Zero Roadmap. He now plans to embark on new challenges, including sailing around the world.
Mars continues to position itself as a global leader in sustainability under its new leadership and ambitious environmental goals.
