Who is Alistair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars?
Mars stands as a titan in the food and drink manufacturing realm, boasting iconic brands such as M&M’s, Pedigree and Ben’s Original.
With its immense global reach and massive production figures, Mars constantly finds its sustainability practices in the spotlight.
It's no surprise, then, that the appointment of a new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at Mars is significant news.
Alastair Child, previously the Vice President of Global Sustainability for Mars Snacking, is set to step into the CSO role on 3 February 2025, signalling a crucial phase in the company's commitment to sustainability.
Alastair brings to the table more than two decades of experience.
His previous successes include leading deforestation reduction initiatives in the palm oil and pulp supply chains and launching innovative packaging solutions like paper-wrapped bars.
His efforts also extended to enhancing the livelihoods of mint farmers in northern India and contributing to Mars' strategy to separate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from business growth.
“It’s an honour to take on this role,” Alastair says.
“With average global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial 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.”
Leadership of Mars' sustainable efforts across the supply chain
Alastair's promotion aligns perfectly with Mars' ramped-up efforts under its Sustainable in a Generation Plan.
This ambitious agenda aims to cut the full value chain emissions by half by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050.
To date, Mars has managed a 16% absolute reduction in GHG emissions since 2015.
Underpinning the company's Net Zero Roadmap are projects like the Moo’ving Dairy Forward programme, which addresses emissions in the dairy supply chain, detailed through a Net Zero Roadmap.
Leading a team of 30 sustainability experts, Alastair's broad and ambitious mandate covers areas such as climate, coral restoration, packaging and data analytics.
His goal is clear: to weave sustainability through every facet of Mars’ operations, purchasing and supply chains.
“Alastair has established himself as a strong, well respected leader," says Andy Pharoah, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Mars.
"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 new era for Mars' sustainability journey
Alastair's ascent coincides with the retirement of Barry Parkin, the outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer.
Barry, who has been with Mars since 1985, played a vital role in crafting the Sustainable in a Generation Plan and the Net Zero Roadmap.
Across his nearly four decades at Mars, Barry held various roles in commercial, supply chain and engineering sectors.
Reflecting on his departure, Mars noted Barry's contributions as a thought leader and strategist, instrumental in aligning the company’s procurement and sustainability goals.
Once Alastair is settled in his new role, he will face immense challenges. With global temperatures crossing critical thresholds and increasing scrutiny on corporate environmental claims, Mars, like many global enterprises, must navigate through these complex challenges.
“I look forward to collaborating with our partners, associates and stakeholders to ensure we continue to grow responsibly,” Alastair says.
The success of these efforts will depend largely on solid collaborations within its supply chain and strict adherence to science-based targets, proving that sustainable growth can indeed be good for business.
In Alastair's words: "It is imperative that we continue to perform on our promises."
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