MCLEAN, VA — Mars, Inc. announced the promotion of Alastair Child to chief sustainability officer, effective Feb. 3. He succeeds Barry Parkin, chief procurement and sustainability officer, who is retiring in March after four decades with the company.
Child will report to Andy Pharoah, VP of corporate affairs and sustainability and a member of the Mars Leadership Team.
“Alastair has established himself as a strong, well-respected leader,” Pharoah said. “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.”
In this role, Child will lead the development of the company’s overall sustainability agenda to Net Zero, part of its Sustainable in a Generation Plan. He will also oversee a team of 30 sustainability leaders and experts in climate, coral restoration, community, packaging data and analytics.
“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.” — Alistair Child | incoming chief sustainability officer | Mars, Inc.
“It’s an honor to take on this role,” Child said. “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. I look forward to collaborating with our partners, associates and stakeholders to ensure we continue to grow responsibly.”
Child has been a part of Mars for more than 23 years, most recently serving as VP of global sustainability for Mars Snacking for seven years. During his tenure at Mars Snacking, the company has made major strides related to sustainability which includes its deforestation-free palm oil and pulp and paper supply chain.
