Alastair Child Named Mars Chief Sustainability Officer
Mars has named Alastair Child as its new chief sustainability officer.
The CPG company, which manufactures brands such as Pedigree, M&M’s, and Ben’s Original, promoted Child, who was previously VP of global sustainability for Mars Snacking. He will take on the role on February 3, joining the Mars leadership team and reporting to Andy Pharoah, VP of corporate affairs and sustainability.
Child will be tasked with developing Mars’ overall sustainability agenda to help it reach net zero by 2050 and halve its value chain emissions by 2030 as part of its “Sustainable in a Generation Plan.” He will oversee a team of 30 sustainability leaders and experts who focus on sustainability across climate, coral restoration, community, packaging, and data and analytics categories.
Also read: Mars Evolves Centers of Excellence to Meet Modern Consumer Needs
Career Background
Child has been with the company for 23 years. During that time, he’s helped lead sustainability efforts across the company, focusing on reducing GHG emissions, achieving deforestation-free sourcing, and advancing circular packaging innovations.
At Mars Snacking, he helped the company achieve deforestation-free palm oil and pulp and paper supply chains, doubled incomes for mint farmers in northern India, and led several sustainable packaging innovations including paper-wrapped bars. He also helped Mars decouple greenhouse gas emissions from growth with programs like Moo’ving Dairy Forward.
Child takes over for chief procurement and sustainability officer Barry Parkin, who is retiring after four decades with the company.
