Who is Alastair Child, New CSO of Mars?

Mars is one of the world's largest manufacturers of food and drink products and owns household brands including as M&M’s, Pedigree and Ben’s Original.
As a company with a vast global supply chain and near unfathomable production quantities, Mars' sustainability credentials are often under scrutiny.
Naturally, then, when an organisation of Mars' size appoints a new Chief Sustainability Officer, it is big news.
Alastair Child, who has until now served as Vice President of Global Sustainability for Mars Snacking, will assume the his role as Mars' CSO on 3 February 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the company’s sustainability journey.
With over 23 years of experience, Alastair's track record includes spearheading initiatives within Mars Snacking to reduce deforestation in palm oil and pulp supply chains and introducing innovative packaging solutions, such as paper-wrapped bars.
He also oversaw efforts to double the incomes of mint farmers in northern India and contributed to Mars’ broader strategy to decouple 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.”
The roadmap is there, now it's time to drive
Alastair's appointment comes as Mars intensifies its efforts under its Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which aims to halve its full value chain emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
Progress to date includes a 16% absolute reduction in GHG emissions by 2023, measured against a 2015 baseline.
The company’s Net Zero Roadmap is underpinned by initiatives such as the Moo’ving Dairy Forward programme, which seeks to address emissions in the dairy supply chain.
Alastair will lead a team of 30 sustainability experts focusing on diverse areas including climate, coral restoration, packaging and data analytics. His remit is broad and ambitious: to embed sustainability into every aspect of Mars’ operations 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
Alastair's promotion coincides with the retirement of Barry Parkin, Mars’ outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer.
Barry, who joined the company in 1985, has been a key architect of the Sustainable in a Generation Plan and the Net Zero Roadmap.
His nearly four decades at Mars have seen him hold diverse roles across commercial, supply chain and engineering disciplines.
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.
According to Mars, Barry plans to embark on personal adventures, including sailing around the world, after his retirement in March 2025.
The road ahead
The sustainability challenges facing Mars, and indeed the broader corporate world, are daunting. Once his feet are under the desk, Alastair will have several key tasks to clear from his intray.
With global temperatures surpassing critical thresholds and increasing scrutiny on corporate environmental claims, companies like Mars must navigate a complex landscape.
“I look forward to collaborating with our partners, associates and stakeholders to ensure we continue to grow responsibly,” Alastair says.
While Mars’ 16% emissions reduction by 2023 represents a significant step, halving emissions by 2030 will demand accelerated progress and innovation.
The company’s success will likely hinge on deep collaboration across its supply chain and adherence to science-based targets, alongside a willingness to invest in long-term sustainability initiatives.
For Mars, the appointment of Child signifies a continued commitment to these goals.
As the company builds on the foundations laid by Parkin, Child’s expertise and vision will be critical in navigating the road ahead and demonstrating the business case for sustainability-driven growth.
In Alastair's words: “It is imperative that we continue to perform on our promises.”
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