Mars Appoints Alastair Child as New Chief Sustainability Officer

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- New Leadership: Alastair Child, a proven sustainability leader, takes over as Chief Sustainability Officer on February 3, 2025.
- Net Zero Progress: Mars has achieved a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015, advancing toward its goal of halving emissions by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2050.
- Strategic Continuity: Alastair succeeds Barry Parkin, who played a pivotal role in shaping Mars’ sustainability agenda over his 40-year career.
Mars, Incorporated, the global maker of brands like Pedigree, M&M’s, and Ben’s Original, announced the appointment of Alastair Child as Chief Sustainability Officer, effective February 3, 2025.
Alastair, currently Vice President of Global Sustainability for Mars Snacking, will oversee the company’s sustainability strategy, driving progress on the Sustainable in a Generation Plan and its Net Zero Roadmap, which aims for a 50% reduction in full value chain emissions by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.
A Legacy of Impact
Alastair has a 23-year career marked by sustainability achievements. While at Mars Snacking, he led advancements in areas such as:
- Deforestation-free supply chains for palm oil and pulp.
- Doubling the incomes of mint farmers in northern India.
- Innovations in sustainable packaging, including paper-wrapped bars.
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Under his leadership, Mars also launched the Moo’ving Dairy Forward initiative, successfully decoupling greenhouse gas emissions from growth.
“Alastair has established himself as a strong, well-respected leader,” said Andy Pharoah, VP Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Mars. “He will ensure sustainability remains integrated into every aspect of our business.”

Alastair commented:
“With average global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above preindustrial levels for the first time in 2024, it is imperative we continue to perform on our promises and prove sustainability is good for business.”

Transition and Future Direction
Alastair will lead a team of 30 experts focusing on climate, community, packaging, and analytics. He succeeds Barry Parkin, Mars’ outgoing Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer, who retires in March after four decades with the company. Barry was instrumental in developing the Sustainable in a Generation Plan and Mars’ Net Zero Roadmap.
Barry expressed gratitude for his time at Mars, stating:
“It’s been an incredible journey. I’m proud to see our sustainability goals taking shape and look forward to new challenges, including sailing around the world.”

Mars continues to position itself as a leader in corporate sustainability, combining innovation and impact to build a better future.
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