Andy Pharoah

VP, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability
Mars
US

Andy Pharoah has been a major player in the transformation of Mars from a low-profile private company to a leading proponent of purpose that is willing to engage on social issues, particularly in terms of sustainability and corporate citizenship. In the four years since adding sustainability to his responsibilities, Pharoah, who also leads corporate affairs and strategy, has been the steward of Mars' ambitious sustainability objectives to make the company’s operations “sustainable in a generation.” Under his tenure, Mars has made notable progress toward its sustainability goals.

After assuming Mars’ top comms job in 2016 after almost a decade in communications leadership roles with subsidiary Wrigley, Pharoah led the redesign and launch of a corporate brand for Mars and developed the company’s corporate purpose, as well as a major refresh of its online presence.

In 2020, Mars took a significant step to address cultural shifts with the rebrand of Uncle Ben’s rice to Ben’s Original. In addition, Pharoah’s leadership in managing internal communications and community engagement through the pandemic enabled the legacy business to weather a volatile year with compassion.

Mars has also undergone transformation through evolving its portfolio of brands, including the 2020 acquisition of snacks company Kind North America. The biggest share of the Mars business, however, is now in pet care: as well as leading brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin and Iams, the company’s organic growth and acquisitions in veterinary health means more than half of Mars associates now work in the veterinary field, with more than 3,000 hospitals in 20+ countries.

Before joining Wrigley in 2008, Pharoah spent 13 years with Hill & Knowlton, where he was head of the corporate practice for Europe, Middle East and Africa. His early career was spent in UK politics.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
I see it all the time; Helping brands connect with consumers, engaging associates, enrolling stakeholders and protecting in times of need and crisis. Covid was certainly a time that that crystalized the need of public relations for a business as many CEOs quickly realized how they would benefit.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
The biggest challenge ahead is continuing to operate in an increasingly polarized world – in countries and between countries. At Mars, we try to avoid playing into or building upon that polarization. Yet, at the same time, we know that companies are expected and need to act on a range of topics – economic, social and environmental. For business – and as communicators – the challenge is continuing to drive the things that are important to the company, while recognizing that ever action will have a critic. The more that we focus on the substance of what we are doing and the real progress being made as compared to grand promises, the better.

What have you most admired about the communications industry over the past year, and what has disappointed you?
What I have admired about the communications industry is the increasing push to tell stories that share the human side of business objectives versus sharing technical jargon that people can’t relate to. In terms of disappointment, I would say it is disheartening to see brands lean into the ills of the world with the aim of short term gain.

What work from your team are you most proud of over the past year?
I am extremely proud of the launch of Mars Net Zero Roadmap and how we delivered campaigns that shared our work to consumers, associates and stakeholders that creatively yet clearly explain our ambition.

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness over the past year?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, my two sons, our dogs and my broader family. I like reading and listening to music, and watching sport. I've dialed up my exercise – hiking and Peloton. I'm quite involved with Washington National Opera and was recently elected as president.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through the past year or provided inspiration?
I find that opera completely transports me away from the present. Fantastic books I've read recently include ‘Grace’ by Cody Keenan, ‘Empireland’ by Sathnam Sanghera and a biography of Marian Anderson, who broke the color bar at the Metropolitan Opera.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
A teacher.