UK – Mars, Incorporated, world’s leading manufacturer of confectionery, has appointed Dr. Abigail Stevenson as Chief Science Officer (CSO) who will champion Mars’ involvement in global, cutting-edge science discovery.
Dr. Stevenson will lead the Mars Science Leadership Team in her new position and drive partnerships with peers, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations while also contributing to the development of Mars’ pipeline of top science and technology talent.
She will report to Nici Bush, Mars’ Vice President of science and technology.
“As the world around us continues to evolve, I am excited to be driving discoveries that have the potential to impact not only the future of our business, but also to improve the lives of people and pets around the world.
“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best and brightest scientists, researchers and professionals across the globe, and I’m looking forward to continuing our important work together,” said Dr. Stevenson.
She will assume the CSO position in October in addition to continuing in her job as Vice President of the Mars Advanced Research Institute (MARI).
MARI links Mars with cutting-edge science and technology to inspire discoveries that could completely reimagine its business model.
She will also be in charge of the Mars Global Food Safety Center (GFSC), a trailblazing research and training center at the center of an international network of partners and collaborators addressing the most significant food safety challenges facing the planet today.
“Mars’ commitment to science and technology is helping us solve consumer problems and address increasingly demanding global challenges.
“With more than 20 years of research experience, Abi brings the deep scientific experience needed to advance our business and make a positive impact on society. I look forward to continuing to work with her as Mars pursues an ambitious science agenda throughout the business,” said Nici Bush, Vice President of Science and Technology at Mars.
In her career at Mars, Dr. Stevenson has overseen significant research outputs, delivering innovative solutions to long-standing food industry challenges.
Before taking on the position of Vice President of MARI, she held a number of positions with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, including Head of Science Communications and Engagement and Director of the Mars GFSC from 2017 to 2020.
The Mars enterprise has been firmly founded in science for more than a century. It is a global leader in groundbreaking research in topics including sustainability, health and welfare, and supply chain resilience.
“As the world around us continues to evolve, I am excited to be driving discoveries that have the potential to impact not only the future of our business, but also to improve the lives of people and pets around the world.”
Key projects that the business has delivered alongside partners have included supporting COSMOS, the largest clinical dietary intervention trial investigating the impact of flavanols on health, being a Founding Partner in the African Orphan Crops Consortium, which enabled the genome sequencing of 101 traditional African food crops traditionally neglected by science, and the discovery of a natural alternative to artificial blue food colorants in cabbage.
It has done this by utilizing top-tier personnel and five cutting-edge research centers, including the Cacao Research Hub, the Cocoa Flavanol Research Hub, the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, MARI, and the GFSC.
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