I'm a global president at Mars Snacking. My day starts at 5:30 a.m. and our HQ looks like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.'

Robin MadellJan 15, 2024, 11:24 IST

Clarke at the M&M's color wall.Mars Snacking

Andrew Clarke is the global president of Mars Snacking. His day starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.
Clarke gets over 200 emails a day and spends his time meeting with his reverse mentor as well as with Mars' gum scientists.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andrew Clarke, the global president of Mars Snacking, about his daily routine in the Greater Chicago area. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My day starts just after 5:30 a.m. with a bowl of cereal, a banana, and a cup of tea.

I check my emails and find many from our Asia-Pacific and European markets. I also dedicate some time thinking through how to address my team on some upcoming people changes. Getting the tone right is really important, so it's always worth preparing properly for.

After contemplating a second cup of tea, I say goodbye to my still very sleepy family and head out the door for work

Clarke's route to work.Mars Snacking

I like to walk when I can, particularly on days when I know I won’t be able to get a run in

Clarke walks over a bridge to the office.Mars Snacking

Our corporate HQ is also our global innovation hub — think 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' without the chaos

Clarke enters the Mars office.Mars Snacking

My first order of business is to seek that second cup of tea

Clarke drinking tea and chatting with an employee in the office.Mars Snacking

This morning is our quarterly Top 100 leadership meeting

Clarke at the quarterly Top 100 leadership meeting.Mars Snacking

I get over 200 emails every day

Clarke on a call in his office.Mars Snacking

I’m a big believer in the power of reverse mentorship, and I use my time over lunch to connect with my reverse mentor

Clarke connects with his reverse mentor over lunch.Mars Snacking

Today calls for a treat, so I head over to our M&M’s color wall

Clarke at the M&M's color wall.Mars Snacking

Halloween is one of our biggest seasons as a business, so it’s a celebration we take very seriously at the office.

Mars employees and their families at the company's annual 'Boo-Bash.'Mars Snacking

This year I dressed up as Thor

Clarke dressed up as Thor.Mars Snacking

I spend the rest of my day checking in with some of our gum scientists

Clarke meeting with Mars' gum scientists.Mars Snacking

The R&D session is over and it’s nearly time to head home

Clarke in the Mars office.Mars Snacking

HP CEO Enrique Lores shares his daily routine — including reflection time and a quick swim at 5 a.m.

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