Mars is a major family-owned company that produces confectionery, food products, chewing gum, and pet food. Founded in 1911, Mars has become one of the leading players in its industry, thanks to innovative products, high quality, and a unique corporate culture.
Arman Sutbayev, General Manager in Central Eurasia, Belarus, and Turkiye, shared the key principles of Mars’s success and how to build the career of your dreams.
Arman, Mars is an attractive employer in Kazakhstan’s market. What makes the company so successful?
– At Mars, we believe that success is determined not only by financial results but also by contributions to society and the environment. Our attractiveness as an employer is determined by several key principles that guide our development. We attach great importance to talent development, paying special attention to creating conditions in which all employees feel involved and can reach their potential. Diversity, respect, and inclusivity are integral to our success.
We believe that the world we want to see tomorrow starts with how we do business today. In tomorrow’s world, the planet will be healthy, people will be prosperous, and society will be inclusive.
It is also important for us that our business is not only profitable but also socially responsible, fully complying with the principles of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). We conduct business sustainably, taking care of the environment, society, and the well-being of our employees.
Arman, you mentioned that sustainable business practices are important for your company. What principles do you follow?
– In our work, we always rely on the ‘Five Principles’ of Mars: quality, responsibility, mutual benefit, efficiency, and freedom. For Mars, ‘sustainable business’ is not a passing trend but a philosophy underlying everything we do.
I would also like to note that Mars has created and implemented in its strategy the ‘Sustainability through a Generation’ plan related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It includes practical actions to protect the planet: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and a rational use of resources, supporting employees, creating an inclusive work environment, achieving universal well-being, and measures to improve the lives of pets.
In Kazakhstan, we are currently conducting a large-scale study to calculate emissions from our operations. Based on the data, we will create a model for reducing CO2 emissions, which will be used in all our offices.
Among our other projects in Kazakhstan, I would like to highlight our joint work with the Dara Foundation. Together, we have opened six inclusive education centers where children with special needs study. Last year, we conducted many activities in which children with homeschooling participated in various school activities – due to this, several children switched from homeschooling to regular.
Furthermore, we annually support shelters for homeless pets by providing them with food, supplies, and other necessary items. We also assist them in searching for new homes for pets. Moreover, our associates make personal contributions by visiting pet shelters.
What advice would you give our readers on building a successful career?
– A successful career requires constant selfimprovement – you always need to learn something new, develop your skills, and be ready for new challenges. A predefined career development plan is akin to a navigation map that will help you achieve your goals. It is also important to find a company that shares your values and supports your professional growth. And don’t forget to invest in yourself – in education, professional skills, and personal development.