HBR IdeaCast Future of Business: Mars CEO on How Business Can Be a Force for Good
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Dec 11, 2025 
Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, discusses the unique benefits of family ownership in fostering long-term sustainability strategies at his company. He emphasizes balancing profitability with societal impact, linking compensation to nonfinancial metrics, and setting ambitious emissions targets. Weihrauch also explores integrating sustainability into all aspects of operations, from finance to supply chains, and the importance of innovation in achieving these goals. With a focus on local manufacturing and resilient supply chains, he highlights the traits necessary for future leaders.
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Long-Term Lens With Short-Term Execution
- Mars's family ownership enables a generational, long-term perspective alongside short-term execution.
- Poul Weihrauch says businesses must run both sprint and marathon modes to succeed.
Link Pay To Sustainability Targets
- Tie executive compensation to nonfinancial targets to make sustainability real.
- Poul Weihrauch says 40% of his pay is linked to nonfinancial metrics like greenhouse gases.
Major Footprint Lives In Supply Chains
- Most environmental impact is in the supply chain, not inside factories.
- Poul Weihrauch highlights scope three emissions from farmers and raw-ingredient sourcing as the biggest challenge.