Mars

Mars CEO, Grant F. Reid: ‘Standing Together in Support of One Another’

Letter addressed to Mars Associates in June 2020.

To my fellow Associates,

No one can have experienced or watched the events in the U.S. unfold over the last week without feeling heartbreak and anger at the continued fallibility of the systems that are intended to protect us all equally. I know for many of our Associates it has been a deeply troubling example of daily challenges they face.

Of course, the U.S. isn’t alone in this. Nor is this the first time we’ve witnessed tragedy as the result of discrimination. There are people all over the world who are vulnerable because of where they come from, the color of their skin, their faith or who they love. And that is unacceptable.

If the COVID-19 crisis has taught us anything, it is that acting like a community in support of one another is how we will thrive. There is no room for discrimination in a healthy society.

In Washington, D.C., near where I live, there is a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the famous U.S. civil rights leader. It is visited by millions of people from across the globe each year and stands as a reminder that a peaceful, but relentless, struggle for social justice is one that we must win—for the good of all of us.  

Carved into the stone at the site is a quote which I find especially meaningful, particularly as it speaks to the Mutuality that is so important to us as Mars Associates:  

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inseparable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It’s going to take a collective effort from individuals, communities and organizations all around the world to replace discrimination and fear with humanity, empathy and caring.  And as a leader, I have both an opportunity and a responsibility to listen, act and be accountable for our contribution to that progress.

I’m proud of our continued efforts to create an inclusive, diverse community that values and respects each Mars Associate for who they are, and that our common ground is built on principles and our shared purpose to create a better tomorrow.

Equally, I recognize the urgency and responsibility we have as a global company to help drive the changes we want to see. Today and every day are opportunities for us to listen, self-examine and take action to break down barriers to inclusion—wherever we see them.

And, we can start right now, by standing together, peaceful, but unmovable in our conviction to support of one another.  

Sincerely, 

Grant F. Reid