Mars Incorporated on Launching
Lynn Davis, Mars University Effectiveness Manager

The corporate university initiative at Mars, Inc. came straight from the president. Not only did he know the importance of a corporate university, but also what it could bring to the organization and the impact it could have on the way the business was run.

Once the family members who led the organization retired, there was a need to communicate throughout the company:

• What Mars was about
• What makes Mars unique
• What are some of the key founding principles
• What are some of the levers used to drive the organization

The biggest challenge, however, was the talent pipeline issue; senior executives were worried about not having talented individuals to fill key positions in the business. When the project was put in motion, a CLO was appointed who had credibility within the business, experience in learning and development, and was able to get sign-on and funding. As soon as the CLO acquired the funding, Mars, Inc could begin building their corporate university.

Mars University is much different from any other program at Mars – the reason being that it will endure. Because it is a long-term program, Mars is focused on what they are doing well and sustaining what already exists.