Boyles Lecture

Pamela Mars Wright’s business experience spans operations to governance over her 35 years at Mars, Incorporated. Her roles and focus blended her affinity for technical subjects, the satisfaction of making things and her caring for people. She is a former chair and director of the Mars board which governs the $40 billion business owned by the Mars family. She retired from Mars in 2021 but continues to serve on the Technical Committee.

Pamela Mars Wright began her career with Ted Bates Advertising as an Account Executive. When Mars Wright joined Mars, Incorporated, she shifted her focus and immersed herself in operations and supply chain. Her first job was an Operations Supervisor in what was then Masterfoods USA in Hacketstown, New Jersey. From there she went on to learn the multi-faceted elements of operations, from analysis to shift supervision and from engineering to commercial, becoming a Plant Director in 1989. Over the years she worked across continents and Mars’ Confectionery and Petcare businesses, ultimately serving as Vice President of Manufacturing for Mars Petcare.
In the latter part of her career, Mars Wright focused her energy as an ambassador of Mars with the Associates of acquired businesses. She helped drive successful integrations and merging of cultures, in particular when the company expanded its presence in veterinary health and services, transforming its traditionally more consumer goods portfolio. Pamela was also a director on the Board of Banfield, a network of veterinary hospitals that are part of Mars’ Petcare.

Mars Wright served as Chairman of the Mars Board for four years and 16 years a director, retiring from the Board in 2017. She was also a long-term member of the Mars Scientific Advisory Council. In these governance roles, Mars Wright’s extensive experience, knowledge of supply and natural curiosity were valuable assets. Mars Wright serves as a board member of the Moffitt Cancer Research Center and the Supervisory Boards of Heineken N.V. and SHV, a Dutch family business, as well as a member of the Honorary Senate for Foundation Lindau Nobel Prize winners.

Pamela Mars Wright has a passion for education and has continued to support all her alma maters, formerly serving on the Board of Vassar College as well as the Board of Trustees of Potomac School and chairing the committee on Trustees at Foxcroft School, both in Virginia.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., courtesy shuttles will loop from Peacock Hall to and from Holmes Center, stopping at Rivers Street Parking Deck until all riders have left the Holmes Center at the conclusion of the lecture.