Fiona Dawson

Biography

Born and raised in Ireland Fiona joined the Mars Graduate Scheme in 1988 straight from Trinity College in Dublin, rising through various management and leadership positions, to her last role as Global President of Mars Food, Mulitsales and Global Customers in January 2016. She has been a member of the Mars, Incorporated Leadership Team, with global annual revenues of over $40billion. Her leadership roles have included General Manager Ireland, President of Global Retail and Mars Chocolate UK and European Marketing Vice President. Fiona also has a strong track record in sustainability and health and wellbeing, particularly women’s entrepreneurship and human rights. She currently chairs the Women’s Business Council in the UK and sits on a number of Advisory Boards, including Trinity Business school. Fiona is currently Non-executive Director of the Lego group, and has recently joined the Board of Marks and Spencer. In March 2021 she was awarded an Honourary CBE for services to women and the UK economy.

Other roles

• 2021 - Present The Social Mobility Foundation, Board of Trustee
• 2019 - Present The Follicular Lymphoma Foundation, Trustee

Previous advisory roles include:

• 2017- 2019 UK Department of Education, Advisor
• 2014- 2016 UK Department of International Development, Economic Advisor
• 2010-2012 IGD Vice President
• 2010-2013 Department of Health Responsibility Deal, Steering group member
• 2010 -2020 Reading Blue Coat School, Governor
• 2007- 2012 Food and Drink Federation (FDF), Vice President Responsible for launching the Industry’s Five Fold ambition for the Environment.