During his 35-year tenure at Mars, Crean established himself as a globally recognized expert in research and development and a seasoned business leader. Prior to joining Mars, Crean worked as a microbiologist at the U.K. Public Health Laboratory service in Slough, UK. He then went on to assume leadership positions in developing markets and newly acquired businesses, living and working in various countries across Europe and North America as he climbed the ranks in several of Mars’ business segments. Crean made numerous contributions to the company, including developing novel analytical techniques, establishing global technology and research platforms, and spearheading product and business innovations. Most recently, Crean led the enhancement of Mars’ food safety and quality approach. He was instrumental in developing Mars’ Quality Management Process and establishing the Global Food Safety Center, a hub of research excellence that focuses on technology breakthroughs and external collaboration. He also established many fundamental policies that helped guide and shape Mars’ science strategy and highly principled approach to science. Crean retired from Mars in April 2021 to embark on "career 2.0," where he is focused on impacting the issues of food safety and food security by working with international agencies (the Food and Agricultural Office of the UN and the World Food Program) and businesses. He established STRIDE Food R&D Consultancy Ltd and advises several startups and established multinational companies. Crean also volunteers as the Chair of the Global Food Safety Initiative’s Science and Technology Advisory Group. In 2022, Crean was appointed to the TATA Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) board as an independent director, chairs their CSR committee and sits on TCPL’s risk management and audit committees. Crean also serves as an investment advisor to the March Group.