I'm a global president at Mars Snacking. My day starts at 5:30 a.m. and our HQ looks like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.'

• Andrew Clarke is the global president of Mars Snacking. His day starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.
• Clarke gets over 200 emails a day and spends his time meeting with his reverse mentor as well as with Mars' gum scientists.
• A big sports fan, Clarke ends the day watching his twin boys play soccer and the Chicago Bulls on TV.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andrew Clarke, the global president of Mars Snacking, about his daily routine in the Greater Chicago area. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My day starts just after 5:30 a.m. with a bowl of cereal, a banana, and a cup of tea.