Matthias Berninger is the Vice-President Public Affairs at Mars, Incorporated and Deputy President for the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA). After 13 years in Politics, representing the Green Party of his home state Hessen, Matthias Berninger retired in 2007 from his seat in the German Federal Parliament and joined Mars Europe as their Director Corporate Health and Nutrition for Europe and the CIS. In April 2008, he moved into the role of Global Head of Public Policy for Mars Incorporated. He joined the Global Chocolate Management Team of Mars Incorporated in 2009. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, he supports Mars Chocolate in communication and strategy development. In September 2009, Matthias was promoted to Corporate Staff Officer Public Affairs with responsibilities for the Central Public Policy and Programs team and the Public Affairs teams in Washington DC, Brussels, Moscow, Asia, Latin America, Africa with the Middle East reporting into him. He also leads the global trade team within Mars, Incorporated.