Forrest Mars Jr.

Forrest Edward Mars Jr. (August 16, 1931 – July 26, 2016) was an American heir and businessman. He was the eldest son of Audrey Ruth (Meyer) and Forrest Mars Sr., and the grandson of Franklin Clarence Mars, the founder of Mars Inc.. As part of the Mars family, he played an important role in one of the world’s largest confectionary companies.

Mars served as co-president of Mars Inc., a famous confectionery company, from 1975 to 1999. Under his leadership, the company continued to grow and create popular treats enjoyed around the world.

His wealth grew significantly over the years. In March 2015, Forbes estimated his wealth to be $26.8 billion, up from $11 billion in March 2010. In October 2012, he was ranked 31st on the Bloomberg Billionaires List with an estimated net worth of $20.1 billion. Forrest Mars Jr. left a lasting impact on the business world and the candy industry.

Early life

Forrest Mars Jr. graduated from the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut in 1949 and later attended Yale University. After finishing his education, he served as a finance officer in the United States Army.

Career

Forrest Mars Jr. began his career with his family’s company, Mars Inc., in 1959 as a financial officer. He later managed a new factory in the Netherlands and then became the Managing Director of Mars France in 1966. In 1970, he returned to the United States to serve as Group Vice President. In 1975, he and his brother John F. Mars took over as Co-Presidents, leading the company to grow even more. Mars Jr. retired in 1999 but continued to serve on the company’s Board of Directors until 2006.

Public activities

Forrest Mars Jr. owned a large ranch called Diamond Cross Ranch in Montana. He worked to stop companies from developing energy projects on his land because he was worried about how much water they would use.

Mars and his ex-wife also helped fund important projects, like rebuilding an old coffeehouse in Colonial Williamsburg and supporting Fort Ticonderoga.

Wealth

According to Forbes magazine in 2010, Forrest Mars Jr. was ranked as the 52nd richest person in the world. He was also the 26th richest person in the United States and the richest person living in Virginia. His wealth came from his role in the Mars Inc. company, which his family founded.

Family

Main article: Mars family

Forrest Mars Jr. was married to Virginia Cretella, and they had four daughters named Victoria B. Mars, Valerie Anne Mars, Pamela Diane Mars, and Marijke Elizabeth Mars. By 2018, each daughter was worth around $5.9 billion. Mars later divorced Virginia in 1990 and married Deborah Adair Clarke, but they also divorced in 2010.

Death

Forrest Mars Jr. passed away at the age of 84 on July 26, 2016, in Seattle. He died from complications following a heart attack. He would have celebrated his 85th birthday on August 16, 2016.