Forrest Mars, Jr.

$23.40 B

Ranked #27 in World

About Forrest Mars, Jr.

Forrest Edward Mars Jr., an influential American business magnate and the eldest heir to the Mars, Incorporated empire, passed away at the age of 84 on July 26, 2016, in Seattle, Washington, from heart attack complications. Born in 1931 into the pioneering Mars family, Mars Jr. carved a formidable legacy in the business world, starting his career at Mars, Incorporated in 1959, eventually rising to Co-President until his retirement in 1999. Despite stepping down, he continued to impact the company by serving on the Board of Directors until 2006. A graduate of Yale University, Mars Jr. was noted for his philanthropy, opposition to natural resource exploitation on his Montana ranch, and his significant contributions to historical preservation. At the time of his passing, Forbes listed his net worth at $26.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Mars Jr.'s life was marked by his marriage to Virginia Cretella, followed by Deborah Adair Clarke, and he was a devoted father to four daughters. His death signified the end of an era for the Mars family lineage and the global business community.

Born

August 13, 1931 in Oak Park, Illinois, US

Died

July 26, 2016 (aged 84)

Source Of Wealth

Candy

Industries

Food And Beverage

Citizenship

United States

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, Yale University; Diploma, The Hotchkiss School; Master of Business Administration, Leonard N. Stern School of Business

Spouse

Virginia Cretella (Divorced: 1990), Deborah Adair Clarke (Divorced: in early 2010), Jacomien Ford

Parent

Forrest Mars, Sr. (1904-1999), Audrey Ruth (Meyer) Mars (1910-1989)

Forrest Edward Mars Jr. was born on April 16, 1931, in Washington, D.C., United States. He was the eldest son of Audrey Ruth (Meyer) and Forrest Mars Sr., and the grandson of Frank C. Mars, the founder of Mars, Incorporated.

Forrest Mars, Jr.: Family

Forrest Mars Jr. married Virginia Cretella in 1929 or 1930. They had four daughters together: Victoria B. Mars, Valerie Anne Mars, Pamela Diane Mars, and Marijke Elizabeth Mars. The couple divorced in 1990, and Mars Jr. later married Deborah Adair Clarke. They divorced in 2010.

Forrest Mars, Jr.: Career Highlights

Forrest Mars Jr. began his career at Mars, Incorporated in 1959 as a financial officer. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming General Manager of a new factory in the Netherlands in 1964. In 1966, he was appointed Managing Director of Mars France. He returned to the United States in 1970 as Group Vice President of Mars Inc. and became Co-President of Mars, Incorporated from 1975 to 1999. He retired in 1999 but remained on the Board of Directors until 2006.

Forrest Mars, Jr.: Companies

Forrest Mars Jr. was involved with several companies throughout his career, including Mars, Incorporated, the Diamond Cross Ranch in Montana, and Fort Ticonderoga.

Forrest Mars, Jr.: Major Achievements

Forrest Mars Jr. is credited with helping to grow Mars, Incorporated into one of the largest food companies in the world. He also played a key role in the development of several new products, including M&M's, Snickers, and Milky Way.

Forrest Mars, Jr.: Awards & Achievements

Forrest Mars Jr. received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the business world and philanthropy. He was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans in 1994 and received the Horatio Alger Award in 2000. He was also awarded the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement in 2001.

Forrest Mars, Jr.: Personal Life & Legacy

Forrest Mars Jr.

was known for his love of the outdoors and his commitment to conservation. He owned the Diamond Cross Ranch in Montana, where he opposed the development of coal and natural gas fields on his land. He also donated funds for the reconstruction of an 18th-century coffeehouse in Colonial Williamsburg and made significant contributions to Fort Ticonderoga.

Forrest Mars, Jr.: Trivia

Forrest Mars Jr. had an estimated net worth of $26.8 billion in 2015, making him the 31st richest man in the world according to the Bloomberg Billionaires List in 2012.

Wealth History

Timeline

1931

Forrest Edward Mars Jr. was born.

1949

Graduated from Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut.

1959

Started working for Mars, Incorporated as a financial officer.

1966

Appointed Managing Director of Mars France.

1970

Returned to the United States as Group Vice President of Mars Inc.

1975

Became Co-President of Mars, Incorporated.

1990

Divorced Virginia Cretella.

1999

Retired from Mars, Incorporated but remained on the Board of Directors until 2006.

2010

Divorced Deborah Adair Clarke.

2012

Ranked 31st richest man in the world by Bloomberg Billionaires List.

2015

Estimated net worth of $26.8 billion.

July 26, 2016

Died at age 84 in Seattle, Washington, due to complications from a heart attack.

Forrest Mars, Jr. : FAQs

What is Forrest Mars, Jr.'s net worth?

As of 2016, Forrest Mars, Jr.'s net worth was $23.40 billion.

What are Forrest Mars, Jr.'s main sources of wealth?

Forrest Mars, Jr.'s main source of income comes from Candy.

In which industry does Forrest Mars, Jr. primarily operate?

Forrest Mars, Jr. is primarily involved in the Food And Beverage industry.

What is Forrest Mars, Jr. educational background?

Forrest Mars, Jr. holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Yale University, a Diploma from The Hotchkiss School and a Master of Business Administration from Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

Is Forrest Mars, Jr. dead?

Yes, Forrest Mars, Jr. died on July 26, 2016 (aged 84).

How many children does Forrest Mars, Jr. have?

Forrest Mars, Jr. has 4 children.

Who was Forrest Edward Mars Jr. and what is he known for?

Forrest Edward Mars Jr. was an American heir and businessman, known as the eldest son of Forrest Mars Sr. and the grandson of Frank C. Mars, the founder of Mars, Incorporated. He played a significant role in the development and expansion of Mars, Incorporated, one of the largest privately-owned businesses in the world.

What was Forrest Mars Jr.'s role at Mars, Incorporated?

Forrest Mars Jr. started working for Mars, Incorporated as a financial officer in 1959, and over the years, held various key positions including General Manager in the Netherlands, Managing Director of Mars France, and Group Vice President in the United States. He served as Co-President of Mars, Incorporated from 1975 until his retirement in 1999, significantly impacting the company's growth and global footprint.

How did Forrest Edward Mars Jr. contribute to public activities and philanthropy?

Forrest Mars Jr. was actively involved in public activities and philanthropy, owning the Diamond Cross Ranch in Montana where he opposed the development of coal and natural gas fields. He also donated funds for the reconstruction of an 18th-century coffeehouse in Colonial Williamsburg, and made significant contributions to Fort Ticonderoga, reflecting his commitment to historical conservation and environmental preservation.

Can you provide details on Forrest Mars Jr.'s family and personal life?

Forrest Mars Jr. was married to Virginia Cretella in the late 1920s before divorcing in 1990. He later married Deborah Adair Clarke, but they divorced in 2010. He had four daughters: Victoria B. Mars, Valerie Anne Mars, Pamela Diane Mars, and Marijke Elizabeth Mars. Forrest Mars Jr. passed away at the age of 84 on July 26, 2016, in Seattle, Washington, due to complications from a heart attack.