Forrest Mars Jr.

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 helped run one of the world’s biggest candy companies.

Mars was co-president of Mars Inc., a famous confectionery company, from 1975 to 1999. During his time as co-president, the company kept growing and made treats that many people loved.

His wealth grew a lot over the years. In March 2015, Forbes said he was worth about $26.8 billion. In October 2012, he was 31st on the Bloomberg Billionaires List with about $20.1 billion. Forrest Mars Jr. had a big effect on business and the candy world.

Early life

Forrest Mars Jr. finished school at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut in 1949. He then went to Yale University. After his studies, he worked as a finance officer in the United States Army.

Career

Forrest Mars Jr. started working with his family’s company, Mars Inc., in 1959. He was a financial officer. Later, he managed a new factory in the Netherlands. In 1966, he became the Managing Director of Mars France. He returned to the United States in 1970 to serve as Group Vice President. In 1975, he and his brother John F. Mars became Co-Presidents and helped the company grow. Mars Jr. retired in 1999 but stayed on the company’s Board of Directors until 2006.

Public activities

Forrest Mars Jr. owned a big ranch named Diamond Cross Ranch in Montana. He did not want companies to build energy projects on his land because he was concerned about water use.

Mars and his ex-wife helped pay for important projects. These included fixing up an old coffeehouse in Colonial Williamsburg and supporting Fort Ticonderoga.

Wealth

According to Forbes magazine in 2010, Forrest Mars Jr. was one of the richest people in the world. He was the richest person living in Virginia. His wealth came from the Mars Inc. company, which his family started.

Family

Main article: Mars family

Forrest Mars Jr. was married to Virginia Cretella. They had four daughters named Victoria B. Mars, Valerie Anne Mars, Pamela Diane Mars, and Marijke Elizabeth Mars. Later, he divorced Virginia and married Deborah Adair Clarke, but they also divorced later on.

Death

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