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What’s Jacqueline Mars Net Worth?
Jacqueline Mars, an American heiress and investor, has an estimated net worth of $38.8 billion, primarily due to her ownership of approximately one-third of Mars, Incorporated, a company known for its popular brands such as M&Ms, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, and pet care products like Pedigree and Whiskas.
Mars, Inc. is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and the biggest candy company in the world, with significant revenues from its diverse product portfolio.
Jacqueline Mars’s net worth has seen significant growth over the years. In 2019, her net worth was reported at $23.9 billion, which increased to $24.7 billion by February 2020. By December 2020, her wealth had risen by $4.2 billion compared to February 2020. In April 2021, her net worth was $31.3 billion, and it further increased to $33.6 billion by January 2022. By April 2022, her net worth had grown by an additional $400 million, and by October 2023, she had gained $1.9 billion over the previous year.
Here’s the breakdown of Jacqueline Mars’s net worth:
Name: | Jacqueline Mars |
Net Worth: | $38.8 Billion |
Date of Birth: | Oct 10, 1939 |
Profession: | Businessperson |
If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.
Early Life
Jacqueline Mars was born on October 10, 1939, to Forrest Mars, Sr., and Audrey Ruth (Meyer) Mars. She is the granddaughter of Frank C. Mars, the founder of Mars, Incorporated. Mars has two brothers, Forrest Mars, Jr., and John Mars, with whom she shares ownership of the family business. Her father, Forrest Mars, Sr., played a crucial role in expanding the company’s product line and global presence.
Mars received her primary education at Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, a setting that nurtured her early interests and talents. She later pursued higher education at Bryn Mawr College, where she graduated with a degree in anthropology in 1961.
This academic background, though not directly related to the family business, contributed to her broad worldview and understanding of diverse cultures, potentially influencing her approach to international business strategies at Mars, Incorporated.
Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated, the source of Jacqueline Mars’s wealth, is a testament to the enduring legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship within the Mars family. The company was founded by her grandfather, Frank C. Mars, and later expanded by her father, Forrest Mars, Sr., who introduced iconic products like M&M’s. Jacqueline Mars herself became actively involved in the company, joining Mars, Incorporated in 1982 as Food Product Group President and contributing to its growth until her retirement in 2001.
Under her leadership and that of her family members, Mars, Incorporated has grown into a multinational conglomerate, with annual revenues exceeding $47 billion as of January 2024. The company’s diverse portfolio includes beloved brands such as Snickers, M&M’s, Pedigree, and Whiskas, among others. Mars, Incorporated’s success is not only a reflection of its product innovation but also its strategic acquisitions and commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
Jacqueline Mars’s net worth is intricately linked to her stake in Mars, Incorporated. As a privately held company, the exact distribution of shares within the Mars family is not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that the Mars family, including Jacqueline Mars, retains full ownership, with the wealth being distributed among family members.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Jacqueline Mars is not only known for her immense wealth but also for her significant contributions to various philanthropic causes. Her philanthropic efforts span across arts, environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and equestrian sports.
Arts and Culture
Mars has been a prominent supporter of the arts. She sits on the board of directors for the Washington National Opera and the National Sporting Library and Fine Arts Museum. In addition, she has supported the National Archives Foundation, where she received the inaugural Heritage Award for her contributions.
Environmental Conservation
Mars is deeply committed to environmental conservation. She regularly donates to the League of Conservation Voters, an organization that promotes sustainable policies and holds elected officials accountable for their environmental actions. She also owns a working organic farm in Virginia, which is protected in perpetuity by the Land Trust of Virginia.
Equestrian Sports
A passionate equestrian, Mars has been a trustee of the U.S. Equestrian Team and has supported the team through various initiatives. She has owned several notable horses and has been involved in the sport for decades. Her contributions include the establishment of the Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant, which helps offset the costs of competing and training at the highest levels for U.S. eventing athletes.
Other Contributions
Mars’s philanthropic reach extends to various other causes. She has supported the Smithsonian Institution, the American Prairie Reserve, and the National Symphony Orchestra. In 2021, she made a $1.25 million donation to help house the “Angels Unawares” sculpture at the Catholic University of America.
Automobile Crash
On October 4, 2013, Jacqueline Mars was involved in a serious car accident on U.S. Route 50 in Aldie, Virginia. Her vehicle crossed the highway center line and collided with a minivan carrying six passengers. The crash resulted in the death of one person and caused a pregnant passenger to miscarry.
Mars was charged with reckless driving and pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge. She stated that she had fallen asleep at the wheel, and tests revealed no drugs, alcohol, or medications in her system that could have caused a blackout.
Personal Life
Mars married David H. Badger in 1961, and the couple had three children: Alexandra Badger, Stephen M. Badger, and Christa M. Badger. They divorced in 1984. In 1986, she married Harold ‘Hank’ Vogel, but they divorced in 1994. Despite her immense wealth, Mars is known for living a relatively private and frugal life, avoiding the public eye.
Ashley Roberts is the founder of Real-Time Billionaires List. She founded this platform because she likes to know how much celebrities are actually making. She is always curious why these people can make much more money than the ordinary person.
With a Bachelor’s degree in finance, she is skilled at financial analysis and understands numbers related to wealth. Most of the articles on this site are edited by herself before publishing.
