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What is Valerie Mars’ Net Worth?
Valerie Mars, a prominent member of the Mars family and a key figure in the Mars, Inc. empire, has an estimated net worth of $9.7 billion. The primary source of Valerie Mars’s wealth stems from her inheritance of approximately 8% of Mars, Inc. in 2016. This inheritance catapulted her into billionaire status, as Mars, Inc. is one of the world’s largest privately held companies, known for its confectionery, pet care, and food products. The company’s iconic brands, including M&M’s, Snickers, and various pet food lines, contribute significantly to its annual revenue, which exceeded $47 billion as of January 2024.
In addition to her inherited wealth, Valerie Mars has played an active role in expanding the family business. As the Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Development for Mars, Inc., she has been instrumental in guiding the company’s growth through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures.
Valerie Mars also holds positions on various corporate boards, including Stellantis N.V., where she serves as a Non-Executive Independent Director. However, her compensation from these roles, such as the reported $208,529 from Stellantis N.V., is relatively modest compared to her overall net worth.
Here’s the breakdown of Valerie Mars’ net worth:
Name: | Valerie Mars |
Net Worth: | $9.7 Billion |
Date of Birth: | January 20, 1959 |
Profession: | Businessperson |
If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.
Early Life
Valerie Anne Mars was born on January 20, 1959, into the illustrious Mars family, known for their vast confectionery empire. She is the daughter of Forrest Mars Jr., a co-owner of Mars, Inc., and Virginia Cretella Mars.
Growing up in a privileged environment, Valerie was surrounded by the success and influence of her family’s business, which was founded by her great-grandfather, Frank C. Mars, in 1911.
Valerie’s early education included attending the Hotchkiss School, a prestigious boarding school, followed by Yale University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.
She later pursued an MBA from Columbia University, further solidifying her academic credentials and preparing her for a significant role in the family business.
Career
Valerie Mars began her professional career at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, where she participated in a training program and eventually rose to the position of Assistant Secretary. She later joined Whitman Heffernan Rhein, a boutique investment company, as a controller.
In 1992, Valerie transitioned to Mars, Inc., marking the beginning of a transformative era for both her and the company. Over the years, she ascended to the role of Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Development, where she has been instrumental in overseeing significant transactions that have shaped the company’s growth trajectory. These include the acquisitions of Wrigley, VCA, Champion Petfoods, and Hotel Chocolat.
In addition to her responsibilities at Mars, Inc., Valerie has made her mark on the corporate world by serving on the boards of several other notable companies.
In 2014, she joined the board of directors of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, becoming the first woman to hold such a position within the company. Her roles extend to the Finnish-Swedish stock company Ahlstrom-Munksjö and the advisory board of Rabobank North America.
In March 2024, she joined Hakluyt’s International Advisory Board, further expanding her influence in the strategic advisory domain.
Personal Life
Valerie Mars married Philip Michael White in 1984, and together they have two sons. The family resides in New York, where Valerie balances her professional responsibilities with her family commitments.
Valerie is deeply committed to philanthropy and environmental conservation. She is actively involved with Conservation International and the Open Space Institute, leveraging her resources and network to support nature protection and landscape preservation initiatives.
Valerie’s personal interests also include flying, as she is a licensed pilot.
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.
