John Mars and his two siblings, Forrest Jr. and Jacqueline, own Mars, the world's largest candy maker ($33 billion in sales). They inherited the company in 1999 when their father, Forrest Sr. died. All three are directors but have no day-to-day role.
Background
John Franklyn Mars was born on October 15, 1935. He is the son of Forrest Mars, Sr., and grandson of Frank C. Mars, founders of the American candy company Mars, Incorporated.John’s grandfather, Frank Mars, began making chocolates in 1911 in his Tacoma, WA kitchen. It was his father Forrest Sr. who invented malt-flavored nougat and M&M’s, over 400 million of which are produced in the United States each day. Mars has even branched out into consumer and pet foods with the well known brands Uncle Ben’s Rice and Whiskas under the Mars umbrella. Mars is a noted supporter of Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.
Education
John completed his schooling from Hotchkiss School and graduation from Yale University,before entering his family business.
The hard work done in childhood rewarded John, when he grew up young and became capable of earning a living. After completing his graduation from Yale, John started serving the US Army, wherein he worked for a period of 2 years, 1956-58. After this, he joined his family business with the consent of his father, with his first assignment to initiate a pet food company, far from his home, in Australia.
Although the task was a hard nut to be cracked by an entry-level businessman, yet he deliberately moved to Australia and started working on his assignment. He progressed slowly in his business, while learning many lessons throughout his path and at present, administers the pet food operations of the firm across the world.
Another problem arrived when Hershey became the leading company in America in 1988, pushing the Mars to the 2nd spot, for the first time in the history of the industry. During this era, John accompanied his brother, Forrest Jr, to take the company back to its position, for which, he acquired Ethel M Chocolates, a firm established by their father after handling over Mars to them. This action expanded the operations of their firm and accompanied with some other brilliant decisions moved the company back to its reputable position in 1991.
Tackling every obstacle in his path, John grew into a successful businessman and is generally coined as the main brain of Mars, being the chief-decision maker. Moreover, he is recognized for pushing the firm towards automation that allowed it enhance its productions and hence, spread out to other countries, outside of the USA. Thus, the training that began in childhood rose John Mars to a great height of success.
Politics
John Mars and his wife each gave $300 in 2013 to the Reclaim America PAC, which is the leadership committee of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)
Views
Mars is a noted supporter of Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.
Personality
John learnt lessons of economical living with food and money in his childhood, when his father refused to spend money ona decent living, in orde to build his business. As the time passed, he developed the habit of working for everything he that wanted in his life with no availability of fancy clothes, cars and other allowances. This harsh lifestyle was induced to John by his father with a focus to make him productive instead of playboys
Connections
He is married. His wife is Adrienne Bevis . They have three children: Linda Anne Mars, Frank Edward Mars Michael John Mars
Father:
Forrest Mars
Grandfather:
Frank C. Mars
References
John Mars Net Worth - Richest Celebrities 2016
How much is John Mars Net Worth? Find out one of the richest celebrities in 2015 and 2016 - John Mars Net Worth and valuable assets: luxury cars, yachts, houses, salary & money.
The Queen has presented Mars bar billionaire John Mars with an honorary knighthood.
The monarch shook hands with the American businessman, whose family own the well known Mars confectionery firm, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
She presented him with the Insignia of an Honorary Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
The Queen has presented Mars bar billionaire John Mars with an honorary knighthood.
The monarch shook hands with the American businessman, whose family own the well known Mars confectionery firm, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
She presented him with the Insignia of an Honorary Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
