Jacqueline Mars
Food empire heiress Jacqueline Mars is responsible for continuing her family’s recipe for success, whether through their company or their philanthropic pursuits. One of today’s world billionaires, Jacqueline Mars has been consistently profiled among its topmost echelon, and in 2009, she ranks 43rd. She could have easily lived luxuriously off the considerable inheritance, but she chose not to. Her net worth estimated at $14 billion is not a mere product of what was handed down to her, but is a result of her own efforts at further helping the company grow.
The story begins with her grandfather Frank Mars, who started creating chocolate delicacies from his home in Tacoma, Washington in 1911. Years after, Jacqueline’s father, Forrest Sr., introduced the innovation that would become their product line’s selling point. When malt-flavored nougat met their chocolate recipe, the outcome was a candy bar line that instantly became a hit.
The Mars Company was incorporated in 1911. Every American knows Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, Snickers and Mars Bars. Over the years, the company grew to explore other inventions such as Twix, Skittles, and the candy-colored chocolate M&Ms. As such, Mars has become the world’s largest confectioner. Moreover, it has expanded to include premier pet food in their portfolio with Whiskas and Pedigree, as well as Uncle Ben’s Rice.
An alumnus of Bryn Mawr College, the New Jersey native has now taken over the family business with her siblings John Franklin Mars as CEO, and Forrest Edward Mars Jr., when their father died in 1999. Jacqueline Mars holds the position of Corporate Vice President of Mars Inc. Two decades later, the siblings would still belong to the Billionaires Club, an exclusive roster of the wealthiest by Forbes. With 1,125 billionaires in 2008, only 99 of which are women. This year, 68-year old Jacqueline Mars is profiled as the fourth wealthiest woman in the world.
A horse enthusiast, she sits as the Vice President of the U.S Equestrian Team. Jacqueline Mars is also actively involved in the National Sporting Library, for which she serves as an influential member of the board of directors. Among Jacqueline Mars’ many philanthropic commitments are to the Australian Outback doctors and the National Symphony Orchestra, recipients of financial gifts from her. From 2007-2008, she gave a total of $10.3 million to the Mars Foundation, and around $12,200 in political contributions to both parties.