Forrest Mars Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Forrest Mars Jr.
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 16, 1931 Oak Park, Illinois, US
|
| Died | July 26, 2016 (aged 84) |
| Education | Hotchkiss School (1949) New York University (MBA) |
| Known for | Mars, Inc. |
| Spouse(s) | Virginia Cretella (div. 1990) Deborah Adair Clarke. (div. in early 2010). |
| Children | 4 children: Victoria B. Mars Valerie Anne Mars Pamela Diane Mars Marijke Elizabeth Mars |
| Parent(s) | Forrest Mars, Sr. (1904–1999) Audrey Ruth (Meyer) Mars (1910-1989) |
| Relatives | Frank C. Mars (grandfather) John F. Mars (brother) Jacqueline Mars (sister) |
Forrest Edward Mars Jr. (born August 16, 1931 – died July 26, 2016) was an American businessman. He was known for being a leader of Mars, Incorporated, the company that makes popular candies like M&M's and Snickers.
Forrest Jr. was the oldest son of Forrest Mars Sr. His grandfather, Frank C. Mars, started the company. Forrest Jr. helped run Mars, Inc. as a Co-President for many years. He was also a very wealthy person. In 2015, his wealth was estimated to be over $26 billion.
Early Life and Education
Forrest Mars Jr. was born in Oak Park, Illinois. He went to the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut and graduated in 1949. After that, he studied at Yale University. He also served as a finance officer in the United States Army.
His Work at Mars, Inc.
Forrest Mars Jr. began working for his family's company in 1959. His first job was in finance. He quickly moved up in the company. He became the General Manager of a new factory in the Netherlands. Later, he was the Managing Director of Mars France.
In 1970, he came back to the United States. He became a Group Vice President at Mars, Inc. In 1975, he and his brother, John F. Mars, became Co-Presidents. They helped the company grow a lot during this time. Forrest Mars Jr. retired in 1999, but he stayed on the company's Board of Directors until 2006.
Helping Others
Forrest Mars Jr. owned a large piece of land called the Diamond Cross Ranch in Montana. He was interested in protecting the environment. He worked to prevent too much energy development on his land. He was worried about how much water these projects would use, as his ranch needed that water.
Forrest Mars Jr. and his first wife also gave money to help important historical places. They helped rebuild an old 18th-century coffeehouse in Colonial Williamsburg. They also made contributions to Fort Ticonderoga, a historic fort.
His Family
Forrest Mars Jr. married Virginia Cretella. They had four daughters:
- Victoria B. Mars
- Valerie Anne Mars
- Pamela Diane Mars
- Marijke Elizabeth Mars
Each of his daughters later became very wealthy. Forrest Mars Jr. and Virginia divorced in 1990. He then married Deborah Adair Clarke. They divorced in 2010.
Death
Forrest Mars Jr. passed away on July 26, 2016, in Seattle, Washington. He was 84 years old. He died from complications after a heart attack.
