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Billionaire Profile
Jacqueline Mars
Global Rank
#37

Image: Unknown authorUnknown author | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jacqueline Mars

CEO, Candy
The Plains, Virginia
Real-Time Net Worth
$50.3B
Estimated based on Candy stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
86
Source
Candy, pet food
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
United States

Biography

Jacqueline Mars is among the world's most closely watched billionaires from UNITED STATES, with an estimated fortune of $45.5B. The bulk of Jacqueline Mars's wealth comes from Candy, pet food, closely tied to Candy. Jacqueline Mars is an American heiress and investor, known for her significant stake in Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in the confectionery and pet food industries. Born in 1939, Mars is the granddaughter of Frank C. Mars, the founder of the company. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in anthropology. Her career at Mars, Inc. spanned nearly two decades, where she held roles including Food Product Group President. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $49.1 billion, making her one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Beyond her business achievements, Mars is known for her philanthropy, particularly in the areas of equestrian sports, conservation, and the arts. Key career milestones include Joined Mars, Inc. (1982); Retired from Daily Responsibilities (2001); Left the Board of Directors (2016). This profile documents verified holdings, career milestones, and multi-year net worth history drawn from Forbes rankings, company filings where available, and our editorial methodology. Readers use it to understand how public markets, private company stakes, and major business bets shape one of the largest personal fortunes on record. Wealth estimates move with stock prices, funding rounds, and disclosed transactions—figures on this page are research estimates, not cash balances. We publish year-by-year net worth history when verified data exists, link to primary sources, and update profiles when Forbes Real-Time Billionaires or major filings change the picture materially. For investors and researchers, the most useful reading pairs the headline number with ownership structure, geography, sector exposure, and the multi-year history chart on this page—especially during volatile markets when single-day moves can shift rankings without any operational change at the underlying companies.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$50.3B
2025$49.1B
2024$49.1B
2023$38.3B
2022$45.0B
2021$35.0B
2020$30.0B

Portfolio Holdings

Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated

Food Beverage
$16.3B
Holdings Value
Ownership
33.3%
Revenue
$50.0B
McLean, Virginia, U.S.
140,000+ employees
Founded 1911

In-Depth Profile

Jacqueline Mars Net Worth in 2026

Jacqueline Mars's fortune reflects listed equity, private company stakes, and other assets tied to Candy, pet food. Our current estimate stands at $45.5B, updated from Forbes Real-Time Billionaires data and cross-checked against company ownership records where disclosed. Rankings can shift quickly when a core holding re-prices on public markets or a private valuation is revised after a funding round.

How Jacqueline Mars Built Their Wealth

Jacqueline Mars accumulated wealth through Candy, pet food. Candy remains the central operating company in most public estimates, meaning its valuation and Jacqueline Mars's reported ownership stake drive much of the net worth figure. Early career decisions, founding roles, and subsequent scaling of operating businesses typically explain how concentrated equity positions became a global top-tier fortune.

Portfolio and Business Context

Shareholding tables, financial history charts, and linked company profiles on this page show how Jacqueline Mars's wealth shifts with market cycles. Compare year-over-year net worth history, related billionaire profiles, and sector rankings for additional context. When multiple companies appear in the source-of-wealth field, treat each as a separate exposure: public tickers update daily, while private assets may revalue only when credible transactions or disclosures occur.

How We Research This Profile

Editors combine Forbes billionaire list data, company market capitalization, disclosed ownership where available, and historical net worth series stored in our database. We do not publish synthetic chart points—only documented years appear in financial history modules. See our methodology page for sourcing standards and the corrections page to flag material errors.

Career Milestones

1982

Joined Mars, Inc.

Began her career at Mars, Incorporated, contributing to the growth and direction of its major brands.

2001

Retired from Daily Responsibilities

Retired from her daily responsibilities at Mars, but remained a co-owner and advisor.

2016

Left the Board of Directors

Stepped down from the board of directors of Mars, Inc.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Sports

U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation

Supports equestrian athletes and programs.

Education

Bryn Mawr College Scholarship

$10M

Gifted $10 million towards undergraduate scholarships.

Culture

National Archives Foundation

Supports programs promoting American heritage.

Environment

League of Conservation Voters

Supports environmental causes.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I hope this gift helps ensure that financial need is never a barrier to that opportunity."

Leadership Principles

Commitment to Sustainability

Supports environmental and ethical business practices.

Family Values

Maintains the values and vision of the founder.

Controversies & Challenges

2013

Car Accident

Involved in a car accident in 2013, charged with reckless driving.

Billionaires Connected to Jacqueline Mars

Peers in Food & Beverage

All Food & Beverage billionaires

Richest in United States

All billionaires from United States

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jacqueline Mars's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Jacqueline Mars's estimated net worth is $50.348 billion, ranking #37 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did Jacqueline Mars make their money?
Jacqueline Mars's wealth primarily comes from Candy, pet food, most notably through Candy.
Where is Jacqueline Mars from?
Jacqueline Mars is from United States.
How old is Jacqueline Mars?
Jacqueline Mars is 86 years old.

Sources & References

Citations for this profile have not been published yet. Net worth figures here are estimates and should not be treated as verified. See our methodology for how these estimates are produced, or report a correction.