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Billionaire Profile
Marijke Mars
Global Rank
#271

Image: Nationaal Archief | CC0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Marijke Mars

CEO, Candy
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$11.612B
Estimated based on Candy stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
61
Source
Candy, pet food
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Marijke Mars, born in 1965, is an American billionaire heiress and businesswoman. She is a fourth-generation member of the Mars family, renowned for their global empire in confectionery, pet care, and food products. Her wealth primarily stems from her significant ownership stake in Mars, Incorporated, a privately held multinational corporation. With a career rooted in the family business, Marijke has held roles within Mars, Incorporated, including a position at Kal Kan Foods, a pet care division. She currently serves on the board of directors, contributing to the strategic oversight of the company. Her estimated net worth is $12.3 billion, reflecting her inheritance of a portion of the Mars family's wealth, along with her three sisters after their father, Forrest Mars Jr. passed away in 2016. Marijke Mars exemplifies the enduring legacy of entrepreneurial success and philanthropic impact.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Family

Marijke Elizabeth Mars was born in 1965 to Forrest Mars Jr. and Virginia Cretella Mars. She is part of the Mars family, known for their global confectionery, pet care, and food empire. Frank C. Mars founded the company in 1911.

Rise to Success

Marijke graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in 1987. She began her career in the family business, Mars, Incorporated, working in operational roles. Her professional career included a position as a regional manager for Kal Kan Foods, a pet care division of Mars. She also worked within Mars Food. Marijke inherited a significant stake in Mars, Incorporated after the death of her father in 2016.

Key Business Strategies

Marijke Mars serves on the board of directors for Mars, Incorporated, contributing to the governance and strategic oversight of the privately held company. She, like her sisters, is dedicated to maintaining the family ownership and stewardship in the business.

Philanthropy

Marijke Mars is involved in philanthropic activities, focusing on education, health, and environmental conservation, alongside her sisters. Their family foundation supports initiatives promoting science education, health and well-being, and global sustainability efforts. She prefers low-profile philanthropy, channeling much of her giving through family foundations and trusts.

Career Milestones

1987

Graduation from Duke University

Earned a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree.

Early Career

Regional Manager at Kal Kan Foods

Worked as a regional manager for Kal Kan Foods, a pet care division of Mars, Incorporated.

Present

Board Member at Mars, Incorporated

Serves on the board of directors, contributing to the company's strategic oversight.

2016

Inheritance

Inherited an approximately 8% stake in Mars, Inc. after her father's passing.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental Conservation, Education, Health

Mars Family Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, education, and health.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Marijke Mars emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ownership and stewardship in business, ensuring that Mars, Incorporated upholds its values of quality, responsibility, and mutuality across its global operations."

Leadership Principles

Family Ownership and Stewardship

Dedicated to maintaining family control of Mars, Incorporated to ensure long-term focus on responsible growth.

Commitment to Values

Upholding the values of quality, responsibility, and mutuality across global operations.

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