Early Life
Marijke Elizabeth Mars was born in 1965 in Veghel, Netherlands. She is the daughter of Forrest Mars Jr. and Virginia Cretella. The Mars family is known for their confectionery and pet food businesses. Marijke has three sisters: Pamela Mars-Wright, Valerie Mars, and Victoria B. Mars. The family moved to the Netherlands in 1962 and later to France in 1966 before returning to the United States in 1970.
Rise to Success
Marijke Mars is a fourth-generation member of the Mars family and inherited an estimated 8% stake in Mars, Incorporated after her father, Forrest Mars Jr., passed away in 2016. She graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in 1987. Her career began at Mars, Incorporated, where she served as a regional manager for Kal Kan Foods, a pet food division. She is currently associated with Mars Food.
Key Business Strategies
Marijke Mars has been involved in sustaining the legacy of Mars, Incorporated, contributing to its status as a leading global confectionery and pet care company. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ownership and stewardship, ensuring the company upholds its values of quality, responsibility, and mutuality across its global operations. Her leadership prioritizes employee well-being and corporate culture. She emphasizes maintaining the company’s family-owned legacy while integrating modern business strategies.
Philanthropy
The Mars family has a long history of charitable work, particularly in environmental sustainability, education, and global health. Marijke supports initiatives reflecting her commitment to improving lives and supporting communities through private foundations or family trusts. Specific philanthropic endeavors are not widely publicized, but the family has historically engaged in various charitable activities.
