Billionaire Profile
William Wrigley Jr. II
Global Rank
#1192

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William Wrigley Jr. II

CEO, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.6B
Estimated based on Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company stock value as of April 20, 2026
Age
62
Source
Chewing gum
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
US

Biography

William Wrigley Jr. II, also known as Beau Wrigley, is an American billionaire and heir to the Wrigley chewing gum fortune. Born on October 6, 1963, he is the great-grandson of William Wrigley Jr., the founder of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, a globally recognized leader in confectionery and the largest manufacturer of chewing gum in the world. Beau Wrigley took over the family business in 1999, and expanded the company. In 2008, he orchestrated the sale of the Chicago-based firm to Mars, Inc. for $23 billion. His source of wealth is primarily from the Wrigley fortune and subsequent investments. Wrigley's career highlights include a shift into the cannabis industry, where he became CEO of Parallel, a company that sells cannabis products. His net worth is estimated at $3.6 billion as of November 2025.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

William Wrigley Jr. II, or Beau Wrigley, was born on October 6, 1963. He is the son of William Wrigley III and Alison Hunter, and the great-grandson of William Wrigley Jr., the founder of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. He graduated from Phoenix Country Day School in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rise to Success

Wrigley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Duke University in 1985. He later attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, completing the Advanced Management Program. He joined Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company in 1985. Under his leadership, the company expanded by acquiring Altoids and Life Savers from Kraft Foods in 2005.

Key Business Strategies

In 2008, Beau Wrigley led the sale of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company to Mars, Inc. for $23 billion. Following the sale, he moved into the cannabis industry, becoming CEO of Parallel, a company that produces cannabis products. He is currently the chairman of Parallel.

Philanthropy

Beau Wrigley co-founded the Sue Hostetler & Beau Wrigley Family Foundation in 2017. The foundation supports initiatives in arts equity, reproductive health access, and mental health resources, among other causes.

Career Milestones

1985

Joined Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company

Began his career at the family-owned chewing gum company.

1999

CEO of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company

Became the fourth-generation family member to lead the company.

2005

Acquisition of Altoids and Life Savers

Expanded the company by acquiring these brands from Kraft Foods.

2008

Sale of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company to Mars, Inc.

Oversaw the sale of the company for $23 billion.

2018

CEO of Parallel

Became CEO of a company focused on cannabis products.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Sue Hostetler & Beau Wrigley Family Foundation

$1M+

Supports initiatives in arts equity, reproductive health access, and mental health resources, among other causes.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""The flavor lasts.""