Jacqueline Mars Net Worth

(Note: Jacqueline Mars is famously private; pictured is the Mars Inc. headquarters)

Jacqueline Mars net worth – What is the net worth of Jacqueline Mars? Jacqueline Mars is an American heiress and investor who has a net worth of $45 billion. She is the granddaughter of Frank C. Mars, the founder of the legendary American candy company Mars, Incorporated. As a one-third owner of the world’s largest candy maker, she holds a massive stake in a private empire that produces brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and Milky Way, as well as a dominant portfolio of pet care brands including Pedigree and VCA Animal Hospitals.

What is Jacqueline Mars’ Net Worth?

As of 2026, Jacqueline Mars has an estimated net worth of US $45 billion. Her fortune is derived almost exclusively from her inherited stake in Mars, Incorporated, which she shares with her brother, John Mars, and the heirs of her late brother, Forrest Mars Jr. The company generates over $50 billion in annual revenue. While best known for candy, a significant portion of the company’s value—and thus Jacqueline’s wealth—now comes from its massive pet care division, which includes Banfield Pet Hospital and Royal Canin.

Net Worth Comparison with Other Heiresses

Billionaire	Estimated Net Worth
Jacqueline Mars	$45 Billion
Alice Walton	$72 Billion
Julia Koch	$60 Billion
MacKenzie Scott	$35 Billion
Miriam Adelson	$32 Billion
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers	$90 Billion

Jacqueline Mars Net Worth Growth Timeline

Year	Net Worth
2018	$23 Billion
2020	$28 Billion
2022	$32 Billion
2024	$38 Billion
2026	$45 Billion

Who is Jacqueline Mars?

Jacqueline Mars is a philanthropist and equestrian born on October 10, 1939. While she is a member of the Mars family dynasty, she carved out her own role within the company, serving as the Food Product Group President and remaining on the board until 2016. Unlike the public-facing founders of tech giants, she maintains a low profile, residing on a working farm in Virginia. She is a prominent figure in the equestrian world and a major patron of the arts in Washington, D.C.

Jacqueline Mars Biography

Field	Details
Full Name	Jacqueline Mars
Nickname	Jackie
Date of Birth	October 10, 1939
Age	86 years
Birthplace	United Kingdom (born during family expansion)
Nationality	American
Profession	Heiress, Investor, Philanthropist
Years Active	1982–2016 (at Mars Inc.)
Net Worth	$45 billion
Source of Wealth	Mars, Incorporated
Education	Bryn Mawr College (B.A. in Anthropology)
Marital Status	Divorced
Spouses	David Badger (1961–1984), Harold Vogel (1986–1994)
Children	Stephen Badger, Alexandra Airth, Christa Badger
Parents	Forrest Mars Sr., Audrey Ruth Meyer

Early Life and Education

Jacqueline Mars was born in the United Kingdom while her father, Forrest Mars Sr., was expanding the family business in Europe. She was raised in a strict, frugal household despite the family’s growing fortune. She attended Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, a prestigious all-girls boarding school.

She went on to study at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1961 with a degree in anthropology. This educational background gave her a distinct perspective when she eventually joined the family business, focusing on human resources and corporate culture.

Career

Jacqueline joined Mars, Incorporated in 1982. She worked actively in the company for nearly 20 years, serving as the Food Product Group President. In this role, she oversaw the development and marketing of food products, contributing to the diversification of the company beyond just confectionery.

She served on the Mars, Inc. Board of Directors until her retirement in 2016. Her son, Stephen Badger, later served as the Chairman of the Board, continuing her line’s influence on the company’s direction. She remains a co-owner, benefiting from the company’s strategic acquisitions, such as the $9 billion purchase of VCA Inc. in 2017.

Personal Life

Jacqueline Mars has been married and divorced twice. Her first marriage was to David Badger, with whom she has three children: Stephen, Alexandra, and Christa. Her second marriage was to Harold “Hank” Vogel, which ended in divorce in 1994.

She lives on a sprawling estate in The Plains, Virginia, called Stonehall Farm. In 2013, she was involved in a tragic car accident in Northern Virginia when her Porsche SUV crossed the center line and struck a minivan, resulting in the death of an 86-year-old woman and an unborn child. She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving, expressing deep regret and paying a fine, avoiding jail time due to the lack of drugs or alcohol involvement.

Favorite Things

Category	Favorite
Sport	Equestrian (Eventing)
Interest	Opera
Organization	Washington National Opera
Animal	Horse
Residence	The Plains, Virginia

50 Unknown Facts about Jacqueline Mars

She is the granddaughter of Frank Mars, founder of the candy empire.
She was born in the UK but is an American citizen.
She owns one-third of Mars, Inc., making her one of the richest women in the world.
She has a degree in Anthropology.
She is a massive supporter of the U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team.
She owns a working farm in Virginia that trains Olympic-level horses.
She was inducted into the United States Eventing Association Hall of Fame.
She serves on the board of the Washington National Opera.
She merged her love for arts and heritage by supporting the Kennedy Center.
She worked at Mars Inc. for over 20 years.
Her son, Stephen Badger, was the chairman of Mars Inc.
She is known for being down-to-earth despite her billions.
She survived a fatal car accident in 2013.
She was fined $2,500 for the 2013 accident.
She is a trustee of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
She helped Mars Inc. expand into the pet food market.
She is a major donor to the National Museum of American History.
She supports the “Journey Through Hallowed Ground” partnership to preserve American history.
She is the richest person living in Virginia.
She rarely gives interviews to the press.
She and her brothers were raised with very little pocket money to teach them the value of work.
She attended Miss Hall’s School in Massachusetts.
She is a benefactor of the National Sporting Library and Museum.
She has played a key role in keeping Mars Inc. a private company.
She often attends high-profile equestrian events like the Maryland 5 Star.
She funded the Jacqueline B. Mars Pavilion at the finest opera houses.
She is younger than her brother John Mars.
Her father, Forrest Mars Sr., was known for his extreme temper and drive.
She inherited her stake in the company in 1999 upon her father’s death.
She is a “quiet” philanthropist, often donating anonymously.
She has supported the Smithsonian Institution.
She is a fan of classical music.
She has a net worth roughly equal to the GDP of Jordan.
She owns properties in New Jersey and Florida as well.
She is divorced and has not remarried since 1994.
She has a strong interest in land conservation.
She is a board member of the National Archives Foundation.
She helped establish the Mars Foundation.
She is one of the few women to have served in top leadership at Mars Inc.
She is a supporter of the “Sporting Art” genre.
She has owned several champion eventing horses.
She is friends with other high-profile equestrians.
She values privacy above celebrity status.
She was ranked as the 19th richest American in 2024.
She has donated to the Bryn Mawr College scholarship fund.
She grew up watching her father build the M&M’s brand.
She is a regular attendee of the Washington International Horse Show.
She believes in “Mutuality,” a core Mars corporate principle.
She has a low digital footprint with no verified social media accounts.
She plans to keep the Mars company within the family for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Jacqueline Mars?

Jacqueline Mars is 86 years old (as of 2026).

Where does Jacqueline Mars live?

She resides on a farm in The Plains, Virginia.

Is Jacqueline Mars married?

No, she is divorced. She was previously married to David Badger and Harold Vogel.

How much is Jacqueline Mars worth?

Her estimated net worth is $45 billion.

Does Jacqueline Mars work at Mars Inc.?

She is retired from day-to-day operations but remains a co-owner and was a board member until 2016.

What is the source of her wealth?

She inherited one-third of Mars, Incorporated, the global candy and pet care company.

Does Jacqueline Mars have children?

Yes, she has three children: Stephen, Alexandra, and Christa.

What sports does Jacqueline Mars support?

She is a major patron of equestrian sports, specifically three-day eventing.

Was Jacqueline Mars in a car accident?

Yes, in 2013, she was involved in a fatal accident in Virginia for which she pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless driving.

Is she the richest woman in America?

She is one of the richest, but typically ranks behind Alice Walton and Julia Koch.