John Mars Net Worth

John Mars Net Worth

(Note: John Mars is notoriously private and there are virtually no public domain photos of him. Pictured is the Mars Inc. headquarters)

John Mars net worth – What is the net worth of John Mars? John Mars is an American billionaire businessman and heir who has a net worth of $45 billion. He is the son of Forrest Mars Sr. and the grandson of Frank C. Mars, the founder of the American candy company Mars, Incorporated. Along with his siblings, he inherited the candy and pet care empire that produces world-famous brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and Pedigree. He is known for his extreme privacy and for overseeing the company’s massive expansion into veterinary care.

What is John Mars’ Net Worth?

As of 2026, John Mars has an estimated net worth of US $45 billion. His wealth comes entirely from his one-third stake in Mars, Incorporated, one of the largest private companies in the world with annual revenues exceeding $50 billion. Unlike many other billionaires, Mars’ wealth is illiquid, tied up in the family business which he and his family staunchly refuse to take public. The company’s portfolio includes not just confectionery but also a massive pet care division (including VCA and Banfield Pet Hospitals) which now accounts for roughly half of the company’s revenue.

Net Worth Comparison with Other Heirs & Food Billionaires

Billionaire Estimated Net Worth
John Mars $45 Billion
Jacqueline Mars $45 Billion
Giovanni Ferrero $43 Billion
Jim Walton $78 Billion
Rob Walton $77 Billion
Alice Walton $72 Billion

John Mars Net Worth Growth Timeline

Year Net Worth
2018 $23 Billion
2020 $29 Billion
2022 $31 Billion
2024 $38 Billion
2026 **$45 Billion**

Who is John Mars?

John Franklyn Mars is a business magnate born on October 15, 1935, in Arlington, Virginia. He is the patriarch of the Mars family, one of the wealthiest dynasties on the planet. Raised with a strict work ethic by his father, he and his brother Forrest Jr. (d. 2016) are credited with transforming Mars, Inc. from a candy giant into a diversified global powerhouse. Despite his immense wealth, he lives a quiet, almost reclusive life in Jackson, Wyoming, far from the glitz of Wall Street or Hollywood.

John Mars Biography

Field Details
Full Name John Franklyn Mars
Nickname The Candy King of Wyoming
Date of Birth October 15, 1935
Age 90 years
Birthplace Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
Nationality American
Profession Businessman, Heir
Years Active 1958–present
Net Worth $45 billion
Source of Wealth Mars, Incorporated (Candy, Pet Care)
Education Yale University (B.S.)
Marital Status Married
Spouse Adrienne Bevis (m. 1958)
Children Linda, Frank, Michael
Parents Forrest Mars Sr., Audrey Ruth Meyer

Early Life and Education

John Mars was born into the legendary Mars family but was not raised in luxury. His father, Forrest Mars Sr., was famously frugal and demanding, believing that his children should earn their keep. John attended the prestigious Hotchkiss School in Connecticut and later graduated from Yale University in 1957.

After college, he served in the U.S. Army for two years before officially joining the family business. His father, determined to test his sons’ mettle, often assigned them difficult tasks to ensure they were capable of running the empire.

Career

John Mars joined Mars, Inc. in 1959. His early career involved launching the company’s pet food operations in Australia, a test of his managerial independence. He proved successful and climbed the ranks alongside his brother, Forrest Jr.

In 1973, the brothers took over the company from their father. Under their joint leadership, Mars, Inc. expanded aggressively globally and diversified significantly. They solidified dominance in the candy aisle with brands like Snickers, Twix, and Skittles, and made the strategic move to acquire Wrigley in 2008 for $23 billion (with help from Warren Buffett). Perhaps most significantly, John oversaw the company’s pivot into veterinary health, acquiring huge chains like Banfield and VCA, making Mars the biggest player in the global pet care market.

Personal Life

John Mars is famously secretive. He married Adrienne Bevis in June 1958, and they have three children: Linda Anne, Frank Edward, and Michael John. The couple resides in Jackson, Wyoming, known for its privacy and tax benefits.

In 2015, in a rare public recognition, John Mars was awarded an honorary knighthood (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle for his services to UK-US business relations. Despite this, he rarely gives interviews and avoids photographers, adhering to the Mars family code of silence.

Favorite Things

Category Favorite
Residence Jackson, Wyoming
Lifestyle Frugal & Private
Value Efficiency (Punching the clock)
Pet Project Veterinary Care Expansion
Company Principle Mutuality

50 Unknown Facts about John Mars

  1. He is the grandson of Frank Mars, who invented the Milky Way bar in 1923.

  2. His father, Forrest Mars Sr., invented the M&M’s brand.

  3. He owns exactly one-third of Mars, Inc.

  4. He is the richest person in the state of Wyoming.

  5. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.

  6. He served in the US Army Corps from 1956 to 1958.

  7. He started his career at Mars in the Australian division.

  8. He and his brother were known for running the company with a “no private offices” policy.

  9. He used to punch a time clock every day, just like every other employee at Mars.

  10. He is fiercely opposed to taking the company public.

  11. He lives in a relatively modest home compared to his net worth.

  12. His company owns Royal Canin, Whiskas, and Pedigree.

  13. He oversaw the acquisition of VCA Inc. for $9.1 billion in 2017.

  14. He has a degree from Yale University.

  15. He attended the Hotchkiss School, a boarding school in Connecticut.

  16. His father reportedly refused to give him candy as a child to prevent cavities.

  17. He and his siblings were raised to be frugal; they received very small allowances.

  18. The Mars family is often compared to the Rothchilds for their secrecy.

  19. He rarely attends high-society galas.

  20. His company is the largest purchaser of cocoa in the world.

  21. He banned executive parking spots at Mars HQ.

  22. He reportedly pays executives based on performance, with bonuses comprising a huge chunk of pay.

  23. He is a supporter of the Smithsonian Institution.

  24. He donated millions to the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.

  25. He has three children, one of whom (Frank) works in the family business.

  26. He is older than his sister Jacqueline Mars.

  27. His brother Forrest Jr. passed away in 2016.

  28. He has never appeared on the Forbes list of “Self-Made” billionaires, but ranks high on the overall list.

  29. He is known for “management by walking around.”

  30. He approved the decision to remove artificial colors from all Mars food products.

  31. His company owns the Ben’s Original (formerly Uncle Ben’s) rice brand.

  32. He helped orchestrate the $23 billion buyout of Wrigley.

  33. He is a man of few words in business meetings.

  34. He values loyalty and long tenure in employees.

  35. He has ensured Mars Inc. remains debt-averse (mostly).

  36. His family’s net worth combined makes them one of the richest families on earth.

  37. He has a net worth larger than the GDP of Bolivia.

  38. He is a fan of the outdoors, which is why he lives in Wyoming.

  39. He has quietly funded conservation efforts.

  40. He maintained his father’s “Five Principles” of business: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.

  41. He keeps the company headquarters (“The Kremlin”) in McLean, Virginia, nondescript.

  42. He once reportedly confiscated the company ID of an executive who arrived late.

  43. He believes privacy is a competitive advantage.

  44. He has authorized billions in investment to map the cocoa genome to save the crop.

  45. He does not use social media.

  46. He is a patron of the arts, though anonymously.

  47. He has faced pressure to sell the company but has steadfastly refused.

  48. He considers the pet care business the future engine of the company.

  49. He is one of the few non-British citizens to receive an honorary knighthood.

  50. He plans to pass his share of the company to the next generation to keep it private.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is John Mars?

John Mars is 90 years old (as of early 2026).

Where does John Mars live?

He resides in Jackson, Wyoming.

Is John Mars married?

Yes, he has been married to Adrienne Bevis since 1958.

How much is John Mars worth?

His estimated net worth is $45 billion.

What company does John Mars own?

He owns one-third of Mars, Incorporated, the company behind Snickers, M&Ms, and Pedigree pet food.

Does John Mars have children?

Yes, he has three children: Linda, Frank, and Michael.

Is Mars Inc. a public company?

No, it is 100% family-owned and private.

Why was John Mars knighted?

He received an honorary knighthood (KBE) from Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for his contributions to the British economy and US-UK business ties.

What is John Mars’ relation to Frank Mars?

John Mars is the grandson of Frank C. Mars, the founder of the company.

Does John Mars give interviews?

Almost never. He is known for his extreme privacy and refusal to speak to the press.

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