The families of billionaires are regularly discussed in the media, and one such individual is none other than John Franklyn Mars. He became well-known as an American business tycoon who developed Mars Inc., Forrest Mars Sr.'s son. John, like his entire family members, is known for keeping a quiet life, though.
Mars' private life has drawn the interest of a lot of people because he comes from a powerful business dynasty. So let's find out in this brief piece how he manages to juggle his personal and business lives.
Victoria B. Mars Biography - American Billionaire
Son Of Multibillionaire
John Franklyn Mars was born to his parents, Forrest Mars Sr. and Audrey Ruth, on October 15, 1935. John Mars' father was a multibillionaire businessman and one of the heirs to Mars Inc., the largest confectionery producer in the world. Forrest Sr. is well known for launching Milky Way (1924), Mars chocolate candy bars (1932), and M&M's (1941). The late Frank C. Mars, who founded Mars Inc., is John's grandfather.
Besides, Mars grew up with his brother Forrest Mars Jr., and sister Jacqueline Mars in Arlington, Virginia, United States. Both of his siblings are wealthy businesspeople and the heirs to the family's confectionery empire. Jacquline held the position of president of a food product group at Mars Inc. from 1982 to 2001, while Forrest Jr. served as co-president of the family company from 1975 to 1999. Unfortunately, his brother passed away in 2016.
John Franklyn Mars's brother Forrest E. Mars, Jr. passed away in 2016. Photo Source: Mars Inc. Twitter.
While growing up, John attended the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, and graduated in 1953. He later went to Yale University.
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John Franklyn Mars Net Worth And Career
Inspired by his late father and grandfather, the billionaire continues to serve alongside his sister on the company's board. When John Mars' grandfather passed away in 1934, his dad, Forrest, took over the company and diversified into the care of animals. Then, in 1969, he handed ownership to his two sons, John and the late Forrest Jr., and stepped back from day-to-day leadership. Today, Mars Inc. enjoys yearly sales of close to $45 billion.
John Franklyn Mars, as a part of the Mars family, owned a $10 billion stake in the business and other assets as of September 2010. As per Forbes, this made him the 52nd-richest individual in the world and the 26th-richest person in the United States that year. Mars had an estimated wealth of 20.1 billion as of October 2012, making him the 30th richest person in the world. According to Forbes' report, John Franklin Mars' net worth as of January 2023 is $38.6 billion.
Similarly, John's niece Marijke Mars is another billionaire heiress who has carried on her family's legacy and worked for Mars Inc.
Married To Adrienne Bevis
John Franklyn Mars married his wife Adrienne Bevis in June 1958, and the couple has been together since then. The duo has been blessed with three children: Linda Anne Mars, Frank Edward Mars, and Michael John Mars. Before moving to Jackson, Wyoming, the couple resided in Fairfax County, Virginia.
In addition, John Mars' wife serves as a trustee, director, and emerita trustee on the board of trustees at Wheaton College. She sits on the National Air and Space Museum's Emeritus National Board. His children must be busy with their professional careers.
Forrest Mars' son enjoys a happy familial life, and he also looks quite content to lead his life as a businessman. Furthermore, we hope that John Franklyn Mars' kids and other household members will carry his legacy.
Trivia And Facts
- As per Forbes, John Franklyn Mars was the highest-ranked individual whose photo was not provided to the publication in 2010 to 2014 Forbes rankings of personal wealth.
- He received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in March 2015 at Windsor Castle.