Forrest Mars, Jr.

Date of Birth: August 16, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: July 26, 2016

Biography

Forrest Edward Mars, Jr. was an American businessman and the son of Forrest Mars, Sr., and the grandson of Frank C. Mars, the founder of the American candy company Mars, Incorporated. Born into the family that created iconic products like M&M’s and Mars bars, Forrest Mars, Jr. played a significant role in the expansion and success of the family business. He joined Mars, Inc. in 1959 and worked his way up through various positions, eventually serving as co-president with his brother, John Mars, and sister, Jacqueline Mars. Under their leadership, Mars, Inc. became one of the largest privately-owned companies in the world, diversifying into pet care, beverages, and food products. Forrest Mars, Jr. was known for his dedication to maintaining the company’s private status and family ownership. The Mars family is famously secretive, and Forrest Mars, Jr. upheld this tradition, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances. Despite his low public profile, his business acumen and strategic decisions greatly contributed to the growth and profitability of Mars, Inc. Beyond the business, he was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of conservation and historic preservation.

5 Interesting Facts about Forrest Mars, Jr.

1. Forrest Mars, Jr. was instrumental in the creation of Uncle Ben’s Rice, a popular brand that diversified Mars, Inc.’s product offerings.

2. He was a significant donor to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, contributing over $10 million to preserve American history.

3. Mars, Inc. became one of the largest private companies in the world under his leadership, with annual revenues exceeding $35 billion.

4. He was a passionate advocate for the environment and invested in conservation projects, including the American Prairie Reserve.

5. Despite the Mars family’s wealth, Forbes listed Forrest Mars, Jr. among the richest people in the world, yet he and his family remained intensely private about their personal lives and business dealings.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Forrest Mars, Jr.

1. “Our family has always believed that keeping Mars a private company allows us to focus on what we believe is right for the long-term.”

2. “It’s not about the money; it’s about the legacy and the quality of the products we offer.”

3. “Preserving history is about more than just keeping old buildings intact; it’s about understanding our past to make better decisions for the future.”

4. “The key to our success has always been our commitment to quality and innovation.”

5. “We believe in giving back to the community, but we prefer to do so quietly and without fanfare.”