18.John Mars

John Mars

 Net Worth

$17 B As of September 2012

At a Glance

• Age: 76
• Source of Wealth: candy
• Residence: Jackson, WY
• Country of Citizenship: United States
• Education: Diploma, The Hotchkiss School; Bachelor of Arts / Science, Yale University
• Marital Status: Married
• Children: 3

Forbes Lists

#18 Forbes 400

#52 Forbes Billionaires 

#22 in United States

 

Profile:

John Mars and his siblings, Forrest Jr. and Jacqueline, own $33 billion (estimated sales) Mars, the world's largest candy company thanks in part to its $23 billion acquisition of gum maker Wrigley's in 2008. Sales of Skittles, the candy Trayvon Martin was eating when he was killed, spiked, as people bought the chewy candy in memory of him.The candy maker's other famous brands include Milky Way, M&M's, 3 Musketeers, Twix, and Snickers, reportedly named for the Mars family's favorite horse. John's grandfather, Frank Mars, began making chocolates in 1911 in his Tacoma, Wash. kitchen. His father, Forrest Sr., joined the company in 1929, around same time when the firm invented malt-flavored nougat that became the basis of Milky Way and Snickers; also M&M's, over 400 million of which are produced in the United States each day.. It also owns food brands like Uncle Ben's Rice and pet food brand Whiskas. Mars is a noted supporter of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.