John Franklyn Mars is an American businessman and philanthropist best known for his ties to the Mars family, who own Mars, Incorporated, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of confectionery, pet food, and other food products.
John Mars’ net worth is estimated to be $42 billion as of April 2023.
Mars has been able to maintain and grow his fortune as a member of one of the world’s wealthiest families through his involvement with Mars Inc. and his personal investments.
Franklin Clarence Mars founded Mars Inc., a family-owned confectionery company, in 1911. M&M, Snickers, and Milky Way are some of the company’s most well-known brands.
The company generates more than $35 billion in annual revenue and is currently led by the fourth generation of the Mars family.
John Franklyn Mars was born in Arlington County, Virginia on October 15, 1935. He is the eldest son of Forrest Mars Sr., who founded Mars Inc.
alongside his brother, John Mars. Following Forrest’s death in 1999, John Franklyn and his siblings inherited a 25% stake in Mars Inc., which is now valued at more than $60 billion.
While Mars Inc. has been John Franklyn Mars’ primary source of wealth, he has also made some personal investments over the years. He paid $23 million for a 1,500-acre estate in Virginia in 2008.
The Briar Chapel Farm estate includes a 13,000-square-foot mansion, a pool, a tennis court, and a horse stable. Mars is a horse breeder who has won several prestigious races over the years.
Mars is a philanthropist in addition to his real estate investments. He has given millions of dollars to charities and causes such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Nature Conservancy, and the World Wildlife Fund.