Jacqueline Mars
Jacqueline Mars | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 10, 1939 United States |
| Occupation(s) | Investor, Heiress |
| Years active | 1982–2001 |
| Known for | Ownership stake in Mars, Inc. |
Jacqueline Mars (born October 10, 1939) is an American investor and heiress, the daughter of Audrey Ruth (Meyer) and Forrest Mars Sr., and granddaughter of Franklin Clarence Mars, the founders of the U.S.-based confectionery company Mars Inc.. In 2023, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index valued her net worth at approximately US$46.6 billion, positioning her as the 23rd wealthiest individual worldwide. That same year, Forbes placed her as the fourth-richest woman globally, estimating her fortune at $38.3 billion.
Early life
Jacqueline Mars was born on October 10, 1939. She completed her secondary education at Miss Hall's School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and graduated with a degree in anthropology from Bryn Mawr College in 1961. During her younger years, she was also engaged in equestrian activities.
Career
As a key member of the Mars family, Jacqueline Mars holds substantial ownership stakes in Mars, Inc.. In April 2024, Forbes assessed her net worth at $38.5 billion, ranking her as the 19th wealthiest American and 34th richest person globally. She began her tenure at Mars, Inc. in 1982 serving as president of the food product division before concentrating on philanthropic efforts through the Mars Foundation. She retired from active company roles in 2001. By June 2019, Forbes recognized her as Virginia’s wealthiest individual, with an estimated net worth of $28.1 billion.
Personal life
In 1961, Mars married David H. Badger; they had three children: Alexandra Badger (born 1991), Stephen M. Badger (born around 1969), and Christa M. Badger (born around 1975). The couple divorced in 1984.
She wed Harold 'Hank' Vogel in 1986 and lived in Bedminster, New Jersey; their marriage ended in divorce in 1994.
Consistent with her siblings’ approach, Mars leads a modest lifestyle and maintains a low public profile.
She serves as a trustee for the U.S. Equestrian Team and owns an operational organic farm safeguarded indefinitely by the Land Trust of Virginia.
2013 automobile crash
At age 74, on October 4, 2013, Mars was involved in a traffic accident on U.S. Route 50 near The Plains, Virginia, where she resides. Her vehicle veered across the centerline and collided with a minivan carrying six passengers. The crash resulted in one immediate fatality and caused a miscarriage for another passenger who was pregnant. Mars was charged with reckless driving after admitting to falling asleep while driving. She pled guilty to the misdemeanor; toxicology reports confirmed no influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident.
Philanthropy
Mars holds the title of Chairman Emeritus on the board of the Washington National Opera and is a board member of the National Sporting Library and Fine Arts Museum. Additionally, she participates on the National Advisory Council for the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, an organization dedicated to preserving American heritage sites stretching from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Monticello near Charlottesville, Virginia.
A frequent contributor to the League of Conservation Voters, Mars has supported institutions such as the National Air and Space Museum and Washington Performing Arts Society, including a $1.4 million gift made in 2013. In recognition of her contributions, she received the inaugural Heritage Award from the Foundation for the National Archives in 2011.
In 2021, she committed $1.25 million toward housing "Angels Unawares", a sculpture by Timothy Schmalz located at The Catholic University of America.