Who is Jacqueline Mars?

I. Early Life and Family Background

Jacqueline Badger Mars was born on October 10, 1939, into one of America’s most iconic entrepreneurial families. She is the daughter of Forrest Mars Sr. and Audrey Ruth (Meyer), and the granddaughter of Franklin Clarence Mars, who founded Mars, Incorporated in 1911.

Raised primarily in The Plains, Virginia, Jacqueline grew up in an environment steeped in enterprise and privacy. Her family was—and remains—deeply committed to preserving both the Mars corporate legacy and a culture of discretion. Although vast in wealth and reach, the Mars family has long been shielded from the public eye.

From a young age, Jacqueline was exposed to equestrian pursuits and horses, reflective of her later interests and lifelong passions. She attended Miss Hall’s School in Massachusetts and later graduated in 1961 from Bryn Mawr College with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology—a field that hints at her lifelong curiosity about culture, people, and society.

II. Mars, Incorporated: Corporate Legacy and Wealth

Mars, Inc.: Giant of Confectionery and Pet Care

Mars, Incorporated is among the world’s most recognized family-owned enterprises, producing some of the most beloved confections and food products globally. Its iconic brands include:

M&M’s
Snickers
Mars Bar
Twix
Skittles

Beyond candy, Mars Inc. also owns major pet food and care brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin, and is a significant player in packaged foods with brands like Ben’s Original.

Under Jacqueline’s grandfather and father, the company expanded exponentially. Frank C. Mars first made buttercream candies in his Tacoma, Washington home. His son, Forrest Sr., propelled Mars into global markets, introducing enduring favorites like Milky Way and setting the stage for diversification into pet care and food products.

Jacqueline’s Stake and Wealth

Jacqueline Mars owns an estimated one-third of Mars, Inc., a stake that places her among the richest individuals on the planet. As of early 2026, her net worth was valued in the $40–42+ billion range, ranking her within the top 50 richest people worldwide.

Her siblings—brother John Mars and the late Forrest Mars Jr.—inherited equal shares. After Forrest Jr.’s death in 2016, his share was divided among his daughters. Jacqueline’s own son, Stephen M. Badger, remains active in business though not at the helm of Mars, Inc. itself.

Work Within Mars Inc.

Jacqueline worked directly for Mars, Inc. from 1982 to 2001, serving as President of the Food Product Group during that period. Her leadership role involved helping steer food product strategy and business decisions. After stepping back from operational leadership in 2001, she continued serving on the company’s board until about 2016.

Her professional tenure is notable because many heirs of fortunes do not take on formal roles—Jacqueline’s active engagement for nearly two decades marked her as one of the few family members with substantial corporate experience.

III. Personal Life, Interests, and Character

Family and Marriages

Jacqueline married David H. Badger in 1961, the same year she graduated from college. The couple had three children: Alexandra, Stephen, and Christa. They divorced in 1984. She later married Harold “Hank” Vogel in 1986; they divorced in 1994.

Despite her extraordinary wealth, Mars has been known for a relatively low-profile lifestyle. She has lived primarily in Virginia, where she owns and operates Stonehall Farm, a working organic farm that specializes in sustainable agriculture, horse training, and breeding.

Love for Equestrian Pursuits

Jacqueline Mars’s passion for horses is not merely recreational; it is a defining part of her identity. She has been a long-time supporter and benefactor of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, and her name is attached to the Jacqueline B. Mars National Competition & Training Grants, which assist riders preparing for elite competitions, including events en route to championships and Olympic-level performance.

This involvement reflects a deeper commitment to nurturing talent and giving back to the sporting community, particularly in disciplines historically associated with tradition and heritage.

IV. Philanthropy: A Quiet but Impactful Legacy

Jacqueline Mars is far more than a wealthy business heir; she is a dedicated philanthropist who channels her resources into arts, culture, conservation, and education—often quietly and without fanfare.

Cultural and Educational Support

Mars has longstanding affiliations with premier cultural institutions:

Washington National Opera – former board chair
National Sporting Library and Fine Arts Museum – board member
Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area – advisory council participant
National Archives Foundation – she was the first recipient of the Heritage Award, honoring contributions to preserving American heritage and civic history.

Her support extends to institutions such as the Land Trust of Virginia, which protects her farm lands in perpetuity and aligns with broader conservation efforts.

Conservation and Environment

Mars has consistently supported environmental causes. She has donated to the League of Conservation Voters, reflecting her commitment to environmental stewardship and influence in public policy circles that support sustainability.

Her philanthropic perspective underscores a belief that wealth should safeguard culture and heritage, promote healthy ecosystems, and strengthen educational opportunities.

Philanthropy in Perspective

While her fortune places her among the world’s richest, external commentators note that the Mars family’s overall philanthropic footprint has historically been modest relative to its collective wealth. Nonetheless, Jacqueline’s signature approach is one of strategic support—targeted contributions that align with heritage, culture, and long-term societal benefit rather than broad, headline-grabbing giving.

V. Controversies and Public Incidents

In 2013, Jacqueline Mars was involved in a serious automobile accident in Virginia that resulted in a fatality and injuries. She pled guilty to reckless driving and was fined. The incident received considerable media attention at the time, a rare moment in her otherwise private life.

Despite this, her broader public profile remains measured and circumspect, reflecting a deliberate focus on privacy.

VI. Legacy and Influence Through 2025–2026

Continued Wealth and Ranking

As of early 2026, Jacqueline Mars’s net worth was about $41–42+ billion, with her ranking remaining among the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Her ongoing influence is not through corporate executive power but through ownership, board participation, cultural stewardship, and targeted philanthropy. She exemplifies an heir who transitioned from operational roles into strategic patronage while preserving the Mars family legacy across generations.

Passing the Torch

While she is no longer active in day-to-day corporate operations, her influence continues through family members involved in related ventures, such as her son Stephen M. Badger, who has pursued entrepreneurial activities outside the core Mars Inc. structure.

A Lasting, Quiet Footprint

Jacqueline Mars’s story is not defined solely by the brands that millions enjoy around the world, but by her lifelong dedication to cultural heritage, conservation, and community enrichment. Her legacy reflects a blend of immense privilege and purposeful stewardship—balancing family heritage, personal passion, and societal contribution.

Conclusion

Jacqueline Mars stands as a unique figure in the landscape of global wealth: simultaneously an heiress to a candy empire, a dedicated patron of equestrian sports, and a guarded philanthropist whose impact resonates in art houses, conservation trusts, and educational institutions. Through her life and work spanning more than eight decades she has exemplified how inherited fortune can be navigated with discretion, purpose, and long-term perspective.