NetWorth
LeaderPortfolio
Mars
Victoria Mars
Rank #287
UNITED STATES•Food & Beverage•Candy, pet food

Victoria Mars

Net Worth
$11.196B
0% (24h)
Victoria Mars is an American heiress, businesswoman, and philanthropist known for her significant role in Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in confectionery and pet care. With a net worth of $12.3 billion, she is a prominent figure in the business world. Her wealth stems from her stake in the family-owned Mars, Inc. Victoria served as the Chairman of Mars, Incorporated. Her career highlights include her role in promoting sustainability and responsible business practices within the company. She is a graduate of Yale University and holds an MBA from The Wharton School. Victoria has been actively involved in various industry events and initiatives, including the Great Place to Work conference. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting organizations like the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Salzburg Global Seminar.

How to read Victoria Mars's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Victoria Mars, we anchor the narrative to Candy and Candy, pet food, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $11.196B alongside global rank #287, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Victoria B. Mars was born in 1956 or 1957. She is a fourth-generation member of the Mars family, the founders of Mars, Incorporated. Her parents are Forrest Mars Jr. and Virginia Cretella. She attended the Foxcroft School and later graduated from Yale University and earned an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Rise to Success

Victoria began her career at Mars, Incorporated in 1978, working in Haguenau, France, and later becoming the Export Manager. She held various positions within the company, including Director of the Marine Systems Division of Mars Electronics International and Vice President of S&F, Commercial, and People and Organization for Dove. In 1997, Victoria was appointed Ombudsman at Mars, Incorporated, a role where she addressed employee concerns and issues.

Key Business Strategies

Victoria played a crucial role in Mars's strategic decisions, including acquisitions and sustainability initiatives. She was also instrumental in promoting an open and egalitarian workplace culture. As chairman, she emphasized the company's five principles: quality, responsibility, mutuality, efficiency, and freedom. Victoria spearheaded efforts to improve associate engagement through the Ombudsman program which provides a confidential channel of communication.

Philanthropy

Victoria Mars is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various organizations and causes, including the Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Conservancy, Mystic Seaport, High Mountain Institute, and Thorncroft Equestrian Center.

Career Timeline

2017

Stepped down as chair of the Mars Incorporated board of directors

After serving in that role for three years.

2014

Chairman of Mars, Incorporated

Appointed Chairman of Mars, Incorporated, replacing Stephen M. Badger.

1997

Ombudsman

Appointed Ombudsman at Mars, Incorporated.

1984

Director of the Marine Systems Division

Director of the Marine Systems Division of Mars Electronics International.

1978

Assistant Brand Manager for Milky Way

Began her career at Mars, Incorporated in Haguenau, France.

Philanthropic Impact

Environmental ConservationUndisclosed

Charles Darwin Foundation

Made charitable contributions to the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Environmental ConservationUndisclosed

Galapagos Conservancy

Donated to the Galapagos Conservancy.

Arts and CultureUndisclosed

Mystic Seaport

Donated to the Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum.

Education and EnvironmentUndisclosed

High Mountain Institute

Donated to the High Mountain Institute.

Community and Equine TherapyUndisclosed

Thorncroft Equestrian Center

Donated to the Thorncroft Equestrian Center.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Mars, Incorporated8.00%—

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Victoria B. Mars was born in 1956 or 1957. She is a fourth-generation member of the Mars family, the founders of Mars, Incorporated. Her parents are Forrest Mars Jr. and Virginia Cretella. She attended the Foxcroft School and later graduated from Yale University and earned an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Rise to Success

Victoria began her career at Mars, Incorporated in 1978, working in Haguenau, France, and later becoming the Export Manager. She held various positions within the company, including Director of the Marine Systems Division of Mars Electronics International and Vice President of S&F, Commercial, and People and Organization for Dove. In 1997, Victoria was appointed Ombudsman at Mars, Incorporated, a role where she addressed employee concerns and issues.

Key Business Strategies

Victoria played a crucial role in Mars's strategic decisions, including acquisitions and sustainability initiatives. She was also instrumental in promoting an open and egalitarian workplace culture. As chairman, she emphasized the company's five principles: quality, responsibility, mutuality, efficiency, and freedom. Victoria spearheaded efforts to improve associate engagement through the Ombudsman program which provides a confidential channel of communication.

Philanthropy

Victoria Mars is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various organizations and causes, including the Charles Darwin Foundation, Galapagos Conservancy, Mystic Seaport, High Mountain Institute, and Thorncroft Equestrian Center.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Victoria Mars are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

You may also like

HubAll BillionairesHubGlobal RankingsHubNewsroom