Marijke Mars: Legacy and Leadership in the Candy and Pet Food Industry

Marijke Mars, one of the heirs to Mars, Incorporated, stands as a significant figure in a family-driven empire known for its iconic candies and pet food products. Mars, Incorporated, is a global leader in the confectionery and pet care industries, and its products, such as Milky Way, Dove, Skittles, Pedigree, and Whiskas, have become household names. Marijke, along with her three sisters, inherited a substantial stake in the family business following the death of their father, Forrest Mars Jr., in 2016, ensuring that the Mars legacy continues to thrive across generations.

Marijke’s story begins with the company’s origins. Her great-grandfather, Frank Mars, founded the company in 1911, establishing what would become one of the most influential and recognizable brands in the world. Frank’s passion for quality candy led him to create his first candy, the “Milky Way” bar, which would go on to define Mars as a candy powerhouse. The company’s growth over the years has been built on a foundation of family values, innovation, and a commitment to producing products that bring joy to consumers worldwide.

Mars, Incorporated began as a small candy company and steadily expanded, producing a range of famous treats such as Milky Way, Snickers, M&M’s, and Twix. But the company didn’t stop at sweets. It branched out into the pet food market in the 1930s with the acquisition of Pedigree, a move that would solidify its place in the pet care industry. Over the decades, Mars has grown to be much more than a candy manufacturer, diversifying into a global conglomerate with a wide array of products, including rice (Ben’s Original), pet food, and even gum. With such a broad portfolio of products, Mars has become a name that signifies quality and reliability.

When Forrest Mars Jr., the son of Frank Mars and a key figure in the company’s development, passed away in 2016, he left behind a significant legacy. Forrest Mars Jr. had successfully navigated the company through decades of expansion, acquiring new brands, and keeping Mars, Incorporated as a privately-held company. Upon his death, the wealth from his substantial shareholding was passed on to his four daughters, one of whom is Marijke Mars. Each sister inherited an estimated 8% stake in the company, positioning them as significant stakeholders in the future direction of Mars, Incorporated.

Marijke Mars, alongside her sisters, has been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding and growing the business that has spanned over a century. The Mars family has long been known for its hands-off management style, with the family taking a backseat to the day-to-day operations of the business. However, the family’s influence remains potent, with each sister having an active role on the company’s board of directors. Marijke Mars continues to play an integral role in ensuring the family’s values are upheld as the company navigates the modern business world.

While Marijke is part of a larger family structure within Mars, her individual influence is significant. The Mars family is a true testament to how family businesses can endure and thrive across generations, even in industries that have seen tremendous change. As a board member, Marijke Mars helps guide the company’s overall direction, ensuring that Mars remains at the forefront of the industries it serves, while maintaining the commitment to quality and innovation that her great-grandfather Frank Mars instilled in the company over 100 years ago.

The Mars company’s ongoing success can be attributed to its ability to adapt and innovate, especially in the face of changing market dynamics. The pet food industry, in particular, has experienced rapid growth, with Mars becoming one of the world’s largest producers of pet food. Brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin have helped shape the market for pet care products and have earned Mars a loyal following among pet owners around the globe. This commitment to quality extends beyond pet food, with Ben’s Original rice being another pillar in Mars’ diversified business model. These strategic expansions have solidified Mars’ position as a household name across a wide range of consumer goods.

Marijke’s influence is also reflected in the company’s emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. As a member of the Mars board of directors, she is involved in the company’s initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, improve sustainability practices, and support communities where Mars operates. The family’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility is evident in the way the company operates, with Mars dedicating resources to ethical sourcing, sustainability in production processes, and giving back to communities worldwide.

The Mars family’s unique approach to corporate governance has allowed it to retain control of the business while avoiding the pitfalls that many other family-owned companies face as they expand. The decision to keep Mars a privately-held company has allowed for long-term planning and strategic decision-making, ensuring that the company’s core values and vision are preserved. Under Marijke Mars and her sisters’ leadership, Mars has continued to stay true to its founding principles, even as it moves into new markets and embraces modern challenges.

Beyond the business world, Marijke Mars’ family has become a symbol of generational wealth, legacy, and the power of family-run enterprises. The Mars family’s wealth, which has been passed down through generations, extends beyond the financial into the realm of corporate leadership, philanthropy, and social responsibility. As heirs to a business that has defined the candy and pet food industries, Marijke and her sisters are key figures not just in the business world but in the broader societal and cultural landscape as well.

Marijke Mars, alongside her sisters, has become a steward of the Mars legacy, ensuring that the company not only remains successful but also continues to be a beacon of quality, innovation, and ethical responsibility. Her leadership, as part of the Mars board, will no doubt continue to guide the company as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of the future. With the Mars family at the helm, the company’s rich history and forward-looking vision make it a true leader in the global marketplace.