Valerie Mars: A Key Figure in the Legacy of Mars, Incorporated

Valerie Mars, an influential figure in the Mars, Incorporated empire, has dedicated her career to preserving and expanding the legacy of one of the world’s most renowned family businesses. As a direct descendant of the company’s founder, Frank Mars, she has helped guide Mars, Incorporated into a new era, ensuring its continued success and maintaining its core values. Mars is best known for its iconic candy brands, including Milky Way, Dove, and Skittles, but the company has also diversified into pet care with brands like Pedigree and Whiskas, as well as food products like Ben’s Original rice.

Valerie, along with her three sisters, inherited an estimated 8% stake in Mars, Incorporated following the death of their father, Forrest Mars Jr., in 2016. This inheritance ensured that the Mars family would remain in control of the company’s future, continuing to shape the direction of the business for generations to come. As the company’s vice president of corporate development, Valerie has played an integral role in Mars’ expansion, overseeing significant corporate initiatives and ensuring that the company stays true to its founding principles while evolving to meet the demands of the modern business world.

Her career at Mars began in 1992, marking the start of what would become a long and influential tenure. Over the years, Valerie’s contributions to the company have been vital in preserving the values instilled by her great-grandfather Frank, who founded Mars in 1911. The company, which started with a focus on confectionery products, has grown into a global giant with a wide-reaching portfolio that includes not only beloved candy brands but also pet care, food, and beverage products. Under Valerie’s guidance, Mars has continued to expand, both through innovation in existing product lines and through the acquisition of new businesses to diversify its reach.

One of Valerie’s key roles within the company is her position on the board of directors. In this capacity, she helps to shape the strategic direction of Mars, ensuring that the company’s goals align with its long-term vision. Her leadership on the board has been instrumental in maintaining the family’s influence within the company, keeping Mars, Incorporated a privately held business that remains responsive to both market trends and societal changes. The Mars family’s commitment to running the company with a long-term perspective, rather than focusing solely on short-term profits, has been one of the factors behind the company’s enduring success.

While Valerie Mars is best known for her leadership in the corporate development sphere, her work extends far beyond just the management of the company. She is deeply involved in the company’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility. Mars, Incorporated has long been dedicated to reducing its environmental impact, ensuring that its operations are sustainable and that its products are ethically produced. Valerie’s influence within the company has played a role in driving these initiatives forward, helping to position Mars as a leader in corporate social responsibility.

In addition to her work on sustainability, Valerie has also played an important role in driving Mars’ diversification efforts. While the company is still best known for its candy products, it has expanded into other areas, particularly in pet care and food products. The acquisition of pet care brands like Pedigree and Whiskas has been a key part of Mars’ strategy to broaden its market presence, and Valerie’s expertise has been instrumental in making those acquisitions successful. By expanding Mars’ portfolio to include not only pet food but also veterinary services, the company has positioned itself as a trusted brand for pet owners around the world.

Through her work in corporate development, Valerie Mars has also helped to drive innovation within the company. Mars, Incorporated is a company that is constantly evolving, always seeking to stay ahead of consumer trends and to provide products that meet the needs of a changing world. Valerie’s role in overseeing corporate strategy and development has been essential in ensuring that Mars continues to be a leading force in the global marketplace.

Valerie Mars’ career reflects a dedication to both preserving the Mars family legacy and ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of its industry. Her work within the company, combined with her position on the board of directors, allows her to continue to shape the future of Mars, Incorporated while remaining deeply rooted in the company’s founding values. Her influence within the company has made her a key figure in the ongoing success of one of the world’s largest and most respected privately held companies.

Beyond her professional achievements, Valerie is also a steward of the Mars family’s commitment to philanthropy and community involvement. The Mars family has long been dedicated to giving back to the communities in which they operate, and Valerie continues this tradition by supporting various charitable initiatives. Whether through corporate giving or personal involvement, Valerie Mars remains deeply committed to making a positive impact on the world.

As Mars, Incorporated continues to grow and adapt to the changing business landscape, Valerie Mars will undoubtedly remain a key figure in the company’s leadership. Her ability to balance the company’s long-term vision with the demands of a rapidly changing market has been instrumental in maintaining Mars’ position as a global leader in confectionery, pet care, and food products. Valerie’s leadership ensures that the Mars family legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come, as the company builds on its rich history while embracing the future.

Mars, Incorporated’s continued success can be attributed to the combined efforts of its leadership, including Valerie Mars, and the family’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. Valerie’s influence has played a vital role in shaping the company’s strategy, ensuring that Mars continues to adapt to an ever-changing global marketplace while staying true to the values of quality, integrity, and social responsibility that have been the hallmark of the company since its inception.

As the company looks to the future, Valerie Mars will remain a central figure in its growth and development, ensuring that Mars, Incorporated continues to evolve while honoring the legacy of her great-grandfather, Frank Mars. Through her leadership and dedication, Valerie has helped to build a company that is not only a leader in the candy industry but also a force for good in the world.