Forest E. Mars, Jr., Dies at 84

Forest E. Mars, Jr., former co-president of Mars, Incorporated and a noted philanthropist, died on July 26 at the age of 84.

Mars, along with his brother John and sister Jacqueline, inherited the family-run firm and grew it into one of the world's largest and most respected businesses, increasing sales from $1 billion to $35 billion, and providing jobs for 80,000 associates in 78 countries.

Born in Oak Park, Ill., Mars began his career in 1955 as a certified public accountant at Price Waterhouse. He joined Mars, Incorporated—then a business of less than $100 million in revenue—as a financial staff officer for M&M's Candies in 1959. Two years later, he was appointed general manager of a new confectionery factory being built in Veghel, Netherlands. Beginning with five associates, he oversaw construction of what is now one of the largest chocolate factories in the world. He managed it until 1966, when he became managing director of Mars France.

During his four-year tenure in Paris, the company expanded its pet food business through the 1967 acquisition of Unisabi. Today, Mars operates 20 facilities in France. 

In 1970, Mars moved to Mars, Incorporated headquarters in McLean, Va., assuming responsibility for the company's confectionery operations as group vice president. In 1975, he along with John became co-presidents, and company net sales were slightly over $1 billion.

In 1983, Mars and his two siblings formalized and published The Five Principles of Mars, based on a business objective first expressed by their father, Forest E. Mars, Sr., in 1947: to create mutual benefits that make a difference for people and the planet through the company's performance. These Principles—quality, mutuality, responsibility, efficiency and freedom—continue to guide Mars, Incorporated, now a $35 billion business with more than 80,000 associates.

Mars retired from the company in 1999, and served on the board of directors until 2006. He was involved in numerous philanthropic and educational causes, including the Fay and Hotchkiss Schools, the Williamsburg Foundation and Yale University. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and was the recipient of their highest honor, the Churchill Bell, in recognition for extraordinary civic leadership and national service. He also was chairman of the board of The Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wy. 

In 2006, Mars was made "Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur" a distinction presented to him on behalf of French President Jacques Chirac by Jean David Levitte, Ambassador of France to the United States.

In 2011, he was awarded The Order of Friendship by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for his "particularly important contribution into strengthening Russian-American economic, trade and public connections." The Order is bestowed upon Russian citizens and foreign nationals who contribute "exceptionally fruitful activities in mutual enrichment of cultures of nations and nationalities and in bringing them together, for strengthening the peace and friendly relations between states."

"Forrest was a great inspiration to all of us at Mars, Incorporated," says Grant F. Reid, CEO and office of the president for Mars, Incorporated. "He was instrumental in building our business, while remaining committed to the founding principles of the company. Forrest will be sorely missed, but his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind at Mars will be long-lasting."

Forrest E. Mars, Jr. is survived by his wife, four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, along with many other extended family members. Funeral arrangements were private.