John Franklyn Mars

John Franklyn Mars, KBE (born October 15, 1935) is an American businessman. As of July 24, 2020, according to American business magazine, Forbes, John Franklyn Mars has an estimated net worth of USD$30 billion, ranking him the 33-richest person in the world (tied with his sister Jacqueline).

John Franklyn Mars was born on October 15, 1935. He is the son of Audrey Ruth (Meyer) and Forrest Mars, Sr., and grandson of Frank C. Mars, founders of the American candy company Mars, Incorporated. Mars graduated from the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut in 1953 and Yale University.

As a member of the Mars family, his share of the company and other assets were worth US$10 billion in September 2010, making him the 52nd richest person in the world and the 26th richest person in America, according to Forbes. As of October 2012, Mars is listed as the 30th richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of 20.1 billion. According to Hurun Global Rich List 2015 he is 28th richest person in the world with a net worth of US$26 billion. In 2016 his net worth went up to 29 billion and is listed the 19th richest person in the world.

In January 2017, he paid $7.7 billion for VCA, Inc, a pet care company.

He married Adrienne Bevis in June 1958. They have three children: Linda Anne Mars born May 23, 1960 (1960-05-23) (age 60), Frank Edward Mars born March 13, 1963 (1963-03-13) (age 57), and Michael John Mars born November 22, 1967 (1967-11-22) (age 52).

He formerly lived in Fairfax County, Virginia but now resides in Jackson, Wyoming. In the 2010 to 2014 Forbes ranking of personal wealth, Mars was the highest ranked person whose photograph was unavailable to the magazine.

In March 2015, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him an honorary knighthood at Windsor Castle.