8. Marijke Mars — $7.2 billion | Los Angeles Business Journal

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NET WORTH: $7.2 billion
AGE: 55
RESIDENCE: Los Angeles
SOURCE OF WEALTH: Food distribution/manufacturing
LAST YEAR: N/A
CHANGE: NEW

THE MONEY: Marijke Mars in 2016 inherited a roughly 8% stake in Mars Inc., the family-owned food giant that generates more than $35 billion in annual sales. The company — home to brands such as Snickers, Twix, M&M’s and Pedigree pet foods — was started by Mars’ great-grandfather, Frank Mars, who began selling candy in 1911. She graduated from Duke University in 1987 and joined the company’s Kal Kan Foods Inc. division. The Vernon-based unit makes Whiskas cat food, among other brands, and was acquired by Mars in 1968.

THE BUZZ: Marijke is the daughter of Virginia Mars and Forrest Mars Jr., who served as co-president of Mars Inc. Despite her prominent position at one of the country’s largest food manufacturers, Marijke maintains a low profile. She serves on Mars Inc.’s board of directors along with her sister Valerie, who is the company’s vice president of corporate development. Another sister, Pamela Mars-Wright, serves as the family’s ambassador to the Mars Inc. pet-care division, while the fourth sister, Victoria, served as the company’s chairwoman from 2014 until 2017.

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