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© History Oasis / Created via Midjourney
1911-1934
Franklin Clarence Mars founded Mars Candy Factory in Tacoma, Washington, in 1911 with his second wife, Ethel.
After struggling with local competitors, he relocated to Minneapolis in 1920 and established Mar-O-Bar Co. (later Mars, Incorporated).
His best-selling candy bar, the Milky Way bar, was launched in 1923, inspired by a chocolate malted milk discussion with his son Forrest.
The Milky Way bar drove rapid growth for the company.
Mars moved operations to Chicago in 1929, leveraging its central location and railroad access.
He introduced the Snickers bar in 1930, which helped the company’s sales skyrocket.
Mars died in 1934 from heart and kidney complications.
1934-1945
After Franklin’s death, his widow, Ethel, took control of the company. But her stepson, Forrest Mars Sr., established separate operations in Europe.
Ethel had to guide the company during hard times in the Great Depression and World War II.
The company continued producing chocolate bars throughout the war, with many products shipped to American troops overseas.
She maintained family ownership until she died in 1945.
1945-1959
Following Ethel’s death, her brother William “Slip” Kruppenbacher became CEO.
While Patricia Mars (daughter of Franklin and Ethel) maintained ownership, she let her uncle run the daily operations.
Kruppenbacher proved to be an effective leader by expanding after the war.
By 1950, the Chicago plant employed over 2,000 workers.
He pioneered promotional marketing via sponsorships of popular radio and TV shows.
Throughout his tenure, he faced constant pressure from Forrest Mars Sr.
1959-1964
James Fleming, Patricia Mars’s third husband, became CEO after Kruppenbacher’s retirement.
His tenure marked a difficult period for Mars Inc., as Fleming lacked the business acumen of his predecessors.
Company performance declined.
As Patricia’s health deteriorated due to cancer and with few viable leadership candidates available, conditions became favorable for Forrest Mars Sr. to finally achieve his decades-long goal of taking control.
1964-1973
Upon gaining control in 1964, Forrest merged his successful Food Manufacturers Inc. (including European operations and M&M’s business) with Mars Inc., uniting the company worldwide.
He implemented his management philosophy, which was based on five principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.
Forrest instituted unconventional practices, including eliminating executive offices, requiring all employees to punch time cards, and maintaining strict privacy policies.
He expanded European operations, established headquarters near Washington D.C., and reduced costs by producing chocolate and peanuts in-house.
1973-2001
The brothers became co-presidents following their father’s retirement, with sister Jacqueline joining in a lesser capacity by 1983.
Under their leadership, Mars expanded globally and diversified beyond confectionery.
Notable achievements included moving headquarters to McLean, Virginia, in 1984, acquiring Uncle Ben’s in 1997, and laying the groundwork for the landmark Wrigley acquisition.
By 1999, each Mars sibling had amassed a fortune of approximately $4 billion.
2001-2014
This period marked Mars’ first transition to professional, non-family leadership while the Mars family maintained ownership.
The company underwent significant expansion, most notably through the 2008 acquisition of Wrigley for $23 billion with support from Berkshire Hathaway.
This period saw diversification into new markets and product categories.
2014-2022
Grant Reid led Mars for over eight years, driving crazy growth.
Under his leadership, Mars expanded into veterinary health and pet services, notably acquiring VCA animal hospitals in 2017.
Sales grew by over 50% to nearly $45 billion, while the workforce expanded from 60,000 to more than 140,000 associates.
Reid implemented the “Principles in Action” initiative with $1 billion committed to environmental impact reduction.
2022-Present
Weihrauch joined Mars in 2000 as European brand leader for Snickers before becoming Global President of Mars Petcare in 2014, where he doubled the division’s size.
As CEO, he has emphasized “responsible growth” that balances profit with positive societal impact.
He continued to help Mars expand while pursuing sustainability goals, including commitments to reduce greenhouse emissions and redesign packaging.
By 2023, Weihrauch had grown annual revenue to $50 billion.
In 2024, he oversaw the company’s largest acquisition to date: the $35.9 billion purchase of Kellanova (pending regulatory approval).
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