Donald M. James served as the CEO and Chairman of Vulcan Materials Company from 2000 until his retirement in 2015. He has a solid background in management and has played a crucial role in shaping the company's strategies through various...

Donald M. James served as the CEO and Chairman of Vulcan Materials Company from 2000 until his retirement in 2015. He has a solid background in management and has played a crucial role in shaping the company's strategies through various economic cycles. Known for linking executive compensation with company performance, he pushed for a pay-for-performance model, aligning executive rewards with shareholder value. In 2015, James's total compensation was impressive, reaching nearly $3.9 million, reflecting the company's financial success that year. An interesting aspect of his tenure is that he transitioned into the role of Non-Executive Chairman after stepping down, indicating a continued influence over the company. Over his career, James has shown a proactive approach, even waiving certain rights in his compensation agreements to align with the company's best interests. Additionally, he has actively participated in insider trading, with notable transactions averaging around a million dollars per month in recent years, reflecting his confidence in the company's prospects. James's focus on economic profit metrics during his leadership contributed to Vulcan's strong market position.