Mark A. Russell served as President and CEO of Nikola Corporation from June 2020 until his retirement in November 2022. Known for his minimalist approach to compensation, he famously accepted a salary of just $1 a year, opting instead for...
Mark A. Russell served as President and CEO of Nikola Corporation from June 2020 until his retirement in November 2022. Known for his minimalist approach to compensation, he famously accepted a salary of just $1 a year, opting instead for stock awards that vest based on performance milestones. This strategy aligns his incentives with the company’s long-term success. Russell's background includes significant leadership roles in companies like Worthington Industries, and he has a law degree from Brigham Young University. During his time at Nikola, he played a crucial part in steering the company towards a focus on zero-emission technology and innovative transport solutions. His insider trading activities reflected fluctuations in Nikola’s stock, peaking in 2020 at a valuation of around $2.72 billion before seeing substantial drops in value later on.