Martin J. Barrington was the Chairman and CEO of Altria Group, Inc. from 2012 to 2018, leading the company through a pivotal time in tobacco and consumer goods. He didn’t just focus on traditional tobacco; he diversified the company into...

Martin J. Barrington was the Chairman and CEO of Altria Group, Inc. from 2012 to 2018, leading the company through a pivotal time in tobacco and consumer goods. He didn’t just focus on traditional tobacco; he diversified the company into areas like cigars, smokeless tobacco, and even wine. This strategic shift came as the market faced many changes. Barrington’s compensation was notably tied to actual performance – he had a hefty base salary and big bonuses based on profit growth. For example, in 2016, he earned about $27.5 million, mostly from performance bonuses and stock compensation. He also had a significant grant of 150,000 restricted shares when he became CEO, showing the company's commitment to aligning leaders’ interests with shareholders. A major perk of his role included extensive use of the company’s aircraft for travel, although personal use had a cap. After a smooth transition upon his retirement, many of his stock awards vested early as a reward for his long service. Barrington’s educational foundation comes from the University of Florida, where he earned both a Bachelor's and an MBA, equipping him for a long career in business leadership at Altria.