Early Life and Education
John Staubus Middleton was born on March 2, 1955. He graduated from The Haverford School in 1973, Amherst College in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in economics, and Harvard Business School in 1979 with a Master of Business Administration.
Rise to Success
Middleton began his career in his family's cigar business, John Middleton Inc. Under his leadership, the company transformed into a major player in the pipe tobacco industry. He later bought out all shares in the family company. In 2007, he sold the tobacco business to Altria Group for $2.9 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Middleton's key business decisions included buying four tobacco brands from R.J. Reynolds in 1987. This strategic move significantly increased the company's value. In 2003, he bought all shares in John Middleton Inc. and later sold the company. He is now the principal owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Philanthropy
John and his wife, Leigh Middleton, are actively involved in philanthropy. They have supported organizations like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn Medicine, the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, and Project HOME. In 2013, the Middletons received the Philadelphia Award for their philanthropic works.
