Early Life and Education
John Staubus Middleton was born on March 2, 1955. His family has a long history in the tobacco industry, with John Middleton Co. founded in 1857. He graduated from The Haverford School in 1973 and went on to Amherst College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics magna cum laude in 1977. He furthered his education at Harvard Business School, graduating with an MBA in 1979.
Rise to Success
Middleton began working at his family's cigar business at the age of 16. After graduating from Harvard Business School, he returned to John Middleton Inc. and was put on the company's board by his father. He transformed the company into a major player in the pipe tobacco industry, acquiring several brands. In 2003, he bought all the shares of the family company from his mother and sisters. In 2007, Middleton sold John Middleton Co. to Altria for $2.9 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Under Middleton's leadership, John Middleton Inc. saw significant growth. He focused on strategic acquisitions, buying tobacco brands from R.J. Reynolds, which propelled the company forward. He also expanded the packaged cigar business. After selling the family business, he has focused on his ownership of the Philadelphia Phillies. Middleton purchased a minority stake in the Phillies in 1994, and has since increased his ownership stake.
Philanthropy
John Middleton and his wife, Leigh, are active philanthropists. They have donated millions to various organizations, including Project HOME, Penn Medicine, and the Philadelphia School District. In 2013, they were recognized with the Philadelphia Award for their contributions to the community, which include initiatives for education, addressing homelessness, and workforce development. Middleton and his wife have made multiple contributions to the Eagles Autism Challenge.