Melvin J. Gordon was the CEO of Tootsie Roll Industries, a well-known candy company, serving from 2003 until his passing in January 2015. He held a long tenure at the company, starting in 1952, and was Chairman of the Board...

Melvin J. Gordon was the CEO of Tootsie Roll Industries, a well-known candy company, serving from 2003 until his passing in January 2015. He held a long tenure at the company, starting in 1952, and was Chairman of the Board for over 50 years. Gordon had a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, which helped him navigate the sweets industry. Under his leadership, the company focused on consistent brand strength and financial performance. Gordon did not receive stock options or other equity compensation as he already had a significant stake in the company. In 2014, he earned a total compensation of about $3.3 million, which included a $999,000 salary and a $1 million bonus based on company performance. Notably, he managed to keep his compensation relatively stable despite a changing business landscape. His management style emphasized long-term company stability over flashy profits. Gordon's legacy continues even after his death, impacting how Tootsie Roll operates today. His family remains involved in the company, emphasizing continuity and tradition in leadership.

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1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other Tootsie Roll Industries CEOs

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Melvin J. Gordon

Ex-CEO of Tootsie Roll Industries

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan

Field of Expertise

Business & Management

Sector of Economy

Consumer Defensive

Born

September 3, 1935 - 89 years ago

CEO of Tootsie Roll Industries for

12 years 0 months (Jan 2003 - Jan 2015)

Previous Experience

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of Melvin J. Gordon

Holdings

See how much did Melvin J. Gordon make over time.

Melvin J. Gordon held a significant equity stake in Tootsie Roll Industries, owning approximately 1.1 million shares of Common Stock and 1.1 million shares of Class B Common Stock. At the time of his tenure, Class B shares granted him...

Melvin J. Gordon held a significant equity stake in Tootsie Roll Industries, owning approximately 1.1 million shares of Common Stock and 1.1 million shares of Class B Common Stock. At the time of his tenure, Class B shares granted him stronger voting power, indicating his influential role in company decisions. His holdings represented a sizeable portion of his wealth, aligning his interests directly with the company’s performance. Even in a year like 2014, when his total compensation reached $3.3 million, the bulk of his wealth was tied to his shares in Tootsie Roll. Throughout his time, he avoided receiving additional stock or option awards, focusing instead on the long-term health of his investments in the company he led for decades. His legacy includes his significant personal investment in Tootsie Roll, which was aimed at ensuring its sustained success and stability in a competitive industry.

Mar 18, 2025

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shares

TR @ $31.32

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of Melvin J. Gordon.

No insider trades found for this CEO.

Compensation History

See how much did Melvin J. Gordon make over time.

In 2015, Melvin J. Gordon's total compensation as CEO of Tootsie Roll Industries was approximately $182,722. This included a base salary of $166,500 and other benefits amounting to about $16,222. Although his compensation was lower than in previous years, it reflected the company's performance and his long-standing commitment to long-term growth rather than maximizing annual pay. In contrast, in 2014, he earned about $3.3 million, primarily from a salary of $999,000 and a sizable $1 million bonus, indicative of his effective leadership during profitable years. Even as he led a century-old company, he opted for stability and consistency over excessive financial gains, aiming for a balanced relationship between executive compensation and the company’s financial health.

Year

2015

Total Compensation

$182.72K

Salary

$166.50K

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy focuses on attracting and retaining superior executives while aligning compensation with the company's long-term performance and financial health.

Bonus

$0.00

Board Justification

No bonus was awarded under the Management Incentive Plan (MIP) for 2015 due to performance considerations.

Other

$16.22K

Board Justification

Other compensation includes contributions to the Company's tax qualified defined contribution plans and other benefits.

Restricted Stock

$0.00(0 N/A)

Board Justification

No stock or option awards were granted or vested in 2015 as the company does not provide equity compensation to its executives.

Performance Metrics

The company's performance metrics for determining compensation include net earnings, earnings per share, and overall financial performance.

Other Tootsie Roll Industries CEOs

Here are other CEOs of Tootsie Roll Industries

Ellen R. Gordon

CEO of Tootsie Roll Industries

January 2015 - Present