10 Things You Didn't Know About Eastman Chemical CEO Mark Costa

Mark J. Costa is a businessman who has held the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman Chemical Company since 2014 and he has worked for this company for more than a decade. While he is quite well known in the chemicals industry and in business circles, there are many things that people do not know about this businessman. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Mark Costa.

1. He Has Portuguese Roots

Costa was born in Salinas, California, to Donald and Alice Costa. Donald’s parents had emigrated to the United States from Portugal, so Donal was a first-generation American. Donald worked hard in the fields of agriculture and trucking to give his son the opportunity to become the first member of the family to attend college.

2. Costa Got Work Experience in a Truck Yard

Mark Costa was taught the value of hard work by his parents. During his teens, he often worked in the truck yards with his father. During the summer months, he would help his father with truck maintenance. By the time he had become a senior at high school, Costa was working in the business office for the truck company.

3. He Worked for Monitor

Prior to working for Eastman Chemical Company, Mark Costa was a senior partner at Monitor. This company is one of the world’s leading strategy consulting firms. It was while he worked for this company that Eastman first became aware of Costa and wanted him to work for their company.

4. He Studied in California

Costa is a native of California, and this is where he studied for his degree. He attended the University of California and completed a degree in economics. He also received his MBA from Harvard University.

5. He is Quite Sporty

Although he spends most of his time in business suits, Mark Costa likes to get outdoors and enjoy sports in his spare time. Some of the pastimes he enjoys in his spare time include tennis, skiing, and mountain biking.

6. Costa Has Many Other Responsibilities Outside Eastman

Mark Costa’s main focus is his work at Eastman Chemical Company. However, he also has many other responsibilities. For example, he serves the Executive Committee for the American Chemistry Council and he is a member of the Society for Chemical Industries. Other commitments include being a member of The Business Roundtable, chairing the Smart Regulation Committee, and being an active member of The Business Council.

7. His Net Worth is $33.4 Million

It is estimated that Mark Costa’s personal net worth is around $33.4 million. He holds approximately 20,000 units of Eastman Chemical Company stock and this has a value of over $15.5 million. A few years ago, he sold stock worth over $3 million. In his position as Chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical Company, he has an annual salary of more than $14 million.

8. He is a Family Man

Although Mark Costa has many professional commitments, he is a family man who enjoys spending time with his family. He is married to Gita and the couple has two sons together. Costa has often credited Gita with his success because of the support she has shown her husband throughout his career.

9. He Was Named a Laureate of the Business Hall of Fame

In 2017, the Junior Achievement of Tri-Cities TN/VA inducted Mark Costa as a Laureate into its Business Hall of Fame. Eastman Chemical Company was also honored at the same time. Costa was honored because of his business leadership and civic activities, while Eastman was inducted as a leading corporate citizen. This was the first time that a corporation was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.

10. Costa is a Popular Leader Amongst His Colleagues

Those who work with Mark Costa have said that he has many great leadership qualities. According to his colleagues, one of his greatest skills is the ability to listen to what others have to say, and they have commented that this is unusual as many leaders do not share this ability. Costa’s employees have described him as having a unique leadership style.

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