Howard A. Willard III served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO), one of the world’s largest tobacco companies and maker of Marlboro cigarettes, from May 2018 to April 2020. A 28-year company veteran, Willard rose through the ranks at Altria’s subsidiaries after joining Philip Morris USA in 1992. He held key leadership positions including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer before being elevated to the top role. Willard retired in April 2020 while recovering from COVID-19 and was succeeded by Billy Gifford. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Independent Director at Civitas Resources, Inc.

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Howard Willard – Quick Facts

Altria Group Competitors

Altria Group operates in the highly competitive tobacco and nicotine products industry. The company holds the dominant market share in the U.S. cigarette market through its subsidiary Philip Morris USA, maker of Marlboro. Key competitors include:

• Reynolds American, Inc. (subsidiary of British American Tobacco) – brands include Camel, Newport, and Grizzly
• Philip Morris International (PMI) – spun off from Altria in 2008; global tobacco leader with IQOS heated tobacco
• ITG Brands (subsidiary of Imperial Brands) – Winston, Kool, Salem cigarettes
• Liggett Group (Vector Group) – discount cigarette brands including Eagle and Pyramid
• JUUL Labs – e-cigarette/vaping competitor (Altria held a 35% stake)
• Turning Point Brands – smokeless tobacco and alternative products
• Swedish Match (acquired by PMI in 2022) – ZYN nicotine pouches

Howard Willard Net Worth 2026 – Altria CEO Salary

During his tenure as Altria CEO, Howard Willard III earned an estimated total compensation of approximately $20 million per year, including base salary, annual bonus, stock awards, and other compensation. His total compensation more than doubled from his earlier EVP/COO years, when he earned approximately $4.4 million in 2017.

While his exact personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, Willard accumulated significant wealth through nearly three decades at Altria, one of the highest-paying corporations in America. His holdings would have included substantial Altria stock and retirement benefits accumulated during his 28-year career at the company.

Altria CEO Compensation History

Altria Group Net Worth 2026 – Is Altria Profitable?

Yes, Altria Group is a highly profitable company and one of the most valuable tobacco corporations in the world. As of early 2026, Altria’s market capitalization stands at approximately $108 billion, making it a dominant force in the consumer staples sector.

Altria Group Financial Summary

Altria CEO Email Address | Howard Willard Contact

Since Howard Willard retired from Altria in April 2020, his corporate email address ([email protected]) is no longer active. Below are the current contact options for reaching Altria Group:

Career & Education – Company, University, & College

Howard A. Willard III built his career primarily within the Altria family of companies, where he spent 28 years rising through increasingly senior leadership positions. Before joining Altria, he gained valuable experience in management consulting and investment banking at two of the most prestigious firms in their respective fields.

Howard Willard Career Timeline

Willard joined Philip Morris USA (an Altria subsidiary) in 1992 as Assistant Controller and advanced through increasingly responsible positions across the organization. During his 28-year career, he held leadership roles in finance, marketing, quality and compliance, corporate responsibility, and strategy and business development.

He was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Altria Group in January 2011, overseeing the company’s financial strategy during a critical period. In March 2015, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, managing day-to-day operations of one of America’s largest consumer goods companies.

On May 17, 2018, Willard was elected Chairman of the Board and CEO of Altria Group, succeeding Martin J. Barrington. During his brief tenure as CEO, Willard made the controversial decision to invest $12.8 billion for a 35% stake in JUUL Labs, the e-cigarette maker, in December 2018. The investment was later written down by $4.5 billion in November 2019 due to regulatory challenges and health concerns surrounding vaping.

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Education

Howard Willard Wiki – Age, Wife, & Personal Life

Howard A. Willard III is approximately 63 years old as of 2026. He is based in the Richmond, Virginia area, where Altria Group’s corporate headquarters are located. Willard keeps a low public profile regarding his personal and family life.

Willard and his wife, Mrs. Howard A. Willard III, are known philanthropists in the Virginia community. They have donated generously to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and other cultural institutions in the Richmond area.

During his time as Altria CEO, Willard was a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He was a signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge and sponsored Altria’s Employee Resource Group program, which supports diverse employee communities across the organization.

Key Facts About Howard Willard

• COVID-19 Recovery: Willard retired from Altria in April 2020 while recovering from COVID-19, one of the early high-profile cases among U.S. corporate executives
• 28-Year Career: Spent nearly three decades at Altria, rising from Assistant Controller to Chairman and CEO
• JUUL Investment: Led Altria’s $12.8 billion investment in e-cigarette maker JUUL Labs in December 2018
• Board Service: Served on the board of SABMiller plc from 2009 to 2015, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board at Civitas Resources
• Diversity Champion: Signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge and actively promoted workplace diversity at Altria

About Altria Group, Inc.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes, and related products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company was founded in 1919 and has a legacy spanning over a century. Altria’s flagship brand, Marlboro, commands approximately 42% of the U.S. cigarette market.

Altria trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MO. The company is known as one of the most consistent dividend payers in U.S. stock market history, with more than 50 consecutive years of dividend increases. In 2025, Altria returned $8 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

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Article last updated:January 2026March 3, 2026