Thomas C. Sullivan has had a long career with RPM International, serving as CEO for 37 years until his retirement in 2008. He started at the company in 1961 as a divisional sales manager and quickly climbed the ranks to...

Thomas C. Sullivan has had a long career with RPM International, serving as CEO for 37 years until his retirement in 2008. He started at the company in 1961 as a divisional sales manager and quickly climbed the ranks to become vice president in 1967, executive vice president in 1969, and then CEO in 1971. Under his leadership, Sullivan saw RPM's revenue grow significantly, backed by strong performance metrics that included increases in sales and net income. He's known for aligning executive compensation with company performance, which reflects a commitment to driving results. Interestingly, his total compensation averaged over $3 million annually during his later years, highlighting the company's financial health. Sullivan's insider trading showed consistent investments in RPM stock, indicating his confidence in the company’s future. After stepping down as CEO, he remained as chairman of the board, continuing to influence the company’s direction. His professional background is a testament to a lifetime in the industry, showcasing leadership and dedication to RPM International.

Quick Links

1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other RPM International CEOs

R

Thomas C. Sullivan

Ex-CEO of RPM International

Sector of Economy

Basic Materials

CEO of RPM International for

37 years 9 months (Jan 1971 - Oct 2008)

Previous Experience

Unknown

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of Thomas C. Sullivan

P

Timothy M. Knavish

CEO of PPG Industries

2023 Compensation

Stock

$1.24M

Salary

$1.20M

Bonus

$2.21M

Other

$0.00

Total Holdings

$1.32M

A

Chris Villavarayan

CEO of Axalta Coating Systems

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.00M

Bonus

$1.94M

Other

$356.06K

Total Holdings

$6.04M

A

Neil M. Ashe

CEO of Acuity Brands

2022 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.00M

Bonus

$0.00

Other

$13.18K

Total Holdings

$70.87M

G

Mark W. Sheahan

CEO of Graco

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$985.00K

Bonus

$1.30M

Other

$26.76K

Total Holdings

$6.90M

M

Keith J. Allman

CEO of Masco

2023 Compensation

Stock

$11.02M

Salary

$1.27M

Bonus

$2.66M

Other

$214.78K

Total Holdings

$11.37M

I

E. Scott Santi

CEO of Illinois Tool Works

2022 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.40M

Bonus

$0.00

Other

$0.00

Total Holdings

$70.26M

Holdings

See how much did Thomas C. Sullivan make over time.

Thomas C. Sullivan had a significant stake in RPM International during his years as CEO. His insider trading activities showed a consistent increase in the value of his holdings, peaking at approximately $6.77 million in 2024. He strategically managed his...

Thomas C. Sullivan had a significant stake in RPM International during his years as CEO. His insider trading activities showed a consistent increase in the value of his holdings, peaking at approximately $6.77 million in 2024. He strategically managed his investments in the company, demonstrating a clear confidence in RPM’s direction throughout his tenure. His financial engagement with RPM reinforced his commitment, as he transitioned from insider to chairman after his retirement. It’s notable that Sullivan's wealth was closely tied to his stock in RPM, which speaks volumes about his belief in the company's potential. This relationship between his holdings and company performance is a reflection of the alignment he established in executive compensation strategy that emphasizes shareholder value.

Total Stock Sold

$1.44M

RPM

$1.44M

54,000 RPM shares

What if they kept their stock?

If Thomas C. Sullivan didn't sell their stock, today they would have:
Extra RPM54,000 shares worth $4.18M.
This is 189.84% and $2.74M more than what they got when they sold the stock.

Charitable Transactions

RPM

115,994 shares

RPM

Recent Charitable Transactions

RPM

2,000 shares

RPM

May 31, 2016

Charity

RPM

45,400 shares

RPM

May 31, 2015

Charity

RPM

1,984 shares

RPM

May 31, 2014

Charity

RPM

50,950 shares

RPM

May 31, 2013

Charity

RPM

25,000 shares

RPM

Oct 8, 2012

Charity

RPM

4,000 shares

RPM

May 31, 2012

Charity

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of Thomas C. Sullivan.

RPM

2,000 shares

RPM

May 31, 2016

Charity

RPM

2,600 shares

RPM

Oct 8, 2015

Received

RPM

45,400 shares

RPM

May 31, 2015

Charity

RPM

2,500 shares

RPM

Oct 8, 2014

Received

RPM

1,984 shares

RPM

May 31, 2014

Charity

RPM

2,500 shares

RPM

Oct 9, 2013

Received

RPM

50,950 shares

RPM

May 31, 2013

Charity

RPM

$924.52K

RPM at $26.41/share

Oct 23, 2012

Sale

RPM

25,000 shares

RPM

Oct 8, 2012

Charity

RPM

3,150 shares

RPM

Oct 2, 2012

Received

Compensation History

See how much did Thomas C. Sullivan make over time.

Over his tenure, Thomas C. Sullivan's compensation varied significantly, with peaks over $3 million yearly. His salary started at $600,000 and saw increases based on performance metrics like sales and earnings per share. Sullivan received no bonuses in many years, but the bulk of his pay came from stock values and other incentives. This structure linked his earnings directly to the company's success, a strategy that aligns well with modern corporate governance. He emphasized a philosophy that rewarded strong operating results, which fostered a motivated leadership team and encouraged a results-driven culture.

Year

2008

Total Compensation

$2.34M

Salary

$795.00K

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy is to align executive compensation with the company's performance and to retain key leaders while providing competitive compensation.

Bonus

$0.00

Board Justification

No bonuses were awarded to named executive officers during fiscal 2008, although cash awards under the Incentive Plan were received.

Other

$79.40K

Board Justification

Other compensation includes contributions to the 401(k) plan, life insurance premiums, automobile allowances, and financial/estate planning services.

Restricted Stock

$1.46M(1.46M Restricted Stock and Performance Earned Restricted Stock (PERS))

Board Justification

The value of the vested stock includes restricted stock and performance earned restricted stock that vested during fiscal 2008.

Performance Metrics

Performance metrics for determining compensation include financial objectives such as net sales, net income, and earnings per share.

Other RPM International CEOs

Here are other CEOs of RPM International

Frank C. Sullivan

CEO of RPM International

October 2008 - Present