President and CEO
The Marcus Corp. | Milwaukee
Greg Marcus is chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corp., a Milwaukee-based movie theater and lodging business. Representing the third generation of family leadership, Marcus succeeded his father, Stephen Marcus, as president in 2008 and as chief executive officer in 2009. He was elected chairman of the board in 2023. Marcus is among the more visible leaders in the Milwaukee community, thanks in part to his appearances in pre-movie commercials at Marcus theaters, as well as his extensive civic involvement. He serves as a director for the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Medical College of Wisconsin, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Milwaukee Jewish Community Foundation, United Performing Arts Fund and Wisconsin Center District, among other organizations.
Education: Bachelor’s, Indiana University; J.D., Boston University School of Law
Favorite movie: “I see a lot of movies, but I would say my favorite drama is ‘North by Northwest.’ It was just a perfectly crafted suspense film. My favorite comedy is ‘Blazing Saddles.’ It is just brilliant.”
Playlist for commute/run: “ESPN radio.”
Buzzword you never want to hear again: “‘Opportunity’ as a substitute for ‘problem.’”
Favorite part of the workday: “I’m a night owl. I like the quiet of post 10 p.m. That is when I get going.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Hospitality | Entertainment
President and CEO
The Marcus Corp. | Milwaukee
Greg Marcus is the leader and face of The Marcus Corp., the Milwaukee-based, publicly traded, family-led movie entertainment and lodging business, founded by his grandfather, Ben Marcus, in 1935.
Marcus succeeded his father, Stephen Marcus, as president in 2008 and as chief executive officer in 2009. He was elected to the board of directors in 2005.
Today, the corporation’s theater division is the fourth largest theater circuit in the U.S.; it owns or operates 1,064 screens at 85 locations in 17 states under its Marcus Theatres, Movie Tavern by Marcus and BistroPlex brands. Its lodging division, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, owns and/or manages 17 hotels, resorts and other properties in nine states. Its Milwaukee properties include Saint Kate —The Arts Hotel, The Pfister Hotel and Hilton Milwaukee City Center.
Under Marcus’s leadership, Marcus Theaters acquired Movie Tavern – a deal valued at $126 million that added 22 locations and 208 screens and expanded the business into eight new states.
He also led the company through the shutdown of all movie theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic and the slow rebound in the months since reopening them.
Marcus is current chair of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and past chair of the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Marcus’s recognizability in the community has been boosted by his appearance in the Marcus Corp.’s commercials that run at the start of movies in its theaters.
Education: Bachelor’s, Indiana University; J.D., Boston University School of Law
