Thomas Baldwin '78, '84MBA

Thomas J. Baldwin ’78, ’84MBA is the former CEO President and Board Member for Benihana, where he led 8,000 people and initiated and oversaw a major operational turnaround and brand reinvigoration. A veteran hospitality executive, he previously served as Chairman, CEO and President for Morton’s Restaurant Group, as well as senior leadership roles at several other global brands and companies. Baldwin is well known for guiding high-profile restaurant, entertainment and consumer brands through growth, enhancement, and strategic transformation.  

Why did you choose Iona to pursue your MBA?  

It was an ideal fit for me, given the quality and depth of academic and technical approach, coupled with the strength of the faculty. Having earned my BBA in Accounting at Iona, I favored its culture and practical approach. The flexible evening schedule worked well with my demanding work and travel commitments.  

How did your MBA help you in your career?  

My Iona MBA proved to be extremely helpful throughout my career. The coursework added to my skill set and allowed me to enhance and refine many of my career and undergraduate fundamentals. Importantly, teamwork and diverse faculty and student views broadened my perspective.  

What is your advice for current students?  

I urge current students to work hard, stay flexible in their thinking and approach, keep an open mind, and apply strong critical thinking. Most importantly, remain receptive to change and ready to embrace new opportunities. I was blessed to come from a Bronx working-class background with a supportive family, strong work ethic, and deep curiosity. As a first-generation college student, I learned a great deal from peers, colleagues, and dedicated faculty.  

What is your proudest professional achievement?  

“Pass It On” Over the years, whether guiding Benihana, Morton's Restaurant Group, multiple public companies, or private equity–backed ventures, I found the greatest joy in creating work environments and opportunities where talented, ambitious people could grow and build successful careers.  

What is your favorite movie, book, TV show or podcast?  

My favorite books include works by Dale Carnegie, Harvey Mackay, Lee Iacocca, and Jack Welch—authors whose themes of culture, leadership, work ethic, and personal accountability have strongly influenced me. And one of my favorite movies is “It's a Wonderful Life”, where one person can have so much influence on many others.  

What do you feel are your secrets to success?  

God has truly blessed me in so many ways. I had many opportunities to work alongside talented, smart, and caring people. I always kept an open mind, learned to be a good listener, and took full responsibility for my actions, failures and successes. I worked hard and never gave up.