Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has been awarded a staggering compensation package of $79.106 million (approximately ₹665.15 crore) for the fiscal year 2024, according to a recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dated October 24, 2024. This marks a significant 63% increase from his previous year’s earnings and is the highest compensation he has received since taking the helm at Microsoft in 2014.
Breakdown of Compensation Package
The composition of Nadella’s compensation package reveals that his base salary was relatively modest at $2.5 million. The bulk of his compensation stems from stock awards valued at $71,236,392. Additionally, he received $5.2 million under the “Non-equity Incentive Plan” and $169,791 categorized as “All Other Compensation.”
This increase in pay comes despite Nadella’s personal request for a reduction in his remuneration in light of several cybersecurity issues faced by Microsoft throughout the year.
Cybersecurity Issues
One of the most notable incidents was the “Blue Screen of Death” debacle on July 19, 2024, where numerous businesses and individual users encountered system failures due to a technical problem with CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm employed by Microsoft. This incident raised significant concerns about Microsoft’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
In April, the US Department of Homeland Security highlighted the necessity for enhanced security measures in response to breaches attributed to Russian and Chinese sources. Nadella took accountability for these challenges, even suggesting adjustments to his own compensation to facilitate increased security measures within the company. Microsoft subsequently undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its cybersecurity protocols.
Achievements Justifying Pay Increase
Despite these challenges, Microsoft’s SEC filing enumerated several achievements attributed to Nadella that contributed to his substantial pay raise:
- Driving Innovation: Nadella has been recognized for spearheading innovation across various platforms, including CoPilot and Copilot+PCs, demonstrating remarkable vision and agility.
- Artificial Intelligence Leadership: He has played a pivotal role in advancing AI development at Microsoft, integrating it responsibly with cloud resources and adapting the organization amid cybersecurity challenges.
- Successful Acquisition Growth: Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has successfully expanded its offerings through the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in 2022, enhancing its presence in the gaming industry.
As Microsoft continues to navigate a complex technological landscape, Nadella’s leadership and strategic direction remain vital to the company’s future growth and stability, underscored by this significant compensation package.
Sources By Agencies