People react to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s big payday
Satya Nadella’s 2022 compensation has people asking, “how much is too much?”
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What you need to know
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will receive $55 million worth of compensation this year, as outlined by arecent company SEC filing. Over 95% of Nadella’s compensation is performance-based, which is up from the figure in 2021 (71% performance-based). The vast majority of his compensation is in the form of $42.269 million worth of stock options.
When Nadella’s compensation information made its way around the web, many expressed disapproval of the $55 million figure. Several on social media pointed towardrecent company layoffs, implying that the money that went to Nadella could have saved jobs.
“I wonder how many salaries could be paid with $55,000,000? Surely enough to cover for all or most of the people that were laid off recently?” said Carlos Garcia in the comment section of ourFacebook postabout Nadella’s compensation.
“Good job in getting that 9 million bonus a week after announcing the third round of layoffs,” said Jason Baginski in the same comment section.
On Twitter, some expressed disappointment as well, pointing to the ratio of Nadella’s pay to the average Microsoft employee. Otherswere more positive.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s 2022 pay: up 10.2% to $54.95 million. Median Microsoft employee 2022 pay up 7.6%.2018 Microsoft CEO/worker pay ratio: 154-to-12022 Microsoft pay ratio: 289-to-1 https://t.co/6X37PdcMsMOctober 28, 2022
Not everyone was negative on Facebook, however. “He deserves it. He’s good for the Microsoft stock. The head of any company deserves a salary as such, even better if it’s performance based,” said William Dickens.
Of course, the internet can be a rather negative place. Social media tends to attract people on either extreme side of an issue. Most people that glance at Nadella’s compensation and don’t feel strongly one way or the other are unlikely to post a comment or tweet about it.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
