Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn’t have an easy job. Not only is he in charge of one of the largest companies in the world, but he has to do so in the shadow of one of the most highly regarded executives of our generation, amidst constant criticism from those that say Apple’s best days are behind it.
No need to worry though, Tim is well compensated. According to a new report, he took home $4.3 million in salary and incentives last year, and another $70 million in vested stock options. All told, Cook banked more than any other tech CEO in 2013 except for Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg…
Here’s more from USA Today:
Factoring in vested stock awards and options exercised last year, dozens of other CEOs pulled in well over twice the median CEO compensation. Apple’s Tim Cook received $4.3 million in pay and incentives. He was also able to take ownership of part of the $376.2 million restricted stock grant he received in 2011 for a $69.6 million gain.
Cook’s $73.9 million topped HP’s Meg Whitman, who came in third at $17.6 million, but neither CEO stood a chance against Mark Zuckerberg. The 30 year-old CEO earned nearly $4 billion last year, after cashing in $3.3B in stock options. Sort of puts his $1 salary into perspective, doesn’t it?
Opulent executive compensation packages have been a hot topic of debate in recent years, with some saying that the pay gap between execs and other employees is far too wide. But with Apple breaking numerous sales and revenue records under Tim Cook’s tenure, it’s hard to argue he’s overpaid.
Last month, Fortune ranked Cook #33 on their list of the world’s top 50 greatest leaders.