In 2024, the corporate landscape has seen remarkable shifts, with chief executive officers (CEOs) leading their companies through unprecedented challenges and innovations.
As the global economy continues to evolve, the compensation packages for these top executives have reached new heights, reflecting their pivotal roles in steering their organizations toward success.
This year, we look closer at the highest-paid CEOs, examining the factors contributing to their impressive earnings, the companies they lead, and the broader implications of their compensation on corporate governance and economic trends.
From tech giants to financial powerhouses, these leaders are not only shaping their industries but also setting new benchmarks for executive remuneration.
15 highest-paid CEOs in 2024
Here is the list of top 15 highest-paid CEO in 2024
| Highest Paid CEO’s | Net Worth | Annual salary |
| Elon musk | $210,200,000,000 | $2400 Billion |
| Jon Winkelried | $198,685,926 | $198.7 Million |
| Harvey M. Schwartz | $186,994,098 | $187 Million |
| Hock E. Tan | $161,826,161 | $162 Million |
| Nikesh Arora | $151,425,203 | $151.43 Million |
| Sue Y. Nabi | $149,429,486 | $149.4 Million |
| Christopher L. Winfrey | $89,077,078 | $89 Million |
| Ariel Z. Emanuel | $83,879,504 | $83.9 Million |
| Arash Adam Foroughi | $83,361,678 | $80 Million |
| John David Risher | $78,238,027 | $78.25 Million |
| William J. Lansing | $66,349,962 | $78.25 Million |
| Jagtar Singh Chaudhry | $57,775,483 | $57.7 Million |
| Hamid R. Moghadam | $50,891,597 | $50.8 Million |
| Theodore A. Sarandos | $49,834,936 | $49.8 Million |
| Satya Nadella | $48,512,537 | $42.9 Million |
1. Elon Musk
| Company | Tesla Motors |
| Salary | $2400 Billion |
| Total Compensation | $210,200,000,000 |
| 2023 Revenue | $56 billion |
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, has once again made headlines for his record-breaking compensation package. In 2024, Musk will receive a staggering $56 billion pay package, making him the highest-paid CEO in the world.
This massive compensation is a testament to his leadership and vision, which transformed Tesla into one of the world’s top-selling electric vehicle makers.
Born in South Africa, Elon Musk is a serial entrepreneur and engineer who has founded several companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company.
He is known for his innovative ideas and his ability to turn them into successful ventures.
Elon Musk’s compensation package is a testament to his leadership and vision, which have transformed Tesla into one of the world’s top-selling electric vehicle makers.
While the package has sparked controversy, it is clear that Musk is a highly effective CEO who has driven significant growth and success at Tesla.In addition, you can also read an article on- Habits of Top CEOs.
2. Jon Winkelried
| Company | TPG, Inc |
| Salary | $198.7 Million |
| Total Compensation | $198,685,926 |
| 2023 Revenue | $2,389 Million |
Jon Winkelried is the CEO of TPG, a leading global private investment firm. With a career spanning over three decades, he has held various leadership positions, including co-president of Goldman Sachs and CEO of TPG.
Winkelried joined TPG in 2015 and became co-CEO in October of that year. He was named CEO in May 2021. At TPG, he oversees a sprawling portfolio with $119 billion under management, spread across 17 offices.
He has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s investment strategy and has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion.
3. Harvey M. Schwartz
| Company | Carlyle Group Inc |
| Salary | $187 Million |
| Total Compensation | $186,994,098 |
| 2023 Revenue | $2,963 Million |
Harvey M. Schwartz, the CEO of The Carlyle Group, is a highly accomplished businessman with a remarkable career spanning several decades.
Schwartz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University, and He later earned his MBA degree from Columbia Business School.
He held various senior leadership positions, including Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Global Co-Head of the Securities Division, and President and Co-Chief Operating Officer.
In February 2023, Schwartz was appointed CEO of The Carlyle Group. Schwartz is involved in various philanthropic endeavours, focusing on mental health and developing future business leaders, particularly women and young people seeking a career in finance.
Harvey M. Schwartz is an accomplished CEO with a remarkable career spanning multiple decades. His leadership skills, strategic vision, and philanthropic efforts have made him a respected figure in the business world.
4. Hock E. Tan
| Company | Broadcom.Inc. ( AVGO) |
| Salary | $162 Million |
| Total Compensation | $161,826,161 |
| 2023 Revenue | $35,819 Million |
Hock E. Tan is a Malaysian-born Chinese-American business executive who has made a significant impact in the world of computer chip design and technology. Tan was born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1951 or 1952.
He received a scholarship to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1971, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1975. He later earned a master’s degree in the same subject from MIT and an MBA from Harvard University.
Tan is currently the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director at Broadcom Inc. He is also a member of the board of directors at Meta Platforms, Inc.
He held financial positions at General Motors Co. and PepsiCo Inc. before becoming the Vice President of Finance at Commodore International Ltd.
Tan is known for his strategic decision-making and wise business acquisitions. Under his leadership, Broadcom has grown rapidly through acquisitions, including purchasing LSI and Brocade. Additionally, you can also read about- Most Influential CEOs of India.
5. Nikesh Arora
| Company | Palo Alto Networks |
| Salary | $151.43 Million |
| Total Compensation | $151,425,203 |
| 2023 Revenue | $6,892 Million |
Nikesh Arora is a renowned business executive and investor who has made significant contributions to the technology and finance sectors.
He completed his education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, and later earned an MBA from Northeastern University and an MS in finance from Boston College.
Arora joined Google in 2004 and rapidly rose through the ranks, holding multiple senior leadership roles. He served as Vice President of Europe operations, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer.
After leaving Google in 2014, Arora became the President and Chief Operating Officer of SoftBank Group Corp. from 2014 to 2016. In June 2018, Arora took on the role of Chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks, the world’s largest independent cybersecurity company.
He has been instrumental in leading the company’s growth and has been recognized as one of the top CEOs in the industry. Throughout his career, Arora has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the technology and finance sectors.
6. Sue Y. Nabi
| Company | Coty.Inc ( COTY) |
| Salary | $149.4 Million |
| Total Compensation | $149,429,486 |
| 2023 Revenue | $5,554 Million |
Sue Y. Nabi, the CEO of Coty Inc., is a highly accomplished and experienced executive in the beauty industry. She holds an Advanced Master’s degree in Marketing Management from ESSEC Business School and an engineering degree in Agronomy and Environment.
Nabi began her career at L’Oréal in 1993, where she rose through the ranks to become the youngest-ever CEO of L’Oréal Paris. During her tenure, she successfully rebranded the company with the slogan “because we’re worth it,” emphasizing inclusivity and diversity.
In 2018, Nabi co-founded Orveda, a high-end, gender-neutral, and vegan skincare brand. The brand focuses on clean, green, and clinically proven formulations for skin glow.
In 2020, she became the CEO of Coty Inc., a position she still holds. Under her leadership, Coty has transformed its operations, focusing on mass and luxury channels, and has seen significant financial improvements.
The CEO of Coty Inc., Nabi, continues to drive the company’s growth and transformation. Her focus on innovation, inclusivity, and attention to detail has helped Coty become a more agile and profitable business.
With her extensive experience and achievements, Sue Y. Nabi is an influential figure in the beauty industry, and her success has earned her recognition as one of the highest-paid CEOs in the world.
7. Christopher L. Winfrey
| Company | Charter communications. Inc ( CHTR) |
| Salary | $89 Million |
| Total Compensation | $89,077,078 |
| 2023 Revenue | $54,607 Million |
Christopher L. Winfrey is the President and CEO of Charter Communications, one of the largest broadband connectivity companies in the United States.
He has played a key role in Charter’s growth and transformation over the past decade, serving as Chief Financial Officer from 2010 to 2021 before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer and then CEO in 2022.
As CEO, Winfrey oversees all of Charter’s cable operations, including marketing, sales, field operations, customer service, and the company’s Spectrum Enterprise fibre-based business.
Christopher L. Winfrey’s impressive compensation package reflects his role as a key executive in the media and telecommunications industry. His performance-based incentives and significant stock ownership demonstrate the company’s commitment to rewarding its leaders for their contributions to its success.
8. Ariel Z. Emanuel
| Company | Endeavor Group Holdings. Inc (EDR) |
| Salary | $83.9 Million |
| Total Compensation | $83,879,504 |
| 2023 Revenue | $5,960 Million |
Ariel Z. Emanuel is a highly influential and successful business leader, currently serving as the CEO of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company. He is also the CEO of TKO Group Holdings, a sports and entertainment company that was formed by merging UFC and WWE.
Ariel Emanuel began his career in the entertainment industry at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). He later became a senior agent at InterTalent and International Creative Management (ICM).
In 2009, Emanuel orchestrated the largest talent agency merger in history, combining Endeavor with William Morris Agency to form WME. This move positioned WME as a leading talent agency, representing top talent across various fields.
In 2012, WME partnered with Silver Lake, a global leader in private investments in technology, and later acquired IMG, a premier sports, fashion, events, and media company.
Ariel Z. Emanuel is a highly respected and successful business leader known for his innovative approach to the entertainment industry.
9. Arash Adam Foroughi
| Company | Applovin Corporation (APP) |
| Salary | $80 Million |
| Total Compensation | $83,361,678 |
| 2023 Revenue | $3,283 Million |
Arash Adam Foroughi, the CEO and co-founder of AppLovin, is an Iranian-American billionaire businessman known for his innovative approach to mobile technology.
Foroughi co-founded AppLovin in 2012 with friends John Krystynak and Andrew Karam. Under his leadership, AppLovin has grown to become a global, publicly traded company with offices worldwide.
Foroughi’s vision and strategy have driven the company’s success, earning him recognition as the CEO and Chairperson of the board of directors.
As the CEO of AppLovin, Foroughi is responsible for leading the company’s vision and strategy. He has been instrumental in the company’s growth, culminating in a successful initial public offering (IPO) in 2021, valuing the company at approximately $24 billion. This significant milestone increased Foroughi’s net worth to an estimated $2 billion.
10. John David Risher
| Company | Lyft, Inc. (LYFT) |
| Salary | $78.25 Million |
| Total Compensation | $78,238,027 |
| 2023 Revenue | $4,403 Million |
John David Risher is the CEO of Lyft Inc. and has been in this role since April 2023. He is also a member of the company’s board of directors.
Prior to his tenure at Lyft, Risher co-founded Worldreader in 2010 and served as its CEO until 2023, when he transitioned to the position of Board Founding Chair.
Risher has a diverse background in technology, education, and philanthropy. He previously worked at Microsoft, where he led the marketing and development of Microsoft Access and created Microsoft Investor, one of the company’s earliest and most successful web properties.
At Amazon, he served as Senior Vice President of Retail, leading the growth of the company’s online bookstore from $16 million to $4 billion.
The CEO of Lyft, Risher, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s direction and growth. He has been instrumental in driving the company’s mission to provide a reliable and efficient transportation service to its users. Under his leadership, Lyft has continued to expand its services and improve its user experience.
11. William J. Lansing
| Company | Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) |
| Salary | $66.3 Million |
| Total Compensation | $66,349,962 |
| 2023 Revenue | $1,513 Million |
William J. Lansing is the CEO and President of Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), a leading provider of analytics and decision management technology. Lansing has held this position since 2012 after previously serving on FICO’s board of directors since 2006.
Lansing is considered among the highest-paid CEOs, ranking 10th on the list of highest-paid CEOs in the U.S.
In 2023, prior to joining FICO, Lansing had an extensive career in the technology industry, serving as CEO and president of companies like InfoSpace, ValueVision Media, and NBC Internet.
Under Lansing’s leadership, FICO has continued to grow and innovate, expanding its suite of analytics and decision management solutions.
12. Jagtar Singh Chaudhry
| Company | Zscaler, Inc. (ZS) |
| Salary | $57.7 Million |
| Total Compensation | $57,775,483 |
| 2023 Revenue | $1,616 Million |
Jagtar Singh Chaudhry is the CEO, Chairman, and co-founder of Zscaler, a leading cybersecurity company.
He has an impressive entrepreneurial track record, having founded 7 successful tech companies over the past 25 years, including CipherTrust and AirDefense.
Chaudhry’s biggest success has been Zscaler, which he founded in 2007 and took public in 2018. He has been recognised as an “Entrepreneur of the Year” and one of the “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs” by Goldman Sachs.
Despite his immense wealth and success, Chaudhry remains grounded, often citing his humble upbringing as the source of his drive and determination. His story is truly inspirational, showcasing how an individual from a modest background can achieve remarkable success through hard work, innovation, and perseverance.
13. Hamid R. Moghadam
| Company | Prologis, Inc. (PLD) |
| Salary | $50.8 Million |
| Total Compensation | $50,891,597 |
| 2023 Revenue | $8,023 Million |
Hamid R. Moghadam is a highly accomplished business executive who has significantly contributed to the real estate industry.
He is the current Chairman and CEO of Prologis, a global logistics real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 100 company.
Moghadam co-founded AMB Property Corporation in 1983, which later merged with ProLogis to form Prologis. He has been the CEO and Chairman of Prologis since its inception.
Under his leadership, the company has grown to become the largest logistics real estate company in the world.
The CEO and Chairman of Prologis, Moghadam, continues to lead the company’s growth and expansion. He is known for his strong leadership and vision, which have contributed to Prologis’ success.
14. Theodore A. Sarandos
| Company | Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) |
| Salary | $49.8 Million |
| Total Compensation | $49,834,936 |
| 2023 Revenue | $33,723 Million |
Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr., commonly known as Ted Sarandos, is the co-chief executive officer of Netflix, Inc.
He is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his significant contributions to the development of Netflix’s original content and strategic direction.
Sarandos joined Netflix in 2000, initially as Chief Content Officer. He played a crucial role in the development of Netflix’s original programming, starting with Lilyhammer and later House of Cards.
This marked a significant shift in the company’s strategy, focusing on subscriber growth over ratings. Sarandos has been instrumental in shaping Netflix’s content acquisition and distribution strategies, leading the company to become a major player in the global entertainment industry.
As the co-CEO of Netflix, Sarandos continues to drive the company’s content strategy and growth. He has been instrumental in shaping the platform’s future, emphasising the importance of original content and adapting to changing viewer habits.
His leadership has helped Netflix become a dominant force in the entertainment industry, with a global subscriber base of over 220 million users.
15. Satya Nadella
| Company | Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) |
|---|---|
| Salary | $42.9 Million |
| Total Compensation | $48,512,537 |
| 2023 Revenue | $211,915 Million |
Satya Nadella is the current CEO of Microsoft, a position he has held since February 4, 2014. He is known for his inspiring leadership and significant contributions to developing Microsoft’s key products and services.
Before joining Microsoft, Nadella worked at Sun Microsystems as a technology staff member. He joined Microsoft in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks, leading significant projects such as the company’s transition to cloud computing.
He held various roles within the organisation, including executive vice president of Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group. In February 2014, Nadella was announced as the new CEO of Microsoft, succeeding Steve Ballmer.
Under his leadership, Microsoft has undergone a significant cultural transformation, emphasising empathy, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Nadella has overseen several high-profile acquisitions, including Mojang, LinkedIn, and GitHub, contributing to the company’s substantial growth. He has also been recognised for his leadership and contributions to the world of technology, earning numerous awards and recognitions.
Final thoughts
As we wrap up our look at the highest-paid CEOs in 2024, it’s clear that the corporate world has experienced significant transformations.
These top executives have navigated their companies through a year of dynamic challenges and innovations, earning compensation packages that reflect their critical roles in driving success.
From Elon Musk at Tesla to Satya Nadella at Microsoft, these executives have demonstrated exceptional business acumen and a commitment to their companies’ growth and innovation.
Their stories highlight the importance of strong leadership in achieving corporate success and the broader implications for corporate governance and economic trends.
References:
1. https://www.equilar.com/reports/109-table-highest-paid-ceos-2024-equilar-100.html/
2. https://www.prestigeonline.com/th/lifestyle/wealth-management/highest-paid-top-ceos-in-the-world/
3. https://www.businessinsider.com/highest-paid-us-ceos-compensation-packages-stock-awards-2024-5
