Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s Pay Soars to $96.5 Million in FY25
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has received a massive compensation package of $96.5 million for fiscal year 2025, marking his highest earnings since becoming CEO over a decade ago. The company’s board directly attributed this significant increase to Microsoft’s leadership in artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Satya Nadella’s FY25 compensation reached $96.5 million
- 90% of his pay comes in Microsoft stock shares
- Microsoft board credits AI leadership for the pay hike
- Top executives also received substantial compensation increases
The Microsoft board compensation committee told shareholders that the results “demonstrate that Satya Nadella and his leadership team have positioned Microsoft as a clear artificial intelligence leader for this generational technology shift.”
Nearly 90% of Nadella’s compensation comes in the form of Microsoft shares, with only $2.5 million as base salary. This represents a substantial increase from last year’s $79.1 million package, which itself was 63% higher than the previous year.
Nadella, who became Microsoft’s third CEO in 2014, isn’t the only executive seeing higher compensation. His top deputies also received significant pay packages:
- Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood: $29.5 million
- Commercial business lead Judson Althoff: $28.2 million
The compensation figures highlight Microsoft’s confidence in its current leadership team and strategic direction, particularly in the competitive AI landscape.
