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Elon Musk secures $29 billion compensation package from Tesla

Musk remains the highest-paid CEO, sparking investor criticism over governance.

August 4, 2025 at 10:02 PM
blur Elon Musk retains title as the highest-paid CEO in history with $26 billion pay package-and the only thing he has to do is show up for two years

Elon Musk's new pay deal has sparked discussions about investor interests and corporate responsibility.

Massive compensation package raises concerns about corporate governance

Elon Musk has secured his position as the highest-paid CEO in history with a $29 billion compensation package from Tesla. This new deal requires Musk to remain in his role for two years, without significant performance targets. The decision comes after prolonged litigation over his previous pay structure, which a Delaware judge invalidated. Tesla's board justified this package by emphasizing the competitiveness in the tech industry, particularly in AI. Despite Tesla's past successes, including a significant increase in market value, concerns are rising among investors about the fairness and implications of such a large pay scheme during less favorable business conditions.

Key Takeaways

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Musk's new compensation package totals $29 billion, making him the highest-paid CEO.
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Performance targets are notably absent from this pay structure, raising investor concerns.
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The compensation plan follows a series of legal battles over Musk's previous pay grants.
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Tesla's share price has decreased over 18% this year, complicating justifications for the pay package.
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Investors express outrage, citing the plan as disconnected from company performance.
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Tesla's board has shifted legal jurisdiction to Texas, potentially easing future governance challenges.

"A $29 billion compensation package for any CEO, let alone one who has been largely absent from their daily responsibilities, is obscene."

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander criticizes Musk's pay amid underperformance.

"The board should be less concerned with paying fealty to a greedy CEO than with long-term planning for the success of the company."

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs calls for better corporate governance amid revenue shortfalls.

"Even an additional $24B in equity might not motivate Elon Musk to stay for two more years."

SOC Investment Group voices concerns about Musk's commitment despite the massive pay increase.

"There's no playbook for this, as Tesla's actions tread unprecedented territory in executive compensation."

Farient Advisors’ Eric Hoffmann discusses the uniqueness of Musk's compensation structure after legal issues.

The response to Musk's compensation package has highlighted a growing divide between corporate boards and investor expectations. While Musk remains a strong force in the electric vehicle market, many investors express discontent over a reward that appears disconnected from the company's current performance struggles. Critics argue that this situation underscores a broader issue within corporate governance, where executive rewards may overshadow shareholder interests.

Highlights

  • A $29 billion package for an absent CEO is outrageous at best.
  • Shareholders demand better governance for the company.
  • Musk's pay underscores a growing divide between boards and investors.
  • Is this level of compensation truly justified during a downturn?

Concerns over Musk's compensation package and governance

Musk's pay increase raises issues regarding corporate accountability and investor expectations, causing significant backlash from pension fund leaders and others concerned about governance practices.

Ongoing debates about executive compensation will likely shape future Tesla shareholder actions.

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