Leslie Moonves’ paycheck for 2009: $43.2 million
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CBS Corp.’s not-so undercover boss, Leslie Moonves, was awarded a total compensation package of $43.2 million for 2009, according to regulatory filings released Friday.
The amount includes $3.5 million in base salary plus a $15-million bonus. The 60-year-old chief executive also received stock worth $7.6 million and stock options that are presently worth about $14.3 million.
Moonves’ total package for 2009 was more than double what he was awarded in 2008 when the company’s stock dropped precipitously. In 2008, the package was $21.2 million. No stock options were granted that year.
CBS defended Moonves’ compensation.
‘More than 85% of Mr. Moonves’ compensation is keyed to performance-based measures, ensuring that its actual value will continue to be closely aligned with that of the company’s shareholders,’ the company said in a statement.
CBS’ controlling shareholder and chairman, Sumner Redstone, collected $16.2 million for 2009. Redstone, who turns 87 next month, garnered an additional $16.8 million in total compensation for his role as chairman of his other company, Viacom Inc., according to a separate filing. Between the two companies, Redstone collected a total of $33 million in compensation.
Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman’s total compensation for 2009 was slightly more: he was awarded a total package of $34 million.
-- Meg James
