A number of highly influential leaders in the tech industry have famously adopted, or currently maintain, a symbolic salary of just one dollar. This practice, while it might sound uncanny, is indeed true for several prominent figures. These individuals often receive the vast majority of their compensation through equity, such as stock options or grants, rather than through a traditional cash salary.
Notable "$1 CEOs"
The concept of a $1 annual salary is a distinctive characteristic of certain high-profile executives, particularly in the technology sector. It signals a strong commitment to the company's long-term performance, as the CEO's personal wealth is directly tied to the company's stock value.
Here are some of the well-known CEOs and former CEOs who have earned or currently earn a nominal $1 salary:
| CEO Name | Company | Role | Status of $1 Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elon Musk | Tesla | CEO | Current |
| Jeremy Stoppelman | Yelp | CEO | Current |
| Larry Ellison | Oracle | Co-founder, Former CEO | Former |
| Meg Whitman | HP (Hewlett-Packard) | Former CEO | Former |
| Steve Jobs | Apple | Co-founder, Former CEO | Former |
These executives lead or have led major tech companies and demonstrate a unique compensation structure where their success is predominantly linked to the company's growth and shareholder value.
