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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the fast-paced world of business, CEOs stand at the top of the corporate ladder, leading some of the most influential companies globally. Their compensation often matches their immense responsibility, with some holding the reputation as the highest-paid CEO.
List of the Highest-Paid CEOs in 2025
Nubia Magazine and DigitalDefynd have ranked Elon Musk, the world’s number one billionaire, as the highest-paid CEO of 2025. But Musk isn’t the only one making waves; other industry titans leading their respective empires include:
Elon Musk—CEO of Tesla Inc.
The mastermind behind Tesla, SpaceX, and a handful of other ventures, Elon Musk continues to dominate conversations around wealth and innovation. As the world’s richest person at the beginning of 2025, Musk is recognized for his game-changing contributions to technology, space exploration, and renewable energy.
In 2021, Musk's compensation package—largely stock options—was valued at an astounding $2.3 billion, further solidifying his place at the top of the wealth ladder.
Tim Cook—CEO of Apple Inc.
Tim Cook continues to lead the tech giant to even more remarkable heights. His strategic leadership has propelled the company to create groundbreaking tech products, from the Apple Watch to services like Apple Music and iCloud.
Cook's expertise in managing Apple’s global supply chain, introducing cutting-edge innovations, and preserving the company’s iconic culture of creativity has cemented his position as one of the world’s highest-paid CEOs. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his annual compensation even reached an impressive $74.6 million in fiscal 2024.
Sundar Pichai—CEO of Alphabet Inc.
Sundar Pichai has steadily risen to the top of the corporate world, playing a significant role as the CEO of Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc. Since taking the helm in 2019, Pichai has made a lasting impact on Google by transforming it into both a global brand and a billion-dollar powerhouse.
His influence is evident in some of the company’s greatest achievements, including Gmail, Google Maps, and the Pixel phone. According to The Street, Pichai’s total compensation stands at $8.8 million, reflecting his remarkable reputation as another highest-paid CEO.
Satya Nadella—CEO of Microsoft
Another India-born CEO on the list, Satya Nadella, is widely recognized for his bold vision and ambitious strides at Microsoft, particularly in the realms of AI and cloud computing.
Since taking office in 2014, he has not only led the company through transformative growth but also emerged as one of the highest earners in the industry. According to Reuters, Nadella’s fiscal compensation surged by an impressive 63% to $79.1 million in 2024.
Robert Swan—Former CEO of Intel Corporation
Intel Corporation is known as one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies, and Robert Swan used to serve as CEO for a relatively short yet impactful period. During his tenure, Swan played a key role in steering Intel’s position in a fiercely competitive market. For his leadership, Swan received a total compensation of $22.4 million in 2020, a significant decline from the $66.9 million he earned in 2019.
Lisa Su—CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
The CEO of AMD, Lisa Su, has been a standout leader in the semiconductor industry. As a leader, well-rounded abilities have been central to the company’s remarkable success. With her leadership, technical expertise, and strategic vision, Su has steered AMD to surpass competitors in market value. As the world’s highest-paid woman CEO, Lisa Su earned over $30 million in total compensation in 2023.
Virginia Rometty—Former CEO of IBM
Virginia “Ginni” Rometty has made her mark as IBM’s first female CEO, leading the company from 2012 until 2020. During her leadership, Rometty’s compensation was among the highest in the tech world, totaling over $130 million across seven years in the role. While no longer leading IBM, Rometty’s legacy and success ensure that her name is synonymous with tech leadership and high compensation.
Brian Roberts—CEO of Comcast Corporation
Under Brian Roberts’ management, Comcast Corporation has experienced significant growth, establishing itself as one of the U.S.'s leading media and telecommunications companies. Roberts has been instrumental in guiding Comcast's expansion through major acquisitions, including NBCUniversal, leaving a lasting impact on the company's success. In 2023, Roberts received a compensation package worth $35.47 million.
Robert Kotick—CEO of Activision Blizzard
Robert Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, has long been one of the most influential figures in the gaming industry. Taking the office in 1991, Kotick’s leadership has reshaped the company into a global leader in video game development and publishing, with successful franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch.
Following Activision's acquisition by Microsoft in 2023, Kotick concluded his tenure as CEO, departing with a staggering compensation package worth over $375 million.
Mary Barra—CEO of General Motors
Mary Barra is the CEO of General Motors, making history as the first woman to lead a major automaker. Under her leadership, GM has embraced electric vehicles, advancing sustainability efforts and innovations in the automotive industry. Her visionary approach significantly boosted her own earnings, with a salary package of $27.8 million in 2023.
While their salaries might seem staggering, the highest-paid CEOs have earned their position at the top through years of hard work, vision, and groundbreaking leadership. For their impacts, they continuously leave a lasting impact on global industries and economies.
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