Microsoft CEO Nadella Gets Highest-Ever $96.5 Million Compensation Amid AI Push

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella received total compensation worth $96.5 million for the financial year 2024-25, as per Bloomberg. This is a 22% increase from the previous year’s $79.1 million and the highest since he took over as CEO in 2014. The board linked the increase to Microsoft’s financial results and progress in artificial intelligence.

Breakdown of Compensation

Nadella’s base salary remained at $2.5 million. About 90% of his total pay came from stock awards tied to Microsoft’s market performance. The filing stated that executive compensation is linked to long-term company growth and shareholder returns. Microsoft’s shares have risen around 23% so far this year.

Pay of Other Executives

Compensation for other senior leaders also increased during the year. Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood earned $29.5 million, while Judson Althoff, who heads the commercial business division, received $28.2 million. These figures were disclosed in Microsoft’s annual report for the financial year ending June 2025.

AI and Cloud Growth

Microsoft continued expanding its artificial intelligence and cloud operations. The company has added AI tools to Microsoft 365, Bing, and Azure. Its partnership with OpenAI began in 2019 with a $1 billion investment and was later expanded to about $10 billion. These projects have supported Microsoft’s position in AI and cloud services.

Acquisitions and Expansion

The company has also grown through acquisitions such as LinkedIn, GitHub, and Activision Blizzard. These deals have expanded its business in professional networking, software, and gaming. Cloud and subscription-based services remain key contributors to Microsoft’s overall revenue.

Nadella’s Career Background

Satya Nadella was born in Hyderabad and studied electrical engineering in India before earning a master’s degree in computer science in the United States. He joined Microsoft in 1992 and became its third CEO in 2014.

Read More: Microsoft to Launch New Data Centres in India and Taiwan by 2026!

Conclusion

The company’s filing shows that Nadella’s compensation increase aligns with Microsoft’s recent financial performance and expansion in AI and cloud technologies.

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