Bobby Kotick Salary Figures: CEO Pay Cuts and Drops

Author

Reads 160

Detailed image of a game controller with colorful LED lighting
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed image of a game controller with colorful LED lighting

Bobby Kotick's salary has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with the CEO of Activision Blizzard facing criticism for his high pay. According to reports, Kotick's base salary was reduced from $1.7 million to $875,000 in 2020.

The pay cut was part of a broader effort to address concerns about executive compensation at the company. In 2020, Activision Blizzard announced that it would be implementing a new pay structure for its executives.

Kotick's total compensation package for 2020 was $24.9 million, down from $154.6 million in 2019. This significant drop in pay was largely due to the decline in the company's stock price.

Broaden your view: Bobby Kotick Interview

Activision CEO Pay Cuts

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has agreed to cut his salary and annual bonus by 50%. This change was reportedly made in response to "shareholder feedback" and aims to "incorporate market best practices" and "directly connect pay to performance".

Kotick's salary has been reduced from $1,750,000 to $875,000, and his annual bonus has been cut from a potential maximum of $3.5M to $1.75M. This change is effective immediately and extends Kotick's appointment as CEO until at least March 2023.

The pay cut comes after Kotick's pay package was criticized for being too high, with some suggesting that a typical Activision employee would only make one third of a percent of what Kotick earned.

Activision CEO Cuts Own Salary by 50%

Credit: youtube.com, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Takes 50% Pay Cut

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has cut his salary by 50% in a move that's been met with both praise and skepticism. His new salary is $875,000 per year, down from $1,750,000.

This change is part of an agreement filed with the SEC, which also eliminates other incentives such as the Transformation Transaction Award and Shareholder Value Creation Incentive. The Shareholder Value Creation Incentive was valued at upwards of $200 million in stock value, or $41 million after tax withholdings.

The cut was reportedly done in response to "shareholder feedback" and "incorporates market best practices, and continues to directly connect pay to performance." This means that Kotick's pay is now more closely tied to the company's performance.

Kotick's bonus has also been cut in half, from a potential maximum of $3.5M to just $1.75M. This change is expected to bring Kotick's pay more in line with company targets.

Here's a breakdown of Kotick's new compensation package:

  • Base salary: $875,000 per year
  • Bonus: up to 200% of base salary, or $1.75 million
  • Other incentives: eliminated

Activision Blizzard CEO Pay Drops to $30.1M in 2019

Closeup of a black gaming controller on a dark backdrop, perfect for tech themes.
Credit: pexels.com, Closeup of a black gaming controller on a dark backdrop, perfect for tech themes.

Bobby Kotick's total compensation fell from $30.8 million in 2018 to $30.1 million in 2019.

The company's revenues decreased to $6.49 billion in 2019, down from $7.5 billion in fiscal 2018.

Kotick received 82 percent of his target bonus, which is less than the 100 percent he could have received.

Activision Blizzard named Daniel Alegre, a longtime Google executive, as its new president and COO in March 2019, reporting to Kotick.

Microsoft Deal Impact

The Microsoft deal is a game-changer for Bobby Kotick's salary. He's set to receive a $390 million payday after selling Activision to Microsoft for $68.7 billion.

Kotick will receive this massive payout from the 3.95 million Activision shares he owns, which is a significant chunk of the company's value. He's been leading Activision since 1991 and has turned it into one of the world's biggest videogame giants.

He'll miss out on a change of control payment because he doesn't own any unvested equities, which is uncommon for public company CEOs. This means he won't receive any additional compensation for Microsoft taking over the company.

Kotick plans to step down once the deal with Microsoft closes, which is expected in June 2023. After that, he'll no longer be in charge of Activision and will instead report to Microsoft's gaming chief Phil Spencer.

CEO Salary Figures

Credit: youtube.com, Activision-Blizzard cuts CEO Bobby Kotick's pay by 50% - could it backfire?!

Bobby Kotick's salary has been a topic of controversy in recent years, with some calling it excessive. His base salary was $1,750,000.

Kotick's salary was reduced by 50 percent to $875,000, which is a significant cut. This change was made to bring his pay in line with company targets and incorporate market best practices.

The reduction in salary was not just limited to Kotick's base pay. His bonuses were also halved, with the maximum bonus now being 200 percent of his base salary. This means Kotick can still earn up to $1.75 million in bonuses.

In 2019, Kotick's total compensation fell to $30.1 million, down from $30.8 million in 2018. This was despite the company's revenues declining to $6.49 billion.

Here are some key figures on Bobby Kotick's salary:

Kotick's salary reduction was reportedly made in response to "shareholder feedback" and to better align with market best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Bobby Kotick worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Bobby Kotick's estimated net worth is at least $691 million, primarily due to his ownership of Activision Blizzard Inc stock. This valuation is based on his shares of ATVI stock.

Raquel Bogisich

Writer

Raquel Bogisich is a seasoned writer with a deep understanding of financial services in the Philippines. Her work delves into the intricacies of digital banks and traditional banking systems, offering readers insightful analyses and expert opinions on the evolving landscape of financial services. Her articles on digital banks in the Philippines and banks of the country have been featured in several leading financial publications, highlighting her ability to simplify complex financial concepts for a broader audience.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.