The Wall Street Journal has released its list of the top 10 highest-earning CEOs in the US, and Nikesh Arora, an Indian-origin CEO, stands out with his exceptional earnings. Arora, who leads Palo Alto Networks, a prominent cybersecurity company, secures the second spot on the list with a remarkable compensation of USD 151.43 million. His earnings significantly overshadow those of many well-known tech executives, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Arora’s impressive compensation puts him just behind Hock Tan, the CEO of Broadcom, who tops the list. In contrast, Zuckerberg’s earnings amount to USD 24.40 million, and Pichai makes USD 8.8 million, highlighting the substantial difference in their respective earnings. This stark contrast underscores Arora’s remarkable financial success and leadership position in the tech industry.
Arora’s journey to becoming a top-paid executive is impressive. He completed his primary education at the Air Force Public School in Delhi and holds a Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT-BHU. Before his current role at Palo Alto Networks, Arora had already established a strong reputation in the tech industry through his work with major companies like Google and SoftBank.
In 2012, Arora reportedly became the highest-paid executive at Google when he was hired with a USD 51 million package. By the end of his tenure with the Silicon Valley giant, he had accumulated stock awards worth approximately USD 200 million, showcasing his financial acumen and professional success. His early achievements are equally impressive.
During his time at SoftBank Group, Arora set a new record in Japan with a massive first-year compensation package of USD 135 million. Bloomberg reports that his colleagues at SoftBank viewed him as the potential successor to the legendary investor Masayoshi Son, further emphasizing his prominence in the business world.
Last year, Palo Alto Networks explained their decision to award Arora significant equity compensation, stating, “Because of this significant vested ownership and the amount that Mr. Arora was projected to vest in over the next several years, the Board determined that a meaningful equity award would be necessary to ensure that such award retains and engages Mr. Arora.” This statement reflects the company’s commitment to retaining Arora through substantial equity awards, recognizing his valuable contributions and leadership.
Nikesh Arora’s impressive earnings and career achievements highlight his significant impact on the tech industry and his role as one of the highest-paid CEOs in the US. His journey from an educational background in India to leading major tech companies on a global stage is a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication.
