I’m self employed for 30 years, so believe my pay is reasonable.
What frosts me is that the top 7 officials of GE in which I own stock, for the past 3 years have all earned between $10 and $22 million dollars a year while GE was tanking from $50 to $5 a share. I think it is up around $15 now. Naturally I voted FOR a Proposal for a Shareholders Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation which management naturally advised we should vote AGAINST.
As for what is reasonable? In 5/3/07 Countrywide Financial’s CEO’s salary was $142 million, in 4/30/08 it was $103 million, in 4/22/09 it was ZERO. Same dates for Lehman Brothers CEO, $52 million, $72 million, ZERO. Morgan Stanley, $7M, $18M, ZERO. Then, to answer the question, how much is a president worth to you? there is Goldman Sachs $37M, $74M, $26M.
On a more reasonable scale we have Wells Fargo, $72M, $13M, and now $1.38 million. Also Citigroup, $18M, .95M, and now $2.9M. [Source “Forbes CEO Compensation]
In some cases the “Market” has decided. In some cases undue influence has decided. In some cases good sense has decided. Who do you think should decide.
Stockholders.
In your case, that would be you.
GE shareholders should revolt.