The figure marks a 60-percent jump over the compensation received by her predecessor, Dan Akerson, and appears to refute accusations of gender discrimination, though it is unclear if public criticism influenced the board’s decision over final terms.
The company released the compensation numbers early in an attempt to “correct misinterpretations created by comparisons that used only a portion of Barra’s overall compensation,” according to a statement quoted by the Detroit News.
“As a new CEO, Mary’s total compensation is in line with her peer group and properly weighted so that most is at-risk,” said GM chairman Tim Solso. “The company’s performance will ultimately determine how much she is paid.”
During the end of Akerson’s reign, GM had faced limits over executive pay as part of the company’s bailout agreement with the US Treasury. The government has since sold its shares, putting full control over executive pay back into the hands of the company’s board.
As the first female chief executive of a major automaker, Barra has taken the lead as GM continues to adapt its operations to new market conditions following the 2008 industry crisis. Sales have remained relatively strong in the US and China, though GM’s European units have continued to post losses.
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