Lisa Su, the CEO and Chair of AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), is one of the most influential leaders in the tech industry. Her leadership has not only transformed AMD into a semiconductor giant but has also made her one of the highest-paid CEOs in the world. In this article, we’ll dive into Lisa Su’s salary, net worth, career achievements, and how her compensation reflects AMD’s success.
Who is Lisa Su? A Quick Overview
Lisa Tzwu-Fang Su was born in Tainan, Taiwan, and is widely regarded as a pioneer in the semiconductor industry. She holds three degrees from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.
Before joining AMD, Lisa Su worked at several renowned companies, including Texas Instruments, IBM, and Freescale Semiconductor. Her career has been defined by innovation, particularly in advanced semiconductor technologies like silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and copper interconnects.
In October 2014, Lisa Su became AMD’s CEO and President. Under her guidance, AMD’s market value skyrocketed from $3 billion to over $200 billion, even surpassing its rival Intel in market capitalization for the first time. In 2022, she also became the Chair of AMD’s board.
Lisa Su’s Net Worth: How Wealthy is AMD’s CEO?
As of 2024, Lisa Su’s estimated net worth exceeds $1 billion. This significant wealth is a result of her groundbreaking leadership at AMD, which has seen the company’s stock price rise dramatically during her tenure.
How Did Lisa Su Build Her Wealth?
Stock Awards:
- A large portion of Lisa Su’s wealth comes from stock awards. As AMD’s stock value surged, so did the value of her holdings. For example, in 2019, she was the highest-paid CEO in the S&P 500, earning $58.5 million, with the bulk of it tied to stock performance.
Salary and Bonuses:
- Lisa Su earns a competitive salary and performance-based bonuses, which have consistently placed her among the highest-paid female CEOs in the world.
AMD’s Growth:
- Under her leadership, AMD has become a key player in the AI and semiconductor markets, further boosting her net worth through stock appreciation and performance incentives.
Lisa Su’s Salary and Compensation Package
Lisa Su’s total compensation for 2023 was valued at $30.3 million, making her the highest-paid female CEO for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Associated Press (AP) survey.
Breakdown of Lisa Su’s 2023 Compensation:
- Base Salary: $1.2 million
- Performance Bonus: Over $1.4 million
- Stock Awards: $21.8 million (the majority of her package)
Her total compensation remained flat compared to the previous year. However, her rank among all CEOs rose from 25th to 21st, highlighting her growing influence in the tech industry.
How Does Lisa Su’s Salary Compare to Other CEOs?
Lisa Su’s earnings place her among the top-paid executives in the tech industry. Here’s how her compensation compares to other prominent CEOs:
- Jensen Huang (NVIDIA): Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, earned significantly more than Lisa Su in 2023 due to NVIDIA’s leadership in AI and GPUs. His total compensation exceeded $50 million.
- Pat Gelsinger (Intel): Intel CEO, Pat Gelsinger, earned a compensation package similar to Lisa Su’s, but AMD’s market performance under Su’s leadership has outshined Intel in recent years.
- Tim Cook (Apple): Apple CEO, Tim Cook, remains one of the highest-paid CEOs globally, with compensation often exceeding $100 million, far surpassing Lisa Su’s earnings.
While Lisa Su’s compensation may not be the highest in the industry, it is a testament to her success in turning AMD into a tech powerhouse.
Lisa Su’s Leadership and AMD’s Success
Lisa Su’s leadership has been instrumental in AMD’s transformation. When she took over as CEO in 2014, AMD was struggling financially and technologically. Today, it’s a leader in the semiconductor and AI markets.
Key Achievements Under Lisa Su’s Leadership:
Market Capitalization Growth:
- AMD’s market cap has grown from $3 billion in 2014 to over $200 billion today. This remarkable growth has positioned AMD as a serious competitor to industry giants like Intel and NVIDIA.
AI and Semiconductor Innovations:
- Lisa Su has spearheaded AMD’s advancements in AI, GPUs, and CPUs. These innovations have made AMD a critical player in the tech industry.
Stock Performance:
- AMD’s stock price has seen exponential growth under Lisa Su’s leadership, benefiting both the company and its shareholders, including Su herself.
Public Perception of Lisa Su’s Salary
Lisa Su’s salary and net worth have sparked discussions about CEO compensation in the tech industry. While some critics argue that CEO pay is excessive, many believe Su’s compensation is well-deserved given her role in AMD’s success.
Why Lisa Su’s Salary is Justified:
- AMD’s Growth: Lisa Su has transformed AMD into a market leader, which justifies her high compensation.
- Performance-Based Pay: A significant portion of her earnings is tied to AMD’s performance, aligning her interests with those of shareholders.
- Breaking Barriers: As one of the few female CEOs in tech, Lisa Su’s success is an inspiration for women in STEM fields.
Fun Facts About Lisa Su
- Academic Excellence: Lisa Su was a star student at MIT, earning three degrees in Electrical Engineering.
- Tech Innovator: She played a pivotal role in developing silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and copper interconnect technologies during her time at IBM.
- Awards and Recognition: Lisa Su has received numerous awards, including being named one of Fortune’s “World’s Greatest Leaders.”
FAQs About Lisa Su’s Salary and Net Worth
1. What is Lisa Su’s net worth?
Lisa Su’s net worth is estimated to exceed $1 billion as of 2024, thanks to her leadership at AMD and the company’s stock performance.
2. How much does Lisa Su earn as AMD CEO?
Lisa Su’s total compensation for 2023 was $30.3 million, which includes a base salary of $1.2 million, bonuses, and stock awards.
3. How does Lisa Su’s salary compare to other tech CEOs?
While Lisa Su’s compensation is significant, it is modest compared to CEOs like Tim Cook (Apple) and Jensen Huang (NVIDIA).
4. What makes Lisa Su’s leadership unique?
Lisa Su’s ability to turn AMD into a market leader, her focus on innovation, and her commitment to performance-based pay make her leadership stand out.
Conclusion
Lisa Su’s journey from an engineer to the CEO and Chair of AMD is nothing short of inspiring. Her net worth, exceeding $1 billion, and her $30.3 million compensation package reflect her immense contributions to AMD’s success.
Under her leadership, AMD has become a global leader in semiconductors and AI, competing with giants like Intel and NVIDIA. Her story is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and visionary leadership.