MetLife is one of the largest financial services companies in the world, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management across over 40 global markets. At the helm of this Fortune 500 giant is Michel A. Khalaf, who has been serving as President and CEO since May 1, 2019. This blog dives deep into Michel Khalaf’s career, leadership style, net worth, and compensation, offering valuable insights for readers curious about the executive leading MetLife into the future.
Who Is Michel A. Khalaf?
Michel A. Khalaf is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. His journey to becoming CEO of MetLife is marked by significant achievements and a global perspective shaped by his work across various regions.
Career Highlights
Michel Khalaf joined MetLife in 2010, following the company’s acquisition of Alico from AIG. His initial role was as CEO of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. Over time, he took on more responsibilities, including leading MetLife’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region in 2011.
In 2017, Khalaf became responsible for MetLife’s U.S. businesses, overseeing critical areas such as Group Benefits, Retirement & Income Solutions, Property & Casualty, and Global Employee Benefits. His leadership has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and innovation in these areas.
Before joining MetLife, Khalaf spent 21 years at Alico, holding leadership roles in diverse markets such as the Caribbean, France, Italy, Egypt, Poland, Romania, and the Baltics. This global experience has shaped his ability to lead an international organization like MetLife.
Education
Michel Khalaf holds a B.S. in engineering and an M.B.A. in finance from Syracuse University. His technical background and financial expertise have been key to his success in managing complex business operations and driving strategic growth.
MetLife Under Michel Khalaf’s Leadership
Since becoming CEO in 2019, Michel Khalaf has introduced transformative strategies to position MetLife for long-term success. His leadership philosophy emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and teamwork, which he likens to a “team sport.”
Strategic Initiatives
- Next Horizon Strategy (2019):
- Focused on creating long-term value for shareholders, employees, customers, and communities.
- Prioritized operational efficiency and customer-centric innovation.
- New Frontier Strategy (2024):
- Aimed at achieving growth with attractive returns and lower risk.
- Aligned with MetLife’s purpose: “Always with you, building a more confident future.”
- Emphasized sustainable practices and inclusive culture to drive performance.
Leadership Philosophy
Michel Khalaf is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that amplifies diverse voices and drives high performance. He believes empathy and collaboration are essential for building strong teams and creating positive impact globally. His leadership style prioritizes transparency and adaptability, making him a respected figure in the corporate world.
MetLife CEO Salary Breakdown
Executive compensation is always a topic of interest, especially for leaders of Fortune 500 companies. Michel Khalaf’s earnings reflect his contributions to MetLife’s success and alignment with shareholder interests.
2025 Compensation Details
Michel Khalaf’s total compensation for 2025 is approximately $19,684,634, broken down as follows:
- Base Salary: $1,500,000.
- Stock Awards: $11,590,000.
- Other Compensation: $322,040 (includes benefits like retirement plans and additional perks).
This compensation package is designed to reward performance and incentivize long-term growth for MetLife.
Stock Ownership
Michel Khalaf owns 629,323 shares of MetLife stock, valued at approximately $60.4 million as of September 3, 2025. His stock holdings align his financial interests with the company’s performance, ensuring his leadership decisions benefit shareholders.
Michel Khalaf’s Net Worth
Michel Khalaf’s net worth is closely tied to his annual compensation, stock ownership, and investments. While exact figures vary based on market conditions, estimates place his net worth in the multi-million-dollar range.
Net Worth Estimates
- $40 million (as of September 6, 2025).
- $60.4 million, based on his MetLife stock holdings.
- $72.5 million, factoring in reported shares and additional investments.
These figures highlight Khalaf’s financial success as a corporate leader.
MetLife Financial Performance and CEO Pay
Michel Khalaf’s compensation is closely linked to MetLife’s financial results. In 2024, MetLife reported approximately $71 billion in total revenues, earning the company the 60th spot on the Fortune 500 list. This strong performance reflects Khalaf’s strategic leadership and focus on sustainable growth.
Revenue and Profitability
Under Khalaf’s leadership, MetLife has consistently delivered solid financial results. His ability to balance growth with risk management has positioned the company as a leader in the insurance and financial services industry.
Comparison with Other Financial Industry Leaders
How does Michel Khalaf’s compensation compare to other CEOs in the financial services sector?
Salary Comparison
- Prudential Financial CEO: Typically earns a similar compensation package, reflective of the company’s comparable market position.
- Aflac CEO: Compensation is slightly lower due to its narrower portfolio compared to MetLife.
- New York Life Insurance CEO: Often earns more due to its larger global reach and diversified offerings.
Khalaf’s earnings are competitive within the industry, reflecting MetLife’s leadership position.
Public Opinion on CEO Salaries
Executive pay often sparks debate, especially in industries like financial services.
Supporters’ View
- High compensation is justified for leaders driving innovation and shareholder returns.
- Michel Khalaf’s pay reflects his contributions to MetLife’s success and global impact.
Critics’ View
- Some argue for greater transparency and balance between executive pay and employee wages.
- The gap between CEO and median employee compensation raises concerns about income inequality.
Historical CEO Compensation at MetLife
Michel Khalaf’s compensation aligns with MetLife’s history of rewarding strong leadership. Previous CEOs, such as Steven Kandarian, earned similar packages during their tenure.
Steven Kandarian’s Compensation
- Role: Former Chairman and CEO of MetLife.
- Net Worth: Estimated in the multi-million-dollar range, driven by stock ownership and annual earnings.
Key Insights into CEO Compensation
Understanding how executive pay is structured provides transparency and insight into corporate leadership.
Elements of Compensation
- Base Salary: Fixed annual pay for the CEO’s role.
- Performance Bonuses: Rewards tied to company results and shareholder returns.
- Stock Awards: Equity compensation that aligns CEO pay with long-term company performance.
- Other Benefits: Perks like retirement plans, travel allowances, and security-related benefits.
FAQs
- Who is the CEO of MetLife?
Michel A. Khalaf is the President and CEO of MetLife Inc., serving since May 1, 2019.
- What is Michel Khalaf’s annual salary?
His total compensation for 2025 is approximately $19,684,634, including salary, stock awards, and other benefits.
- How much is Michel Khalaf’s net worth?
Estimates place his net worth between $40 million and $72.5 million, driven by compensation and stock ownership.
- How does Michel Khalaf’s pay compare to other financial services leaders?
His earnings are competitive and aligned with industry standards for Fortune 500 CEOs.
- What factors determine a CEO’s compensation package at MetLife?
CEO pay is tied to company performance, shareholder interests, and long-term growth strategies.
Conclusion
Michel A. Khalaf’s leadership at MetLife reflects his dedication to innovation, collaboration, and global impact. His compensation and net worth highlight the value of his contributions to the company’s success. As MetLife continues to grow and lead in financial services, Khalaf remains a transformative figure in the industry.