C. Robert Henrikson served as the CEO of MetLife, Inc. from March 2006 to June 2012. Taking over after Robert H. Benmosche, Henrikson had been with MetLife for over 36 years, holding key positions before becoming CEO. Under his leadership,...
C. Robert Henrikson served as the CEO of MetLife, Inc. from March 2006 to June 2012. Taking over after Robert H. Benmosche, Henrikson had been with MetLife for over 36 years, holding key positions before becoming CEO. Under his leadership, MetLife focused on expanding its international presence and even completed the biggest acquisition in its history when it bought Alico. This move helped transform MetLife into a more global player in the insurance market. Henrikson's approach to compensation was all about performance. In 2008, he earned a significant $24.1 million, but by 2012, his reported salary dropped to zero as part of a performance-based payment philosophy. He was also known for capping executive pension benefits, which reflected a disciplined financial strategy. Throughout his tenure, Henrikson emphasized strong government relations and a healthy financial standing for the company. He was not just managing the company; he was also working closely with its board and other leaders in the industry, helping steer MetLife through a period of major change and growth.