Dave Schaeffer has led Cogent Communications since 2000, making him a veteran in telecommunications. He earned a computer science degree from UC Berkeley, which set the stage for his deep technical knowledge in the field. Under his leadership, the company...
Dave Schaeffer has led Cogent Communications since 2000, making him a veteran in telecommunications. He earned a computer science degree from UC Berkeley, which set the stage for his deep technical knowledge in the field. Under his leadership, the company has seen impressive growth, achieving a remarkable 57% increase in revenue and 58% in EBITDA just this year. Instead of a standard salary, his entire 2023 compensation of over $9.2 million came from performance-based equity awards and cash incentives tied to the company's success. Schaeffer's bold approach means he doesn't take a fixed salary; his earnings depend entirely on how well Cogent does. In 2023, he acquired a significant stock award of 160,000 restricted shares, which shows that he has a lot riding on the company’s future. Schaeffer’s work is not just about the numbers; it's also about delivering results that matter to shareholders. With the telecommunications market constantly evolving, his experience and strategic vision are key for Cogent’s ongoing success.