Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. has had a long career in leadership, steering some of the biggest names in American business, such as General Motors and AT&T. He took charge at GM during a key restructuring phase in 2009, following a...

Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. has had a long career in leadership, steering some of the biggest names in American business, such as General Motors and AT&T. He took charge at GM during a key restructuring phase in 2009, following a challenging bankruptcy. Before that, he was at the helm of AT&T from 2005 to 2007, where he played a crucial role in its transformation into a global telecom leader. His work at SBC Communications established a foundation that made AT&T a competitive player. In 2010, despite generating performance-driven goals, his total compensation was heavily influenced by results, where he earned $18.6 million, although he didn't receive bonuses that year. It’s noteworthy that his compensation plan was designed to align with company performance metrics. Whitacre's financial commitments go beyond salary; his stock holdings are valued at over $3.5 million as of 2024, which shows his dedication to the companies he has led. His experience spans decades, and he also serves on the boards of large corporations like Exxon Mobil, enriching his business perspective. Overall, Edward Whitacre’s career reflects a blend of strategic leadership and a commitment to aligning executive pay with company performance, making him an interesting figure to follow in the business world.