Big tech companies are investing heavily in the protection of their CEOs, with some paying significantly more than others. This includes everything from personal security teams to advanced surveillance systems, underscoring the risks tied to their high-profile roles. Among the top spenders are Meta, which spent $23.4 million on Mark Zuckerberg’s security in 2023, and Google, which allocated $6.8 million for Sundar Pichai. Here’s a look at the top five tech CEOs whose companies spend the most on protecting them,
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg tops the chart
Meta spent a total of $23.4 million for CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s personal security in 2023, significantly surpassing the security expenses of other tech giants. Approximately $10 million of this was allocated for high-profile security services to ensure the safety of him and his family. An additional $14 million was provided as an annual allowance to cover other security-related expenses.
By comparison, Google spent $6.8 million on safeguarding Sundar Pichai, while Tesla’s outlay for Elon Musk’s security was $2.4 million, according to Fortune. This highlights Meta’s heightened focus on Zuckerberg’s protection amid his high-profile role and the company’s prominent public presence.
Meta explains why it spent so much on Zuckerberg’s security
In an Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, Meta said that the company paid these large security payments, “for the company’s benefit because of the importance of Mr. Zuckerberg to Meta,”. Zuckerberg is especially at risk because of his position, the company argued. “We believe that Mr. Zuckerberg’s role puts him in a unique position: he is synonymous with Meta and, as a result, negative sentiment regarding our company is directly associated with, and often transferred to, Mr. Zuckerberg,” the company stated.
How much Google, Apple spent on their CEO’s security
In 2023, Google allocated $6.8 million for Sundar Pichai’s personal security, according to an SEC filing. Additionally, Pichai benefited from other perks, including access to a company car and the use of “non-commercial aircraft,” such as a private jet, for his travel needs.
While Apple spent $820,309 on security measures for CEO Tim Cook, in addition to the $1.6 million Apple paid for Cook’s private jet usage. Tesla, on the other hand, allocated $2.4 million to a security firm owned by CEO Elon Musk for personal protection services. According to an SEC filing, the company reported an extra $500,000 spent on security-related expenses through February 2024.
Chipmaker Nvidia spends relatively modestly on security for its CEO, Jensen Huang. The company allocated approximately $2.2 million for residential security and consultation fees for Huang, as detailed in an SEC filing.
