John W. Thompson, Hightest Payed Black CEO in 2005

John W Thompson, CEO of software company Symantec for the past 7 years was rated by Forbes Magazine as the #8 highest paid CEO of 2005.

Thompson the only black CEO to be in the top 10, had total compensation of $71.84 million. His compensation was comprised of  $800 000 in salary, Bonus of $1.68 million, plus $290 000 from other compensation, such as vested restricted stock grants, long-term incentive payouts and perks and stock gains of $69.07 million.

Forbes calculates a chief executive’s total pay by measureing the following for the company's latest fiscal year: salary and bonuses; other compensation, such as vested restricted stock grants, long-term incentive payouts and perks; and stock gains, the value realized from exercising stock options.

Other black CEOs on the list include:

• Kenneth I Chenault, CEO of American Express, No.66, total compensation of $19.28 million.
• Ronald A Williams, CEO of Aetna, No.33, total compensation $30.86 million.
• E Stanley O'Neal, CEO of Merrill Lynch, No.49, total compensation $22.41 million.
• Richard D Parsons, CEO of Time Warner, No.134, total compensation $10.64 million
• Clarence Otis Jr., CEO of Darden Restaurants, No.423, total compensation  $1.91 million.