Google CEO's compensation for 2009 falls 52 pct

[March 30, 2010]  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The Associated Press has found the total compensation of Google's CEO fell by 52 percent last year as the Internet search leader cut back on its employee perquisites to help lift its profits during the recession.

Eric Schmidt's 2009 package totaled $245,322, down from 508,764 in 2008, according to regulatory documents filed Monday.

The sharp decrease reflected lower bills for protecting Schmidt and flying his personal guests on jets chartered by Google.

By Schmidt's request, Google limited his salary to just $1 for the fifth consecutive year. Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin also have insisted on keeping their salaries at $1 apiece during the same period.

All three men, however, have parlayed their holdings Google to become multibillionaires.

[Associated Press]

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