Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, has seen a significant increase in the security budget allocated for his personal protection. In 2024, Google paid over $8 million (approximately Rs 67.8 crore) for Pichai’s personal security, marking a 22% increase from the $6.78 million (around Rs 57.48 crore) spent in 2023. The primary reason for this surge is detailed in a report from the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The increase reflects enhanced security measures that include residential security, security consultation fees, monitoring services, car and driver services, and personal security during travel. Despite the high costs, Google maintains that these expenditures are necessary due to Pichai's role and are not considered a personal benefit. The company emphasized that these measures arise from the nature of his employment responsibilities.
Pichai’s compensation package also saw a rise in 2024. His total package, including stock awards, amounted to $10.73 million (around Rs 91.03 crore), up from $8.8 million (approximately Rs 74.6 crore) the previous year. A significant portion of this increase was attributed to the personal security expenses.
Pichai's situation is not unique within Alphabet. The company’s executive compensation saw notable increases as well. Kent Walker, Google’s legal chief, received $30.2 million (approximately Rs 256.2 crore), up from $27.3 million (around Rs 231.6 crore) in 2023. Anat Ashkenazi, the newly appointed finance chief, earned $50 million (approximately Rs 424.24 crore), which included a $10 million (Rs 84.84 crore) bonus.
At the same time, Google’s employees experienced a modest rise in compensation. The average total compensation for full-time employees reached $331,894 (around Rs 2.81 crore) in 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
The need for heightened security for top executives is part of a broader trend seen across several S&P 500 companies. The rise in security spending has been driven by increasing external challenges and threats, such as the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. As Google continues to grow its influence, particularly in the AI sector, and faces rising regulatory scrutiny, the increased spending on executive security reflects the heightened risks associated with leadership roles in the tech industry.
Despite these challenges, Google reported a strong financial performance, with Q1 2025 revenue rising by 12% compared to the previous year.
