Facebook can terminate services of its chief Mark Zuckerberg at any time for any reason, or even without a reason, but the social networking giant’s founder and CEO also enjoys similar exit rights.
As per Facebook’s employment agreement with Mr. Zuckerberg, his tenure at the social networking giant would be on an “at will” basis, meaning his job can be terminated “at any time for any reason or no reason”, either by him or by the company.
The company has disclosed Mr. Zuckerberg’s employment agreement, revised late last month, as part of an amended registration document for its upcoming IPO (Initial Public Offer) filed with the U.S. market regulator Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The global leader in social networking space is planning for a USD five billion dollar IPO, which could push Mr. Zuckerberg and a few others into the league of billionaires, based on the valuation of their shareholding in the company.
While the job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the company’s personnel policies and procedures, might change from time to time, the ‘at will’ nature of Mr. Zuckerberg’s employment can be changed only after a written agreement approved by the Facebook board.
The employment agreement of Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sheryl Sandberg also has an ‘at-will’ clause.
Ms. Sandberg’s agreement also provides for reimbursement of her business expenses by Facebook, although that of Mr. Zuckerberg has no such clause.
One of the clauses also bars Mr. Zuckerberg from creating a rival to Facebook.
As per the agreement, Mr. Zuckerberg cannot “assist any person or entity in competing with the company, in preparing to compete with the company or in hiring any employees or consultants of the company.”
Similar clauses apply to Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) David Ebersman and Vice President (Engineering) Mike Schroepfer, for the period these people are rendering their services to Facebook.
The agreements are silent on whether these people, including Mr. Zuckerberg, can help create a rival to Facebook after leaving the company.
The company said that Mr. Zuckerberg, as President and CEO, would get $500,000 of base salary and up to 45 per cent of this amount as bonus every year.
Ms. Sandberg and Mr. Ebersman would get an annual base salary of $300,000 each, while the same for Schroepfer would be $275,000. All the three executives would be entitled for a bonus payment of up to 45 per cent of their base earnings.
The collective base salary and bonus of the four executives stand at USD 1.99 million (about Rs 10 crore).
"The company said that Mr. Zuckerberg, as President and CEO, would get $500,000 of base salary and up to 45 per cent of this amount as bonus every year."I didn't understand $500,000 means 2,50,000 INR annually. Is itn't very low.If we include other benefits also then his salary would be maximum 10 crores annnually. Sharukh Khan get 10 crores or more for one movie only.If we assume two movies in a year from Sharukh then 20 crores a year... am i right?? This is what the value of CEO in huge company like facebook?? Or is this salary on papers only? My knowlegde is week in this regard.Let me know others' views.
facebook is wonderfull site for friendship.
I have always believed that an employment agreement is a confidential document in the first place. Let alone the exit clause mentioning 'at any time for any reason or no reason'.
Its not really a quid pro quo. Since Mark Zuckerberg has more than 50% voting rights in Facebook, any decision to remove him will have to be taken by a 'board' dominated by him. So, it will always be his decision. Not that any of this will acquire importance for atleast a decade.
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