This Arizona CEO could receive a pay package of $246 million [View all]

Move over, rock stars and pro athletes — the chief executive officer of an Arizona-based company has a chance to earn nearly one-quarter billion dollars.

The board of directors of Axon Enterprise, the stun-gun and body-camera company formerly known as Taser International, recently disclosed 2018 compensation of $246 million for its CEO, Patrick Smith, in an annual proxy report filed April 16, 2019.

An annual payout that big would easily set a record among Arizona CEOs.

However, the number is deceptive, as Smith's package isn't guaranteed and is designed to be paid over 10 years if the Scottsdale company hits various financial milestones. The $246 million almost entirely reflects the value of options granted to him but which he hasn't yet formally received or exercised. Some of the options could expire worthless.

Read more: https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/tech/2019/04/26/patrick-smith-ceo-axon-enterprise-could-earn-246-million-pay/3579233002/