Key points:
- IBM’s new legal chief, Anne Robinson, received $9.87 million in compensation in her first six months.
- The majority of her earnings came from stock grants and options, with a base salary of $467,500.
- Robinson’s focus at IBM includes AI, Quantum, M&A, and Consulting.
Anne Robinson, IBM’s new chief legal officer, earned nearly $10 million in total compensation in her first six months, making her the company’s fifth-highest-paid executive, according to a proxy statement filed Monday, as reported by Law.com.
Robinson, who joined IBM in July 2024 from Vanguard, received $9.87 million, including a $750,000 sign-on bonus. Her earnings were largely equity-based, with $6.8 million in stock grants and $1 million in stock options. Her salary was $467,500, supplemented by a $695,750 cash incentive.
IBM cited Robinson’s contributions in supporting global growth, particularly in AI, Quantum, M&A, and Consulting. She replaced Michelle Browdy, who retired after 17 years at the company and earned $8.1 million in her final year.
Robinson, a Columbia Law graduate, also took on a leadership role at the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, where she is the chair-elect. “I look forward to ensuring that people of color are not just participants, but leaders in the legal field,” she said upon joining the board.
IBM, which reported $6 billion in earnings on nearly $63 billion in revenue last year, has over 280,000 employees worldwide.
