Novartis CEO's pay soars to CHF 24.9 million after record growth
Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan saw his total pay rise sharply in 2025, reaching CHF 24.9 million. This marks a substantial jump from previous years, driven by strong company performance and long-term incentives. The entire Executive Committee also earned significantly more, reflecting the firm's financial growth.
Narasimhan's total compensation more than doubled from CHF 19.2 million in 2024. His basic salary rose slightly to CHF 1.90 million, but the bulk of the increase came from performance bonuses and long-term rewards. The company's success—including 11% sales growth in both 2023 and 2024—played a key role in boosting his earnings.
The long-term performance plan (LTPP) alone contributed CHF 17.3 million to his pay package. Novartis attributed the rise to shareholder value gains, improved EBITDA margins, and progress with key drugs like Cosentyx and Kesimpta. His total compensation far exceeded that of Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker, who earned CHF 10.2 million in 2025.
Across the company, the Executive Committee received CHF 113.6 million in total. The Board of Directors earned CHF 8.1 million, with Chairman Giovanni Caforio taking home CHF 2.9 million in his first year.
The pay increases reflect Novartis' financial strength and strategic milestones over the past two years. With higher bonuses tied to performance, the company's leadership compensation aligns with its growth trajectory. Shareholders will likely assess whether these rewards match long-term returns.
