Meta boosts executive bonuses (200%) after layoffs, expands hiring in India

Just a week after laying off 3,600 employees, Meta has approved a significant pay hike for its top executives, raising their bonuses to 200% of their base salary—more than double the previous 75%. The decision, sanctioned by Meta’s Compensation, Nominating, and Governance Committee on February 13, 2025, does not include CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Also Read: Meta in Bengaluru, hiring for engineering and product roles begins

Meta justified the move by stating that its executive compensation lagged behind industry benchmarks. According to the company, before the hike, its executive pay was in the lower 15th percentile compared to competitors, and the increase now brings it closer to the median level. The company emphasized that the adjustment was necessary to retain top talent.

However, the timing of the decision has sparked criticism, especially following the layoffs, which affected about 5% of Meta’s global workforce. The company attributed the job cuts to "low performance," but the large executive payouts have drawn backlash.

Meanwhile, Meta is ramping up hiring in India, particularly in Bengaluru, where it has posted 41 engineering job openings. Unlike its offices in Hyderabad, Gurgaon, New Delhi, and Mumbai, which focus on non-engineering roles, the Bengaluru hub will serve as a key technology centre, working on software development, machine learning, and chip design. The company is also seeking an Engineering Director to lead its India-based team.