Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Charif Souki emerged as the highest paid U.S. executive in 2013, receiving $142 million and beating Gamco Investors Inc.’s Mario Gabelli and Och-Ziff Capital Management Group’s James Levin.
Souki’s compensation last year included a $133 million stock award that vests as his company hits certain financial and operational goals, according to a regulatory filing yesterday from the Houston-based natural-gas exporter, which has never posted an annual profit. He also received a $3.68 million cash bonus and a salary of $800,000, the filing shows.