Windstream Boss Makes Less Money, But Other Execs Head to the Bank

By Arselia Gales

Windstream says CEO Jeff Gardner’s 2012 total compensation in 2012 dropped nearly 20 percent.

Gardner’s total take fell to approximately $8 million from $9.78 million in 2011, according to an Arkansas Business article. His base salary increased slightly last year but his stock awards fell from $6.5 million to $5.2 million.

Gardner’s and other Windstream executive’s compensation were reported in the company’s annual proxy filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Four Windstream executives saw an increase in salary and stock awards, including Brent Whittington, COO $2.57 million, up from $2.47 million; Tony Thomas, CFO $1.94 million, up from $1.75 million; Cynthia Nash, CIO $1.11 million, up from $1.06 million; and John Fletcher, EVP, general counsel and secretary $1.95 million, up from $1.87 million.

In its proxy statement, Windstream reasserted the company’s three priorities for 2013: growing the company’s business services, including building more data centers; completing capital investment projects; and directing excess free cash flow to repaying debt.