Damien McDonald had a strong stake in LivaNova, showcasing his commitment to the company. In 2017, at the start of his CEO tenure, he had an impressive number of vested shares, and his compensation peaked in 2018, thanks to stellar...
Damien McDonald had a strong stake in LivaNova, showcasing his commitment to the company. In 2017, at the start of his CEO tenure, he had an impressive number of vested shares, and his compensation peaked in 2018, thanks to stellar performance metrics that exceeded targets. Over the years, McDonald’s wealth tied to LivaNova shares fluctuated significantly - in 2018, his stock awards and bonuses totaled around $4 million, reflecting the company’s success. However, by 2023, as he prepared for his exit, many of his unvested stock options and grants were forfeited, highlighting the risks tied to high executive roles. This pattern illustrates both the potential rewards and pitfalls of being a CEO, where one’s fortunes can rise and fall with the company's fate.