William A. Hawkins, III is known for leading Medtronic, a top player in the medical device industry, as CEO from 2007 to 2011. He faced tough times, including changes in the market, but managed to steer the company through these...

William A. Hawkins, III is known for leading Medtronic, a top player in the medical device industry, as CEO from 2007 to 2011. He faced tough times, including changes in the market, but managed to steer the company through these challenges with a focus on long-term growth. After joining Medtronic as President and COO, he took the helm when the company was looking to improve its product offerings and performance. Interestingly, during his final year, Hawkins got about $8 million in total compensation, including a substantial severance package after announcing his retirement. He chose not to accept any new stock options as he transitioned out of the role, which shows his commitment to the company's direction. Even after stepping back, he played a role in helping his successor adjust smoothly. Hawkins remains involved in the industry through various boards, demonstrating his ongoing influence despite retiring from Medtronic.

Quick Links

1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other Medtronic CEOs

M

William A. Hawkins, III

Ex-CEO of Medtronic

Sector of Economy

Healthcare

CEO of Medtronic for

3 years 8 months (Aug 2007 - Apr 2011)

Previous Experience

Unknown

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of William A. Hawkins, III

D

Kevin Sayer

CEO of DexCom

2023 Compensation

Stock

$13.51M

Salary

$1.09M

Bonus

$1.99M

Other

$143.54K

Total Holdings

$26.30M

J

Joaquin Duato

CEO of Johnson & Johnson

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.58M

Bonus

$3.65M

Other

$241.99K

Total Holdings

$61.93M

S

Kevin A. Lobo

CEO of Stryker

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.39M

Bonus

$3.78M

Other

$532.65K

Total Holdings

$54.60M

A

Robert B. Ford

CEO of Abbott

2023 Compensation

Stock

$6.92M

Salary

$1.50M

Bonus

$2.95M

Other

$3.67M

Total Holdings

$52.73M

D

Terry Gregg

CEO of DexCom

2023 Compensation

Stock

$12.49M

Salary

$1.09M

Bonus

$1.99M

Other

$143.54K

Total Holdings

$142.54M

T

Marc N. Casper

CEO of Thermo Fisher Scientific

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.73M

Bonus

$2.62M

Other

$730.24K

Total Holdings

$104.93M

Holdings

See how much did William A. Hawkins, III make over time.

Hawkins's holdings during his time at Medtronic revealed his focus on aligning with shareholder interests. He saw fluctuations in stock prices but ultimately did not gain new stock options in his final year, which meant his wealth mostly came from...

Hawkins's holdings during his time at Medtronic revealed his focus on aligning with shareholder interests. He saw fluctuations in stock prices but ultimately did not gain new stock options in his final year, which meant his wealth mostly came from his cash compensation and benefits. When he left, he had a significant severance package, including around $3.8 million, showing the respect Medtronic had for his long tenure. He initially had more of his wealth tied to the company's stock, but as his tenure ended, he moved away from relying heavily on stock options, signaling a shift in focus to cash-based compensation.

Mar 18, 2025

B

shares

BIIB @ $143.09

M

shares

MDT @ $92.21

Charitable Transactions

MDT

380 shares

MDT

Recent Charitable Transactions

MDT

380 shares

MDT

Jun 1, 2011

Charity

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of William A. Hawkins, III.

BIIB

1,340 shares

BIIB

Jun 21, 2024

Received

BIIB

960 shares

BIIB

Jun 26, 2023

Received

BIIB

1,370 shares

BIIB

Jun 15, 2022

Received

BIIB

775 shares

BIIB

Jul 1, 2021

Received

BIIB

890 shares

BIIB

Jun 3, 2020

Received

BIIB

1,155 shares

BIIB

Jun 19, 2019

Received

MDT

380 shares

MDT

Jun 1, 2011

Charity

Compensation History

See how much did William A. Hawkins, III make over time.

In his last fiscal year as CEO of Medtronic, Hawkins earned approximately $8 million in total compensation. This included a base salary of $1.25 million and a performance bonus of roughly $914,000, which reflected the company's earnings targets. Despite the pressure, he received a mandatory minimum payout even when company performance metrics were not entirely met. His departure included a notable cash severance of about $3.8 million as part of his separation agreement. Even after stepping down, he continued to receive benefits for two years, which showcased the company's support during his transition.

Year

2011

Total Compensation

$6.23M

Salary

$1.25M

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy is designed to attract, motivate, and retain top talent, emphasizing performance-based compensation that aligns with shareholder interests.

Bonus

$913.85K

Board Justification

The bonus represents the annual performance-based incentive plan compensation earned during fiscal year 2011, based on the company's performance metrics.

Other

$4.07M

Board Justification

Other compensation includes a lump sum cash severance payment and the value of continued health and dental benefits for 24 months, as part of his separation agreement.

Restricted Stock

$0.00(0 N/A)

Board Justification

No stock awards were granted or vested in 2011 as Mr. Hawkins did not receive any new long-term incentive compensation grants during the transition period after stepping down as CEO.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics for the bonus included growth in diluted earnings per share, revenue growth, and cash flow.

Other Medtronic CEOs

Here are other CEOs of Medtronic

Omar Ishrak

Ex-CEO of Medtronic

April 2011 - April 2020