Twitter’s chief lawyer, widely regarded as the social network’s leading advocate for censoring conservatives, is one of many high-paid executives who could lose their jobs if Elon Musk completes his takeover of the company.
Vijaya Gadde made $17 million as Twitter’s top legal counsel last year. Musk reportedly plans to cut jobs and reduce government pay as he looks to secure financing for his Twitter bid.
Musk expressed “no confidence” in Twitter’s current administration after announcing plans to acquire the company earlier this month, which does not bode well for his or her future when he takes the helm later this year.
However, if she is fired, Gadde will receive a nice consolation prize: a $12.5 million severance package that includes the accelerated vesting of a trove of Twitter shares she has accumulated.
The 48-year-old Gadde, who reportedly broke down in tears while speaking to colleagues about Twitter’s future, has become a lightning rod for controversy in recent days, thanks in no small part to Musk himself, who tweeted a meme depicting her as oblivious to a “liberal bias” at Twitter.
Lara Cohen, Twitter’s global head of companions, also shared messages of support for Leslie Berland, the company’s chief advertising and marketing officer, who was caught in leaked audio saying Musk’s plans without spending a dime put them in “a very difficult position.”
