Lost in translation

CEOs aren't the only executives who report suspiciously high compensation packages. Let's take Brian Hodous, who joined Santa Monica-based Activision late last year from the UK as something called "chief customer officer." I'm not sure what all that involves, but he's listed as one of the company's senior executives – and that means his comp package is laid out in the just-released Activision proxy. Ever-watchful Michelle Leder at footnoted.org found that among Hodous's perks were a "mobility premium" and "cultural training," neither of which is defined. But the routine compensation footnotes provide for good reading, as well. Hodous's total package - salary, bonus, options, etc. - totals $1.2 million, which sounds like nice enough money to cover life’s big and little expenses. But of that amount, $88,389 falls under the "all other compensation" category - and that's where it gets interesting.

--Housing $48,380
--Cost of living allowance $20,197
--Utilities $3,801
--Taxes $3,992
--Telephone, television and Internet services $770
--Pet sitting service $588
--Car allowance $5,217
--Fuel $577
--Reimbursement for payment of Medicare taxes $305
--immigration services $4,562

My favorite item is the cost of living allowance - or have you forgotten that Hodous comes from one of the most expensive countries in the world? A COL allowance from London to L.A.? They’ve got to be kidding. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)