Net Worth Ranker
What Is John Legere’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, various sources estimate John Legere’s net worth to be around $350 million. This impressive figure is primarily attributed to his successful career in the telecommunications industry, most notably his tenure as the CEO of T-Mobile US. His compensation packages included a base salary, bonuses, and significant stock awards, all contributing to his substantial wealth.
Executive Compensation and Equity Holdings
John Legere’s financial success is closely tied to his executive compensation at T-Mobile. In a typical year, his base salary was around $1.5 million. However, his total compensation far exceeded this figure due to bonuses and stock awards. For instance, in 2017, his total compensation reached over $23 million. By 2018, this figure had skyrocketed to $66.5 million, positioning him among the highest-paid CEOs globally. A significant portion of his wealth also came from equity holdings. According to an April 2020 SEC filing, Legere beneficially owned 2.7 million shares of T-Mobile stock, valued at approximately $250 million at the time. This substantial equity stake played a crucial role in building his net worth.
Severance Package and Final Compensation
In November 2019, it was announced that John Legere would step down as CEO of T-Mobile. As part of his departure, he received a $27 million salary and a $100 million severance package. In 2020, his total compensation topped $137 million, primarily driven by T-Mobile achieving key milestones in its merger with Sprint. This substantial payout underscores the financial rewards associated with his leadership during a period of significant corporate transformation.
Early Life and Education
John Legere was born in Massachusetts on June 4, 1958. He graduated from St. Bernard’s Central Catholic School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Initially, he considered becoming a gym teacher but later opted for a career in business. He earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Continuing his education, he obtained an M.S. from the MIT Sloan School of Management as an Alfred P. Sloan fellow and an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He also completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Career Before T-Mobile
Before taking the helm at T-Mobile, John Legere had a diverse and extensive career in the telecommunications and technology sectors. He spent nearly 20 years at AT&T, holding various senior positions, including Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Asia and head of AT&T Global Strategy and Business Development. He also served as President of AT&T Solutions, the company’s worldwide outsourcing subsidiary. From 1998 to 2000, Legere was Senior Vice President at Dell, where he also served as President and Chief Operations Officer for Dell’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as President of Dell Asia-Pacific. Prior to joining T-Mobile US, he was CEO of Asia Global Crossing from February 2000 to January 2002, and CEO of Global Crossing from October 2001 to October 2011. During his time at Global Crossing, he led the company through bankruptcy and eventual acquisition by Level 3 Communications.
T-Mobile Tenure and “Un-carrier” Strategy
John Legere was appointed CEO of T-Mobile US in September 2012. During his tenure, he implemented the “Un-carrier” approach, which revolutionized the wireless industry by eliminating contracts and introducing customer-friendly policies. Under his leadership, T-Mobile experienced significant growth, more than doubling its customer base from 33 million to over 70 million in just five years. Legere’s efforts transformed T-Mobile from a struggling company into one of the most innovative and competitive wireless providers in the United States.
Compensation Details Over the Years
Analyzing John Legere’s compensation over several years provides a clearer picture of his earnings trajectory. In 2017, his total compensation topped $23 million. This figure jumped significantly in 2018 to $66.5 million, primarily due to a stock award granted following the announcement of T-Mobile’s proposed merger with Sprint. This award was contingent on Legere remaining with the company and seeing the merger through to completion, or remaining CEO for another year and achieving specific performance targets for T-Mobile’s stock. In 2019, Legere’s compensation was $27.8 million. Despite working only three months in 2020, he received a staggering $137 million from T-Mobile, which included a $136.55 million severance payment, a $600,000 paycheck, and $50,000 in legal fee reimbursements.
Post-T-Mobile Activities
Since leaving T-Mobile in April 2020, John Legere’s activities and investments have not been widely publicized. His mailing address is listed as Naples, Florida. While details on his current business ventures and investments are not readily available, it is likely that he remains active in various entrepreneurial and investment opportunities, leveraging his extensive experience and capital accumulated during his successful career. As of March 10, 2025, there are no official reports indicating any new executive roles for Legere.
Running and Personal Interests
Outside of his business career, John Legere is a nationally competitive runner. He completed the Boston Marathon in 2004 as a member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Marathon Challenge team. He has also been a member of the corporate advisory board of the School of Business and Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the government relations committee of the American Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong. Legere has been divorced twice and has two daughters.
