Intel and Wind River’s chief executive

We have to wonder how long it will be before chief executive at Wind River Systems, Ken Klein, steps down once the company becomes a division of Intel, the world largest chip maker. According to Mercury News, two years would be a safe bet.

Klien needs to stay with Wind River Systems for that long, just so he can receive his entire $5 million retention bonus. This was promised to him when the merger was agreed with Intel, in a deal that is worth $884 million, that is $11.50, a share.

Ken Klein’s annual salary was $682,500 with Wind River Systems; this will be reduced to $500,000 when he becomes an Intel executive. Intel did promise him $2 million if he reaches the first anniversary of the deal’s completion, and a further $3 million if he reaches the second anniversary.