These are challenging times for Pfizer’s newest ceo, Jeff Kindler. Having inherited a debacle from his predecessor, the unflappable Hank McKinnell, Kindler now has the unenviable task of rebuilding the world’s largest drugmaker.

To make it happen, Kindler is working closely with David Shedlarz, the cfo who lost out in the three-way race to succeed McKinnell last summer, but is now vice chairman and Wall Street soothsayer. Even so, the game is all about finding new, best-selling drugs.

Meanwhile, Kindler must preside over layoffs and facilities closings. Messy stuff. For his efforts, he is being rewarded handsomely. According to an Associated Press analysis of Pfizer’s proxy, last year, he received a salary of $1.1 million; a $3.3 million bonus, and stock and options with an estimated value of $6.7 million when they were granted. Then there were the perks totaling $265,318, which included $122,388 for aircraft usage, $10,000 for financial counseling and $2,364 for a home security system (that’s a lot of windows).

All this comes to $11.4 million, compared wiith the $12.9 million given Hank and the $8.6 million given Karen Katen, the marketing maven who also lost to Kindler and is leaving the drugmaker this month. (For those wishing to reminisce, Pharma Giles has posted a sentimental farewell).

Looks like Jeff will have to screw up to get as much as Hank got.

[tags]Executive Pay, Hank McKinnell, Jeff Kindler, Karen Katen, Pfizer[/tags]