CEO takes millions in bonuses, tells employees getting nothing to ‘leave Pity City’

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A chief executive of a furniture company gave herself a massive bonus worth millions of dollars, while witholding extras from everyone else, according to reports.

MillerKnoll CEO Andi Owen talked to employees about the decision last month on a Zoom call that was leaked, according to MarketWatch.

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MillerKnoll sells expensive office furniture. Owen’s message of austerity measures was not well-received on the call.

“Questions came through about, ‘How can we stay motivated if we’re not going to get a bonus?’” Owen says in the meeting recording. She tells employees to focus on things like customer service and recouping $26 million in operating expenses from the previous year.

Owen says in the video that a past employer told her, “You can visit Pity City, but you can’t live there.”

“So, people, leave Pity City. Let’s get it done.”

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The company said that the viral video clip had been taken out of context.

“Andi fiercely believes in this team and all we can accomplish together, and will not be dissuaded by a 90-second clip taken out of context and posted on social media,” a spokesman said in a statement.

Owen made $5 million last year. The company has yet to say how much she will make this year. The company this year has expensed $15.7 million in stock-based compensation, according to MarketWatch.