Mattel chief’s compensation declines 29% to $8.6 million

Robert A. Eckert, the chairman and chief executive of Mattel Inc., received compensation in 2008 valued at $8.6 million, down about 29% from the previous year, according to an analysis of a regulatory filing Monday.

Eckert, 54, received a base salary of $1.25 million, equal to his 2007 pay, the El Segundo-based company reported in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

He did not receive a cash or performance-based bonus. In 2007, he received a bonus of $7.1 million, most of which came from a three-year performance period bonus.

He also received $691,988 in other pay, including $285,438 for personal use of the company aircraft, a $150,000 reimbursement for a country club initiation fee and $49,906 as part of a company car program

The bulk of his award came in the form of stock and option grants valued by the company when they were awarded at $6.7 million. The total includes options granted in August 2008 that entitle Eckert to buy shares at $20.48 a share.