Qwest's new CEO, Edward Mueller, will make a base salary of $1.2 million. His target bonus will be 200 percent of salary, but the Qwest pay plan allows for incentive payments greater than the target.

Mueller will get about $15 million worth of restricted stock and options. He gets 2,083,000 options to purchase shares at an exercise price of $8.37 and 896,000 shares of restricted stock.

The stock awards are performance-based. Qwest must hit either $11.50 within three years, or $12.65 within four years, for Mueller to have the right to sell the shares. The awards may "vest," or become usable, earlier upon certain events like a merger.

The company is paying relocation expenses and will buy Mueller's home if he is unable to sell it by March 31, 2008. He gets $5,000 per month in temporary housing expenses until next February.

Qwest is requiring Mueller use the company jet for all travel, business and personal, and will allow his spouse to travel at no charge. Mueller is responsible for the taxes on the complimentary personal travel.