Liddy to Leave AIG

CEO is 'committed' to firm's employees

(NEWSER) - AIG CEO Robert Benmosche isn’t fed up with running a government-controlled insurance giant after all: Backing away from his threat to quit, Benmosche said today that he remains "totally committed” to the company. The CEO conceded, however, that he and the board “are indeed frustrated” with the government’s restrictions on compensation, which he called a barrier to “restoring AIG’s value,” the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

Company gives congressman the biggest figure yet

(NEWSER) - Lawmakers and journalists keep pressing AIG about how much it paid out in bonuses in 2008, and the number keeps getting bigger, reports Politico. In response to a query from Rep. Elijah Cummings, the company now says it paid $454 million, about 4 times the figure it told Politico in March. The figure does not include $165 million in controversial retention payments to employees of a unit that caused AIG much of its financial grief. More»

(NEWSER) - AIG chief Edward Liddy has the not-so-distinct pleasure of testifying before Congress tomorrow just as rage at his company is reaching a full-throated roar. The House and Senate seem to be in a race to see who can recover the $165 million in bonuses faster, the Hill reports. If AIG employees don't give them up, Sen. Schumer suggested a tax on them of 91%, Rep. John Dingell pushed for 95%, and, later, Rep. Steve Israel and other House Democrats called for 100%. More»

Board replaces Sullivan with Citi exec Willumstad

(NEWSER) - Martin Sullivan has stepped down as AIG's CEO, and the company's board named chairman Maurice Willumstad his successor, insiders tell the Wall Street Journal. The insurance giant's stock has plummeted more than 50% since October due to subprime writedowns, and Sullivan is still embroiled in legal battles with his former boss. The new chief may start with a clean slate, but the state of American real estate remains daunting. More»

US will eventually no longer own the company

(AP) - AIG said today it's reached a deal to repay billions of dollars it received during the credit crisis. The plan could return a profit to taxpayers who footed the bill for AIG's near collapse in September 2008 and will eventually remove the government as majority owner. AIG became a lightning rod for criticism over bailouts when it received a package worth as much as $180 billion from the government, which received an 80% stake in the company in return. More»