W. Bruce Johnson

Sears Holdings (SHLD)
2007 compensation: $1.6 million
YTD share performance: -64.63%
Net income, One-Year Growth: -69%

Sears Holding Chairman Edward S. Lampert promoted W. Bruce Johnson to interim chief executive at the beginning of the fiscal year. Sales at the Kmart and Sears chains continue to fall faster than those at many rivals, with Sears total same-store sales off 9% last quarter. The company is shedding underperforming stores, and announced a $500 million stock-buyback plan.

Candy Cane or Coal?: Coal