pay of Walt Disney’s chief Robert Iger fell 28% to $29m (£18.1m; 20.2m euros) in 2009, a company filing to regulators has showed.

Disney’s earnings have suffered this year because of the economic slowdown. However the board praised Mr Iger for “his rapid response to exceptionally challenging economic conditions”.

Separately, Apple head Steve Jobs received his customary $1 annual salary in 2009. Mr Jobs is Disney’s largest single shareholder. According to documents released by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr Iger’s pay divides up as follows:

* $2.04m in salary
* $6.34m in stock awards
* Options valued at $8.31m
* Bonus of $9.25m
* Other compensation of $3.08m

The company said it “seeks to offer compensation that responds to the competitive market or executive talent in such a way that the company can attract executives of the highest calibre”.