The past couple years have been something of a kick the pants for Vikram Pandit and certainly not what he was expecting when he agreed to take on the role of Citi CEO in exchange for almost a billion dollars, plus the keys to his lemon, otherwise known as Old Lane. Previously a smiley, jolly fellow of a sunny disposition, he lost weight and found himself in something of a funk. Then, in April, things started to look up. “Vikram is looking and sounding a lot more confident and secure,” a top lieutenant told the Times. “He has a smile on his face." And why? "He sees the day when he is going to earn more than a $1 a year.” Today, someone felt the need to come along and knock the wind out of those sails (of hope).

Citigroup Inc. said it will pay no stock salary to Chief Executive Officer Vikram Pandit for the portion of 2010 that the company is subject to U.S. executive compensation provisions. Pandit’s salary remains at $1 per year.

Citigroup Says Chief Executive Pandit's Salary To Remain At $1 [Bloomberg]