Chesapeake Energy's McClendon got $53 million severance

Chesapeake Energy co-founder and CEO Aubrey McClendon, who resigned last April over personal loans and governance issues, received an exit package valued at more than $53 million, the energy services company said Thursday.

McClendon's severance included nearly $11 million cash, equity valued at $34 million and benefits worth $7.2 million, Chesapeake said in a preliminary proxy filing. He'll also get rights to use a company jet through 2016, which Chesapeake valued at $7.2 million. The company said it earlier it incurred charges of $69 million tied to McClendon's departure.

Starting in 1989, McClendon built Chesapeake into the nation's second-largest producer of natural gas, amassing wealth to become part owner of the Oklahoma Thunder basketball team and a renowned collector of antique maps and rare wines.

But the energy industry maverick was forced to relinquish his position as Chesapeake chairman in 2012 following a shareholder revolt led by activist Carl Icahn. The company came under scrutiny after it was disclosed that McClendon had borrowed more than $1 billion against his personal stake in company wells. An internal review found no improper conduct.

McClendon, 54, has since started American Energy Partners, an Ohio-based limited partnership focusing on oil and gas drilling.

McClendon's successor, Doug Lawler, received 2013 compensation valued at $22.4 million, Chesapeake said.