In HBO’s Succession, power is everything, and the price tag that comes with it? Astronomical. From private jets to penthouse offices, the Roy family’s empire is built on excess, including a stacked executive team that likely racks up millions in annual payroll alone. But here’s a question even Logan Roy might reluctantly consider: what if you could build that same team... for a fraction of the cost?
Welcome to the world of Latin American outsourcing, where strategic acumen, executive-level talent, and significant cost savings converge.
Imagine this: instead of dropping half a million on a single hire, Waystar Royco could have sourced elite-level professionals from countries like Argentina, Colombia, or Brazil, without sacrificing quality, communication, or time zones. No, it wouldn’t make for high-stakes TV drama, but it would make for a much smarter business model.
In this article, we’re diving into how much the Roy family’s key players would earn in a typical U.S.-based setup vs. what those same roles could cost if outsourced to Latin America. Whether you’re building your own business dynasty or just trying to get the most out of your hiring budget, the numbers might surprise you.
The Waystar Inner Circle: Who’s Who in Succession’s Power Team
Before we crunch the numbers, let’s break down the players running Waystar Royco. These aren’t your average cubicle dwellers; this is a high-powered (and high-maintenance) executive crew who’ve mastered the art of business, manipulation, and media domination. Below is your unofficial guide to the top brass of Succession and the real-world roles they represent in today’s corporate world.
Logan Roy – Founder & CEO
The iron-fisted patriarch whose word is law, at least until his children try to stage a coup. Think of him as the ultimate decision-maker, strategist, and deal closer.
Kendall Roy – Acting CEO / EVP of Operations
Hot-and-cold successor with a knack for public meltdowns and occasional brilliance. Operational leadership with a splash of chaos.
Siobhan “Shiv” Roy – Head of Communications / Political Strategist
The media-savvy daughter with political instincts, PR chops, and a sharp tongue. She’d be leading brand strategy and crisis comms at any modern firm.
Roman Roy – Creative Director / Head of Digital
Equal parts edgy and immature, Roman’s role blends content, digital, and innovation. He’s the wildcard leading any user-facing initiative.
Tom Wambsgans – President of Parks & Cruises
Middle manager turned corporate climber. In real life, he'd be heading up a large business unit or division, perhaps overseeing consumer experiences.
Gerri Kellman – General Counsel
Sharp, loyal (to a point), and always two steps ahead. She’s the legal backbone, offering risk analysis and legal guidance at the highest level.
Frank Vernon – Executive VP of Strategy
A seasoned strategist and voice of reason. If Waystar had a business roadmap, Frank was likely the one sketching it.
Karl Muller – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Bean-counter with a backbone, Karl manages the money, forecasts the future, and keeps the numbers clean—or clean enough.
Hugo Baker – Head of PR
Spin doctor and crisis responder, Hugo controls public narratives and media messaging when the company’s in the hot seat (which is often).
Karolina Novotney – Communications Director
Always polished and press-ready, Karolina is the internal voice and external face of Waystar's messaging machine.
These are the roles we’ll be comparing next, because as glamorous (and dysfunctional) as they are on screen, they all represent real positions that today’s businesses hire for. The only difference? Most companies don’t pay them Roy-family rates.
Salary Showdown: U.S. vs. LATAM Executive Pay
So, what would it actually cost to keep Waystar Royco’s executive machine running? In the U.S., salaries for C-suite and VP-level roles often reach eye-watering heights, especially in media, tech, and finance. But by tapping into Latin America’s highly skilled, English-speaking talent pool, those costs could drop dramatically, without cutting corners on quality.
We’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of estimated U.S. salaries vs. what companies typically pay for equivalent remote roles in Latin America. The savings are staggering and they explain why more U.S. businesses are building elite remote teams across Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and beyond.
Here’s what Logan Roy’s empire might look like with a LATAM twist:
Note: Salaries are based on industry averages for U.S.-based executives in large corporations and comparable remote professionals in Latin America (LATAM) working for U.S. companies.
What Do These Numbers Tell Us?
Hiring just one executive-level role remotely from Latin America could save you over $300K per year. Multiply that across a full team, and you’re looking at millions in savings, without losing access to leadership experience, global business understanding, or real impact.
And here’s the kicker: LATAM professionals aren’t just more affordable; they’re also increasingly sought after for their work ethic, adaptability, and cultural alignment with U.S. companies.
Why Latin America Makes Business Sense
So, what makes Latin America the secret weapon for budget-conscious, growth-driven companies? While Succession paints a picture of executive leadership that’s both high-powered and high-priced, today’s reality is that you don’t need to overspend to access elite-level talent. In fact, businesses across the U.S., from startups to enterprise giants, are already turning south for smart, strategic hires.
Here’s why Latin America is becoming the go-to region for hiring top-tier remote professionals:
Massive Cost Savings Without Compromising Quality
As our salary comparison shows, hiring a VP, Director, or C-level leader from Latin America can cut costs by 70–80%. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about saving money; it’s about making your budget go further. You can reinvest in product, growth, or even hire more roles without compromising on experience or output.
Same Time Zones, Smoother Collaboration
Unlike offshore teams in Asia or Eastern Europe, professionals in LATAM work in real-time with U.S. teams. That means more productive meetings, faster feedback loops, and no awkward 3 a.m. Slack messages. This kind of alignment is crucial, especially for leadership and strategic roles that require constant collaboration.
World-Class Talent with Global Experience
Latin America is home to an expanding pool of highly educated, multilingual professionals with experience at global companies and startups alike. From CFOs and legal advisors to marketing strategists and digital directors, LATAM talent is increasingly visible on remote executive teams, and for good reason.
Cultural Fit That Actually Fits
Cultural alignment is often overlooked until it becomes a problem. LATAM professionals tend to have high familiarity with U.S. business norms, communication styles, and market dynamics. They’re not just compatible; they often thrive in cross-border teams, adding fresh perspective while fitting right in.
Scalable Teams for the Long Haul
With inflation rising and funding tightening, U.S. businesses are prioritizing lean, adaptable teams. Hiring remotely from Latin America is a scalable, long-term strategy that helps you grow sustainably and competitively.
The Takeaway
Succession might be fiction, but its characters reflect a real-world truth: executive teams are expensive. In the U.S., hiring a single VP or C-level leader can drain hundreds of thousands from your budget each year. Multiply that across a full team, and it’s no wonder most startups and mid-sized businesses feel priced out of top-tier leadership.
But there’s another way.
Latin America has proven itself as a goldmine for remote-ready professionals, from strategic thinkers and legal experts to marketing leads and CFOs. These aren’t just affordable hires; they’re exceptional talent with the experience, communication skills, and business acumen to drive serious growth. And with salaries that are 70–80% lower than U.S. equivalents, you don’t need a Roy-sized budget to build a Roy-worthy team. You just need a smarter strategy.
If you're looking to scale your leadership team without burning through your funding, it’s time to rethink how and where you hire.
South connects U.S.-based businesses with pre-vetted, executive-level talent from across Latin America. We help you build smart, agile, and cost-effective teams that deliver results, no boardroom betrayals required.
Schedule a free call with us today and discover how much more you can do with less.
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