Outgoing BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers will take cash, shares and performance rights worth up to $75.2 million at current prices.

Mr Kloppers, 50, this week outlined plans to retire as chief in May after almost six years in the job. He will remain an employee of the company until October.

Baton change … Andrew Mackenzie, left, and Marius Kloppers. Credit:Reuters

If paid, it will count as one of the most generous exit packages in Australian history, topped only by the $80 million package reportedly received by former Macquarie Bank managing director Allan Moss, but beating previous payouts including to Colonial First State's Chris Cuffe ($33 million), Santos' John Ellice-Flint ($16.8 million), and PBL's John Alexander ($15 million). Mr Kloppers' predecessor Chip Goodyear reportedly left with entitlements of $60 million, while ousted BHP chief Brian Gilbertson received a $12 million payout.

Mr Kloppers, after remaining chief executive for most of 2012-13, and subject to various performance criteria, will be eligible for a bonus under BHP's short-term incentive plan, paid in cash and shares, worth up to 3.2 times his base salary of $US2.215 million, or a maximum of $6.9 million. He will not be eligible for any short-term bonus in 2013-14.