Described is a CMOS transistor structure with a multi-layered gate electrode structure and a method of fabrication. The gate electrode structure has a three-layered metallic gate electrode and a polysilicon layer. The first metallic layer acts as a barrier to prevent the second metallic layer from reacting with an underlying dielectric. The second metallic layer acts to set the work function of the gate electrode structure. The third metallic layer acts as a barrier to prevent the second metallic layer from reacting with the polysilicon layer.