Shell Transport and Trading announces executive pay freeze
Under intense pressure from shareholders, after a revolt over recent bonus proposals, Shell Transport & Trading has today announced a salary freeze for top executives until January 2011. This is yet another sign of shareholder unease and concern with regards to executive salary and bonus issues which appear to be increasing despite many targets being missed.
The 60% shareholder revolt over the recent salary and bonus proposals put forward by Shell Transport & Trading was the catalyst for today's announcement. There had been significant concern about bonus payments being authorised despite various targets being missed in the midst of what has been one of the most difficult and damaging economic downturns of recent times. It will be interesting to see if other companies follow suit because finally the voice of shareholders and institutional shareholders in particular is being heard.
While it would be unfair to single out by Shell Transport & Trading as being particularly generous with regards to executive remuneration packages, there is no doubt that this is one of the most high profile U-turns in recent times. It is likely to give shareholders added momentum as they chase better investor returns in the longer term and more accountability for executive pay packages.
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