The debate over levels of CEO remuneration

Two-thirds (67%) of business leaders around the world say that shareholders should have greater involvement in establishing remuneration policy for senior executives at large public companies and 66% believe that senior executives are paid too much, according to a global survey of 3,000 businesses in 40 countries.

More than three-quarters (77%) say that public companies should disclose the remuneration policy and individual remuneration of executive and non-executive directors and 80% believe that the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board be held by different people to ensure greater oversight.

The survey was conducted by Experian in May and June 2012 as part of the Grant Thornton International Business Report, a quarterly global business survey of public and private businesses, now in its twentieth year.

In your opinion, are senior executives at large public companies paid too much?
66% yes
27% no

Should public companies disclose the remuneration policy and individual remuneration of executive and non-executive directors?
77% yes
19% no

Should shareholders have greater involvement in establishing remuneration policy for senior executives at large public companies?
67% yes
28% no

Should the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board be held by different people to ensure greater oversight?
80% yes
14% no

In your opinion, should executive remuneration at public companies be closely linked to performance targets?
90% yes
7% no

For further information please contact:

John Vita 

Director of Public Relations and External Affairs

T +1 312 602 8955