07.12.2018 - Studies

Compensation remains intransparent

by Philipp Immenkötter


The transparency of executive compensation in Germany is disappointing. Numerous details are lacking in order to be able to understand executive salaries and their financial incentives. In comparison to the previous year, transparency has improved slightly, but many relevant details remain unclear. Only Covestro and Wirecard disclose their remuneration systems completely.

The level and appropriateness of the executive compensation of German major corporations is always a popular topic for discussion and arouses the interest of both specialist committees and regulars' tables. It is astonishing that the origin of salaries is discussed far too seldom, although it constitutes the decisive basis for an objective discussion. It is difficult to discuss the level and appropriateness of remuneration systems without knowing how they work.

In this study, the compensation reports of the DAX groups are examined in detail for transparency and presented in a transparency rating.

Please note: This study is available in German only.

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