Law Commons^™

Does "Say On Pay" Work? Lessons On Making Ceo Compensation Accountable, Stephen Davis

Ira M. Millstein Center for Global Markets and Corporate Ownership

Based on a review of UK experience, advisory shareowner votes on executive compensation policies (“say on pay”) appear practical for adaptation in North America and other markets. They represent a lever that could strengthen both boards and shareholders in the quest to better align top corporate pay with performance. But they are hardly a panacea on their own. They are likely to spur dialogue between boards and shareholders. However, market parties in the UK—which pioneered the advisory vote concept — remain concerned that boards and investors are each falling short of success in tethering pay to performance. US players may …