Korn Ferry Hay Group 2016/2017 CEO Compensation Study

In determining CEO compensation at top public companies in 2016, Boards turned to longer-term CEO compensation vehicles instead of more immediate salary and bonus increases to reward top leaders, new research by Korn Ferry Hay Group finds.

Now in its tenth year, the Korn Ferry Hay Group CEO compensation study examined all forms of pay for CEOs at the 300 largest public companies with revenues of at least $9 billion in fiscal year 2016.

Overall, CEO total direct compensation increased 4.2 percent to $12.5 million. However, median annual cash compensation for CEOs was flat at $3.5 million, including minimal base salary growth of 0.8 percent to $1.3 million and annual bonus payments remaining flat at $2.3 million. Stock awards are up 4.3 percent to $6.3 million and total long-term incentives grew 4.4 percent to a median value of $8.8 million.

Download the Korn Ferry Hay Group 2016/2017 CEO Compensation Study executive summary.