Ryanair shareholders split over CEO Michael O’Leary’s £129m compensation plan
At the AGM, 39% of investors opposed the £129 million pay package for Michael O’Leary, yet the proposal still passed with 61% approval.
Ryanair’s latest annual general meeting revealed a sharp divide among investors over a £129 million compensation package for long-time chief executive Michael O’Leary. While 39% of shareholders rejected the plan, the vote still passed with 61% in favour, and the overall remuneration report was approved by 86% of voters. The agreement gives O’Leary the right to buy up to 10 million shares at €26.70 each should the airline’s profit exceed €4 billion or its share price rise above €42, provided he remains with the company until April 2032.
The airline said it will keep consulting shareholders to understand the dissent. The vote comes as Ryanair disclosed a profit slump of over a third to €538 million for the quarter ending June, driven by soaring jet-fuel prices and a 6% fall in average fares, despite a 6% rise in passenger numbers and a modest 1% increase in total revenue.
Why it matters
The decision shapes Ryanair’s executive incentives and could affect future shareholder confidence as the airline faces tightening margins.
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