BTCC
/
BTCC Square
/
HashRonin
/
Executive Pay in CAC 40 Firms Drops 9% in 2024: A Closer Look at the €6.5M Average
Executive Pay in CAC 40 Firms Drops 9% in 2024: A Closer Look at the €6.5M Average
19
2
In a surprising shift, the average compensation for executives of France’s CAC 40 companies fell by 9% in 2024, settling at €6.5 million. This decline reflects broader economic pressures and evolving corporate governance trends. Below, we dissect the numbers, explore contributing factors, and analyze what this means for investors and the market. --- ### Why Did CAC 40 Executive Pay Drop in 2024?
The 9% decline in executive remuneration marks a notable departure from the steady climbs of previous years. Analysts attribute this to:
- Shareholder activism: Investors are increasingly vocal about aligning pay with performance.
- Regulatory scrutiny: France’s financial watchdog has tightened guidelines on excessive bonuses.
- Economic headwinds: Slower growth in key sectors like luxury goods and energy has pressured profit margins.
Interestingly, this drop contrasts with modest payin Germany’s DAX and the UK’s FTSE 100, perdata.
The €6.5 million figure typically includes:
| Component | % of Total |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | 25% |
| Bonuses | 40% |
| Long-term Incentives | 35% |
Notably, bonuses saw the sharpest cuts (-15% YoY), while base salaries remained stable. “Firms are prioritizing retention over short-term rewards,” notes a BTCC market analyst.
--- ### What’s Driving the Shift in Compensation Trends?Three key forces are reshaping executive pay:
- ESG pressures: Climate targets now influence 30% of bonus metrics at CAC 40 firms.
- Public sentiment: Post-pandemic, voters and employees alike criticize “windfall” payouts.
- Tech disruption: Traditional industries face talent drains to startups offering equity-heavy packages.
Compensation Insights
How does this compare to pre-pandemic levels?
Adjusted for inflation, 2024 pay is roughly equal to 2018 levels, erasing pandemic-era spikes.
Which sectors saw the steepest declines?
Luxury (-12%) and automotive (-11%) underperformed, while healthcare (-5%) proved more resilient.
By:
