Article Marsh McLennan’s Mercer to acquire hkp///group
Building a new market leader for People & Investment

Marsh McLennan’s Mercer to acquire hkp///group

Building a new market leader for People & Investment read more ...

Article Say on Pay 2025: Remuneration systems between evolution and revolution
Insights from the 2024 Annual General Meeting season and outlook for next year's Say on Pay

Say on Pay 2025: Remuneration systems between evolution and revolution

Insights from the 2024 Annual General Meeting season and outlook for next year's Say on Pay read more ...

Article hkp///group strengthens corporate governance consulting through the acquisition of the ECBE
Strengthening competencies in the evaluation, organization and cooperation of supervisory bodies

hkp///group strengthens corporate governance consulting through the acquisition of the ECBE

hkp///group has acquired a majority stake in the European Center for Board Effectiveness GmbH. The ECBE specializes in evaluating and advising on the work of supervisory and administrative bodies. read more ...

Article ATX: Sustainability in Supervisory Board and Management Board Compensation
hkp.com in conversation with Corporate Governance Advisor Dr. Pia Lünstroth

ATX: Sustainability in Supervisory Board and Management Board Compensation

What do the voting guidelines of leading ATX investors and proxy advisors say about the implementation of sustainability in management and supervisory board compensation? hkp.com talked to Corporate Governance Advisor Dr. Pia Lünstroth. read more ...

Article Executive board compensation: mixed investor feedback on compensation report
hkp/// group analysis confirms declining investor acceptance of DAX remuneration reports

Executive board compensation: mixed investor feedback on compensation report

A review of the votes on the compensation reports of the leading listed companies in Germany by the hkp/// group reveals a mixed picture for the 2023 Annual General Meeting season. read more ...

Article Supervisory board role: corporate restructuring & IPOs
An interview with Dr. Jan Dörrwächter and Dr. Pia Lünstroth

Supervisory board role: corporate restructuring & IPOs

Restructurings and IPOs require good preparation and good corporate governance. In this context, the role of the supervisory board as guardian of good corporate governance takes on outstanding importance. read more ...

Article Expectations are rising – insights into supervisory board agendas

Expectations are rising – insights into supervisory board agendas

hkp// group Corporate Governance Advisors Nina Grochowitzki, Dr. Pia Lünstroth and Regine Siepmann in conversation on current topics of supervisory board activity. read more ...

Article The Intersection Of ESG And Executive Incentive Plans
An article by Phil Johnson and Tara Tays from Pay Governance

The Intersection Of ESG And Executive Incentive Plans

More and more companies are integrating ESG goals into executive incentive plans. Phil Johnson and Tara Tays from Pay Governance, our partner for North America and Asia, report on how this is being done in a compact article. read more ...

Article Training for Supervisory Boards: A long-term approach is needed
More responsibility and liability requires targeted training and education

Training for Supervisory Boards: A long-term approach is needed

The tasks, responsibilities and liabilities of Supervisory Boards have become more diverse. Directors Academy CEO, Viktoria Kickinger, and hkp/// group Seionr Partner Jan Dörrwächter on the importance of ongoing qualification. read more ...

Article Executive compensation under compulsory scrutiny
A commentary by Tobias Blumenstein and Dr. Pia Lünstroth

Executive compensation under compulsory scrutiny

Commentary on the Say on Pay results for listed companies against the backdrop of new corporate governance framework conditions – findings of a study by the University of Göttingen and hkp/// group. read more ...

Article HCM: By no means a fad
Human Capital Management will soon be impacting the entire corporate landscape

HCM: By no means a fad

Human Capital Management and ESG as focus topics of the DGFP network meeting on September 8, 2022. read more ...

Article Maximum compensation: Implications for Management Board compensation systems
Dr. Jan Dörrwächter and Johannes Harrack interviewed by hkp.com

Maximum compensation: Implications for Management Board compensation systems

When the Second European Shareholder Rights Directive was implemented specific regulations on the maximum compensation were incorporated into the German Stock Corporation Act. An with Dr. Jan Dörrwächter and Johannes Harrack. read more ...

Article IPO Readiness: To Dos for Board and Compensation Committees
A viewpoint by Pay Governance, strategic hkp/// group Alliance Partner North America and Asia

IPO Readiness: To Dos for Board and Compensation Committees

An IPO concerns the core areas of a company. In addition to aspects such as incentives for executives, there are other tasks and governance issues for the management. read more ...

Article Supervision of shareholders' meetings and management/supervisory board meetings
Support fpr legal and PR departments

Supervision of shareholders' meetings and management/supervisory board meetings

Shareholders' interest in compensation increased. Legislators and regulators are giving them an increasing say in key compensation decisions. Compensation matters are often high on the agenda at company committee meetings too. read more ...

Article Market comparisons and appropriateness of compensation
For executives, top management and supervisory board bodies

Market comparisons and appropriateness of compensation

The disclosure of compensation data for shareholders as a basis for say-on-pay decisions requires professional and properly documented process for defining top management compensation levels that are in line with the market. read more ...

Article Operational support and supervision for management/supervisory boards

Operational support and supervision for management/supervisory boards

Supervisory boards often seek independent external support on operational matters for top managers. hkp/// group supports board members and top management in companies of various sizes at the request of supervisory boards. read more ...

Article Facebook: Is social media socially sustainable?
A comment by Michael H. Kramarsch

Facebook: Is social media socially sustainable?

In the German Börsen-Zeitung Michael H. Kramarsch argued why he thinks that social media, for the most part, is not socially sustainable and should be viewed much as we view the oil industry or the destruction of rainforests. read more ...

Article Investors are looking for effective HR management reporting in DAX companies
hkp/// group HCM Monitor DAX 2021 – in collaboration with DGFP, DIRK and the Academy of Labour

Investors are looking for effective HR management reporting in DAX companies

hkp/// group HCM Monitor DAX 2021: Initial international analyses of non-financial reporting on human capital management reveals considerable room for improvement when it comes to content, scope, consistency, and integration. read more ...

Article HCM: new quality of HR communication required
Kai H. Helfritz, Member of the Executive Board of DGFP - the German Society for Human Resource Management, in an interview with hkp.com

HCM: new quality of HR communication required

ESG issues are playing an increasingly important role for investors. This also includes aspects of human capital management (HCM). Kai H. Helfritz, Member of the Management Board of DGFP, talks about the consequences for HR. read more ...

Article ATX: Significant progress in the reporting of salaries
hkp.com talks to compensation experts Dr. Pia Lünstroth and Jennifer S. Schulz

ATX: Significant progress in the reporting of salaries

hkp.com talks to compensation experts Dr. Pia Lünstroth and Jennifer S. Schulz about the latest developments in the salaries of executive and supervisory board chairs in the leading listed companies on the Austrian stock exchange (ATX). read more ...

Article Corona shakes up CEO compensation in Europe
Press information on the hkp/// group analysis "Executive and Non-Executive Director Compensation in Europe 2020"

Corona shakes up CEO compensation in Europe

European top managers waive parts of their compensation due to the current crisis. Findings of the hkp/// group analysis "Executive and Non-Executive Director Compensation in Europe 2020". read more ...

Article HCM: new requirements for investor relations
An interview with Kay Bommer, Managing Director of DIRK - the German Investor Relations Association

HCM: new requirements for investor relations

After BlackRock focused its attention more on human capital management (HCM) at the beginning of the year, the question for IR is what the consequences will be. hkp.com in conversation with DIRK Managing Director Kay Bommer. read more ...

Article Compensation paid to DAX CEOs: two unconventional companies skew the overall picture
Update on the hkp// group analysis "Annual Report Evaluation of Executive Board Compensation DAX 2020

Compensation paid to DAX CEOs: two unconventional companies skew the overall picture

Now published record compensation of the CEOs of Delivery Hero and Linde turns previous significant decline into a significant increase in executive compensation in the DAX 2020. An update on the hkp/// group analysis. read more ...

Article hkp/// group acclaims three new partners: Nina Grochowitzki, Dr. Pia Lünstroth, and David Voggeser
The next generation of internal talent is joining the executive board of the international HR management consultancy

hkp/// group acclaims three new partners: Nina Grochowitzki, Dr. Pia Lünstroth, and David Voggeser

With Nina Grochowitzki, Dr. Pia Lünstroth, and David Voggeser, the hkp/// group is welcoming three new members to its circle of partners. All three consultants have been on board since the founding of the consultancy in 2011. read more ...

Article Corona puts an end to a decade of compensation increases among DAX companies
hkp/// group analysis “Annual Report Evaluation Management Board Compensation DAX 2020”

Corona puts an end to a decade of compensation increases among DAX companies

Compensation of DAX CEOs suffers the biggest slump since disclosure became mandatory: average compensation of DAX CEOs falls by 28% to an average of EUR 5.3 million in the face of sharply declining earnings so far. read more ...

Article Investors’ focus on Human Capital Management – opportunity for HR
Institutional investors are increasingly focusing on ESG (environmental, social, governance) issues - HCM aspects are being prioritized more than ever

Investors’ focus on Human Capital Management – opportunity for HR

At first, the investors' focus was on financials, then governance issues played a key role, followed by a broader view on sustainability. In the meantime, human capital management (HCM) issues are being prioritized more strongly. read more ...

Article Evaluation of share-based remuneration
Share-based long-term incentives for sustainable remuneration systems

Evaluation of share-based remuneration

In the interests of providing a sustainable remuneration system for board members and executives many companies use share-based remuneration instruments as part of their long-term incentive (LTI) schemes. read more ...

Article Don’t let your remuneration policy ruin your IPO
hkp/// group Expert Interview

Don’t let your remuneration policy ruin your IPO

A lot of preparatory work is needed for a successful IPO. In an interview with hkp.com, hkp// group experts Petra Knab-Hägele and Dr. Jan Dörrwächter explain which measures are important in HR and compensation. read more ...

Article Updated Guidelines for Sustainable Management Board Remuneration
The working group of well-known supervisory board chairs, institutional investors, academics and corporate governance experts presents an updated version of the Guidelines for Sustainable Management Board Remuneration

Updated Guidelines for Sustainable Management Board Remuneration

The Guidelines for Sustainable Management Board Remuneration, published for the first time in July 2018, are available now in an updated version in line with legal and regulatory changes. read more ...

Article ATX companies: A wake-up call for Management Board compensation
Approval ratings and shortcomings based on the say-on-pay results of Austria’s leading listed companies at their 2020 annual general meetings

ATX companies: A wake-up call for Management Board compensation

Due to new legal and regulatory regulations, Austrian listed companies were forced to review the design of their Management Board compensation policies and put them to a ‘say-on-pay’ vote at their 2020 annual general meetings. read more ...

Article Investors Say-on-pay voting lacks professional standards
Michael H. Kramarsch on the quality of top investors' voting guidelines regarding Management Board compensation

Investors Say-on-pay voting lacks professional standards

"With great influence comes great responsibility!" - On LinkedIn Michael H. Kramarsch explains why most of the top 40 investors lack professional standards regarding say-on-pay votings at AGMs. read more ...

Article Management Board Compensation: Participation challenges DAX investors
Press release on an analysis by hkp/// group, University of Göttingen and DIRK

Management Board Compensation: Participation challenges DAX investors

Despite improved transparency, there remains a lack of clarity and a considerable ambiguity with respect to the voting guidelines for Management Board compensation - an analysis by hkp/// group, University of Göttingen and DIRK. read more ...

Article Top management compensation between Corona crisis and social responsibility
hkp/// group analysis of “Executive and Non-Executive Director Compensation in Europe 2019”

Top management compensation between Corona crisis and social responsibility

European top managers waive parts of their compensation due to the current Corona crisis. CEO compensation of STOXX companies for the financial year 2019 remains at last year’s level. Findings of a recent hkp/// group analysis. read more ...

Article Compensation with AktRÄG: The countdown is on
Dr. Pia Lünstroth and Dr. Jan Dörrwächter interviewed by hkp.com

Compensation with AktRÄG: The countdown is on

New requirements for upcoming annual general meetings in Austria are on the horizon. Dr. Pia Lünstroth and Dr. Jan Dörrwächter comment on the first experiences of implementing the Stock Corporation Amendment Act 2019 (AktRÄG). read more ...

Article ARUG II: Implementation moves forward
Regine Siepmann and Dr. Jan Dörrwächter interviewed by hkp.com

ARUG II: Implementation moves forward

The Act implementing the Second European Shareholder Rights Directive into German law has been in force since the beginning of the year. Regine Siepmann and Dr. Jan Dörrwächter comment on the first experiences of implementing ARUG II. read more ...

Article Focus France: CEO compensation in Europe

Focus France: CEO compensation in Europe

CEO compensation levels in French CAC 40 companies have recorded a growth rate of 13.8% since 2017 – yet mainly due to changes in the index composition read more ...

Article For more sustainability in compensation
The former hkp/// group Senior Partner Joachim Kayser interviewed by hkp.com

For more sustainability in compensation

Real estate is facing major challenges in a wide variety of different ways. A discussion with industry expert and former hkp/// group Senior Partner Joachim Kayser on backgrounds, solutions and the action that needs to be taken. read more ...

Article Succession Planning - key task of Supervisory Boards
Dr. Jan Dörrwächter and Frank Gierschmann interviewed by hkp.com

Succession Planning - key task of Supervisory Boards

Why succession planning for managing board positions is an essential element of risk management within the company and what supervisory boards need to be aware of. Dr. Jan Dörrwächter and Frank Gierschmann interviewed by hkp.com read more ...

Article Dawn of a new era for Board Compensation in Austria
Regine Siepmann and Dr. Pia Lünstroth interviewed by hkp.com

Dawn of a new era for Board Compensation in Austria

The Austrian National Council passed the Shareholders' Rights Amendment Act (AktRÄG 2019) on July 2nd, 2019. After the approval of the Federal Council on July 11th, 2019, it is effective. read more ...

Article DAX Supervisory Board remuneration 2018
Moderate increase despite declining profits

DAX Supervisory Board remuneration 2018

The average total remuneration paid to the Chairmen of the Supervisory Board at DAX increased by around 4% in 2018 to €424,000. Decline in consolidated net profit illustrates decoupling of the company's success and shareholder interests. read more ...

Article DAX Management Board Compensation 2018
Further moderate increases lead to yet another all-time high

DAX Management Board Compensation 2018

Total compensation for DAX CEOs increased by 3.6% to an average EUR 7.5 million whilst profits remained stable. Beiersdorf’s CEO earnings reached a new all-time high with EUR 23.45 million. read more ...

Article More Say than Substance
Regine Siepmann und Hannes Klingenberg interviewed by hkp.com

More Say than Substance

hkp/// group experts Regine Siepmann and Hannes Klingenberg discuss the results of a current study by hkp/// group regarding the Executive Compensation voting guidelines of the 40 top investors in DAX companies. read more ...

Article Limited light, plenty of shadows
Proxy guidelines of DAX top investors in focus

Limited light, plenty of shadows

Voting guidelines for board compensation do not fulfill minimum requirements. A joint analysis by hkp /// group, University of Göttingen and DIRK reveals need for action against the backdrop of ARUG II. read more ...

Article Guidelines for sustainable management board remuneration systems
Best Practice in Top Management Compensation

Guidelines for sustainable management board remuneration systems

A working group of well-known chairs of German supervisory boards, institutional investors, academics and corporate governance experts has presented guidelines for sustainable remuneration systems for German publicly listed companies. read more ...

Article Earnings for top managers in Europe
hkp/// group Analysis

Earnings for top managers in Europe

CEO Compensation in leading European companies has risen by 3%, but remains below the peak value of 2015. By contrast, pay for Supervisory Board members is in marginal decline. Switzerland is a pay paradise for CEOs and chairpersons. read more ...

Article Succession Planning as essential Corporate Governance Aspect
hkp.com interview with Regine Siepmann and Frank Gierschmann

Succession Planning as essential Corporate Governance Aspect

The hkp/// group Survey “Succession planning for board members” shows: A functioning succession plan is still a central element enabling to fill vacancies as quickly as possible with the best suited candidates. read more ...

Article Supervisory Board compensation in the DAX: Fair and reasonable at the top
Supervisory Board Members between control focus and strategy approach

Supervisory Board compensation in the DAX: Fair and reasonable at the top

The average total compensation of Supervisory Board Chairpersons in the DAX increased by 6% to €408,000. The focus on purely fixed compensation decouples compensation and performance. read more ...

Article DAX Management Board Compensation 2017: Moderate increase to a new all-time high
New hkp/// group Analysis

DAX Management Board Compensation 2017: Moderate increase to a new all-time high

Total compensation for CEOs in the DAX increases by 3.5% to an average of EUR 7.4 million – corporate profits grow by 36%. Significantly improved compensation reports pick up on investors' requirements. read more ...

Article Management board compensation between company interests and investor demands
Recent hkp/// group analysis

Management board compensation between company interests and investor demands

Study by hkp/// group und Ipreo analyzes the ownership structure of DAX index listed companies and the decisions taken by the top 30 investors in relation to management board compensation. read more ...

Article Say-on-Pay: uncertain times for DAX-companies
Michael H. Kramarsch und Andreas Posavac interviewed by hkp.com

Say-on-Pay: uncertain times for DAX-companies

hkp/// group and Ipreo have analyzed the ownership structure of DAX-listed companies and worked out how different investors and proxy advisors act in relation to management board remuneration and what kind of patterns can be identified. read more ...

Article A smart move!
Michael H. Kramarsch and Dr. Jan Dörrwächter on the regulation of proxy firms

A smart move!

Given the current conflicts of interest, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA has declined to regulate proxy firms at this point, leaving it open for the government to propose legislation. read more ...

Article Regulation of Proxy Advisors
Swiss Stock Exchange: New Information and Transparency Regulations?

Regulation of Proxy Advisors

Michael H. Kramarsch and Dr. Jan Dörrwächter on possible amendments to the information and transparency regulations for the use of proxy advisors at the Swiss Stock Exchange. read more ...

Article CFO compensation in Germany
Nina Grochowitzki, Dr. Pia Lünstroth and Regine Siepmann interviewedy by hkp.com

CFO compensation in Germany

The public debate on compensation in stock companies often focuses not just on the CEOs but also on the Chief Financial Officers (CFO). hkp/// group experts about developments in CFO compensation at Germany's DAX and MDAX firms. read more ...

Article boardpay.com launched
Executve / Non-Executive Compensation Data directly accessable

boardpay.com launched

The new hkp/// group online platform offers direct access to publicly available, high-quality compensation data for more than 10,000 management and supervisory board members at Europe's top companies. read more ...

Article Evaluating Supervisory and Executive Committees at Financial Institutions
Between regulatory Requirements and voluntary Best Practice

Evaluating Supervisory and Executive Committees at Financial Institutions

Initially overlooked, the January 2014 amendments to the German Banking Act (KWG) tightened up the requirements for evaluating supervisory committees at financial institutions. hkp.com spoke to Petra Knab-Hägele and Regine Siepmann. read more ...

Article Variable compensation
For executives, top management and supervisory bodies

Variable compensation

Variable compensation is effective. However, it must be steered in the desired direction – through short- or long-term incentives, through cash or share settlement, by means of profit, cashflow, return or other financial indicators. read more ...

Article Design of pensions and benefits
Company pensions as key part of compensation and benefits packages

Design of pensions and benefits

Company pensions are a key part of today's compensation and benefits packages. At hkp/// we keep up to date with the latest regulations and market practice in the area of pensions and benefits. read more ...

Article IPOs and Trade Sales
Professional preperation of compensation and contracts

IPOs and Trade Sales

The capital market creates a favorable atmosphere for buying or selling businesses. All parties involved should consider early on the implications for management compensation and employment contracts. read more ...

Article Support of Compensation and Risk Committees
Market data, analytics and interpretation

Support of Compensation and Risk Committees

Compensation matters are increasingly dealt with by special committees. The makeup of these committees is determined by law or industry-specific regulations. Their work is analytical and fact-based, and needs to be properly documented. read more ...

Article Reporting on Compliance, Risk and Corporate Governance, Compensation report
Professional reporting: transparent, easy to understand, fair

Reporting on Compliance, Risk and Corporate Governance, Compensation report

Today's stakeholders are demanding more information than ever on the various specialist areas within the company. This information must be presented in an intelligible manner. Transparent, fair communication is the order of the day. read more ...

Article Implementation of compensation issues in contracts
An eye on the details

Implementation of compensation issues in contracts

Contracts of employment for board members include many stipulations. Legal expertise, an understanding of compensation systems and an awareness of any possible impact on disclosure and accounting obligations is necessary. read more ...

Article Efficiency and Effectiveness Reviews for Supervisory Bodies
Variety of methods, structured interviews and document analysis

Efficiency and Effectiveness Reviews for Supervisory Bodies

Legislation and increased business activity place fresh requirements on supervisory bodies and raise the necessity of self-monitoring. Regulations on good corporate governance recommend regular reviews of efficiency and effectiveness. read more ...