One topic that has gripped North American companies since the recession began is the scrutiny of executive compensation. In response to this increased attention on executive compensation arrangements, employers have turned to self-reflection on difficult questions. Are incentive programs causing executives to take undue risks when making business-related decisions? How will an organization’s decisions regarding executive compensation be perceived if reported in the media? How should companies respond to significant decreases in the value of stock options? Should companies be able to re-negotiate executive bonus contracts in certain circumstances (e.g., where there is an impending insolvency)?
In a recent podcast, Osler partner Sandra Cohen of our New York office discusses the changing landscape of executive compensation and the outlook for 2010.