The Corner: The Number Of European Companies Using ESG Criteria In Executive Compensation Has Increased Eightfold In The Last Decade
September 9, 2021
Kira Ciccarelli
The percentage of European companies linking executive compensation plans to ESG targets has increased more than eightfold in the last decade, from 4% in 2008 to 34% in 2020. This is according to a survey conducted by the Diligent Institute of nearly 2,000 companies in 15 European countries, including Spain, which is in the high end of the range for most indicators.
According to the survey, the sectors in this sample with the greatest sensitivity to including ESG metrics in remuneration criteria are Energy and Utilities, with 59% and 65%, respectively, of the companies surveyed incorporating them into their plans. Meanwhile, the furthest behind is Health, limited to 22%.
By Fernando Rodriguez, Author, The Corner
About the author
Lead Research Specialist
Kira Ciccarelli is the Lead Research Specialist of the Diligent Institute, the modern governance think tank and global research arm of Diligent Corporation. In her role, Kira researches and produces high-level modern governance reports, blog articles and podcasts designed to inform director decision-making and highlight best practices.
Before joining Diligent, Kira worked in a variety of data-driven research roles, including analyzing global aid funds to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and compiling a meta-analysis of political experimental findings for the Analyst Institute. She holds a BA in Public Policy from the College of William & Mary.