1. Base Salary

Just like all of us, higher executives’ remuneration also includes base salary. It’s the salary paid to an employee before any additions or reductions to the overall compensation.

2. Variable Pay or Performance-linked incentives

At the leadership level, the variable pay is high and depends on the performance of the executive. The growth and overall performance of a company determine how well an executive has performed. Performance-linked incentives form a big part of a CEO’s remuneration.

3. Perquisites

The meaning of perquisites is a bit different for executives as compared to regular employees. An executive’s perquisites may include the usage of aircraft, automative-related perks, professional services, etc.

4. Long-term Incentives

Long-term incentives are a type of variable compensation that is earned in the present but the payment of which is deferred over time. This is often in the form of stock options but can be in cash too.

5. Retiral/Post Employment Benefits

Provident Fund, Superannuation, etc are deemed as retirement or post-employment benefits. These are the benefits provided by an organization that becomes due at the time of retirement.

6. Bonus

There are different types of bonuses that an executive receives and the type of bonus determines when it is paid out. Different bonuses an executive can receive include but are not limited to signing bonuses, annual bonuses, retention bonuses, etc.

7. Stock Options

ESOPs or Employee Stock Options are a type of equity compensation granted by companies to their employees and executives. Most top executives have stock options as a part of their compensation.

8. Commission

As mentioned, the performance of the company is highly dependent on the performance of its CEO or top executives. Hence, an executive’s remuneration sometimes also includes a commission on the profits of the company.

Check Out | Those Who Say Startups Are The Way, Here Are The World’s Highest-Paid Employees