22nd March 2018
Spierings Case Shows Excessive CEO Pay Isn't Justified
It is scandalous that the highest paid CEO in New Zealand last year, Theo Spierings of Fonterra, has presided over one
of the biggest losses in his company's history, said Peter Malcolm, spokesperson for the income equality project Closing
the Gap.
The $8.3 million annual pay package for Mr. Spierings, who will leave Fonterra this year, highlights the ever-widening
gap in New Zealand between CEO and worker pay — with CEOs earning 30 to 50 times more than the average wage, Mr. Malcolm
said. Income inequality is bad for our country on many counts.
This year, Fonterra reported a $348 million loss over 6 months as a consequence of having to write down over $400
million in the value of their misjudged investment in a Chinese infant formula company, Beingmate.
"Company directors like to claim that high CEO salaries are justified by outstanding performance," Mr. Malcolm said.
"But in the face of this disastrous financial result, the directors of Fonterra need to explain to Fonterra staff and
shareholders — indeed, to New Zealand — why they paid Mr Spierings $8.3 million."
Mr. Malcolm said it was time company directors reflected on the damage they are doing to wider society by such poor
decisions over performance and salaries.
"All New Zealanders will be horrified by the extravagant salary awarded Mr. Spierings in the face of his appalling
performance."
ends