£100m share bonus for Frasers chief executive

SHAREHOLDERS in the Mike Ashley-led retail giant Frasers Group have approved the firm’s pay deal which could hand incoming chief executive, and prospective son-in-law of Mr Ashley, Michael Murray, a £100 million share bonus.

Frasers, which owns brands including Sports Direct, House of Frasers and Flannels – with branches in the Westcountry – said that just over 15% of shareholder votes were cast against the pay deal.

However, it easily passed the 50% threshold needed to gain approval for the package.

The move was expected to pass, particularly given that Newcastle United FC owner Mr Ashley owns an almost 60% stake in Frasers.

Influential advisory groups PIRC and Glass Lewis had advised shareholders to vote against the remuneration plan, highlighting “excessive pay-outs” at the company.

The plan will hand Mr Murray the bumper bonus if the company’s shares reach £15, roughly double its current share price, for a consecutive 30-day period at any point over the next four years.

Mr Murray, who is currently head of elevation at the group, would receive the large cash reward on top of his £1 million annual salary.

It comes months after Mr Ashley announced that the 31-yearold will succeed him in the top job, with the retail veteran set to become an executive director.

The approved pay package could also see the group’s finance director, Chris Wootton, in line for up to £9 million, if certain requirements are hit.

Frasers Group said the new share bonus scheme had targets which were both “stretching and achievable”.

However, the size of the payouts comes after the retailer group claimed £97 million in business rates relief and roughly £80 million in furlough payments from the Government.