Third of JD Sports investors rebel over executive pay deal

 JD Sports faced a backlash from investors at its annual meeting over pay for top executives, writes Laura Onita.

A third of shareholders voted against the sportswear seller’s remuneration report, while 30pc pushed back on performance-related bonuses. The company said it was disappointed with the level of opposition since it had invested “considerable time and resources” to improve its pay.

Excluding the votes of

Pentland, the retailer’s controlling shareholder, the disquiet was even greater.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman, was re-elected, but he was opposed by 12pc of shareholders compared with 10pc last year.

Last month he sold shares worth £13.3m but still retains a stake of almost 1pc in the business.

JD Sports launched a review of its corporate governance last year after another rebellion on pay.

The high-performing stock closed at 605p.