Persimmon chair to quit amid row over excessive pay

The chairman of Yorkshire's largest plc is to quit the housebuilder following concerns over excessive executive pay at the firm.
Building work continues at the Portland site of housebuilder Persimmon in Ashington, Northumberland, after it was announced that it had cut 1,100 jobs so far this year. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday July 8, 2008. The York-based group, which trades as Charles Church, Persimmon Homes and Westbury Partnerships, said the past six months had "undoubtedly been the most challenging period" in its recent history. See PA story CITY Persimmon. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA WireBuilding work continues at the Portland site of housebuilder Persimmon in Ashington, Northumberland, after it was announced that it had cut 1,100 jobs so far this year. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday July 8, 2008. The York-based group, which trades as Charles Church, Persimmon Homes and Westbury Partnerships, said the past six months had "undoubtedly been the most challenging period" in its recent history. See PA story CITY Persimmon. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
Building work continues at the Portland site of housebuilder Persimmon in Ashington, Northumberland, after it was announced that it had cut 1,100 jobs so far this year. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday July 8, 2008. The York-based group, which trades as Charles Church, Persimmon Homes and Westbury Partnerships, said the past six months had "undoubtedly been the most challenging period" in its recent history. See PA story CITY Persimmon. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Persimmon announced on Friday that Nicholas Wrigley intends to resign and also revealed that remuneration committee chair Jonathan Davie has left the group.

It follows investor consternation over a long term incentive plan introduced in 2012, which could see the management share £600 million depending on profit and housebuilding targets.

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Chief executive Jeff Fairburn is in line for the biggest payout, which is set to top £100 million.

Announcing Mr Wrigley and Mr Davie’s departures, Persimmon admitted that the generous pay out plan presided over by the duo “could have included a cap”.

Persimmon said: “The company introduced a Long Term Incentive Plan in 2012 (2012 LTIP).

“The board believes that the introduction of the 2012 LTIP has been a significant factor in the Company’s outstanding performance over this period, led by a strong and talented Executive team.

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“Nevertheless, Nicholas and Jonathan recognise that the 2012 LTIP could have included a cap. In recognition of this omission, they have therefore tendered their resignations.”

But Persimmon went on to say that since the award scheme was launched, the company has made “substantial cash returns to shareholders at the same time as increasing the size of the business and delivering significant value”.

It added that Persimmon has delivered an increase in the number of new homes supplied and invested £2.9 billion in new land.

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