Persimmon chairman resigns after executive pay dispute

Chairman Nicholas Wrigley is leaving the housebuilder after concerns were raised by investors about excessive executive pay

Persimmon’s pre-tax profits rose 30 per cent to £457.5m in the six months ending 30 June (Reuters)

The chairman of Persimmon is to quit the house builder following concerns over excessive executive pay at the firm.

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 £600m depending on profit and house building targets.

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

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.

"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 £2.9bn in new land.

Press Association