For the longest time I have had mixed views about the debate around executive remuneration and whether CEO salaries and bonuses are excessive. It is common cause that business is by nature very competitive, and to be the best you have to attract and retain the best people to lead and drive it. It is also common cause that most people work for companies in order to earn as much money as possible so that they can live their best lives. It is not an altruistic exercise. It's a commercial exchange. The employees give of their time and skill while the employer parts with cash in return. If we accept this fact we should not be surprised that CEOs, especially those who lead very successful businesses, earn very high and sometimes eye-watering salaries and bonuses. It is a consequence of a fundamental commercial arrangement. Two weeks ago Investec released its 2016 annual report, with full details of the earnings of its top four executives. In total these four gentlemen were paid a cool £19...
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