Executive Summary: Kick-off to the 2025–26 RemCo Season
Highlights from the DK Head of Rewards Roundtable in September 2025

Introductions & Peer Exchange The meeting began with a warm welcome and introductions, setting the tone for a dynamic and engaging dialogue. A “round the table” session allowed participants to surface current challenges - from navigating investor expectations to balancing ESG-linked incentives - and share emerging practices across sectors and nature of company ownership types.
2025 CxO & Board Remuneration Survey – Presented by Michael Bendixen Michael unveiled key findings from the latest survey, sparking thoughtful discussion around trends in performance-based pay, board accountability, and the evolving role of long-term incentives. Participants voiced strong support for the continued development of the survey, recognizing its strategic value in benchmarking and decision making.
Governance in Executive Remuneration – Insights by Morten Broekner Morten led a compelling session on what constitutes “good governance” in today’s landscape. He emphasized the importance of transparency, board discretion, and aligning pay with long-term value creation. The conversation was rich with reflective questions and comments, underscoring the complexity and nuance of governance in 2026 and beyond.
Executive & Broad-Based Rewards – Perspective by Per Erik Sørensen Boards are under pressure like never before. Rising regulatory demands, personal liability risks, and shareholder activism are reshaping the landscape. Key themes discusses:
No surprises: Boards expect continuous updates - don’t wait until the last minute.
Malus & Claw-back: Once rare, now in sharp focus due to activist scrutiny.
Discretion: Moving from protection to performance balancing - activists are watching.
Public vs. Private Mandates: State ownership adds complexity to decision-making.
Independent Advisors: A comeback - local expertise is regaining ground as RemCos seek alignment with Scandinavian governance culture.
EU Pay Transparency Directive – Update by Michael Bendixen With implementation deadlines approaching, Michael provided a timely update on the directive’s status. The group discussed readiness levels, compliance strategies, and how the directive could serve as a catalyst for broader pay equity initiatives.
Looking Ahead to April/May 2026 Participants proposed themes for the next roundtable, including:
The evolving role of the RemCo Chair
Company case studies on incentive redesign
An external speaker on behavioral economics in pay
There was strong encouragement to continue this forum through both physical and virtual meetings in 2026.
AoB & Networking The session concluded with informal networking, reinforcing the value of peer learning and collaboration. A key request was raised to conduct a salary budget survey in January 2026, reflecting the need for timely data to support strategic planning.
Overall Reflections: The roundtable was marked by great involvement, thoughtful dialogue, and a shared commitment to advancing the executive remuneration agenda. The energy and engagement in the room reaffirmed the importance of this forum - and the collective ambition to shape governance with integrity and impact.
