Compensation architecture for the BoD

5 min.

BoD members only receive fixed compensation based on the responsibilities and time requirement of their function, without any entitlement to performance-related compensation. This ensures that the BoD remains independent while exercising its supervisory duties towards the EC. The amount of compensation for each function of the BoD is determined annually considering the market compensation trends and comparisons with other listed Swiss industrial companies which operate internationally.

In the last financial year, the BoD reviewed the composition of the peer group that is the basis for the BoD compensation benchmark and decided to revise the peer group based on the following criteria: median market capitalization, annual sales, business model, industry, and compensation practices. Companies in the previous peer group with significantly different market capitalization levels were reviewed and replaced. The revised peer group consists of the following eleven companies: Bucher Industries, Clariant, Forbo, Georg Fischer, Landis+Gyr, OC Oerlikon, SFS Group, SIG Combibloc, Stadler Rail, Sulzer, and Tecan. Subsequent to the peer group revision, a benchmarking analysis was conducted by PwC. The results of the analysis showed that the overall compensation of the BoD was mostly in line with the benchmark except for the compensation of the BoD Chair.

In consideration of the outcome of the analysis, the NCC proposed to the BoD to reduce the compensation of the BoD Chair by CHF 45,000 to CHF 635,000 (previously: CHF 680,000). Of this amount, CHF 335,000 will be paid in cash and CHF 300,000 in restricted shares (following the same ratio of cash and share compensation as other BoD members). This adjustment takes effect for the term of office starting with the AGM 2022 and brings the BoD Chair compensation within the benchmark range, aligned with the principle to position fees for board and committee chairs above the market median, considering the above average level of responsibility and workload for these particular roles at dormakaba.

Compensation for other BoD members will remain unchanged.

1. Composition of compensation

The basic compensation paid to the members of the BoD comprises a cash payment and a grant of restricted shares of dormakaba Holding AG. The BoD Chair receives basic compensation of CHF 680,000, consisting of CHF 360,000 paid in cash and CHF 320,000 in restricted shares. The other members of the BoD receive basic compensation of CHF 190,000, consisting of CHF 100,000 in cash and CHF 90,000 in restricted shares. Additional fees are paid in cash for specific functions such as committee chair and/or committee member of the BoD or for performing special additional tasks assigned by the BoD. In line with legal requirements, the BoD Chair is insured in the company’s pension fund. Both the employee and employer portions of the annual contributions are borne by the BoD Chair himself, therefore no pension cost is paid by the company.

The compensation system and levels are documented in the BoD compensation directive and are summarized in the table below.

The members of the BoD may decide to receive part of the cash payment in the form of shares of the company. The number of shares awarded is calculated using the average closing share price for the last five trading days of the last month of the relevant compensation period. The awarded shares are restricted for a period of three years; this blocking period remains in place if a member leaves the BoD. In addition, a shareholding ownership guideline is in place, requiring Board members to hold a minimum of 500 shares of dormakaba within three years after their election to the BoD.

Compensation is paid on a pro rata basis to Board members twice a year. For the term of office from the AGM 2021 until the AGM 2022, the first compensation period ended on 30 April 2022, the second will end on 31 October 2022. Actual expenses incurred are only reimbursed for travel and journeys outside Switzerland or as caused by special additional tasks performed on behalf of and assigned by the BoD.

2. Assessment of actual compensation paid to the BoD in the financial year 2021/22

The actual compensation paid to the BoD for the financial year 2021/22 increased compared to the previous year (+21%) mainly because of the BoD Chair receiving compensation for the full reporting year (previous year only from April to the AGM in October).

At the AGM 2021, the shareholders approved a maximum aggregate amount of CHF 3,200,000 for the BoD for the compensation period from the AGM 2021 until the AGM 2022. The compensation effectively paid for the portion of this term of office included in this Compensation Report (October 2021 – 30 June 2022) is within the limit approved by the shareholders. A conclusive assessment for the entire period will be included in the Compensation Report 2022/23.

At the AGM 2020, the shareholders approved a maximum aggregate amount of CHF 2,940,000 for the BoD for the compensation period from the AGM 2020 until the AGM 2021. The compensation effectively paid was CHF 2,388,333 and is within the limit approved by the shareholders.

As of 30 June 2022, in compliance with the Articles of Incorporation, no loans or credits were granted to current or former BoD members, or parties closely related to them. Investments held by BoD members or related persons (including conversion and option rights) – if any – are listed here.