Dalata defends 73% executive pay rise

The Dalata Hotel Group has defended its executive pay levels, which soared by nearly 73% last year.

While its new long-term incentive plan and future remuneration plan for its executive board were unanimously approved by shareholders at its AGM in Dublin, yesterday, current pay levels only passed with a 75% approval rate — meaning a quarter of shareholders were against the 72.5% rise in combined pay for Dalata’s three executive directors last year.

Chief executive Pat McCann; deputy CEO Stephen McNally and head of business development Dermot Crowley shared a combined €3.33m last year; up from €1.93m in 2015. On an individual basis, the three saw their pay packages increase by 78%, 69% and 68%. Mr McCann’s pay last year jumped from €840,000 to just over €1.49m.