The FTSE 100 is an index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, representing the top UK firms by market value. It includes major multinational corporations across various industries and serves as a key indicator of the UK’s economic health. Dive into our roundup of the top ten highest-paid FTSE 100 CEOs of the year to see who’s topping the charts and what they’re earning for their efforts. (Image: shutterstock)
Pascal Soriot – AstraZeneca | Pay: £16.85 million — Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, commands the highest salary among FTSE 100 CEOs. Under his leadership, AstraZeneca has made major advancements in drug development, including the production of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Soriot’s role in guiding the company through significant strides in oncology and other therapeutic areas is reflected in his top-tier compensation.
Erik Engstrom – RELX | Pay: £13.64 million — Erik Engstrom leads RELX, a global provider of information and analytics services. His management of the company’s diverse portfolio—spanning scientific, technical, and medical sectors, as well as risk and business information—has been integral to RELX’s growth and competitive edge. Engstrom has been at the helm since 2009, steering the company through significant developments.
Tufan Erginbilgic – Rolls-Royce | Pay: £13.61 million — Tufan Erginbilgic’s compensation highlights his leadership of Rolls-Royce, a leading manufacturer of aircraft engines and power systems. Taking over from Warren East in early 2023, Erginbilgic has been pivotal in driving innovation and efficiency within the aerospace and defense sectors. His pay reflects his role in steering Rolls-Royce through a transformative period.
Charles Woodburn – BAE Systems | Pay: £13.45 million — As CEO of BAE Systems, Charles Woodburn oversees a company at the forefront of defense, security, and aerospace solutions. Woodburn’s leadership has been crucial in advancing the company’s capabilities and maintaining its position as a key player in the global defense industry. His impact includes enhancing defense technologies and security solutions.
Emma Walmsley – GSK | Pay: £12.72 million — Emma Walmsley, CEO of GSK, has been instrumental in advancing the company’s global pharmaceutical and vaccine efforts. Her leadership is marked by significant strides in drug development and global health initiatives. Walmsley’s pay package reflects her role in guiding GSK through critical phases of growth and innovation.
Andy Bird – Pearson | Pay: £11.27 million — Andy Bird led Pearson until January 2023, the world’s largest education company. His substantial compensation highlights his role in enhancing learning outcomes and driving educational innovation. Bird has been central to Pearson’s efforts in reshaping education through digital solutions and innovative practices.
Debra Crew and Ivan Menezes – Diageo | Pay: £10.99 million (combined) — CEO Debra Crew and the late Ivan Menezes managed Diageo, a global leader in premium beverage alcohol brands. Their combined salary reflects their shared role in overseeing Diageo’s extensive portfolio, including iconic brands such as Johnnie Walker and Guinness. Their leadership was instrumental in maintaining Diageo’s market position and driving growth in the global beverage industry.
Mark FitzPatrick and Anil Wadhwani – Prudential | Pay: £10.85 million (combined) — CEOs Anil Wadhwani and Mark FitzPatrick (who served as interim Group Chief Executive Officer until February 24, 2023) guide Prudential’s international insurance and financial services strategies. Their joint compensation underscores their collaborative efforts in steering Prudential through a complex global financial landscape.
Noel Quinn – HSBC | Pay: £10.64 million — Noel Quinn, CEO of HSBC, leads one of the world’s largest financial services organisations. His substantial pay reflects his role in managing HSBC’s extensive global operations and navigating the complexities of international finance. Quinn’s leadership has been pivotal in steering HSBC through regulatory challenges and strategic transformations in the global banking sector.
Kris Licht – Reckitt | Pay: £8.88 million — Kris Licht, who became CEO of Reckitt in October 2023, oversees the company’s efforts in health, hygiene, and home products. Licht’s compensation reflects his role in driving Reckitt’s strategic initiatives and improving consumer well-being. His leadership focuses on enhancing Reckitt’s product offerings and maintaining its position as a leader in consumer health and hygiene.