Pearson’s boss was given a bloody nose yesterday as shareholders protested over fat cat pay.
In another bruising setback for the FTSE 100 education publisher, 30 per cent of investors voted against the company’s remuneration policy.
It was the fifth year in row that shareholders have rebelled over pay in the boardroom.
Omar Abbosh, a former Microsoft high-flyer who started in September, could earn as much as £8.5m a year as his £1m salary is topped up with bonuses and other awards.
He was also handed a £13m golden hello when he took over from Andy Bird.
Protest: Omar Abbosh could earn as much as £8.5m a year as his £1m salary is topped up with bonuses and other awards
A Pearson spokesman said after the vote yesterday that the business was committed to building a pay policy that allowed it to ‘stay competitive in the global talent market’.
It comes amid debate over whether British chief executives are underpaid compared to their American counterparts.