Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's CEO, has qualified for share options valued over €100 million after the airline's share price remained above €21 for 28 consecutive trading days. This milestone meets a condition set in 2019, allowing him to acquire 10 million shares at €11.12 each, significantly under the current market price of €23.74. O'Leary defended this payout by suggesting that Ryanair shareholders benefit from exceptional value compared to other high salaries in sports. Ryanair recently reported record passenger numbers, reflecting the airline's successful strategy under O'Leary's long-term leadership.
O'Leary defended his remuneration by comparing it to the high salaries of Premiership footballers, claiming Ryanair shareholders receive exceptional value from management's share options.
The share options were tied to Ryanair’s performance, specifically achieving a sustainable share price target set in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted the market.
Under O'Leary's leadership since 1994, Ryanair has transformed into Europe's largest low-cost airline, marked by aggressive growth strategies and a strong market presence.
The milestone was reached as Ryanair shares closed above €21 for 28 consecutive trading days, thus qualifying O'Leary for substantial share options worth potentially €126 million.
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