JD Sports Fashion Plc has announced that its Executive Directors have been granted long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based nil-cost options over ordinary shares. The awards were made in accordance with the revised Directors' Remuneration Policy, which was approved by shareholders in December 2022. The policy includes bonus deferral, normalisation of the LTIP structure, greater alignment with shareholders, and wider employee share ownership. The awards are subject to performance conditions, including earnings per share growth and ESG performance metrics. Additionally, the CFO, Dominic Platt, has acquired 138,511 ordinary shares as part of a buyout award following his recent appointment. The shares are subject to forfeiture provisions and ongoing shareholding requirements.
The FY24 LTIP awards have been granted to Régis Schultz and Dominic Platt. The awards are subject to performance conditions related to earnings per share growth. The awards will also be subject to an ESG underpin, with a reduction of up to 20% if the Group's ESG performance is deemed unsatisfactory.
In addition to the FY24 awards, the company has made additional awards in respect of FY23. The CEO, Régis Schultz, has been granted an award of 980,100 shares, which will vest in 2027 and is subject to a Group PBT underpin. This award reflects a contractual commitment given to the CEO.
The CFO, Dominic Platt, has acquired 138,511 ordinary shares as part of a buyout award following his recent appointment. The shares were granted in the form of cash and shares to align with the interests of shareholders. The shares are subject to forfeiture provisions, ongoing shareholding requirements, and malus and clawback provisions.
Overall, these awards reflect the company's commitment to aligning executive remuneration with performance and shareholder interests, as well as promoting ESG performance. The awards also aim to incentivize the performance of senior leaders and move towards a more equity-based reward structure.