Alarm at former Shell chiefs' options
GOVERNANCE watchdog Pirc has given Shell investors something else to worry about after warning that ousted bosses Sir Philip Watts and Walter van de Vijver could collect hefty option gains on top of their massive pay-offs.
Pirc says Watts could make £3.1m if the shares reach 552p - below their 637p peak in 2001. Any option gains for Watts would be on top of his £1.05m pay-off and £584,000 pension. Shell shares rose 3 1/4p to 399 3/4p.
Van de Vijver needs a 70% share rise to put all his options in the money. Pirc says they would then be worth £3.6m, on top of his £2.57m pay-off and £260,000 pension.
Regulators are still investigating those believed to have had a role in the company's reserves scandal.
Shell has asked the World Conservation Union to monitor the impact of its Sakhalin project off Russia which is threatening the already-endangered western gray whale.
