Surefire e2d executive defender

Pay-setting in government-backed companies is "hopelessly broken", according to Royal Mail's £1.5m-a-year chief executive, who in an unguarded email also criticised a "highly politicised" atmosphere surrounding corporate governance. Moya Greene's candid communication was sent to a member of the public who had voiced concern about her being offered a £250,000 housing allowance, and who shared it with the Guardian. The postal chief also complained about what she called the aggravating role of the media as she sought to explain why the lucrative perk had been offered to her, and why she had decided to hand it back. In her email, which Royal Mail confirmed was genuine, Greene, a Canadian, said she was "deeply offended" by the criticism that had come her way over pay and benefits. She added that she was unimpressed with the amount of time it had taken ministers and civil servants to settle her remuneration. "I took on a company in grave difficulty," she wrote. "I was here for a … [Read more...] about Royal Mail chief Moya Greene bemoans ‘broken’ pay-setting for bosses

Along with Royal Mail, the bosses of brewer SABMiller and telecoms firm TalkTalk will face the anger of shareholders over boardroom pay this week. Britain's leading companies have already witnessed a number of shareholder revolts at their annual meetings this summer, including a hat-trick of rebellions against City grandee Sir John Peace, although heads have not rolled this yearm – the "shareholder spring" of 2012 led to the departure of several chief executives, including the bosses of the pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca and Britain's largest insurer, Aviva. SABMiller will have to defend pay plans for its chief executive, Alan Clark at Wednesday's annual meeting. Shareholder advisory group Pirc (Pensions & Investment Research Consultants) advised investors to oppose the drinks group's remuneration policy. It argued that the maximum potential payout for Clark was "highly excessive" as it was far above the acceptable limit of 200% of his salary. "The ratio of CEO pay compared … [Read more...] about TalkTalk and SABMiller line-up to face shareholder revolts over pay

The signs are clear that so-called "patent trolls," companies that do nothing but threaten and litigate over patents, are doing serious damage to the economy. After more than a decade in which patent abuse has shot up to new heights, the problem has finally reached the attention of President Obama himself. Today, the White House released a memo detailing seven legislative actions it wants Congress to take; several of them could have a real impact on patent trolls. The administration is also going to take immediate executive actions, including "empowering downstream users" by having the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) create a website to tell patent troll victims about their rights. The memo outlines changes to bring much more transparency to patent disputes, including new PTO rules that will require patent owners to keep their ownership information updated. It asks Congress to impose similar transparency rules on courts. If that happens in an effective way, it could stop patent … [Read more...] about Obama administration comes out swinging against patent trolls

By Dayo Benson A member of the African National Congress party beginning in the 1940s, he was a leader of both peaceful protests and armed resistance against the white minority’s oppressive regime in a racially divided South Africa. His actions landed him in prison for nearly three decades and made him the face of the antiapartheid movement both within his country and internationally. Released in 1990, he participated in the eradication of apartheid and in 1994 became the first black president of South Africa, forming a multiethnic government to oversee the country’s transition. Since retiring from politics in 1999, he has remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice in his own nation and around the world. First court statement (1962) Statement on charges of inciting persons to strike illegally, and of leaving the country without a valid passport. In its proper meaning equality before the law means the right to participate in the making of the laws by … [Read more...] about Mandela, the lawyer and his legal battles

                                     Sponsored by AdvaMedWelcome to The Hill’s Morning Report. Happy hump day! Our newsletter gets you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver are the up-early co-creators. Find us @asimendinger and @alweaver22 on Twitter and CLICK HERE to subscribe!House Democrats mixed their messages on Tuesday, unveiling two articles of impeachment against President TrumpDonald John TrumpRepublicans consider skipping witnesses in Trump impeachment trial Bombshell Afghanistan report bolsters calls for end to 'forever wars' Lawmakers dismiss Chinese retaliatory threat to US tech MORE while embracing a bipartisan deal and a planned vote next week to ratify Trump’s long-sought U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTrump trade deal likely to sow … [Read more...] about The Hill’s Morning Report – Sponsored by AdvaMed – An unusual day: Impeachment plus a trade deal