Overview
- Ryanair confirmed a new contract on June 19, 2026 that extends Michael O’Leary’s role as Group CEO until April 2032 after months of talks with its largest investors.
- The deal increases O’Leary’s basic pay to €1.8m from financial year 2028 and caps his annual cash bonus at 50% of salary.
- The centrepiece is a one‑off option to buy 10 million ordinary shares at a €26.70 strike price that only vests if Ryanair posts post‑tax profit above €4 billion in any year to FY32 or the share price trades above €42 for 28 consecutive days during FY27–FY32.
- If the share‑price condition were met the option would be worth an estimated €153m before tax, but current profits and the share price sit well below the required thresholds so any payout remains conditional.
- The remuneration committee says the package is needed to retain an entrepreneurial leader and an amended pay policy will go to an advisory vote at the 2026 AGM, giving shareholders a chance to comment before any award can be realised.