
The Nordic Shift: Closing the Gap on E&S Metrics in Executive Pay
January 16, 2026
The continued emphasis on environmental and social (E&S) risks and opportunities within the European investment landscape has prompted an ongoing evolution in executive remuneration practices in recent years. Increasingly, companies are embedding E&S criteria into executive pay structures, not merely as a response to investor expectations, but as a strategic tool for long-term value creation and to foster accountability. This trend is also evident in the Nordic countries, as explored in this study, which aims to provide investors with insight into E&S pay practices in the Nordics, both in isolation and in relation to developments throughout Europe. This paper provides an analysis of the integration of E&S performance metrics in executive remuneration programs among Nordic companies from 2021 through 2025.
