CEO Pay Tops $18 Million as Turnover Drives Six-Year High in Sign-On Bonuses, According to Diligent

NEW YORK, September 29, 2026--Median granted CEO pay at S&P 500 companies rose by more than 8% in 2025 to reach $18.2 million, while cash sign-on bonuses for incoming CEOs hit a six-year high, according to the Executive Compensation in 2026 report from Diligent Market Intelligence.