Sobeys' Marc Poulin sees pay nearly double

Marc Poulin, president and CEO of Empire Co, saw his total compensation for 2014-15 nearly double compared to fiscal 2014.

The Sobeys head received a total compensation package of a little more than $8.5 million in fiscal 2015. That's compared to $4.8 million in 2014, and $4.6 million in 2013.

According to the Chronicle Herald, Poulin's base salary was $1 million in 2015, with the remainder of the compensation coming from stock options and performance-based awards. He also received a one-time payment of $2 million  related to synergies achieved after acquiring Safeway Canada.

Several other execs also saw their salaries double, although bonuses related to the Safeway Canada merger will only be paid in 2016 if cost savings targets are attained.

READ: Which grocery CEOs got paid the most?

Francois Vimard, Empire's chief financial and administrative officer, received $3.8 million this year compared to $1.9 million last year, while Jason Potter, the president of Western Canada operations, received more than $3.7 million, up from $1.7 million last year.

Claude Tessier, president of Sobeys IGA operations, received $3.1 million, up from $1.6 million in 2014.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released a list earlier this year of the top 100 highest paid CEOs. According to that list, the highest paid grocery exec in Canada is Alain Bouchard, founder and chairman of Alimentation Couche-Tard.

Bouchard came in at No. 44 on the list, with earnings of $7.9 million. Pavter Binning, president of George Weston, followed closely behind in the 48th position and a compensation package of more $7.8 million.

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