Frankfurt, Germany — April 19, 2026 The total compensation for CEOs of Germany’s DAX-listed companies surged by 12.9% in 2025 to 261.3 million euros, even as Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume’s earnings fell by 28% to 7.4 million euros, according to verified financial reports.
Compensation Trends in DAX Companies
The average salary for DAX CEOs now stands at approximately 6.9 million euros annually, reflecting a broader trend of rising executive pay in Germany’s top corporations. The 12.9% increase in total compensation marks a significant jump from the previous year, raising concerns among labor advocates and economic analysts.
Volkswagen’s Oliver Blume was an outlier, with his earnings dropping to 7.4 million euros in 2025. This decrease contrasts sharply with the overall upward trajectory for his peers. While Blume’s pay cut may signal a shift in corporate governance at Volkswagen, the broader DAX landscape shows no signs of slowing compensation growth.
Key Figures and Reactions
Oliver Blume’s reduced earnings place him below the DAX CEO average, a notable deviation given Volkswagen’s stature as one of Germany’s industrial giants. Meanwhile, other high-profile executives, such as Deutsche Bank’s Christian Sewing and SAP’s Christian Klein, have seen their compensation align with or exceed the rising trend.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and Allianz’s Oliver Bäte are among those whose pay packages have contributed to the 261.3 million euro total. The figures have sparked debate over income inequality and the "Amerikanisierung" (Americanization) of executive pay structures in Germany. Critics argue that the widening gap between top executives and average workers undermines social cohesion.