Severn Trent says it is increasing the size of the long-term incentive plan for its new chief executive, James Jesic, despite public criticism of senior pay in the water sector. The company’s most recent annual report states that its long-term incentive plan (LTIP) rises from 200% of Jesic’s base salary to 400% following changes to the remuneration structure. The report indicates the revised LTIP value could amount to as much as £3.1 million. In addition to the LTIP, Jesic’s potential total earnings in a single year could be higher when salary, an annual bonus and other benefits are included, with one figure reported of up to £4.8 million. The changes are reported as coming amid “anger” among customers and stakeholders about the level of pay for water company executives, and the plan is described as potentially leading Jesic to earn more than his predecessor, Liv Garfield. The company has not been reported to disagree with the figures, but the announcements are presented in the context of ongoing scrutiny of executive remuneration across the water industry.