Does the compensation level of Chairman depend on its human capital?
This study investigates the determinants of the compensation arrangements for outside board chairmen, and examines in particular how human capital characteristics affect chairmen salaries. Using a sample among the largest French companies over the period 2005-2011, we show that qualification, as signalled by the academic degree, enables an overrepresentation of prestigious school graduates in chairman positions without involving higher compensation. However, competence associated with experience – notably through the achievement of CEO position – influences their level of compensation.