© Provided by This Is Money
MailOnline logo

Pearson has been rocked by an embarrassing shareholder revolt over a lavish pay packet handed to its new boss.

The education publisher came under fire for agreeing to give Andy Bird, 56, a ‘golden hello’ worth £7million and another £185,000 to go towards the rent of an apartment in New York. He will also earn up to £5.9million a year.

Ahead of a meeting to approve his appointment yesterday, shareholders had complained of being ‘held to ransom’ by Pearson and complained that the package was far too generous.

© Provided by This Is Money
Pearson has come under fire for agreeing to give Andy Bird, 56, a ‘golden hello’ worth £7million and another £185,000 to go towards the rent of an apartment in New York

Eyebrows were also raised after it emerged Bird – who was previously a non-executive director – had