I think part of the problem is that we equate cost to value. Unless I am employing a CEO who previously earned big bucks and has taken a pay cut, someone on $50

I think part of the problem is that we equate cost to value. Unless I am employing a CEO who previously earned big bucks and has taken a pay cut, someone on $50K simply doesn't seem to be as good as someone on $500K. Of course, there are people who could do really well on less but then how many of the cheaper CEOs would then ask why they can't be paid more if their companies are making multi-millions and it is a lot to do with the CEOs strategic decisions? To be fair, a lot of leadership is about confidence in yourself and people who are confident will often ask for a high salary. To be fair, I don't know what the distribution of salaries in the UK is but there are plenty of company directors and CEOs who are definitely earning below £100K-£200K, even at financial companies. (about $140K-$240K) whereas in the US, I think it is much higher.