In 2023, CEOs of major German stock-listed companies earned an average of €2.65 million, the highest recorded so far, despite a sluggish economy. The average salary for board members increased by 11%, while female executives still earned more than their male counterparts, although the pay gap has narrowed significantly. Volkswagen’s CEO, Oliver Blume, topped the earnings list with €10.3 million, followed by Adidas’ Björn Gulden and Deutsche Bank’s Christian Sewing. While some sectors reported significant profits, DAX firms overall faced stagnant revenues and gains, highlighting disparities within the economy.