Shareholders at drinks group C&C have rejected the Director's Remuneration Report at the company's annual general meeting.
Just 40% of those who voted backed the resolution to receive and consider the report, with 60% voting against it.
The resolution is non-binding, but nonetheless will serve as a strong signal to the company's board following a period of flux at the firm, including leadership changes and unhappiness among activist shareholders.
The report covered the remuneration of the former CEO, David Forde, who stepped down in May of 2023.
He was paid €2.3m for the financial year to the end of February this year, including a €1.9m termination fee.
Mr Forde was replaced by Patrick McMahon, but he stepped from his role in June with immediate effect following accounting errors at the company.
He was paid a basic salary of €617,000 for the period, rising to €915,000 including his bonus.
Earlier C&C said it remained confident of achieving its earnings expectations for the full year.
In a trading updating ahead of the AGM, it said earnings so far this year were in line with expectations, despite the poor weather in June.
The group previously announced its intention to deliver at least €150m to shareholders over the next three years ending in February 2025, 2026, and 2027 through a mix of share buybacks, dividends and special dividends depending on prevailing circumstances.
C&C commenced a €15m share buyback programme on 1 March 2024 which has been completed.
The group said it will begin the second tranche shortly.
"Subject to shareholder approval today, the Directors have also proposed a final dividend of 3.97 cent per share," C&C said.
"An interim dividend of 1.89 cent per share was paid in December, making a full year dividend of 5.86 cent per share."
The company also announced that IDA Ireland chairman Feargal O'Rourke will join the Board as an independent, Non-Executive Director with effect from the conclusion of today’s AGM.
Upon his appointment, Mr O’Rourke will also become a member of the Audit Committee.
"The appointment of Mr O’Rourke follows a rigorous process to recruit a new Non-Executive Director led by the Nomination Committee with the support of an independent executive search firm," the company said.
"The Board is reviewing the composition of its committees and will announce an update to committee membership in due course," it added.
Ralph Findlay, C&C Group Chair and CEO said they look forward to the contribution Mr O'Rourke will make to the C&C Board as they pursue their strategic, financial and ESG ambitions.
"Feargal brings valuable expertise to C&C having advised companies on a broad range of corporate, financial and taxation considerations over a long and esteemed career in PwC," he said.
