THE two top Johnston Press executives are eligible for one-a-half-times their normal maximum bonus in 2014, following consultation with shareholder bodies.

Chief executive Ashley Highfield can earn up to 180% of salary and finance director David King up to 150% if targets on digital revenue, audience growth, advertiser and staff satisfaction, and balance sheet strength are met. Mr Highfield's bonus in 2013 was halved to £90,000, reducing remuneration to £592,000. His salary remains £400,000 while Mr King is on £250,000. During the year Mr Highfield was awarded options over two million shares and Mr King options over one million, at 17.45p. Mr Highfield can exercise options over 10.47 million shares awarded on his arrival, when the price was 4.78p, giving him a notional profit of around £2m at the current 26p share price.