THE head honchos of Singapore's biggest companies pocketed fatter bonuses last year, thanks to the robust economy which grew by 7.5 per cent.

But slower economic growth expected this year could spell leaner times for some chief executives (CEOs) and other company bosses, market watchers say.

'CEOs are tasked with a formidable job of growing the company in terms of market share and revenue. The compensation and benefits package has to take into account the risks and responsibilities undertaken by these top-level executives.' - Ms Annie Yap, CEO of recruitment agency GMP Group RELATED LINKS  HIGHEST PAID EXECUTIVES

Last year, CEOs at Singapore's 30 listed companies that make up the Straits Times Index enjoyed pay rises of between 20 per cent and 150 per cent, the company annual reports disclose.

This was mainly due to an increase in the bonus component, which formed as much as 80 per cent of a CEO's pay package, up from 70 per cent.

Directors were also generously paid. Total directors' remuneration, in general, rose between 20 per cent and 80 per cent.

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