How much were the management and supervisors of Postal Service of Slovenia, which was loss-making, paid last year?

In 2024, Slovenia’s State Postal Service (Pošta Slovenije) recorded a net loss of nearly four million euros, marking its first such outcome in the past decade. Despite this financial setback, several members of the company’s leadership and supervisory board saw increases in their compensation packages. General Director Marko Cegnar received a 10 percent increase in his base salary compared to the previous year, with his gross earnings rising to 137,002 euros from 125,838 euros. Additionally, he was awarded variable payments, which are typically tied to the company’s performance, even though the firm operated at a loss. The loss came after a period of profitability, during which the company had achieved a net profit of two million euros in 2023. The financial downturn appears to have been influenced by a combination of operational challenges and external factors affecting the postal sector. However, the compensation adjustments for top executives were approved despite these difficulties. Cegnar’s increased pay followed a pattern observed among other senior figures within the organization. For instance, member of the management board Ivan Vrviščar received 125,433 euros in 2024, up from 125,433 euros in 2023, though the exact figure for the prior year was slightly lower. Similarly, the head of human resources, Vlasta Vidrih, saw her gross earnings rise to 110,668 euros from 97,139 euros. Meanwhile, Marko Rems, who left his position mid-February 2025, received approximately 38,000 euros for his tenure of one and a half months. Uros Kalan joined the management board in May 2024 and earned 73,183 euros in his first year. These figures highlight the continued growth in salaries for key personnel, even amid the company’s financial struggles. Members of the supervisory board also experienced increases in their remuneration. Chairperson Urška Kežmah, a member of one commission, received 26,430 euros. Barbara Celovšek Zupančič, a member of two commissions, earned 29,125 euros, while Barbara Nose, also a member of two commissions, received 28,905 euros. Two other members of the supervisory board, Gašper Marc and Andrej Kohont, each received around 29,000 euros. These compensation levels reflect broader trends in corporate governance, where executive pay often continues regardless of short-term financial outcomes. While some observers argue that the high payouts seem inconsistent with the company’s losses, others point to the complexity of balancing long-term strategic goals against immediate financial pressures. The data underscores the disparity between the company’s financial performance and the rewards given to its leadership. As the postal service continues to navigate economic uncertainties, questions remain about how such disparities will be addressed moving forward.