Clawback-Klauseln in Vorstandsverträgen

Christian Stemberg examines the phenomenon of so-called clawback clauses, which are now widely used in practice. These clauses have become a regular feature in the employment contracts of executive board members of German stock corporations. He explores the reasons behind the success of these contractual provisions and their potential benefits. To this end, he approaches the topic from various perspectives empirical, comparative law, law and economics, and legal doctrine. After providing a legal classification of clawback clauses, the author conducts an empirical study analyzing their prevalence among listed German companies. He concludes that clawback clauses have now become firmly established in Germany. Stemberg then investigates the causes of this "clawback boom." In doing so, he first compares the development of such clauses in the United States and subsequently incorporates insights from law and economics. He finds that the studies conducted primarily in the U.S. can only be applied to German circumstances with caution. In the following sections, Stemberg addresses legal concerns regarding the admissibility and enforceability of clawback clauses. While their permissibility under corporate law is now largely undisputed, questions remain, particularly under the law governing general terms and conditions (AGB law). Finally, the author offers possible solutions to address these concerns. He also examines whether clawback clauses have the potential to contribute to the establishment of a long-term and sustainable remuneration structure for listed companies within the meaning of § 87 (1) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). The book includes an online appendix, available at: DOI 10.1628/978-3-16-164890-8-Appendix

Born 1992; studied law in Münster and Philadelphia; legal traineeship (Referendariat) in Münster; research associate at the University of Münster; research assistant at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg; PhD awarded in 2025; research stay at the University of Cambridge; judge in Berlin.