The luxury head honcho perk that's still in good health

Washington

SINCE the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began requiring US companies to disclose more details about executive compensation, the perks of top managers have been under attack. Under pressure from investors and the fear of embarrassing optics for companies, many have quietly vanished. Country club memberships have all but gone the way of the three-martini lunch. Allowances for company cars? So very 2005.

But one perk with staying power, say executive compensation consultants, is the executive physical. The often deluxe checkup allows busy top managers to see a variety of doctors and get a battery of tests performed at one time, whether in top-notch medical centres like the Mayo Clinic or luxurious digs such as Canyon Ranch.