Company directors have lashed out at attacks from investors in the "cheap seats" who send mixed messages on issues such as "diversity" and "culture" bonuses, but it is unlikely to deter disgruntled shareholders expressing their anger over executive pay and other issues at annual general meetings this week .

Magellan chief executive Hamish Douglass in particular faces a protest over a proposed $10 million termination payment in the event of his "unsound mind, incapacity or death".