When Bob Nardelli was appointed chief executive of Home Depot in December 2000, it seemed like a consolation prize. He had just lost out to Jeffrey Immelt in the battle to succeed Jack Welch as chief executive of General Electric.

Six years later, the setback is starting to look like a stroke of luck. Since taking charge of Home Depot, the world's largest do-it-yourself retailer, Mr Nardelli has received nearly $250m (£135m, €198m) in compensation including stock options - more than double what Mr Immelt has been paid at GE.