Donald H. Nikolaus is a veteran in the insurance industry, having served as the President and CEO of Donegal Group Inc. since 1986. With a Juris Doctor degree from the Dickinson School of Law, he brings a legal background to...

Donald H. Nikolaus is a veteran in the insurance industry, having served as the President and CEO of Donegal Group Inc. since 1986. With a Juris Doctor degree from the Dickinson School of Law, he brings a legal background to his role in overseeing a major insurance provider. Under his leadership, Donegal has grown significantly, adapting to the changing market over decades. Nikolaus took a temporary medical leave in 2014 but returned in 2015, proving his commitment to the company. He has held various leadership positions, including serving as the Chairman of the Board since 2012. Interestingly, Nikolaus had a period when he had substantial stock holdings, but he also had a keen focus on operational results and underwriting profit that defined much of his incentive compensation. Throughout his tenure, he has been a part of significant decisions and strategies that shaped the company, emphasizing performance-based pay for his executives. He plans to retire from active management in September 2018 but will continue to serve as Chairman, showing a blend of experience and ongoing involvement in the company's future.

Quick Links

1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other Donegal Group CEOs

D

Donald H. Nikolaus

Ex-CEO of Donegal Group

Field of Expertise

Legal & Compliance - Law

Sector of Economy

Financial Services

CEO of Donegal Group for

29 years 6 months (Jan 1986 - Jul 2015)

Previous Experience

President and CEO of Donegal Group Inc. since 1986

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of Donald H. Nikolaus

Holdings

See how much did Donald H. Nikolaus make over time.

Donald H. Nikolaus has seen fluctuations in his stock holdings during his tenure at Donegal Group, particularly in the context of incentive compensation shaped by the company's performance. For example, in 2015, he was granted stock options amounting to 100,000...

Donald H. Nikolaus has seen fluctuations in his stock holdings during his tenure at Donegal Group, particularly in the context of incentive compensation shaped by the company's performance. For example, in 2015, he was granted stock options amounting to 100,000 shares at an exercise price of $13.64 each. These options were a part of his total compensation of nearly $1.5 million that year. At times, he leveraged significant incentives to align his interests with Company performance. His stock holdings have represented a major portion of his wealth, especially when stock prices responded positively to the underwriting results. Over the years, his performance has been closely tied to the company's profitability metrics.

Mar 18, 2025

D

shares

DGICA @ $17.55

Total Stock Sold

$743.00K

DGICA

$743.00K

50,000 DGICA shares

What if they kept their stock?

If Donald H. Nikolaus didn't sell their stock, today they would have:
Extra DGICA50,000 shares worth $682.50K.
This is -8.14% and $60.50K less than what they got when they sold the stock.

Charitable Transactions

DGICA

56,551 shares

DGICA

Recent Charitable Transactions

DGICA

12,668 shares

DGICA

Feb 5, 2016

Charity

DGICA

$194.07K

DGICA at $15.32/share

Aug 8, 2014

Charity

DGICA

$197.40K

DGICA at $13.16/share

Jun 22, 2012

Charity

DGICA

$103.60K

DGICA at $14.80/share

Dec 22, 2011

Charity

DGICA

$140.81K

DGICA at $15.28/share

Dec 23, 2010

Charity

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of Donald H. Nikolaus.

DGICA

$8.65K

DGICA at $17.30/share

Jan 2, 2018

Received

DGICA

$8.74K

DGICA at $17.48/share

Jan 3, 2017

Received

DGICA

12,668 shares

DGICA

Feb 5, 2016

Charity

DGICA

$7.04K

DGICA at $14.08/share

Jan 4, 2016

Received

DGICA

$740.00K

DGICA at $14.80/share

Jun 4, 2015

Sale

DGICA

$6.39K

DGICA at $15.98/share

Jan 2, 2015

Received

DGICA

$194.07K

DGICA at $15.32/share

Aug 8, 2014

Charity

DGICA

$194.07K

DGICA at $15.32/share

Aug 8, 2014

Charity

DGICA

$197.40K

DGICA at $13.16/share

Jun 22, 2012

Charity

Compensation History

See how much did Donald H. Nikolaus make over time.

Donald H. Nikolaus has enjoyed a notable compensation package over the years, with a consistent salary, bonuses, and stock options that align with the company's performance. In 2015, he received total compensation of approximately $1.5 million, a significant jump from $1.1 million in 2014. His salary has stabilised around $800,000, while bonuses have fluctuated based on underwriting profits—$440K in 2015 reflecting strong company results. He has also been awarded stock options, with grants of 100,000 shares in both 2014 and 2015, showing a long-term strategy aimed at encouraging executives to push for high performance. The structure of his compensation reflects a solid alignment of management's goals with the interests of shareholders, focusing on sustainable growth and profitability metrics.

Year

2015

Total Compensation

$1.32M

Salary

$800.00K

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy aims to attract and retain talented executives while aligning their interests with company performance and shareholder value.

Bonus

$440.00K

Board Justification

The bonus is based on the company's underwriting profit for the completed fiscal year, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year due to improved operational results.

Other

$83.48K

Board Justification

This includes directors and committee meeting fees and a matching 401(k) plan contribution.

Restricted Stock

$0.00(0 N/A)

Board Justification

No stock was vested in 2015 as all stock options granted are subject to vesting schedules.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics include underwriting profit, return on equity, and growth in net written premiums.

Other Donegal Group CEOs

Here are other CEOs of Donegal Group

Kevin G. Burke

CEO of Donegal Group

July 2015 - Present