golden hello

A golden hello is a substantial financial incentive offered to recruit someone, typically a senior executive or highly sought-after professional, to join a company.

Unlike a signing bonus, which might be modest, a golden hello involves a significant sum meant to compensate for what the recruit gives up by leaving their current position—such as unvested stock options or deferred compensation.

The bank offered her a golden hello worth two years' salary to lure her from the competition.