The president and chief executive officer of Highwoods Properties Inc. saw a 3.7 percent increase in total compensation to $4.4 million in 2016, according to the company proxy filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Edward Fritsch’s total compensation in 2015 was $4.2 million.

Fritsch’s base salary increased to $667,511 in 2016, up from $648,068 in 2015. For 2016, he received stock awards valued at $1.5 million and option awards valued at $396,497, both up from 2015.

His non-equity incentive plan was down slightly, totaling $1.54 million and all other compensation increased to $262,873.

Fritsch has been CEO of the real estate investment trust since 2004 and president since 2003.

Highwoods Properties will have its annual meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, May 10, at 11:30 a.m. in Raleigh.

The company’s stock closed at $49.09 on Friday.