Tag: director compensation

How has the pandemic affected CEO pay?

In this new study, Equilar and the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford examine how COVID-19 has affected CEO compensation. Are boards focused more on making sure that CEOs have the right incentives to continue their jobs under trying circumstances? After all, in the case of the pandemic, the trying circumstances are not of their own making. Or are boards more inclined to focus on showing the public and other stakeholders, especially employees, that CEOs are “sharing the pain”? CEO pay attracts a lot of attention in ordinary times, but in times of severe economic distress when corporate performance and stock prices plummet and companies engage in substantial layoffs, furloughs and pay cuts for employees—who likewise are not responsible for the economic crisis—CEO pay can attract intense scrutiny. In those circumstances, paying the same or greater levels of CEO comp can seem unfair to the employees and invite shareholder and public criticism. How have boards addressed this issue?

ISS and Glass Lewis Update 2017 Proxy Voting Policies

by Cydney Posner If you haven’t already, please check out our recent Cooley Alert, ISS and Glass Lewis Update 2017 Proxy Voting Policies.  It’s a great way to start the new year and a lot more fun than a diet!

Delaware Chancery Court applies entire fairness standard of review to director compensation

by Cydney Posner What is the judicial standard of review applicable to an award of compensation by directors to directors under an equity incentive compensation plan that has been approved by the shareholders?  That was the question before the Delaware Chancery Court in Calma v. Templeton. The answer is, as always: […]