KnowlEdge Series

The Changing Face of Shareholder Activism

Shareholder activism has increasingly moved from the fringes to the mainstream.  In the current proxy season, activists are filing unprecedented numbers of shareholder proposals, addressing issues that include board structure and composition, the removal of anti-takeover mechanisms, enhanced disclosures on risk, leadership succession and the adoption of shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation.  In some cases, activists are engaging constructively with companies to seek agreeable solutions without the cost and distractions often associated with protracted proxy contests.  In other circumstance, the gap between the two parties is too great to overcome and proxy fights and legal disputes seem to be the only recourse available.

This KnowlEdge Series presents timely information from The Conference Board’s new set of resources on shareholder activism, including The Shareholder Activism Report and Resource Portal, which provide support to board members and investment managers seeking to assess, engage and respond to shareholder activism.

Business Issues: In today’s climate of increased regulatory interventions designed to restore public confidence, companies and their boards are facing activist investors who seek a higher level of engagement to promote strategic and governance-related changes.    How can companies best review their business strategies and financial plans for potential trigger points and actively engage with shareholder activists to reduce exposure to costly situations?

Audience: This KnowlEdge Series is designed for senior corporate executives, board members and those that advise them, including legal, public relations, proxy solicitators, executive search and executive compensation professionals.

Series Hosts

	Matteo Tonello Managing Director, Corporate Leadership Matteo Tonello is managing director at The Conference Board. In his role, Tonello advises members of The Conference Board on issues of corporate governance, risk management, corporate sustainability and citizenship. He regularly participates as a ... Full Bio
	Paul DeNicola Director, Center for Board Governance PwC Paul DeNicola is a Director at PwC's Center for Board Governance where he works to extend the firm's thought leadership on leading-edge governance practices. An active speaker at forums for directors and governance professionals, DeNicola also adv... Full Bio
	Damien J. Park, MBA Damien J. Park, MBA, is president and CEO of Hedge Fund Solutions, LLC, a Philadelphia-based firm that provides investment research, strategy, and stakeholder communications consulting to companies and investors involved with shareholder activism.... Full Bio