Spring Training '09: Nine Players and Nine Issues to Watch for in the Upcoming Proxy Season

The market meltdown, the Federal Government’s response and the results of the recent Presidential Election threaten to rewrite the rules of the game for the upcoming proxy season. Directors are under intense pressure to yank underperforming executives off the mound. Beaning board members over lax oversight of executive pay and risk has emerged as the new National Pastime. Uncle-turned-Umpire Sam has taken charge behind the plate and amid calls to widen the governance strike zone. To help get you into annual meeting-day shape, Pat provided a scouting report on the likely nine-player starting line-up for the shareholder activism side and outlined nine critical issues that will demand directors’ attention during the ’09 Proxy Season.

This session was presented by Patrick McGurn, Executive Vice President and Special Counsel of RiskMetrics Group and moderated by Foley Partner Steven R. Barth.