ISS COVID-19 Compensation Policies FAQ

Richard Liu, Michelle Tan  | November 2020

ISS recently released its FAQ on the impact of COVID-19 on compensation plans, and provides forthcoming advice to issuers dealing with the economic ramifications of the pandemic. While the latest guidance suggests the possibility of ISS providing relief to issuers making certain adjustments to the compensation plan, the expectation for more fulsome disclosure of rationale is reinforced.

Performance Evaluation for 2020: Where to Start?

As we approach year-end meetings, Boards and Compensation Committees are preparing for potentially challenging discussions related to corporate and individual performance for the year, and how this performance is valued in incentive plan outcomes.

This article provides a framework for Boards to think through the year’s performance results and whether it is appropriately reflected in year-end pay outcomes.

Executive Compensation 2020: Topics arising from Recent Disruptions

Scott Munn, Georges Soaré  | October 2020

2020 has been an extraordinary year that has caused significant disruption within companies. Corporate performance, the rise of “S” in ESG, board judgement related to incentives and equity issuance, and more, look different than at the start of the year. As year-end approaches, Boards and Management must address these specific challenges to take tangible action. Hugessen and the Institute of Corporate Directors invite you to a one-hour webinar where we will explore how Committees should react to challenges and topics that have gained prevalence over the past year.
 

COVID-19 Director Pulse survey

Hugessen  | September 2020

Hugessen Consulting recently conducted a Summer 2020 COVID-19 Director Pulse Survey to gather director views and corporate actions related to executive incentives amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please click here to view the results.  

Are You Paying for Competitive Performance?

Ken Hugessen, Kevin Zhu  | August 2020

Companies spend a considerable amount of time making sure target bonuses are competitive. However, there are situations where incentive plan participants are rewarded competitive pay, but for uncompetitive performance. This briefing highlights how boards and management teams can consider taking the same approach as private equity firms to close performance gaps

Integrating ESG considerations into Executive Compensation Governance

Michelle Tan  | July 2020

The shareholder community has turned its attention to “ESG” (Environment, Social and Governance).  While the Governance component has been effectively addressed by Canadian boards, the topic of “E&S” or more broadly “Sustainability” is growing in importance within boardrooms. Read our latest article which aims to provide directors with a practical guide to developing and enhancing a more robust approach for integrating E&S considerations into company strategy, board structure and oversight, and executive compensation programs.

Executive Compensation Trends Key Learnings from the 2020 Proxy Season and Implications of COVID-19

Georges Soaré, Scott Munn  | June 2020

With the 2020 proxy season nearly at a close, HR and compensation committees are in the process of gathering information and trends for the coming year. While looking back at the previous year’s trends is always important, assessing the impact of COVID-19 and the evolving business environment on future executive pay decisions will be paramount.

Highlights from the 2020 Proxy Season

Brian Lees, Kevin Zhu  | June 2020

Hugessen has completed its annual review of the 2020 TSX60 proxy circulars, and we are pleased to share key findings on pay levels, pay design, regulatory updates, Say-on-Pay results and trends in the shareholder community. This year’s review has provided specific thoughts and considerations as companies and boards navigate the uncertainty of a pandemic environment. Please click here for the recording or download the TSX60 briefing/slides.

Treading Water - The Responsible Use of Stock Option Exchange Programs

John Skinner, Michael Small  | May 2020

The recent downward trend in equity values is presenting challenges for boards from both a talent retention and an equity usage perspective. This briefing discusses the concept of a “value-for-value” stock option exchange as a potential response, including practical considerations around applicability and various legal, tax, and accounting implications.

Executive Compensation and COVID-19: What's Happening?

Georges Soaré, Scott Munn  | April 2020

This webinar explores the topic of executive compensation in the time of COVID-19. Join the ICD’s CEO Rahul Bhardwaj in conversation with experienced director Carol Stephenson as well as compensation consultants Georges Soaré and Scott Munn, partners with Hugessen Consulting, as they provide directors with useful insights on making compensation decisions amid the volatility created by the pandemic.