At one time, in the not so distant past, battles at annual meeting had a distinct, nearly universal pattern. Conflicts would often be about returning shareholder value by increasing dividends or making leadership and strategic changes.
Today, the battlefield is more complex, its soldiers more diverse. Concerns raised before, during, and after at annual meetings include social issues, sustainability efforts, and board scrutiny. Are directors skilled, diverse, and performing up to expectations? Are they “overboarded” with work for other companies and paid appropriately? Do they possess needed skills, in cyber-security for example, of is fresh blood needed?
