UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

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Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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DDR

SITE Centers Corp.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

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LOGOLOGO          

Notice of Annual

Meeting of Shareholders and 2016 Proxy Statement

To the Holders of Common Shares of DDRSITE Centers Corp.:

The 20162024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DDRSITE Centers Corp. will be held as follows:

 

WHEN: 

9:00 a.m. local time, Tuesday,Eastern Time, Wednesday, May 10, 2016.8, 2024.

WHERE: 

 Offices of DDR Corp.

3333 Richmond Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122The Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast at www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4. You will not be able to physically attend the Annual Meeting in person.

ITEMS OF BUSINESS: 

Election of nineeight Directors.

 

 Authorization of the Company’s Board of Directors to effect, in its discretion, a reverse stock split of the Company’s common shares and adoption of a corresponding amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.

 Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

 

 Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as ourthe Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

 Transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

WHO CAN VOTE: 

Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 20162024 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment of the Annual Meeting.

VOTING BY PROXY: 

 Shareholders may complete, date and sign the accompanying Proxy Card and return it in the enclosed envelope; or

 

 Vote their shares by telephone or over the Internet as described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF

PROXY MATERIALS:
 

The Company’s 20162024 Proxy Statement and 20152023 Annual Report to Shareholders are available free of charge atwww.proxydocs.com/ddrsitc.

By order of the Board of Directors,

DAVID E. WEISSAaron M. Kitlowski

Secretary

Dated: March 31, 2016April 2, 2024

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

for the Shareholder Meeting to be held on May 8, 2024

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

for the Shareholder Meeting to be held on May 10, 2016


LOGO

To Our

Shareholders

 


Dear Fellow Shareholders:

I am pleased to invite you to our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2016 at our corporate offices in Beachwood, Ohio. As we have done in the past, in addition to considering the matters described in our 2016 Proxy Statement, we will present an update regarding the Company’s performance this past year as well as our outlook for the business in 2016 and beyond.

After my first year leading the organization, we are a much stronger company that has successfully navigated a portfolio evolution, effectuated a dramatic shift in our capital allocation strategy and embraced change in our management team and corporate culture. Our operating platform and the efforts of our entire DDR team to foster a culture of excellence continue to produce impressive results, and the many accomplishments we achieved in 2015 were representative of our desire to deliver shareholder value over both the short and long term.

Our high-quality portfolio enabled us to generate strong EBITDA and net asset value growth, and increase our dividend by over 11% compared to 2014. This increase represents the fifth consecutive year of annual dividend growth in excess of 10% while still maintaining a low payout ratio. Our operating platform and portfolio performed exceptionally well, highlighted by our portfolio leased rate of 96.0% at year-end and leasing volume of over 10 million square feet for the sixth consecutive year. We completed over $1.6 billion of acquisitions and dispositions, and focused on owning only the highest quality “dirt” that will continue to appreciate and attract best-in-class retailers. Additionally, we placed $158 million of redevelopments into service at a yield of approximately 10%, materially increasing asset quality and long-term growth expectations. Organic and external growth translated into a blended 4.1% increase in rent per square foot for the portfolio relative to 2014.

We are laser-focused on enhancing shareholder value and maintaining a strong portfolio performance that is sustainable in all economic cycles. I am proud of the successful execution of our strategic plan and I am confident that our continued focus on quality and performance will translate into superior net asset value creation over the long term. We appreciate your support and take very seriously our role as stewards of your capital.

I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

Respectfully yours,

DAVID J. OAKES

President and Chief Executive Officer


20162024 Proxy Statement Table of Contents

 

 

1. Proxy Statement Summary

 1

2. Proposal One: Election of Eight Directors

 

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

 27

Director Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting

 27

Transactions with the Otto Family

 711

Independent Directors

 711

Director Qualifications and Review of Director Nominees

 711

Proxy Access

 12

Majority Vote Standard

 812

Cumulative Voting3. Board Governance

 8

3. Board GovernanceLeadership

 13

Board Leadership

9

Meetings of Our Board

 913

Meetings of Non-Management and Independent Directors

 913

Committees of Our Board

 914

Risk Oversight

 1215

Compensation of Directors

 1215

Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

 1417

Insider Trading Policy

 17

Security Ownership of Directors and Management

 1518

Corporate Sustainability Highlights

 
19

4. Proposal Two: ShareholderAuthorization of the Board to Effect, in its Discretion, a Reverse Stock Split of the Company’s Common Shares and Adoption of a Corresponding Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

22

Purposes of the Reverse Stock Split

22

Determination of the Reverse Stock Split Ratio

23

Board Discretion to Implement or Abandon the Reverse Stock Split

23

Impact of the Reverse Stock Split

23

Certain Risk Factors Associated with the Reverse Stock Split

23

Practical Considerations

24

Accounting Consequences

24

No Dissenters’ Rights

25

Interests of Directors and Executive Officers

25

Procedure for Effecting Reverse Stock Split

25

5. Proposal Three: Approval, on an Advisory Vote to ApproveBasis, of the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

 

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

 1626

2015 Executive Compensation Program

16

Compensation Committee Report

 1727

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 1727

5.6. Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Executive SummaryOverview

 1828

Executive Summary

 28

2015 Compensation Program Design

 2130

Analysis of 2015 Performance2023 Compensation Program

 2634

2015 Compensation Earned

27

Stock Ownership Guidelines

 3339

Hedging and Pledging Policy

 3440

Tax and Accounting ImplicationsExecutive Compensation Clawback Policy

 3440

Compensation-Related Risk Analysis

 3440

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    i


6.7. Executive Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure

 

20152023 Summary Compensation Table

 3541

20152023 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

 3642

Outstanding Equity Awards at 20152023 Fiscal Year-End Table

 3743

20152023 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

 3844

20152023 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table

 3844

Potential Payments uponUpon Termination or Change in Control

 3945

Employment Agreements

 4347

Change in Control ProvisionsCEO Pay Ratio

 4449

Pay Versus Performance

 
50

7.Pay Versus Performance Table

50

2023 Tabular List

52

Descriptions of Relationships Between CAP and Certain Financial Performance Measure Results

52

8. Proposal Three:Four: Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Ourthe Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

 4654

Fees Paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 4654

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent
Auditors

 4755

Auditor Independence

 4755

Audit Committee Report

 4755

8.9. Corporate Governance and Other Matters

 

Codes of Ethics

 4856

Reporting and Non-Retaliation Policy

 4957

Policy Regarding Related-Party Transactions

 4957

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 5058

Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceReports

 5158

Shareholder Proposals for 20172025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 5158

Householding

 5159

Other Matters

 5159

9.10. Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why did you send me this Proxy Statement?

 5260

Who is soliciting my proxy?entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

 5260

How do I attend and vote at the virtual Annual Meeting?

 60

How many votes do I have?

 5261

How do I vote by proxy?

 5361

May I revoke my proxy?

 5362

Who is soliciting my proxy?

 62

Can I receive this Proxy Statementthese proxy materials by email in the future?

 5362

What constitutes a quorum?

 5462

What vote is required to approve each proposal assuming that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting?

 5463

Annex A – Amendment to Articles of Incorporation to Effect Reverse Stock Split

 A-1


 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

 

ii    DDR Corp.ï  20161. Proxy Statement Summary


1. Proxy Summary

 

This Proxy Statement Summary contains highlights and information that can be found elsewhere in this Proxy Statement as indicated by the applicable page references. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and therefore you should read the entire Proxy Statement.

2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

 

MEETING DATE, TIME AND LOCATION

Date and Time:

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time

Location:

SITE Centers Corp. (“we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company” or “SITE Centers”) will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2024 Annual Meeting” or the “Annual Meeting”) in a virtual meeting format via the Internet at www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4. You will not be able to physically attend the Annual Meeting in person. For more information on how to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting, see “Frequently Asked Questions—How do I attend and vote at the virtual Annual Meeting?” on page 60 of this Proxy Statement.

Record Date:

March 15, 2024

Mail Date:

We will begin mailing this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 2023 Annual Report and Proxy Card on or about April 2, 2024 to all shareholders of record entitled to vote.

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 AT 9:00 A.M. LOCAL TIME

DDR Corp. Offices

3333 Richmond Road

Beachwood, Ohio 44122Voting Matters and Board Recommendations

 

 

 

PROPOSALS

MATTERPAGEBOARD RECOMMENDATION
Proposal 1:Election of eight Directors7For each Director nominee
Proposal 2:Authorization of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) to effect, in its discretion, a reverse stock split of the Company’s common shares and adoption of a corresponding amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”)22For
Proposal 3:Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers26For
Proposal 4Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm54For

How to Vote

Shareholders of record (i.e., shareholders who own shares in their own name as reflected in the records of our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”)) may vote their shares in any of the following ways:

By Internet: To submit a proxy over the Internet, go to www.investorvote.com/sitc. You will need the control number that appears on your Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Card.

LOGO

By Telephone: To submit a proxy by telephone, call toll free 1-800-652-8683. You will need the control number that appears on your Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Card.

LOGO

By Mail: If you received a full paper set of proxy materials, date and sign your Proxy Card and mail it in the enclosed, postage-paid envelope. You do not need to mail the Proxy Card if you are submitting your proxy by Internet or telephone.

LOGO

At the Meeting: To vote at the Annual Meeting, visit www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4. You will need the control number that appears on your Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Card.

LOGO

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement1


 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY 

Shareholders whose shares are held of record by a broker, bank, trust or other nominee may vote their shares by following the instructions provided by such broker, bank, trust or other nominee or at the Annual Meeting. Please note that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank, trust or other nominee, you must register in advance in order to vote electronically at the Annual Meeting. To register in advance, you must forward a legal proxy from your broker, bank, trust or other nominee holding your shares to Computershare at legalproxy@computershare.com no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 3, 2024. You will receive a confirmation of your registration, with a control number, by email from Computershare. At the time of the meeting, go to www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4 and enter your control number.

Even if you intend to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to submit your proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting.

2024 Director Nominees

 

 

 

Proposal 

Board

Recommendation

 

Page Reference for

More Information

 

1.

    

 

Election of nine Directors.

 

ü “For”

all nominees

 

 

2

 

2.

    Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers. 

 

ü “For”

 

 

16

 

3.

    Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. 

 

ü “For”

 

 

46

       

 

  

CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS

DIRECTOR NAME

  AGE  SINCE  INDEPENDENT  AUDIT  COMPENSATION  NOMINATING
AND ESG
  DIVIDEND
DECLARATION
  PRICING

Linda B. Abraham

  61  2018  Yes          

Terrance R. Ahern*

  68  2000  Yes    Chair      

Jane E. DeFlorio

  53  2017  Yes  Chair        

David R. Lukes

  54  2017  No        Chair  Chair

Victor B. MacFarlane

  72  2002  Yes      Chair    

Alexander Otto

  56  2015  Yes          

Barry A. Sholem

  68  2022  Yes          

Dawn M. Sweeney

  64  2018  Yes             

 

*

Chairman of the Board

VOTING

You may vote if you were a shareholderIn accordance with Alexander Otto’s 2009 investor rights agreement and the number of record at the closeour common shares owned by Alexander Otto and certain members of business on March 15, 2016,his family (the “Otto Family”) as of the record date for the Annual Meeting, the Otto Family was entitled to propose one Director for nomination at the Annual Meeting. The Otto Family has proposed, and the Board has nominated, Mr. Otto for election at the Annual Meeting.

Our Board strives to maintain an independent, balanced and diverse set of Directors that collectively possess the expertise to ensure effective oversight of management. Three of our Director nominees are women and one of our Director nominees is African American.

LOGO

2 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

2023 Performance Highlights

The Company produced strong operating results in 2023 and continued to take advantage of favorable leasing conditions that emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic driven by an increase in demand from retailers for space and limited new supply in the markets where the Company operates. Population movements to affluent suburbs in which many of the Company’s properties are located, hybrid work environments and retailers’ efforts to pursue omnichannel distribution to customers through a combination of in-store shopping, curbside pickup and ship-from-store collectively contributed to elevated leasing activity and rent growth across the Company’s portfolio, including with respect to space vacated by tenant fallout from 2023 bankruptcies. As a result of this leasing activity, the Company had executed leases at December 31, 2023 representing approximately $14.2 million of annual base rent on a pro rata basis for which tenants’ obligations to pay rent had not yet commenced, which future rent commencements are expected to contribute to operating results in 2024 and beyond.

The Company also took important steps in 2023 in pursuit of its strategy to invest in convenience properties positioned on the curbline of well-trafficked intersections that offer enhanced opportunities for cash flow growth due to reduced operating capital expenditure requirements and their depth and mix of leasing prospects. Following significant disposition activity in the third quarter of 2023 and ongoing efforts to legally separate a number of convenience retail properties from the Company’s existing properties, in October 2023 the Company announced plans to spin off its portfolio of convenience retail properties into a new growth company called Curbline Properties Corp. (“Curbline Properties”) which is expected to occur on or about October 1, 2024. Curbline Properties is expected to be the first publicly-traded REIT exclusively focused on the convenience property sector. As part of the Company’s announcement of its plans to form Curbline Properties, the Company also disclosed that it had obtained a commitment from affiliates of Apollo, including ATLAS SP Partners, to provide a $1.1 billion mortgage facility that is expected to be funded prior to the spin-off of Curbline Properties for the purpose of repaying all of the Company’s unsecured debt, including all outstanding public notes.

Additional highlights of the Company’s 2023 accomplishments include:

Operations

The Company signed new leases and renewals aggregating approximately 3.3 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”) at the Company’s share. These leases are expected to contribute to growth in property revenues in 2024 and beyond.

For the comparable leases executed in 2023, at the Company’s share, the Company generated positive cash leasing spreads of 29.5% for new leases and 6.5% for renewals.

Reported annualized base rent per occupied square foot of $20.35 at December 31, 2023, as compared to $19.52 at December 31, 2022, both on a pro rata basis. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the impact of asset sales and was also favorably impacted by property acquisitions and leasing results.

Reported aggregate portfolio occupancy of 92.0% at December 31, 2023 compared to 92.4% at December 31, 2022, both on a pro rata basis. The year-over-year decline was primarily related to 2023 tenant bankruptcy activity and the sale of properties with higher occupancy rates, partially offset by new leasing activity and acquisitions.

Initiated a restructuring plan to align the Company’s cost structure and technology platform with current and future expected operations. The restructuring plan is expected to lead to an annualized reduction in General and administrative and Operating and maintenance expenses and non-real estate depreciation and amortization of approximately $3.7 million.

Transactions

Acquired 12 convenience properties for an aggregate price of approximately $165.1 million.

Sold 22 shopping centers for $966.6 million ($876.9 million at the Company’s share).

Capital Markets Activity

Closed a five-year $380.6 million ($76.1 million at share) mortgage secured by the ten-property Dividend Trust Portfolio (“DTP”) joint venture portfolio.

Closed a five-year $100 million mortgage secured by Nassau Park Pavilion (Princeton, NJ).

In the second quarter of 2023, repurchased 140,633 Operating Partnership (“OP”) units in a privately negotiated transaction at an aggregate cost of $1.7 million or $12.34 per unit. Following the repurchase, the Company had no outstanding OP units.

In the first quarter of 2023, repurchased 1.5 million of the Company’s common shares in open market transactions at an aggregate cost of $20.0 million or $13.43 per common share funded with proceeds from property dispositions.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement3


 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

Corporate Governance Highlights

We are committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, which we believe will begin mailingensure that the Company is managed for the long-term benefit of our stakeholders. We monitor developments and best practices in corporate governance and consider feedback from shareholders when evaluating our governance, policies and structure.

Director Elections

 Annual election of all Directors

 Majority voting for Directors in uncontested elections

Board Practices

 Separate independent Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)

 Significant Board oversight of business strategy

 Regular executive sessions of independent Directors

 Annual executive officer succession planning discussions

 Anti-overboarding policy limiting service on other public company boards

 Mandatory Director retirement age (76 years)

 Annual Director review of enterprise risk assessment

 No ability to classify the Board without shareholder consent

Shareholder Rights

 Proxy access (3% ownership, 3 years, greater of 2 nominees or 20% of Board)

 Ability to amend Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations by majority vote

 Ability to call special meetings (25% of voting power)

 Ability to act by unanimous written consent

Other Policies

 Prohibition on pledging, hedging and other derivative transactions in Company securities by Directors and officers

 Share ownership requirements for Directors and executive officers

Corporate Values, Human Capital and Sustainability

Our Company and its 225 employees (as of year-end 2023) are committed to being Fearless, Authentic, Curious and Thoughtful (our “Matters of FACT”) members of the community. We consider social and environmental issues in all aspects of our business, including the well-being of our employees and our impact on the communities in which our properties are located. Recent recognition includes:

LOGO

Included in Newsweek’s 2024 list of America’s Most Responsible Companies. LOGOGreen Star rated by Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB)
LOGOIncluded in Bloomberg’s 2023 Gender Equality Index. 61% of our employees and 38% of our Director nominees are women.LOGORecognized as a Green Lease Leader (Gold Level) by U.S. Department of Energy and The Institute for Market Transformation.

Our dedication to our community and the environment is detailed in our ninth annual Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report (the “CSR Report”) which was prepared in 2023 in alignment with Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) principles and certain Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”) and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) standards. Our CSR Report can be found on our website at www.sitecenters.com/sustainability. The information contained in the CSR Report is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement, the Noticeand you should not consider such information to be part of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and letter from our President and Chief Executive Officer, along with the accompanyingthis Proxy Card on or about March 31, 2016 to all shareholders entitled to vote.

You may vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy in any of the following ways:Statement.

 

By Internet4  SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

Compensation Practices

The Compensation Committee oversees the design and administration of the Company’s executive compensation programs. Our compensation programs reward executives not only for delivering superior returns but also for reducing the risk profile of the Company and achieving financial and non-financial measures of performance that enhance long-term shareholder and stakeholder value. The following are key features of our executive compensation programs.

What We Do

LOGO  By Telephone

We tie pay to performance by making a
significant portion of compensation “at risk”.

LOGO  

Annual incentive pay is typically based on one or more performance metrics, which are established at the beginning of each year, and individual performance.

LOGO  By Mail

A significant portion of the value of long-term performance incentives depends on relative shareholder return.

LOGO

Go to:

www.investorvote.com/ddr

or the web address on

your Proxy Card

LOGO

  

LOGO

Dial toll free:

1-800-652-8683

LOGOThe Compensation Committee, which is comprised solely of independent Directors, engages an independent compensation consultant to advise it.

 

 

Sign the enclosed Proxy Card

and return by

pre-paid postage envelope

 

What We Don’t Do

LOGO

We do not guarantee minimum incentive bonus awards.

LOGO

We do not encourage excessive risk taking as we use different performance metrics for our annual and long-term incentive compensation programs.

LOGO

We do not pay dividend equivalents on unearned equity awards subject to performance-based vesting.

LOGO

We do not allow for repricing of stock options without shareholder approval.

LOGO

We do not include excise tax gross-up provisions in our executive compensation arrangements.

LOGO

We do not offer excessive perquisites or special health and welfare plans to executives.

Pay Aligned With Performance

 

DDR Corp.ï  2016

Our executive compensation is aligned with Company performance. The majority of the targeted level of annualized compensation for our CEO under the September 2020 employment agreement that governed his 2023 compensation was variable and “at risk” based on performance.

LOGO

*

Includes the annualized grant date fair value of the service-based restricted share units (“RSUs”) awarded in connection with the execution of Mr. Lukes’ September 2020 employment agreement and the value of service-based RSUs to be granted to Mr. Lukes annually during the term of his employment agreement.

**

Annual incentive is shown at the target level. The annual incentive payout ranges from $0 (below threshold) to $2,250,000 (maximum). Mr. Lukes can elect by October 31 of each year to receive the value of his annual incentive award for such year (payable by March 15 of the following year) in RSUs at a 20% increase.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement5


 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY 

2023 Executive Compensation

The table below summarizes 2023 compensation awarded or paid to our named executive officers as reported in the 2023 Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement    1Statement. Our Compensation Committee typically establishes both quantitative and qualitative performance metrics governing our annual incentive compensation program in the first quarter of each year. In March 2023, the Compensation Committee established our 2023 annual incentive compensation program.

The 2023 annual compensation program included both a quantitative performance metric, namely Operating FFO, and subjectively-evaluated qualitative performance metrics. The quantitative metric comprised 50% of the program’s overall assessment of executive performance. The remaining 50% of the annual incentive award program involved a qualitative assessment of each named executive officer’s individual performance.

Based on the Compensation Committee’s evaluation in early 2024 of executive performance during 2023, including the Company’s achievements outlined in “2023 Performance Highlights” above, Messrs. Lukes (President and CEO), Conor M. Fennerty (Executive Vice President (“EVP”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)) and John M. Cattonar (EVP and Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”)) and Ms. Christa A. Vesy (former EVP and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”)) were awarded 2023 incentive compensation payouts of $2,250,000, $900,000, $750,000 and $510,000, respectively, which represented the maximum amount of the annual incentive award opportunities provided for under their employment agreements in effect at the end of 2023. All executives received their 2023 incentive compensation payments in cash.

Of the approximately $6.7 million total compensation reported for Mr. Lukes in the 2023 Summary Compensation Table, approximately $2.6 million consisted of the grant date fair value of an annual award of performance-based RSUs, which become payable, if at all, based on the percentile rank of the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) measured over a three-year period relative to an identified group of peer companies.

For more details on 2023 executive compensation, including factors considered by our Compensation Committee in evaluating the qualitative elements of the 2023 annual incentive compensation program, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section beginning on page 28 of this Proxy Statement and the 2023 Summary Compensation Table on page 41 of this Proxy Statement.

NAMED
EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
 POSITION  SALARY   BONUS STOCK
AWARDS
  NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN
COMPENSATION
  ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION
 TOTAL 

David R. Lukes

 

President and CEO

  

$

900,000

 

  

$0

 

 

$3,550,043

 

 

  $

2,250,000

 

 

$40,607

 

$

6,740,650

 

Conor M. Fennerty

 

EVP and CFO

  

$

575,000

 

  

$0

 

 

$1,902,419

 

 

  $

900,000

 

 

$18,930

 

$

3,396,349

 

John M. Cattonar

 

EVP and CIO

  

$

475,000

 

  

$0

 

 

$1,458,668

 

 

  $

750,000

 

 

$12,399

 

$

2,696,067

 

Christa A. Vesy

 

Former EVP and
CAO

  

$

425,000

 

  

$0

 

 

$ 177,532

 

 

  $

510,000

 

 

$12,744

 

$

1,125,276

 

Historical Say-on-Pay Voting Results

LOGO

Shareholders have continued to show strong support for our executive compensation programs with approximately 95%, 97% and 94% of votes cast for the approval of the “say-on-pay” proposals at our 2021, 2022 and 2023 Annual Meetings of Shareholders, respectively.

6 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


2. Proposal One: Election of Eight Directors

 

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

At the Annual Meeting, unless you specify otherwise, the common shares represented by your proxy will be voted to elect the nineeight Director nominees of DDR Corp. (DDR or Company).identified below. If any of the Director nominees is not a candidate when the election occurs for any reason (which is not expected) and the size of theour Board remains unchanged, then our Board of Directors (Board) intends that proxies will be voted for the election of a substitute Director nominee designated by our Board as recommended by the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee.

 

 

BOARD RECOMMENDATION:

For” All Nine Director NomineesFOR” ALL EIGHT DIRECTOR NOMINEES

 

Director Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting

Our Board has nominated and recommends that shareholders vote FOR“FOR” the election of each of the following Director nominees, each to serve a one-year term until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until a successor has been duly elected and qualified.

All nominees are currently serving as Directors and were elected by the shareholders at the 2023 Annual Meeting.

 

LINDA B. ABRAHAM

LOGOManaging Director of Crimson Capital (early stage technology company investing and consulting)

 

Background: Since 2014, Ms. Abraham has served as Managing Director Since: 2000of Crimson Capital, which invests in and advises a broad range of early stage technology companies spanning data/analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning, e-commerce, educational technology, clean energy and healthcare. From 1999 to 2013, Ms. Abraham co-founded and served as Executive Vice President of comScore, a leader in digital measurement and analytics which went public in 2007. Ms. Abraham also served as an Independent Director and chair of the compensation committee of Carlotz, Inc., an online consignment company for used vehicles, from 2021 until 2022. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia and Tiger 21, a member-based organization focused on investment management and education. Ms. Abraham has been named a Fellow in the Stanford University Distinguished Careers Institute. Ms. Abraham holds a degree in Quantitative Business Analysis from Penn State University.

 

Age: 60

Independent: Yes

Committees:

  NominatingQualifications:Ms. Abraham’s qualifications to serve on the Board include extensive experience as a technology entrepreneur and Corporate Governance Committee (Chair)

  Dividend Declaration Committee

  Pricing Committee

as an expert in consumer analytics, a field that is critical to the Company’s efforts to understand shopping patterns and merchandise mix.

  

LOGO

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2018

AGE: 61

INDEPENDENT: YES

COMMITTEES:

Audit

Nominating and ESG

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement7


TERRANCE R. AHERN

Chairman of the Board, DDR Corp.SITE Centers, and Chief Executive Officer,Chairman Emeritus, The Townsend Group (institutional real estate consulting)

 

Background: Mr. Ahern is served as Co-Founder, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of The Townsend Group, an institutional real estate advisory and investment management firm formed in 1986. Mr. Ahern also is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.1986, until his retirement in May 2022 and currently serves as Chairman Emeritus. The Townsend Group serves as adviser to, or invests on behalf of, domestic and offshore public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, and sovereign wealth funds. Mr. Ahern has also served as an Independent Director of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust since 2017. Mr. Ahern is a past member of the Young Presidents Organization, the Pension Real Estate Association (PREA)(“PREA”), the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT)(“NAREIT”), and the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of PREA and the Board of Editors ofInstitutional Real Estate Securities.Securities. Mr. Ahern has been a frequent speaker at industry conferences, including PREA, NAREIT and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers.

 

Qualifications:Mr. Ahern has over 2535 years of real estate industry and institutional real estate consulting experience. This experience includes founding and managing a leading institutional real estate advisory and investment firm whose core skill is analyzing real estate firms and investment opportunities. This role and experience provideshas provided Mr. Ahern with unique insight into the structure and operations of both public and private real estate companies, and into the real estate environment and capital markets in which we operate. Through his experience, Mr. Ahern has gained an understanding and knowledge of the opportunities, challenges and risks that face real estate companies, as well as the functions of a board of directors.

LOGO

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2000

AGE: 68

INDEPENDENT: YES

COMMITTEES:

Compensation (Chair)

Audit

Dividend Declaration

Pricing

 

2    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


JANE E. DEFLORIO

LOGOManaging Director (Retired), Deutsche Bank AG Retail/Consumer Sector Investment Banking Coverage (global banking and financial services company)

 

Age: 67Background: Ms. DeFlorio was Managing Director, Deutsche Bank AG Retail/Consumer Sector Investment Banking Coverage, a division of a global banking and financial services company, from 2007 to 2013. While at Deutsche Bank, Ms. DeFlorio covered a range of mid- to large-cap retail clients. Ms. DeFlorio has served as an Independent Director and chair of the audit committee of Vivid Seats since 2021 and also served as an Independent Director of Perry Ellis International from 2014 to 2018. Ms. DeFlorio is also a member of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee at The New School University in New York City. She serves on the Boards of Directors for The Parsons School of Design and the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology. She also serves on the Advisory Council for the School of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Ms. DeFlorio is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Business School.

 

Independent: YesQualifications: With over 15 years of experience in investment banking, primarily focusing on the retail sector, as well as her service on other public company boards, Ms. DeFlorio is uniquely qualified to advise our Board in connection with capital structure, capital allocation, strategic direction, risk management, financial matters, shareholder value creation and strategic opportunities.

  

THOMAS F. AUGUST — Lead Director, DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (industrial real estate investment trust)LOGO

 

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2017

AGE: 53

INDEPENDENT: YES

COMMITTEES:

Audit (Chair)

Compensation

Pricing

8 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


DAVID R. LUKES

President and Chief Executive Officer, SITE Centers

Background: Mr. August is Lead DirectorLukes was named President and Chief Executive Officer of DCT Industrial TrustSITE Centers in March 2017. Mr. Lukes previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Equity One, Inc. (DCT)(“Equity One”), an industrial real estate investment trust (REIT). DCT has announced thatowner, developer, and operator of shopping centers, as well as a member of Equity One’s Board of Directors, from 2014 until 2017. Prior to joining Equity One, Mr. August has been designated to serve as Chairman of the Board following the DCT annual meeting of shareholders in May 2016. Mr. August retired from Equity Office Property Trust (EOP) as of December 31, 2015. HeLukes served as President and Chief Executive Officer of EOP from July 2010 and served from October 2009 to July 2010 as its Chairman. EOP is a REIT controlled by The Blackstone Group and is one of the largest owners and managers of office properties in the United States. He remains on the board of directors of EOP. Mr. August previously served as president, chief executive officer, and a trustee of Prentiss PropertiesSears Holding Corporation affiliate Seritage Realty Trust, an office REIT, from 1996 until its acquisition in 2006. Mr. August held other executive roles, including chief financial officer, at Prentiss since 1987. Mr. August also has served in various executive roles with Cadillac Fairview Urban Development, Inc., Oxford Properties, Inc., Behringer Harvard REIT I, Inc. and Citibank. Mr. August holds a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and an M.B.A. degree from Boston University.

Qualifications: Mr. August has more than 40 years of experience in the real estate industry, including prior experience as the chief executive officer of a publicly-traded REIT. We believe his industry experience provides him with valuable insight into key concerns of our board of directors and the issues and opportunities most relevant to public real estate companies.

LOGO

Director Since: 2009

Age: 57

Independent: No

(see page 7)

Committee:

  Dividend Declaration Committee

DR. THOMAS FINNE — Managing Director, KG CURA Vermögensverwaltung G.m.b.H. & Co. (commercial real estate company, Hamburg, Germany)

Background: Dr. Finne is the Managing Director of KG CURA Vermögensverwaltung G.m.b.H. & Co., a commercial real estate company located in Hamburg, Germany, that manages assets in North America and Europe. Prior to joining KG CURA Vermögensverwaltung G.m.b.H. & Co. in 1992, Dr. Finne was responsible for controlling, budgeting, accounting and finance for Bernhard Schulte KG, a ship owner and ship manager located in Hamburg, Germany. He is currently serving as a director of Sonae Sierra Brasil S.A., which owns and operates retail real estate assets in Brazil. Dr. Finne graduated with an undergraduate degree in business administration and received his doctorate from the International Tax Institute at the University of Hamburg.

Qualifications: Dr. Finne’s experience in international commercial real estate enables him to contribute an international perspective on the issues impacting a real estate company, facing today’s challengesfrom 2012 through 2014. In addition, Mr. Lukes served as the President and opportunities. His currentChief Executive Officer of Olshan Properties (formerly Mall Properties, Inc.), a privately owned real estate firm that specializes in the development, acquisition and past servicemanagement of commercial real estate, from 2010 to 2012. From 2002 to 2010, Mr. Lukes served in various senior management positions at Kimco Realty Corporation, including serving as its Chief Operating Officer from 2008 to 2010. Mr. Lukes also serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Retail Value Inc. (“RVI”), which previously owned and operated shopping centers located in the continental U.S. and is managed by SITE Centers, and as a Director of Citycon Oyj, an owner and operator of shopping centers located in the Nordic region, the shares of which are traded on the boardNasdaq Helsinki stock exchange. Mr. Lukes holds a Bachelor of directorsEnvironmental Design from Miami University, a Master of international real estate companies further provides him with business modeling experienceArchitecture from the University of Pennsylvania and an appreciable awarenessa Master of the most effective and essential functions of a board of directors.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    3


LOGO

Director Since: 2000

Age: 64

Independent: Yes

Committees:

 Executive Compensation Committee (Chair)

 Audit Committee

ROBERT H. GIDEL — Managing Member, Liberty Partners, LLC (real estate investments)

Background:Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Mr. Gidel has been the Managing Member of Liberty Partners, LLC, a company that invests in both private and publicly traded real estate and finance focused operating companies, since 1998. Mr. Gidel has served on the Board of Directors of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc. since 2012 and was Chairman of Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Gidel was President of Ginn Development Company, LLC, one of the largest privately-held developers of resort communities and private clubs in the Southeast, from July 2007 until April 2009. Mr. Gidel was Chairman of the Board of Directors of LNR Property Holdings, a private multi-asset real estate company, from 2005 until 2007. Until January 2007, he wasLukes also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors and Lead DirectorGovernors of Global Signal Inc., a real estate investment trust. He was a Trustee of Fortress Registered Investment Trust and a Director of Fortress Investment Fund II, LLC from 1999NAREIT.

Qualifications: Mr. Lukes’ qualifications to 2012, both of which were registered investment companies. From 1998 until 2005, Mr. Gidel wasserve on the independent member of the investment committee of the Lone Star Funds I, II, III, IV and V. Mr. Gidel was alsoBoard include his position as a member of the BoardCompany’s senior management, his prior experiences as chief executive and director of Directors of U.S. Restaurant Properties, Inc. until 2005other shopping center owners and a member ofoperators, his familiarity with the Board of Directors of American Industrial Properties REIT until 2001. Mr. Gidel was elected a NASD Fellowretail real estate investment trust (“REIT”) industry and is on the Board of Directors of University of Florida Investment Corporation.his extensive expertise and experience in retail real estate development and operations.

LOGO

 

Qualifications: Through his leadership of two public REITs and five private REITs, as well as his service on the board of directors of several public REITs, Mr. Gidel provides our Board with extensive knowledge of the real estate industry, the development and implementation of corporate strategies, risk assessment, corporate finance and governance matters. His experience as a senior manager of several real estate companies enables him to make significant contributions to our Board.DIRECTOR SINCE: 2017

AGE: 54

INDEPENDENT: NO

COMMITTEES:

Dividend Declaration (Chair)

Pricing (Chair)

 

LOGO

Director Since: 2002

Age: 64

Independent: Yes

Committees:

 Executive Compensation Committee

 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

VICTOR B. MACFARLANE — Managing Principal,

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MacFarlane Partners (real estate investments)

 

Background: Mr. MacFarlane is Managing Principal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MacFarlane Partners, which he founded in 1987 to provide real estate investment management services to institutional investors. Mr. MacFarlaneinvestors and has more than 3040 years of real estate investment experience. He sitsMr. MacFarlane has served as an Independent Director of Veris Residential, Inc. since 2021 and currently serves on the Boardsits audit committee and compensation committee. Mr. MacFarlane is a co-founder and emeritus board member of Directors of the Robert Toigo Foundation and the Real Estate Executive Council. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for the UCLA School of Law and the board facilities committee of Stanford Hospital & Clinics. He isCouncil, a member and former Trustee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI);and a member and former Director of PREA; and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Chief Executives Organization and the World Presidents’ Organization.PREA.

 

Qualifications: Mr.Mr. MacFarlane brings to our Board nearly three decades of experience as a chief executive officer of a real estate investment and advisory firm and over 3040 years of experience in the areas of real estate investment, corporate finance, portfolio management and risk management. His extensive managerial experience as well as his knowledge of the real estate and private capital industries provide our Board with an expansive view on issues impacting the Company and our corporate strategy.

LOGO

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2002

AGE: 72

INDEPENDENT: YES

COMMITTEES:

Nominating and ESG (Chair)

 

4    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


LOGO

Director Since: 2015

Age: 38

Independent: No

Committees:

  Dividend Declaration Committee (Chair)

  Pricing Committee (Chair)

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement
 

DAVID J. OAKES — President and Chief Executive Officer, DDR Corp.

Background: Mr. Oakes is President and Chief Executive Officer of DDR, a position he assumed on February 10, 2015. He previously served as President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2013, prior to that as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 2010, and prior to that as Chief Investment Officer since April 2007. During his tenure at DDR, Mr. Oakes has overseen the Company’s operations, capital markets, transactions, budgeting, tax, investor relations, funds management, accounting, corporate governance, and compensation and benefits functions. In addition to his other duties and responsibilities, Mr. Oakes chairs the Company’s executive compensation, enterprise risk management, real estate committee, and investment committee.

Prior to joining DDR, Mr. Oakes served as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Cohen & Steers Capital Management. In his role, he oversaw the firm’s global and international real estate securities portfolios for the oldest and largest dedicated real estate securities fund manager. Previously he worked as a Research Analyst in global investment research at Goldman Sachs, where he covered U.S. REITs.

Mr. Oakes earned his bachelor’s degree at Washington University and is a CFA charterholder. He is a member of NAREIT, ICSC, and the New York Society of Securities Analysts. Mr. Oakes is also a board member of The Gathering Place, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by cancer.

Qualifications: During his years of service to the Company, Mr. Oakes has gained a comprehensive knowledge of the critical internal and external opportunities and challenges facing the Company and the real estate industry as a whole. His prior experience as a REIT analyst and as a member of the Company’s senior management, including his current role as Chief Executive Officer, make him an invaluable member of the Board of Directors.

9


LOGO

Director Since: 2015

Age: 48

Independent: No

(see page 7)

ALEXANDER OTTO

Chief Executive Officer, ECE Projektmanagement G.m.b.H.Group GmbH & Co. KG (commercial real estate company, Hamburg, Germany)

 

Background: Mr. Otto has served as the Chief Executive Officer of ECE Projektmanagement G.m.b.H.Group GmbH & Co. KG, a commercial real estate company based in Hamburg, Germany that manages assets in Europe, since 2000. Mr. Otto is a graduate of St. Clare’s, Oxford, and studied at Harvard UniversityCollege and Harvard Business School.

Mr. Otto is a member of the boards of directors, or equivalent governing bodies, of publicly traded companies Deutsche EuroShop AG and Sonae Sierra Brasil S.A., as well as the privately held companies Otto Group and Peek & Cloppenburg KG. Mr. Otto served as a director of publicly traded company Deutsche EuroShop AG, which owns and operates retail real estate assets in Europe, from 2002 until 2022 and of Sonae Sierra Brasil S.A., which owns and operates retail real estate assets in Brazil, from 2014 until 2019. Additionally, Mr. Otto is the Chairman of Lebendige Stadt (“Vibrant City”)(Vibrant City) Foundation, HSV Campus gemeinnützige GmbH and the Alexander Otto Sportstiftung Foundation, is a member of the board of the Harvard Business School Foundation of GermanyGlobal Advisory Council and, together with his wife, established the Dorit and Alexander Otto Foundation.

 

Qualifications: As chief executive officer of a major international commercial real estate developer and management company, Mr. Otto brings over 20has more than 25 years of experience in the global retailshopping center business. This experience includes serving as a real estate industryanalyst with a focus on financial analysis and appraisals of shopping centers, as well as a development manager and leasing executive for large shopping centers. These qualifications and his experience as the CEO of a leading private European shopping center company enable Mr. Otto to our Board. Mr. Otto’s professional experience, including his leadership positions withinprovide particular insights to the real estate and retail industries, enable him to contribute to our Board’s emphasis onBoard regarding the Company’s corporate strategy, optimizingthe continual optimization of the Company´s operations, enhancing tenant relationshipstransactional activity and focus, and strengtheninggeneral management.

LOGO

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2015

AGE: 56

INDEPENDENT: YES

 

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    5


BARRY A. SHOLEM

LOGOFounder and Chairman, MSD Real Estate

 

Director Since: 2004

Age: 58

Independent: Yes

Committees:

  Audit  Committee (Chair)

  Pricing Committee

SCOTT D. ROULSTON — Managing Director, MAI Capital Management, LLC (investment advisor)

Background: Mr. Roulston is Managing Director of MAI Capital Management, LLC (MAI), a position which he has held since 2013. MAI is a registered investment advisor. He is a Trustee of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. He was Managing Director at Burdette Asset Management, a private equity fund manager, from 2011 to January 2013. From 1990 to 2010, he was Chief Executive Officer of Roulston & Company, a firm that provided investment research and management, and its successor firm, Fairport Asset Management. He is Director and Chairman of Bluecoats, Inc. and a Director of University Circle, Inc. He is a former Director of Defiance, Inc., where he served as Chair of the Compensation Committee and member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Roulston is a graduate of Dartmouth College.

Qualifications: In addition to his past experience on the board of directors of both public and private companies, including on the audit committee of a public company, Mr. Roulston contributes his insights as a leader of an asset management and private equity company, and a trustee of a major public pension fund. This experience has provided him with extensive knowledge of the issues involved with the review and analysis of financial statements, as well as capital markets and the development and implementation of corporate strategy.

LOGO

Director Since: 1998

Age: 60

Independent: Yes

Committee:

  Executive Compensation Committee

BARRY A. SHOLEM — Partner, MSD Capital, L.P. (family investment office)

Background: Mr. Sholem became a partner ofjoined MSD Capital, L.P., the family office of Michael and Susan Dell, in 2004 and headcurrently serves as Founder and Chairman of its real estate fund in July 2004.MSD Real Estate. From 1995 until 2000, Mr. Sholem was Chairman of DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners, a $2 billion real estate fund that he co-founded and that invested in a broad range of real estate-related assets, and a Managing Director at Credit Suisse First Boston. Prior to forming DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners,Boston, an investment bank. Since 2023, Mr. Sholem spent ten years at Goldman Sachs inhas served as an Independent Director and a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. From 2018 until 2022, Mr. Sholem served as a Director of RVI and as a member of its New Yorkaudit, corporate governance and Los Angeles offices.executive committees. From 1998 to 2018, Mr. Sholem served as a Director of the Company, where he served as a member of several board committees. Mr. Sholem is active in ULI (CRC Silver Council)Urban Land Institute (“ULI”), ICSC,the International Council of Shopping Centers (“ICSC”), the University of California, Berkeley Real Estate Advisory Board, Brown University President’s Leadership Council and the Business Roundtable.

 

Qualifications: Years Mr. Sholem’s qualifications to serve on the Board include years of experience leading the real estate groups of investment firms gives Mr. Sholem a unique perspective on the business and operations of the Company.firms. In addition, he brings a broad understanding of the social and political issues facing the Company through his involvement with ULI and ICSC.

LOGO

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2022

AGE: 68

INDEPENDENT: YES

COMMITTEES:

Nominating and ESG

 

10 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


DAWN M. SWEENEY

Advisor and Principal, New England Consulting Group (marketing management consulting)

Background: Ms. Sweeney has served as an advisor and principal of the New England Consulting Group since 2020, focusing on the group’s restaurant and association practices. She has also served as a strategic partner with JLL since 2022 as part of the Non-Profit and Association practice group. Additionally, she serves as an Executive in Residence at The Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Ms. Sweeney served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Restaurant Association, the chief business and national trade association for the restaurant and foodservice industry, from 2007 until her retirement in 2019. Since September 2022, Ms. Sweeney has served as an Independent Director, chair of the compensation, nominating and governance committee and member of the audit committee of Riv Capital, a company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Ms. Sweeney also serves as chair of the board of directors of MedStar’s National Medical Rehabilitation Hospital. Ms. Sweeney earned a Bachelor of Science in Government from Colby College and a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from The George Washington University.

Qualifications: Ms. Sweeney’s qualifications to serve on the Board include her extensive managerial experience and her success in building revenues, improving organizational culture and sustaining organizational growth as well as her recognition as a leader in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

LOGO

DIRECTOR SINCE: 2018

AGE: 64

INDEPENDENT: YES

COMMITTEES:

Audit

Compensation

6    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Transactions with the Otto Family

In 2009, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Mr. Alexander Otto. PursuantOtto pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Otto and certain members of his family, whom we collectively refer to aswhich the Otto Family purchased 40,000,000 common shares which we refer to asof the Purchased Shares.Company. In connection with the sale of the Purchased Shares,this transaction, we also entered into an investor rights agreement with Mr. Otto under which he has a right to nominate individualsan individual for election to our Board depending on the Otto Family’s level of ownership in the Company. During such time asSpecifically, if the Otto Family beneficially owns 17.5% or more of our outstanding common shares, our Board will nominate two persons recommended by the Otto Family who are suitable to us to become members of our Board at each annual election of directors, and during such time as the Otto Family beneficially owns less than 17.5% but more than 7.5% of our outstanding common shares as of the record date for the applicable meeting of shareholders, our Board will nominate one person recommended by the Otto Family who is suitable to us to become a member of our Board at each annual electionBoard.

As of directors.March 15, 2024, the record date for the Annual Meeting, to our knowledge the Otto Family beneficially owned approximately 13.4% of our outstanding common shares. In accordance with the investor rights agreement, Dr. Finnethe Otto Family has been proposed, byand our Board has nominated, Mr. Otto and subsequently nominated and elected to our Board annually since 2009. Beginning in 2015, Mr. Otto has designated himself as the second person to be nominated by our Board pursuant to the investor rights agreement. Although pursuant to the investor rights agreement Mr. Otto was entitled to recommend one individual for nomination to the Board as of the record date, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended, and the Board approved, nominating both Mr. Otto and Dr. Finne as Directorselection at the 2016 Annual Meeting.

In April 2014, we sold our 50% ownership interest in a joint venture which, directly or indirectly, owned certain assets in Brazil to Mr. Otto and his affiliates. Because Mr. Otto and Dr. Finne are employees or affiliates of either certain of the entities that purchased the Company’s joint venture interest or affiliates of such purchasing entities, Mr. Otto and Dr. Finne are not currently deemed independent under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules.

Independent Directors

Our Board has affirmatively determined that all of the Directors who served during 2015, as well as all nominees for election at our Annual Meeting2023 (except for Mr. Otto, Dr. FinneLukes) were, and all Directors nominated by the Board for election in 2024 (except for Mr. Oakes),Lukes) are, independent within the meaning of the rules of the NYSENew York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and, as applicable, the rules of the SEC,Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including with respect to the applicable Director’s service on the Executive Compensation Committee andand/or the Audit Committee. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that our Board will be comprised of a majority of independent directorsDirectors and that only those directorsDirectors or Director nominees who meet the listing standards of the NYSE will be considered independent. Our Board reviews annually the relationships that each Director or Director nominee has with us (either directly or indirectly), and only those Directors or Director nominees whom our Board affirmatively determines have no material relationship with us will be considered independent.

Director Qualifications and Review of Director Nominees

The Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee periodically reviews annually with our Board the composition of our Board as a whole and recommends, if necessary, actionactions to be taken so that our Board reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise and diversity required for our Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of independent directorsDirectors required by applicable laws and regulations and our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee is responsible for ensuring that the composition of our Board appropriately reflects the needs of our business and, in furtherance of this goal, proposing the addition of Directors and requesting the resignation of Directors for purposes of ensuring the requisite skill sets and commitment of the Directors to actively participate in Board and committee meetings. Directors should possess such attributes and experience as are necessary to provide a broad range of personal

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement11


characteristics including diversity, management skills, and real estate and general business experience. Directors should commit the requisite time for preparation and attendance at regularly scheduled Board and committee meetings, as well as participate in other matters necessary to ensure we are well-positioned to engage in best corporate governance practices.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    7


In evaluating a directorDirector candidate, the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee considers factors that are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, including the knowledge, experience, integrity and judgment of each candidate; the potential contribution of each candidate to the diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies that our Board desires to have represented; each candidate’s ability to devote sufficient time and effort to his or her duties as a director;Director; independence and willingness to consider all strategic proposals; any other criteria established by our Board and any core competencies or real estate expertise necessary to staff Board committees. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee will consider potential members’ qualifications to be independent under the NYSE listing standards in accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, and will assess whether a candidate possesses the integrity, judgment, knowledge, experience, skills, and expertise that are likely to enhance our Board’s ability to oversee our affairs and business, including, when applicable, to enhance the ability of committees of our Board to fulfill their duties.

The Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee will consider suggestions forwarded by shareholders to our Secretary concerning qualified candidates for election as Directors. To recommend a prospective nomineecandidate for the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee’s consideration and potential recommendation to the Board for nomination for Director, a shareholder may submit the candidate’s name and qualifications to our Corporate Secretary David E. Weiss, at the following address: 3300 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122. The Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee has not established specific minimum qualifications that a candidate must have to be recommended to our Board. However, in determining qualifications for new Directors, the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee considers those guidelines described above. The Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee will consider a pool of potential Board candidates established from recommendations from shareholders and third parties, including management and current Directors, as well as pursuant to the investor rights agreement described above under the caption “Transactions with the Otto Family.” The Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee may, in its discretion, retain a search consultant to supplement the pool of potential Board candidates considered for nomination. In connection

Our Code of Regulations sets forth the requirements with respect to the nomination of Mr. August,candidates for Director by shareholders.

Proxy Access

Our Code of Regulations provides proxy access pursuant to which a shareholder or group of up to 20 shareholders satisfying specified eligibility requirements may include Director nominees in our proxy materials for annual meetings. To be eligible to use proxy access, such shareholders must, among other requirements:

have owned common shares equal to at least 3% of the aggregate of our issued and outstanding common shares continuously for at least three years;

represent that such shares were acquired in the ordinary course of business and not with the intent to change or influence control and that such shareholders do not presently have such intent; and

provide a notice requesting the inclusion of Director nominees in our proxy materials and provide other required information to us not more than 150, or less than 120, days prior to the anniversary of the date that we issued our proxy statement for the prior year’s annual meeting of shareholders (unless the date for the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary date of the prior year’s annual meeting in which case the notice must be received not later than the close of business on the later of the 150th calendar day prior to such annual meeting and the tenth calendar day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is first made).

The maximum number of Director nominees that may be submitted pursuant to these provisions may not exceed 20% of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilized the servicesnumber of Ferguson Partners L.P., which recommended Mr. August for nomination.Directors then in office but in no event shall such maximum number be less than two.

Majority Vote Standard

Consistent with best corporate governance practices, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide for a majority vote standard in uncontested elections and a plurality vote standard in contested elections.elections of Directors. An election of Directors is contested when the number of nominees for election as a Director exceeds the number of Directors to be elected. Under a majority vote standard, each vote is specifically counted “for”“For” or “against”“Against” the Director’sDirector nominee’s election and an affirmative majority of the total number of votes cast “for”“For” or “against”“Against” a Director nominee will be required for election. Shareholders are entitled to abstain with respect to the election of a Director.Director nominee. With respect to the election of Directors, broker non-votes and abstentions will not be considered votes cast at the Annual Meeting and will be excluded in determining the number of votes cast at the Annual Meeting.

Cumulative Voting

If written notice is given by any shareholder to our President, any Vice President or the Secretary at least 48 hours before the Annual Meeting that the shareholder desires that cumulative voting be used for the election of Directors, and if an announcement of the giving of that notice is made when the Annual Meeting is convened by the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary, or by or on behalf of the shareholder giving that notice, then each shareholder will have the right to cumulate the voting power that the shareholder possesses in the election of Directors. This means that each shareholder will be able to give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of Directors to be elected multiplied by the number of common shares owned by such shareholder, or to distribute the shareholder’s votes on the same principle among two or more candidates, as the shareholder may elect. If voting for the election of Directors is cumulative, the persons named in the accompanying Proxy Card will vote the common shares represented by proxies given to them in such manner so as to elect as many of the nominees as possible.

 

12 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement

8    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement



3. Board Governance

 

Board Leadership

Mr. Ahern serves as Chairman of the Board. The position of Chairman of the Board is a non-executive officer position and is expected to be held by a non-employee,non-management, independent Director. The Chairman of the Board has the following responsibilities, among others as may be determined by our Board:

 

 

Ensure that our Board fulfills its oversight and governance responsibilities;

 

Consult and advise on any operational matters as requested by our Chief Executive Officer;CEO;

       Coordinate the Board’s self-assessment and evaluation process;

Serve as liaison between the Company’s management and the non-management Directors;

 

Coordinate the Board’s annual review of, and input toon, the Company’s strategic plan;

 

Assist the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee on corporate governance matters, such as the nomination of Board members, committee membership and rotation, and management succession planning;

 

Preside over meetings of our shareholders;shareholders if the President is unavailable; and

 

Provide leadership to our Board and set the agenda for, and preside over, Board meetings and executive sessions of the independent and non-management Directors.

We believe that an independent Chairman of the Board, separate from our Chief Executive Officer,CEO, recognizes the time, effort and commitment that our Chief Executive OfficerCEO is required to devote to his position and to fulfill his responsibilities and the independent oversight required by our Chairman of the Board. This structure also enables our Board as a whole to fulfill its responsibility to oversee the risks presented by the Company’s long-term strategy, business plan and model.

Meetings of Our Board

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2023, our Board held five meetings and undertook onenine written action. In 2015, allactions. Each of our Directors attended 100%at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the number of meetings of ourthe Board withthat were held during the exceptionperiod that such person served on the Board and (ii) the number of a Director who was absent for one meeting due to international travel.meetings of committees of the Board held during the period that such person served on such committee. As stated in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, all Directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting. All of our then current Directors nominated for election virtually attended the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May 2015.2023. Our Board conducts and reviews its operations through a self-assessment process on an annual basis.

Meetings of Non-Management and Independent Directors

The non-management Directors meet in executive session in conjunction with each regularly scheduled Board meeting. These meetings are chaired by the Chairman of the Board. In addition, as required by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the independent Directors meet at least once per year.year to the extent our Board includes one or more non-management Directors who are not independent.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement13


Committees of Our Board

During 2015 and during 2016 prior to our Annual Meeting,2023, our Board established each ofhad the committees described below. The information regarding our committees set forth below reflects the participation of (i) Mr. Craig Macnab and Ms. Rebecca L. Maccardini, who served on our Board during 2015 prior to the 2015 Annual Meeting but were not nominated for election to our Board at our 2015 Annual Meeting, (ii) Mr. Oakes, who was elected to our Board in February 2015, and (iii) Mr. James C. Boland, who currently serves as a Director, but was not nominated for election to our Board at the 2016 Annual Meeting. Our Board has approved the written charters of the Audit Committee, the Executive Compensation Committee and the Nominating and

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    9


Corporate Governance ESG Committee, which, along with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, are posted on our website atwww.ddr.comwww.sitecenters.com, under “Governance” in the “Investors”“Investor Relations” section. Each of the Audit Committee, Executive Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee conducts a self-evaluation and review of its charter annually and reports the results of these evaluations and reviews to our Board. The information contained on or accessible through our website is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement, and you should not consider such information to be part of this Proxy Statement.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

Members:

  Mr. Roulston (Chair)

  Mr. Boland

  Mr. Gidel     (commencing     May 12, 2015)

  Ms. Maccardini     (prior to     May 12, 2015)Audit Committee

    

Responsibilities: The Audit Committee assists our Board in overseeing: the integrity of our financial statements; our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence; the performance of our internal audit function and our independent registered public accounting firm; ourthe assessment and management of enterprise risk management policiesrisk; and procedures;management’s initiatives and practices with respect to information technology and cybersecurity. The Audit Committee also prepares the Audit Committee Report included in our annual proxy statement.

 

Independence: All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent as independence is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE listing standards, in accordanceincluding with our Corporate Governance Guidelines.respect to service on the Audit Committee. Our Board has determined that each current member of the Audit Committee and each member that served on the Audit Committee in 2023 is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 407 of Regulation S-K under the federal securities laws.laws other than Ms. Abraham, who otherwise meets audit committee financial literacy requirements.

 

Meetings: The Audit Committee held tensix meetings in 2015. All members attended 100% of the meetings.2023.

Members:

Ms. DeFlorio (Chair)

Mr. Ahern

Ms. Abraham

Ms. Sweeney

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

Members:

  Mr. Gidel (Chair)

  Mr. Boland

  Mr. MacFarlane

  Mr. SholemCompensation Committee

    

Responsibilities: Among other responsibilities, the Executive The Compensation CommitteeCommittee: reviews and approves compensation for our executive officers; reviews and recommends to our Board compensation for Directors; oversees the Company’s equity compensation and executive benefit plans, including those under which such executive officersplans; and Directors receive benefits; reviews and discusses with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and produces the Compensation Committee Report in our annual proxy statement. The Executive Compensation Committee engages a compensation consultant to assist in the design of the executive compensation program and the review of its effectiveness, as further described below under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” The Chief Executive Officer providesCEO makes recommendations to the Executive Compensation Committee recommendations regarding compensation for executive officers other than himself for approval by the committee,Compensation Committee, and the Executive Compensation Committee delegates to senior management the authority to administer certain aspects of the compensation program for non-executive officers. In addition, the Executive Compensation Committee may form subcommittees of at least two members for any purpose it deems appropriate and may delegate officers, including certain equity award grant authority subject to the subcommittees anyrequirements of its powerapplicable law and authority that the Executive Compensation Committee deems appropriate.terms of our equity plan.

 

Independence: All of the members of the Executive Compensation Committee are independent as independence is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE listing standards, including with respect to service on the Executive Compensation Committee, in accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines.Committee.

 

Meetings: The Executive Compensation Committee held twofive meetings and took written action on four occasions in 2015. All members attended 100% of the meetings.

2023.

 

10    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


    

 

NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEEMembers:

Mr. Ahern (Chair)

Ms. DeFlorio

Ms. Sweeney

14  SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


 

Members:

  Mr. Ahern (Chair)     (commencing     May 12, 2015)

  Mr. MacFarlane

  Mr. Macnab     (prior to     May 12, 2015)Nominating and ESG Committee

    

Responsibilities: The Nominating and Corporate Governance CommitteeESG Committee: identifies individuals qualified to become members of our Board and recommends to our Board the persons to be nominated as Directors at each annual meeting of shareholders; recommends to our Board qualified individuals to fill vacancies on our Board; reviews and recommends to our Board qualifications for committee membership and committee structure and operations; recommends Directors to serve on each committee; develops and recommends to our Board corporate governance policies and procedures in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other rules and regulations relating to our corporate governance; oversees compliance with,receives periodic reports from management on our ESG initiatives and related topics; reviews and makes recommendations regarding any waivers under our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics with respect to officers and Directors; and leads our Board in its annual review of the performance of our Board.

 

Independence: All of the members of the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee are independent as independence is defined in the NYSE listing standards and in accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines.standards.

 

Meetings: The Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee held fivethree meetings in 2015. All members attended 100% of the meetings.2023.

Members:

Mr. MacFarlane (Chair)

Ms. Abraham

Mr. Sholem

 

DIVIDEND DECLARATION COMMITTEE

 

Members:

  Mr. Oakes (Chair)     (commencing     February 10, 2015)

  Mr. Ahern     (commencing     May 12, 2015)

  Dr. Finne

  Mr. Macnab     (prior to     May 12, 2015)

Dividend Declaration Committee

    

Responsibilities: As may be authorized by the Board, the Dividend Declaration Committee determines if and when we should declare dividends on our capital shares and the amount thereof, consistent with the dividend policy adopted by our Board.

 

Meetings: The Dividend Declaration Committee held one meeting in 2015 and all members attended this meeting.did not meet during 2023. The Dividend Declaration Committee also took written action on four occasions in 2015.2023.

Members:

Mr. Lukes (Chair)

Mr. Ahern

 

PRICING COMMITTEE

 

Members:

  Mr. Oakes (Chair)     (commencing     February 10, 2015)

  Mr. Ahern

  Mr. Roulston

Pricing Committee

    

Responsibilities: The Pricing Committee (or duly appointed subcommittee thereof) is authorized to approve the timing, amount, price and terms of offerings of our debt and equity securities.

 

Meetings: The Pricing Committee (or duly appointed subcommittee thereof) took written action on two occasionsdid not meet in 2015.2023.

Members:

Mr. Lukes (Chair)

Mr. Ahern

Ms. DeFlorio

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    11


Risk Oversight

WithManagement is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks, while the Board, as a Board comprised of management, independent Directorswhole and non-independent Directors, members ofthrough our Board bring a variety of perspectives to address risks faced by our Company. Our Board’s role in enterprise risk management (ERM) includes receiving regular reports from members of senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, strategic and compliance risks. The Company has an ERM Committee, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Chief Executive Officer, which meets regularly to address risk and risk mitigation strategies. The Chair of the Audit Committee, is invited to attendresponsible for overseeing the risk assessment and participate in ERM Committee meetings.risk management functions of the Company. The Audit Committee assists our Board in its oversight responsibilities by, among other matters, reviewing reports prepared by the ERM Committee,has delegated responsibility for reviewing our policies and procedures with respect to risk assessment and risk management risk monitoring and risk mitigation and working with the other committees ofto our Board to identify additional risks related to the committees’ respective areas of expertise. The Chair of the relevant committee consults with the Audit Committee regarding the committee’s findings regarding the identified risks and the committee’s proposals to address such risks.through its charter. The Board has determined that this oversight responsibility can be most efficiently performed by our Audit Committee then reports, on at least an annual basis, to our full Board on the Company’s ERM program. This enables our Board andas part of its committees to coordinate their riskoverall responsibility for providing independent, objective oversight role, particularly with respect to interrelated risks. Moreour accounting and financial reporting functions, internal and external audit functions, systems of internal control over financial reporting, security of information concerningtechnology systems and data, and legal, ethical and regulatory compliance. Our Audit Committee regularly reports to the Company’s ERM program can be found on our website atwww.ddr.com, under “Enterprise Risk Management” in the “About Us” section under “News.”Board with respect to its oversight of these areas.

Compensation of Directors

Director Compensation Program

During 2015, the 2023, our non-employee Directors were compensated in the form of an annual cash retainer and an annual stockequity retainer. The equity retainer is payable in a combination of a fixed-dollar grant and a fixed-share grant as shown below, in ordersummarized below.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement15


Our Director compensation program, including the fixed-share portion of the annual equity retainer, is intended to better align the interests of our Directors and our shareholders.

 

ComponentCOMPONENT  Annual AmountANNUAL AMOUNT  PayablePAYABLE

Annual Fixed-Dollar Stock Retainer

  

Grant of 8,000 common shares

Upon election at the
annual meeting of shareholders

Annual Cash RetainerEqual in value to $60,000

  

Quarterly in common shares

$50,000Annual Fixed-Share Stock Retainer

  

3,800 common shares

Quarterly in common shares

Annual Cash Retainer

$60,000

Quarterly in cash or common

shares, at the director’sDirector’s election

Non-employee Directors are also paid fees for service on certain committees as set forth below and for service as the Chairman of the Board. The Director who serves as the Chairman of the Board receives an annual fee of $100,000 in addition to the fees paid to all non-employee Directors. Fees are paid to committee members, the respective committee chairs and the Chairman of the Board in quarterly installments in the form of cash or common shares, at athe Director’s election. Each Director is also reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending meetings because we view meeting attendance as integrally and directly related to the performance of the Directors’ duties.

 

      Annual Fee              
Committee    Chair ($)                Member ($)            
Audit Committee     40,000                  25,000             
Executive Compensation Committee     40,000                  25,000             
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee     30,000                  20,000             
Dividend Declaration Committee     —                  —             
Pricing Committee     —                  —             

     

ADDITIONAL ANNUAL FEE

 

COMMITTEE    CHAIR ($)     OTHER MEMBER ($) 

Audit Committee

      40,000      25,000

Compensation Committee

      40,000      25,000

Nominating and ESG Committee

      30,000      20,000

Dividend Declaration Committee

            

Pricing Committee

            

12    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


20152023 Director Compensation

In accordance with the compensation program described above, the our non-employee Directors received the following compensation during 2015:2023:

 

Name  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)(1)
  Stock Awards ($)(1)(2)     Total ($) 
Terrance R. Ahern  175,023       141,200        316,223  
James C. Boland  100,000       141,200         241,200  
Thomas Finne    50,000       141,200        191,200  
Robert H. Gidel  102,500       141,200         243,700  
Volker Kraft(3)    25,000       —         25,000  
Rebecca L. Maccardini(3)    37,500       —         37,500  
Victor B. MacFarlane    95,020       141,200        236,220  
Craig Macnab(3)    40,027       —         40,027  
Alexander Otto    25,000       141,200        166,200  
Scott D. Roulston    90,000       141,200         231,200  
Barry A. Sholem    75,000       141,200        216,200  
DIRECTOR NAME    FEES EARNED OR
PAID IN CASH ($)
    STOCK AWARDS ($)(1)    TOTAL ($)   

Terrance R. Ahern

      225,000      109,906      334,906  

Linda B. Abraham(2)

      105,034      109,906      214,940  

Jane E. DeFlorio

      125,000      109,906      234,906  

Victor B. MacFarlane(2)

       90,000      109,906      199,906  

Alexander Otto

       60,000      109,906      169,906  

Barry Sholem

       80,000       109,906      189,906  

Dawn M. Sweeney

      110,000      109,906      219,906     

 

(1)All of the fees or stock awards listed for Messrs. Ahern, MacFarlane and Macnab were deferred into the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and converted into units that are the economic equivalent of common shares, as further described below.

(2)

The amounts reported in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value, as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (FASB(“FASB ASC Topic 718)718”), for stock awards granted quarterly to each of the non-employee Directors in 2015,2023, based upon the closing price of our common shares on the dates of grant. The grant date fair values of the stock awards made to each Director in 2023 were as follows: $13.86 on February 15, 2023 (2,033 shares); $11.98 on May 15, 2015.2023 (2,203 shares); $13.44 on August 15, 2023 (2,067 shares); and $13.21 on November 15, 2023 (2,086 shares).

 

(3)(2)Dr. Kraft,

The cash and stock awards listed for Ms. Maccardini,Abraham and the stock awards listed for Mr. Macnab served onMacFarlane were deferred into the Board prior to May 12, 2015, but were not nominated for election at our 2015 Annual Meeting.Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan and converted into units that are the economic equivalent of common shares, as further described below.

16 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan

Non-employee Directors have the right to defer the receipt of all or a portion of their fees pursuant to our Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Our Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan is an unsecured, general obligation of the Company. Participants’ contributions are converted to units, based on the market value of our common shares on the date of contribution, so that each unit is the economic equivalent of one common share but without voting rights. Settlement of units is made in cash, common shares or a combination of both (as permitted by the plan administrators) at a date determined by the participant at the time a deferral election is made. Prior to settlement, each unit earns dividend equivalents in an amount equal to any dividends paid on our common shares during the deferral period. We have established a “rabbi” trust, which holds our common shares, to satisfy our payment obligations under the plan. Common shares equal to the number of units credited to participants’ accounts under the plan are contributed to the rabbi trust. In the event of our insolvency, the assets of the rabbi trust are available to general creditors of the Company. During their terms as Directors, Messrs. Ahern, Boland, MacFarlane, and Roulston have deferred compensation represented by the following number of units asAs of December 31, 2015:2023, the following Directors hold units in our Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan:

 

Name 

        Number of Units under the        

        Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan         

 Value of Units  ($)(1)    
Terrance R. Ahern 204,284     3,440,146      
James C. Boland   22,378        376,852      
Victor B. MacFarlane 140,420     2,364,681      
Scott D. Roulston   26,375        444,160      
DIRECTOR NAME    

NUMBER OF UNITS UNDER THE

DIRECTORS’ DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

     VALUE OF UNITS ($)(1)

Linda B. Abraham

    46,697    636,488

Terrance R. Ahern

    77,797    1,060,384

Victor B. MacFarlane

    76,651    1,044,766

Dawn M. Sweeney

    77,374    1,054,608

 

(1)

Based on the closing price of our common shares on December 31, 2015.29, 2023, the last trading day of the year, of $13.63.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    13


Equity Deferred Compensation Plan

During their terms as Directors prior to 2006, Messrs. Ahern and MacFarlane also hadIn preparation for the right to deferspin-off of Curbline Properties, the vesting of restricted shares pursuant toCompany currently contemplates that the Company’s Equity Deferred Compensation Plan. Vested deferred stock units under the EquityDirectors’ Deferred Compensation Plan will not be distributedterminated, with remaining account balances paid out to participants until the end of the deferral period selected by each participant. Both Messrs. Ahern and MacFarlane had 1,029 units deferred under this plan valued at $17,328 based on the closing price of our common shares on December 31, 2015.participants.

Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

Each non-employee Director must own common shares or common share equivalents with an aggregate market value of no less than five times the cash portion of the annual retainer fee paid to a Director.Director (in other words, $300,000 worth of shares). This ownership requirement generally must be met no later than the fifth anniversary of the June 1st following the date restricted shares or common shares comprising a component of the Director’s compensation are first granted to the Director, or, if the Director is elected or appointed to our Board other than at an annual meeting, the date such Director has received compensation for five years of service, and on each June 1stDecember 31st thereafter. Our Board established this particular level of stock ownership for our non-employee Directors because we wantin order to havealign the interests of our non-employee Directors aligned with the investment interests of our shareholders. To this end, and unless otherwise approved by the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee, each non-employee Director is required to own one-fifth, two-fifths, three-fifths, and four-fifthsretain at least 50% of the requisite value of common shares and common share equivalents onreceived by the dateDirector as compensation until such Directortime as the minimum share ownership requirement has received compensation for one, two, three, and four years of service as a Director, respectively. Unvested restricted shares and common sharesbeen satisfied. Common share units deferredacquired by Directors intounder our deferred compensation plans constitute common share equivalents and count toward satisfying the stock ownership guidelines. All Directors were in compliance with the Director stock ownership guidelines as of December 31, 2015.2023.

Insider Trading Policy

The Company has adopted a Policy on Insider Trading (the “Insider Trading Policy”) governing the purchase, sale or other disposition of the Company’s securities by directors, officers, employees and certain of their related persons in order to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations. In general, the Insider Trading Policy prohibits trading in Company securities, or in the securities of any other publicly-held company, by the Company’s directors, officers, employees and certain of their related persons at any time when they are in possession of material nonpublic information regarding the issuer of such securities. To help prevent violations of insider trading rules, the Insider Trading Policy requires all directors and officers at or above the level of senior vice president or an equivalent position to pre-clear all transactions in Company securities (and the adoption, amendment or termination of any 10b5-1 trading plan) with the Company’s general counsel or corporate compliance officer. The Insider Trading Policy also imposes quarterly trading blackout periods which commence at the end of each fiscal quarter or year and expire at the close of business on the first business day following the release of financial results for such period.

 

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement17

14    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement



Security Ownership of Directors and Management

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common shares as of March 7, 2016,February 21, 2024, except as otherwise disclosed in the notes below, by (1) our Directors, (2) our Director nominees, (3) our named executive officers, and (4)(3) our current executive officers Directors, and Director NomineesDirectors, as a group. Except as otherwise described in the following notes, the following beneficial owners have sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to all common shares set forth opposite their respective names.

 

Directors, Director Nominees and Management 

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership of Common Shares  

     Percentage  
   Ownership (%)  
David J. Oakes 620,698(1)(2)(3) *
Terrance R. Ahern 187,031(1)(4) *
Thomas F. August 10,000 *
James C. Boland 45,611(4) *
Thomas Finne 38,423 *
Paul W. Freddo 361,301(3)(5) *
Robert H. Gidel 59,954(6) *
Victor B. MacFarlane 9,728(1)(4) *
Alexander Otto 57,425,241(7) 15.7
Luke J. Petherbridge 85,343(3)(8) *
Scott D. Roulston 5,111(4) *
Barry A. Sholem 114,950 *

Christa A. Vesy

 145,870(3)(9) *

All Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominees as a Group (13 persons)

 59,109,261 16.2
DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT  

AMOUNT AND NATURE OF

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON SHARES

 

PERCENTAGE

OWNERSHIP (%)(6)

David R. Lukes

    960,921(1)    *

Linda B. Abraham

    41,981(2)    *

Terrance R. Ahern

    107,414(2)    *

Jane E. DeFlorio

    56,150   *

Victor B. MacFarlane

    5,107(2)    *

Alexander Otto

    19,612,747(3)    9.4

Barry A. Sholem

    190,225(4)    *

Dawn M. Sweeney

    62,519(2)    *

John M. Cattonar

    22,213(1)    *

Conor M. Fennerty

    44,732(1)    *

Christa A. Vesy

    89,602(1)(5)    *

All Current Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (11 persons)

    21,193,611   10.1

 

*

Less than 1%

 

(1)

Does not include 356,418; 1,029452,226, 97,529, 127,516, and 1,029 stock units16,199 RSUs credited to the accounts of Messrs. Oakes, Ahern,Lukes, Cattonar and MacFarlane, respectively, with respect to restricted common shares that would have vested pursuant to their terms but were deferred to the Company’s Equity Deferred Compensation Plan. The stock units represent the right to receive common shares at the end of the deferral period, but do not confer current dispositive or voting control of any common shares.

(2)Includes 424,813 common shares subject to options exercisable on or prior to May 6, 2016.

(3)Does not include 24,908; 13,008Fennerty and 13,516 restricted stock units (RSUs) credited to the accounts of Messrs. Oakes, Freddo and Petherbridge, respectively, and 4,588 RSUs credited to the account of Ms. Vesy, respectively, which RSUs will vest in future periods pursuant to their terms. These RSUs were granted in 2016 for the 2015 performance year. Each unit is the economic equivalent of, and settled with, one common share, but does not confer current dispositive or voting control of any common shares.shares prior to its vesting.

 

(4)(2)

Does not include 190,680; 22,611; 143,38179,455, 78,285, 51,526 and 26,65051,058 stock units credited to the accounts of Messrs. Ahern Boland,and MacFarlane and Roulston,Mses. Abraham and Sweeney, respectively, pursuant to our Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Each unit is the economic equivalent of one common share but does not confer current dispositive or voting control of any common shares.

 

(5)(3)

For information regarding Mr. Otto’s beneficial ownership, see “Corporate Governance and Other Matters—Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.”

(4)

Includes 169,688176,303 shares owned by the Sholem Trust for which Mr. Sholem is a co-trustee and a beneficiary.

(5)

Includes 18,905 common shares subject to compensatory stock options exercisable on or prior to May 6, 2016.April 22, 2024.

 

(6)Includes 59,954

Percentages are calculated based on 209,357,377 of our common shares owned by a limited liability company in which Mr. Gidel and his wife each has a one-half interest.outstanding as of February 21, 2024.

 

(7)
18For Information regarding Mr. Otto’s beneficial ownership, see “Security Ownership SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Corporate Sustainability Highlights

SITE Centers is a self-administered and self-managed REIT engaged in the business of acquiring, owning, developing, redeveloping, leasing and managing shopping centers. We aspire to be a good corporate citizen, maintain an exciting workplace for our employees, operate our properties responsibly and engage with the many communities we serve, while driving value creation and favorable returns for our shareholders. Our environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) initiatives are detailed in our annual CSR Report, which can be found in the “Sustainability” section of our website at www.sitecenters.com. Key performance indicators and disclosures in our most recent CSR Report were aligned with GRI, SITE Centers’ Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (“GRESB”) assessment, SASB and TCFD. The information contained in the CSR Report is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement, and you should not consider such information to be part of this Proxy Statement.

Below are some of the highlights of the CSR Report along with recent recognition and accomplishments with respect to our ESG initiatives.

Recent Recognition

Included in Newsweek’s list of Certain Beneficial Owners.”America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024.

 

(8)Includes 28,117 common shares subject to options exercisable on or prior to May 6, 2016.

2023 Northcoast 99 Award recipient recognizing the best workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio.

 

(9)Includes 55,952

Included in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index comprised of public companies committed to transparency in gender-data reporting and which have exhibited performance on certain gender-data metrics.

Rated “Green Star” by GRESB for our sustainability benchmark results with an above average rating relative to our peer group with respect to our level of public ESG disclosures.

Recognized as a Green Lease Leader (Gold Level) by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Building Alliance and The Institute for Market Transformation for our inclusion of sustainability provisions in leases.

Designated by Cigna as a Gold Level Healthy Workforce Award winner.

Environmental

Sustainability Reporting at Our Properties. Tenants at our properties control and are typically directly responsible for energy and water consumption with respect to their store units, and tenants’ utilization of these utilities encompasses the significant majority of natural resources utilized at our shopping centers. As a result, our sustainability reporting and initiatives are largely focused on the areas of our properties where we maintain daily control, mainly the exterior shell of our buildings and our properties’ exterior common areas.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Our CSR Report includes our annual Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions measured in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and estimates year-over-year changes in emission levels on a same-property basis. We aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through strategies like LED lighting and HVAC upgrades.

Common Area Lighting. Common area lighting represents the majority of landlord-controlled electricity usage at our properties. We continue to convert old parking lot lighting technology to LED at our properties and are also focused on upgrading secondary common area lighting including under canopy, building, and decorative lighting. We have also installed smart lighting controls at substantially all of our wholly-owned properties in order to minimize unnecessary lighting of common areas during off hours.

Energy Efficient Roofing. Large expansive parking lots and dark colored roofs can impact local air temperature through what is commonly referred to as the “urban heat island effect”. To mitigate our properties’ contribution to this phenomenon, we continue to convert older roofing to more energy efficient solutions whenever existing roofs at our properties reach the end of their useful lives. White roof membranes limit the amount of the sun’s energy absorbed into the structure of our buildings, thereby decreasing the cooling costs of our tenants and reducing demand on local electrical grids. Approximately 63% of the roofing square footage of our wholly-owned portfolio was comprised of white or green roofing materials as of December 31, 2023. As part of our sustainability program, we increase the insulation efficiency, or “R-Value,” with every roof replacement which reduces the electrical and gas consumption for heating and cooling.

HVAC Upgrades. From January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2023, SITE Centers has invested approximately $14 million (including labor, materials and equipment) in order to upgrade HVAC units as part of tenant build-outs and redevelopment projects. Although our tenants are not required to report their energy usage or cooling costs to us, these upgrades are expected to reduce energy usage as compared to the replaced units.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement19


Water Conservation. In 2022, irrigation represented over 90% of landlord-controlled water usage at our properties. We employ water conservation strategies when practical, including xeriscaping, rainwater collection, drip irrigation installations, native landscaping, reclaimed water and smart metering. In 2020, we began installing smart water meters across our properties in order to help detect leaks more quickly and decrease usage over time. As of December 31, 2023, we had installed smart meters at 33% of our wholly-owned properties where the landlord pays the water bill.

Green Lease Platform. Subject to negotiation with our tenants, we aim to include green lease provisions in our new lease agreements whenever practicable. Green lease provisions allow us to partner with our tenants on the pursuit of renewable energy opportunities in the common and exterior areas of our properties. In 2023, approximately 74% of new leases executed at wholly-owned properties contained green lease language. We have also engaged a consultant to provide mandatory sustainability training to our leasing team which helps to educate our team on sustainability generally and how they can leverage the Company’s sustainability efforts when negotiating leases with our tenants.

Green Transportation.As of December 31, 2023, 216 electric car charging stations were operating across our portfolio.

Property-Level Sustainability Metrics. Our CSR Report includes progress updates with respect to the Company’s measurable sustainability objectives, including energy efficiency improvements (LED lighting conversions, cool roofing conversions and HVAC upgrade investments), installation of sub-meters to better monitor water usage at landlord-supplied buildings, measurement of waste and materials recycling at redevelopment projects and tracking of green transportation options at the Company’s properties.

Social and Human Capital Management

Employee Engagement Survey and Tenure. We again engaged Gallup, Inc. in 2023 to survey the level of our workforce engagement. 90% of our employees participated in the 2023 survey and the Company again scored in the top half of Gallup’s overall client database. Support for our work environment is also evidenced by our relatively low level of voluntary attrition with approximately 77% of our employees having been with the Company for over 5 years and 53% for over 10 years.

Gender Inclusion Initiatives. In 2023 we incorporated our organization’s Women of Influence program into our broader SITE HELPERS (Humility, Empathy, Listening, Process, Education, Reconciliation and Support) initiative, which nurtures the development of women and minorities across the Company through mentoring programs, cross-function relationship building, networking and speaker events and charitable giving initiatives. At the end of 2023, women represented approximately 61% of our workforce and 48% of our managers (defined by reference to the EEO-1 job class categories to include executive/senior-level officials and managers and first/mid-level officials and managers).

Racial Inclusion Initiatives. At the end of 2023, the ethnicity of our workforce was approximately 79% White, 12% Black, 4% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and 3% Other (in accordance with EEO-1 categories and methodology) and members of ethnic and racial minorities represented approximately 8% of our managers. Of the Company’s employees, 69% of employees were assigned to work in the corporate headquarters in Beachwood, Ohio, with the rest working in regional offices or remotely. In 2020, we implemented internal policies that promote consideration of qualified minority candidates for all open positions.

SITE HELPERS. In 2020, we started the SITE HELPERS initiative in order to facilitate a discussion regarding equity and inclusion within our Company and to better understand the perspectives of the diverse members of our workforce. In 2023, SITE HELPERS created and launched our Mentorship Advisory Program (“MAP”) through which a cohort of senior leaders were matched with a cohort of individuals interested in working with a mentor to develop their professional skillset and knowledge to enhance their career development goals. The program launched in March 2023 and concluded in February 2024.

Flexible Remote Work Policy. In order to promote our employees’ work-life balance, we continue to maintain a flexible Work From Home policy designed to allow employees to work up to two days per week from home.

OtherEmployee Benefits. We promote employee health and well-being by providing access to a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, a state-of-the-art fitness center located at our Beachwood, Ohio office staffed by a certified fitness and yoga instructor, our Make It Happen wellness program, including various speakers on a broad variety of wellness topics, flex time and summer hours, and scholarship opportunities for employees’ families.

20 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Community Involvement. We support the communities in which we live through our strategic partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, implementation of our YOUnity program to support our employees’ charitable giving and enable efficient Company matching for employee donations, and our Community Impact Day Program, which allows employees to utilize two paid workdays each year to volunteer for charitable organizations and/or engage in community activities of their choice. In 2023, the Company and its employees donated approximately $318,000 to charitable organizations of their choice and tracked approximately 894 hours of volunteer time.

Vendor Conduct. We require that our property operations vendors agree to a vendor code of conduct and comply with terms and conditions that are designed to promote fair wages, adherence to applicable labor laws and high ethical standards.

Governance

Board Diversity. Our Board values diversity in experience, professional background, tenure and gender. Three of our eight Director nominees (38%) are women, one of our Director nominees (13%) is African American, and seven of our eight Director nominees (88%) qualify as independent within the meaning of NYSE rules.

ISS Governance Rating. We maintained a governance QualityScore of 1 in 2023, representing Institutional Shareholder Services’ highest possible governance rating.

Annual Director Elections; Majority Voting Standard. We do not have a classified Board. We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio and, unlike many REITs incorporated in Maryland, we cannot classify our Board without shareholder consent. The Articles of Incorporation provide for a majority vote standard in uncontested elections of directors.

Proxy Access. As discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, we have adopted customary proxy access provisions.

Shareholder Amendments. Our Code of Regulations can be amended by the affirmative vote of shareholders owning a majority of our common shares subjectissued and outstanding on the applicable record date at any meeting of shareholders called for such purpose.

Control Share Act Opt-out. We have opted out of the Ohio Control Share Act, which requires that an investor seeking to options exercisable on or prior to May 6, 2016.acquire shares in excess of certain ownership thresholds first obtain consent from disinterested shareholders.

 

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement21

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    15



4. Proposal Two: Shareholder Advisory VoteAuthorization of the Board to Approve the CompensationEffect, in its Discretion, a Reverse Stock Split of the Company’s Named Executive OfficersCommon Shares and Adoption of a Corresponding Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation

 

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

We are asking our shareholders to (i) authorize the Board to effect, in its discretion prior to the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”), a reverse stock split of the outstanding common shares of the Company, as well as those held in treasury, at a ratio in the range of not less than 1-for-2 and not greater than 1-for-10 and (ii) adopt a corresponding amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to effect the reverse stock split, reduce proportionately the total number of common shares that the Company is authorized to issue and reduce proportionally the stated capital of the Company, subject to the Board’s authority to abandon such reverse stock split and amendment.

If the shareholders approve this Proposal Two, the Board will effect the reverse stock split and cause the corresponding amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio only if the Board determines that the reverse stock split is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board may determine in its discretion not to effect the reverse stock split and not to file the amendment. Should the Board proceed with the reverse stock split, the exact ratio shall be set at a whole number within the above range as determined by the Board in its sole discretion.

BOARD RECOMMENDATION:

“FOR” THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE BOARD TO EFFECT, IN ITS DISCRETION, A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF

THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES AND THE ADOPTION OF A CORRESPONDING AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Purposes of the Reverse Stock Split

The Company has announced its intent to spin off certain of its assets as Curbline Properties, a separate publicly-traded company. In connection with the spin-off of Curbline Properties, the Board expects that the Company’s market capitalization and, therefore, the trading price of the Company’s common shares, will decrease in proportion to Curbline Properties’ enterprise value. This decrease may be significant. A significantly decreased per share trading price could make the Company’s common shares less marketable or liquid, because investors may be less interested in trading securities with smaller values. Moreover, many institutional investors and investment funds may be reluctant to invest–or, in some cases, prohibited from investing–in lower-priced securities.

In the event that the Company does not consummate the spin-off, the Board believes that the Company could still experience benefits from the reverse stock split because the reverse stock split within the approved range would still be expected to increase the market price of our common shares and improve their marketability and liquidity. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will effect the reverse stock split, before or after the consummation of the spin-off, if consummated at all, or that the reverse stock split will result in the benefits discussed or any other benefits.

22 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Determination of the Reverse Stock Split Ratio

The ratio of the reverse stock split, if approved and implemented, will be a ratio of not less than 1-for-2 and not greater than 1-for-10, with an exact ratio to be determined by the Board at a later date. The Board believes that shareholder adoption of a range of reverse stock split ratios (as opposed to adoption of a single reverse stock split ratio or a set of fixed ratios) provides maximum flexibility to achieve the purposes of a reverse stock split and, therefore, is in the best interests of the Company. In determining a ratio following the receipt of shareholder adoption, the Board (or any authorized committee of the Board) may consider, among other things, factors such as:

the historical trading price and trading volume of our common shares and the anticipated impact of the reverse stock split on the trading market for our common shares;

the anticipated impact of the spin-off of Curbline Properties on the trading price, trading volume and market capitalization of our common shares;

the number of our common shares outstanding;

the ability to continue to list our common shares on the NYSE and

the anticipated impact of a particular ratio on our ability to reduce administrative and transactional costs and prevailing market and economic conditions.

Board Discretion to Implement or Abandon the Reverse Stock Split

If this Proposal Two is approved by shareholders and the Board determines to implement the reverse stock split, the Company will communicate to the public, prior to the effective date of the reverse stock split, detailed information regarding the reverse stock split including the specific ratio selected by the Board. The Board reserves the right to elect not to proceed with the reverse stock split if it determines, in its sole discretion, that it would not be in the best interests of the Company or its shareholders. The Board may make such a determination if the Company abandons the spin-off of Curbline Properties or for other reasons.

Impact of the Reverse Stock Split

The reverse stock split would affect all of the Company’s common shareholders uniformly and would not affect any common shareholder’s percentage ownership interests or proportionate voting power, except to the extent that the reverse stock split could result in any of the Company’s common shareholders receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares, as described below. Furthermore, certain conversion ratios applicable to other securities issued by the Company, as well as exercise prices of, metrics for and amounts of common shares reserved in connection with equity and non-equity awards to the Company’s employees, will be adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. Common shareholders who hold small amounts or odd lots of common shares as a result of the reverse stock split may encounter increased costs or other difficulties in selling such shares. The reverse stock split will not affect our obligations to file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The reverse stock split is not intended as, and will not have the effect of, a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act. Following the reverse stock split, we expect that our common shares will continue to be listed on the NYSE under the symbol “SITC” and trade under a new CUSIP number.

Certain Risk Factors Associated with the Reverse Stock Split

We Cannot Assure You of How the Proposed Reverse Stock Split and the Related Curbline Properties Spin-Off Will Impact the Market for Our Common Shares

We expect that the reverse stock split will increase the per share trading price of our common shares. However, the effect of the reverse stock split on the per share trading price of our common shares cannot be predicted with certainty, and the history of reverse stock splits for other companies is varied, particularly since some investors may view a reverse stock split or the spin-off of Curbline Properties negatively. It is possible that the per share trading price of our common shares after the reverse stock split will not increase in the same proportion as the reduction in the number of our outstanding common shares following the reverse stock split, we will not accurately anticipate decreases in trading price that result from the Curbline Properties spin-off or the reverse stock split will not result in a per share trading price that will be attractive to investors. In addition, although we believe the reverse stock split may enhance the marketability of our common shares to

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement23


certain potential investors and help to offset trading price decreases anticipated as a result of the Curbline Properties spin-off, we cannot assure you that, if implemented, our common shares will be more attractive to investors. Even if we implement the reverse stock split, the per share trading price of our common shares may decrease, including beyond Curbline Properties’ enterprise value, due to factors unrelated to the reverse stock split, including our future performance and the spin-off. A decrease in share price beyond what we anticipate could result in a decrease in our and Curbline Properties’ aggregate market capitalization.

The Proposed Reverse Stock Split May Decrease the Liquidity of Our Common Shares

If the reverse stock split does not impact the market for our common shares as we anticipate, it may not achieve the desired results of increasing liquidity and marketability of our common shares. For instance, the liquidity of our common shares may be negatively impacted by the reverse stock split, given the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the reverse stock split, particularly if the per share trading price does not increase as anticipated.

Practical Considerations

Common shareholders will not receive fractional shares in connection with the reverse stock split. Instead, the Company’s transfer agent will aggregate all fractional shares that would otherwise be issued in the reverse stock split into whole common shares and sell them on behalf of shareholders in the open market, when, how and through which broker-dealers as determined in its sole discretion without any influence by the Company, at prevailing market prices, and distribute the net proceeds pro rata to each shareholder who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the reverse stock split. Shareholders will not be entitled to any interest on the amount of payment made in lieu of a fractional share. Furthermore, ownership of fractional interests will not give holders any voting, dividend or other right, except the right to receive the cash payment. This cash payment may be subject to applicable U.S. federal, state and local income tax. If a holder’s common shares are held in multiple accounts, such shares may not be aggregated for determining such holder’s cash payment in lieu of fractional shares. If you hold our common shares in multiple accounts, you may wish to consolidate your holdings into one account to maximize the common shares that you will hold after the effective date of the reverse stock split. Common shares held in registered form (that is, stock held by you in your own name in our share register records maintained by our transfer agent) and common shares held in “street name” (that is, common shares held by you through a bank, broker or other nominee) for the same investor will be considered held in separate accounts and will not be aggregated when calculating post-reverse stock split holdings and cash payments in lieu of fractional shares. Furthermore, banks, brokers or other nominees may apply their own specific procedures for processing the reverse stock split. If you hold our common shares through an account or other arrangement with a bank, broker or other nominee, and if you have any questions in this regard, we encourage you to contact your nominee.

Shareholders should be aware that, under the escheat laws of the various jurisdictions where shareholders reside, where the Company is domiciled and where funds will be deposited, sums due for fractional shares that are not timely claimed may be required to be paid to the designated agent for each such jurisdiction. Thereafter, shareholders otherwise entitled to receive such funds may have to obtain them directly from the jurisdictions to which they were paid.

The Company will provide a letter of transmittal and/or other documentation in connection with any consummation of the reverse stock split. The letter of transmittal and/or other documentation will provide instructions and other information with respect to the reverse stock split, including the specific ratio selected by the Board, procedures for exchanging stock certificates, shares held in registered book-entry form and shares held on behalf of beneficial owners by a bank, broker or other nominee.

Accounting Consequences

The par value per share of our common shares will remain unchanged at $0.10 per share after the reverse stock split. As a result, on the effective date of the reverse stock split, the stated capital attributable to our common shares will be reduced proportionately, based on the reverse stock split ratio, from its present amount, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. Our common shares held in treasury will also be reduced proportionately based on the reverse stock split ratio. After the reverse stock split, net income or loss per share, and other per share amounts will be increased because there will be fewer of our common shares outstanding. In subsequent financial statements and other financial disclosures, net income or loss per share and other per share amounts

24 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


for periods ending before the reverse stock split will be recast to give retroactive effect to the reverse stock split. We do not anticipate that any other material accounting consequences will arise as a result of the reverse stock split.

No Dissenters’ Rights

Under Ohio law, our shareholders would not be entitled to dissenters’ rights or rights of appraisal in connection with the implementation of the reverse stock split, and we will not independently provide our shareholders with any such rights.

Interests of Directors and Executive Officers

Our directors and executive officers have no substantial interests, directly or indirectly, in the matters set forth in this proposal except to the extent of their ownership of our common shares and equity awards granted to them.

Procedure for Effecting Reverse Stock Split

If the common shareholders approve this Proposal Two and the Board decides to implement the reverse stock split, the reverse stock split will become effective at the time and on the date of the filing of, or at such later time as is specified in, the corresponding amendment to our Articles of Incorporation. The amendment will set forth the number of our outstanding common shares to be combined into one common share within the limits set forth in this Proposal Two. Beginning on the effective date of the reverse stock split, each certificate representing pre-reverse stock split common shares or book-entry statement reflecting such shares will immediately be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of post-reverse stock split common shares based on the ratio within the approved range determined by the Board.

The actual text of the proposed revisions to ARTICLE FOURTH of our Articles of Incorporation, marked with deletions indicated by strike-throughs and underlining to indicate additions, is attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex A. The text of the proposed revisions in Annex A is, however, subject to change to reflect the exact ratio for the reverse stock split and any changes that may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio or that the Board may determine to be necessary or advisable ultimately to comply with applicable law and to effect the reverse stock split. The amendment to our Articles of Incorporation will become effective upon its filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio, subject to shareholder approval of this Proposal Two and the discretion of the Board.

Approval of this management proposal will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares of the Company. Shares represented by properly delivered proxies will be voted at the meeting in accordance with the shareholders’ instructions. In the absence of specific instructions, the shares will be voted FOR this management proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes cast against the proposal.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement25


5. Proposal Three: Approval, on an Advisory

Basis, of the Compensation of the

Company’s Named Executive Officers

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

As required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, we are asking you to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote on the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

RESOLVED, that, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including in the Compensation“Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and related narratives and descriptions of our Proxy Statement for the 20162024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is hereby APPROVED.

This advisory vote, commonly known as a “Say-on-Pay”“Say-on-Pay” vote, gives you the opportunity to express your views about the compensation we pay to our named executive officers, as described in this Proxy Statement. The Board believes that our executive compensation program is designed appropriately and working effectively to help ensure that we compensate our named executive officers for the achievement of annual and long-term performance goals which will enhance shareholder value. Before you vote, please review the sections captioned “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure” below. These sections describe our named executive officer pay programs and the rationale behind the decisions made by our Executive Compensation Committee.

You may vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” the resolution or abstain from voting on the resolution. The result of the Say-on-Pay vote will not be binding on us or our Board; however, the Board values the views of our shareholders. The Board and Executive Compensation Committee will review the results of the vote and expect to take them into consideration in addressing future compensation policies and decisions.

This non-binding advisory vote is currently scheduled to be conducted every year. The next Say-on-Pay vote is expected to take place at our 20172025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Meeting.

 

 

BOARD RECOMMENDATION:

For” the Approval, on an Advisory Basis, of the Compensation of Our Named Executive OfficersFOR” THE APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

2015 Executive Compensation Program

We believe that you should vote “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of our named executive officer compensation, which, as described more fully under the section captioned “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we have designed to help us:have strong links to operating and financial performance. At-risk elements such as annual incentives and long-term equity incentives comprise a significant portion of our overall executive remuneration. For these incentive plans, we establish performance metrics and objectives so that the level of compensation received appropriately corresponds to the level of performance achieved. In addition, the vesting requirements of service-based RSU awards are designed to encourage the retention of our named executive officers and ownership that results in business decisions that build long-term shareholder value and thus stock price appreciation.

Pay-for-performance, by providing incentives to our named executive officers to deliver a superior total return to shareholders in the form of share price appreciation and dividend policy as a result of superior operationalIn March 2023, our Compensation Committee determined that 50% of our named executive officers’ annual incentive award payout for 2023 would be determined by reference to the Company’s performance with respect to Operating FFO and that the remaining 50% of these executives’ annual incentive award payout for 2023 would be tied to the Compensation Committee’s qualitative assessment of individual performance and execution; and

Attract and retain leading industry talent, who will be able to deliver superior returns by adopting and executing a strategy that provides opportunity to retailers, complements our core competencies and enables us to take advantage of new business opportunities.

16    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


For 2015, as further described under the section captioned “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we made executive compensation decisions to help us reward the achievement of our financial and strategic objectives by linking these decisions to our key performance metrics of:

Same Store EBITDA Growth;

Relative and Absolute Total Shareholder Return; and

Achievement of individual performance objectives.

for which the executive was individually responsible. We believe you should vote “FOR” the 2023 compensation of our named executive officers because the compensation actually earned by our named executive officers for 2015 performance, as described in this Proxy Statement,it was aligned with both our pay-for-performance philosophy and our actual 2015 performance.2023 performance and appropriately reflects key achievements resulting from their leadership.

26 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Compensation Committee Report

The Executive Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based on such review and discussions, the Executive Compensation Committee recommended to our Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152023 and the Proxy Statement for the 20162024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders for filing with the SEC.

Executive Compensation Committee

Compensation Committee

Terrance R. Ahern, Chair

Jane E. DeFlorio

Dawn M. Sweeney

Robert H. Gidel, Chair

James C. Boland

Victor B. MacFarlane

Barry A. Sholem

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The members of the Compensation Committee during 2023 were Terrance R. Ahern, Jane E. DeFlorio and Dawn M. Sweeney. None of our executive officers serves or has served on the board of directors or compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of any entity that has onefor which any of Mr. Ahern or moreMses. DeFlorio or Sweeney at the same time serves or served as executive officer. Also, none of our executive officers servingserves or served on the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of any entity, one of whose executive officers at the same time serves or served as a member of our Board or Executive Compensation Committee.

Board.

 

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement27

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    17



5.6. Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Executive Summary

Overview

In this section of the Proxy Statement, we explain our compensation arrangements with our executive officers and discuss our 2015provide a review of decisions made with respect to the Company’s 2023 executive compensation programprogram. Our goal in this section is to present a comprehensive picture, both in absolute terms and relative to our performance, of our compensation practices and the decisions made concerning the compensation payable to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers named in the “2023 Summary Compensation Table” below. We refer to the executive officers included in that appliedtable, namely Mr. Lukes (our President and CEO), Mr. Fennerty (our EVP and CFO), Mr. Cattonar (our EVP and CIO) and Ms. Vesy (our former EVP and CAO), as our “named executive officers”. Ms. Vesy resigned from the Company on March 8, 2024.

The Compensation Committee of our Board, referred to in this section as the “Committee,” generally designs and administers our executive compensation program. All principal elements of compensation paid to our named executive officers. We also describeofficers are subject to approval by the principles underlying our named executive officer compensation policiesCommittee.

Executive Summary

2023 Performance Highlights

The Company produced strong operating results in 2023 and practices. In addition, we outline our named executive officer compensation decisions for 2015continued to take advantage of favorable leasing conditions that emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic driven by an increase in light ofdemand from retailers and limited new supply in the performance ofmarkets where the Company and our executive management team. In summary, we explain and demonstrate our pay-for-performance compensation philosophy.

Continued Execution of Our Prime Business Strategyoperates. Population movements to affluent suburbs in 2015

Management’s core business strategy in 2015, with the support ofwhich the Company’s Board, continuedproperties are located, hybrid work environments and retailers’ efforts to be based upon a comprehensive strategic plan that places emphasis on consistency in operational excellence and capital allocation, with a focus on creating long-term shareholder value and growing net asset value. We are committedpursue omnichannel distribution to this strategic plan, which we have described as our “prime” business strategy. Pursuant to our prime business strategy, we are focused on the following three key objectives:

StrategyObjective
Prime PortfolioOperate a prime portfolio, which means focusing on “prime properties,” which are market-dominant shopping centers populated by moderate- to budget-priced retailers with strong credit profiles and growing market shares.
Prime Operating PlatformMaintain a prime operating platform, which means improving property operating fundamentals, such as increasing the cash flow from our properties, and fostering talent within the organization.
Prime Balance SheetEstablish and maintain a prime balance sheet, which means reducing risk, extending debt duration, and strengthening our credit metrics.

Compensation Program Complements Business Strategy

Our compensation program complements our strategycustomers through a combination of (1)in-store shopping, curbside pickup and ship-from-store collectively contributed to elevated leasing activity and rent growth across the Company’s portfolio, including with respect to space vacated by tenant fallout from 2023 bankruptcies. During 2023, the Company signed new leases and renewals aggregating approximately 3.3 million square feet of GLA at the Company’s share. As a result of this leasing activity, the Company had executed leases at December 31, 2023 representing approximately $14.2 million of annual base rent on a pro rata basis for which tenants’ obligations to pay rent had not yet commenced, which future rent commencements will contribute to operating results in 2024 and beyond.

The Company also took important steps in 2023 in pursuit of its strategy to invest in convenience properties positioned on the curbline of well-trafficked intersections that offer enhanced opportunities for cash flow growth due to reduced operating capital expenditure requirements and their depth and mix of leasing prospects. In particular, the Company sold 22 shopping centers for $966.6 million ($876.9 million at the Company’s share) and acquired 12 convenience properties for an annual operating performance metric (Same Store EBITDA Growth), annual absolute and relative total shareholder return (TSR) metrics and individual objectives, and (2) long-term metrics tiedaggregate price of approximately $165.1 million at the Company’s share. This transaction activity facilitated the Company’s announcement in October 2023 of plans to DDR’s absolute and relative share price performance. The program provides significant upside potentialspin off Curbline Properties, the Company’s portfolio of convenience assets, on or around October 1, 2024. Curbline Properties is expected to be the first publicly-traded REIT exclusively focused on the convenience property sector. As part of the Company’s announcement of its plans to form Curbline Properties, the Company also disclosed that it had obtained a commitment from affiliates of Apollo, including ATLAS SP Partners, to provide a $1.1 billion mortgage facility that is expected to be funded prior to the spin-off of Curbline Properties for the purpose of repaying all of the Company’s management team as well as downside risk (for example, nounsecured debt, including all outstanding public notes. As further described below, the Company’s anticipated pursuit of this strategy in 2023 was a substantial factor considered by the Committee in designing the named executive officers’ 2023 annual incentive award is paid if performance is below the “threshold” level). At the same time, both the annual and long-term compensation programs encourage the development and execution of a sustainable long-term value-adding business plan without undue risk-taking.

opportunities.

18    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


2023 Annual Incentive Compensation Program Overview

During 2015, ourOur 2023 annual performance-based incentive compensation program for our named executive officers was adopted by the Committee in March 2023 and was based upon a combination of quantitative and qualitative performance measures. The Committee determined that 50% of our named executive officers’ annual incentive awards for 2023 would be linked to the following four metrics,Company’s performance during the year with respect to Operating FFO with the remaining 50% of the annual incentive award determination to be based on a qualitative assessment of each named executive officer’s performance with particular consideration given to the achievement of pre-identified goals for which are described in further detail below:each executive was individually responsible.

 

Annual Incentive Compensation Metrics
Metric28 Description SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


As further described below, the quantitative component of our 2023 annual incentive compensation program differed from the quantitative approach utilized in recent years’ annual incentive compensation programs due to the Company’s expected pursuit in 2023 of a strategy focused on unanchored convenience real estate and preparation for the spin-off of Curbline Properties. These changes were specifically designed to provide the Committee with sufficient control and flexibility to award levels of incentive pay commensurate with the executives’ actual performance in 2023.

According to this design and based on the achievements highlighted above and discussed in further detail below, the Committee approved annual incentive payouts to Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy for 2023 in the amounts of $2,250,000, $900,000, $750,000 and $510,000, respectively, which represented the maximum level of the annual incentive award opportunities provided in their employment agreements.

Mr. Lukes elected to receive his annual incentive payout entirely in cash (as opposed to in RSUs at a 20% increase) as permitted by his employment agreement. In accordance with their employment agreements, annual incentives were paid to Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy in cash.

New Employment Agreements with Certain Named Executive Officers

The Committee continues to believe that fixed-term employment agreements are appropriate for our executives because they give the Company the opportunity toward the end of the contract term to reconsider the composition of its leadership team, evaluate the Company’s executive compensation program against its peers, align the structure of the Company’s executive compensation program with its current strategy and promote executive retention through new grants of long-term equity.

In September 2023, the Company entered into new employment agreements with Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar in order to replace their prior employment agreements which were scheduled to expire in February 2024 and May 2024, respectively. The new employment agreements for these executives expire in September 2026 and contain compensation structures which are generally consistent with the compensation structures set forth in their prior employment agreements and with the compensation structure set forth in our Chief Executive Officer’s September 2020 employment agreement.

The employment agreements with our named executive officers are generally designed to balance three essential objectives:

 

Same Store EBITDA Growth

 Year-over-year growth rate of EBITDA(1) generated from assets owned, in whole or in part, for at least two consecutive fiscal years.
Relative TSRTotal annual shareholder return relative

retain our executives, who we believe are best positioned to a defined peer group of retail REITs.

lead our Company;

Absolute TSR

Total annual shareholder return as compared to a defined targeted performance level.

Individual Performance

Evaluation of the executive’s achievement of individual performance objectives.

 

(1)EBITDA means Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation

incentivize our executives to deliver superior returns to our shareholders through the achievement of key financial and Amortization.operational goals; and

Based on a review

help ensure that the cost of our compensation program is reasonable from our shareholders’ perspectives.

More information concerning the terms of our performance as measured by these metrics, we paid 2015 performance-based incentive compensation to each of the following individuals (who areemployment agreements with our named executive officers, for 2015) for performance atincluding the following achievement levels (as further discussed below):

Named Executive OfficerTitleOverall Achievement Level

David J. Oakes

Chief Executive Officer (effective February 2015) and President

Between Threshold and Threshold+

Luke J. Petherbridge

Chief Financial Officer (effective March 2015) and Treasurer

Between Threshold+ and Target

Paul W. Freddo

Senior Executive Vice President of Leasing and Development

Between Threshold+ and Target

Christa A. Vesy

Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Between Target and Target+

Long-Term Incentive Program

Consistent with the Company’s long-term incentive program philosophy, the Executive Compensation Committee (Committee) recommended, and the Board adopted, the 2013 Value Sharing Equity Program (2013 VSEP), which commenced on January 1, 2013 and ended on December 31, 2015, as our performance-based, long-term equity incentive program. This program replaced the predecessor Value Sharing Equity Program, which ended on December 31, 2012 (which program, along with the 2013 VSEP, is referred to herein as the VSEP). The 2013 VSEP consisted of two components, an “absolute performance” metric (to which one-thirdCommittee’s consideration during 2023 of the potential program payouts were subject) as well as a “relative performance” metric (to which two-thirdsterms of the potential program payouts were subject). The 2013 VSEPour new compensation arrangements with Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar, is further described below underprovided in the section below entitled “2013 Value Sharing Equity Program.” For information regarding the new Value Sharing Equity“Compensation Program implemented for the 2016-2018 performance period, seeDesign – New Employment Agreements with Certain Named Executive Officers” and in the section entitled “2016 Value Sharing Equity Program” below.

Consideration of 2015 Say-on-Pay Voting Results

At our 2015 Annual Meeting, we received nearly 99% approval, based on the total votes cast, for our annual advisory Say-on-Pay vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. Our Board and Committee considered these voting results in connection with their review of the Company’s compensation program during 2015. The Committee and Gressle & McGinley LLC (Gressle & McGinley), the Committee’s compensation consultant, specifically discussed the voting results when reviewing and considering any potential changes to our named executive officer compensation program for 2015. The Committee believes these voting results demonstrate significant, continuing support for our named executive officer pay program, and chose to not make any substantial

DDR Corp.ï  2016this Proxy Statement    19


changes to the existing program for 2015 specifically in response to the 2015 Say-on-Pay voting results. The Committee will, however, continue to explore from time to time various executive pay and corporate governance changes with Gressle & McGinley to the extent appropriate to keep our executive compensation program aligned with best practices in our competitive market. Based on its prior recommendation, our Board will continue to hold annual Say-on-Pay votes at our annual meeting of shareholders.

Total Direct Compensation for 2015

Based upon the performance of the Company during 2015, the named executive officers for 2015 were awarded “total direct compensation” as presented in the following table. Total direct compensation includes amounts for base salary, long-term incentive compensation and promotional awards (if applicable) in the form of restricted stock, and annual performance-based incentive compensation in the form of cash, RSUs (which are settled in common shares) and options awarded for 2015, the year to which the performance relates. This table does not include all of the items required by the rules of the SEC to be reported in the 2015 Summary Compensation Table, and does not report compensation elements or amounts in the same manner as required under the rules of the SEC. Therefore, this table should not be viewed as a replacement or substitute for the 2015 Summary Compensation Table or other compensation tables set forth under the section entitled “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure.”Disclosure – Employment Agreements”.

Overview of 2023 Equity Grants and Performance-Based Equity Results

Total Direct Compensation for 2015(1) 
Named Executive Officer Base Salary
($)
  Annual
Cash
Incentive
($)(2)
  Annual
RSU
Incentive
($)(3)
  Annual
Stock
Option
Incentive
($)(4)
  

VSEP
Award

($)(5)

  

Promotional

Award

($)(6)

  

TOTAL

($)

 
David J. Oakes  591,875    676,400    541,126    135,284        500,009    2,444,694  
Luke J. Petherbridge  362,503    347,750    278,261    69,555        378,800    1,436,869  
Paul W. Freddo  440,000    334,694    267,802    66,941            1,109,437  
Christa A. Vesy  298,541    131,382    94,455    23,610            547,988  

Service-Based RSUs Awarded in Connection with the Execution of New Employment Agreements. Each of Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar received an award of 74,187 service-based RSUs in September 2023 in connection with the execution of his new employment agreement. Both of these awards generally vest 10%, 10%, 10%, 10% and 60% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date, in order to promote retention of such officers, and had a value at inception of approximately $1,000,000.

Annual Service-Based RSU Awards. Pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, on February 22, 2023, Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy were granted 72,915, 18,231, 9,117 and 3,648 service-based RSUs having a value of approximately $1 million, $250,000, $125,000 and $50,000, respectively, which grants will generally vest in substantially equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.

2023 Performance-Based RSU Awards. Pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, on March 1, 2023, Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy were also granted 147,373, 36,843, 18,422 and 7,369 performance-based RSUs having “target” values of approximately $2 million, $500,000, $250,000 and $100,000, respectively, subject to a three-year

 

(1)
 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy StatementTotal direct compensation consists solely29


performance period beginning on March 1, 2023 and ending February 28, 2026. These performance-based RSUs (or “PRSUs”) become payable to the executives in common shares after the end of the performance period, if at all, based on the percentile rank of the Company’s TSR measured over the performance period as compared to the TSR of a defined group of peer companies, subject generally to the executives’ continued employment with us, and in general can be earned from 0% to 200% of target levels.

Settlement of 2020 CEO and CFO Performance-Based RSU Awards. On March 1, 2020, in accordance with the terms of their prior employment agreements, the Company granted Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty PRSUs having a performance period ending on February 28, 2023 and target values (excluding accrued dividends) of approximately $3 million and $225,000, respectively. As further described below, based on the Company’s relative TSR during the three-year period ended February 28, 2023, these awards paid out at the maximum level in March 2023, and Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty received 520,520 common shares and 39,039 common shares (which included payment for accrued dividends), respectively, having a market value of approximately $6,959,357 and $521,957, respectively, based on the closing price of the Company’s common shares on February 28, 2023. Mr. Cattonar and Ms. Vesy did not participate in similar awards during this performance period under their employment agreements.

Ms. Vesy resigned from the Company on March 8, 2024. For more information about the impact of this resignation on Ms. Vesy’s compensation, including the various equity awards described throughout the compensation-related sections of this Proxy Statement, please see our disclosure below under “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure – Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Investor Outreach

We proactively meet with our largest shareholders from time to time in order to discuss a variety of topics regarding the Company and to give these investors an opportunity to raise questions and provide our management team with feedback. Since January 1, 2023, we have held meetings with 15 of our largest 25 largest institutional investors who we believe collectively own, together with members of the Otto Family, over 53% of our common shares as of December 31, 2023. Topics of discussion in these meetings often include executive compensation, the composition of our Board of Directors and other corporate governance matters. Based on the discussion of our executive compensation program at these meetings, we believe that these investors understand our executive compensation program and have a favorable view of the alignment of pay and performance created by the program’s significant use of performance-based equity. Based on these meetings, we are not aware of any significant shareholder concerns regarding our pay practices or executive compensation program.

Compensation Program Design

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our primary executive compensation objectives are to:

attract, retain and motivate executives who are capable of (a) the actual base salary paid for 2015, (b) the annual cash incentive compensation earned for 2015 performance, (c) the annual RSU awardsadvancing our strategy and stock options earned based on 2015 performance, (d) the 2013 VSEP awards issued during 2015,ultimately maintain and (e) any promotional award, in each case if applicable.grow our long-term equity value;

 

(2)Annual cash incentive compensation earned for 2015 was paid

reward executives on an annual basis in March 2016.a manner aligned with our financial performance, organizational objectives and their individual goals;

 

(3)The annual RSU incentive value reflects RSUs awarded for 2015 performance

retain and is shown based onalign the grant date fair value as of March 3, 2016 for Mr. Oakesmanagement team’s long-term interests with our shareholders’ through long-term service-based and February 23, 2016 for the other named executive officers. The award is subject to service-based vesting in 20% increments with 20% settled in common shares on the date of grantperformance-based equity participation and the remaining RSUs vesting on the four following anniversaries of the grant date. The amount shown does not include restricted stock granted in prior years that vested during 2015.ownership; and

 

(4)The annual stock option incentive value reflects stock options awarded for 2015 performance and is shown based on

help ensure that the grant date fair value (determined by a Black-Scholes valuation), as of March 3, 2016 for Mr. Oakes and February 23, 2016 for the other named executive officers. These stock options may have future value or no value based on DDR’s stock price being above or below the strike price ($17.38 in the case of Mr. Oakes and $16.47 for the other named executive officers) for the stock options. The stock options are subject to service-based vesting in one-third increments over three years beginning on the first anniversarycost of the grant date. This amount does not include stock options granted in prior years that vested during 2015.compensation program is reasonable to shareholders.

(5)This column reflects the fact that no 2013 VSEP awards of restricted stock were earned during 2015 under the terms of the 2013 VSEP.

(6)An equity award of 25,589 restricted shares was granted to Mr. Oakes on February 10, 2015 in connection with his promotion to Chief Executive Officer with a grant date fair value of $19.54 per share, which shares vested in full on April 1, 2015. An equity award of 20,000 restricted shares was granted to Mr. Petherbridge in connection with his promotion to Chief Financial Officer on March 1, 2015 with a grant date fair value of $18.94 per share, which shares vest in 20% increments beginning on the date of grant and continuing on the four following anniversaries of the grant date.

20    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


2015 Compensation Program Design

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Committee believes that our compensation packages should provide an incentive to our named executive officers to deliver a superior return to shareholders. Our compensation program rewards managementexecutives for not only delivering these superior returns but also for reducing the risk profile of the Company, as well as for achieving financial and non-financial measures of performance that enhance long-term shareholder value. ManagementOur executives and the Board have consciously eschewedintentionally avoided short-term decisions that may have resulted inmight produce inflated short-term shareholder returns in favor of longer term strategies that provide sustainable growth opportunities and enhancedenhance net asset value.

Key Annual Performance-Based Incentive

30 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Structure and Principal Elements of Our Executive Compensation MetricsProgram

Same Store EBITDA Growth Metric.We continueentered into the employment agreement that governed 2023 compensation for Mr. Lukes, our CEO, in September 2020. In negotiating this agreement, the Committee emphasized the use of performance-based awards for both the annual and long-term incentive components of Mr. Lukes’ compensation in order to use Same Store EBITDA Growth as our key operational performance metricalign the interest of Mr. Lukes with those of the Company’s shareholders.

The annualized “target” level of compensation for our 2015Mr. Lukes under his September 2020 employment agreement is summarized in the chart below:

LOGO

*

Includes the annualized grant date fair value of the service-based RSUs awarded in connection with the execution of Mr. Lukes’ September 2020 employment agreement and the value of service-based RSUs to be granted to Mr. Lukes annually during the term of his employment agreement.

**

Annual incentive is shown at the target level. The annual incentive payout ranges from $0 (below threshold) to $2,250,000 (maximum). Mr. Lukes can elect to receive the value of his annual incentive award in RSUs at a 20% increase.

Based on the foregoing design of Mr. Lukes’ employment agreement:

Approximately 56% of total target compensation for Mr. Lukes across the four-year employment period was designed to be “at risk” in the form of annual incentive compensation and long-term performance-based equity;

Approximately 62% of total target compensation for Mr. Lukes across the four-year employment period was designed to be comprised of long-term equity versus 38% in cash; and

Approximately 53% of the total target compensation to be paid to Mr. Lukes in equity during the four-year employment period was designed to be paid in the form of performance-based equity (as opposed to service-based equity) where the ultimate payouts to Mr. Lukes could range from 0% to 200% of the target awards based on the actual performance of the Company on relative TSR and any other metrics determined by the Committee.

The Committee felt that this program’s focus on “at risk” incentive compensation program. We believe Same Store EBITDA Growth is an effective way to measure our performance both externally for the investment community and internally for all of our employees. EBITDA includes all overheadgreater emphasis on equity over cash compensation and administrative costs, but excludes interest expense, interest income and other non-operating items, such as the gain or loss on the sale of properties and asset impairments. Same Store EBITDA is further defined as EBITDA from wholly-owned and joint venture properties and other investments that we have owned for at least two consecutive fiscal years. Same Store EBITDA Growth is important to our investors and us because it captures key property value drivers, such as occupancy rates, rental rates, and property expenses, and it also includes fee income, and general and administrative expenses. At the same time, Same Store EBITDA is not impacted by financing decisions or current year acquisitions or dispositions, and is a performance measure less prone to influence by financial and other strategies that rely on short-term debt and increased risk. Use of this performance metric fits well with our compensation philosophy described above. Of further importance, every incentive-eligible employee can contribute to, and is significantly focused on, Same Store EBITDA Growth through our annual performance-based incentive compensation program.

Similar to prior years beginning in 2010, the Committee adopted a target annual growth rate for Same Store EBITDA for 2015 as set forth below. It is the Committee’s view that if management’s objective is to grow Same Store EBITDA year-over-year, it can produce strong annual performance while making decisions that areequity over service-based equity were in the best long-term interestinterests of the Company’s shareholders, consistent with institutional investor preferences and best practices in executive compensation and generally in line with chief executive compensation programs implemented by peer companies.

New Employment Agreements with Certain Named Executive Officers

In September 2023, the Committee worked closely with Gressle & McGinley, the Committee’s compensation consultant, and Mr. Lukes to negotiate new employment agreements with Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar in order to replace their prior agreements that were scheduled to expire in February 2024 and May 2024, respectively. The new employment agreements were designed to provide these executives with competitive compensation terms in order to promote their retention, better align their interests with shareholders and incentivize them to execute the Company’s new strategy, including the planned spin-off of Curbline Properties. The design and elements of the new compensation arrangements with these executives were generally structured to be consistent with the compensation design and elements in Mr. Lukes’ September 2020 employment agreement.

In the case of both officers, the Committee evaluated compensation data provided by Gressle & McGinley with respect to comparable positions at other REITs deemed comparable to our Company (for Mr. Fennerty, 12 retail REITs having total enterprise values at that time between $1.9 billion and $20.9 billion, and for Mr. Cattonar, 15 REITs having total enterprise

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement31


values at that time between $2.7 billion and $11.9 billion (compared to the Company’s enterprise value at that time of approximately $4.9 billion)). The Committee then determined annual target cash, equity and total compensation levels for each officer based on the comparative compensation data and the Committee’s evaluation of the officer’s level of experience, responsibilities within the Company and its shareholders.expected contribution to the execution of the Company’s new strategy. The Committee also took into consideration the executives’ location in New York City. The Committee set Mr. Fennerty’s annual target cash, equity and total compensation levels at $1,200,000, $1,050,000 and $2,250,000, representing the 91st, 37th and 55th percentiles, respectively, of the comparator group. The Committee set Mr. Cattonar’s annual target cash, equity and total compensation levels at $1,000,000, $950,000 and $1,950,000, representing the 50th, 14th and 24th percentiles, respectively, of the comparator group.

AchievementThe new employment agreements did not increase the base salary or target level of our Same Store EBITDA Growth goal was measured on a scaleannual cash incentive pay for Messrs. Fennerty or Cattonar from a “none” level (i.e., no award)the levels set for them by the Committee in January 2023 ($600,000 and $600,000, respectively, for Mr. Fennerty and $500,000 and $500,000, respectively, for Mr. Cattonar). However, the new employment agreements did increase the levels of service-based and performance-based equity compensation to be granted to Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar in order to incentivize their performance that is “below expectations”and to a “maximum” level for “superior” performance. The achievement opportunitiesalign their interests with those of shareholders with respect to the Same Store EBITDA Growth metric are set forthcreation of value through the execution of the Company’s convenience real estate-focused strategy. The Committee awarded $1,000,000 of service-based RSUs to each of Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar upon the execution of their new employment agreements, vesting over five years (10% on each of the first four anniversaries and 60% on the fifth anniversary), to help promote retention, and provided an expectation of annual service-based and performance-based RSU grants ($250,000 and $600,000, respectively, for Mr. Fennerty, and $150,000 and $600,000, respectively, for Mr. Cattonar). More information concerning the terms of our employment agreements with our named executive officers is provided under the section entitled “Employment Agreements” in the following table:“Executive Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure” section of this Proxy Statement.

 

Performance Level32   Same Store EBITDA Growth YoY (%)(1)Award Level
Superior3.500Maximum
Target+2.875Target+
Target2.250Target
Threshold+1.625Threshold+
Threshold1.000Threshold
Below Expectations<1.000  None SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement
(1)Growth in Same Store EBITDA between these levels is interpolated when calculating incentive compensation based on the Same Store EBITDA Growth metric. (For this table, “YoY” means year-over-year.)

For 2015,


Pay Governance

Over the Committee also retained the discretionpast several years we have entered into employment agreements with our executives in order to adjust the Same Store EBITDA Growth award level based on the Company achieving an Operating Funds from Operations (OFFO) performance level. In particular, the Committee set $1.22 per shareimplement several best practices in executive compensation. The following are key features of OFFO as the Company’s target performance level. The Committee retained the right to reduce the Same Store EBITDA Growth award level if the Company’s OFFO performance level was

our executive compensation program.

 

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    21


below the Same Store EBITDA Growth performance level. Because the Company generated OFFO for 2015 that exceeded the Company’s target performance level, the Committee made no adjustment to the Same Store EBITDA Growth award level.

Relative TSR Metric. In addition to Same Store EBITDA Growth, the Committee also placed continued emphasis on delivering TSR relative to an identified group of peers (TSR peer group) as measured through Relative TSR. Relative TSR is expressed as a percentage return on an investment in our common shares compared to TSR on an investment in the common shares of each company in our TSR peer group assuming a one-year hypothetical investment and assuming the reinvestment of all dividends.

For 2015, the Committee utilized a TSR peer group as set forth below and also included the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index of the FTSE International Limited NAREIT U.S. Real Estate Index Series (FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index). The particular companies in the TSR peer group were chosen because these retail REITs generally have business models similar to ours and are the companies we compete with for tenants, assets, capital and talent.What We believe that over time, superior execution should lead to superior Relative TSR. We do not use the TSR peer group for determining the other elements or levels of compensation opportunities provided to our named executive officers.Do

The one-year TSR performance of the TSR peer group (including the Company) as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

DDR Peer Group Relative Total Shareholder Return
 Rank  

Award

Level

 Peer Group 

2015 Total

Shareholder Return

1

 

 

Maximum

 

 

Federal Realty Investment Trust

 

 

  12.3%

 

2

 

 

Target+

 

 

Regency Centers Corporation

 

 

  10.0%

 

3

 

  

Kimco Realty Corporation

 

 

  9.4%

 

4

 

 

Target

 

 

Brixmor Property Group Inc.

 

 

  7.8%

 

5

 

  

FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index

 

 

  3.2%

 

6

 

 

Threshold+

 

 

Weingarten Realty Investors

 

 

  3.2%

 

7

 

 

Threshold   

 

 

DDR Corp.

 

 

(4.4)%

 

8

 

 

None

 

 

Retail Properties of America, Inc.

 

 

(7.4)%

 

Absolute TSR Metric. The Committee also relied on the measurement of Absolute TSR as an annual performance metric. This Absolute TSR metric measures the annual return on an investment in our common shares made at the beginning of the calendar year, assuming the reinvestment of dividends, as compared to the value of that investment at the end of the year.

Achievement of our Absolute TSR growth award level was measured on a scale from a “none” level (i.e., no award) for performance that is “below expectations” to a “maximum” level for “superior” performance. The achievement opportunities with respect to the Absolute TSR metric are set forth in the following chart:

 

Performance LevelAbsolute TSR Growth (%)Award Level
Superior13Maximum
Target+11Target+
Target9Target
Threshold+8Threshold+
Threshold7Threshold
Below Expectations<7  None

22    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Individual Performance Objectives Metric. At the beginning of 2015, qualitative individual performance objectives were set for all named executive officers. The Committee set qualitative individual performance objectives for Mr. Oakes, which carry a one-third weighting as indicated in the 2015 Metric Weightings table below. For Mr. Oakes, the individual performance objectives consisted of:

LOGO  

Strategic planningWe tie pay to performance by making a
significant portion of compensation “at risk”.

LOGO

Annual incentive pay is typically based on one or more performance metrics, which are established at the beginning of each year, and executionindividual performance.

LOGO

A significant portion of the value of long-term performance incentives depends on relative shareholder return.

LOGO

We have stock ownership guidelines for our Directors and our named executive officers.

LOGO

  

     LeadershipWe engage an independent compensation consultant to advise the Committee, which is comprised solely of independent Directors.

What We Don’t Do

LOGO  

Board relationsWe do not guarantee minimum incentive bonus awards.

LOGO  

      Management of human resourcesWe do not encourage excessive risk taking as we use different performance metrics for our annual and long-term incentive compensation programs.

LOGO  

Management of external constituenciesWe do not pay dividend equivalents on unearned equity awards subject to performance-based vesting.

LOGO  

     Management of capital resourcesWe do not allow Directors or officers to hedge or pledge company securities.

At the end of 2015, the Board subjectively considered Mr. Oakes’s performance. The Board’s consideration yielded an assessment of “threshold+” for Mr. Oakes for annual performance-based incentive purposes (on a performance level scale of “below expectations,” “threshold,” “threshold+,” “target,” “target+” and “superior” achievement levels).

Mr. Oakes set the qualitative individual performance objectives for the other named executive officers at the beginning of 2015, and the Board evaluated their achievement of those performance objectives at the end of the year on the same scale ranging from “below expectations” to “superior” achievement levels. This evaluation took place as part of our year-end performance appraisal process. The individual performance objectives for the named executive officers were weighted as indicated in the 2015 Metric Weightings table below. The qualitative individual performance objectives set by Mr. Oakes for the other named executive officers consisted of the following:

Named Executive Officer    
LOGO  Individual Performance Objectives

We do not allow for repricing of stock options without shareholder approval.

Luke J. Petherbridge
LOGO  Achieving specified transactional objectives that lead to improvement

We do not include excise tax gross-up provisions in the Company’s portfolio, balance sheet, financial covenants and debt maturity schedule, enhanced investor relations efforts, communications with rating agencies with the goal of further Company upgrades, and additional operational leadership responsibilities.our executive compensation arrangements.

Paul W. Freddo
LOGO  Achieving strong performance in same store net operating income

We do not offer excessive perquisites or special health and other property operating metrics, execution of the Company’s property redevelopment goals, and monetizing non-income producing land through development or sales.

Christa A. VesyMaintaining the Company’s transparency in financial reporting, continued reductions in tenant accounts receivable balances and other operational goals, implementation of automated system applicationswelfare plans to improve efficiency, and an expanded leadership role for various organizational, accounting, and financial objectives.executives.

Annual Performance-Based Incentive Compensation Metric Scoring and Weightings

The four metrics of Same Store EBITDA Growth, Relative TSR, Absolute TSR and individual performance goals are each measured on a scale which includes “below expectations,” “threshold,” “threshold+,” “target,” “target+” and “superior” achievement levels. Based upon the combined and weighted scoring of each of these metrics and subject to the discretionary authority of the Committee to implement the compensation program, annual performance-based incentive compensation is awarded at a level commensurate with overall performance. These incentive compensation metrics were linked to achievement of specific financial, strategic and operational

 

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    23


metrics, and those metrics were applied and weighted for the executives based upon their roles and employment agreement terms. The metrics and the applicable weightings for each executive were as follows:

   2015 Metric Weightings 
Named Executive Officer Same Store   
EBITDA   
Growth(%)   
 

Relative
TSR

(%)

  

Absolute
TSR

(%)

  

Individual    

Performance    

Objectives    

(%)    

 

Total

(%)

 
David J. Oakes 33 1/3  23 1/3    10   33 1/3  100  
Luke J. Petherbridge 33 1/3  23 1/3    10   33 1/3  100  
Paul W. Freddo 33 1/3  23 1/3    10   33 1/3  100  
Christa A. Vesy 33 1/3  23 1/3    10   33 1/3  100  

Role of the Committee and Management in Executive Compensation

The Committee has overall responsibility for the compensation programs provided to our named executive officers. Pursuant to the Committee’s Charter,charter, the Committee has the authority to review and approve the compensation for executive officers, including the review and approval of the design and implementation of any incentive arrangements, equity compensation and supplemental retirement programs. Consistent with this authority, and subject to the terms of the applicable employment agreements with the named executive officers, the Committee generally establishes financial performance metrics and targets used for annual performance-based incentives, conducts an in-deptha review of performance against these objectives and subjectively evaluates individual performance, reviews from time to time market pay practices as they relate to both cash-based and equity-based award programs primarily to remain informed about general compensation trends in the market, designs and adopts our long-term equity incentive compensation programs and specifically approves compensation arrangements for our Chief Executive Officer, who was Mr. Oakes during 2015. Fornamed executive officers.

Our CEO provides significant input in setting the compensation for our other named executive officers other than Mr. Oakes during 2015, Mr. Oakes setby providing the Committee with an evaluation of their performance and making recommendations for any adjustments to their base and target annual performance-based objectives and evaluated performance against such objectives. Mr. Oakes makesincentive compensation. The Committee can accept, reject or modify the CEO’s recommendations as it sees fit, subject to the Committee based on those outcomes, which recommendations are reviewed and subject to revision and approvalterms of any applicable employment agreement.

Role of the Committee.

Compensation Consultant in Executive Compensation

For 2015,2023, the Committee retainedcontinued its retention of Gressle & McGinley as its independent compensation consultant. Gressle & McGinley was selected as the advisor to the Committee based on its extensive knowledge of the REIT sector, especially retail REITs, its experience with the Company, and its deep knowledge and experience in designing executive compensation programs over the past 30 years across multiple sectors of the economy. The Committee has assessed the independence of Gressle & McGinley, as required under NYSE listing rules. The Committee has also considered and assessed all relevant factors, including but not limited to those set forth in Rule 10C-1(b)(4)(i) through (vi) under the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, that could give rise to a potential conflict of interest with respect to Gressle & McGinley. Based on this review, the Committee is not aware of any conflict of interest that has been raised by the work performed by Gressle & McGinley.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement33


Among other matters, in 2023, Gressle & McGinley assisted the Committee in 2015 with:with its:

 

 

Its 2015 Analysis of peer company compensation in order to design and negotiate new employment agreements with Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar;

Design of our 2023 annual executive incentive compensation program and the year-end performance review of Mr. Oakes and the otherour named executive officers;

 

Verifying the calculationDesign of the Same Store EBITDA Growth metric targetsstructure and related results for 2015;performance metrics applicable to the annual PRSUs awarded to the named executive officers in accordance with the terms of their employment agreements and the settlement of maturing PRSU awards;

 

ConfirmingEvaluation of the resultspotential outcome of both our Relative TSR and Absolute TSR performance metrics for 2015;applicable Say-on-Pay votes;

 

Providing analysisEvaluation of appropriate peer samplesthe Company’s Director compensation program; and market data to assist the Committee in determining Mr. Oakes’ 2016 base salary and other compensation arrangements;

 

Reviewing and verifying the equity awards under the 2013 VSEP;

Assisting in the design and developmentAnalysis of whether any aspects of the 2016 Value Sharing Equity Program (2016 VSEP);Company’s compensation policies and

Providing best practice information practices create or encourage the taking of risks that could reasonably be expected to and consulting with, the Company regarding potential risks, if any, that may havecause a material adverse impact on the Company as a result of the Company’s compensation policies and practices.Company.

Consideration of 2023 Say-on-Pay Voting Results

24    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Principal ElementsAt our 2023 Annual Meeting, we received approximately 94% approval, based on the total votes cast, for our annual advisory Say-on-Pay vote to approve the compensation of the 2015 Compensation Program

our named executive officers. The following table summarizes the key elementsCommittee generally considered this result in connection with its review of compensation policies and decisions in 2023. The Committee believes these voting results demonstrate significant, continuing support for our named executive officer compensation program, for 2015:

TypeElementFormObjectivesCharacteristics
FixedBase SalaryCash

Competitive annual cash

compensation to help

retain executive talent

Competitive compensation

based on comparative

market analysis and

contractual commitments

At Risk /

Performance-

Based

Incentive

Annual

Performance-

Based Incentive

Compensation

Cash,

RSUs and

Stock Options

Incentivizes executives to

achieve individual and

Company objectives and

aligns executives’ compensation interests with

shareholders’ investment

interests

Payouts earned based on

metrics of Same Store

EBITDA Growth, Relative TSR,

Absolute TSR and individual

performance and subject to

additional time-based vesting

Long-Term

Incentive

Compensation

Restricted

Shares

Motivates and rewards

executives for achieving

long-term share-price

appreciation and total

shareholder return, helps

retain executives, and aligns

executives’ compensation

interests with shareholders’

investment interests

Restricted shares earned

based on absolute increases
in adjusted market
capitalization and relative
performance over an
established initial base point;
shares are subject to

additional time-based vesting

over four years, and subject

to accelerated or continued

vesting in certain instances

Other

Retirement

Benefits

Plan

Contributions

Provides benefits that are

competitive with industry

practices

Standard tax-qualified

defined contribution

(401(k)) plan that provides

a tax efficient vehicle

to accumulate retirement

savings, subject to limits on

compensation under the

Internal Revenue Code

Nonqualified cash and equity deferred compensation plans

that permit contributions in excess of Internal Revenue Code limits for qualified plans

Health and Other Welfare Benefits

Benefit

Coverage

Provides benefits that are competitive with industry practices

Broad-based employee

benefits program, including health, life, disability and other insurance, and customary fringe benefits providing for basic health and welfare needs

Perquisites

Expense

Reimbursement

Encourages executives to build community and business relationships, and helps attract and retain executives

Country club expense
reimbursement provided to a limited number of executives

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    25


Analysis of 2015 Performance

We believe our operating strategy will generate long-term shareholder value, and during 2015 we continuedthe Committee chose not to make great stridesany substantial changes to the existing program for 2023 specifically in response to the successful execution of2023 Say-on-Pay voting results. The Committee will, however, continue to work with Gressle & McGinley to monitor changes in executive compensation to keep our prime business strategy. The following discussion highlightsexecutive compensation program aligned with best practices in our 2015 accomplishments and the ways in which we are achieving our long-term strategic objectives.competitive market.

Operating a Prime Portfolio2023 Compensation Program

During 2015, we completed approximately $1.6 billion of capital transactions and made the following progress with regard to increasing our ownership and operation of prime properties and improving the overall quality of the portfolio to contribute to long-term value creation and earnings growth as well as reducing the Company’s risk profile:

Acquired 10 prime plus and prime shopping centers and outparcels valued at $326 million at DDR’s share (resulting in a cumulative 200 assets acquired since 2010);
Disposed of 66 non-prime assets and eight non-operating assets for $569 million at DDR’s share (resulting in a cumulative 359 assets sold since 2010);
Placed approximately $158 million of redevelopments into service at a yield of approximately 10%; and
Company portfolio is now comprised of 367 assets with 75% of the value concentrated in wholly-owned, prime plus and prime assets that are primarily located in the top 50 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with strong tenant credit quality and attractive net operating income (NOI) growth profiles.

Maintaining a Prime Operating Platform

In 2015, we also achieved the following operational accomplishments and platform improvements:

Generated material OFFO growth as compared to 2014;
Leased approximately 10.9 million square feet of gross leasable area, which includes 8.1 million square feet of renewals;
Signed over 1,300 leases and renewals;
Maintained a portfolio leased rate at 96% on a prorata basis;
Achieved blended leasing spreads of 9.4% at DDR’s share;
Increased the annualized base rent per square foot by 4.1% relative to year-end 2014;
Reduced general & administrative expenses by over 10% in 2015 as compared to 2014; and
Dedicated significant resources to further leverage technology related to optimizing our property level capital spending as well as enhancing our tenant’s online experience with DDR.

26    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Maintaining a Prime Balance Sheet

In 2015, we completed approximately $2.1 billion of financing activities to further strengthen our balance sheet, improve our credit metrics and reduce financial risk. Our accomplishments included the following:

Financed the acquisition of prime shopping centers with the proceeds generated from the disposition of non-prime assets;
Improved our pro rata debt-to-EBITDA ratio to 7.4x from 7.7x at year-end 2014;
Extended our debt duration to 4.8 years from 3.9 years at year-end 2014;
Maintained a balanced debt maturity profile;
Issued $900 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes;
Amended our $800 million unsecured revolving credit facilities and entered into a new $400 million unsecured term loan;
Unencumbered nine assets and increased the estimated value of our unencumbered asset pool to over $7 billion from approximately $6 billion at year-end 2014;
Preserved significant liquidity with substantial borrowing capacity available under the Company’s $800 million unsecured revolving credit facilities;
Maintained debt covenant metrics well above minimum requirements; and
Paid an annual cash dividend of $0.69 per common share, an increase of 11.3% from 2014 and the fifth consecutive year of dividend growth in excess of 10%.

2015 Compensation Earned

Base Salary Levels

We pay salaries to our named executive officers to provide them with a base level of income for services rendered. During 2015, eachThese base salaries are originally established at the time of the named executive officers was a party to anofficer’s first employment agreement with us that provided for a minimum base salary amount, which may be adjusted higher from time to time during the term of the contract upon approval of the Committee. These minimum base salaries were originally established based on an analysis of the salaries paid to executives in comparable positions within our industry provided by Gressle & McGinley. The baseBase salaries for 2015 formay be increased by the Committee from time to time, including at the time we extend employment agreements with our named executive officers, based on market conditions and prior performance. Base salaries for Mr. Lukes and Ms. Vesy were determinedoriginally established in accordance2020 and 2021, respectively, in connection with these contractual obligations.the execution of their current employment agreements and were not adjusted for 2023.

Base salaries for Messrs. OakesFennerty and PetherbridgeCattonar were awarded aestablished in 2021 in connection with their prior employment agreements. In January 2023, the Committee increased both the base salary increaseand target level of annual incentive pay for Mr. Fennerty from $450,000 to $600,000 and for Mr. Cattonar from $350,000 to $500,000, specifically in 2015 in recognitionacknowledgement of their promotionsincreased levels of experience and the competitive marketplace for similar executive talent. In evaluating these increases, the Committee considered an analysis prepared by Gressle & McGinley with respect to Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. Mr. Freddo’scomparable positions at other REITs deemed similar to our Company in property type, size or executive office location. No further adjustments were made to base salary remained unchanged from 2014. Ms. Vesy was awarded a base salary increaselevels for Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar in recognitionconnection with the execution of her individual 2014 performance.their new employment agreements in September 2023.

34 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Annual Incentive Compensation Design

The following table summarizesemployment agreements with our named executive officers’ annualizedofficers specify threshold, target and maximum annual incentive amounts as a percentage of year-end base salary. Our named executive officers are not guaranteed an annual incentive payment and each named executive officer’s annual incentive payment can be as low as zero or as high as the maximum amount set forth in his or her agreement based on the degree of achievement of corporate and individual performance measures established by the Committee in the beginning of each year. Expressed in dollar values, the minimum, threshold, target and maximum annual incentive award payable to each of our named executive officers for 2023 pursuant to the terms of his or her employment agreement, and the maximum amount expressed as a percentage of the executive’s base salary, rateswere as follows:

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER  

 

DOLLAR VALUE OF

  

MAXIMUM PAYOUT

AS A PERCENTAGE

OF BASE SALARY

  

MINIMUM

PAYOUT

  THRESHOLD
PAYOUT
  

TARGET

PAYOUT

  

MAXIMUM

PAYOUT

David R. Lukes

   $0   $675,000   $1,350,000   $2,250,000    250%

Conor M. Fennerty

   $0   $300,000   $600,000   $900,000    150%

John M. Cattonar

   $0   $250,000   $500,000   $750,000    150%

Christa A. Vesy

   $0   $170,000   $340,000   $510,000    120%

The 2023 annual incentive compensation program for 2014our named executive officers was established by the Committee in March 2023 and 2015,used a combination of a company-wide quantitative performance metric as well as qualitative objectives. In each case, the Committee believed that the performance measures were appropriate because their achievement was expected to contribute to our long-term success and the year-over-year percentage change in their base salary rates:

Named Executive Officer 

2014

        Base Salary        

($)

 

2015

              Base Salary               

($)

 

              Change              

(%)

David J. Oakes 525,000 600,000 14.3
Luke J. Petherbridge 300,020 375,000 25.0
Paul W. Freddo 440,000 440,000 
Christa A. Vesy 290,080 300,233 3.5

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    27


Annual Incentive Compensation Metric Achievementcreation of value for 2015

our shareholders. The following table summarizesquantitative metric, namely Operating FFO, was designed to comprise 50% of the achievement levelsprogram’s overall assessment of each named executive officer’s performance for each2023. The remaining 50% of the annual performance-based incentive compensation metricsprogram involved a qualitative assessment of each named executive officer’s performance, with consideration given to the achievement of pre-identified goals for which each executive was individually responsible.

The quantitative component of our 2023 executive incentive compensation program differed from the approach utilized in recent years’ executive incentive compensation programs (in which 30% of the annual incentive award was determined by reference to Operating FFO performance, 30% was determined by reference to Adjusted EBITDA performance and the overall performance level40% was determined based on the weighted metrics for eachCommittee’s qualitative assessment of performance). In early 2023, the Committee and management recognized that the Company would likely seek to dispose a significant number of its properties during the year in pursuit of a strategy focused on unanchored convenience real estate and that the impact of those sales on the Company’s revenues would make it difficult to adopt performance targets with respect to Adjusted EBITDA. In light of these strategic changes and their uncertain impact on quantitative 2023 results, and to help avoid a misalignment of the named executive officers.officers’ compensation interests with intended Company strategy, the Committee felt that it was appropriate to increase the weighting of the program’s qualitative assessment of performance from 40% to 50% in order to provide the Committee with sufficient control and flexibility to award levels of incentive pay commensurate with the executives’ actual performance in 2023.

 

Named Executive Officer SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement Same Store
EBITDA
Growth(1)
35


The following charts identify the design of our 2023 annual incentive compensation program, including the performance measures applicable to our named executive officers, the range of performance in 2023 for which points were awarded in our scoring system and the weighting of each of the performance measures to the overall score. Within the performance range applicable to the quantitative metric, the program awarded from one to five points based on the Company’s level of actual performance relative to break-points within the stated performance range on a formulaic, nondiscretionary basis. No points were to be earned on account of the quantitative measure to the extent actual performance was below the bottom end of the identified performance range. In the case of each individualized performance measure, the applicable executive received from zero to five points based on the Committee’s subjective assessment of performance. After points were awarded for each performance measure, each named executive officer was given an overall score based on the weighting of each measure as indicated below. An overall score of one point corresponded to a “threshold” incentive payout, a score of three points corresponded to a “target” incentive payout and a score of five points corresponded to a “maximum” incentive payout, in each case as indicated in the applicable executive’s employment agreement (with straight line interpolation applicable to scores between those break-points).

MR. LUKES’ PERFORMANCE MEASURES  Relative
TSR
PERFORMANCE RANGE
  Absolute
TSR
MEASUREMENT
WEIGHTING

Operating FFO per share(1)

$1.10 to $1.1650%

Committee’s Evaluation (G&A expense management, ESG, Transactions, etc.)

0 to 550%

MR. FENNERTY’S PERFORMANCE MEASURESPERFORMANCE RANGEMEASUREMENT
WEIGHTING

Operating FFO per share

$1.10 to $1.1650%

Committee’s Evaluation (G&A expense management, ESG, investor relations, etc.)

0 to 550%

MR. CATTONAR’S PERFORMANCE MEASURESPERFORMANCE RANGEMEASUREMENT
WEIGHTING

Operating FFO per share

$1.10 to $1.1650%

Committee’s Evaluation (Acquisitions and Dispositions, etc.)

0 to 550%

MS. VESY’S PERFORMANCE MEASURESPERFORMANCE RANGEMEASUREMENT
WEIGHTING

Operating FFO per share

$1.10 to $1.1650%

Committee’s Evaluation (Financial reporting, G&A expense management, etc.)

0 to 550%

(1) 

Individual  

Performance  

Objectives(2)

Overall Performance

David J. Oakes

Between Threshold+FFO is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure used as a standard in the real estate industry and TargetThresholdBelow
Threshold
Threshold+Between Thresholdis a widely accepted measure of REIT performance. FFO is generally defined and Threshold+

Luke J. Petherbridge

Between Threshold+calculated by the Company as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP), adjusted to exclude: (a) preferred share dividends, (b) gains and TargetThresholdBelow
Threshold
MaximumBetween Threshold+losses from disposition of real estate property and Target

Paul W. Freddo

Between Threshold+related investments, which are presented net of taxes, (c) impairment charges on real estate property and TargetThresholdBelow
Threshold
TargetBetween Threshold+related investments, and Target

Christa A. Vesy

Between Threshold+(d) certain non-cash items. These non-cash items principally include real property depreciation and TargetThresholdBelow
Threshold
Maximum

Between Targetamortization of intangibles, equity income (loss) from joint ventures and

Target+ equity income (loss) from non-controlling interests and adding the Company’s proportionate share of FFO from its unconsolidated joint ventures and non-controlling interests, determined on a consistent basis. The Company’s calculation of FFO is consistent with the definition of FFO provided by NAREIT. The Company calculates Operating FFO by excluding certain non-operating charges, income and gains in order to allow investors to analyze the results of its operations and assess performance of the core operating real estate portfolio. The Company believes that Operating FFO provides additional indicators of the financial performance of a REIT. The Company also believes that Operating FFO more appropriately measures the core operations of the Company and provides benchmarks to its peer group. Operating FFO is useful to investors as the Company removes non-comparable charges, income and gains to analyze the results of its operations and assess performance of the core operating real estate portfolio. Other real estate companies may calculate Operating FFO in a different manner. For the limited purpose of determining 2023 executive incentive compensation, the Committee maintained discretion to make equitable adjustments to Operating FFO results based on the level and timing of tenant bankruptcies, acquisitions, dispositions, captive joint ventures and casualty events relative to management’s budgeted estimates for those items (but no such adjustments were ultimately made by the Committee). Within the performance range, the target level of Operating FFO per share was $1.13.

 

(1)
36The Company achieved year-over-year growth SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Annual Incentive Compensation Decisions

With respect to the 2023 incentive compensation program’s quantitative metric, which comprised 50% of each named executive officer’s overall assessment of 2023 performance, the Company achieved 2023 Operating FFO of $1.18 per share (as compared to the performance range of $1.10 to $1.16 per share). With respect to the qualitative components of the 2023 annual incentive compensation program, the Committee recognized the named executive officers’ collective contributions to 2023 operating results and also considered the following individual achievements in determining each executive’s score with respect to their individual objectives:

For Mr. Lukes: leadership in formulating a strategy to create shareholder value through the planned spin-off of 2.08%the Company’s convenience properties into the first publicly-traded REIT focused on that subsector; leadership in Same Store EBITDA for 2015.consummating an elevated level of property dispositions at favorable pricing in order to launch the announcement of the Company’s convenience spin-off strategy; achieving a portfolio “high-water” leased rate of 95.9% at March 31, 2023; and reduction of the Company’s general and administrative expense levels in order to better align its cost structure with the size and needs of the organization.

 

(2)The achievement level was based on

For Mr. Fennerty: effective and transparent investor communication strategy with respect to the Board’s assessmentannouncement of each named executive officer’s achievementthe Company’s convenience spin-off strategy which contributed to the relative outperformance of his or her qualitative individual performance objectives establishedthe Company’s common stock price subsequent to the announcement; analyzing and formulating optimal capital structures for 2015.the Company and Curbline Properties following consummation of the spin-off, including obtaining a lender commitment to provide a $1.1 billion mortgage facility with loan proceeds to be used to repay all of the Company’s unsecured indebtedness prior to the spin-off date; closing a $380.6 million ($76.1 million at the Company’s share) refinancing of the mortgage loan supporting the Company’s DTP joint venture and a $100 million mortgage loan secured by Nassau Park Pavilion; leadership of the Company’s ESG reporting steering committee; and continued management of lender and rating agency relationships.

Calculation of Annual Performance-Based Incentive Compensation

For Mr. Cattonar: continued development and use of personal relationships to optimize execution with respect to the sale of 22 shopping centers in 2023 for $966.6 million ($876.9 million at the Company’s share); and building local relationships in target markets in order to source attractive acquisitions for the Company’s convenience strategy, including the acquisition of 12 shopping centers in 2023 for an aggregate price of approximately $165.1 million.

For Ms. Vesy: effectively managed financial reporting obligations for the Company; helped to achieve general and administrative expense savings through a restructuring of the accounting department and the commencement of the Company’s transition to a new enterprise resource planning software solution; and leadership in the process of preparing carve-out financial statements for the convenience properties to be included in the Curbline Properties spin-off portfolio, including convenience parcels to be separated from existing Company properties.

Based on Operating FFO results and qualitative assessments, the overall performance of the Company and the named executive officers as set forth above, payment of annual performance-based incentive compensation was delivered to the named executive officers in the form of cash and equity awards. For Messrs. Oakes, Petherbridge and Freddo, fifty percent of their annual performance-based incentive compensation was paid in cash (see “Cash Performance-Based Incentive Compensation” below) and fifty percent was paid in the form of equity awards (see “Equity Performance-Based Incentive Compensation” below). For Ms. Vesy, payment of annual performance-based incentive compensation was allocated between cash and equity awards based on the percentage incentive opportunities set forth in the tables in the following sections.

Cash Performance-Based Incentive Compensation

Below is a summary of the annual cash performance-based incentive compensation opportunitiesCommittee determined that were available to each named executive officer for 2015,had achieved the maximum overall level of performance under the 2023 incentive compensation program (in other words, 5 points in the scoring system described above) thereby entitling Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy to 2023 incentive payments of $2,250,000, $900,000, $750,000 and $510,000, respectively, which opportunities were established pursuant to each named executive officer’srepresented the maximum incentive award opportunity under their respective employment agreements.

In lieu of cash, Mr. Lukes’ employment agreement in effect for 2015. This table also sets forth the actual cashentitles him to elect to receive all or a portion his annual incentive amounts earned for 2015.

   

Annual Cash Performance-Based

Incentive Opportunity

(% of Base Salary)

 

Annual Cash Performance-Based

Incentive Opportunity ($)

  Cash
Value ($)
 
Named Executive Officer Threshold    Target   Maximum Threshold  Target  Maximum  Actual 
David J. Oakes 100 150 200  600,000    900,000    1,200,000    676,400  
Luke J. Petherbridge   50 100 150  187,500    375,000    562,500    347,750  
Paul W. Freddo   50 100 150  220,000    440,000    660,000    334,694  
Christa A. Vesy   20   40   80  60,047    120,093    240,186    131,382  

28    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Equity Performance-Based Incentive Compensation

Below is a summary of the annual equity performance-based incentive compensation opportunities that were available to each named executive officer for 2015, which opportunities were established pursuant to each named executive officer’s employment agreement in effect for 2015. The table below also summarizes the actual equity incentive compensation paid to each of the named executive officers:

   

Annual Equity
Performance-Based Award

Incentive Opportunity (%)(1)

 

Annual Equity
Performance-Based Award

Incentive Opportunity ($)

  

Equity

Award
Value ($)

 
Named Executive Officer Threshold  Target  Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum  Actual 
David J. Oakes 100 150 200  600,000    900,000    1,200,000    676,410  
Luke J. Petherbridge   50 100 150  187,500    375,000    562,500    347,816  
Paul W. Freddo   50 100 150  220,000    440,000    660,000    334,743  
Christa A. Vesy 12.5   25   50  45,035    105,082    270,210    118,065  

(1)This percentage is multiplied by the base salary for Messrs. Oakes, Petherbridge and Freddo and multiplied by the base salary and annual cash performance-based incentive compensation for Ms. Vesy.

For the annual equity performance-based incentive compensation, 80% of the value of this annual equity incentive compensation was paid in the form of RSUs subject to a ratable three-year vesting schedule and a 20% increase. In October 2023, Mr. Lukes informed the Company of the value was paidhis election to receive his 2023 annual incentive compensation payout entirely in the form of stock options. The numbercash. In accordance with their employment agreements, annual incentive payments were provided to Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy in cash.

Retention-Based and Performance-Based Equity Grants and Results

Service-Based RSUs Awarded in Connection with the Execution of RSUs was calculated based on the value of our common shares as of the grant date. The first 20% of the RSU award was settled in the form of common shares which immediately vested at grant and the remainder of the RSU award vests in equal annual installments over the next four years. The number of stock options was calculated based upon the value of an option utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model. The stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our common shares on the date of grant and vest in three equal annual installments beginning one year after the grant date.

The following table sets forth the actual number of RSUs and stock options granted to eachNew Employment Agreements. Each of Messrs. Oakes, PetherbridgeFennerty and Freddo and Ms. Vesy:

Form of Award(1)      Oakes        Petherbridge  Freddo  Vesy 
Stock Options (#) 82,095  43,191    41,568    14,661  
RSUs (#) 31,135  16,895    16,260    5,735  

(1)The equity performance-based incentive awards were granted to Mr. Oakes on March 3, 2016 and to the other named executive officers on February 23, 2016. The stock options have a strike price of $17.38 for Mr. Oakes and $16.47 for the other named executive officers.

We believe that time-based vestingCattonar received an award of 74,187 service-based RSUs generally provide significant retention incentives for our executive officers as they directly align the compensation interests of our executive officersin September 2023 in connection with the investment interestsexecution of our shareholders. The holderhis new employment agreement. Both of RSUs has no voting rights but has the right to receive dividend equivalents prior to the settlement of RSUs in common shares upon vesting. We also believe that time-based vesting stock options are a valuable motivating toolthese awards generally vest 10%, 10%, 10%, 10% and provide a long-term incentive to the executive officers because these officers will realize gain on their stock options only if our shareholders also recognize gain on their holdings of our shares. Prior to the exercise of an option, the holder has no rights as a shareholder with respect to the shares subject to such option, including voting rights and the right to receive dividends. We have never repriced any stock options or issued options with “reload” provisions.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    29


2013 Value Sharing Equity Program

On December 31, 2012, the Company adopted the 2013 VSEP and granted share-based awards to certain officers of the Company on January 1, 2013, which awards represented the opportunity to earn restricted stock payouts. The 2013 VSEP operated from January 1, 2013 until December 31, 2015. The 2013 VSEP and the restricted shares that could be earned under this program are subject to the terms of our 2012 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan. If earned, the 2013 VSEP awards resulted in the granting of common shares of the Company to participants on measurement dates over the three-year term, subject generally to an additional service-based vesting schedule. As a result, in general, the total compensation available to participants under the 2013 VSEP was designed to be fully earned and vested only after seven years (the three-year performance period and the final four-year service-based vesting period).

The 2013 VSEP was designed to allow DDR to reward participants for superior financial performance and allow them to share in “Value Created” (as defined below), based upon (1) increases in DDR’s adjusted market capitalization over pre-established periods of time, and (2) increases in relative total shareholder return of DDR as compared to the performance of the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index. Under the 2013 VSEP, participants could have earned two types of performance-based awards – an “absolute performance award” and a “relative performance award” – that, if earned, would be settled with DDR common shares and subject to additional service-based vesting requirements for a period of four years.

Absolute Performance Awards. Under the absolute performance awards, on five specified measurement dates (occurring on December 31, 2013 and every six months thereafter through December 31, 2015), DDR measured the Value Created during the period between the start of the 2013 VSEP and the applicable measurement date. Value Created was measured for each period for the absolute performance awards as the increase in DDR’s market capitalization (determined as the product of DDR’s five-day trailing average share price as of each measurement date (price-only appreciation, not total shareholder return) and the number of shares outstanding as of the measurement date), as adjusted for equity issuances and/or equity repurchases, between the start of the 2013 VSEP and the applicable measurement date. The share price used for purposes of determining Value Created for the absolute performance awards was capped based on an 8.0% compound annual growth rate for DDR shares from the start of the 2013 VSEP through the end of 2015 (Maximum Ending Share Price), which cap applied to each measurement period. The following chart shows the measurement dates and vesting period for absolute performance awards during the term of the 2013 VSEP:

LOGO

    (1)Payouts, if earned, vest in 20% increments on the issuance date and each of the four anniversaries following the issuance date.

Each participant was assigned a “percentage share” of the Value Created for the absolute performance awards, but the total share of Value Created for all participants for the absolute performance awards was capped at $18.0 million (the aggregate percentage share for all participants for the absolute performance awards was 1.4133%). As a result, each participant’s total share of Value Created for the absolute performance awards was capped at an individual maximum limit. Assuming an award was earned, after the first measurement date, each participant

30    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


would have earned DDR common shares with an aggregate value equal to two-sixths of the participant’s percentage share of the Value Created for this award. After each of the next three measurement dates, each participant would have earned DDR common shares with an aggregate value equal to three-sixths, then four-sixths, and then five-sixths, respectively, of the participant’s percentage share of the Value Created for this award. After the final measurement date, each participant would have earned DDR common shares with an aggregate value equal to the participant’s full percentage share of the Value Created. In addition, for each measurement date, the number of DDR common shares earned by a participant was reduced by the number of DDR common shares previously earned by the participant for prior measurement periods. The percentage shares of the Value Created for the named executive officers for the absolute performance awards are as follows:

Named Executive Officer  Value Sharing Opportunity for    
Absolute Performance Awards (%)    
 Maximum Award ($) 
David J. Oakes  0.1180  1,500,000  
Luke J. Petherbridge  0.0442  562,500  
Paul W. Freddo  0.0885  1,125,000  
Christa A. Vesy  0.0442  562,500  

Based upon the Company’s five-day trailing average stock price as of the fourth measurement date on June 30, 2015 and final measurement date on December 31, 2015, no absolute performance awards were earned in 2015.

Named Executive Officer         2015 Earned Restricted Shares (#)
David J. Oakes0
Luke J. Petherbridge0
Paul W. Freddo0
Christa A. Vesy0

Relative Performance Awards. Under the relative performance awards, on December 31, 2015, DDR compared its dividend-adjusted share price performance during the period between the start of the 2013 VSEP and December 31, 2015, to the performance of a comparable hypothetical investment in the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index (in each case as adjusted for equity issuances and/or equity repurchases during the same period). No relative performance awards were to be earned by participants unless and until the absolute performance awards were already earned by DDR achieving its Maximum Ending Share Price, and thus achieving maximum performance for the absolute performance awards.

If DDR’s relative performance exceeded the performance of the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index, then the relative performance awards were to be earned provided certain conditions were met. First, DDR’s five-day trailing average share price as of December 31, 2015, must have been equal to or exceeded the Maximum Ending Share Price. Second, the participant had to be employed with DDR on the measurement date to be eligible to earn the relative performance awards. Because DDR’s five-day trailing average share price as of December 31, 2015 did not equal or exceed the Maximum Ending Share Price, no relative performance awards were earned.

If such conditions had been satisfied, and if DDR’s relative performance exceeded the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index performance (subject to a not-less-than-minimum level of FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index performance), then each participant would have earned DDR common shares based on the participant’s full “percentage share” of the Value Created for the relative performance awards, which percentage share had been assigned by DDR. The total share of Value Created for all participants for the relative performance awards was capped at $36.0 million (the aggregate percentage share for all participants for the relative performance awards was 1.9337%), and, as a result, each participant’s total share of Value Created for the relative performance awards was capped

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    31


at an individual maximum limit. In summary, the percentage shares of the Value Created and actual earned restricted shares for the named executive officers for the relative performance awards were as follows:

Named Executive Officer Value Sharing Opportunity for  
Relative Performance Awards (%)  
 Maximum Award ($)  

Earned Restricted

Shares (#)

 
David J. Oakes 0.1614  3,000,000    0  
Luke J. Petherbridge 0.0605  1,125,000    0  
Paul W. Freddo 0.1210  2,250,000    0  
Christa A. Vesy 0.0605  1,125,000    0  

Vesting Period. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the DDR shares earned under the absolute performance awards and relative performance awards are generally subject to additional service-based restrictions and are expected to vest in 20% annual increments beginning on the date of issuance and continuing60% on each of the first fourfive anniversaries of the grant date, in order to promote retention of issuance. The following chart showssuch officers, and had a value at inception of approximately $1,000,000. Dividend equivalents credited with respect to these RSUs will be paid in cash on a current basis.

Annual Service-Based RSU Awards. Pursuant to the measurementterms of their employment agreements, on February 22, 2023, Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy were granted 72,915, 18,231, 9,117 and 3,648 service-based RSUs having a value of approximately $1 million, $250,000, $125,000 and $50,000, respectively, which grants will generally vest in substantially

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement37


equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date and vestingdividend equivalents credited with respect to these RSUs will be paid in cash on a current basis.

2023 Performance-Based RSU Awards. Pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, on March 1, 2023, Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy were granted 147,373, 36,843, 18,422 and 7,369 PRSUs, respectively, subject generally to a performance period beginning on March 1, 2023 and ending on February 28, 2026 and having “target” values of approximately $2,000,000, $500,000, $250,000 and $100,000, respectively (excluding accrued dividends). These PRSUs become payable to the executives at the end of the performance period, if at all, based on the percentile rank of the TSR of the Company measured over the performance period as compared to the total shareholder return of a particular set of peer companies during such period as shown below (with straight-line interpolation between levels):

PERFORMANCE LEVELRELATIVE TSRPERCENTAGE EARNED

Below Threshold

Below 33rd percentile

 0%

Threshold

33rd percentile

50%

Target

55th percentile

100%

Maximum

70th percentile or above

200%

For these purposes, the peer companies consist of Acadia Realty Trust, Brixmor Property Group Inc., Federal Realty Investment Trust, Kimco Realty Corporation, Kite Realty Group Trust, Phillips Edison & Company Inc., Regency Centers Corporation, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., RPT Realty, Saul Centers Inc., Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Urban Edge Properties and Urstadt Biddle Properties. These 13 entities were chosen because they were considered to be most similar to the Company in terms of the economic forces that impact their financial performance and the trading characteristics of their common stock. For purposes of determining TSR, dividends paid on the Company’s common shares during the performance period are deemed reinvested in additional common shares of the Company. In accordance with the terms of the PRSU awards, Urstadt Biddle Properties and RPT Realty were eliminated from the list of peer companies when they were acquired in August 2023 and January 2024, respectively.

Settlement of 2020 CEO and CFO Performance-Based RSU Award. On March 1, 2020, in accordance with the terms of their prior employment agreements, the Company granted Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty PRSUs having a performance period ending on February 28, 2023 and a target value (excluding accrued dividends) of approximately $3 million and $225,000, respectively. The potential payouts for these PRSUs based on relative TSR achievement utilized the same scale as described above for the 2023 PRSUs. Based on the Company’s relative performance awards that would have applied if such awards had been earnedTSR during the termthree-year period ended February 28, 2023, this award paid out at the maximum level in March 2023, and Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty received 520,520 and 39,039 common shares (which included payment for accrued dividends) having a market value of $6,959,357 and $521,957, respectively, based on the closing price of the 2013 VSEP:

LOGO

2016 Value Sharing Equity Program

In February 2016, the Company adopted the 2016 Value Sharing Equity Program (2016 VSEP) that commencedCompany’s common shares on February 9, 2016 as our new performance-based, long-term28, 2023. Neither Mr. Cattonar nor Ms. Vesy participated in these PRSU awards.

More information concerning the terms of the employment agreements, including the equity incentive program. As described above, the predecessor 2013 VSEP ended on December 31, 2015. The 2016 VSEP (which will be described and analyzed in more detail in next year’s proxy statement) is similar in substancecompensation granted to the absolute performance awards componentexecutives thereunder, is provided in the sections of the 2013 VSEP, but excludes the relative performance award component of the 2013 VSEP. The 2016 VSEP has a starting stock price of $17.41, which represents the price at which the last award had been earned under the 2013 VSEP. As a result, this means that no award is earned under the 2016 VSEP until the Company’s stock price exceeds $17.41,Proxy Statement below entitled “Executive Compensation Tables and the 2016 VSEP is also subject to a stock price cap of $25.35. The 2016 VSEP is expected to operate from February 9, 2016 through December 31, 2018.Related Disclosure—Employment Agreements”.

Other Benefits and Information

Employment Agreements. As discussed above, we have entered into employment agreements with each of our continuing named executive officers that have a substantial impact on their compensation. We were also a party to an employment agreement with Ms. Vesy during her employment. Information concerning the terms of these employment agreements with our named executive officers is provided in the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure – Employment Agreements”.

Perquisites and Fringe Benefits. Pursuant to their employment agreements, the The named executive officers received certain additional benefits during 2015.2023. The Committee believes that these benefits are reasonable and consistent with its overall compensation program and better enable us to attract and retain superior executive talent.

For 2015, Messrs. Oakes, Petherbridge and Freddo were entitled to the payment by us of their annual regular membership fees, assessments, and dues for a local country club, if they elected to join such a club. In addition, the employment agreements for2023, each of our named executive officers provideMessrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy were eligible for participation in health, life, disability and other insurance plans, sick leave, reasonable vacation time, and other customary fringe benefits.benefits generally on terms available to our other employees.

38 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Lukes is entitled to automobile service for business and personal use. The benefit includes all reasonable related maintenance, repairs, parking, gasoline, insurance and other reasonable costs and expenses.

Pursuant to their employment agreements, Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty are entitled to reimbursement (up to an aggregate maximum in any calendar year of $25,000 for Mr. Lukes and $10,000 for Mr. Fennerty) for premiums for life, disability and/or similar insurance policies.

Retirement Benefits.Benefits. We have established a customary tax qualified 401(k) plan for our employees pursuant to which we during 2015, made semi-monthly matching contributions during 2023 equal to 50% of each participant’s contribution, up to 6% of the sum of his or her base salary plus annual cash performance-based incentive, not to exceed 3% of the sum of 3% of the participant’s base salary plus annual cash performance-based incentive, subject to Internal Revenue Code limits.

32    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Elective Deferred Compensation Plan.Plan. Our named executive officers are entitled to participate in our Elective Deferred Compensation Plan. Pursuant to the Elective Deferred Compensation Plan, executivecertain of our officers can defer up to 100% of their base salaries and annual cash performance-based incentives, less applicable taxes and authorized benefits deductions. The Elective Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified plan and is an unsecured, general obligation of the Company, and we have established and funded a “rabbi” trust to satisfy our payment obligations under this plan. The Company provides a matching contribution to any executiveparticipant who defers compensation into the Elective Deferred Compensation Plan equal to the difference between (1) up to 3% of the sum of the executive’sparticipant’s base salary and annual cash performance-based incentive eligible for deferral under the 401(k) plan and the Elective Deferred Compensation Plan, combined, and (2) the actual employer matching contribution provided under the 401(k) plan. Earnings on a participant’s deferred account are based on the results of the investment options available in the plan that are selected by the participant.participant (which are similar to the investment options available under our 401(k) plan). Settlement is generally made in cash at a date determined by the participant at the time a deferral election is made. Messrs. Oakes and FreddoNone of our named executive officers elected to defer aany portion of their 2015 total annual2023 cash compensation pursuant to the Elective Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, on the value of annual cash compensation deferred by the named executive officers in 2015, please refer to the 2015 Summary Compensation Table and the 20152023 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table below.

Equity Deferred Compensation Plan. Pursuant to the Equity Deferred Compensation Plan, certain of our executive officers, including the named executive officers, have the right to defer the receipt of restricted shares or RSUs earned under any equity compensation plan. The value of a participant’s deferrals is converted into units, based on the market value of our common shares at the time of the deferral, so that each unit is equivalent in value to one common share. We have established and funded a “rabbi” trust, which holds our common shares, to satisfy our payment obligations under this plan. Common shares equal to the number of units credited to the participants’ accounts under this plan are placed in the rabbi trust. In the event of our insolvency, the assets of the rabbi trust are available to general creditors. Settlement of units is generally made in our common shares at a date determined by the participant at the time a deferral election is made.

Employment Agreements. During 2015, the Company was a party to employment agreements with each None of theour named executive officers. More information concerning the terms of the employment agreements and the amounts payableofficers elected to defer 2023 service-based RSUs pursuant to the employment agreements is provided underEquity Deferred Compensation Plan. In preparation for the section entitled “Employment Agreements” inspin-off of Curbline Properties, the “ExecutiveCompany currently contemplates that the Equity Deferred Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure” section of this Proxy Statement.Plan will be terminated, with remaining account balances paid out to participants.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Under theour stock ownership guidelines, each continuing named executive officer must own common shares or common share equivalents with an aggregate market value of no less than the applicable multiple of such officer’s annual base salary for the immediately preceding year. For the Chief Executive Officer,CEO, the multiple is five times his annual base salarysalary; for the CFO, the multiple is three times his annual base salary; and for all other named executive officers, the multiple is threeone times his/her annual base salary. Our Board established these particular levels of stock ownership for our named executive officers because we want to have the interests of our named executive officers to be aligned with the investment interests of our shareholders.

Such minimum share ownership requirement must be satisfied (1) initially, (1) by no later than the fifth anniversary of the first March 15th31st following the latest to occur of (A) the date such officer becomes a named executive officer, (B) the date such officer receives his or her first grant of common shares or common share equivalents, and (C) March 15, 2015 (we refer to the latest of these three dates as the Commencement Date),a named executive officer, and then (2) on each anniversary of March 15th31st thereafter. To that end, and unless otherwise approved by the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee, each named executive officer is required to own 20%retain 50% of the requisite value of common shares andor common share equivalents onof the first March 15th followingCompany acquired through grants from the Commencement Date, and an additional 20% onCompany as part of compensation until such time as the anniversary of such date until the fifth anniversary when suchminimum share ownership requirement must beis satisfied. Unvested restricted shares, RSUs and shares deferred into our Equity Deferred Compensation Plan constitute common share equivalents and count toward satisfying the stock ownership guidelines. AllAs of February 28, 2024, all of our continuing named executive officers were in compliance with the stock ownership guidelines as of March 15, 2016.

guidelines.

 

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement39

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    33



Hedging and Pledging Policy

Our Board has adopted a policy prohibiting our Directors and executiveemployees who are officers at or above the level of Vice President (or an equivalent position) from (1) engaging in certain hedging transactions involving the Company’s stock, and (2) pledging Company stock as collateral for a loan or (2) using Company stock in hedging transactions, such as “cashless” collars, forward sales, equity swaps and similar arrangements because the Board determined that such a policy is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. Currently, all namedDirectors, executive officers Directors and, Mr. Augustto our knowledge, other covered employees are in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Company’s policy.

TaxExecutive Compensation Clawback Policy

As required pursuant to the listing standards of the NYSE, Section 10D of the Exchange Act, and Accounting ImplicationsRule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act, the Board adopted a Clawback Policy (the “Clawback Policy”), effective on October 2, 2023, which provides for the reasonably prompt recovery (or clawback) of certain excess incentive-based compensation received during an applicable three-year recovery period by current or former executive officers in the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws. Triggering events include accounting restatements to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to such previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period. Excess incentive-based compensation for these purposes generally means the amount of incentive-based compensation received (on or after October 2, 2023) by such executive officer that exceeds the amount of incentive-based compensation that would have been received by such executive officer had it been determined based on the restated amounts, without regard to any taxes paid. Incentive-based compensation potentially subject to recovery under the mandatory accounting restatement provisions of the Clawback Policy is generally limited to any compensation granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part on the attainment of one or more financial reporting measures.

We haveIn general, the Company may utilize a broad range of recoupment methods under the Clawback Policy for mandatory accounting restatement clawbacks. The Clawback Policy does not condition such clawback on the fault of the executive officer, but the Company is not required to clawback amounts in limited circumstances where the Committee has made a determination that recovery would be impracticable and (1) the Company has already attempted to recover such amounts but the direct expense paid to a third party in an electioneffort to qualify asenforce the Clawback Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered, (2) the recovery of amounts would violate applicable home country law, or (3) the recovery would likely cause the non-compliance of a REITtax-qualified retirement plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and as such generally will not beapplicable regulations. Operation of the mandatory accounting restatement provisions of the Clawback Policy is subject to federal income tax. Thus,a brief phase-in process during the deduction limit forfirst few years after its effectiveness. The Company may not indemnify any such executive officer against the loss of such recovered compensation paidin the event of a mandatory accounting restatement.

During the effectiveness of the Clawback Policy, the Company has not been required to prepare a restatement of its financial results that required recovery of erroneously-awarded compensation to covered officers pursuant to the chief executive officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers, other than the chief financial officer, of a public company similar to us provided under Section 162(m)Clawback Policy. There are no balances currently outstanding from prior applications of the Internal Revenue Code was generally not material to the design and structure of our named executive officer compensation program for 2015.Clawback Policy.

Compensation-Related Risk Analysis

The senior management team, specifically through the Company’s internal management compensation committee, regularly reviews the risks related to our compensation policies and practices across the Company. This committee, chaired by Mr. Oakes during 2015, is regularly provided with information that enables the committee to review and discuss our policies and practices as they relate to Company-wide compensation programs and the identification of any risks that are likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company. The management compensation committee also reviews the specific performance measures relating to any of the Company’s annual performance-based incentive metrics and our long-term incentive programs to assess any potential risks. In the process of conducting this internal review, the management compensation committee also considers best practice information from our peer companies, as provided by our compensation and benefits department or, if necessary, by Gressle & McGinley.

The Executive Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for overseeing the risks relating to compensation policies and practices affecting senior management. The Committee uses its consultant, Gressle & McGinley, to independently consider and analyze the extent, if any, to which our compensation policies and practices might create risks for the Company, and this review also focusedfocuses on variable and incentive compensation elements, as well as policies and practices that could mitigate or balance any such incentives.

After conducting these reviews,this review, including most recently in early 2016, both2024, the Committee and management compensation committee havehas determined that none of our compensation policies and practices create any risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

In making this determination, the Committee considered that a significant portion of total executive compensation in recent years has been comprised of service-based RSUs that vest over several years and long-term PRSUs whose vesting is based on relative shareholder return over a multi-year period. The Committee believes that these equity award structures and the corresponding vesting conditions encourage actions and behaviors that increase long-term shareholder value rather than short-term risk taking. In addition, annual incentive compensation awarded to our executive officers is subject to a cap and is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative performance metrics, thereby reducing the likelihood that our executives are overly focused on any single metric that might encourage risky behavior.

 

40 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement

34    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement



6.7. Executive Compensation Tables and

Related Disclosure

 

20152023 Summary Compensation Table

 

(a) (b)  (c)  (d)  (e)  (f)  (g)  (h)  (i) 
Name and Principal Position Year  Salary
($)(1)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)(2)
  Option
Awards
($)(3)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(1)(4)
  All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
  Total
($)
 
David J. Oakes(6)  2015    591,875        1,159,568    219,850    676,400    47,714    2,695,407  
Chief Executive Officer and President  2014    525,000        633,007    210,991    879,375    44,165    2,292,538  
  2013    525,000        1,765,854    333,989    843,937    34,568    3,503,348  
Luke J. Petherbridge(6)  2015    362,503        498,694    39,965    347,750    21,773    1,270,685  
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  2014                              
  2013                              
Paul W. Freddo  2015    440,000        387,800    129,251    334,694    33,211    1,324,956  

Senior Executive Vice President

of Leasing and Development

  2014    440,000        365,503    121,828    517,000    32,282    1,476,613  
  2013    440,000        1,031,928    153,012    487,300    29,903    2,142,143  
Christa A. Vesy  2015    298,541        115,945    38,644    131,382    10,676    595,188  

Executive Vice President and

Chief Accounting Officer

  2014    288,400        155,303    51,749    159,444    10,453    665,349  
  2013    275,834        382,042    31,849    195,160    10,507    895,392  

(a)

 (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)

NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION

 YEAR SALARY
($)(1)
 BONUS
($)
 STOCK
AWARDS
($)(2)
 

NON-EQUITY

INCENTIVE PLAN

COMPENSATION

($)(1)(3)

 

ALL OTHER

COMPENSATION

($)(4)

 

TOTAL

($)

David R. Lukes

   2023   900,000      3,550,043   2,250,000   40,607   6,740,650

Chief Executive Officer

   2022   900,000      3,606,484   2,250,000   43,001   6,799,485

and President

   2021   900,000      3,717,683   2,250,000   42,536   6,910,219

Conor M. Fennerty

   2023   575,000      1,902,419   900,000   18,930   3,396,349

Executive Vice President, Chief

   2022   450,000      901,655   675,000   11,178   2,037,833

Financial Officer and Treasurer

   2021   443,559      1,330,480   675,000   13,148   2,462,187

John M. Cattonar

   2023   475,000      1,458,668   750,000   12,399   2,696,067

Executive Vice President and

   2022   350,000      450,828   525,000   11,649   1,337,477

Chief Investment Officer

   2021   337,500      338,285   525,000   10,999   1,211,784

Christa A. Vesy

   2023   425,000      177,532   510,000   12,744   1,125,276

Former Executive Vice President and

   2022   425,000      180,349   510,000   11,994   1,127,343

Chief Accounting Officer

   2021   393,645      287,371   510,000   11,344   1,202,360

 

(1)

The amounts reported in columns (c) and (g)(f) for 20152023 include amounts deferred into our 401(k) plan (a qualified plan) and our elective deferred compensation plan (a nonqualified plan) by Messrs. Oakes, PetherbridgeLukes, Fennerty and FreddoCattonar and Ms. Vesy for the year ended December 31, 20152023 as follows: Mr. Oakes, $68,000;Lukes, $30,000; Mr. Petherbridge, $18,000,Fennerty, $22,500; Mr. Freddo, $60,000;Cattonar, $22,500; and Ms. Vesy, $18,000. Under our elective deferred compensation plan, deferred amounts are payable to the named executive officer at a date and in a form specified by the named executive officer at the time of his or her deferral election in accordance with the provisions of the plan.$30,000.

 

(2)

The amounts reported in column (e) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of all stock awards granted during the reported years. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts for 20152023 are included in footnote 1513 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2023. The amounts reported in this column for 2015 include2023 include:

for each of Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy, $2,591,211, $647,803, $323,901 and $129,591, respectively, relating to the grant date fair value of the respective annual performance-based equity incentive awardPRSUs granted in 2015 for the 2014 service period and for Messrs. Oakes and Petherbridge includes stock grantedMarch 2023 in accordance with their respective promotions in 2015. Annual performance-based stock incentive compensation awards related to performance in service year 2015 are granted in 2016 and not included in this column but are further described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the captions “Equity Performance-Based Incentive Compensation” and “Total Direct Compensation for 2015.” For information about the awards earned for 2015, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — 2015 Compensation Earned.”

(3)employment agreements. The amounts reported in column (f) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value associated with the PRSU awards was computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and is based on the probable outcome of optionthe performance conditions, although the ultimate value of the awards granted duringcould be as low as zero. Assuming achievement of maximum performance, the reported years. Assumptions used invalue as of the calculationgrant date of these amountsPRSU awards made to Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy would be $5,182,422, $1,295,606, $647,802 and $259,122, respectively. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2023 Compensation Program—Retention-Based and Performance-Based Equity Grants and Results” for 2015 are included in footnote 15more information;

for each of Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy, $958,832, $239,738, $119,889 and $47,971, respectively, relating to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The amounts reported in this column include the grant date fair value of the respective annual performance-based option incentive awardsservice-based RSUs granted in 2015 for the 2014 service period. Annual performance-based option incentive compensation awards related to performance in service year 2015 are granted in 2016accordance with their employment agreements; and not included in this column but are further described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the captions “Equity Performance-Based Incentive Compensation” and “Total Direct Compensation for 2015.” For information about the awards earned for 2015, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — 2015 Compensation Earned.”

 

(4)

for each of Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar, $1,014,878 relating to the grant date fair value of service-based awards granted upon execution of their September 2023 employment agreements.

(3)

The amounts reported in column (g)(f) for 20152023 reflect cash amounts earned by such executivesMessrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy as annual cash performance-based incentive compensation for 2015.2023. For more information about the awardsaward reported in this column for 2015,2023, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — 2015Analysis—2023 Compensation Earned”Program—Annual Incentive Compensation Decisions” above.

 

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    35


(5)(4)

The amounts shown in column (h)(g) for the named executive officers for 20152023 include:

for Mr. Oakes, matching contributions to the deferred compensation plan and 401(k) plan of $34,000, disability insurance premiums and country club expenses;

 

   

for Mr. Petherbridge,Lukes, automobile service, reimbursement of personal disability/life insurance premiums of $25,000, matching contributions to the 401(k) plan disability insurance premiums and country club expenses;matching contribution to the medical HSA Plan;

 

   

for Mr. Freddo,Fennerty, reimbursement of personal disability/life insurance premiums and matching contributions to the deferred compensation plan401(k) plan; and 401(k) plan of $28,710 and disability insurance premiums; and

 

   

for Mr. Cattonar and Ms. Vesy, matching contributions to the deferred compensation plan and 401(k) plan and disability insurance premiums.

 

None of the amounts reported for the named executive officers for 20152023 in column (h)(g), if not a perquisite or personal benefit, exceeds $10,000 or, if a perquisite or personal benefit, exceeds the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of perquisites and personal benefits, except as disclosed in this footnote.

 

(6)
 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy StatementThe amounts shown for Mr. Oakes include compensation earned prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer on February 10, 2015, and for Mr. Petherbridge, includes compensation earned prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer on March 1, 2015.41

2015


2023 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

 

Name 

Grant

Date

  

Estimated Possible Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards(1)

  

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

  

All Other

Stock Awards:

Number of
Shares of
Stock or Units

(#)(2)

  

All Other

Option Awards:

Number of
Securities

Underlying

Options

(#)(3)

  

Exercise or
Base Price of

Option Awards

($/Sh)

  

Grant Date

Fair Value of
Stock and

Option Awards

($)(4)

 
       
  Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
     
David J. Oakes          900,000    1,200,000                              
  2/10/2015                            25,589            500,009  
  2/22/2015                            34,245            659,559  
   2/22/2015                                90,321   $19.26    219,850  
Luke J. Petherbridge          375,000    562,500                              
  2/22/2015                            6,225            119,894  
  2/22/2015                                16,419   $19.26    39,965  
   3/1/2015                            20,000            378,800  
Paul W. Freddo          440,000    660,000                              
  2/22/2015                            20,135            387,800  
   2/22/2015                                53,100   $19.26    129,251  
Christa A. Vesy          120,093    240,186                              
  2/22/2015                            6,020            115,945  
   2/22/2015                                15,876   $19.26    38,644  

NAME

 

GRANT

DATE

 

COMMITTEE

ACTION DATE

 ESTIMATED POSSIBLE PAYOUTS
UNDER NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS(1)
 ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS(2)
 

ALL OTHER

STOCK AWARDS:

NUMBER OF
SHARES OF
STOCK OR UNITS
(#)(3)

 

GRANT DATE

FAIR VALUE OF

STOCK AND

OPTION
AWARDS

($)(4)

 

THRESHOLD

($)

 TARGET
($)
 MAXIMUM
($)
 THRESHOLD
(#)
 TARGET
(#)
 MAXIMUM
(#)

David R. Lukes

   2/22/22   1/24/23                     72,915   958,832
   3/1/23   1/24/23            73,687   147,373   294,746      2,591,211
   3/9/23   3/9/23   33,750   1,350,000   2,250,000               

Conor M. Fennerty

   2/22/23   1/24/23                     18,231   239,738
   3/1/23   1/24/23            18,422   36,843   73,686      647,803
   3/9/23   3/9/23   30,000   600,000   900,000               
   9/15/23   9/13/23                     74,187   1,014,878

John M. Cattonar

   2/22/22   1/24/23                     9,117   119,889
   3/1/23   1/24/23            9,211   18,422   36,844      323,901
   3/9/23   3/9/23   25,000   500,000   750,000               
   9/15/23   9/13/23                     74,187   1,014,878

Christa A. Vesy

   2/22/23   1/24/23                     3,648   47,971
   3/1/23   1/24/23            3,685   7,369   14,738      129,561
   3/9/23   3/9/23   17,000   340,000   510,000               

 

(1)

Amounts for the named executive officersin these columns reflect the annual cash performance-based incentive compensation opportunitiesopportunity established for 2015 underthe named executive officers in March 2023 pursuant to their employment agreements atwith the “Target” and “Maximum” levels. The “Threshold” column shows dashes becauseCompany, although the ultimate value of theeach executive’s annual cash performance-based incentive payoutspayout could be reducedzero. For purposes of this table, “Threshold” represents the lowest possible amount that could be earned by the executive if he or she received anything – in other words, a payout corresponding to zero.a score of one point on the lowest weighted 2023 annual incentive performance metric and a score of zero points on all other performance metrics. The amountsamount actually earned by the named executive officers, for 2015 areas determined by the Committee in January 2024, is included in the “Non-Equity“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column (column (g)(f)) of the 20152023 Summary Compensation Table above. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — 2015Analysis—2023 Compensation Earned” and “— Cash Performance-BasedProgram—Annual Incentive Compensation”Compensation Decisions” above for additional information about the annual cash performance-based incentive compensation awards.

 

(2)

Amounts disclosed in this column forrepresent PRSU awards granted to the named executive officers in March 2023 pursuant to their respective employment agreements with the Company pursuant to which a certain number of common shares may be issued at the end of the three-year performance period based on the relative return of our common shares during the performance period. The number of shares represents the threshold, target and maximum number of shares eligible to be issued at the conclusion of the performance period (excluding accrued dividends), although the ultimate value of the performance-based RSU awards could be zero. For more information about these awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2023 Compensation Program—Retention-Based and Performance-Based Equity Grants and Results” above.

(3)

The amounts disclosed in the first completed row of this column reflect annual equity awardsgrants of restricted shares issued in February 2015 relatedservice-based RSUs made to the 2014 performance period. In addition,named executive officers pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements which generally vest in substantially equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The amounts disclosed in the second completed row of this column for Messrs. OakesFennerty and Petherbridge reflect awardsCattonar represent service-based RSUs granted in connection with the execution of their respective promotions in 2015.September 2023 employment agreements which generally vest 10%, 10%, 10%, 10% and 60% on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date. For more information about thethese awards, earned or granted for 2015, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — 2015Analysis—2023 Compensation Earned” above.Program—Retention-Based and Performance-Based Equity Grants and Results”.

 

(3)(4)

Amounts disclosed in this column for the named executive officers reflect annual equity awards of stock options issued in February 2015 relatedrelating to the 2014 performance period. For information about the awards earned for 2015, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — 2015 Compensation Earned” above.

(4)Amounts disclosed in this column for equity awards are computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Amounts shown in the first row of this column for all executive officers, and in the fourth row for Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar, are calculated using the closing price of our common shares on the grant date of the applicable service-based RSU awards. Amounts shown in the second row of this column for all executive officers represent the fair value of the PRSU awards granted in March 2023 pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, which values are presented based on the probable outcome of the awards.

Grants made in 2023 are described more fully in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Employment Agreements” sections of this Proxy Statement. More information concerning the terms of the named executive officers’ employment agreements is provided under the section entitled “Employment Agreements” of this Proxy Statement. More information concerning the amount of salary and incentive compensation in proportion to total compensation for Mr. Lukes is provided under the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation Program Design”.

 

42 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement

36    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement



Outstanding Equity Awards at 20152023 Fiscal Year-End Table(1)

 

   Option Awards  Stock Awards 
Name Grant Date  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable(2)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)(3)
  Market Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)(4)
  

Equity
Incentive

Plan Awards:

Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested (#)

  

Equity
Incentive

Plan Awards:

Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested ($)

 
David J. Oakes  4/16/2007    100,000            64.60    4/16/2017                  
  2/21/2008    45,438            37.69    2/21/2018                  
  1/12/2009    120,645            6.02    1/12/2019                  
  2/22/2010    21,300            10.11    2/22/2020                  
  2/22/2011    22,566            13.83    2/22/2021                  
  2/22/2012    24,723            13.86    2/22/2022                  
  2/22/2013    21,330    10,665        16.92    2/22/2023                  
  2/22/2014    14,020    28,039        16.61    2/22/2024                  
  2/22/2015        90,321        19.26    2/22/2025                  
                           86,989    1,464,895          
Luke J. Petherbridge  4/1/2012    4,000            14.60    4/1/2022                  
  2/22/2013    3,260    1,630        16.92    2/22/2023                  
  2/22/2014    6,877    13,754        16.61    2/22/2024                  
  2/22/2015        16,419        19.26    2/22/2025                  
                           46,592    784,609          
Paul W. Freddo  10/1/2008    25,000            30.80    10/1/2018                  
  2/22/2010    14,529            10.11    2/22/2020                  
  2/22/2011    20,718            13.83    2/22/2021                  
  2/22/2012    30,045            13.86    2/22/2022                  
  2/22/2013    19,544    9,772        16.92    2/22/2023                  
  2/22/2014    16,190    32,380        16.61    2/22/2024                  
  2/22/2015        53,100        19.26    2/22/2025                  
                           85,376    1,437,732          
Christa A. Vesy  1/3/2007    15,000            63.25    1/3/2017                  
  2/21/2008    3,336            37.69    2/21/2018                  
  2/22/2010    4,941            10.11    2/22/2020                  
  2/22/2011    3,045            13.83    2/22/2021                  
  2/22/2012    4,482            13.86    2/22/2022                  
  2/22/2013    4,068    2,034        16.92    2/22/2023                  
  2/22/2014    6,877    13,754        16.61    2/22/2024                  
  2/22/2015        15,876        19.26    2/22/2025                  
                           29,080    489,707          
     OPTION AWARDS STOCK AWARDS

NAME

 GRANT
DATE
 NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS (#)
EXERCISABLE
 NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS (#)
UNEXERCISABLE
 OPTION
EXERCISE
PRICE ($)
 OPTION
EXPIRATION
DATE
 NUMBER OF
SHARES OR
UNITS OF
STOCK THAT
HAVE NOT
VESTED (#)(2)
 

MARKET VALUE

OF SHARES OR
UNITS OF
STOCK THAT
HAVE NOT
VESTED ($)(3)

 

EQUITY

INCENTIVE

PLAN AWARDS:

NUMBER OF
UNEARNED
SHARES, UNITS
OR OTHER RIGHTS
THAT HAVE
NOT VESTED (#)(4)

 

EQUITY

INCENTIVE

PLAN AWARDS:

MARKET OR
PAYOUT VALUE
OF UNEARNED
SHARES, UNITS

OR OTHER RIGHTS

THAT HAVE NOT
VESTED ($)(3)(4)

David R. Lukes

   various               447,713   6,102,328      
   3/1/2021                     173,443   2,364,034
   3/1/2022                     140,484   1,914,790
   3/1/2023                     154,725   2,108,908

Conor M. Fennerty

   various               127,155   1,733,123      
   3/1/2021                     43,361   591,008
   3/1/2022                     35,121   478,698
   3/1/2023                     38,681   527,223

John M. Cattonar

   various               97,371   1,327,167      
    3/1/2022                     17,561   239,356
   3/1/2023                     19,341   263,619

Christa A. Vesy(5)

   2/22/2014   12,773      26.83   2/22/2024            
   2/22/2015   9,830      31.11   2/22/2025            
   2/23/2016   9,075      26.60   2/23/2026            
   various               16,053   218,802      
   3/1/2022                     7,024   95,743
   3/1/2023                     7,737   105,450

 

(1)

Except as otherwise indicated, the information in the Outstanding Equity Awards at 20152023 Fiscal Year-End Table is provided as of December 31, 2015.2023.

 

(2)Unexercisable stock options vest in three equal annual installments beginning one year after the grant date.

(3)

The figuresamounts in this column with respect to the following named executive officers reflect restricted sharesservice-based RSUs that willgenerally vest or vested as follows:follows (except that, in connection with her March 8, 2024 resignation, Ms. Vesy forfeited her remaining, then-unvested RSUs):

 

Mr. Oakes (#)  Mr. Petherbridge (#)  Mr. Freddo (#)  Ms. Vesy (#)  Vesting Dates
 4,759        4,759    1,464   January 31, 2016
 5,466        6,643    991   February 22, 2016
     3,000           April 1, 2016
 3,926        7,852    2,416   July 31, 2016
 3,787        7,575    2,331   December 31, 2016
 11,844    1,810    10,852    2,260   February 22, 2016 and 2017
 11,433    11,610    13,203    5,610   February 22, 2016, 2017 and 2018
 6,132    4,599    9,198    4,599   June 30, 2016, 2017 and 2018
 12,246    4,593    9,186    4,593   December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
 27,396    4,980    16,108    4,816   February 22, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019
     16,000           March 1, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019
 86,989    46,592    85,376    29,080   Total
MR. LUKES (#)  MR. FENNERTY (#)  MR. CATTONAR (#)  MS. VESY (#)  VESTING DATES
  71,457     23,781    1,148    3,392  February 22, 2024
  43,818     10,956    5,478    2,192  February 22, 2024 and 2025
  72,915     18,231    9,117    3,648  February 22, 2024, 2025 and 2026
           7,441      May 11, 2024
  259,523             6,821  September 11, 2024
       29,676    29,676      September 15, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027
       44,511    44,511      September 15, 2028
  447,713     127,155    97,371    16,053  Total

 

(4)(3)

These amounts were calculated based upon the closing price of our common shares on December 31, 2015.29, 2023, the last trading day of the year, of $13.63.

 

(4)

For Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty, represents the “target” number of shares that could be earned under outstanding PRSUs for the performance period beginning on March 1, 2021 and ending on February 28, 2024 (the second row), the performance period beginning on March 1, 2022 and ending on February 29, 2025 (the third row) and the performance period beginning on March 1, 2023 and ending on February 28, 2026 (the fourth row). For Mr. Cattonar and Ms. Vesy, represents the “target” number of shares that could be earned under outstanding PRSUs for the performance period beginning on March 1, 2022 and ending on February 28, 2025 (the second row for Mr. Cattonar and the fifth row for Ms. Vesy) and the performance period beginning on March 1, 2023 and ending on February 28, 2026 (the third row for Mr. Cattonar and the sixth row for Ms. Vesy). Consistent with the terms of these PRSUs, the payout values include dividend equivalents accrued under the PRSU awards from the date of grant through December 31, 2023. These awards are described more fully in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2023 Compensation Program—Retention-Based and Performance-Based Equity Grants and Results” above. Ms. Vesy’s then-unvested PRSUs were forfeited due to her March 8, 2024 resignation.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    37

(5)

Ms. Vesy’s then-unexercised and outstanding stock options remain exercisable for up to 90 days (or three months, as applicable) following her recent resignation.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement43


20152023 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

 

   Option Awards  Stock Awards 
Name Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#)
  Value Realized on
Exercise ($)
  Number of Shares 
Acquired on Vesting (#) 
 Value Realized on
Vesting ($)(1)
 
David J. Oakes         90,583  1,679,304  
Luke J. Petherbridge         16,084  297,047  
Paul W. Freddo         66,678  1,200,938  
Christa A. Vesy         19,770  351,480  
NAME  OPTION AWARDS  STOCK AWARDS
  NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
EXERCISE (#)
  VALUE REALIZED
ON EXERCISE ($)
  NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
VESTING (#)
  VALUE REALIZED
ON VESTING ($)(1)

David R. Lukes

            661,560    8,838,819

Conor M. Fennerty

            67,781    899,909

John M. Cattonar

            13,392    166,040

Christa A. Vesy

            17,539    234,148

 

(1)Amounts reflect the number of shares

Shares acquired on vesting andare valued at the closing price of our common shares on the date ofprior to vesting. The amounts in this column for Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty include shares earned under PRSUs having performance periods ending on February 28, 2023. For more information on these PRSU awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2023 Compensation Program—Retention-Based and Performance-Based Equity Grants and Results” above.

20152023 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table(1)

 

Name Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
  Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(3)
  Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)(4)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
  

Aggregate
Balance

at Last  FYE
($)(5)

 
Elective Deferred Compensation Plan:                    

David J. Oakes

  50,000    26,313    376        407,954  

Luke J. Petherbridge

                    

Paul W. Freddo

  36,000    20,760    3,003    (67,447  359,017  

Christa A. Vesy

                    
Equity Deferred Compensation Plan:                    

David J. Oakes

  491,347        (559,323      5,926,821  

Luke J. Petherbridge

                    

Paul W. Freddo

                    

Christa A. Vesy

                    
NAME  EXECUTIVE
CONTRIBUTIONS
IN LAST FY
($)
  REGISTRANT
CONTRIBUTIONS
IN LAST FY
($)
  AGGREGATE
EARNINGS
IN LAST FY
($)(2)
  AGGREGATE
WITHDRAWALS/
DISTRIBUTIONS
($)
  

AGGREGATE
BALANCE

AT LAST FYE
($)(3)

Elective Deferred Compensation Plan:

 

David R. Lukes

            7,761        108,448

Conor M. Fennerty

                    

John M. Cattonar

                    

Christa A. Vesy

            8,538        44,568

 

(1)

Our nonqualified deferred compensation plans which consist of the Elective Deferred Compensation Plan and the Equity Deferred Compensation Plan, are described more fully in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the caption “OtherAnalysis — 2023 Compensation Program — Other Benefits and Information” above.

 

(2)The amounts

This amount is not reported for our named executive officersin the 2023 Summary Compensation Table.

(3)

Of the amount reported in this column, $39,725 for the Elective Deferred Compensation Plan areMr. Lukes and $19,998 for Ms. Vesy was previously reported under the “Salary” column of the 2015 Summary Compensation Table above. Amounts reported for the Equity Deferred Compensation Plan are derived from equity awards for which grant date fair values were previously disclosedas compensation in our Summary Compensation Tables included in prior years’ proxy statements.

 

(3)
44The amounts reported for our named executive officers in this column are fully reported for each named executive officer in the “All Other Compensation” column (column (h)) of the 2015 Summary Compensation Table above. SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement

(4)None of the amounts reported for our named executive officers in this column are reported in the 2015 Summary Compensation Table.

(5)The amounts reported for our named executive officers in this column have been previously reported as deferred compensation in Summary Compensation Tables included in this and prior years’ proxy statements.

38    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Potential Payments uponUpon Termination or Change in Control

We have entered into certain agreements and we maintain certain plans and policies that will require us to provide certain compensation and other benefits to theour continuing named executive officers in the event of a termination of employment or a change in control of the Company. We were also a party to these arrangements with Ms. Vesy during her employment. Based on a hypothetical termination and/or change in control occurring on December 31, 2015,29, 2023, the following tables describe the potential payments upon such termination or change in control forowing to each named executive officer then serving at the end of the year under his/her employment agreement and other arrangements in effect on December 31, 2015.29, 2023. The terms and conditions of the named executive officers’ employment agreements, entered into following December 31, 2015, ifand any applicable Company policies and compensation arrangements, will govern any potential payments for actual terminations or a change in control occurring after December 31, 2015.

David J. Oakes29, 2023. Ms. Vesy resigned from the Company (constituting a voluntary termination) on March 8, 2024.

 

Executive Benefits and

Payments upon Termination

 

Retirement 

or Other 

Voluntary 

Termination 

($) 

  

Involuntary
Not for

Cause or

Good
Reason
Termination

($)

  

For Cause 

Termination 

($) 

  

Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
(Change in
Control)

($)

  Disability
($)
  Death
($)
 
Compensation:                        

Cash Severance(1)

  0    2,400,000    0    4,800,000    2,400,000    2,400,000  

Long-Term Incentives:

      

Unvested Restricted Shares(2)

  0    0    0    945,381    945,381    945,381  

Unvested VSEP Awards(3)

  0    519,514    0    519,514    519,514    519,514  

Unvested Stock Options(4)

  0    0    0    6,449    6,449    6,449  
Benefits and Perquisites:                        

Post-Termination Health and

Welfare Benefits(5)

  0    20,000    0    30,000    20,000    20,000  

Life Insurance Proceeds(6)

  0    0    0    0    0    400,000  

Disability Insurance Proceeds(7)

  0    0    0    0    3,856,630    0  

Outplacement Services(8)

  0    15,000    0    15,000    0    0  

Accrued Vacation(9)

  23,077    23,077    0    23,077    23,077    23,077  
Total:  23,077    2,977,591    0    6,339,421    7,771,051    4,314,421  
EVENT 

DAVID R. LUKES

($)

 

CONOR M. FENNERTY

($)

 

JOHN M. CATTONAR

($)

 

CHRISTA A. VESY

($)

Retirement or other Voluntary Termination (without Good Reason)

        

Accrued Vacation(1)

   34,615   23,077   19,231   16,346

Total

   34,615   23,077   19,231   16,346

Involuntary Not for Cause or Good Reason Termination

        

Cash Severance(2)

   5,700,000   1,725,000   1,387,500   1,290,000

Unvested Restricted Stock Units

   6,102,328   1,733,123   1,327,167   218,802

Unvested Performance-Based Equity Awards(3)

   6,387,732   1,596,929   502,975   201,193

COBRA Payment(4)

   66,737   60,961   30,996   62,666

Accrued Vacation(1)

   34,615   23,077   19,231   16,346

Total

   18,291,412   5,139,090   3,267,869   1,789,007

For Cause Termination

        

No Payments

   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Total

   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Involuntary or Good Reason Termination
(in Connection with a Change in Control)

        

Cash Severance(2)

   8,550,000   2,875,000   2,312,500   2,150,000

Unvested Restricted Stock Units

   6,102,328   1,733,123   1,327,167   218,802

Unvested Performance-Based Equity Awards(3)

   6,387,732   1,596,929   502,975   201,193

COBRA Payment(4)

   66,737   60,961   30,996   62,666

Accrued Vacation(1)

   34,615   23,077   19,231   16,346

Total

   21,141,412   6,289,090   4,192,869   2,649,007

 

(1)
 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement45


EVENT  

DAVID R. LUKES

($)

  

CONOR M. FENNERTY

($)

  

JOHN M. CATTONAR

($)

  

CHRISTA A. VESY

($)

Disability

            

Cash Severance(2)

    1,950,000    550,000    925,000    860,000

Unvested Restricted Stock Units

    6,102,328    1,733,123    1,327,167    218,802

Unvested Performance-Based Equity Awards(3)

    6,387,732    1,596,929    502,975    201,193

COBRA Payment(4)

    66,737    60,961    30,996    62,666

Disability Insurance Proceeds(5)

    1,145,722    1,961,664    3,020,284    1,947,728

Accrued Vacation(1)

    34,615    23,077    19,231    16,346

Total

    15,687,134    5,925,754    5,825,653    3,306,735

Death

            

Cash Severance(2)

    1,950,000    550,000    925,000    860,000

Unvested Restricted Stock Units

    6,102,328    1,733,123    1,327,167    218,802

Unvested Performance-Based Equity Awards(3)

    6,387,732    1,596,929    502,975    201,193

COBRA Payment(4)

    66,737    60,961    30,996    62,666

Accrued Vacation(1)

    34,615    23,077    19,231    16,346

Total(6)

    14,541,412    3,964,090    2,805,369    1,359,007

(1)

Assumes two weeks of personal time off (“PTO”) is paid pursuant to our current PTO policy.

(2)

Reported amounts calculated pursuant to the terms of Mr. Oakes’ Employment Agreement and consist of one times Mr. Oakes’ base salary on December 31, 2015 plus an amount equal in value tothe respective employment agreement, if applicable, assuming an annual bonusincentive payout for 2023 at the “target” level for 2015 (except in the case of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount consists of two times Mr. Oakes’ base salary on December 31, 2015 plus two times an amount equal in value to Mr. Oakes’ “target” annual bonus for 2015)control), payable in a lump sum. Assumes any accrued base salary and bonusannual incentive for 2023 have been paid, due to Mr. Oakes.evaluation as of the last business day of the year.

 

(2)(3)Reported amounts consist

As of Mr. Oakes’ 56,139 unvested annual equity award shares valued at our closing stock priceDecember 29, 2023, relative TSR during the performance periods applicable to the three-year PRSUs issued to Messrs. Lukes and Fennerty on December 31, 2015March 1, 2021 and to Messrs. Lukes, Fennerty and Cattonar and Ms. Vesy on March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023 had each exceeded their “threshold” requirements set forth in the applicable awards, and therefore, each of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest asthese awards is included in the respective reported amount for each executive assuming “target” value. These values assume no replacement awards are granted in the event of a resultChange of the triggering event.Control.

 

(3)(4)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Oakes’ 30,850 unvested restricted shares under the VSEP valued at our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest as a result of the triggering event.

(4)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Oakes’ 129,025 stock options with option exercise prices from $16.61 to $19.26 and the spread calculated based on our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which stock options accelerate as a result of the triggering event.

(5)

Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year18 months of continuedmonthly COBRA premiums for health, dental and welfarevision benefits costs (except inand the caseemployer portion of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount is an eighteen month estimate).premium for other insurance provided by the Company.

 

(6)(5)

Reported amount consists of our estimate of the available life insurance death benefit.

(7)Reported amount consistsamounts consist of our estimate of payments for long-term disability using a present value calculation that takes into account (a) Mr. Oakes’ age and total payments over the benefit term assuming that the disability occurs on December 31, 2015,29, 2023, and (b) a discount rate based on the rate for the Treasury security with a similar term. In general, benefits are available until age 65.

 

(8)(6)

Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year of outplacement service.do not include payments under personal life insurance policies arranged and obtained by the executives for which we reimburse the premium (subject to caps on reimbursement set forth in the applicable executive’s employment agreement).

In connection with Ms. Vesy’s voluntary termination by resignation on March 8, 2024, she is entitled under her employment agreement to receive payment of $16,346 for her accrued but unused PTO through such date under Company policy, but receives no further compensation or other benefits from the Company. Ms. Vesy’s then-unexercised and outstanding stock options remain exercisable for up to 90 days (or three months, as applicable) following her resignation due to their terms, and Ms. Vesy remains subject to customary non-competition and non-solicitation restrictive covenants that extend for one year following resignation and perpetual confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement restrictive covenants under her employment agreement, as described below. The Company waived the otherwise-applicable 90-day notice requirement for Ms. Vesy’s resignation.

 

(9)
46Assumes two weeks of personal time off (“PTO”) is paid pursuant to our current PTO policy. SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    39


Luke J. Petherbridge

Executive Benefits and

Payments upon Termination

 

Retirement 

or Other 

Voluntary 

Termination 

($) 

  

Involuntary
Not for

Cause or

Good
Reason
Termination

($)

  

For Cause 

Termination 

($) 

  

Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
(Change in
Control)

($)

  Disability
($)
  

Death

($)

 
Compensation:                        

Cash Severance(1)

  0    1,125,000    0    2,250,000    1,125,000    1,125,000  

Long-Term Incentives:

      

Unvested Restricted Shares(2)

  0    0    0    629,816    629,816    629,816  

Unvested VSEP Awards(3)

  0    154,793    0    154,793    154,793    154,793  

Unvested Stock Options(4)

  0    0    0    3,163    3,163    3,163  
Benefits and Perquisites:                        

Post-Termination Health and

Welfare Benefits(5)

  0    20,000    0    30,000    20,000    20,000  

Life Insurance Proceeds(6)

  0    0    0    0    0    400,000  

Disability Insurance Proceeds(7)

  0    0    0    0    4,027,066    0  

Outplacement Services(8)

  0    15,000    0    15,000    0    0  

Accrued Vacation(9)

  14,423    14,423    0    14,423    14,423    14,423  
Total:  14,423    1,329,216    0    3,097,195    5,974,261    2,347,195  

(1)Reported amounts calculated pursuant to the terms of Mr. Petherbridge’s Employment Agreement and consist of one times Mr. Petherbridge’s base salary on December 31, 2015 plus an amount equal in value to an annual bonus at the “target” level for 2015 (except in the case of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount consists of two times Mr. Petherbridge’s base salary on December 31, 2015 plus an amount equal in value to two times Mr. Petherbridge’s “target” annual bonus for 2015), payable in a lump sum. Assumes any accrued base salary and bonus have been paid to Mr. Petherbridge.

(2)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Petherbridge’s 3,000 unvested hire date shares, plus 16,000 unvested promotion grant shares, plus 18,400 unvested annual equity award shares valued at our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest as a result of the triggering event.

(3)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Petherbridge’s 9,192 unvested restricted shares under the VSEP valued at our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest as a result of the triggering event.

(4)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Petherbridge’s 31,803 stock options with option exercise prices from $16.61 to $19.26 and the spread calculated based on our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which stock options accelerate as a result of the triggering event.

(5)Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year of continued health and welfare benefits costs (except in the case of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount is an eighteen month estimate).

(6)Reported amount consists of our estimate of the available life insurance death benefit.

(7)Reported amount consists of our estimate of payments for long-term disability using a present value calculation that takes into account (a) Mr. Petherbridge’s age and total payments over the benefit term assuming that the disability occurs on December 31, 2015, and (b) a discount rate based on the rate for the Treasury security with a similar term. In general, benefits are available until age 65.

(8)Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year of outplacement service.

(9)Assumes two weeks of personal time off (“PTO”) is paid pursuant to our current PTO policy.

40    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Paul W. Freddo

Executive Benefits and

Payments upon Termination

 Retirement 
or Other 
Voluntary 
Termination 
($) 
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause  or
Good
Reason
Termination
($)
  For Cause 
Termination 
($) 
  

Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
(Change in
Control)

($)

  Disability
($)
  

Death

($)

 
Compensation:                        

Cash Severance(1)

  0    1,320,000    0    2,640,000    1,320,000    1,320,000  

Long-Term Incentives:

      

Unvested Restricted Shares(2)

  0    0    0    788,213    788,213    788,213  

Unvested VSEP Awards(3)

  0    649,519    0    649,519    649,519    649,519  

Unvested Stock Options(4)

  0    0    0    7,447    7,447    7,447  
Benefits and Perquisites:                        

Post-Termination Health and

Welfare Benefits(5)

  0    20,000    0    30,000    20,000    20,000  

Life Insurance Proceeds(6)

  0    0    0    0    0    400,000  

Disability Insurance Proceeds(7)

  0    0    0    0    1,155,085    0  

Outplacement Services(8)

  0    15,000    0    15,000    0    0  

Accrued Vacation(9)

  16,923    16,923    0    16,923    16,923    16,923  
Total:  16,923    2,021,442    0    4,147,102    3,957,187    3,202,102  

(1)Reported amounts calculated pursuant to the terms of Mr. Freddo’s Employment Agreement and consist of one times Mr. Freddo’s base salary on December 31, 2015 plus an amount equal in value to an annual bonus for 2015 at the “target” level (except in the case of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount consists of two times Mr. Freddo’s base salary on December 31, 2015 plus an amount equal in value to two times Mr. Freddo’s “target” annual bonus for 2015), payable in a lump sum. Assumes any accrued base salary and bonus have been paid to Mr. Freddo.

(2)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Freddo’s 46,806 unvested annual equity award shares valued at our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest as a result of the triggering event.

(3)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Freddo’s 38,570 unvested restricted shares under the VSEP valued at our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest as a result of the triggering event.

(4)Reported amounts consist of Mr. Freddo’s 95,252 stock options with option exercise prices from $16.61 to $19.26 and the spread calculated based on our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which stock options accelerate as a result of the triggering event.

(5)Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year of continued health and welfare benefits costs (except in the case of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount is an eighteen month estimate).

(6)Reported amount consists of our estimate of the available life insurance death benefit.

(7)Reported amount consists of our estimate of payments for long-term disability using a present value calculation that takes into account (a) Mr. Freddo’s age and total payments over the benefit term assuming that the disability occurs on December 31, 2015, and (b) a discount rate based on the rate for the Treasury security with a similar term. In general, benefits are available until age 65.

(8)Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year of outplacement service.

(9)Assumes two weeks of personal time off (“PTO”) is paid pursuant to our current PTO policy.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    41


Christa A. Vesy

Executive Benefits and

Payments upon Termination

 Retirement 
or Other 
Voluntary 
Termination 
($) 
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause or
Good
Reason
Termination
($)
  For Cause 
Termination 
($)
  

Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
(Change in
Control)

($)

  Disability
($)
  

Death

($)

 
Compensation:                        

Cash Severance(1)

  0    420,326    0    840,652    420,326    420,326  

Long-Term Incentives:

      

Unvested Restricted Shares(2)

  0    0    0    230,321    230,321    230,321  

Unvested VSEP Awards(3)

  0    259,386    0    259,386    259,386    259,286  

Unvested Stock Options(4)

  0    0    0    3,163    3,163    3,163  
Benefits and Perquisites:                        

Post-Termination Health and

Welfare Benefits(5)

  0    20,000    0    30,000    20,000    20,000  

Life Insurance Proceeds(6)

  0    0    0    0    0    400,000  

Disability Insurance Proceeds(7)

  0    0    0    0    3,081,392    0  

Outplacement Services(8)

  0    15,000    0    15,000    0    0  

Accrued Vacation(9)

  11,547    11,547    0    11,547    11,547    11,547  
Total:  11,547    726,259    0    1,390,069    4,026,135    1,344,643  

(1)Reported amounts calculated pursuant to the terms of Ms. Vesy’s Employment Agreement and consist of one times Ms. Vesy’s base salary on December 31, 2015 plus an amount equal in value to an annual bonus for 2015 at the “target” level (except in the case of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount consists of two times Ms. Vesy’s base salary on December 31, 2015 plus an amount equal in value to two times Ms. Vesy’s “target” annual bonus for 2015), payable in a lump sum. Assumes any accrued base salary and bonus have been paid to Ms. Vesy.

(2)Reported amounts consist of Ms. Vesy’s 13,677 unvested annual equity award shares valued at our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest as a result of the triggering event.

(3)Reported amounts consist of Ms. Vesy’s 15,403 unvested restricted shares under the VSEP valued at our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which shares either accelerate and vest or continue to vest as a result of the triggering event.

(4)Reported amounts consist of Ms. Vesy’s 31,664 stock options with option exercise prices from $16.61 to $19.26 and the spread calculated based on our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 of $16.84 per share, which stock options accelerate as a result of the triggering event.

(5)Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year of continued health and welfare benefits costs (except in the case of termination in connection with a change in control, in which case the amount is an eighteen month estimate).

(6)Reported amount consists of our estimate of the available life insurance death benefit.

(7)Reported amount consists of our estimate of payments for long-term disability using a present value calculation that takes into account (a) Ms. Vesy’s age and total payments over the benefit term assuming that the disability occurs on December 31, 2015, and (b) a discount rate based on the rate for the Treasury security with a similar term. In general, benefits are available until age 65.

(8)Reported amounts consist of our estimate of one year of outplacement service.

(9)Assumes two weeks of personal time off (“PTO”) is paid pursuant to our current PTO policy.

42    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


Employment Agreements

Employment Agreements in Effect During 2015 with the Named Executive Officers

During 2015,2023, we were a party to employment agreements with each of our named executive officers. On September 15, 2023, we entered into new employment agreements with Messrs. Oakes, PetherbridgeFennerty and FreddoCattonar which superseded and replaced their prior employment agreements on a go-forward basis, which prior employment agreements were scheduled to terminate in February 2024 and May 2024, respectively. The key terms of the employment agreements in effect with our named executive officers on December 31, 2023 (which include customary non-competition and non-solicitation restrictive covenants that extend for one year following termination and perpetual confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement restrictive covenants) are described below. Ms. Vesy resigned from the Company on March 8, 2024, but her employment agreement is described below as described below.it was in effect for all of 2023.

KEY TERMS DAVID R. LUKES CONOR M. FENNERTY JOHN M. CATTONAR CHRISTA A. VESY

Date of Agreement

 September 11, 2020 September 15, 2023 September 15, 2023 September 11, 2021

Term of Agreement

 September 11, 2024 September 30, 2026 September 30, 2026 September 11, 2024

Annual Base Salary Rate

 $900,000 $600,000 $500,000 $425,000

Annual Cash Incentive Compensation

 Target award of 150% of year-end base salary(1) Target award of 100% of year-end base salary Target award of 100% of year-end base salary Target award of 80% of year-end base salary

Initial Equity Grants Under Employment Agreement

 190,696 service-based RSUs (“Upfront RSUs”) generally vesting over four years, plus 190,695 Upfront RSUs generally vesting on the fourth anniversary of the grant date (“Cliff Vest Upfront RSUs”) 74,187 Upfront RSUs generally vesting 10%, 10%, 10%, 10% and 60% on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date 74,187 Upfront RSUs generally vesting 10%, 10%, 10%, 10% and 60% on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date 18,807 Upfront RSUs generally vesting ratably over three years

Annual Equity Grants Under Employment Agreement

 In each of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024: $1,000,000 in service- based RSUs (“Annual RSUs”) generally vesting over three years, plus $2,000,000 in “target” PRSUs (“Annual PRSUs”)(2) In each of 2024, 2025 and 2026: $250,000 in Annual RSUs generally vesting over four years, plus $600,000 in “target” Annual PRSUs In each of 2024, 2025 and 2026: $150,000 in Annual RSUs generally vesting over four years, plus $600,000 in “target” Annual PRSUs In each of 2022, 2023 and 2024: $50,000 in Annual RSUs, plus $100,000 in “target” Annual PRSUs

Other Ongoing Terms

 Annual automobile service, and annual reimbursement for $25,000 in life, disability and similar insurance premiums Annual reimbursement for $10,000 in life, disability and similar insurance premiums N/A N/A

 

(1) 

Term. The employment agreementsMr. Lukes may elect, generally no later than October 31 of each calendar year, to receive up to 100% of his annual cash incentive payout (if any) for Messrs. Oakessuch calendar year in the form of a grant of service-based RSUs equal in value to 120% of the portion of the annual cash incentive that is subject to the election, and Freddo had terms expiringgenerally vesting in substantially equal installments on December 31, 2015. On February 10, 2015, Mr. Oakes and the Company entered into an amendment to his employment agreement in connection with his promotion to Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Petherbridge’s prior employment agreement expired on February 28, 2015; and on March 1, 2015,first three anniversaries of the Company and Mr. Petherbridge entered into a new employment agreement in connection with his promotion to Chief Financial Officer for a term ending December 31, 2015. Ms. Vesy’s employment agreement had a term ending on February 28, 2015; and on February 27, 2015, the term was extended through December 31, 2015.grant date (“Annual Bonus RSUs”).

 

(2) 

Base Salary and Benefits. The employment agreementsPayout for Annual PRSUs may vary from 0% to 200% of the target award based on achievement with Messrs. Oakes, Petherbridge and Freddo and Ms. Vesyrespect to performance objectives established by the Committee in consultation with Mr. Lukes measured over a three-year performance period, provided for minimum base salaries as disclosed inthat no less than 50% of the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section. Effective as of February 10, 2015, Mr. Oakes’ annual base salary was increased to $600,000 in connection with his promotion. Effective as of March 1, 2015, Mr. Petherbridge’s base salary was established under his employment agreement as $375,000 in connection with his promotion. In addition,aggregate target Annual PRSUs each year will vest based on the employment agreements with Messrs. Oakes, Petherbridge and Freddo and Ms. Vesy provided for participation in health, life, disability and other insurance plans, sick leave, reasonable vacation time, and other customary fringe benefits. Messrs. Oakes, Petherbridge and Freddo also were provided reimbursement by us for regular membership fees, assessments, and dues for a local country club.Company’s relative total shareholder return achievement.

The new employment agreements with Messrs. Fennerty and Cattonar contain compensation structures which are generally consistent with the compensation structures set forth in their prior employment agreements and with the compensation structure set forth in our Chief Executive Officer’s September 2020 employment agreement. In terms of specific changes, each of the new employment agreements generally increased the officer’s annual base salary rate (as

 

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement 

Annual Performance-Based Incentive Compensation. Pursuant to their employment agreements, each of Messrs. Oakes, Petherbridge and Freddo, and Ms. Vesy was entitled to annual performance-based incentive compensation equal to a percentage of his/her base salary. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — 2015 Compensation Program Design” and “— 2015 Compensation Earned” for a discussion of the methods used to calculate the annual performance-based incentive compensation and each named executive officer’s annual performance-based incentive compensation award opportunity.

47

Termination. The employment agreements could have been terminated under a variety of circumstances, including the named executive officer’s death. Our Board had the right to terminate an employment agreement for “cause” if the named executive officer had engaged in certain specified conduct or if he/she was disabled for a specified period of time, or at any other time without cause by giving him/her at least 90 days’ prior written notice. Each named executive officer also had the right to terminate his/her employment agreement for “good reason” in certain specified circumstances or at any other time without good reason by giving us at least 90 days’ prior written notice.


further described above), provided for the grant of service-based RSUs and their related terms (as further described above), and increased the value of the annual PRSU grants starting in 2024 (by $100,000 for Mr. Fennerty and $350,000 for Mr. Cattonar). The new employment agreements also made certain non-substantive, conforming and clarifying changes compared to the prior employment agreements.

Benefits Upon a Termination. The named executive officers were

Each of the employment agreements to which the Company is a party may be terminated under a variety of circumstances. Our Board has the right to terminate an employment agreement for “cause” if the executive engages in certain specified conduct, for “disability” if the executive is disabled for a specified period of time, or at any other time without cause by giving the executive at least 90 days’ prior written notice. The executive also has the right to terminate his employment agreement for “good reason” in certain specified circumstances or at any other time without good reason by giving us at least 90 days’ prior written notice.

The executives (or their personal representatives or dependents, as appropriate) are entitled under the employment agreements to certain additional payments and benefits in the event of certain termination circumstances.

If a named executive officer was terminated without cause or terminated his/her employment for good reason during the term (and the termination was not in connection with a change in control (as defined in the employment agreement)), such named executive officer was entitled to receive (1) accrued but unpaid base salary as of the termination date and the prior year’s annual cash bonus to the extent not paid; (2) a lump sum amount equal to one times base salary as of the termination date plus one times the annual bonus at the “target” level for the year in which the termination date occurs; (3) one year of continued health, dental and vision coverage under COBRA; and (4) payment by us for one year of outplacement services.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    43


The named executive officers, upon a termination by reason of disability, or their representatives, upon a termination by reason of death, were entitled to receive: (1) accrued but unpaid base salary and the prior year’s annual cash bonus to the extent not paid; (2) a lump sum amount equal to one times base salary as of the termination date plus one times the annual bonus at the “target” level for the year in which the termination date occurs; and (3) one year of continued health, dental and vision coverage.

Under the employment agreements, certain payments and benefits were payable by us to a named executive officer if a “Triggering Event” occurred during the term following a “Change in Control” as described below under the section entitled “Change in Control Provisions.”

Other Terms.

The February 10, 2015 amendment to Mr. Oakes’ employment agreement provided for a one time grant of 25,589 restricted shares in connection with Mr. Oakes’ promotion to Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Petherbridge’s March 1, 2015 employment agreement provided for a one time grant of 20,000 restricted shares in connection with Mr. Petherbridge’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer. These grants are discussed further above in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the caption “Total Direct Compensation for 2015.”

The employment agreements also contained confidentiality covenants regarding our proprietary information that ran for the duration of the term plus two years, a non-solicitation covenant that ran for the duration of the term plus one year, a non-competition covenant that ran for the duration of the term plus one year, and other provisions generally designed to ensure compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

Change in Control Provisions

The employment agreements in effect during 2015 for the named executive officers included provisions regarding the payments and benefits to which he/she would be entitled in certain circumstances in the event of certain termination circumstances during the agreement term, including in connection with a change in control. In general, the Committee believes that the inclusion of change in control provisions in these agreements wasis appropriate because such agreements helped insurehelp ensure a continuity of management during a potential change in control and help insureensure that management remains focused on completing a transaction that is likely to maximize shareholder value. The Committee also believes that the payment of change in control compensation would be appropriate because the executive officer may forego other opportunities at the time of the change in control. Payments are only triggered if both a change in control occurs and the executive officer is terminated or effectively terminated, or if actions are taken that materially and adversely impact the executive officer’s position with us or his/her compensation. This is referred to as a “double–trigger” change in control provision. For information concerning the amounts payable upon a change in control measured as of December 31, 2015,29, 2023, see the following discussion and the “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Disclosure — Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section above.

Under The table below summarizes the benefits to which our executives are entitled under the employment agreements in effect during 2015 for the named executive officers, benefits would be payable by us if a “Triggering Event” occurs within two years after a “Change in Control” (each as definedon December 31, 2023 in the employment agreements). Payments for all named executive officers are only triggered if both (1) a change in control occurs,event of certain termination scenarios (over and (2) the officer is terminated or effectively terminated, or certain actions are taken that materiallyabove accrued compensation and adversely impacted the officer’s position with us or his/her compensation. A “Triggering Event” has occurred if within two years after a change in control:benefits) (Ms. Vesy resigned on March 8, 2024 and will no longer be entitled to these benefits):

 

TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE
OR FOR GOOD REASON
 

TERMINATION DUE TO

DEATH OR DISABILITY

“TRIGGERING EVENT”(1) WITHIN
TWO YEARS AFTER A

“CHANGE IN CONTROL”(2)

Lump sum in cash equal to 1.5 times (two times for Mr. Lukes) sum of (a) base salary plus (b) average of the annual incentives earned in the three fiscal years preceding the year of termination (the “Average Bonus”) disregarding any enhanced value received based on any election by Mr. Lukes to receive Annual Bonus RSUs in lieu of cash for any annual incentive;

Lump sum in cash equal to the annual incentive that would have been earned for the year of termination based on actual performance, pro-rated based on the executive’s period of service during such year (the “Pro-Rata Actual Bonus”);

Lump sum in cash equal to 18 months of monthly insurance premiums for health, dental and vision benefits and the employer portion of the premium for other insurance provided by the Company (the “18-month Health Benefit”); and

Vesting of Annual Bonus RSUs, Upfront RSUs, Cliff Vest Upfront RSUs, Annual RSUs and Annual PRSUs based on level of performance to date (“Accelerated Award Vesting”)

Lump sum in cash equal to the target annual incentive for year of termination, pro-rated based on the executive’s period of service during such year (the “Pro-Rata Target Bonus”);

18-month Health Benefit; and

Accelerated Award Vesting

Lump sum in cash equal to 2.5 times (three times for Mr. Lukes) sum of (a) base salary plus (b) Average Bonus;

Pro-Rata Target Bonus;

18-month Health Benefit; and

Accelerated Award Vesting

(1)

A “Triggering Event” is the occurrence of one of the following within two years after a change in control: (a) we terminate the employment of the named executive, officer, other than in the case of a termination for “Cause” (as defined in the applicable employment agreement), a termination following disability, or a termination based on death; or (b) the executive terminates the executive’s employment for “Good Reason” (as defined in the applicable employment agreement).

 

48 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


(2) 

we reduce the named executive officer’s title, responsibilities, power or authorityA “Change in comparison with his/her title, responsibilities, power or authority at the time of the change in control, and the officer then terminates his/her employment with us;

44    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


we assign the named executive officer duties that were inconsistent with the duties assigned to the named executive officer on the date on which the change in control occurred and which duties we persisted in assigning to the named executive officer despite the prior written objection of that officer, and the officer then terminated his/her employment with us;

we (1) reduce the named executive officer’s base salary, annual performance-based cash bonus percentages of salary, certain health and welfare benefits (including any such benefits provided to the named executive officer’s family), pension, retirement or profit-sharing benefits or any benefits provided by our equity-based award plans or any substitute therefore, (2) exclude him or her from any plan, program or arrangement in which our other executive officers are included, (3) establish criteria and factors to be achieved for the payment of annual performance bonus compensation that are substantially different than the criteria and factors established for our other similar executive officers, or (4) fail to pay the named executive officer any annual performance bonus compensation to which the named executive officer is entitled through the achievement of the criteria and factors established for the payment of such bonus, and the officer then terminates his/her employment with us; or

we require the named executive officer to be based at orControl” generally work from any location more than 50 miles from the geographical center of Cleveland, Ohio, and the officer then terminates his/her employment with us.

A “Change in Control” generally occurs if:

occurs if: (a) there is a consummation of a consolidation or merger in which we are not the surviving corporation, the sale of substantially all of our assets, or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(b) any person or other entity (subject to certain exceptions) purchases our shares (or securities convertible into our shares) pursuant to a tender or exchange offer without the prior consent of the Board, or becomes the beneficial owner of 30% or more of the voting power of our outstanding securities without the prior consent of the Board; or

(c) during any two-year period, we experience a turnover of a majority of the directorsDirectors on our Board (subject to certain exceptions for replacement directorsDirectors approved by at least two-thirds of the directorsDirectors serving at the beginning of such period, but specifically excluding certain replacement directorsDirectors elected in connection with an election or proxy contest).

UponCEO Pay Ratio

For 2023, the occurrenceratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Lukes, our CEO (“CEO Compensation”), to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees and those of our consolidated subsidiaries (other than Mr. Lukes) (“Median Annual Compensation”) was approximately 57 to 1. We note that, due to our permitted use of reasonable estimates and assumptions in preparing this pay ratio disclosure, the disclosure may involve a Triggering Eventdegree of imprecision, and thus this ratio disclosure is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K using the data and assumptions described below.

For purposes of this pay ratio disclosure, CEO Compensation was $6,767,973. CEO Compensation for purposes of this disclosure represents the total compensation reported for Mr. Lukes under the 2015 employment agreements, we would have been required“2023 Summary Compensation Table” for 2023 and also includes the Company’s contributions to group health and welfare benefits provided to Mr. Lukes.

For purposes of this pay a named executive officer an amount equalratio disclosure, Median Annual Compensation was $119,739, and was calculated by totaling for our Median Employee all applicable elements of compensation for 2023 in accordance with Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K plus the Company’s contributions to (1) any accrued but unpaid base salarygroup health and the prior year’s annual cash bonuswelfare benefits provided to the extent not paid; (2)Median Employee.

We refer to the employee who received the Median Annual Compensation as the “Median Employee.” Due to changes in the composition of our workforce during 2023, we identified a lump sum amount equalnew Median Employee for purposes of calculating our CEO pay ratio for 2023 rather than using the Median Employee utilized to two times annual base salarycalculate our CEO pay ratio for 2022. To identify the Median Employee, we first measured compensation for the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on November 30, 2023 for 223 employees, representing all full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of December 1, 2023 (the “Determination Date”). This number does not include any independent contractors or “leased” workers, as permitted by the termination date plus two timesapplicable SEC rules. This number also does not exclude any non-U.S. employees and does not exclude any employees of businesses acquired by us or combined with us. The compensation measurement was calculated by totaling, for each employee, cash compensation (except as described in the annual cashnext sentence), including regular pay (wages and salary), all variants of overtime, tax gross-up earnings related to awards, dividend equivalent payments, car allowances, short-term disability payments, and all variants of bonus atpayments. Specifically excluded from the “target” levelcalculation were the value of equity and equity-based awards, equity deferred compensation, deferred equity distributions, option exercises, deferred equity dividend earnings, taxable fringe benefits for executive long-term disability, and sign-on bonuses. Further, we did not utilize any statistical sampling or cost-of-living adjustments for purposes of this pay ratio disclosure. A portion of our employee workforce (full-time and part-time) identified above worked for less than the full fiscal year in whichdue to commencing employment after January 1, 2023. In determining the termination date occurs; (3) 18 months of continued health, dentalMedian Employee, we annualized the total compensation for such individuals (but avoided creating full-time equivalencies) based on reasonable assumptions and vision coverage; and (4) one year of outplacement services. Additionally, under such circumstances, subject to the terms of applicable equity plans, certain unvested time-based equity awards and earned but unvested long-term equity incentive awards (including those under the Company’s VSEP) will remain outstanding and continue to vest according to their original vesting terms, subjectestimates relating to our Board’s discretion to cash-out such equity awards. Under these circumstances, we will also be deemed to have waived any requirement for a general release of claims against us.

employee compensation program.

 

DDR Corp.ï  2016

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement49


Pay Versus Performance
Pursuant to the SEC’s pay versus performance (“PVP”) disclosure rules, the following Pay Versus Performance table (“PVP Table”) provides
SEC-required
information about compensation for 2023 for this Proxy Statement’s named executive officers, as well as compensation for 2022, 2021 and 2020 for our named executive officers from our 2023, 2022 and 2021 Proxy Statements, respectively (each of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, a “Covered Year”). We refer to all of the named executive officers covered in the PVP Table below, collectively, as the “PVP NEOs”. The PVP Table also provides information about the results for certain measures of financial performance during those same Covered Years. In reviewing this information, there are a few important things we believe you should consider:
The information in columns (b) and (d) of the PVP Table comes directly from our Summary Compensation Tables for the relevant years, without adjustment;
As required by the SEC’s PVP rules, we label the information in columns (c) and (e) of the PVP Table as “compensation actually paid” (or “CAP”) to the applicable PVP NEOs. However, these CAP amounts may not necessarily reflect “take home pay” or the final compensation that our PVP NEOs actually earned or walked away with for their service in the Covered Years. Instead, the SEC’s concept of CAP reflects a combination of realized pay and realizable or accrued pay. As a result, CAP amounts are calculated in a manner different than information that we have presented elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, especially with respect to the valuation of outstanding equity awards; and
As required by the SEC’s PVP rules, we provide information in the PVP Table below about our cumulative absolute total shareholder return (“TSR”) results, cumulative TSR results for a peer group of companies identified in the PVP Table, and our U.S. GAAP net income results (the “External Measures”) during the Covered Years. We did not, however, actually base any compensation decisions for the PVP NEOs on, or link any PVP NEO pay to, these particular External Measures because the External Measures were not metrics used in our short-term or long-term incentive plans during the Covered Years. In particular, the index-based peer group used for purposes of this PVP Table disclosure (the FTSE NAREIT Equity Shopping Centers Index) is different from the specific group of companies against which we evaluate relative TSR performance for our named executive officers for purposes of our PRSU awards, as described above in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis. As a result, we did not necessarily design our PVP NEO compensation to move in tandem with improving, declining or steady achievement in these External Measures.
Due to the use and weighting of the Operating Funds From Operations (also referred to in this Proxy Statement    45 as “Operating FFO”) per share performance measure in our annual cash incentive compensation plan for 2023, we have determined that, pursuant to the SEC’s PVP rules, Operating Funds From Operations per share should be designated as the “Company-Selected Measure” to be included in the far right column of the PVP Table below because we believe it is the most important financial measure that demonstrates how we sought to link executive pay to performance for 2023.
Pay Versus Performance Table
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
 
(e)
 
(f)
 
(g)
 
(h)
 
(i)
           
 
VALUE OF INITIAL FIXED $100
INVESTMENT BASED ON
 
     
YEAR
 
SUMMARY
COMPENSATION
TABLE (“SCT”)
TOTAL FOR PEO
($)(1)
 
COMPENSATION
ACTUALLY PAID
TO PEO
($)(1)(2)
 
AVERAGE SCT
TOTAL FOR
NON-PEO
PVP NEOS
($)(1)
 
AVERAGE
COMPENSATION
ACTUALLY PAID
TO NON-PEO
PVP NEOS
($)(1)(2)
 
TOTAL
SHAREHOLDER
RETURN
($)(3)
 
PEER GROUP
TOTAL
SHAREHOLDER
RETURN
($)(4)
 
NET INCOME
($)(5)
 
OPERATING
FUNDS FROM
OPERATIONS
PER SHARE
($)(6)
2023
   6,740,650   3,657,129   2,405,897   2,049,666   112.35   117.03   265,703   1.18
2022
   6,799,485   5,305,017   1,500,884   1,309,320   106.88   104.46   168,719   1.18
2021
   6,910,219   24,547,349   1,625,444   2,093,387   119.39   119.43   124,935   1.17
2020
   8,555,564   8,722,586   1,602,380   1,161,027   73.98   72.36   35,721   0.99
(1)
David R. Lukes was our principal executive officer (“PEO”) for the full year for each of the Covered Years. For each of 2023, 2022 and 2021, our
non-PEO
PVP NEOs
(“Non-PEO
NEOs”) were Conor M. Fennerty, John M. Cattonar and Christa A. Vesy. For 2020, our
Non-PEO
NEOs were Conor M. Fennerty, Christa A. Vesy and Michael A. Makinen (Mr. Makinen was our former Chief Operating Officer whose employment with us ended in December 2020).
50
 SITE Centers Corp.
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 2024 Proxy Statement

(2)
For 2023, in determining both the CAP for our PEO and the average CAP for our
Non-PEO
PVP NEOs for purposes of this PVP Table, we deducted from or added back to the total amount of compensation reported in column (b) and column (d) for such Covered Year the following amounts:
ITEM AND VALUE ADDED (DEDUCTED)
2023 ($)
For David R. Lukes:
- Summary Compensation Table “Stock Awards” column value
(3,550,043)
+ Covered
Year-end
fair value of outstanding equity awards granted in Covered Year
2,199,759
+/- Change in fair value (from prior
year-end
to Covered
Year-end)
of equity awards outstanding at Covered
Year-end
that were granted prior to Covered Year
(1,691,860)
+/- Change in fair value (from prior
year-end
to vest date in Covered Year) of equity awards granted prior to Covered Year that vested in Covered Year
(185,278)
+ Includable dividend equivalents paid or accrued on equity awards during Covered Year
143,901
TOTAL ADDED (DEDUCTED)
(3,083,521)
For
Non-PEO
Named Executive Officers (Average):
- Summary Compensation Table “Stock Awards” column value
(1,179,540)
+ Covered
Year-end
fair value of outstanding equity awards granted in Covered Year
985,781
+/- Change in fair value (from prior
year-end
to Covered
Year-end)
of equity awards outstanding at Covered
Year-end
that were granted prior to Covered Year
(173,144)
+/- Change in fair value (from prior
year-end
to vest date in Covered Year) of equity awards granted prior to Covered Year that vested in Covered Year
(6,249)
+ Includable dividend equivalents paid or accrued on equity awards during Covered Year
16,921
TOTAL ADDED (DEDUCTED)
(356,231)
Please note that while similar adjustment information was provided in our 2023 proxy statement for Covered Years 2020, 2021 and 2022, under applicable SEC guidance, repeating such adjustment information is not required in this Proxy Statement because in our view it is not material to our shareholders’ understanding of the information reported in the PVP Table for 2023 or the relationships disclosures provided below.
(3)
For each Covered Year, our absolute TSR was calculated based on the yearly percentage change in our cumulative TSR on our common shares, par value $0.10 per share, measured as the quotient of (a) the sum of (i) the cumulative amount of dividends for the period beginning with our closing share price on the NYSE on December 31, 2019 through and including the last day of the Covered Year (each
one-year,
two-year,
three-year and four-year period, a “Measurement Period”), assuming dividend reinvestment, plus (ii) the difference between our closing share price at the end versus the beginning of the Measurement Period, divided by (b) our closing share price at the beginning of the Measurement Period. Each of these yearly percentage changes was then applied to a deemed fixed investment of $100 at the beginning of each Measurement Period to produce the Covered
Year-end
values of such investment as of the end of 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, as applicable. Because Covered Years are presented in the table in reverse chronical order (from top to bottom), the table should be read from bottom to top for purposes of understanding cumulative returns over time.
(4)
For purposes of this PVP disclosure, our peer group is the FTSE NAREIT Equity Shopping Centers Index (the “PVP Peer Group”). For each Covered Year, the PVP Peer Group cumulative TSR was calculated based on a deemed fixed investment of $100 in the index through each Measurement Period, assuming dividend reinvestment.
(5)
In thousands. These net income results were calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
(6)
For purposes of this PVP Table, our Operating Funds From Operations per share were calculated substantially as described above in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2023 Compensation Program—Annual Incentive Compensation Design” for more information on the calculation of Operating Funds From Operations per share.
 SITE Centers Corp.
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 2024 Proxy Statement
51

2023 Tabular List
The following Tabular List provides what we believe are the most important financial performance measures we used to link compensation for our PEO and
Non-PEO
PVP NEOs for 2023 to our performance for 2023:
TABULAR LIST
PERFORMANCE MEASURE
PERFORMANCE MEASURE TYPE
Operating Funds From Operations per share
Financial
Relative Total Shareholder Return
Financial
Descriptions of Relationships Between CAP and Certain Financial Performance Measure Results
The following charts provide, across the Covered Years, a description of the relationships between (1) our cumulative TSR and the
cumulative
TSR for the PVP Peer Group reflected in the PVP Table above and (2) PEO CAP and the financial performance measures results set
forth
in columns (f), (h) and (i) of the PVP Table above and (3) average
Non-PEO
PVP NEO CAP and the financial performance measures results set forth in columns (f), (h) and (i) of the PVP Table above.
LOGO
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 SITE Centers Corp.
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 SITE Centers Corp.
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53



7.8. Proposal Three:Four: Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Ourthe

Company’s Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

 

Proposal Summary and Board Recommendation

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm in 20152023 and is expected to be retainedhas been selected by our Audit Committee to do so in 2016.2024. Our Board has directed that management submit the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, be available to respond to appropriate questions and have an opportunity to make a statement, if desired.

Shareholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our Amended and Restated Code of Regulations or otherwise. However, our Board is seeking ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as a matter of good corporate practice. If the shareholders do not approve the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, then the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain the firm. In such event, the Audit Committee may retain PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, notwithstanding the fact that the shareholders did not approve the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, or select another nationally recognized accounting firm without re-submitting the matter to the shareholders. Even if the shareholders ratify PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee reserves the right in its discretion to select a different nationally recognized accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

 

 

BOARD RECOMMENDATION:

For” Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopersFOR” RATIFICATION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmAS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Fees Paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

The following table presents fees for services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the years ended December 31, 20152023 and 2014.2022:

 

Type of Fees  2015 ($)   2014 ($) 
TYPE OF FEES  2023 ($)  2022 ($)
Audit fees(1)   2,355,473     2,291,053  
Audit-related fees(2)   515,820     488,220  
Tax fees(3)   287,722     343,188  
All other fees(4)   1,944     1,944  
Total:   3,160,959     3,124,405  

Total

        

 

(1)

Audit fees consisted principally of fees for the audit of our financial statements, as well as audit-related tax services and registration statement-related services performed pursuant to SEC filing requirements. Of these amounts, the fees for the registration statement-related services were $156,095 and $39,804 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.statements.

 

(2)

Audit-related fees consisted of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” Such audit-related fees consisted solely of fees for separate entityaudit-related services and joint venture audits. Several of our joint venture agreements and loan agreements require the engagement of an independent registered public accounting firmregistration statement-related services performed pursuant to perform audit-related services.SEC filing requirements.

 

(3)

Tax fees consisted ofincluded fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax consulting services.services, including those of unconsolidated joint ventures at 100%. The fees for all tax compliance services, including unconsolidated joint ventures, were $364,585 and $265,208 for 20152023 and 2014 were $243,962 and $243,724,2022, respectively. Such tax compliance fees consisted solely of fees for separate entity and joint venture tax reviews.

 

(4)

All other fees consisted of fees billed for other products and services. The fees billed in 2015 and 2014 primarily related to software licensing for accounting and professional standards.fees.

 

54 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement

46    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement



Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and PermissibleNon-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

The Audit Committee has a policy for the pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services pursuant to which the Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee pre-approves specifically described audit and permissible non-audit services, and periodically grants general pre-approval of categories of audit and permissible non-audit services up to specified cost thresholds. Any services exceeding pre-approved cost levels must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee. All of the services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP under the categories “Audit-related fees,” “Tax fees”fees,” and “All other fees” described above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

Auditor Independence

The Audit Committee believes that the non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are compatible with maintaining PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s independence.

Audit Committee Report

In accordance with its written charter adopted by ourthe Board, the Audit Committee assists ourthe Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of ourthe accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices.practices of the Company. The Audit Committee meets at least quarterly to review quarterly or annual financial information prior to its release and inclusion in SEC filings. As part of each meeting, the Audit Committee has the opportunity to meet independently with management and our independent registered public accounting firm.

In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm any relationships that may impact its objectivity and independence, and has satisfied itself as to the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm all communications required by generally accepted auditing standards, including the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 16, “Communication with Audit Committees,” as adopted byapplicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.Board and the SEC.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2015,2023, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Management has the responsibility for the preparation of ourthe Company’s financial statements, and the independent registered public accounting firm has the responsibility for the examination of those statements.

Based on the above-described review and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to ourthe Board that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in itsthe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, for filing2023 filed with the SEC.

Audit Committee

Scott D. Roulston,Jane E. DeFlorio, Chair

James C. BolandLinda B. Abraham

Robert H. GidelTerrance R. Ahern

Dawn M. Sweeney

 

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8.9. Corporate Governance and Other Matters

 

Codes of Ethics

Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers

We have a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to the senior financial officers of the Company, including, among others, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer,CEO, CFO, CAO, Controller, Treasurer, and Chief Internal Auditor who we collectively refer to as(collectively, our senior“senior financial officers.officers”). Among other matters, this code requires our senior financial officers:officers to:

 

 

 

To actAct with honesty and integrity and ethically handle all actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

 

To endeavorEndeavor to provide information that is full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable in all reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and other public filings or communications we make;

 

 

To endeavorEndeavor to comply faithfully with all laws, rules and regulations of federal, state and local governments and all applicable private or public regulatory agencies as well as all applicable professional codes of conduct;

 

 

To notNot knowingly or recklessly misrepresent material facts or allow their independent judgment to be compromised;

 

 

To notNot use for personal advantage confidential information acquired in the course of their employment;

 

 

To proactivelyProactively promote ethical behavior among peers and subordinates in the workplace; and

 

 

To promptlyPromptly report any violation or suspected violation of this code in accordance with our Reporting and Non-Retaliation Policy and, if appropriate, directly to the Audit Committee.

Only the Audit Committee or our Board, including a majority of the independent Directors, may waive any provision of this code with respect to a senior financial officer. Any such waiver or any amendment to this code will be promptly disclosed on our website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K, as required by applicable rulerules or regulation.regulations. This code is posted on our website,www.ddr.comwww.sitecenters.com, under “Governance” in the “Investors” section.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We also have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that addresses our commitment to honesty, integrity and the ethical behavior of our employees, officers and Directors. This code governs the actions and working relationships of our employees, officers and Directors with current and potential tenants, vendors, contractors, fellow employees, competitors, vendors, government and self-regulatoryregulatory agencies and officials, potential or actual joint venture partners, third-party consultants, investors, the public, the media and anyone else with whom we have or may have contact.conduct business. Employees are required to review and acknowledge our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on a periodic basis in connection with their completion of certain compliance training modules. Only our Board or the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceESG Committee may waive any provision of this code with respect to an executive officer or Director. Any such waiver or any amendment to this code will be promptly disclosed on our website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K, as required by applicable rulerules or regulation.regulations. The Company’s Corporate Compliance Officer may waive any provision of this code with respect to all other employees. This code is posted on our website,www.ddr.comwww.sitecenters.com, under “Governance” in the “Investors” section.

 

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Reporting and Non-Retaliation Policy

We are committed to honesty, integrity and ethical behavior and have adopted a Reporting and Non-Retaliation Policy. The purpose of the policy is to encourage all employees to disclose any alleged wrongdoing that may adversely impact us, our tenants, shareholders, fellow employees, investors, or the public at large without fear of retaliation. The policy sets forth procedures for the reporting by employees and interested third parties of alleged financial (including auditing, accounting, and internal control matters) and non-financial wrongdoing by employees on a confidential and anonymous basis, and by other interested third parties, and a process for investigating such reported acts of alleged wrongdoing and retaliation. Reports concerning alleged wrongdoing may be made directly to our Corporate Compliance Officer, Eric C. Cotton, our Audit Committee Chair, Scott D. Roulston, or to NAVEX Global, Compliance Services, an independent third-party service retained on our behalf. An inquiry or investigation is then initiated by the Corporate Compliance Officer or the Audit Committee Chair to determine if the report can be sustained or has merit.Chair. The results of all investigations concerning wrongdoing are reviewed quarterly by the Corporate Compliance Officer and the Chair of the Audit Committee. Reports of all material matters are reported to our Board by the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Corporate Compliance Officer in a timely manner and, in no event, less than once per year. This policy is posted on our website,www.ddr.comwww.sitecenters.com, under “Governance” in the “Investors”“Investor Relations” section.

Policy Regarding Related-Party Transactions

We have a written policy regarding the review and approval of related-party transactions. A proposed transaction between us and certain parties enumerated in the policy must be submitted to the Executive Vice President andour General Counsel. The policy applies to our Directors, nominees for Directors, officers, and employees; subsidiaries and joint venture partners; significant shareholders (generally holding as a beneficial owner 5%Counsel or more of our voting securities) of us or of our subsidiaries or joint venture partners; family members (such as spouse, parent, stepparent, children, stepchildren, sibling, mother or father-in-law, son or daughter-in-law or sister or brother-in-law of such person or anyone residing in such person’s home) and close friends of Directors, nominees for Directors, officers, employees or significant shareholders; entities in which a Director, nominee for Director, officer or employee (or a family member or close friend of such person) has a significant interest or holds an employment, management or board position; provided, however, ownership of less than 1% of a publicly-traded entity will not be deemed a significant interest; trusts for the benefit of employees, such as profit-sharing, deferred compensation or retirement fund trusts, that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; or any other party who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or under common control with us (or its subsidiaries) (“control” means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of an entity through ownership, contract or otherwise).Corporate Compliance Officer. The relationship of the parties and the terms of the proposed transaction, among other things, are reviewed by the Nominating andour General Counsel or Corporate Governance CommitteeCompliance Officer to determine if the proposed transaction would constitute a related-party transaction. If the committee determines that the proposed transaction would be amaterial related-party transaction, in which case it is reported to the Nominating and ESG Committee prior to its approval. The Nominating and ESG Committee will make a recommendation to our Board.then determine whether the transaction requires its approval. All material related-party transactions, whether or not those transactions must be disclosed under federal securities laws, are subject to prior approval by our BoardNominating and ESG Committee pursuant to the policypolicy.

Engagement of Marsh USA LLC for Insurance Brokerage Services

In preparation for the renewal of the Company’s property insurance and reviewed annuallygeneral liability insurance coverages on January 1, 2024, the Company requested proposals from several insurance brokerage firms and held related meetings during 2023. Following these interviews, the Company selected Marsh USA LLC, an affiliate of Marsh & McLennan Cos. (“Marsh”), to serve as its broker for the placement of its property and liability coverages based on Marsh’s proposed strategy for the Company’s renewal and its reputation within the real estate industry. The brother-in-law of our Chief Financial Officer is an employee of Marsh. In connection with the Audit Committee.

placement of the Company’s property and liability insurance policies on January 1, 2024, the Company indirectly paid Marsh approximately $1,135,000 in brokerage commissions in January 2024. The Company has been advised that Marsh paid our Chief Financial Officer’s brother-in-law a one-time bonus of approximately $179,625 in connection with the Company’s engagement of Marsh.

 

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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common shares as of March 7, 2016,February 21, 2024, except as otherwise disclosed in the notes below, by each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding common shares based on a review of filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise described in the following notes, the following beneficial owners have sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to all common shares set forth opposite their respective names.

MORE THAN 5% OWNERS  

AMOUNT AND NATURE OF

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON SHARES

  

PERCENTAGE

OWNERSHIP (%)(6)

Blackrock, Inc.

    35,084,454(1)     16.8

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

    30,339,767(2)     14.5

Alexander Otto

    19,612,747(3)     9.4

FMR LLC

    16,699,390(4)     8.0

State Street Corporation

    11,984,263(5)     5.7
       

 

More Than 5% OwnersAmount and Nature of    
Beneficial Ownership of Common Shares    
(1)
 

Percentage

Ownership (%)

Cohen & Steers,According to a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 22, 2024 by BlackRock, Inc.64,347,353(1)17.6
, BlackRock, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 35,084,454 common shares and has sole voting power over 33,009,147 common shares and sole dispositive power over 35,084,454 common shares. The Otto Family57,425,241(2)15.7
The Vanguard Group, Inc.43,681,552(3)12.0
FMR LLC25,716,332(4)7.0
Daiwa Asset Management Co. Ltd24,049,134(5)6.6
Vanguard Specialized Funds22,173,442(6)6.1address for this reporting person is 50 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 10001.

 

(1)(2)

According to a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 16, 201613, 2024 by Cohen & Steers,The Vanguard Group, Inc., Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. and Cohen & Steers UK Limited, Cohen & Steers,The Vanguard Group, Inc. is the beneficial owner of and has sole dispositive power over, 64,347,35330,339,767 common shares and has sole voting power over 35,790,2230 common shares. According to the report, each of Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. and Cohen & Steers UK Limited is the beneficial owner of, and hasshares, shared voting power over 293,007 common shares, sole dispositive power over 63,466,666 and 880,68729,843,443 common shares respectively, and sole votingshared dispositive power over 35,298,353 and 491,870496,324 common shares, respectively.shares. The address for Cohen & Steers, Inc. and Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc.this reporting person is 280 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10017. The address for Cohen & Steers UK Limited is 21 Sackville Street, 4th Floor, London, United Kingdom W1S 3DN.100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

 

(2)(3)

According to a Form 4 filed with the SEC on June 24, 2015February 20, 2024 and Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on May 13, 2015 byNovember 17, 2022, Alexander Otto and Katharina Otto-Bernstein, each of Alexander Otto and Katharina Otto-Bernstein was the beneficial owner of, and had sole voting and sole dispositive power over, 41,669,736 and 15,755,50519,612,747 common shares, respectively.shares. The address for thesethis reporting persons is c/o Dennis O. Garris,David A. Brown, Alston & Bird LLP, 950 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20004.

 

(3)(4)

According to a report on Schedule 13G/A13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2016 by The Vanguard Group, Inc., The Vanguard Group, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 43,681,552 common shares and has sole voting power over 672,893 common shares, shared voting power over 246,764 common shares, sole dispositive power over 43,211,693 common shares and shared dispositive power over 469,859 common shares. According to the report, Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company is the beneficial owner of, and directs the voting over, 200,014 common shares as a result of it serving as investment manager of collective trust accounts, and Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd. is the beneficial owner of, and directs the voting over, 742,724 common shares as a result of it serving as investment manager of Australian investment offerings. The address for this reporting person is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

(4)According to a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 20169, 2024 by FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson, FMR LLC is the beneficial owner of, and has sole dispositive power over, 25,716,33216,699,390 common shares and has sole voting power over 17,221,465 common shares. According to the report, Abigail P. Johnson is the beneficial owner of, and each has sole dispositive power over, 25,716,33215,972,948 common shares. According to the report, members of Ms. Johnson’s family may be deemed to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The address for FMR LLC and Ms. Johnson is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

 

(5)According to a report on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 27, 2016 by Daiwa Asset Management Co. Ltd., Daiwa Asset Management Co. Ltd., is the beneficial owner of 24,049,134 common shares and has sole voting power over 24,049,134 common shares, sole dispositive power over 11,458 common shares and shared voting power over 24,037,676 common shares. The address for this reporting person is GranTokyo North Tower 9-1 Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 100-6753.

(6)

According to a report on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2016January 29, 2024 by Vanguard Specialized Funds.State Street Corporation, State Street Corporation is the beneficial owner of 11,984,263 common shares and has sole voting power over 0 common shares, shared voting power over 9,510,275 common shares, sole dispositive power over 0 common shares and shared dispositive power over 11,965,263 common shares. The address for this reporting person is 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.State Street Financial Center, One Congress Street, Suite 1, Boston MA 02114-2016.

 

(6)

Percentages are calculated based on 209,357,377 of our common shares outstanding as of February 21, 2024.

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Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceReports

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our Directors, executive officers, and owners of more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC and the NYSE initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common shares and other equity securities. Executive officers, Directors and owners of more than 10% of our common shares are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all forms they file pursuant to Section 16(a).

To our knowledge, based solely on our review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2023, all officers, Directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners filed the required reports on a timely basis.

Shareholder Proposals for 2017 Annual Meeting

Any shareholder proposals intended to be presented at our 20172025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

In order to be included in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting, a shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must be received in writing by our Secretary at 3300 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 no later than December 3, 2024, assuming the 2025 Annual Meeting is not advanced or delayed by more than 30 calendar days from the date of the first anniversary of the 2024 Annual Meeting, and otherwise comply with all requirements of the SEC for shareholder proposals.

If an eligible shareholder, or a group of up to 20 eligible shareholders, desires to have a Director nomination included in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting, such nomination shall conform to the applicable requirements in

58 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


the Company’s Code of Regulations and any applicable regulations of the SEC concerning the submission and content of Director nominations for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement, and must be received by our Secretary at 3300 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 onno earlier than November 3, 2024 and no later than December 3, 2024, assuming the 2025 Annual Meeting is not advanced more than 30 calendar days and not delayed by more than 60 calendar days of the date of the first anniversary of the 2024 Annual Meeting.

In addition, the Company’s Code of Regulations provides that any shareholder who desires to make a Director nomination or before December 1, 2016, for inclusiona proposal of other business at an annual meeting without including the nomination or proposal in our Proxy Statement and formthe Company’s proxy statement must give timely written notice of proxy relatingthe proposal to the 2017Company’s Secretary. To be timely, the notice must be delivered to the above address not less than 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Company’s proxy statement was released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders. In the event the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 calendar days of the date of the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, the notice must be received not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th calendar day prior to such annual meeting and the tenth calendar day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is first made. Therefore, to be timely, any such proposal or nomination for the 2025 Annual Meeting must be received no later than December 3, 2024. The notice must also provide certain information required by the Company’s Code of Shareholders.Regulations.

In addition to satisfying the requirements under the Company’s Code of Regulations, to comply with the universal proxy rules, shareholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of Director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act (including a statement that such shareholder intends to solicit the holders of shares representing at least 67% of the voting power of the Company’s shares entitled to vote on the election of Directors in support of Director nominees other than the Company’s) no later than March 9, 2025. If the date of the 2025 Annual Meeting is changed by more than 30 calendar days from the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, then notice must be provided by the later of 60 calendar days prior to the date of the 2025 Annual Meeting or the tenth calendar day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2025 Annual Meeting is first made by the Company. As to any proposal that a shareholder intends to present to shareholders other than by inclusion in our Proxy Statementproxy statement for our 2017the 2025 Annual Meeting, of Shareholders, the proxies named in management’s proxy for that meeting will be entitled to exercise their discretionary voting authority on that proposal unless we receive notice of the matter to be proposed not later than February 14, 2017.15, 2025. Even if proper notice is received on or prior to February 14, 2017,15, 2025, the proxies named in our proxy for that meeting may nevertheless exercise their discretionary authority with respect to such matter by advising shareholders of that proposal and how they intend to exercise their discretion to vote on such matter, unless the shareholder making the proposal solicits proxies with respect to the proposal to the extent required by Rule 14a-4(c)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.Act.

Householding

Householding

The SEC permits a single set of annual reports and Proxy Statements to be sent to any household at which two or more shareholders reside if they appear to be members of the same family. Each shareholder continues to receive a separate Proxy Card. This procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate information shareholders receive and reduces mailing and printing costs. A number of brokerage firms have instituted householding. Only one copy of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying annual report will be sent to certain beneficial shareholders who share a single address, unless any shareholder residing at that address gave contrary instructions.

If any beneficial shareholder residing at such an address desires at this time or in the future to receive a separate copy of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying annual report or if any such shareholder who currently receives a separate Proxy Statement and annual report and would like to receive only a single set in the future, the shareholder should provide such instructions to us by calling Matthew Lougee, Senior Vice President of Finance,Conor Fennerty, Chief Financial Officer, at (216) 755-5500, or by writing to DDRSITE Centers Corp., Attn. Investor Relations, at 3300 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122.

Other Matters

Shareholders and other interested parties may send written communications to our Board or the non-management Directors as a group by mailing them to our Board, c/o David E. Weiss,Corporate Secretary, DDRSITE Centers Corp., 3300 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122. All communications will be forwarded to our Board or the non-management Directors as a group, as applicable.

 

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9.10. Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why did you send me this Proxy Statement?

The Company sent you this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 2023 Annual Report, which includes our financial statements, and Proxy Card because our Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at our 20162024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Meeting. This Proxy Statement summarizes information you need to know in order to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be held

Who is entitled to vote at our corporate offices, 3333 Richmond Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, on May 10, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., local time. For information regarding directions to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, please contact Matthew Lougee, Senior Vice President of Finance, at (216) 755-5500 or at 3300 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122.Meeting?

However, you do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may vote by telephone, over the Internet, or by completing and mailing the accompanying Proxy Card. Shareholders who owned our common shares at the close of business on March 15, 2016,2024, the record date for the Annual Meeting, are entitled to vote. On the record date, there were approximately 365,305,587209,543,741 common shares outstanding. Our 2015

How do I attend and vote at the virtual Annual Report, which includes our financial statements, also accompanies this Proxy Statement.Meeting?

Who is soliciting my proxy?The Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast. You will not be able to physically attend the Annual Meeting in person. The online meeting will begin promptly on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

This solicitationAttending the Annual Meeting as a Shareholder of proxies is made by and on behalfRecord. If you were a holder of record (i.e., you held your shares in your own name as reflected in the records of our Board. We will bear the costtransfer agent, Computershare) of common shares of the solicitationCompany at the close of proxies. In additionbusiness on the record date, you will be able to participate in the Annual Meeting, vote electronically and submit questions during the live webcast of the meeting, without advance registration. You can access the meeting by visiting www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4 and entering the 15-digit control number on the Proxy Card or Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials sent to you.

Registering to Attend the Annual Meeting as a Beneficial Owner. If you were a beneficial holder of common shares of the Company at the close of business on the record date (i.e. you held your shares in “street name” through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker), you must register in advance to participate in the Annual Meeting, vote electronically and submit questions during the live webcast of the meeting. To register in advance, you must obtain a legal proxy from the bank, broker or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares. The legal proxy must also include the number of common shares you own in the Company. You must forward a copy of the legal proxy, along with your email address, to Computershare. Requests for registration should be directed to Computershare by email at legalproxy@computershare.com no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on Friday, May 3, 2024. You will receive a confirmation of your registration, with a control number, by email from Computershare. At the time of the meeting, go to www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4 and enter your control number.

Attending the Annual Meeting as a Guest. If you would like to enter the meeting as a guest in listen-only mode, you should access the meeting center at www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4, click on the “Guest” tab and then enter the information requested on the following screen. Please note you will not have the ability to ask questions or vote during the meeting if you participate as a guest.

Voting Shares. If you have a control number as discussed above, you will be able to vote your shares electronically during the Annual Meeting by clicking on the “Vote” tab on the meeting center site.

Once you submit your proxy, there is no need to vote at the Annual Meeting unless you wish to change or revoke your vote. Whether or not you plan to participate in the live webcast of the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote and submit your proxy in advance of the meeting by one of the methods described in the question below titled “How do I vote by proxy?”.

60 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


Asking Questions; Rules of Conduct. If you are a shareholder of record or if you have registered with Computershare as a beneficial owner in accordance with the process described above, you may submit questions before or during the Annual Meeting by accessing the meeting center at www.meetnow.global/MF72XG4, entering your control number and clicking on the “Q&A” tab in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Questions pertinent to Annual Meeting matters will be answered during the Annual Meeting, subject to time constraints and in accordance with our rules of conduct for the Annual Meeting. Questions regarding matters that are not pertinent to the solicitation of proxies by mail, certain of our employees may solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, or email. Those employeesAnnual Meeting will not receive any additional compensation for their participation inbe answered.

Technical Support. If you encounter technical difficulties accessing the solicitation. We retained Georgeson, Inc.,virtual meeting platform or during the Annual Meeting, please contact Computershare Shareholder Services at an estimated cost of $11,500, plus reimbursement of expenses, to assist in the solicitation of proxies from brokers, nominees, institutions and individuals.1-888-724-2416.

How many votes do I have?

You areEach common share of the Company outstanding on the record date is entitled to one vote on each item submitted to shareholders for each of our common shares that you owned on the record date.their consideration. The accompanying Proxy Card indicates the number of shares that you owned on the record date.

If written notice is given by any shareholder to our President, any Vice President or the Secretary at least 48 hours before the Annual Meeting that the shareholder desires that cumulative voting be used for the election of Directors, and if an announcement of the giving of that notice is made when the Annual Meeting is convened by the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary, or by or on behalf of the shareholder giving such notice, then each shareholder will Our shareholders do not have the right to cumulate the voting power that the shareholder possessestheir votes in the election of Directors. This means that each shareholder will be able to give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of Directors to be elected multiplied by the number of common shares owned by such shareholder, or to distribute the shareholder’s votes on the same principle among two or more candidates, as the shareholder may elect.

If voting for the election of Directors is cumulative, the persons named in the accompanying Proxy Card will vote the common shares represented by proxies given to them in such manner so as to elect as many of the nominees named in this Proxy Statement as possible.

52    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement


How do I vote by proxy?

Shareholders of record may vote either by completing, properly signing, and returning the accompanying Proxy Card via mail, by telephone, or over the Internet, or by attending and voting at the Annual Meeting. If you properly complete and timely return your Proxy Card or properly and timely follow the telephone or Internet voting instructions described below, your proxy (meaning one of the individuals named in the Proxy Card) will vote your shares as you have directed, provided however, if you do not indicate specific choices as to your vote, your proxy will vote your shares as recommended by our Board:

 

 

FOR“FOR” the election of Linda B. Abraham, Terrance R. Ahern, Thomas F. August, Thomas Finne, Robert H. Gidel,Jane E. DeFlorio, David R. Lukes, Victor B. MacFarlane, David J. Oakes, Alexander Otto, Scott D. Roulston, and Barry A. Sholem and Dawn M. Sweeney, as Directors;

 

FOR“FOR” the authorization of the Board to effect, in its discretion, a reverse stock split of the Company’s common shares and adoption of a corresponding amendment to the Articles of Incorporation;

“FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers; and

 

FOR“FOR” the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

Shareholders of record (i.e., shareholders with shares held in an account with our transfer agent) may vote by calling 1-800-652-8683 or over the Internet by accessing the following website:www.investorvote.com/ddrsitc. Voting instructions, including your shareholder account number and personal proxy control number, are contained on the accompanying Proxy Card. Those shareholders of record who choose to vote by telephone or over the Internet must do so by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 9, 2016.prior to the commencement of the Annual Meeting.

A number of banks and brokerage firms participate in a program that also permits shareholders whose shares are held in “street name” to direct their vote by telephone or over the Internet. If your shares are held in an account at a bank or brokerage firm that participates in such a program, you may direct the vote of these shares by telephone or over the Internet by following the voting instructions enclosed with the Proxy Cardvoting instruction form from the bank or brokerage firm. The Internet and telephone proxy procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities, to allow shareholders to give their proxy voting instructions, and to confirm that those instructions have been properly recorded. Votes directed by telephone or over the Internet through such a program must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 9, 2016.7, 2024.

If any other matter is presented at the Annual Meeting, your proxy will vote your shares in accordance with his or her discretion and best judgment. AsThe Company did not receive any notice of a shareholder proposal to be presented at the Annual Meeting by December 5, 2023, the deadline pursuant to the advance notice provision of the Company’s Code of Regulations, and as of the date of this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any matter to be acted on at the Annual Meeting other than those matters described in this Proxy Statement.

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement61


May I revoke my proxy?

YouIf you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke or change your proxyvote at any time before itthe proxy is exercised by giving writtenfiling a notice to us atof revocation with our principal executive offices located at 3300 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, by submitting to usSecretary, mailing a duly executedsigned Proxy Card bearing a later date, submitting your proxy again by telephone or over the Internet or by giving notice to us in open meeting. It is important to note thatvoting online at the Annual Meeting. The powers of the proxy holders will be suspended if you vote your presenceshares at the Annual Meeting, without any further action on your part,although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke youra previously granted proxy.

If you hold your shares beneficially in “street name,” you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your brokerage firm or bank or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your brokerage firm or bank giving you the right to vote your shares, by forwarding a copy of the legal proxy, along with your email address, to Computershare in order to obtain a control number and then using that control number to access and vote at the Annual Meeting.

Who is soliciting my proxy?

This solicitation of proxies is made by and on behalf of our Board. We will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, certain of our employees may solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, or email. Those employees will not receive any additional compensation for their participation in the solicitation. We retained Georgeson, Inc., at an estimated cost of $16,000, plus reimbursement of expenses, to assist in the solicitation of proxies from brokers, nominees, institutions, and individuals.

Can I receive this Proxy Statementthese proxy materials by email in the future?

Yes. By doing so, you are reducing the impact on the environment and helping to save the Company the costs and expenses of preparing and mailing theseproxy materials. If you are a registered shareholder with your shares held in an account at our transfer agent, visitwww.computershare.com/investor to create a login and to enroll. You may revoke your election to receive materials by email and instead receive a paper copy via mail at any time by visiting this website. If you hold your shares through a bank or broker, please refer to the information provided by that institution for instructions on how to elect to receive future proxy statements and annual reports over the Internet and how to change your delivery instructions.

DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement    53


What constitutes a quorum?

The presence at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the aggregate number of our common shares issued and outstanding on the record date will represent a quorum permitting the conduct of business at the meeting. Proxy Cards that we receive marked as abstentions or broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum.

62 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement


What vote is required to approve each proposal assuming that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting?

 

  

Proposal One:

Election of Eight Directors

  

To be elected, Directors must receive a majority of the votes cast (i.e.(i.e., the number of shares voted “FOR”“For” a Director nominee must exceed the number of votes cast “AGAINST”“Against” that Director nominee). Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be considered votes cast at the Annual Meeting and will be excluded in determining the number of votes cast at the Annual Meeting.

 

 

Proposal Two:

Authorization of the Board to Effect, in its Discretion, a Reverse Stock Split of the Company’s Common Shares and the Adoption of a Corresponding Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation

Approval of this proposal will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding common shares. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as votes cast against the proposal.

Proposal Three:

Approval, on an Advisory Basis, of the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers

  

This vote is advisory only and therefore is not binding on us or our Board. However, the Board and Executivethe Compensation Committee of the Board will review the results of the vote and will consider the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on this Proposal to be approval by the shareholders of the compensation of our named executive officers. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be considered votes cast at the Annual Meeting and will be excluded in determining the number of votes cast at the Annual Meeting.

 

 

Proposal Three:Four:

Ratification of

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Ourthe Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  

Although our independent registered public accounting firm may be selected by the Audit Committee of our Board without shareholder approval, the Audit Committee will consider the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on this Proposal to be a ratification by the shareholders of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Abstentions will not be considered votes cast at the Annual Meeting and will be excluded in determining the number of votes cast at the Annual Meeting.

 

For shareholders who hold their common shares in “street name” through banks or brokeragesbrokerage firms and do not instruct their bank or broker how to vote, the bank or brokerage firm will not vote such shares for Proposals One, Two or Two,Three resulting in broker non-votes with respect to such shares.As a result, it is important that shareholders vote their shares.

By order of the Board of Directors,

DAVID E. WEISSAARON M. KITLOWSKI

Secretary

Dated: April 2, 2024

 SITE Centers Corp.ï 2024 Proxy Statement63


Annex A

Dated: March 31, 2016

AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

 

54    DDR Corp.ï  2016 Proxy Statement

FOURTH: The authorized number of shares of the Corporation is 311,000,000 [], consisting of 300,000,00 []common shares, $0.10 par value per share (hereinafter called “Common Shares”), 750,000 Class A Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class A Shares”), 750,000 Class B Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class B Shares”), 750,000 Class C Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class C Shares”), 750,000 Class D Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class D Shares”), 750,000 Class E Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class E Shares”), 750,000 Class F Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class F Shares”), 750,000 Class G Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class G Shares”), 750,000 Class H Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class H Shares”), 750,000 Class I Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class I Shares”), 750,000 Class J Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class J Shares”), 750,000 Class K Cumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Class K Shares”), 750,000 Noncumulative Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Noncumulative Shares”), and 2,000,000 Cumulative Voting Preferred Shares, without par value (hereinafter called “Voting Preferred Shares”). The Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class D Shares, Class E Shares, Class F Shares, Class G Shares, Class H Shares, Class I Shares, Class J Shares, Class K Shares and Voting Preferred Shares are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Cumulative Shares.”

Effective as of 5:00 p.m. [] [a.m./p.m.], Eastern Time, on May 18, 2018[Effective Time to be determined] (the “Effective Time”), each two[]1 of the Common Shares issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation as treasury stock shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the Corporation or the respective holders thereof, be combined and converted into one Common Share. Each outstanding share certificate that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented one or more Common Share shall, thereafter, automatically and without the necessity of surrendering the same for exchange, represent the number of whole Common Shares equal to the product of (x) the number of Common Shares represented by such certificate immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) one half[]2, rounded down to the nearest whole integer; and Common Shares held in uncertificated form shall be treated in the same manner. No fractional shares shall be issued in connection with such combination and conversion and, in lieu thereof, any holder of less than one Common Share shall, upon due surrender to the Corporation, be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to its pro rata portion of the net proceeds of the open market sale of all fractional Common Shares that would otherwise be issued, aggregated into whole Common Shares, at prevailing market prices.

At the Effective Time, the stated capital of the Common Shares shall be reduced proportionately to the reduction in the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares.

DIVISION A

[…]

1

To be a whole number of our common shares between and including two and ten. If the reverse stock split proposal is approved by shareholders, the amendment to our Articles of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio will include only that reverse stock split ratio determined by the Board to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

2

To reflect the final ratio determined by the Board within the range proposed to our shareholders.

A-1


 

 

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Using ablack inkpen, mark your votes with anXas shown in this example.  Please do not write outside the designated areas. xLOGO  

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Electronic Voting Instructions

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy.

VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR.

Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 9, 2016.

 

LOGO     

 Annual Meeting Proxy Card

  

Vote by Internet

•  Go towww.investorvote.com/ddr

•  Or scan the QR code with your smartphone

•  Follow the steps outlined on the secure website

Vote by telephone

Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone

Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message

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q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION,VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

 

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 A 

 Proposals The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR all the director nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 3.

4. 

+

1.

Election of Directors:ForAgainstAbstainForAgainstAbstainForAgainstAbstain

 

 

Election of Eight Directors:

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ForAgainstAbstainForAgainstAbstainForAgainstAbstain

01 - Linda B. Abraham

02 - Terrance R. Ahern

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

02 - Thomas F. August

¨

¨

¨

 

 

03 - Thomas FinneJane E. DeFlorio

 04 - David R. Lukes

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

¨

04 - Robert H. Gidel

 

 

¨

 

 

¨05 -  Victor B. MacFarlane

 

 

¨

 

 

05 - Victor B. MacFarlane

 

 

¨

¨

¨

 

 

06 - David J. Oakes

¨

¨

¨

07 - Alexander Otto

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

08 - Scott D. Roulston

¨

¨

¨

09 07 - Barry A. Sholem

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

08 -  Dawn M. Sweeney

 

  For Against Abstain   For Against Abstain

 

2.

 

 

Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

3.

 

 

Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

  For Against Abstain      For Against Abstain

 

2.

 

 

Authorization of the Company’s Board of Directors to Effect, in its Discretion, a Reverse Stock Split of the Company’s Common Shares and Adoption of a Corresponding Amendment to the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

 

 

 

Approval, on an Advisory Basis, of the Compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

 

Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 B 

 Non-Voting Items
Change of Address— Please print new address below.Comments— Please print your comments below.

Authorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. Date and Sign Belowsign below.

NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.

 

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below.

 Signature 1  Please keep signature within the box. 

Signature 2  Please keep signature within the box.

   /  /

1 U P X    6 0 4 1 8 2

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    03XVIB     

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Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2016.8, 2024.

The DDRSITE Centers Corp. 20162024 Proxy Statement and the 20152023 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at:www.proxydocs.com/ddrsitc

q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION,VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q

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Proxy — DDR CORP.

Proxy – SITE Centers Corp.

 

Annual Meeting of Shareholders - May 10, 20168, 2024

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

The undersigned hereby appoints Luke J. Petherbridge, David E. WeissConor M. Fennerty and Christa A. Vesy,Aaron M. Kitlowski, and each of them, with power to act without the others and with power of substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as provided on the other side, all the DDRSITE Centers Corp. Common Shares that the undersigned is entitled to vote, and, in their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held May 10, 20168, 2024 or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all powers which the undersigned would possess if present at the Annual Meeting.

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE ELECTION OF ALL DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND “FOR” ITEMSPROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 3.4.

If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card. To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed on the other side)

If voting by mail, complete sections A and C and, if applicable, B on the reverse side of this card.