UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.    )

 

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒                 Filed by a Partyparty other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

 Preliminary Proxy Statement
 Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule14a-6(e)(2))
 Definitive Proxy Statement
 Definitive Additional Materials
 Soliciting Material Pursuant tounder §§240.14a-12

 

 

LOGO

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 No fee required.required
 Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules14a-6(i)(1) and0-11.0-11
 1) 

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

     

 2) 

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

     

 3) 

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

     

 4) 

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

     

 5) 

Total fee paid:

 

     

 Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.materials
 Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.filing
 1) 

Amount Previously Paid:

 

     

 2) 

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

     

 3) 

Filing Party:

 

     

 4) 

Date Filed:

 

     

 

 

 


 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Notice of the 20182019 Annual Meeting

and Proxy Statement

Wednesday, December 5, 2018Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 11:9:00 a.m. Eastern Time

1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York 11042


 

LETTER TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

LOGO

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

1111 Marcus Avenue

Lake Success, NY 11042

516-587-5000

 

 

October 29, 201811, 2019

 

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the fiscal year 20182019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., which will be held at 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York on Wednesday, December 5, 2018Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 11:9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. You may also listen to the Annual Meeting by audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HAIN2019.

 

At our Annual Meeting, our stockholders will vote on (1) the election of the nine director nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement, (2) an advisory vote regarding the compensation of our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018,2019, as set forth in the accompanying proxy statement, and (3) the ratification of the appointment of our registered independent accountants.

 

In addition to these formal items of business, we will review the major developments of the past year and share with you some of our plans for the future. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and express your views to the senior management and members of the Board of Directors of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., who are also expected to be present.

 

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please submit your vote.

 

IWe hope you will join us on December 5November 19th.

 

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

LOGO

Irwin D. Simon

Founder, President, Chief Executive

Officer and Chairman
LOGOLOGO

Dean Hollis

Independent Chair of the Board

Mark L. Schiller

President and Chief Executive Officer

and Director

 

 


LOGO

LOGO

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

1111 Marcus Avenue

Lake Success, NY 11042

516-587-5000

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF

STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT

 

To the Stockholders of THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.:

The 20182019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2018Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 11:9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New YorkYork. You may also listen to the Annual Meeting by audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HAIN2019. We are holding the Annual Meeting for the following purposes:

 

 1.

To elect the nine director nominees specified herein to serve until the next Annual Meetingannual meeting of Stockholdersstockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified;

 

 

 2.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018,2019, as set forth in the attached proxy statement;

 

 

 3.

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our registered independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019;2020; and

 

 

 4.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof).

 

These matters are more fully described in the attached proxy statement, which is made a part of this notice.

Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 15, 20183, 2019 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof. A list of these stockholders will be available for inspection by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting for a period of ten days prior to the Annual Meeting (and at the Annual Meeting) at our principal executive office located at 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY 11042, and will also be available at the Annual Meeting.New York.

 

 

Your vote is important. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please submit your vote as soon as possible. If you received a paper copy of the proxy card by mail, you may mark, sign and date the proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting in person, you may choose to vote in person even if you have previously voted your shares.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBERNOVEMBER 5, 2018:19, 2019: A complete set of proxy materials relating to our Annual Meeting is available on the Internet. These materials, consisting of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form10-K to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018,2019, may be viewed athttp://www.hain.com/proxy.proxy.

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

LOGOLOGO

Denise M. FaltischekKristy Meringolo

ExecutiveSenior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate

Secretary and Chief StrategyCompliance Officer

Corporate Secretary

Dated: October 29, 201811, 2019


Directions to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders

From New York City: Take the Long Island Expressway East to the Cross Island Parkway South (Exit 31S), to the Grand Central Parkway East (Exit 29E). The Grand Central Parkway becomes the Northern State Parkway. Take Exit 2525N towards Lakeville Road/New Hyde Park Road/Great Neck. Cross over Marcus Avenue into the 1111 Marcus Avenue complex. Park in HAIN designated spots in the northwest parking lot. Enter Building 1.

From Eastern Long Island: Take the Northern State Parkway West to Exit 2525S towards Lakeville Road/New Hyde Park Road/Great Neck. Turn right onto Lakeville Road. Make the first left onto Marcus Avenue. 1111 Marcus Avenue will be on the right. Park in HAIN designated spots in the northwest parking lot. Enter Building 1.

Long Island Rail Road: Take the Port Jefferson Branch Line to the New Hyde Park Station. Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York. Enter Building 1.

Directions for Listening to the Annual Meeting by Audio Webcast

You may also listen to the Annual Meeting by audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HAIN2019. You will need to enter the control number received with your proxy materials to listen to the meeting. Please note that you will not be able to vote your shares via the webcast.


LOGO

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    TOC 


PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

Proxy materials, including this proxy statement, are first being sent to stockholders beginning on or about October 29, 2018.11, 2019. This summary highlights information contained within this proxy statement. You should read the entire proxy statement carefully and consider all information before voting. Page references are supplied to help you find further information in this proxy statement.

VOTING MATTERS AND VOTE RECOMMENDATION

 

 

Voting Matter

  

Board Vote
Recommendation

  

 

See Page Number  

for moreMore
informationInformation

Election of Directors

  

FOR each nominee

  

8

7

Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation

  

FOR

  

43

48

Ratification of Appointment of Registered Independent Accountants

  

FOR

  

44

49

FISCAL YEAR 2019 OVERVIEW

 

OverOur mission has continued to evolve since our founding in 1993, with health and wellness being the last 25 years, Hain Celestial has offered authentic, high-quality,core tenet. We continue to be a leading marketer, manufacturer and mission-driven brands withinseller of organic and natural,“better-for-you” products. We are committed to growing responsibly while continuing to implement environmentally sound business practices and manufacturing processes.

Fiscal year 2019 was a year of tremendous transformation for the organic, natural andbetter-for-you products industryCompany. The Board determined that increasingly resonate with today’s global consumer. We operate in an ever-changing environment for food manufacturers and retailers, and, as we look to the future, our success will be driven by our ability to remain true to our mission and purpose, reduce complexity within our business investhad become highly complex and that the Company required a leader with expertise in our corebetter-for-you brands for growth, expand relationships withoperational strategy to evaluate the Company’s operations and brand portfolio. In November 2018, we hired a new President and existing customersCEO, Mark L. Schiller, a senior executive and attract new consumers. As consumers increasingly choose their purchases based on health and well-being, ingredient transparency and environmental sustainability, we believe our ability to operate our businessesveteran in consumer packaged goods, with a greater senseproven track record of purpose will continuebuilding operational capability to differentiate us.

Duringlead the Company’s transformation. Throughout the fiscal year, 2018, wethe Company continued to strategically evaluatehire several new members of our business to best position Hain Celestialexecutive leadership team, who together evaluated our operational challenges and have implemented a transformational strategy for the future. We madeCompany to accelerate change and drive sustainable, profitable growth.

The Company’s strategy is founded on transforming the strategic decisionperformance of the business in the United States, while continuing to divest our Hain Pure Protein business, and we continue to evaluate initiatives to reducedeliver accretive profit expansion in the complexity within ourinternational business. Under Project Terra, we have identified substantial cost savings opportunities and seek to drive growth and profitability through streamlining our operations, the rationalization of our product portfolio, improving efficiencies and building brand awareness.

We remainThe Company is focused on four key initiatives, which we referstrategies to as our Four-Point Strategic Plan:drive operational excellence globally with particular emphasis on strengthening performance in the United States:

 

1)

Simplifying the portfolio and organization,

Invest

2)

Strengthening core capabilities,

3)

Expanding margins and cash flow, and

4)

Reinvigorating profitable topline growth in a core set of brands.

While the Company is in Top Brandsthe early stages of progress, we have already experienced significant sequential improvement in our quarterly performance since we began our transformation. We believe we have laid the appropriate groundwork to implement our strategy for success and Capabilitiesa path toward profitable growth. The Company has reaffirmed its commitment of providing stockholders with clarity, credibility and consistency to Grow Globally

Expand Project Terra Cost Savings Globally

Enhanceensure that it restores stockholders’ confidence in the Leadership Team to Deliver Strategic PlanCompany and trust in its management team.

Return Capital to Stockholders



 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    1 


  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

    

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

 

Corporate Governance Strengths

 

We are committed to good corporate governance, which promotes the long-term interests of our stockholders and strengthens our Board and management accountability. Highlights of our corporate governance practices include the following:

 

  Over the past two years, 87.5% Board member refreshment, 100% Board committee refreshment and a new CEO in November 2018

Annual election of directors

  Independent Chair

  All directors are independent other than the CEO; fully independent Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

  Majority voting in uncontested director elections

 

  Adoption of proxyProxy access right for stockholders to nominate directors

 

  AnnualSay-on-Pay vote

  100% independent Board committees

  Lead independent directorStockholder ability to act by written consent and call a special meeting

 

  Regular executive sessions (at least quarterly) where independent directors meet without management present

  Strict policy of no pledging or hedging of Company shares

  Clawback policy

  Stock ownership guidelines for directors and officers

 

  Robust Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

  Annual Board and Committee self-evaluations

 

  Periodic reviews of Committee Charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

  Three Audit Committee members are “audit committee financial experts” under Securities and Exchange Commission rules

  Many compensation best practices, including annual Say on Pay vote, implementation of “double trigger”change-in-control vesting provisions, no excise tax reimbursements forchange-in-control payments, strict policy of no pledging or hedging common stock by directors and executive officers, clawback policy for cash and equity incentive compensation, stock ownership guidelines and equity holding period requirements

STOCKHOLDER ENGAGEMENTCOMMITMENT TO GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

 

Last year,The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of our stockholders approvedBoard oversees the Company’s strategy on global sustainability and corporate citizenship, including evaluating the impact of Company practices on communities and individuals. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also develops and recommends to the Board, and the Board reviews and approves, policies and procedures relating to the Company’s global sustainability and corporate citizenship activities.

We have published a 2018 Sustainability Report which focuses on our Sayperformance with respect to global sustainability and corporate citizenship. The report contains information on Pay resolutionclimate change, water management, sustainable product packaging, food waste, food safety, responsible sourcing, fair trade, human rights, the health and well-being of our employees and the members of our communities, and animal welfare.

We have internal resources dedicated to expanding upon our 2018 Sustainability Report and ensuring that a commitment to sustainability continues to be a bedrock principle in all our operational and strategic decisions. We expect to be a leader in the way we conduct our business.

The 2018 Sustainability Report can be viewed at http://www.hain.com/company/sustainability. The 2018 Sustainability Report is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this proxy statement or incorporated into any of our other filings made with 70.3% of the votes cast voting in favor, which represented a significant improvement over the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders where only 41% of the votes cast supported our Say on Pay resolution. We believe that the improvement in last year’s Say on Pay resolution resulted from the significant compensationSecurities and governance actions the Company took in response to its extensive stockholder outreach efforts after the 2015 Annual Meeting as follows:Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Changes to Compensation and Governance Practices

WHAT WE HEARD

WHAT WE HAVE DONE
IN RESPONSE

INTENDED OUTCOME

WHEN EFFECTIVE

The Company should consider adopting a performance measure that is relative so that stockholders can better evaluate the Company’s performance against its peers.

Adopted Relative TSR as one of the measures for the long-term incentive plan

Provides stockholders with the ability to evaluate the Company’s performance against a predetermined peer group

2016-2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Company should consider increasing the performance period under the long-term incentive plan from two years to three years

Increased the performance period under the long-term incentive plan to three years

Incentivizes long-term thinking and aligns management incentives with stockholders.

2016-2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan



 

2   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


    

  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

WHAT WE HEARD

WHAT WE HAVE DONE
IN RESPONSE

 

INTENDED OUTCOME

WHEN EFFECTIVE

The Company should further align pay and performance

Eliminated the time-based vesting portion of the long-term incentive award (25% of award)

All awards under the long- term incentive plan are 100% performance-based thereby increasing stockholder alignment

2016-2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Company should consider eliminating the use of a CEO Founder Peer Group

Eliminated the CEO Founder peer group. We are now using a single compensation peer group for all executive compensation decisions

Provides for clearer, more objective and more concise information

2016

The Board of Directors should consider appointing a lead independent director

The Board of Directors appointed a lead independent director

The lead independent director provides objective leadership to the independent directors in the Boardroom, presides over Board meetings, sets Board priorities in conjunction with the Chairman and advises the Board on matters where there may be an actual or perceived conflict of interest

May 2017

Proxy access is a right that is important to stockholders

The Board of Directors supported a stockholder proposal for proxy access in the 2015 proxy statement and submitted to stockholders aBy-law amendment implementing proxy access, which was approved by stockholders

Provides stockholders meeting certain requirements the right to nominate candidates for election to our Board and have their nominees included in our proxy statement

After our 2017 Annual Meeting

The financial performance measures in the annual incentive plans should be weighted more than thenon-financial performance measures

Changed the weighting so that the financial performance measures in the 2018 Annual Incentive Plan were 75% of the target award compared to 50% of the target award in the 2016 Annual Incentive Plan

More objective measure of CEO and NEO performance in the annual incentive plan

Fiscal Year 2018



The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  LOGO  3


  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY MATERIAL AND VOTING

 

What is a proxy statement and why is it important?

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.’s fiscal year 20182019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) will be held on December 5, 2018.November 19, 2019. There will be certain items of business that must be voted on by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting, and our Board of Directors (sometimes referred to as the“Board”Board) is seeking your proxy to vote on these items. This proxy statement contains important information about The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and the matters that will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Please read these materials carefully so that you have the information you need to make informed decisions. Throughout this proxy statement, we will refer to ourselves aswe,“us,us,“our,our,“the Company”the “Company orHain Celestial.Celestial.

What is a proxy?

A proxy is your legal designation of another person to vote the stock that you own. The person you designate to vote your shares is also called a proxy. If you received a paper copy of our proxy materials, you also can vote using the proxy card enclosed with those materials. On our proxy card, you will find the names of the persons designated by the Company to act as proxies to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. When you submit a valid proxy, the people named on the proxy card as proxies are required to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting in the manner you have instructed.

What are the items of business for the Annual Meeting?

The items of business for the Annual Meeting are as stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement. There are three matters scheduled for a vote:

 

To elect the nine director nominees specified herein to serve until the next Annual Meetingannual meeting of Stockholdersstockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified;

 

To approve, on an advisory basis, the named executive officers’ (“NEOs’”) compensation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, as set forth in this proxy statement; and

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers (“NEOs”) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, as set forth in this proxy statement; and

 

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our registered independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.2020.

Who is entitled to vote?

You may vote if you owned shares of common stock of the Company as of the close of business on October 15, 2018,3, 2019, the record date for the Annual Meeting. On the record date, there were 108,506,686104,484,187 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.

How many votes do I have?

On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you owned as of October 15, 2018.3, 2019.



 

4  The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement   LOGO The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  3


  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

      PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

 

How can I vote my shares before the Annual Meeting?shares?

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If, on October 15, 2018,3, 2019, your shares were registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, then you are a stockholder of record, and our proxy materials were provided to you directly. Registered stockholders can vote any one of four ways:

 

 

By Internet Prior to the Annual Meeting: Go to www.proxyvote.com until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 18, 2019 to vote using the control number you were provided on your proxy card. You will need to follow the instructions on the website.

By Telephone Prior to the Annual Meeting: Call1-800-690-6903 from the United States. You will needStates until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 18, 2019 to usevote using the control number you were provided on your proxy card. You will need to follow the instructions given by the voice prompts.

 

 

ViaBy Mail Prior to the Internet: Go to www.proxyvote.com to vote via the Internet using the control number you were provided on your proxy card. You will need to follow the instructions on the website.

By MailAnnual Meeting: If you received a paper copy of the proxy materials and a proxy card in the mail, you may mark, sign, date and return your proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you sign and return your proxy card, but do not give voting instructions, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted as recommended by the Board as described in this proxy statement.

If any other matters are properly brought up at the Annual Meeting (other than the proposals contained in this proxy statement), then the named proxies will have the authority to vote your shares on those matters in accordance with their discretion and judgment. The Board currently does not know of any matters to be raised at the Annual Meeting other than the proposals contained in this proxy statement. If you vote via the Internet or by telephone, your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies in the same manner as if you signed, dated and returned a proxy card by mail.

 

 

In Person at the Annual Meeting: Attend the Annual Meeting or send a personal representative with an appropriate proxy to vote at the meeting.meeting in person. For information about how to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please see “What do I need to be admitted to the Annual Meeting?” below.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank or Bankother Nominee

If, on October 15, 2018,3, 2019, your shares were held in an account at a broker, bank or other agent,nominee, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name”,name,” and our proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. You may vote by submitting your voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee. In most instances, you will be able to do this over the Internet, by telephone or by mail prior to the Annual Meeting as indicated above. Please refer to the information from your broker, bank broker or other nominee on how to submit voting instructions.

What do I need to be admitted to the Annual Meeting?

You will need a form of personal identification (such as a driver’s license) along with either your proxy card or proof of stock ownership to enter the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held beneficially in the name of a broker, bank broker or other holder of recordnominee and you wish to be admitted to the Annual Meeting, you must present proof of your ownership of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. stock, such as a bank or brokerage account statement.

Can I vote at the Annual Meeting?

If you are astockholder of record, you can vote at the Annual Meeting any shares that were registered in your name as the stockholder of record as of the record date. To vote in person, come to the Annual Meeting, and we will give you a ballot.

If you are abeneficial owner, you are not a holder of record of those shares and cannot vote them at the Annual Meeting in person unless you have a legal proxy from the holder of record. If you plan to attend in person and vote your shares held in “street name” in person at the Annual Meeting, you should request a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other holder of recordnominee and bring it with you to the Annual Meeting.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we strongly encourage you to vote by proxy prior to the Annual Meeting.

For information about how to attend the Annual Meeting, please see “What do I need to be admitted to the Annual Meeting?”



 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  4   LOGO   5The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement


  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY      

  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

 

What if I return a proxy card but do not make specific choices?

If you return a signed and dated proxy card without marking any voting selections, your shares will be voted as follows:

 

   

 

Proposal

 

  

 

Vote

 

No. 1

  

Election of the nine director nominees named in this proxy statement, each to serve tountil the next Annual Meetingannual meeting of Stockholdersstockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified

  

 

FOR

all nominees

No. 2

  

Advisory vote to approve NEO compensation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018,2019, as set forth in this proxy statement

  FOR

No. 3

  

Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our registered independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 20192020

  FOR

The Company does not expect that any matters other than those described in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement to be brought before the Annual Meeting. The persons appointed as proxies will vote in their discretion on any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournments thereof, including any vote to postpone or adjourn the Annual Meeting.

Can I listen to the Annual Meeting by webcast?

Yes, you can listen to the Annual Meeting by audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HAIN2019. Stockholders listening by webcast will also be able to submit questions via the webcast to a moderator during the meeting. Please note that you will not be able to vote your shares via the webcast. If you plan to listen to the meeting by webcast, please vote your shares in advance.

Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?

WeThe Company will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. We expect that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail. Proxies may also be solicited by our officers and employees, at no additional cost to us, in person, by telephone or by other means of communication. We have retained the proxy solicitation firm of MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to assist us in the distribution and solicitation of proxies, and we intend to pay a fee of approximately $12,500,$14,000, plus reasonable expenses, for these services. We may reimburse custodians, nominees and fiduciaries holding our common stock for their reasonable expenses in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners and obtaining their proxy.

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?

If you receive more than one proxy card, your shares are registered in more than one name or are registered in different accounts. Please complete, sign and return each proxy card to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

How do I revoke my proxy?

If, on October 15, 2018,3, 2019, you are astockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy if we receive your revocation at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. You may revoke your proxy by sending a written notice stating that you are revoking your proxy before it is voted at the Annual Meeting to the Corporate Secretary at The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York 11042, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

If, on October 15, 2018,3, 2019, you are abeneficial ownerof shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent,nominee, your ability to revoke your proxy depends on the voting procedures of the broker, bank or other agent.nominee. Please follow the directions provided to you by your broker, bank or broker.other nominee.

How are votes counted?

Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count “For” and “Against” votes, abstentions and brokernon-votes.



The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  LOGO  5


  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

How are brokernon-votes and abstentions counted?

A “brokernon-vote” occurs when a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that proposal and has not received instructions with respect to that proposal from the beneficial owner. Brokernon-votes on a proposal are not counted or deemed present or represented and entitled to vote for determining whether stockholders have approved that proposal. Therefore, brokernon-votes have no effect and will not be counted towards the vote total for any proposal.



6  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement


  PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY  

Under the rules that govern brokers who are voting with respect to shares held in “street name” and are not instructed by their client how to vote, brokers only have the discretion to vote those shares on routine matters, but not onnon-routine matters. Routine matters include ratification of registered independent accountants.Non-routine matters include the election of directors and the advisory vote regarding compensation paid to our named executive officers. If you are a beneficial owner and do not provide specific voting instructions to your broker, the organization that holds your shares will not be authorized to vote on Proposal Nos. 1 and 2 and will only have discretion to vote on Proposal No. 3, the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our registered independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.2020.

How many votes are needed to approve each proposal?

With respect to Proposal No. 1, each director must receive a “For” vote from the majority of votes cast either in person or by proxy. Pursuant to our Amended and RestatedBy-Laws, this means that, in order to be elected, the number of votes “For” a director must exceed the number of votes cast “Against” that director. With respect to Proposal No. 1, shares voting “abstain” and brokernon-votes have no effect.

To be approved, Proposal Nos. 2 and 3 must receive a “For” vote from the majority of votes cast either in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on such matter. With respect to Proposal Nos. 2 orand 3, shares voting “abstain” and brokernon-votes have no effect.

What is the quorum requirement?

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid Annual Meeting. A quorum will exist if at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting are present in person or represented by proxy. On the record date, there were 108,506,686104,484,187 shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Thus, 54,253,34352,242,094 shares must be represented in person or by proxy to have a quorum.

Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker or bank) or if you vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the chairmanchair of the Annual Meeting or holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting may adjourn or postpone the Annual Meeting to another time or date.

How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. We will publish final results in a Current Report onForm 8-K that we expect to file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within four business days of the Annual Meeting. After theForm 8-K is filed, you may obtain a copy by visiting our website or contacting our Investor Relations Department by calling(516) 587-5000 or toll free at(877) 612-4246,by writing to the Investor Relations Department, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York 11042 or by sending an email toinvestorrelations@hain.com.



 

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PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Cooperation AgreementGeneral

On September 27, 2017, we entered into a cooperation agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with certain entities affiliated with and investment funds managed by Engaged Capital, LLC (the “Engaged Group”), which provides that all of the current directors will be nominated for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In addition, during the standstill period (the “Standstill Period”), which began on the date of the Cooperation Agreement and extends through and includes the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, neither the Board nor any committee of the Board may modify the size of the Board from 11 directors without the unanimous approval of the Board. Our Board is currently composed of 11 members. The Board has unanimously approved the reduction in the size of the Board to nine directors, such reduction to be effective as of the Annual Meeting.

General

Our Board of Directors is currently composed of 11nine members, all of which eight of the current directorswhom will stand forre-election at the Annual Meeting. In connection with Mr. Simon resigning from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Simon has decided not to stand for re-election and, instead, has entered into a consulting agreement in order to provide for an orderly transition to the incoming Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Board has nominated Mark Schiller, the Company’s incoming President and Chief Executive Officer, to serve as a director on the Board. It is proposed that the nominees standing for election be elected to hold office until the next Annual Meetingannual meeting of Stockholdersstockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. In addition to Mr. Simon, Adrianne Shapira and Lawrence S. Zilavy are not standing forre-election, and the Company thanks them for their service and many contributions to the Company.

The Board has nominated, and the proxies will vote to elect, unless otherwise directed, the following individuals as members of the Board of Directors to serve until the next Annual Meetingannual meeting of Stockholdersstockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified: Richard A. Beck, Dr. Celeste A. Clark, Andrew R. Heyer, R. Dean Hollis, Shervin J. Korangy, Roger Meltzer, Mark L. Schiller, Jack L. Sinclair,Michael B. Sims, Glenn W. Welling and Dawn M. Zier. Each nominee has consented to be nominated and to serve, if elected.

 

 

 

 

  The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of each of the nominees.

 

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  PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

      PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

 

Information about the Nominees

 

 

CelesteRichard A. Clark, Ph.D.,Beck, Director

 

Age: 6561

Director Since: 2019

Board Committees:

  Audit

  Corporate Governance and Nominating

Richard A. Beck has been a director since October 2019. Mr. Beck is the founder of Biltmoore Consulting, a consulting firm that advises clients in operations, supply chain optimization, logistics and general management. Prior to founding Biltmoore Consulting in 2016, Mr. Beck served as Senior Vice President, Global Operations of PepsiCo, Inc., one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, from February 2011 to April 2016. In this role, Mr. Beck established the company’s global operations function and led various successful initiatives that improved productivity, drove automation, technology and global systems and improved environmental, health and safety metrics. Prior to this, Mr. Beck had served in other roles of increasing responsibility for PepsiCo from 1993 to 2011, including President/SVP of Gatorade, SVP, PepsiCo Chicago and SVP, Operations forFrito-Lay. In these roles, Mr. Beck oversaw the manufacturing and distribution of some of PepsiCo’s key brands and led various productivity, environmental and sustainability initiatives. Prior to joining PepsiCo, Mr. Beck served in positions of increasing responsibility at General Electric from 1981 to 1993.

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

Mr. Beck brings extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. Through his various roles throughout his career, Mr. Beck has developed significant expertise in management, logistics and supply chain optimization, which make him a valuable contributor to the Board.

Celeste A. Clark, Ph.D., Director

Age: 66

Director Since: 2017

 

Board Committees:

  Compensation

  Corporate Governance and Nominating

Dr. Celeste A. Clark has been a director since September 2017. Dr. Clark is currently an adjunct professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University, where she has served in such position since January 2012. She also has been the principal of Abraham Clark Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm, since November 2011 and consults on nutrition and health policy, regulatory affairs and leadership development. She previously served as Senior Vice President, Global Policy and External Affairs of Kellogg Company, a food manufacturing company, and was theirthe Chief Sustainability Officer. She was a member of the Global Executive Management Team and had an accomplished career spanning nearly 35 years in the food industry. At Kellogg Company, she was responsible for the development and implementation of health, nutrition and regulatory science initiatives globally to ensure consistency in approach and implementation. In addition, she also led global corporate communications, public affairs, philanthropy and several administrative functions. During the past five years, she has served on the boards of several public and privately held companies including Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, a pediatric nutrition company, beginning in 2011 until being acquired by Reckitt Benckiser plc;plc in 2017; Diamond Foods, Inc., a leading branded snacks supplier, beginning in 2014 until being acquired bySnyder’s-Lance, Inc. in 2016; AdvancePierre Foods Holdings, Inc., a producer and distributor ofready-to-eat sandwiches, beginning in 2016 until being acquired by Tyson Foods, Inc. in 2017; and Omega Protein Corporation, a manufacturer of fish meal and fish oils, until being acquired in 2017. In 2018, Dr. Clark was elected to the board of directors of the Wells Fargo & Company and also serves as a trustee of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

Dr. Clark brings significant industry experience in various nutrition, consumer products, public policy, risk management and governance matters to our Board. She also brings extensive experience on sustainability matters to the Board and serves as a key resource for our Sustainability Department. Dr. Clark has served on a number of public company boards, which have provided her with a broad understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing public companies.

 

Andrew R. Heyer, Director

Age: 61

Director Since: 2012

Lead Independent Director

Board Committees:

  Audit (Chair)

Andrew R. Heyer has been a director since November 2012 and previously served as a director from November 1993 until November 2009. He currently serves as the lead independent director and is the chairperson of the Audit Committee. Mr. Heyer is the CEO and Founder of Mistral Equity Partners, a private equity fund. Prior to founding Mistral Equity Partners in 2007, from 2000 through 2007 he served as a Founding Managing Partner of Trimaran Capital Partners, L.L.C. Mr. Heyer was formerly a Vice Chairman of CIBC World Markets Corp. andco-head of CIBC Argosy Merchant Banking Funds. Prior to joining CIBC World Markets Corp. in 1995, Mr. Heyer was a founder and Managing Director of The Argosy Group L.P. Before Argosy, Mr. Heyer was a Managing Director at Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated, and previous to that, he worked at Shearman/American Express. Mr. Heyer currently serves as a director of XpresSpa Group (NASDAQ: XSPA), Chairman of The Lovesac Company (NASDAQ: LOVE) and is the President and Director of Haymaker Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: HYAC). Mr. Heyer also serves as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and as Chair of the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

Mr. Heyer brings significant finance, investment, capital markets and consumer products experience to the Board. He has served on a number of public and private boards, which have provided him with a broad understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing public and private companies. In addition, Mr. Heyer’s business, financial and investment experience in the consumer product and services industries makes him qualified for service on our Board.

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  PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS      

  PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

 

 

R. Dean Hollis, Director and Chair of the Board

 

Age: 5859

Director Since: 2017

 

Board Committees:

  Corporate Governance and Nominating

  Strategy

R. Dean Hollis has been a director since September 2017.2017 and has been Chair of the Board since December 2018. He is a senior advisor for Oaktree Capital, a $100 billion world-wideworldwide private equity firm. Prior to 2008, Mr. Hollis was President and Chief Operating Officer, ConAgra Foods, Consumer Foods and International. In that role, Mr. Hollis developed and executed a worldwide business transformation strategy, while overseeing the largest part of the ConAgra Foods portfolio, including its $12 billion consumer and customer branded businesses, consisting of over 40 global brands in 110 countries. During his 21 years with ConAgra Foods, he held many executive level positions, including: Executive Vice President, Retail Products; President, Grocery Foods; President, Frozen Foods; President, Specialty Foods; and President, Gilardi Foods. Since October 2016, he has been a director and chairpersonchair of the board of directors of SunOpta Inc., a world-wideworldwide leader in healthy foods, specializing innon-GMO and organic products. From 2008 until its recent2017 sale to Tyson Foods, Mr. Hollis served as chairpersonchair of the board of directors and on the Compensation Committeecompensation committee of AdvancePierre Foods Holdings, Inc., a producer and distributor ofready-to-eat sandwiches. Until its sale toSnyder’s-Lance Inc. in early 2016, he also served on the board of Diamond Foods, Inc., a leading branded snacks supplier, where he served on the Auditaudit and Nominatingnominating and Governance Committees.governance committees. Also, until its sale to Pinnacle Foods Inc. in January of 2016, Mr. Hollis served as chairpersonchair of the board of directors and on the Audit Committeeaudit committee of Boulder Brands, Inc., a leader and innovator in health and wellness foods. Until October 2015, he also served on the board of Landec Corporation, a developer and marketer of patented polymer products for food, agriculture and licensed partner applications, where he chaired the Compensation Committee.compensation committee.

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

As a result of the various positions he has held in the food industry, Mr. Hollis brings relevant operational experience to our Board. In addition, he has served on a number of public company boards, which have provided him with a broad understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing public companies.

 

 

Shervin J. Korangy, Director

 

Age: 4344

Director Since: 2017

 

Board Committees:

  Audit (Chair)

  Strategy

Shervin J. Korangy has been a director since September 2017. Since April 2017,May 2019, he has served as the President and Chief FinancialExecutive Officer and Head of Strategy of Beaver-Visitec InternationalBVI Medical, Inc. (“BVI”), a Texas Pacific Group portfolio company that is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialized surgical products.specialty products for ophthalmic surgery. Prior to his role withbeing named President and Chief Executive Officer of BVI, Mr. Korangy served as BVI’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy from April 2017 to May 2019. Prior to joining BVI, Mr. Korangy served as a senior executive of Novartis Group AG, a diversified healthcare products company, from 2010 until March 2017. During his more than sixalmost seven years at Novartis, he served in various international capacities spanning strategy, M&A, integrations, sales & marketing and general management including serving as the Global Head of Corporate Finance based in Switzerland Business Unit Manager basedas well as commercial roles in France, and Managing Director based in the United Kingdom.Kingdom and Ireland. Previously, he was a Managing Director at The Blackstone Group, an investment firm, which he joined in 1996. During his more than 14 years at Blackstone, he served both as an advisor in the Restructuring & Reorganization business (where he worked with companies in the telecom, manufacturing, retail and financial services industries) and as an investor in the Private Equity business (where he focused on the consumer products, financial services and packaging industries). Mr. Korangy has served on the board of directors of BVI (and as member of its compensation committee) since May 2019; Motus GI, a manufacturer and marketer of medical device products for the gastroenterology, since April 2017 (and as chairperson of its Audit Committee),audit committee); and as a senior advisor to Sight Sciences LLC, a provider of surgicalmedical devices to treat glaucoma and nonsurgical systems for use by ophthalmologists and optometrists,dry eye, since June 2011. Mr. Korangy’s previous Boardcorporate board experience includes having served as a director of Pelican Rouge Group, a consumer coffee manufacturer and distributor, from 2014 to 2017 (and as chairperson of its Audit Committee)audit committee), Pinnacle Foods Inc., a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products, from 2007 to 2009, Bayview Financial, a mortgage finance company, from 2008 to 2009, Ultra Music, a worldwide music media entity, from 2005 to 2010, and as a board observer for Graham Packaging, a leading designer and manufacturer of custom blow-molded plastic containers for consumer products. Mr. Korangy has also served on the Wharton Leadership Advisory Board, established by the Center for Leadership and Change Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, since January 2019.

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

Mr. Korangy’s position as the President and Chief FinancialExecutive Officer and Head of Strategy at a global company, together with his significant financial and consumer packaged goods business experience, makes him a valuable addition to our Board of Directors. In addition to his strong financial expertise, the Company values his competencies in strategy, mergers and acquisitions, integration and general management.

 

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  PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS�� 

      PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

 

Roger Meltzer, Director

 

Age: 6768

Director Since: 2000

 

Board Committees:

  None

Roger Meltzer has been a director since December 2000. Mr. Meltzer has practiced corporate and securities law for more than 40 years, representing clients in a range of finance transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, public offerings and public and private placements of debt and equity securities. In February 2007, Mr. Meltzer joined the law firm of DLA Piper LLP (US) as a partner, Global Chair of the Corporate and Finance practice and a member of the firm’s executive committee. Mr. Meltzer is now a member of the Global Board of DLA Piper,Co-Chair of DLA Piper LLP (Americas) and GlobalCo-Chair. Prior to February 2007, he was a partner and a member of the executive committee of the law firm of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP.

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

The Company values the significant legal and financial expertise Mr. Meltzer brings to the Board through his extensive experience in corporate and securities laws as well as board governance matters. As GlobalCo-Chair of DLA Piper, Mr. Meltzer has oversight of a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries and, therefore, brings a wealth of international experience to the Board. In addition, the Board values Mr. Meltzer’s experience as the Company continuesexecutes on its strategic plan to grow through strategic acquisitions.simplify its portfolio. Finally, as the long-time legal advisor to the Company, Mr. Meltzer bringsin-depth knowledge about the Company’s history to the Board.

 

Mark L. Schiller, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

Age: 57

Director Since: 2018

 

Board Committees:

  NoneStrategy (Chair)

Mark L. Schiller has been appointed as our President and Chief Executive Officer effectivesince November 5,2018, and has been a director since December 2018. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Schiller served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Pinnacle Foods Inc. (“Pinnacle”) commencing infrom May 2017.2017 to October 2018. In this role, Mr. Schiller led Pinnacle’s Grocery and Frozen segments and key commercial functions utilized across the entire organization, including sales, marketing strategy, innovation, product development, package design, commercialization, productivity, consumer insights and shopper marketing. Before he served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Schiller had served in other roles of increasing responsibility for Pinnacle including, from January 2015 to May 2017, he served as Executive Vice President and President North America Retail; from May 2013 to January 2015, he served as Executive Vice President and President Birds Eye Frozen Division; and from June 2010 to May 2013, he served as Executive Vice President and President Duncan Hines Grocery Division. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Mr. Schiller was employed by PepsiCo., Inc. from March 2002 to April 2010, where he served as the Senior Vice President of Frito Lay New Ventures, President of Quaker Foods and Snacks North America, and Senior Vice President and General Manager of Frito Lay Convenience Foods Division. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Schiller was Chief Operating Officer andCo-President of Tutor Time Learning Systems, Inc., and, from 1996 to 1998, he served as president of Valley Recreation Products, Inc. Mr. Schiller began his career at the Quaker Oats Company in 1985 and served in various marketing, sales and supply chain roles.

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

Mr. Schiller brings significant experience in the consumer productpackaged goods industry to the Board given his tenure in the industry. Through his various roles throughout his career, he has developed extensive management leadership experience as well as strong competencies in sales, marketing strategy, innovation, product development, package design, commercialization, productivity, consumer insights and shopper marketing.

 

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  PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS      

  PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

 

Jack L. Sinclair,Michael B. Sims, Director

 

Age: 5860

Director Since: 20172019

 

Board Committees:

  Audit

  Compensation

Jack SinclairMichael B. Sims has been a director since September 2017. HeOctober 2019. Mr. Sims currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Trugreen, a residential and commercial lawn care company. In this role, Mr. Sims is a business executive who has spent his career working in the food retail industry in both Europeresponsible for driving sustainable revenue and the United States. Since February 2018, he has served as the chief executive officerEBITDA growth through leadership of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, a California-based dollar store operator. He first joined 99 Cents Only Stores LLC as the chief merchandising officer in August 2015.finance and supply chain management. Prior to joining 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, he spent over seven yearsTrugreen in 2019, Mr. Sims served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of AdvancePierre Foods Holdings, Inc., a senior merchandising executiveproducer and distributor ofready-to-eat sandwiches, from 2012 until its acquisition by Tyson Foods, Inc., in 2017. In this role, Mr. Sims was responsible for the company’s growth-driven, margin-expansion strategy. Prior to joining AdvancePierre Foods, Mr. Sims served in roles of increasing responsibility atWal-Mart Stores, Chiquita Brands International Inc., a leading international marketer and distributor of bananas, pineapples and packaged salads, from December 20071988 to April 2015. Previously,2012, most recently serving as the company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2009 to 2012, and developed expertise in global financial operations, planning and analysis, investor relations and capital markets. Prior to that, Mr. Sinclair spent 15 years at Safeway PLC in the United Kingdom, where heSims held several senior managementvarious positions and served on its board of directors, with Arthur Young & Company (n/k/a position he left after Safeway PLC’s 2004 merger with Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc.Ernst & Young LLP).

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

Mr. SinclairSims brings a broad understanding of the food industry and significant global retail industry experiencefinancial expertise to the Board. In addition,Board, including through his experience as CFO of multiple consumer facing businesses. The Board also values Mr. Sinclair’s various employment experiences has given him valuable insight into the broader consumer packaged goods industry,Sims’ significant transactional experience, including with respect to merchandising, advertising, marketingacquisitions and consumer insights.divestitures.

 

Glenn W. Welling, Director

 

Age: 4849

Director Since: 2017

 

Board Committees:

  Compensation (Chair)

  Strategy

Glenn W. Welling has been a director since September 2017. Mr. Welling has been the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Engaged Capital, LLC since its founding in 2012. Prior to founding Engaged Capital, Mr. Welling was a Principal and Managing Director at Relational Investors, LLC, an investment fund, which he joined in July 2008, where he was responsible for managing the fund’s consumer, healthcare and utility investments. From February 2002 to May 2008, Mr. Welling was a Managing Director of Credit Suisse Group AG, an investment bank, where he also served as the Head of the Investment Banking Department’s Advisory Business. Mr. Welling has been a member of the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of TiVo Corporation, a provider of digital entertainment technology solutions, since May 2015, where he serves as chairperson of its Compensation Committeecompensation committee and a member of the board’scorporate governance and nominating committee and the strategy committee. Mr. Welling served as a member of the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of Jamba, Inc., a leading restaurant retailer ofbetter-for-you food and beverage offerings, from January 2015 to September 2018, where he also served as the chairperson of its compensation committee and as a member of its finance committee. From 2015 to 2018, Mr. Welling served on the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of Medifast, Inc., a manufacturer of medically based, proprietary healthy living and meal replacement products, where he was a member of the audit, compensation and mergers & acquisitions committees. Mr. Welling also serves on the Corporate Governance Advisory Council of the Council of Institutional Investors.

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

Mr. Welling brings significant finance, investment and consumer products experience to the Board, which makes him a valuable contributor. In addition, he has served on a number of public boards, which has provided him with a broad understanding of the operational, financial and strategic issues facing public companies.

 

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  PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

      PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

 

Dawn M. Zier,Director

 

Age: 5354

Director Since: 2017

 

Board Committees:

  Audit

  Corporate Governance and Nominating (Chair)

Dawn M. Zier has been a director since September 2017. Since November 2012,March 2019, Ms. Zier has served as thePresident and Chief Operating Officer of Tivity Health, Inc., a leading provider of fitness and health improvement programs, and also is a member of its board of directors. Ms. Zier was formerly President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Nutrisystem, Inc., an innovative provider of weight loss programs offering a wide variety of home-delivered, nutritionally balanced meal plans, retail products and advanced digital tools.tools, from November 2012 until its March 2019 acquisition by Tivity Health. From April 2011 until November 2012, Ms. Zier served as the President of International at Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., a global media and direct marketing company. In February 2013, RDA Holdings, Co., the holding company and parent of Reader’s Digest Association, filed voluntary petitions for reorganization relief pursuant to Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In addition to being a member of Nutrisystem’sTivity Health’s board of directors, Ms. Zier also serves on the board of directors for Spirit Airlines.Airlines where she chairs the nominating and corporate governance committee and sits on the compensation committee. Over the years, she has previously served on boards and chaired committees for multiple marketing and media entities, including the Data and Marketing Association’s (DMA) Boardboard from 2008 to 2015, where she was a voting director and on the executive committee.

 

 

Key Attributes, Experience and Skills:

 

Ms. Zier is qualified to serve on our Board based on her extensive management leadership experience, which has provided her with significant knowledge of sound corporate governance practices, as well as her international experience and financial acumen. In addition, she has significant experience in the food industry and digital marketing, which makes her a valuable contributor to the Board.

 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board of Directors

 

The stockholders of the Company elect the Board of Directors, whose primary responsibility is to foster the long-term health, overall success and financial condition of the Company, consistent with its fiduciary duty to our stockholders. The Board serves as the ultimate decision-making body of the Company, except for those matters reserved to or shared with the stockholders. The Board oversees the members of senior management, who are charged by the Board with conducting the business of the Company. In addition, the Board has responsibility for establishing broad corporate policies and overseeing our direction, affairs and management.

Director Independence

 

A majorityEight of the current Board,our nine director nominees, consisting of Mses.Richard A. Beck, Celeste A. Clark, Shapira and Zier as well as Messrs. Heyer,Dean Hollis, Shervin J. Korangy, Roger Meltzer, Sinclair,Michael B. Sims, Glenn W. Welling and Zilavy,Dawn M. Zier, are “independent directors” as defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”). Mr. SimonMark L. Schiller was determined not to be independent because he is our President and CEO.

Board Meetings and Attendance

 

The Board typically holds regular meetings at least once every quarter and holds special meetings when necessary. During the 20182019 fiscal year, the Board held eightsix meetings. We expect directors to attend Board meetings, the Annual Meetingeach annual meeting of Stockholdersstockholders and meetings of the committees on which they serve. All directors standing forre-election who served during fiscal year 2019 attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which they served during the fiscal year. All but one of the directors standing forre-election attendedwho were also nominated for election at our last Annual Meetingannual meeting of Stockholders.stockholders held on December 5, 2018 attended such annual meeting.

In addition to formal Board meetings, management holds monthly update conference calls for the benefit of the Board. While these regularly scheduled monthly update calls are not conducted as formal Board meetings, they allow the Board and management to remain in frequent contact regarding our financial performance, operations and other important matters and initiatives.

Board Leadership Structure

 

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provideWhile our Board of Directors believes that the Board has no policy with respect toseparation of the need to separate or combine the officesroles of Chairman ofand Chief Executive Officer is best practice, the Board and CEO of the Company. The Board believes that stockholders are best served if the Board retains flexibility to decide what leadership structure works best for the Company based on the facts and circumstances existing from time to time.

Mr. Simon currently serves as our Chairman However, at the present time, we have an independent Chair of the Board President and CEO and has been our President and CEO and a director since our inception andwho is our Founder. As a result, Mr. Simon possesses a great depthappointed annually by the independent members of knowledge and experience regarding the Company, its business and the organic and natural products industry. During his tenure, Mr. Simon focused on building organic, natural andbetter-for-you brands across numerous categories, both in the U.S. and internationally, to position Hain Celestial as a leader in the health and wellness products industry. His relentless dedication to providing consumers with A Healthier WayBoard. The roles of Life™ has created a strong foundation to support Hain Celestial’s next phase of growth.

Given Mr. Simon’s decision to not stand for re-election, he will no longer serve on the Board after the Annual Meeting and a new ChairmanChair of the Board will be appointed. At this time,and CEO have been separate since the resignation of Irwin D. Simon as President, CEO and Chair of the Board expects to maintain separate Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles and to appointin November 2018. Dean Hollis, an independent Chairman.

We believe that a Lead Independent Director is necessary for good corporate governance inmember of the absenceBoard, was appointed to replace Mr. Simon as Chair of an Independent Chairman. Our current Lead Independent Director is Andrew R. Heyer. The Lead Independent Director is elected by a majority of independent directorsthe Board on December 5, 2018 and continues to serve in that role.

The key responsibilities of the Chair include:

Calling meetings of the Board and independent directors;

Setting the agenda for aone-year term.Board meetings in consultation with other directors, the CEO and the Corporate Secretary;

Chairing meetings of the Board and executive sessions of the independent directors;

Engaging with stockholders;

Performing the other responsibilities as requested by the Board; and

Establishing and maintaining Board culture.

Our CEO has primary responsibility for the operational leadership and strategic direction of the Company, while the Chair of the Board facilitates the Board’s independent oversight of management, promotes communication between management and the Board, engages with stockholders and leads the Board’s consideration of key governance matters. The Board believes that the appointment of a strong Lead Independent Directorits current leadership structure is appropriate at this time because it effectively allocates authority, responsibility and oversight between management and the useindependent members of regular executive sessions of thenon-management and independent directors, along with the Board’s strong committee system and the independence of all directors (except for Mr. Simon) allow it to maintain effective oversight of management. Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Lead Independent Director shall:Board.

(i)

Preside at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman of the Board is not present, including all meetings of independent Directors and non-employee Directors;

(ii)

Encourage and facilitate active participation of all Directors;

(iii)

Approve Board meeting materials for distribution to and consideration by the Board;

 

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  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

      BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

 

(iv)

Approve Board meeting agendas after conferring with the Chairman of the Board and other members of the Board, as appropriate, and may add agenda items in his or her discretion;

(v)

Approve Board meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;

(vi)

Be available to advise the Committee chairs in fulfilling their designated roles and responsibilities to the Board; and

(vii)

Perform such other functions as the Board or other Directors may request.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

 

Management is responsible for the Company’sday-to-day risk management, and the Board’s role is to engage in informed oversight of, and provide direction with respect to, such risk management. In its oversight role regarding risk management, the Board focuses on understanding the nature of our enterprise risks, including risk in our operations, finances, cyber security and the strategic direction of the Company and reviews and approves the Company’s Annual Operating Plan.annual operating plan. The Annual Operating Planannual operating plan addresses, among other things, the risks and opportunities facing the Company. The Board receives regular updates regarding the Company’s progress against its Annual Operating Planannual operating plan and reviews quarterly updates regarding the related risks and opportunities. The Board maintains control over significant transactions and decisions that require Board approval for certain corporate actions (including material acquisitions, or divestitures)divestitures and other material uses of the Company’s capital).

The Board has delegated certain risk management oversight responsibilities to the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.

As part of its responsibilities as set forth in its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for discussing with management the Company’s policies and guidelines regarding risk assessment and risk management regarding the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control those exposures.

The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the risk and reward structure of executive compensation plans, policies and practices. Considered in this review are program attributes deemed to help mitigate risk, including: (i) the use of multiple performance measures, balanced between short- and long-term objectives; (ii) the Compensation Committee’s application of judgment when determining individual payouts; (iii) the presence of individual payout caps under plans and programs; and (iv) the Compensation Committee’s ability to clawbackclaw back incentive compensation based on erroneous financial statements caused by misconduct.statements. Based upon this review, the Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s compensation programs and policies are not likely to lead to excessive risk taking that could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Executive Sessions

 

Independent directors meet in executive session at regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors without any members of management present. Mr. Heyer,Hollis, as Chair of the Lead Independent Director,Board, presides over meetings of independent directors.

Director Elections

 

All directors stand for election annually and are elected by a majority of the votes cast in the case of an uncontested election. Voting is not cumulative.

Director Nomination Process and Stockholder Nominations

When considering potential director nominees, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews desired experience, skills and other qualities to assure appropriate Board composition, taking into account the current Board members and the specific needs of the Company and the Board. In addition to these minimum requirements, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates director candidates based on a number of qualifications, including displayed ethical standards, integrity, sound business judgment and a willingness to devote adequate time to Board duties. Although we do not have a formal policy regarding diversity, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee seeks to include members with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience, including appropriate financial and other expertise relevant to the business of the Company. Consistent with past practices, the Board is committed to a strong and diverse membership and to a thorough process to identify those individuals who can best contribute to the Company’s continued success.

The Board of Directors and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee begin the process of identifying and evaluating director nominees by seeking recommendations from a wide variety of contacts, including current executive officers and directors, and industry, academic and community leaders. The Board or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may retain a search firm to identify and screen candidates, conduct background checks, prepare biographies for review by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board and assist in scheduling interviews. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and one or more of our other directors interview candidates.

 

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  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE      

  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

 

Richard A. Beck and Michael B. Sims were appointed to the Board on October 4, 2019, following a search process conducted by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board. Through that process, the Board sought to enhance and diversify the overall skills and expertise of the Board, with a focus on adding directors with relevant industry experience. Mr. Beck was recommended to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee bynon-management members of the Board. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also retained a third-party search firm to assist with the identification and evaluation of candidates. Mr. Sims, who was also previously known to non-management members of the Board, participated in the process conducted by the search firm, which helped to identify and screen candidates, prepare biographies, conduct background checks and schedule interviews. Effective October 8, 2019, Mr. Beck was appointed to the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and Mr. Sims was appointed to the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s charter provides that the Committee shall consider written proposals for director nominees from stockholders in accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Amended and RestatedBy-Laws. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by stockholders, and a stockholder wishing to submit a recommendation should send a letter to our Corporate Secretary at The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY 11042. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed letter is a “Director Nominee Recommendation” and, in order to be considered for the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, must be received by us no later than June 13, 2020. The letter must identify the author as a stockholder, demonstrate evidence of ownership, provide a complete listing of the candidate’s qualifications to serve on the Board, the candidate’s current principal occupation, most recent five-year employment history, current directorships and a statement that the proposed nominee has consented to the nomination, as well as contact information for both the candidate and the author of the letter.

In addition, ourBy-Laws permit stockholders who satisfy certain ownership, notice and informational requirements to submit director nominations for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement. For more information regarding this process, stockholders should consult ourBy-Laws as well as “Stockholder Proposals and Other Communications” below.

Committees of the Board

 

The Board of Directors has threefour standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Strategy Committee. All members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are independent directors, as defined in the applicable listing rules for companies listed on Nasdaq. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, acommittee, current copycopies of which isare available on our website atwww.hain.comunder www.hain.comunder Investor Relations-CorporateRelations – Corporate Governance. The members of the committees are identified in the table below:

 Director

Audit Committee

Compensation
Committee

Corporate
Governance and
Nominating
Committee

Irwin D. Simon

Celeste A. Clark

Andrew R. Heyer

Chair

R. Dean Hollis

Shervin J. Korangy

Roger Meltzer

Adrianne Shapira

Jack L. Sinclair

Glenn W. Welling

Dawn M. Zier

Chair

Lawrence S. Zilavy

Chair

The Audit Committee

The Audit Committee’s primary purpose is to assist the Board’s oversight of (1) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, (2) the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence and performance and (3) the performance of the Company’s internal controls and procedures. In fulfilling its purpose, the Committee’s principal duties include appointing, retaining and terminating our independent auditor, overseeing the work of and evaluating the independence of the independent auditor, reviewing with the independent auditor their reports as well as oversight responsibilities with respect to our financial statements, disclosure practices, accounting policies and procedures.

Our Audit Committee is composed of Ms. ShapiraRichard A. Beck, Shervin J. Korangy, Michael B. Sims and Messrs. Heyer and Korangy,Dawn M. Zier, with Mr. HeyerKorangy acting as chairperson.chair. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee (1) is “independent” as defined by applicable SEC rules and the listing standards of Nasdaq applicable to Board and committee service, (2) has not participated in the preparation of our financial statements or those of any of our current subsidiaries at any time during the past three years and (3) is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. In addition, the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Korangy and Sims and Ms. Shapira and Messrs. Heyer and KorangyZier is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by applicable SEC rules. Audit Committee members are not permitted to serve on the audit committees of more than two other public companies. During fiscal year 2018, our2019, the Audit Committee held eightseven meetings. See “Report of the Audit Committee.”

The Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all compensation arrangements for our CEO and our other executive officers, including employment agreements, base salaries, annual and long-term incentive arrangements, the form and amount of equity awards, and severance andchange-in-control arrangements. The Compensation Committee’s duties include reviewing our compensation strategy on an annual basis to ensure that such strategy supports our objectives and stockholder interests and that executive officers are rewarded in a manner consistent with such strategy. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for, among other things, reviewing and approving annual and long-term performance measures relevant to executive officer compensation, evaluating the performance of the executive officers in light of these goals and objectives, approving the annual and long-term compensation awards for our executive officers and recommending to the independent members of the Board for their approval the form and amount of equity awards to be made to our executive officers.

 

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  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

      BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

 

Our Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs. Sinclair,Celeste A. Clark, Michael B. Sims and Glenn W. Welling, and Zilavy, with Mr. ZilavyWelling acting as chairperson.chair. The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee is “independent” as defined by the listing standards of Nasdaq.Nasdaq applicable to Board and committee service. During fiscal year 2018,2019, the Compensation Committee held eight meetings in addition to numerous informal conference calls among committee members.16 meetings.

Our Compensation Committee is authorized to engage an independent compensation consultant with respect to executive and director compensation matters. For fiscal year 2018, the Compensation Committee that was in place at the beginning of the fiscal year engaged Aon Hewitt as its independent compensation consultant. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2018,2019, the Compensation Committee engaged ClearBridge Compensation Group, LLC to conduct a peer group review, provide executive(“ClearBridge”) as its independent compensation market data, advise in connection with the CEO succession process and to review the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section of the proxy statement.

consultant. The Compensation Committee believes that there was no conflict of interest between either Aon Hewitt or ClearBridge Compensation Group, LLC andhas assessed the Company during their respective engagements. In reaching this conclusion, the Compensation Committee considered the factors set forth in the SEC rule regarding compensation advisor independence. Specifically, the Compensation Committee analyzed whether the workindependence of ClearBridge Compensation Group, LLC as compensation consultant raisedpursuant to the applicable Nasdaq rules and determined that its engagement does not raise any conflict of interest, taking into consideration the following factors: (i) the provision of other services to the Company by the consultant; (ii) the amount of fees from the Company paid to the consultant as a percentage of the consultant’s total revenue; (iii) the policies and procedures of the consultant that are designed to prevent conflicts of interest; (iv) any business or personal relationship of the consultant or the individual compensation advisors employed by the consultant with an executive officer of the Company; (v) any business or personal relationship of the individual compensation advisors with any member of the Compensation Committee; and (vi) any stock of the Company owned by the consultant or the individual compensation advisors employed by the consultant.interest.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s duties require the Committee to, among other things, (1) identify individuals qualified to serve on the Board of Directors and to recommend that the Board of Directors select director nominees to be considered for election at the Company’sour next annual meeting of stockholders or to be appointed by the Board of Directors to fill an existing or newly created vacancy on the Board, of Directors, (2) identify members of the Board of Directors to serve on each boardBoard committee and to serve as chairmanchair thereof and recommend each such member and chairmanchair to the Board, of Directors, (3) develop and revise, as appropriate, our Corporate Governance Guidelines applicable to the Company and recommend such guidelines or the revision of such guidelines to the Board, (4) oversee our strategy on global sustainability and corporate citizenship, including evaluating the impact of Directors; (4)our practices on communities and individuals, (5) oversee the evaluation by the Board of Directors of itself and its committees and (5)(6) review and assess the management succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer.CEO.

Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Mses.Richard A. Beck, Celeste A. Clark, Dean Hollis and Dawn M. Zier, and Mr. Hollis, with Ms. Zier acting as chairperson.chair. The Board has determined that each member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is “independent” as defined in the listing standards of Nasdaq.Nasdaq applicable to Board and committee service. During fiscal year 2018,2019, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held five meetingssix meetings.

The Strategy Committee

The Strategy Committee was established in addition to numerous informal conference calls among committee members.

On June 25,December 2018 the Company announcedas a Chief Executive Officer succession plan, whereby, upon the hiringcontinuation of a new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Simon would resign from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer. Working with a leading global executive search firm, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee spearheaded the initiative on behalfprior “Working Group” of the Board of Directors. The purpose of the Strategy Committee is to identify a successor(1) make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding strategic alternatives for the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. On October 29, 2018, the Company, announced the appointment of Mark Schiller asincluding the Company’s new Presidentoverall strategy with respect to mergers, acquisitions and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 5, 2018, as well as Schiller’s nomination as a director ofdispositions and any potential strategic transactions identified by the Company, which is set forth under “Proposal No.1 – Election of Directors”.

Director Nominations

When considering potential director nominees,Board, the Corporate Governance and NominatingStrategy Committee reviews desired experience, skills and other qualities to assure appropriate Board composition, taking into account the current Board members and the specific needs of the Company and the Board. In addition to these minimum requirements, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates director candidates based on a number of qualifications, including displayed ethical standards, integrity, sound business judgment and a willingness to devote adequateor management from time to Board duties. Although we do not have a formal policy regarding diversity, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee seeks to include members with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience, including appropriate financial and other expertise relevant to the business of the Company. Consistent with past practices, the Board is committed to a strong and diverse membership and to a thorough process to identify those individuals who can best contributetime, (2) provide input to the Company’s continued success.

Themanagement in their development of the Company’s long-term corporate strategy and (3) evaluate and analyze capital allocation alternatives with management and make recommendations to the broader Board of Directors as necessary.

Our Strategy Committee is composed of Dean Hollis, Shervin J. Korangy, Mark L. Schiller and Glenn W. Welling, with Mr. Schiller acting as chair. The Board deems it critical to the Corporate Governanceeffectiveness of the Strategy Committee that Mr. Schiller be a member of the committee, and Nominatingmembership on the Strategy Committee beginis therefore not limited to independent members of the process of identifyingBoard. The Strategy Committee meets quarterly on a formal basis and evaluating director nomineesgenerally meets weekly by seeking recommendations from a wide variety of contacts, including current executive officersconference call to discuss informal updates on the Company’s strategy and potential strategic transactions. During fiscal year 2019, the Strategy Committee held two formal quarterly meetings.

 

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  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE      

  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

 

Committee Composition

The members and directors,chairs of the committees as of the date of this proxy statement are summarized in the table below:

 DirectorAudit CommitteeCompensation
Committee
Corporate
Governance and
Nominating
Committee
Strategy
Committee

Richard A. Beck

MemberMember

Celeste A. Clark

MemberMember

Dean Hollis

MemberMember

Shervin J. Korangy

ChairMember

Roger Meltzer

Mark L. Schiller

Chair

Michael B. Sims

MemberMember

Glenn W. Welling

ChairMember

Dawn M. Zier

MemberChair

Board and industry, academic and community leaders. The Board or theCommittee Self-Evaluations

Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Nominating Committee may retain a search firm to identify and screen candidates, conduct background checks, prepare biographies for review by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee andcommittee charters, the Board and assist in scheduling interviews.its committees annually conduct self-assessments. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee oversees the process. Self-evaluation topics generally include, among other matters, Board and one or morecommittee composition and structure, effectiveness of ourthe Board and committees, meeting agendas and governance and Board interaction with management. The Board discusses the results of each annual self-evaluation and, based on the results, implements enhancements and other directors will interview candidates.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s charter provides thatmodifications as appropriate. Similarly, the Committee shall consider written proposals for director nominees from stockholders in accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Amended and RestatedBy-Laws. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by stockholders, and a stockholder wishing to submit a recommendation should send a letter to our Corporate Secretaryresults of each committee evaluation are generally discussed at The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY 11042. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed letter is a “Director Nominee Recommendation” and, in order to be consideredsubsequent committee meetings for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, must be receivedrelevant committee. Individual feedback is provided to Board members by us no later than July 1, 2019.

The letter must identify the author as a stockholder, demonstrate evidence of ownership, provide a complete listingChair of the candidate’s qualifications to serve on the Board, the candidate’s current principal occupation, most recent five-year employment history, current directorships and a statement that the proposed nominee has consented to the nomination, as well as contact information for both the candidate and the author of the letter. In addition, ourBy-Laws permit stockholders who satisfy certain ownership, notice and informational requirements to submit director nominations for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement. For more information regarding stockholder nominations and communications with our Board of Directors, see “Stockholder Proposals and Other Communications.”Board.

Website Access to Corporate Governance Documents

 

We have adopted a “Code of Ethics”,Ethics,” as defined in the regulations of the SEC, which applies to all of our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Copies of the charters for the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee,committees of our Board, as well as the Company’sour Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, are available free of charge on our website atwww.hain.com under Investor Relations – Corporate Governance or by writing to Investor Relations, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY 11042. If the Company ever were to amend or waive any provision of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or any person performing similar functions, the Company intends to satisfy its disclosure obligations, if any, with respect to any such waiver or amendment by posting such information on its website set forth above rather than by filing a Current Report on Form8-K. The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this proxy statement or incorporated into any of our other filings made with the SEC.

Compensation of Directors

 

We maintain aOur compensation program forNon-Employeenon-employee Directors’ Compensation Plan thatdirectors is designed to:

 

Attract and retain highly qualifiedqualified, non-employee directors;

Fairly compensatenon-employee directors for work required in a company of our size and scope; and

 

Align the interests ofof non-employee directors with those of our stockholders by paying a portion ofof non-employee director compensation in shares of our restricted common stock.

Directors who are also employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for their service on our Board. Accordingly, Mr.neither Mark L. Schiller, our current President and CEO, nor Irwin D. Simon, did not receiveour former President and CEO, received any compensation for his Board service.their service on the Board.

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  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Each year, the Compensation Committee and our Board of Directors review and determine compensation for ournon-employee directors. The Compensation CommitteeAnnual compensation covers the period of service between annual meetings of stockholders, with annual reviews and our Board believe thatdeterminations coinciding with the timing of the annual meeting. Eachnon-employee director may elect to forgo any cash payments and receive their entire board compensation should fairly compensatein the form of restricted stock. Allnon-employee directors who were elected at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders elected to receive 100% of their compensation for work requiredthe service period from the 2018 annual meeting to the 2019 Annual Meeting in a companythe form of restricted stock.

The compensation program for ournon-employee directors covering the period from our size and scope. Accordingly, compensation paid2018 annual meeting to non-employee directors in 2018 wasthe 2019 Annual Meeting is as follows:

 

 Form of Compensation Component

  

PaymentAmount

($)

 

Annual cashbase retainerfor allnon-employee directors

  

53,000

Annual restricted stock award

Additional annual fee for Chair of the Board

  

170,000

100,000

AnnualAdditional annual fee for Lead Independent Director (1)

Chair of Audit Committee

  

25,000

20,000

AnnualAdditional annual fee for chairpersonChair of AuditCompensation Committee

  

20,000

15,000

AnnualAdditional annual fee for chairperson of Compensation Committee

15,000

Annual fee for chairpersonChair of Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

10,000

Additional annual fee fornon-chair committee members (Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating, and Strategy Committees)

  

10,000

5,000

Annual feebase restricted stock award for Committee Members (2)allnon-employee directors

  

5,000

170,000

Fiscal Year 2019 Director Compensation

The following table sets forth the compensation paid by us to ournon-employee directors during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.

 Name*    Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash 1
($)
     Stock
Awards 2, 3
($)
     Total
($)
 

Celeste A. Clark

     60,500      170,000      230,500 

Dean Hollis

     110,500      170,000      280,500 

Shervin J. Korangy

     68,000      170,000      238,000 

Roger Meltzer

     53,000      170,000      223,000 

Glenn W. Welling

     68,000      170,000      238,000 

Dawn M. Zier

     63,000      170,000      233,000 

Andrew R. Heyer**

     78,000      170,000      248,000 

Adrianne Shapira**

     24,972            24,972 

Jack L. Sinclair**

     58,000      170,000      228,000 

Lawrence S. Zilavy**

     29,277            29,277 

 

(1)*

PaidDirectors who are also employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for their service on our Board. Accordingly, neither Mark L. Schiller, our current President and CEO, nor Irwin D. Simon, our former President and CEO, received any compensation for their service on the Board. Compensation paid to Messrs. Schiller and Simon in addition to $53,000 annual retainerfor non-employee directors.connection with their employment is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table on page 38.

(2)**

Only paid toMs. Shapira and Mr. Zilavy did not stand fornon-chairpersonre-election committee membersat the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, and accordingly they served asnon-employee directors through December 5, 2018. Mr. Heyer resigned as a member of the Board effective April 30, 2019, and Mr. Sinclair resigned as a member of the Board effective June 21, 2019. In connection with their departures, the Board approved the acceleration of the vesting of unvested restricted stock held by Ms. Shapira and Messrs. Zilavy, Heyer and Sinclair, upon the effective date of their respective departures.

 

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  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

 

1

Eachnon-employee director may elect to receive his or her annual base retainer and any additional annual fees in the form of restricted stock. Allnon-employee directors who were elected at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders elected to receive 100% of their compensation for the service period from the 2018 annual meeting to the 2019 Annual Meeting in the form of restricted stock.

PaymentUnder SEC rules, cash fees forgone at the election of Annual Retainer, Lead Independent Director Feea director for which equity compensation was instead received are included in the Fees Earned or Paid in Cash column. Of the amounts reported in the Fees Earned or Paid in Cash column, the following amounts were forgone by thenon-employee directors and Committee Chairinstead received in the form of restricted stock: Celeste A. Clark ($60,500), Dean Hollis ($110,500), Shervin J. Korangy ($68,000), Roger Meltzer ($53,000), Glenn W. Welling ($68,000), Dawn M. Zier ($31,500), Andrew R. Heyer ($55,500) and Member FeesJack L. Sinclair ($58,000).

The annual retainer and any applicable Lead Independent Director or committee chairperson or member fees forall non-employee directors are paid in quarterly installments on the 1st day of August, November, February and May.

2018 Director Compensation

  Name    Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash (3)
     Stock
Awards
(2)(4)
     Total 

 

Celeste A. Clark

 

    

 

$

 

 

41,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

211,000

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew R. Heyer (1)

 

    

 

$

 

 

79,250

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

249,250

 

 

 

 

 

R. Dean Hollis

 

    

 

$

 

 

41,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

211,000

 

 

 

 

 

Shervin J. Korangy

 

    

 

$

 

 

41,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

211,000

 

 

 

 

 

Roger Meltzer

 

    

 

$

 

 

53,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

223,000

 

 

 

 

 

Adrianne Shapira

 

    

 

$

 

 

59,250

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

229,250

 

 

 

 

 

Jack L. Sinclair

 

    

 

$

 

 

41,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

211,000

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn W. Welling

 

    

 

$

 

 

41,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

211,000

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn M. Zier

 

    

 

$

 

 

44,750

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

214,750

 

 

 

 

 

Lawrence S. Zilavy

 

    

 

$

 

 

68,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

170,000

 

 

 

 

    

 

$

 

 

238,000

 

 

 

 

 

(1)2

On March 27, 2018,The amounts shown in the Board approved additional cash compensation of $25,000 to Mr. Heyer for his service as lead independent director, commencing with the May 2018 compensation payment.

(2)

RepresentsStock Awards column represent the grant date fair value of thesestock awards computedgranted during the fiscal year, calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. The dollar amount recognized as expense during fiscal year 2018 for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to restricted shares of common stock awarded toassumptions used by the directors during fiscal year 2018 was $171,961. Please seeCompany in calculating these amounts are included in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 for more information.

(3)

Non-employee directors may elect to receive all or a portion of the annual retainer, Lead Independent Director fee or committee chair or member fees in cash or in restricted common stock. On March 27, 2018, the Board approved non-employee director compensation for the remainder of fiscal year 2018 and a portion of fiscal year 2019. At that time, non-employee directors elected to receive all or a portion of the cash portion of their compensation in shares of restricted common stock, which would vest on a pro-rata basis over the next three years. The following table sets forth the portion of approved fees each director elected to receive in cash and/or restricted common stock:

The amounts shown in the Stock Awards column omit cash fees elected to be received in the form of restricted stock, which fees are reported in the Fees Earned or Paid in Cash column. See footnote 1 above. Accordingly, the amounts shown in the Stock Awards column represent the value of the annual base restricted stock award fornon-employee directors.

 

 Name

 

  

 

Cash

Paid

($)

 

   

 

Value Paid in

Shares of

Common Stock

($)

 

   

 

Number

of Shares

of Restricted Common

Stock

(#)

 

 

 

Celeste A. Clark

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$228,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,357             

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew R. Heyer

 

  

 

$

 

 

45,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

$223,000     

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

7,196             

 

 

 

 

 

R. Dean Hollis

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$228,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

7,357             

 

 

 

 

 

Shervin J. Korangy

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$228,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

7,357             

 

 

 

 

 

Roger Meltzer

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$223,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

7,196             

 

 

 

 

 

Adrianne Shapira

 

  

 

$

 

 

58,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$170,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

5,486             

 

 

 

 

 

Jack L. Sinclair

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$228,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

7,357             

 

 

 

 

 

Glenn W. Welling

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$228,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

7,357             

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn M. Zier

 

  

 

$

 

 

63,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$170,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

5,486             

 

 

 

 

 

Lawrence S. Zilavy

 

  

 

$

 

 

68,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$170,000     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

5,486             

 

 

 

 

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  LOGO  19


  BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

(4)3

The following table shows the aggregatetotal number of shares underlying outstanding stock awards outstanding for eachnon-employee director as of June 30, 2018:

 Name

Unvested Restricted 
Common Stock

2019 was as follows: Celeste A. Clark

7,357

Andrew R. Heyer

16,305

R. (18,265 shares), Dean Hollis

7,357

(23,999 shares), Shervin J. Korangy

7,357

(19,125 shares), Roger Meltzer

14,791

Adrianne Shapira

12,324

Jack L. Sinclair

7,357

(21,396 shares), Glenn W. Welling

7,357

(19,125 shares) and Dawn M. Zier (17,018 shares). All such awards are in the form of restricted stock.

5,486

Lawrence S. Zilavy

12,324

Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

 

The Board strongly believes that the directors should have a meaningful ownership interest in the Company and, to that end, has implemented stock ownership guidelines for our directors. The ownership guidelines require directors to own, at a minimum, the value of five times the annual cash compensation (excluding additional cash compensation to committee chairpersonschairs and members) in shares of Hain Celestial common stock within the later of five years after a director is first elected to the Board or five years after the implementation of the guidelines. All directors are currently in compliance with the guidelines or are expected to meet the stock ownership guidelines within the five-year period.

 

20  The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement   LOGO The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  19


MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers

 

The following information describes the background and business experience of our executive officers during fiscal year 2018:as of the date of this proxy statement:

 

Irwin D. Simon, Founder,Mark L. Schiller, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 

Age: 60

57

 

Irwin D. SimonA description of Mr. Schiller’s background and business experience is the Founderprovided under “Proposal No. 1 Election of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and has been our President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and a director since our inception in 1993. Mr. Simon was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors in April 2000. Previously, Mr. Simon was employed in various marketing capacities at TheHäagen-Dazs Company, a frozen dessert company, then a division of Grand Metropolitan, PLC, a portfolio of luxury brands and companies. Mr. Simon currently serves as the presiding director of MDC Partners Inc., a provider of marketing, activation and communications solutions and services, and of Chop’t zCreative Salad Company, a fast-casual dining company. He also serves as the Vice Chairman of the board of directors of Tulane University andDirectors” which begins on the board of trustees of Poly Prep Country Day School. During the last five years, Mr. Simon also served as a director of Jarden Corporation, a consumer products company, until its merger with Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Mr. Simon also served as an independentnon-executive director of Yeo Hiap Seng Limited, a food and beverage company based in Singapore.page 7.

 

James M. Langrock, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Age: 53

54

 

Mr. Langrock was appointedhas served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer insince June 2017. Prior to his appointment to that role, Mr. Langrock served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer of the Company from November 2015 to June 2017. Prior to that, from 2008 until joining the Company in November 2015, Mr. Langrock served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Monster Worldwide, Inc., a multi-national global online recruiting solutions company, where he oversaw all financial operations of the company, including budgeting, cost savings initiatives, mergers and acquisitions and divestitures. Previously, Mr. Langrock served in senior finance positions at Motorola, Inc., including Chief Financial Officer of Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Division subsequent to Motorola’s acquisition of Symbol Technologies, Symbol Technologies, where he served as Head of Internal Audit and Chief Accounting Officer, as well as a Senior Manager at Arthur Andersen LLP.

 

Denise M. Faltischek,Christopher J. Boever, Executive Vice President and Chief StrategyCustomer Officer Corporate Secretary

 

Age: 45

52

 

Ms. Faltischek was appointedMr. Boever has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief StrategyCustomer Officer Corporate Secretary in April 2018.since January 2019. In this role, she collaborates with the President and Chief Executive Officer in developing, implementing, communicating and sustaining corporate strategic initiatives includingMr. Boever is responsible for driving the Company’s vision, mission, valuessales and purposecustomer agenda in the United States, as well as helping ensure the Company transforms its innovation capabilities. Mr. Boever has more than 20 years of consumer packaged foods industry experience. From 2011 to January 2018, Mr. Boever was Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and President of Foodservice of Pinnacle Foods Inc., where he was responsible for overseeing all M&A, divestituresits multi-billion dollar businesses to reshape and strategic transactions. In addition, she oversees the quality assurance, regulatory, customer care and sustainability functions.reinvigorate growth. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Faltischek hasPinnacle, Mr. Boever served in roles of increasing responsibility within the Company as follows: Executive Vice Presidentin strategic planning, operations management and General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer in November 2013; Senior Vice Presidentsales at ConAgra Brands, Inc. from 2007 to 2011 and General Counselat Hormel Foods Corporation from October 20101991 to November 2013; General Counsel from October 2009 to October 2010; Senior Associate General Counsel from April 2009 until October 2009; and Associate General Counsel from July 2005 until April 2009. In addition, she was appointed as Corporate Secretary in January 2015. Prior to her employment with the Company, she was with the law firm of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., where she practiced corporate and securities law.2007.

 

Kristy Meringolo, Senior ViceKevin McGahren, President, and General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer (effective April 12, 2018)North America

 

Age: 3758

Mr. McGahren has served as our President, North America since May 2019. In this role, Mr. McGahren is responsible for leading the Company’s teams in North America including marketing and research and development. Mr. McGahren has over 30 years of industry experience in driving value creation at both public companies and in private equity backed ventures. He was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of Dancing Deer Baking Company, a private equity backed natural dessert and snack company, from April 2016 to January 2019. Prior to that, he was the President of American Beverage Corporation, a juice drink and cocktail company, from 2011 to July 2015. From 2005 to 2010, Mr. McGahren was President, North American Branded Group of Royal Wessanen, a multinational food company, in a role that included founding and managing PANOS brands, a specialty and natural foods company. Earlier in his career, he held a series of leadership roles across multiple brands at Kraft Foods, including the Vice President of Marketing for Nabisco Cookies in which he had responsibility for Kraft’s largest snack foods business.

 

20  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement


  MANAGEMENT  

Kristy Meringolo, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer

Age: 38

 

Ms. Meringolo was appointedhas served as our Senior Vice President, and General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer since April 2018, and was appointed as Corporate Secretary in April 2018. In this role, sheMay 2019. Ms. Meringolo oversees all legal affairs of the Company as well as corporate compliance initiatives. Prior to her appointment, Ms. MeringoloShe previously served as Senior Vice President, Senior Litigation Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company from April 2017 to April 2018. Prior to that, from 2011 until joining the Company in April 2017, Ms. Meringolo worked at Avon Products, Inc. in a series of roles of increasing responsibility, with her most recent role as Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Litigation, Marketing and Intellectual Property where she oversaw legal responsibilities for a variety of matters including litigation, government investigations and providing counsel to the Ethics and Compliance team. Previously, Ms. Meringolo was an attorney at the law firm DLA Piper LLP (US), where she practiced litigation law and advised clients on corporate compliance initiatives.

 

Jeryl Wolfe, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer

Age: 59

Mr. Wolfe has served as our Chief Supply Chain Officer since April 2019. In this role, Mr. Wolfe is responsible for leading the Company’s supply chain organization including supply chain planning, logistics, contract management, continuous improvement, plant operations and procurement. Mr. Wolfe has over 30 years of supply chain leadership experience. Prior to joining the Company, from November 2017 to April 2019, Mr. Wolfe was a Senior Advisor at AlixPartners, a consulting firm. From December 2014 to October 2017, he was Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Vivanda, Inc., a food-industry technology business dedicated to bringing consumers, manufacturers and retailers closer together using data analytics. From 2000 to December 2014, Mr. Wolfe served in roles of increasing responsibility at food company McCormick & Company, Incorporated, most recently as CIO, Connected Commerce Executive from 2011 to December 2014. Before joining McCormick, Mr. Wolfe was a partner at the accounting and consulting firm Ernst & Young (now EY). He began his career as a founding member of supply-chain software and consultingstart-up Manugistics Group, Inc.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    21 


  MANAGEMENT  

Gary W. Tickle, Chief Executive Officer, North America

Age: 53

Mr. Tickle was appointed Chief Executive Officer, Hain Celestial North America in March 2017. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Tickle served as Chief Operating Officer, Hain Celestial United States from September 2016 to March 2017. Prior to joining Hain Celestial in September 2016, Mr. Tickle worked at Nestlé Group for over 25 years in a series of roles of increasing responsibility, with diverse geographic and operational focus. These include his most recent appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nutrition North America from 2014 to July 2016 and prior to that, he served as Global Head of the Strategic Business Unit for Infant Nutrition, Regional Business Head for Nutrition in South Asia, CEO of Nestlé New Zealand and held roles as CFO with Nestlé Peters Ice Cream, Manufacturing Financial Controller with Nestle Rowntree Australia and roles in supply chain management. He has worked across multiple categories including coffee, culinary, confectionery, foodservice, ice cream, dairy and infant nutrition.

22  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Introduction

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) explains our overall compensation philosophy and our stockholder engagement initiatives,approach, describes the material components of our executive compensation programs and details the determinations made by the Compensation Committee for the compensation awarded with respect to the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 20182019 to the following namedcurrent and former executive officers (“named executive officers” or “NEOs”), as applicable::

 

 ExecutivePosition

Mark L. Schiller

  

Position

Irwin D. Simon

Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

James M. Langrock

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Christopher J. Boever

Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer

Kevin McGahren

President, North America

Kristy Meringolo

Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer

Irwin D. Simon 1

Former President and Chief Executive Officer

Denise M. Faltischek 2

  

Former Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Corporate Secretary

1

Mr. Simon resigned as President and CEO effective November 4, 2018, in accordance with a Succession Agreement dated June 24, 2018 between Mr. Simon and the Company. Mr. Simon is an NEO for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 under SEC rules.

2

Ms. Faltischek served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Corporate Secretary until May 2019 and thereafter served as anon-executive employee until her departure from the Company in August 2019. Ms. Faltischek is an NEO for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 under SEC rules.

Executive Overview

Our mission has continued to evolve since our founding in 1993, with health and wellness being the core tenet. We continue to be a leading marketer, manufacturer and seller of organic and natural,“better-for-you” products. We are committed to growing responsibly while continuing to implement environmentally sound business practices and manufacturing processes.

Fiscal year 2019 was a year of tremendous transformation for the Company. The Board determined that our business had become highly complex and that the Company required a leader with expertise in operational strategy to evaluate the Company’s operations and brand portfolio. In November 2018, the Company hired a new President and CEO, Mark L. Schiller, a senior executive and veteran in consumer packaged goods, with a proven track record of building operational capability to lead the Company’s transformation. The Board supported Mr. Schiller’s comprehensive review of the Company, which included all areas of its business. The Board collaborated with Mr. Schiller to recruit and build an experienced, world-class management team who together evaluated the Company’s operational challenges and implemented a transformational strategy for the Company to accelerate change and drive sustainable, profitable growth.

The compensation approach of the Board and the Compensation Committee in fiscal year 2019, commencing with Mr. Schiller’s hiring, was designed to ensure the Company has the right leadership team in place to develop and execute the required transformational strategy, while aligning compensation with Company performance and thereby aligning the interests of Mr. Schiller and the other NEOs with stockholder interests.

In fiscal year 2019, the Company set forth its strategy, strengthened its executive leadership team and launched a comprehensive, multi-faceted plan to start to deliver its key business objectives for success. While the Company is in the early stages of progress, we have already experienced significant sequential improvement in our quarterly performance since we began our transformation. We believe we have laid the appropriate groundwork to implement our strategy for success and a path toward profitable growth.

Stockholder Feedback on Compensation and Response to Say on Pay Vote

Our Board, the Compensation Committee and our management team value stockholder perspectives on our executive compensation program and consider the outcome of the annual stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation – the “Say

Kristy Meringolo22  

LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement


 

 

Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer (as of April 12, 2018)  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

Gary W. Tickle

Chief Executive Officer, North America

Executive Summary

Our missionon Pay” vote. At our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders in December 2018, the compensation of our named executive officers was approved by approximately 50.6% of votes cast. We strive for significantly higher support from our stockholders in Say on Pay votes and operating strategy requirehave taken considerable measures in response to last year’s vote. Based on our discussions with our stockholders, we believe the overriding factor that caused a significant percentage of our compensation philosophy recognizes both near-term financialstockholders to vote against the Say on Pay proposal was the severance paid to our former President and operational success as well as decision-making that supports long-term value creating growth. For these reasons,CEO arising out of his legacy employment agreement, which was entered into before the current members of the Compensation Committee joined our Board of Directors. At the same time, we received consistently positive feedback from stockholders regarding the changes the Compensation Committee has made to the Company’s executivepay practices, specifically the compensation package approved by the Compensation Committee for Mr. Schiller in October 2018, underscoring that the 2018 Say on Pay vote was not a result of stockholder concerns about Mr. Schiller’s compensation. Our key takeaways from stockholders were that we need to continue to move away from severance andchange-in-control agreements that provide for payouts like the one to our former President and CEO and that we should incorporate several of the features of Mr. Schiller’s compensation package into our overall program, has been designed to incentivize both near-term and long-term objectives by providing NEOs with both annual incentive andincluding his long-term incentive award opportunities. Demonstrating its thoughtfulwhich is a three-year front-loaded performance share unit (“PSU”) award with rigorous compound annual Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) performance goals.

The current members of our Board, Compensation Committee and complete approach,management team have carefully considered this feedback and have redesigned the Company’s compensation program to implement improved practices and elements in the compensation packages of our existing executive officers. For example, the Compensation Committee evaluates,(1) implemented a standard severance structure for all NEOs which excludes the value of long-term incentive awards and has determined not to enter into future severance arrangements that include the value of long-term incentive awards, (2) restructured our form ofchange-in-control agreement for all NEOs to include market-typical provisions and (3) designed the 2019-2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2019-2021 LTIP”) for NEOs to mirror the terms of Mr. Schiller’s long-term incentive award. These changes, and other actions taken by the Compensation Committee since the beginning of fiscal year 2019, are highlighted below under “Key Compensation Committee Actions.”

We believe we are uniquely situated with respect to having insight into stockholder perspectives on at least an annual basis,executive compensation. The Chair of our Compensation Committee, Glenn W. Welling, is the Company’s executiveprincipal of Engaged Capital, LLC (“Engaged Capital”), which beneficially owns approximately 20.2% of our outstanding common stock and is our largest stockholder. Accordingly, we have the benefit of inherent alignment of our major compensation practices to ensure that they are aligneddecisions with the Company’s short-term goals and long-term strategic plan, are designed to drive both short-term and long-term growth and profitability, and are in the interests of stockholders.

In addition to the input we receive from Mr. Welling and Engaged Capital, members of our stockholders.management team and Board engage with our institutional stockholders in meetings and calls throughout the year. During fiscal year 2019, we held telephonic andin-person meetings with 44 stockholders who collectively held approximately 65% of our outstanding common stock. Our Compensation Committee Chair participated in substantially all meetings that were focused on executive compensation, and in certain of those meetings additional independent members of our Board participated. Topics of discussion in these meetings typically included the Compensation Committee’s choice of performance measures for awards issued under our Annual Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan, the relationship between the performance measures and our long-term strategy, and the payout terms of equity awards.

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    23 


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

    

 

ResponseKey Compensation Committee Actions

The following table highlights specific actions taken by the Compensation Committee since the beginning of fiscal year 2019, including actions taken in response to Say on Pay Vote

Last year, our stockholders approved our Say on Pay resolution with 70.3% of the votes cast voting in favor, which represented a significant improvement over the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders where only 41% of the votes cast supported our Say on Pay resolution. We believe that the improvement in last year’s Say on Pay resolution resultedvote and the feedback we received from the significant compensation and governance actions the Company took in response to its extensive stockholder outreach campaign after the 2015 Annual Meeting as follows:stockholders during fiscal year 2019.

 

WHAT WE HEARD Item

  WHAT WE HAVE DONE
IN RESPONSE
INTENDED OUTCOMEWHEN EFFECTIVE

The Company should consider adopting a performance measure that is relative so that stockholders can better evaluateKey Compensation Committee Actions Since the Company’s performance against its peers.Beginning of Fiscal Year 2019

 Adopted Relative TSR as one of the measures for the long-term incentive planProvides stockholders with
the ability to evaluate the
Company’s performance
against a predetermined
peer group
2016-2018 Long-Term
Incentive Plan

The Company should consider increasing the performance period under the long-term incentive plan from two years to three years

Fiscal Year 2019 Peer Group

  Increased the performance period under the long-term incentive plan

  Adopted a new peer group, more closely aligned with Hain Celestial’s size and industry

  New peer group represents a40% decrease in median revenue vs. prior peer group, to three years

Incentivizes long-term
thinking and aligns
management incentives
with stockholders.
2016-2018 Long-Term
Incentive Plan
better approximate Hain Celestial’s size

The Company should further align pay and performance

 Eliminated the time-based vesting portion of the long-term incentive award (25% of award)All awards under the long-
term incentive plan are
100% performance-based
thereby increasing
stockholder alignment
2016-2018 Long-Term
Incentive Plan

The Company should consider eliminating the use of a

CEO Founder Peer GroupCompensation Levels

  Eliminated

  New CEO compensation package developed using the peer median

  New CEO Founder peer group. We are now using a single compensation peer group for all executive compensation decisions

Provides for clearer, more
objective and more concise
information
2016
annualizedtarget total direct compensation* over 70% lower than prior CEO

The Board of Directors should consider appointing a lead independent director

 The Board of Directors appointed a lead independent director

CEO Employment Agreement

  The lead independent
director provides objective
leadership

  New CEO employment agreement terms are aligned with market practice and do not include certain provisions from prior CEO contract; for example:

Eliminated certain cash severance triggers (death, disability and voluntary termination)

Reduced cash severancein the case of a qualifying termination not in connection with a change in control, specifically:

  Prior CEO severance was three times the sum of cash compensation and long-term incentive

  New CEO severance is two times cash compensation (base salary plus target annual bonus)

  Modifiedchange-in-control vesting provisions from“single trigger” to the
independent directors“double trigger”

No significant perquisites expected in
the Boardroom, presides
over Board meetings, sets
Board priorities in
conjunction fiscal year 2020
(new CEO only receivedone-time relocation and legal expenses associated with the
Chairman and advises the
Board on matters where
there may be an actual or
perceived conflict of
interestCEO hire)

 May 2017

Long-Term Incentive Plan Design

LTIP grants* for CEO and all NEOs are 100% performance-based, tied to rigorous Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) goals

No award earned if three-year compound annual TSR is below 15%; 35% compound annual TSR required to earn the maximum award

Three-year front-loaded awards, with intention that no additional awards will be granted to NEOs for fiscal years 2019 to 2021, which aligns NEO compensation with the Company’s turnaround strategy

Additional Items

  Implementedstandard severance structure andchange-in-control agreement for NEOs with market-typical provisions

Eliminated auto allowance effective for fiscal year 2020, resulting in no significant perquisites expected for NEOs in fiscal year 2020

Expanded clawback policy to apply to cash and equity incentive compensation; previous policy applied to equity only

*

Excludes CEOsign-on restricted stock award.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Compensation Philosophy

We believe a majority of the compensation for our NEOs should be dependent on the success of our Company so that the interests of our NEOs are aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders. Accordingly, a majority of executive compensation is designed to be “at risk” and dependent on achieving quantitative performance goals. The Compensation Committee reviews our compensation design and philosophy on at least an annual basis to ensure that our executive compensation program continues to support the Company’s strategy, objectives and stockholder interests.

 

24   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


    

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

WHAT WE HEARD

WHAT WE HAVE DONE
IN RESPONSE

INTENDED OUTCOME

WHEN EFFECTIVE 

Proxy access is a right that is important to stockholders

The Board of Directors supported a stockholder proposal for proxy access in the 2015 proxy statement and submitted to stockholders aBy-law amendment implementing proxy access, which was approved by stockholdersProvides stockholders
meeting certain
requirements the right to
nominate candidates for
election to our Board and
have their nominees
included in our proxy
statement
After our 2017 Annual
Meeting

The financial performance measures in the annual incentive plans should be weighted more than thenon-financial performance measures

Changed the weighting so that the financial performance measures in the 2018 Annual Incentive Plan were 75% of the target award compared to 50% of the target award in the 2016 Annual Incentive PlanMore objective measure of
CEO and NEO
performance in the annual
incentive plan
Fiscal Year 2018

At the 2017 Annual MeetingExecutive Compensation Program Objectives

We provide a competitive total compensation package to our executive management team through a combination of Stockholders, our stockholders voted to continue to have anbase salary, annual Say on Pay vote. In connection with our ongoing stockholder engagement effort, during fiscal year 2018 we contacted stockholders, who collectively held more than 70%incentives, long-term incentives and other compensation, as well as severance andchange-in-control arrangements.

The primary objectives of our issuedexecutive compensation program are to:

Attract, motivate and retain key employees with outstanding common stock,talent and offered to discuss and obtain feedback on our compensation programs, corporate governance and any other matters of interest. We ultimately had discussions with stockholders representing approximately 29%ability;

Align the interests of our issued and outstanding common stock. These discussions were heldexecutives with our Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, our Senior Vice President, Human Resources, our Executive Vice President and General Counsel and our Associate General Counsel and, in certain instances, by certain membersthe interests of our Board. This effort supplementedstockholders;

Reward performance, with a meaningful portion of compensation tied to Company goals;

Promote the ongoing communicationscreation of long-term stockholder value; and meetings that we hold with our investors throughout the fiscal year and focused on

Structure executive compensation in a manner that promotes our strategic, financial and corporate governance matters. operating performance objectives, without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking.

Our goal wascompensation elements are designed to understand betterachieve the concernsobjectives set forth above as follows:

Base salary and benefits are designed to attract and retain executives by providing regular and continued payments that are appropriate for their position, experience and responsibilities;

Annual performance-based awards are designed to focus our executives on objectives each year that are generally operational and drive specific performance needed to achieve short-term targets that are part of our long-term growth and profitability goals;

Long-term incentives are designed to align our executives’ interests with those of our stockholders and to motivate executives to generate value for our stockholders over the long term; and

Severance andchange-in-control arrangements are designed to mitigate the distraction of our key executives when faced with respecta potential change in control or other possible termination situations and to executive compensation, corporate governancefacilitate our ability to attract and other matters of interest and whether the changes that had been made addressed their concerns. Stockholders were generally pleased with the changes that had been made. The feedbackretain executives as we received was positive reinforcement that stockholders supported the Company’s executive compensation program.compete for talented individuals in a marketplace where such protections are commonly offered.

Executive Compensation Practices at a Glance

What We Do

What We Do NOT DoO

DO align annual incentive pay and performance by linking 100% of annual incentive compensation to the achievement of a balanced mix of quantitative and qualitative,at-risk performance hurdles tied to Company strategic objectives

O

NO guaranteed cash incentives, equity compensation or salary increases for NEOs

DO align long-term incentive pay and performance by linking 100% of long-term compensation to the achievement of quantitative,at-risk performance hurdles tied to the Company’s long-term strategic objectives and relative TSR performance

O

NO executive pension or executive retirement plans for any of our NEOs

DO promote executive officer retention by using a three-year vesting period for any time-based restricted stock

O

NO compensation or incentives that encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking

DO strive to award incentive compensation to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)

O

NO tax gross ups for our CEO or any executive officer entering into a change in control agreement since 2009

DO cap payouts for awards under our Annual Incentive Award Plan and LTIP

O

NO pledging of any of our securities (adopted Anti-Pledging Policy)

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  LOGO  25


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

What We Do

What We Do NOT DoO

DO maintain rigorous stock ownership guidelines (6x base salary for the CEO, 3x base salary for Executive Vice Presidents, 2x base salary for other executive officers and segment leaders, 1x base salary for all other LTIP participants and 5x annual cash compensation (excluding additional cash compensation to committee chairpersons and members) fornon-employee directors)

O

NO hedging or derivative transactions involving our securities (adopted Anti-Hedging Policy)

DO maintain a clawback policy

O

NO “single-trigger” change in control agreements entered into with our CEO or any executive officer since 2009

DO conduct annual compensation review and approval of our compensation philosophy and strategy

O

NO excessive perquisites or other benefits

DO appoint a Compensation Committee comprised solely of independent directors

O

NO repricing or buyouts of underwater stock options

DO use an independent compensation consultant engaged by our Compensation Committee

O

NO equity plan evergreen provisions

DO have a majority of executive compensation at risk based on corporate performance

Compensation PhilosophyProgram Objectives

We believe that the majorityprovide a competitive total compensation package to our executive management team through a combination of base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives and other compensation, as well as severance andchange-in-control arrangements.

The primary objectives of our executive compensation should be dependent onprogram are to:

Attract, motivate and retain key employees with outstanding talent and ability;

Align the continued growth and success of our Company so that our NEOs are fully aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders. Accordingly,executives with the interests of our stockholders;

Reward performance, with a significantmeaningful portion of compensation tied to Company goals;

Promote the creation of long-term stockholder value; and

Structure executive compensation isin a manner that promotes our strategic, financial and operating performance objectives, without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking.

Our compensation elements are designed to be “at risk”,achieve the objectives set forth above as follows:

Base salary and therefore, exceptbenefits are designed to attract and retain executives by providing regular and continued payments that are appropriate for base salary, a significant portiontheir position, experience and responsibilities;

Annual performance-based awards are designed to focus our executives on objectives each year that are generally operational and drive specific performance needed to achieve short-term targets that are part of our NEOs’ total direct compensation is dependent on achieving quantitative performance goalslong-term growth and provides for a significant portionprofitability goals;

Long-term incentives are designed to be paid in the formalign our executives’ interests with those of equity compensation that will appreciate in value only to the extent that shares held by our stockholders also increaseand to motivate executives to generate value for our stockholders over the long term; and

Severance andchange-in-control arrangements are designed to mitigate the distraction of our key executives when faced with a potential change in value.

The Compensation Committee reviewscontrol or other possible termination situations and to facilitate our compensation designability to attract and philosophy on at least an annual basis to ensure that our executive compensation program continues to support the Company’s strategy, objectives and stockholder interests.retain executives as we compete for talented individuals in a marketplace where such protections are commonly offered.

Executive Compensation Program Objectives

We provide a competitive total compensation package to our executive management team through a combination of base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives and other compensation, as well as severance and change in control agreements.change-in-control arrangements.

The primary objectives of our executive compensation program are to:

Attract, motivate and retain key employees with outstanding talent and ability;

 

Align the interests of our executives with the interests of our stockholders;

 

Prioritize implementationReward performance, with a meaningful portion of pay for performance;compensation tied to Company goals;

 

Promote the creation of long-term stockholder value;

Attract, motivate and retain key employees with outstanding talent and ability;

 

Structure executive compensation in a manner that promotes our strategic, financial and operating performance objectives; and

Reward performance, with a meaningful portion of compensation tied to the Company’s financial, operational and strategic goals.objectives, without encouraging unnecessary or excessive risk taking.

Our compensation elements are designed to achieve the objectives set forth above as follows:

 

Base salary and benefits are designed to attract and retain executives by providing regular and continued payments that are appropriate tofor their position, experience and responsibilities;

 

Annual performance-based awards are designed to focus our executives onpre-set objectives each year that are generally operational and drive specific performance needed to fosterachieve short-term andtargets that are part of our long-term growth and profitability;profitability goals;

26  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

Long-term incentives are designed to align our executives’ interests with those of our stockholders and to motivate executives to generate value for our stockholders over the long-term;long term; and

 

Severance andchange-in-control arrangements are designed to mitigate the distraction of our key executives when faced with a potentialchange-in-control change in control or other possible termination situations and to facilitate our ability to attract and retain executives as we compete for talented individuals in a marketplace where such protections are commonly offered.

Discussion of our Fiscal Year 2018 Executive Compensation ProgramPractices at a Glance

 

What We Do

What We Do NOT Do O

DO align annual incentive pay and performance by linking annual incentive compensation to the achievement of performance goals tied to Company strategic objectives

O

NO guaranteed cash incentives, equity compensation or salary increases for NEOs

DO align long-term incentive pay and performance by linking 100% of long-term compensation to the achievement of rigorous TSR goals

O

NO single trigger acceleration of equity awards granted since the beginning of fiscal year 2019

DO cap payouts for annual incentive and LTIP awards

O

NO acceleration of performance-based equity awards without regard to performance goals, with any acceleration upon a qualifying termination of employment subject to proration as well as the attainment of performance goals measured through the date of the acceleration event

DO maintain rigorous stock ownership guidelines (6x base salary for the CEO, 3x base salary for Executive Vice Presidents, 2x base salary for other executive officers and 5x annual cash compensation (excluding additional cash compensation to committee chairs and members) fornon-employee directors)

O

NO executive pension or executive retirement plans for any of our NEOs

DO maintain a clawback policy with respect to cash and equity incentive compensation

O

NO compensation or incentives that encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking

This section provides

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  LOGO  25


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

What We Do

What We Do NOT Do O

DO conduct annual compensation review and approval of our compensation philosophy and strategy

O

NO tax gross ups

DO appoint a Compensation Committee comprised solely of independent directors

O

NO pledging of any of our securities by directors or executive officers (adopted Anti-Pledging Policy)

DO use an independent compensation consultant engaged by our Compensation Committee

O

NO hedging or derivative transactions involving our securities (adopted Anti-Hedging Policy)

DO have a majority of executive compensation at risk based on corporate performance

O

NO significant perquisites, as legacy arrangements have been phased out

Target Annual Compensation Mix

The following charts show the mix of fixed and at risk target annual compensation for our CEO and for our other current NEOs as a discussiongroup (Messrs. Langrock, Boever and McGahren and Ms. Meringolo). Fixed compensation represents annual base salaries in effect for fiscal year 2019. At risk compensation is comprised of target annual bonuses (without proration) under the Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) and the annual value of the NEOs’ three-year front-loaded PSU awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). AIP and LTIP awards are at risk because they are dependent on achieving quantitative performance goals. The CEO’s sign-on restricted stock award is excluded as it was a one-time award that is not considered to be annual compensation.

LOGOLOGO

How Executive Pay is Established

Role of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all compensation arrangements for our CEO and our other executive officers, including employment agreements, base salaries, annual and long-term incentive arrangements, the form and amount of equity awards, and severance andchange-in-control arrangements. The Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding theduties include reviewing our compensation ofstrategy on an annual basis to ensure that such strategy supports our NEOs for fiscal year 2018.objectives and stockholder interests and that executive officers are rewarded in a manner consistent with such strategy.

Peer Group

Each year,Our Compensation Committee is authorized to engage an independent compensation consultant to assist the Compensation Committee evaluateswith its roles and responsibilities. The Compensation Committee engaged ClearBridge Compensation Group, LLC (“ClearBridge”) as its independent compensation consultant during the previously-selected peer groupthird quarter of fiscal year 2018, and determinesClearBridge’s engagement remained in effect throughout fiscal year 2019.

Role of Management

From time to time, members of our Human Resources, Finance and Legal departments work with our CEO to recommend certain terms of our compensation plans and programs to the Compensation Committee, to develop financial and other goals that are utilized under those programs and to prepare analyses to assist the Compensation Committee in making its decisions.

Our CEO makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding compensation determinations for other executive officers. Our CEO is subject to the same Company performance goals as our other executive officers, all of which companies best reflectare determined and approved by the Company’s competitors for talent. Compensation Committee.

26  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Benchmarking

A key objective of our executive compensation program is to ensure that total direct compensation is competitive with the companies against which we compete for talent. For fiscal year 2018, the Compensation Committee that was in place at the beginning of the fiscal year engaged Aon Hewitt as its independent compensation consultant to assist the Compensation Committee in developing and evaluating the peer group.

In order to examine the competitiveness of our overall compensation program, Aon Hewitt compared the total direct compensation of our NEOs (consisting of base salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation as determined under SEC rules but not including benefits and perquisites) during fiscal year 2017 to the publicly filed data of comparable companies in the consumer packaged goods industry.

The process for choosing the companies used in the compensation analysis provided by Aon Hewitt was based on the following screening criteria as instructed by the Compensation Committee: revenues, market capitalization, strong growth experience, significant international operations, focus on organic, natural andbetter-for-you food/beverage or consumer/household products, recognized for their industry leadership and brand recognition and viewed as competitors for executive talent. Our peer group for fiscal 2018 was as follows:

  Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

  Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.

  Coach, Inc.

  Panera Bread Company

  Coty Inc.

  Pinnacle Foods Inc.

  Flowers Foods, Inc.

  Post Holdings, Inc.

  lululemon athletica inc.

  Synder’s-Lance, Inc.

  McCormick & Company, Incorporated

  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

  Mead Johnson Nutrition Company

  Under Armour, Inc.

  Molson Coors Brewing Company

  United Natural Foods, Inc.

  Monster Beverage Corporation

  The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

At the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company changed the composition of the Board, resulting in the Compensation Committee being composed of all new Committee members. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Compensation Committee engaged ClearBridge Compensation Group, LLC (“ClearBridge”) as its new independent compensation consultant to assist the Compensation Committee in developing and evaluating a new peer group and assisting the Compensation Committee with their roles and responsibilities. In developing a new peer group, ClearBridge utilized the following screening criteria as instructed by the Compensation Committee: enterprise value, revenue and companies in the food and personal care products industry. Our peer group for fiscal year 2019 is as follows:

  B&G Foods, Inc.

  Lancaster Colony Corporation

  Darling Ingredients, Inc.

  Pinnacle Foods Inc.1

  Edgewell Personal Care Company

  Post Holdings, Inc.

  Flowers Foods, Inc.

  Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.

1

On October 26, 2018, Conagra Brands Inc. completed its acquisition of Pinnacle Foods Inc. and, therefore, Pinnacle Foods Inc. shall be removed from the peer group going forward.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  LOGO  27


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

  Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

  Revlon, Inc.

  Helen of Troy Limited

  SunOpta, Inc.

  J&J Snack Foods Corp.

  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

  Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

  United Natural Foods, Inc.

Below is the enterprise value, revenue, enterprise value to revenue ratio and industry for each of the companies within the peer group as of June 30, 2018 as well as the peer group percentiles. The Company is approximately at the median of the peer group for all measures.

 ($MM)
 Company
  

 

Enterprise
Value
(6/30/2018)

 

  

 

Revenue
(Last 4Q) (1)

 

  

 

EV/Rev.
Ratio

 

  

 

Industry

 

 

   1 Post Holdings, Inc.

   

 

$

 

13,060

 

   

 

$

 

6,076

 

   

 

 

 

2.1

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   2 Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

   

 

$

 

12,439

 

   

 

$

 

3,424

 

   

 

 

 

3.6

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   3 Pinnacle Foods Inc.

   

 

$

 

10,431

 

   

 

$

 

3,154

 

   

 

 

 

3.3

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   4 TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

5,345

 

   

 

$

 

6,186

 

   

 

 

 

0.9

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   5 Flowers Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

5,191

 

   

 

$

 

3,940

 

   

 

 

 

1.3

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   6 Darling Ingredients Inc.

   

 

$

 

5,005

 

   

 

$

 

3,611

 

   

 

 

 

1.4

 

  

 

Agricultural Products

 

   7 Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,997

 

   

 

$

 

1,039

 

   

 

 

 

3.8

 

  

 

Pharma (Personal Products)

 

   8 B&G Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,970

 

   

 

$

 

1,714

 

   

 

 

 

2.3

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   9 Edgewell Personal Care Company

   

 

$

 

3,907

 

   

 

$

 

2,262

 

   

 

 

 

1.7

 

  

 

Personal Products

 

 10 Revlon, Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,799

 

   

 

$

 

2,621

 

   

 

 

 

1.4

 

  

 

Personal Products

 

 11 Lancaster Colony Corporation

   

 

$

 

3,616

 

   

 

$

 

1,223

 

   

 

 

 

3.0

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

 12 Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

   

 

$

 

2,993

 

   

 

$

 

4,285

 

   

 

 

 

0.7

 

  

 

Agricultural Products

 

 13 Helen of Troy Limited

   

 

$

 

2,862

 

   

 

$

 

1,519

 

   

 

 

 

1.9

 

  

 

Household Appliances

 

 14 J&J Snack Foods Corp.

   

 

$

 

2,727

 

   

 

$

 

1,154

 

   

 

 

 

2.4

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

 15 United Natural Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

2,613

 

   

 

$

 

9,975

 

   

 

 

 

0.3

 

  

 

Food Distributors

 

 16 SunOpta Inc.

   

 

$

 

1,266

 

   

 

$

 

1,245

 

   

 

 

 

1.0

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

  Peer 75th Percentile

   

 

$

 

5,230

 

   

 

$

 

4,026

 

   

 

 

 

2.5

 

  

 

  Peer 50th Percentile

   

 

$

 

3,938

 

   

 

$

 

2,887

 

   

 

 

 

1.8

 

  

 

  Peer 25th Percentile

   

 

$

 

2,960

 

   

 

$

 

1,450

 

   

 

 

 

1.2

 

  

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,862

 

   

 

$

 

2,458

 

   

 

 

 

1.6

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

In addition to the identification of a new peer group, the Compensation Committee in conjunction with their advisor, ClearBridge, has undertaken a further detailed review of the Company’s compensation plan design and other practices in order to identify areas to further enhance the compensation plans so that the Company’s short and long-term compensation plans support the Compensation Committee’s philosophy of pay for performance and full alignment with the creation of value for all stockholders.

Compensation decisions regarding the plans that were established for our executive officers for fiscal year 2018 were made by the former Compensation Committee, with external market data from Aon Hewitt, as well as input from our Chief Executive Officer (except with respect to his own compensation). The Compensation Committee uses compensation data from thea peer group as general guidance and as one of many factors that inform its judgment of appropriate compensation parameters for target compensation levels. When using peer group data, the Compensation Committee references the 50th percentile, recognizing that the specific positioning for each NEO is determined on acase-by-case basis considering multiple factors.

Fiscal Year 2019 Peer Group

Each year, the Compensation Committee evaluates its previously-selected peer group and determines which companies best reflect the Company’s competitors for talent. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Compensation Committee, with the assistance of ClearBridge, conducted its annual evaluation and developed a new peer group that is more in line with the Company’s industry and size. In assisting with the development of the new peer group, ClearBridge utilized the following screening criteria as instructed by the Compensation Committee: enterprise value, revenue and companies in the food and personal care products industry.

The table below sets forth our fiscal year 2019 peer group, including the enterprise value, historical revenue and enterprisevalue-to-revenue ratio for each of the companies as of June 30, 2018, as well as the peer group percentiles. The Company is approximately at the median of the peer group for all measures.

 ($MM)
 Company
  

 

Enterprise
Value
(6/30/2018)

 

  

 

Revenue
(Last 4Q)

 

  

 

EV/Rev.
Ratio

 

  

 

Industry

 

 

   1 Post Holdings, Inc.

   

 

$

 

13,060

 

   

 

$

 

6,076

 

   

 

 

 

2.1    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   2 Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

   

 

$

 

12,439

 

   

 

$

 

3,424

 

   

 

 

 

3.6    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   3 Pinnacle Foods Inc.*

   

 

$

 

10,431

 

   

 

$

 

3,154

 

   

 

 

 

3.3    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   4 TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

5,345

 

   

 

$

 

6,186

 

   

 

 

 

0.9    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   5 Flowers Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

5,191

 

   

 

$

 

3,940

 

   

 

 

 

1.3    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   6 Darling Ingredients Inc.

   

 

$

 

5,005

 

   

 

$

 

3,611

 

   

 

 

 

1.4    

 

  

 

Agricultural Products

 

   7 Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,997

 

   

 

$

 

1,039

 

   

 

 

 

3.8    

 

  

 

Pharma (Personal Products)

 

   8 B&G Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,970

 

   

 

$

 

1,714

 

   

 

 

 

2.3    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

   9 Edgewell Personal Care Company

   

 

$

 

3,907

 

   

 

$

 

2,262

 

   

 

 

 

1.7    

 

  

 

Personal Products

 

 10 Revlon, Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,799

 

   

 

$

 

2,621

 

   

 

 

 

1.4    

 

  

 

Personal Products

 

 11 Lancaster Colony Corporation

   

 

$

 

3,616

 

   

 

$

 

1,223

 

   

 

 

 

3.0    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

 12 Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

   

 

$

 

2,993

 

   

 

$

 

4,285

 

   

 

 

 

0.7    

 

  

 

Agricultural Products

 

 13 Helen of Troy Limited

   

 

$

 

2,862

 

   

 

$

 

1,519

 

   

 

 

 

1.9    

 

  

 

Household Appliances

 

 14 J&J Snack Foods Corp.

   

 

$

 

2,727

 

   

 

$

 

1,154

 

   

 

 

 

2.4    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

 15 United Natural Foods, Inc.

   

 

$

 

2,613

 

   

 

$

 

9,975

 

   

 

 

 

0.3    

 

  

 

Food Distributors

 16 SunOpta Inc.

   

 

$

 

1,266

 

   

 

$

 

1,245

 

   

 

 

 

1.0    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

 

 Peer 75th Percentile

   

 

$

 

5,230

 

   

 

$

 

4,026

 

   

 

 

 

2.5    

 

  

 

 

 Peer 50th Percentile

   

 

$

 

3,938

 

   

 

$

 

2,887

 

   

 

 

 

1.8    

 

  

 

 

 Peer 25th Percentile

   

 

$

 

2,960

 

   

 

$

 

1,450

 

   

 

 

 

1.2    

 

  

 

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

   

 

$

 

3,862

 

   

 

$

 

2,458

 

   

 

 

 

1.6    

 

  

 

Packaged Foods and Meats

*

Pinnacle Foods Inc. was acquired by Conagra Brands Inc. in October 2018.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  LOGO  27


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Fiscal Year 2020 Peer Group

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Compensation Committee, with the assistance of ClearBridge, conducted its annual evaluation of the Company’s peer group to be used in connection with fiscal year 2020 compensation determinations. The Compensation Committee and ClearBridge evaluated existing peer group companies and potential new peer group companies with respect to enterprise value, revenue and industry, including changes thereto resulting from M&A activity. Based on those criteria, the Compensation Committee replaced Darling Ingredients Inc., Helen of Troy Limited, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., Pinnacle Foods Inc. and United Natural Foods, Inc. with Hostess Brands, Inc. and The Simply Good Food Company. Following these changes, our peer group for fiscal year 2020 is as follows:

  B&G Foods, Inc.

  Post Holdings, Inc.

  Edgewell Personal Care Company

  Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.

  Flowers Foods, Inc.

  Revlon, Inc.

  Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

  The Simply Good Food Company

  Hostess Brands, Inc.

  SunOpta Inc.

  J&J Snack Foods Corp.

  TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

  Lancaster Colony Corporation

New CEO Compensation Package

Mr. Schiller was hired as our new President and CEO on November 5, 2018. As discussed above, in designing and approving Mr.��Schiller’s compensation package, the Board and the Compensation Committee sought to incentivize Mr. Schiller to develop and execute the transformational business and operational strategy required for the Company. At the same time, the Board and the Compensation Committee ensured that a majority of Mr. Schiller’s compensation opportunity was aligned with Company performance and with stockholder interests. In valuing Mr. Schiller’s total potential compensation, the Board and the Compensation Committee sought to position his target total compensation approximating the median annual CEO compensation of the Company’s peer group. In valuing Mr. Schiller’s compensation for this purpose, the Board and the Compensation Committee considered the annualized value of Mr. Schiller’s performance share unit award over three years.

The primary elements of Mr. Schiller’s compensation package were as follows:

Annual base salary – $900,000;

Annual cash incentive opportunity – target award of 125% of base salary and maximum award of 250% of base salary;

Sign-on restricted stock – 78,555 shares, valued at $2,000,000, vesting in three equal annual installments; and

Three-year front-loaded performance share units – target of 350,000 shares and maximum of 1,050,000 shares.

Each of these elements is discussed in further detail below. Additional aspects of Mr. Schiller’s employment agreement are summarized under “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” which begins on page 42.

New CEO Base Salary

The Board and the Compensation Committee approved a base salary of $900,000 for Mr. Schiller, representing a more than 50% reduction to our CEO base salary from Mr. Simon’s $1,981,200 base salary. In establishing Mr. Schiller’s base salary at $900,000, the Board and the Compensation Committee considered the compensation required to attract Mr. Schiller to the Company, as well as CEO base salaries among the members of the Company’s peer group.

New CEO Annual Cash Incentive Opportunity

Mr. Schiller’s employment agreement provides for an annual cash incentive opportunity, with a target award of 125% of his base salary and a maximum award of 250% of his base salary, based on achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. In establishing Mr. Schiller’s annual cash incentive opportunity, the Board and the Compensation Committee considered the compensation required to attract Mr. Schiller to the Company, as well as CEO total compensation among the members of the Company’s peer group. Mr. Schiller’s fiscal year 2019 cash incentive opportunity and payout are described below under “NEO Annual Incentive Plan.”

28  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

New CEOSign-On Restricted Stock Award

As part of Mr. Schiller’s hiring, the Board and the Compensation Committee approved a grant to Mr. Schiller of a time-based restricted stock award with a value equal to $2,000,000 based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on Mr. Schiller’s start date with the Company. This resulted in a grant on November 5, 2018 of 78,555 shares of restricted stock that are scheduled to vest in three equal installments on November 5, 2019, November 5, 2020 and November 5, 2021. Mr. Schiller is required to retain ownership of all shares that vest under the award (net of any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations) until November 5, 2021, the third anniversary of the grant date, or until the earlier termination of his employment or change in control of the Company. Vesting of the restricted stock may be accelerated upon certain qualifying terminations of employment, including certain qualifying terminations in connection with a change in control of the Company. See “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 42.

In determining to grant thesign-on restricted stock award, the Board and the Compensation Committee considered the compensation required to attract Mr. Schiller to the Company, as well as CEO total compensation among the members of the Company’s peer group.

New CEO Three-Year Front-Loaded Performance Share Unit Award

Background

The Board and the Compensation Committee determined that a majority of Mr. Schiller’s compensation opportunity for fiscal years 2019 through 2021 would be contingent upon the Company achieving exceptional performance over that period. Accordingly, the Board and the Compensation Committee approved a grant to Mr. Schiller of a three-year front-loaded PSU award (the “CEO PSU Award”) with rigorous performance goals for three-year compound annual TSR over a performance period from November 6, 2018 to November 6, 2021 (the “PSU Performance Period”).

The CEO PSU Award represents three years’ worth of long-term incentive value, front loaded into a single award granted at the time of Mr. Schiller’s hiring. This structure aligns with the Company’s turnaround strategy, which involves a focus on longer-term, sustainable improvements that directly drive stockholder value. The Compensation Committee determined that a three-year front-loaded award is the most appropriate structure to align Mr. Schiller with stockholders over the duration of the expected turnaround period. It is the intention of the Board and the Compensation Committee that Mr. Schiller will next be eligible to receive long-term incentive awards or other equity awards commencing in fiscal year 2022. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee believes it is helpful in evaluating Mr. Schiller’s compensation to spread the value of the CEO PSU Award equally across fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021. See the Adjusted Fiscal Year 2019 Total column in the Summary Compensation Table on page 38.

Terms of the CEO PSU Award

The target payout under the CEO PSU Award is 350,000 shares of common stock, and the maximum payout is 1,050,000 shares of common stock. If the target level of performance is not achieved, then there is no payout. The performance goals under the CEO PSU Award representpre-established compound annual TSR levels. Compound annual TSR is determined by measuring the compound annual growth rate over the PSU Performance Period, expressed as a percentage, from the closing stock price on the grant date ($26.13) to the average closing share price over the final 60 trading days of the PSU Performance Period, plus reinvested dividends over the PSU Performance Period.

Total shares earned under the CEO PSU Award will range from 0% to 300% of the target award amount based on actual performance as follows (implied target share prices assume no dividends):

 Compound Annual TSR Over
 PSU Performance Period
 Implied Target
Share Price
  Percentage of
Target Award
Amount Earned
 Number of
Shares Earned
 

Less than 15%

 Less than $39.74      0%  0      

At least 15% but below 20%

 $39.74  100%  350,000      

At least 20% but below 25%

 $45.15  150%  525,000      

At least 25% but below 30%

 $51.04  200%  700,000      

At least 30% but below 35%

 $57.41  250%  875,000      

At least 35%

 $64.29  300%  1,050,000      

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  LOGO  29


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Any shares earned under the CEO PSU Award (net of any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations) must be held until the earlier of twelve months after vesting, a qualifying termination of employment or a change in control of the Company.

Vesting of the CEO PSU Award may be accelerated upon certain qualifying terminations of employment, subject to proration as well as the attainment of the compound annual TSR goals measured through the date of the applicable acceleration event. See “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 42.

Rigor of Performance Goals

The Board and the Compensation Committee determined that utilizing compound annual TSR as the performance measure for the CEO PSU Award directly aligns Mr. Schiller’s compensation with the returns achieved by our stockholders over a three-year period. Given the significant operational turnaround required at the Company, as evidenced by the transformational strategy announced by the Company in February 2019, the Board and the Compensation Committee believe that using TSR as a compensation measure appropriately aligns Mr. Schiller’s compensation with the success of the transformational strategy.

The Compensation Committee sought to establish challenging goals for the PSU award that would only pay out if the Company achieves significant, sustained shareholder value creation. As context for setting the goals, the Compensation Committee, with the assistance of its compensation consultant, ClearBridge, evaluated the Company’s historical share price performance and analyzed historical TSR among the Company’s fiscal year 2019 peer group and other relevant industry and market indices. The Compensation Committee elected to establish a threshold and target three-year compound annual TSR goal of 15%, which significantly exceeds historical median three-year compound annual TSR for the Company’s fiscal year 2019 peer group, the S&P Food & Beverage Select Industry Index and the Russell 3000 Index for the three-year period ended November 6, 2018 (the grant date of the CEO PSU Award), as shown in the following table:

   Threshold and
Target
Three-Year
TSR Goal
Under CEO
PSU Award
 Median Historical Three-Year TSR*
  Performance Measure 

 

Fiscal Year
2019
Company
Peer
Group

 

 

S&P Food &
Beverage
Select
Industry
Index

 

Russell 3000  

Index  

  Compound Annual Total Shareholder Return (TSR)  15% -3.02% 4.96% 10.09%

*

Historical TSR for the three-year period ended November 6, 2018, according to Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ.

For the CEO PSU Award to pay out, the Company’s stock price would need to increase from $26.13 to a target price of $39.74 over the three-year PSU Performance Period, assuming no dividends. A stock price of $39.74 would represent an increase in the Company’s market capitalization of over $1.4 billion over the PSU Performance Period (assuming that 104,484,187 shares of common stock – representing the number of shares outstanding as of October 3, 2019 – are outstanding for the entire PSU Performance Period), and the 350,000 shares paid out under the award would represent approximately $13.9 million in value to Mr. Schiller, or slightly less than 1% of the increase in the Company’s market capitalization.

The Board and the Compensation Committee determined that there will be no payout for performance below the target, in order to ensure that the CEO PSU Award is only paid out if the Company achieves exceptional performance over the three-year PSU Performance Period. The Board and the Compensation Committee determined that providing potential payouts up to 300% of the target payout provides an appropriate incentive to strive for TSR that exceeds even the exceptional performance required to achieve the target payout.

New CEO OtherSign-On Benefits

In connection with the negotiation of Mr. Schiller’s employment agreement and his commencement of employment with the Company, the Board and the Compensation Committee agreed that the Company would provide Mr. Schiller with a $30,000 allowance for relocation expenses and pay $15,000 of his attorneys’ fees. In agreeing to provide these benefits, the Board and the Compensation Committee determined that it was critical to facilitate Mr. Schiller’s relocation to a home within reasonable commuting distance of the Company’s headquarters, as well as to contribute a modest amount to Mr. Schiller’sone-time expense of retaining legal counsel with expertise in negotiating executive employment agreements.

30  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

NEO Base Salary

The base salaries of our NEOs are reviewed on an annual basis by our Compensation Committee and our Chief Executive OfficerCEO (other than with respect to his own salary which is reviewed and determined by our Compensation Committee). This review is supplemented by market data, as well as assessments of the performance of our executive officers by our Compensation Committee. We pay base salaries to our NEOs to compensate them for theirday-to-day services. The salaries typically are used to recognize the experience, skills, knowledge, past performance and responsibilities of each NEO.

For fiscal year 2019, the Compensation Committee determined not to make any changes to the base salaries of those NEOs who had also served as NEOs in fiscal year 2018 and approved the following annual base salaries for the NEOs:

  Name

Fiscal Year 2019  

Annual Base Salary  

  Mark L. Schiller*$   900,000
  James M. Langrock$   550,000
  Christopher J. Boever*$   525,000
  Kevin McGahren*$   450,000
  Kristy Meringolo$   385,000
  Irwin D. Simon**$1,981,200
  Denise M. Faltischek**$   624,000

*

Mr. Schiller joined the Company as President and CEO on November 5, 2018. Mr. Boever joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer on January 7, 2019. Mr. McGahren joined the Company as President, North America on May 15, 2019.

**

Mr. Simon resigned as President and CEO effective November 4, 2018, in accordance with a Succession Agreement dated June 24, 2018 under which he was entitled to continue to receive his base salary of $1,981,200 through the date of his resignation. Ms. Faltischek served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Corporate Secretary until May 2019 and thereafter served as anon-executive employee until her departure from the Company on August 31, 2019.

NEO Annual Incentive Plan

A key executive compensation objective is to have a majority of each NEO’s compensation be tied to the Company’s performance. To this end, the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) is based on performance against key financial objectives designed to drive the specific performance needed to foster the Company’s growth and profitability.

Original Fiscal Year 2019 AIP Award Opportunities

At the beginning of fiscal year 2019, prior to Mr. Schiller’s hiring as President and CEO in November 2018, the Board approved our fiscal year 2019 operating plan. The Compensation Committee used ranges of expectations for key financial measures included in the operating plan to design the AIP for fiscal year 2019 (the “2019 AIP”). The financial goals approved by the Compensation Committee are shown below.

  Financial Measure

Goal for Payout of
50% of Target Award

Goal for Payout of
75% of Target Award
Goal for Payout of  
100% of Target Award  
  Net Sales$2.504 billion$2.529 billion$2.554 billion
  Adjusted EBITDA*$275 million$300 million$325 million

*

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as adjusted EBITDA as reported in the Company’s fiscal year 2019 financial results and excludes the impact of certainnon-cash items andnon-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP and is not a substitute for measuring performance under GAAP.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  LOGO  31


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

At the time the 2019 AIP was established, Mr. Simon had entered into a Succession Agreement with the Company establishing that he would resign as President and CEO upon the hiring of his successor. Accordingly, Mr. Simon was not eligible to receive a 2019 AIP award. Mr. Langrock and Mses. Meringolo and Faltischek had the opportunity to receive the awards shown below. After Company performance is measured against the performance goals, the Compensation Committee can increase (up to the maximum award amount) or decrease payouts based on an individual performance factor.

  Name  Original
2019 AIP
Threshold Award
  Original
2019 AIP
Target Award
  Original
2019 AIP
Maximum Award
  

% of Base

Salary

 ($)  

% of Base

Salary

 ($)  % of Base
Salary
 ($)  
  James M. Langrock  50.0% 275,000  100% 550,000  200% 1,100,000  
  Kristy Meringolo  37.5% 144,375    75% 288,750  150%    577,500  
  Denise M. Faltischek*  42.5% 265,200    85% 530,400  170% 1,060,800  

*

The Company announced in June 2019 that Ms. Faltischek would be leaving the Company in August 2019. Ms. Faltischek’s 2019 AIP opportunity was accounted for in her severance arrangements, which are described in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” which begins on page 42.

Fiscal Year 2019 AIP Award Opportunities for NEOs Hired During Fiscal Year 2019

Mr. Schiller joined the Company as President and CEO on November 5, 2018, and Mr. Boever joined the Company as Chief Customer Officer on January 7, 2019. They became eligible to participate in the 2019 AIP on a prorated basis based on their respective dates of hire, as shown below. The Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Schiller’s award would be based entirely on Company performance, with any payout above target to be determined by the Compensation Committee based on the extent to which Company performance surpassed the target goals. For Mr. Boever, after Company performance is measured against the performance goals, the Compensation Committee can increase (up to the maximum award amount) or decrease payouts based on an individual performance factor.

  Name  

Pro Rata %

Based on

Date of Hire

 Original
2019 AIP
Threshold Award
   Original
2019 AIP
Target Award
   Original
2019 AIP
Maximum Award
 
 

% of Base
Salary, Prior
to Applying

Pro Rata %

 ($)   

% of Base

Salary, Prior
to Applying
Pro Rata %

 ($)   

% of Base
Salary, Prior

to Applying

Pro Rata %

 ($) 
  Mark L. Schiller  65.2% 62.5%  366,781   125%  733,562   250%  1,467,123 
  Christopher J. Boever  47.9% 42.5%  106,877   85%  213,754   170%  427,508 

Kevin McGahren joined the Company as President, North America on May 15, 2019, and based on that date of hire was not eligible to participate in the 2019 AIP.

 

2832   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


    

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

Modification to Financial Targets and Awards

For the reasons discussed above in this CD&A under “Executive Overview,” in the months following Mr. Schiller’s appointment as President and CEO, the Company reworked its operational plan. The reworked plan included lowered ranges of expectations for fiscal year 2018,2019 net sales and adjusted EBITDA, as reflected in the revised guidance announced by the Company on February 7, 2019. Given that the original goals for the 2019 AIP were set based on a plan that was established during the former CEO’s tenure and prior to the CEO transition, the Compensation Committee determined that it would be more appropriate to realign the 2019 compensation opportunities with the Company’s new operational plan developed by the new CEO and NEOs. The Compensation Committee further determined that achieving the new plan for 2019 was a critical component to setting the foundation for long-term improvements in stockholder value. The new plan recognized the immediate need to improve margins and establish a path towards long-term profitable growth, with a turnaround in net sales taking some time to materialize as management focused its near-term efforts on continuing to identify opportunities for operational efficiency. As a result, the Compensation Committee decided to implement a single adjusted EBITDA goal that would result in the NEOs receiving their target awards upon achievement of the 2019 adjusted EBITDA goal, subject to any adjustments by the Compensation Committee as discussed below. The adjusted EBITDA goal approved by the following salaries for the NEOs:Compensation Committee was as follows:

 

  NameFinancial Measure

  

Fiscal Year 2018Goal for Payout of  

Salary100% of Target Award  

Irwin D. Simon

  Adjusted EBITDA*  

$

1,981,200

James M. Langrock

$

550,000

Denise M. Faltischek

$

624,000

Kristy Meringolo (1)

$

385,000

Gary W. Tickle

$

600,000

192.5 million  

 

(1)*

Kristy Meringolo was appointed Senior Vice PresidentAdjusted EBITDA is defined as adjusted EBITDA as reported in the Company’s fiscal year 2019 financial results and General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer on April 12, 2018. Her base salary was increased from $325,000 to $385,000 in connection with her appointment.excludes the impact of certainnon-cash items andnon-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP and is not a substitute for measuring performance under GAAP.

Annual Incentive Plan

A key executive compensation objective is to haveThe Compensation Committee recognized that establishing a majority of each NEO’s compensation be tied tonew financial target at this point in the Company’s operational and financial performance. To this end, the annual incentive plan, which is fullyat-risk, isfiscal year, based on performance againstpre-set key financiala new operational plan finalized and individual objectives designed to driveannounced following the specific performance needed to foster both short-term and long-term growth and profitability.

At the beginningsecond quarter of fiscal year 2018,2019, amounted to utilizing asix-month performance period. Accordingly, the BoardCompensation Committee determined that for NEOs who had been with the Company at the start of Directors approved the Company’s fiscal year, 2018 operating plan, which included performance objectives that were used to design each NEO’s annual incentive plan for fiscal year 2018.the modified target awards would only be 50% of those NEOs’ original target awards. The Compensation Committee in an effort todetermined that the awards for Messrs. Schiller and Boever would be prorated based on their respective dates of hire.

The Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Schiller’s award would continue to motivate the Chief Executive Officer and the other NEOsbe based entirely on Company performance, with any payout above target to further grow and develop our business, set rigorous performance targets for fiscal year 2018 that it considered aggressive and attainable only with focused effort and strong executionbe determined by our NEOs. In addition to financial targets, the Compensation Committee also set individualbased on the extent to which Company performance targets.exceeded the adjusted EBITDA goal. For fiscal year 2018,Messrs. Langrock and Boever and Mses. Meringolo and Faltischek, after Company performance is measured against the adjusted EBITDA goal, the Compensation Committee assigned a 75% weighting for financial targets and a 25% weighting forcan increase (up to the maximum award amount) or decrease payouts based on an individual performance targets for each NEO. These weightings represented the Compensation Committee’s general view of the relative importance of the performance targets with respect to each NEO at the time the performance targets were adopted.factor.

The financial performance targets were designed to drive significant increases in net sales growth and profitability, which the Compensation Committee believed would increase stockholder value consistent with our overall long-term plan. The adjusted net sales measure was designed to reflect our objectives of growing top-line revenue by introducing new products and expanding distribution in new and existing channels and geographies. The adjusted earnings per share measure was designed to serve as an indicator of the Company’s profitability. To ensure that we efficiently develop and expand our markets, the adjusted EBITDA measure was intended to motivate Messrs. Simon and Langrock and Ms. Faltischek to manage our costs and take into account the appropriate level of expenses expected with our growth. The Compensation Committee considered the financial objectives to be significantly rigorous given that the target level of performance required the Company to achieve 5.5% net sales growth, 43% adjusted earnings per share growth and 35% adjusted EBITDA growth when compared to the previous year.

Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Incentive Award Determinations

For fiscal year 2018, each of the NEOs, other than Ms. Meringolo, had the opportunity to earn the following annual incentiveresulting modified awards as a percentage of base salary for threshold, target and maximum performance:are shown below.

 

 

  Name

  

 

Annual Incentive
Threshold Award (%
of Base Salary)

 

 

Annual Incentive Target
Award (% of Base
Salary)

 

 

Annual Incentive 

Maximum Award (% 

of Base Salary) 

 

Irwin D. Simon

   

 

 

 

50

 

%

  

 

 

 

100

 

%

  

 

 

 

400

 

%

 

James M. Langrock

   

 

 

 

50

 

%

  

 

 

 

100

 

%

  

 

 

 

100

 

%

 

Denise M. Faltischek

   

 

 

 

50

 

%

  

 

 

 

100

 

%

  

 

 

 

100

 

%

 

Gary W. Tickle

   

 

 

 

50

 

%

  

 

 

 

100

 

%

  

 

 

 

100

 

%

  Name  

Eligibility %

Based on

Period of Service

 

2019 AIP

Target Award

($)

  

2019 AIP  

Maximum Award  

($)  

  Mark L. Schiller  65.2% 733,562  1,467,123  
  James M. Langrock  50.0% 275,000     550,000  
  Christopher J. Boever  47.9% 213,754     427,508  
  Kristy Meringolo  50.0% 144,375     288,750  
  Denise M. Faltischek*  50.0% 265,200     530,400  

Annual incentive awards are interpolated for performance between the threshold award and the maximum award. Ms. Meringolo was not a participant in the 2018 Annual Incentive Plan as she was not appointed Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer until April 12, 2018.

*

The Company announced in June 2019 that Ms. Faltischek would be leaving the Company in August 2019. Ms. Faltischek’s 2019 AIP opportunity was accounted for in her severance arrangements, which are described in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” which begins on page 42.

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    2933 


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

    

 

162(m) FundingFiscal Year 2019 AIP Payout Determinations

ForDuring discussions between management and the Board inmid-June 2019 regarding the Company’s plan to accelerate sales growth in fiscal year 2018,2020, management and the Board discussed certain near-term opportunities to make investments intended to help drive such sales growth. The Board concluded that making such investments was the correct business decision even though it might cause management to miss their 2019 AIP target and instructed management to proceed with the proposed investments of up to $2.5 million in additional investment opportunities. To remove any tension between the Company’s business execution in late June 2019 and the adjusted EBITDA goal of $192.5 million, the Compensation Committee established the performance goal ofinformed management that adjusted EBITDA1 of $288 million, which must be met for a NEO’s Annual Incentive Plan to be funded under Section 162(m)purposes of the Code. As our fiscal year 20182019 AIP would exclude the amount ofpre-approved investments made at the direction of the Board.

On August 29, 2019, the Company reported adjusted EBITDA of $271$191.4 million did not exceedfor fiscal year 2019. Excluding the established goal, no awards were funded underamount ofpre-approved investments made at the plan.

Compensation Committee Determination

The following are the financial measures that the Compensation Committee previously adopted for Messrs. Simon and Langrock and Ms. Faltischek in connection with the 2018 Annual Incentive Plan (the financial measures for Mr. Tickle appear below):

 

 Financial Measure2

  

 

50% of Target Award

 

 

Target

 

 

Maximum Target Award 

 

Adjusted Net Sales (FY2018 vs. FY2017)

   

 

 

 

4

 

%

  

 

 

 

5.5

 

%

  

 

 

 

6

 

%

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Share (FY2018 vs. FY2017)

   

 

 

 

34

 

%

  

 

 

 

43

 

%

  

 

 

 

48

 

%

 

Adjusted EBITDA (FY2018 vs. FY2017)

   

 

 

 

27

 

%

   

 

34

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

36

 

%

Given his role as CEO-North America, the financial measures for Mr. Tickle relating to adjusted net sales and adjusted EBITDA are with respect to the Company’s U.S operating segment. In addition, Mr. Tickle had the same adjusted earnings per share financial measure as the other NEOs. For Mr. Tickle, the following are the financial measures that the Compensation Committee previously adopted for him in connection with the 2018 Annual Incentive Plan:

 

 Financial Measure3

  

 

50% of Target Award

 

 

Target

 

 

Maximum Target Award 

 

Adjusted U.S. Net Sales (FY2018 vs. FY2017)

   

 

 

 

5

 

%

  

 

 

 

6.7

 

%

  

 

 

 

7

 

%

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Share (FY2018 vs. FY2017)

   

 

 

 

34

 

%

  

 

 

 

43

 

%

  

 

 

 

48

 

%

 

Adjusted U.S. EBITDA (FY2018 vs. FY2017)

   

 

 

 

19

 

%

  

 

 

 

21

 

%

  

 

 

 

22

 

%

In addition to the above-referenced financial measures, the Compensation Committee adopted separate individual performance targets for each NEO. The individual performance targets are designed to incentivize performance against the Company’s longer term strategic initiatives and to provide recognition for significant contributions made to the overall performancedirection of the Company.

In connection with the 2018 Annual Incentive Plan,Board, the Compensation Committee determined that, for purposes of the 2019 AIP, the Company had attained the adjusted EBITDA goal required to be met for 162(m) funding was not achieved. As a result, for purposes of compliance with$192.5 million.

Since the Section 162(m) funding requirement,Company attained the 2019 AIP adjusted EBITDA goal, the Compensation Committee determined that no awardsMr. Schiller’s payout would be paidat target. The Compensation Committee, in connectionconsultation with Mr. Schiller, reviewed the 2018 Annual Incentive Plan. Accordingly,fiscal year 2019 performance of Messrs. Langrock and Boever and Ms. Meringolo and applied individual performance factors. Based on the foregoing, the Compensation Committee did not make a final determination regardingapproved the achievement offollowing payouts to Messrs. Schiller, Langrock and Boever and Ms. Meringolo under thepre-determined performance measures set forth above. 2019 AIP.

The following table shows the target awards and the awards as determined by the Compensation Committee and the percentage of the target payment represented by the award for each participating NEO:

 

  Name

  

 

Target
Award

  

 

Annual
Incentive
Award

  

 

Award as a 

Percentage of 

Target 

 

Irwin D. Simon

   

 

$

 

1,981,200

 

   

 

$

 

0

 

   

 

 

 

0

 

%

 

James M. Langrock

   

 

$

 

550,000

 

   

 

$

 

0

 

   

 

 

 

0

 

%

 

Denise M. Faltischek

   

 

$

 

624,000

 

   

 

$

 

0

 

   

 

 

 

0

 

%

 

Gary W. Tickle

   

 

$

 

600,000

 

   

 

$

 

0

 

   

 

 

 

0

 

%

1

Under the terms of the plan adopted by the Compensation Committee, adjusted EBITDA excludes the impact ofnon-cash compensation, currency fluctuations, impairment of long-lived assets, costs incurred in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and integration charges, gains and losses from disposals of businesses and othernon-cash andnon-recurring items which may have been incurred during the fiscal year.

2

The “adjusted” financial measures referred to in this “Financial Measures” section are not defined under GAAP and are not deemed alternatives to measure performance under GAAP.

3

The “adjusted” financial measures referred to in this “Financial Measures” section are not defined under GAAP and are not deemed alternatives to measure performance under GAAP.

 

30    Name  LOGO2019 AIP Payout   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement


  Mark L. Schiller  $733,562     
  James M. Langrock  $275,000     
  Christopher J. Boever  $267,192     
  Kristy Meringolo    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  $158,813     

NEO Long-Term Incentive Program

We believe that equity grants serve our compensation objectives by linking the compensation of our key employees to our long-term strategic plan and further align such employees with our stockholders since the value of equity awards will increase or decrease with the changes in the value of our common stock. Grants are generally made under a performance-based long-term incentive program (the “(“LTI ProgramLTIP”). In fiscal year 2018, the LTI Program consisted of two performance-based long-term incentive plans (the “2016-2018 LTIP” and the “2017-2019 LTIP”).

In response to our stockholder outreach efforts, the Company redesigned its LTI Program (commencing with the 2016-2018 LTIP) to provide performance-based awards only, which may be earned over a longer three-year performance period. In addition, the Compensation Committee adopted relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and net sales as the performance measures for determining individual payouts. The relative TSR measure was adopted based upon the feedback we had received from stockholders and enables our stockholders to assess stockholder returns relative to our peers. The net sales measure was designed to reflect our long-term strategic plan of continually growingtop-line net sales year over year. Given the importance our stockholders place on net sales growth, the Compensation Committee retained it as a performance measure. In addition, the Compensation Committee assigned a 50% weighting for the relative TSR measure and a 50% weighting for the net sales measure given that they did not view one measure to be more significant than the other. Participants in the LTI ProgramLTIP include our executive officers, including the NEOs, and certain other key employees. Previously, LTIP awards were generally made annually with a three-year performance period. Currently, each of our NEOs has a single three-year front-loaded LTIP award – under the 2019-2021 LTIP – which represents three years’ worth of long-term incentive value.

2016-20182017-2019 LTIP – No Funding or Payout

162(m) Funding Target

ForAs disclosed in last year’s proxy statement, the Compensation Committee had previously established LTIP awards under a 2017-2019 LTIP, with a three-year performance period of July 1, 2015 through2016 to June 30, 2018,2019. Of the NEOs for fiscal year 2019, Messrs. Langrock and Simon and Mses. Meringolo and Faltischek received award opportunities under the 2017-2019 LTIP. Following fiscal year 2019, the Compensation Committee establisheddetermined that the performancethreshold goal of achieving an average adjusted operating income4 of $355 million for such period, which mustfunding the 2017-2019 LTIP had not been achieved and that no awards would vest or be met for a NEO’s Long-Term Incentive Plan to be fundedpaid out under Section 162(m) of the Code. As our three-year average adjusted operating income of $254 million2017-2019 LTIP.

2018-2020 LTIP – No Participation by Executive Officers

The Compensation Committee did not exceed the established goal, nomake 2018-2020 LTIP awards were funded under the plan.

Award Levels, Performance Measures and Targets

For the 2016-2018 LTIP, each NEO, other than Ms. Meringolo, had a threshold, target and maximum as a percentage of base salary as follows:

 

  Name

  

 

2016

Base Salary

   

 

LTIP Threshold
Award (% of Base
Salary)

  

 

LTIP Target Award
(% of Base Salary)

  

 

LTIP Maximum
Award (% of Base
Salary)

 

 

Irwin D. Simon

  

 

$

 

1,905,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

350

 

 

 

 

 

700

 

 

 

 

 

1050

 

 

James M. Langrock

  

 

$

 

450,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

75

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

  

 

$

 

600,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

300

 

 

 

 

 

450

 

 

Gary W. Tickle

  

 

$

 

425,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

150

 

Ms. Meringolo was not eligible to participant in the 2016-2018 LTIP given her employment with the Company did not commence until April 2017.

Compensation Committee Determination

For the 2016-2018 LTIP,during fiscal year 2018. Following our CEO transition during fiscal year 2019, the Compensation Committee had previously adoptedrevisited the performance measureslack of relative TSR and net sales. For2018-2020 LTIP awards as it was designing the net sales performance measure, target performance was2019-2021 LTIP. While the Compensation Committee determined to be the average net sales over the three-year performance period, starting with the middle of the range of net sales guidance for fiscal year 2016 and increasing net sales by 4% growth for fiscal year 2017 and 4% for fiscal year 2018.

In connection with the relative TSR performance measure,that employees other than NEOs would receive 2018-2020 LTIP awards, the NEOs each received a grant of performance-based restricted stock units in connection with the 50% of his or her award tied to relative TSR. Each performance-based restricted stock unit represented a right todid not receive one share of common stock of the Company on the settlement date of the award provided that the

4

Under the terms of the plan adopted by the Compensation Committee, operating income is adjusted for the impact ofnon-cash compensation, currency fluctuations, impairment of long-lived assets, restructuring, integration and acquisition charges and othernon-recurring items which may have been incurred during the performance period.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  LOGO  31


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Company had achieved the requisite performance. The performance is based upon the Company’s relative TSR in terms of percentile ranking as compared to the S&P Food & Beverage Select Industry peer group over the performance period beginning on July 1, 2015 and ending on June 30, 2018 in accordance with the schedule below:2018-2020 LTIP awards.

 

 Relative Total Shareholder Return Ranking over Performance Period

Award % Level

0-24th Percentile

0

25th Percentile

50

50th Percentile

100

75th Percentile or Higher

150

In connection with the 2016-2018 LTIP, the Compensation Committee determined that the adjusted operating income goal required to be met for 162(m) funding was not achieved. As a result, for purposes of compliance with the Section 162(m) funding requirement, the Compensation Committee determined that no awards would be paid or vested pursuant to the 2016-2018 LTIP, and all performance stock unit awards previously granted in connection with relative TSR were forfeited. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee did not make a final determination regarding the achievement of thepre-determined performance measures of relative TSR and net sales.

The following table shows the target awards and the awards as determined by the Compensation Committee and the percentage of the target payment represented by the award for each participating NEO:

 

  Name

 

  

 

2016-2018    

LTIP
Award

 

  

 

Award as a

Percentage of

Target

 

 

Irwin D. Simon

 

   

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

0%

 

 

 

 

 

James M. Langrock

 

   

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

0%

 

 

 

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

 

   

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

0%

 

 

 

 

 

Gary W. Tickle

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

$0

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017-2019 LTIP

162(m) Funding Target

For the 2017-2019 LTIP, the Compensation Committee established an overall performance goal of attaining a three-year average operating income5 of $302.4 million over the performance period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019, which must be met for a NEO’s 2017-2019 LTIP to be funded under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Award Levels, Performance Measures and Targets

For the 2017-2019 LTIP, each NEO had a threshold, target and maximum as a percentage of base salary as follows:

 

 

  Name

 

 

  

 

2017

Base Salary

 

 

 

LTIP Threshold
Award (% of Base
Salary)

 

 

 

LTIP Target Award
(% of Base Salary)

 

 

 

LTIP Maximum
    Award (% of Base    

Salary)

 

 

Irwin D. Simon

 

   

 

$

 

 

1,905,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

350

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

700

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

1050

 

 

%

 

 

James M. Langrock

 

   

 

$

 

 

461,984

 

 

(1)

 

  

 

 

 

 

150

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

300

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

450

 

 

%

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

 

   

 

$

 

 

600,000

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

150

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

300

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

450

 

 

%

 

 

Kristy Meringolo

 

   

 

$

 

 

325,000

 

 

(2)

 

  

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

40

 

 

%

 

  

 

 

 

 

60

 

 

%

 

 

Gary W. Tickle

 

 

   

 

$

 

 

 

496,795

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

%

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

%

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

150

 

 

 

%

 

 

(1)

Represents a blended base salary attributable to Messrs. Langrock and Tickle being promoted during fiscal year 2017.

(2)

Represents Ms. Meringolo’s base salary and threshold, target and maximum as a percentage of base salary prior to her being promoted in fiscal year 2018.

5

Under the terms of the plan adopted by the Compensation Committee, operating income is adjusted for the impact ofnon-cash compensation, currency fluctuations, impairment of long-lived assets, restructuring, integration and acquisition charges and othernon-recurring items which may have been incurred during the performance period.

3234   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


    

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

The Compensation Committee makes its determination for each individual NEO award based on the achievement of thepre-determined performance measures of relative TSR and net sales. The relative TSR performance measure is discussed in more detail below. For the net sales performance measure, target performance was determined to be the average net sales over the three-year performance period, starting with the middle of the range of net sales for fiscal year 2017 and increasing net sales by 3% growth for fiscal year 2018 and 4% for fiscal year 2019. The threshold, target and maximum awards were set by the Compensation Committee working in consultation with the Compensation Committee’s former consultant, Aon Hewitt. Such awards shall be paid in full value shares. As we have not completed the performance period, therefore, individual awards have not yet been determined under this plan.

Equity Awards

In connection with the relative TSR portion of the 2017-2019 LTIP, the NEOs each received a grant of performance-based restricted stock units in connection with the 50% of his or her award tied to relative TSR. Each performance-based restricted stock unit represents a right to receive one share of common stock of the Company on the settlement date of the award provided that the Company has achieved the requisite performance. The performance is based upon the Company’s relative TSR in terms of percentile ranking as compared to the S&P Food & Beverage Select Industry peer group over the performance period beginning on July 1, 2016 and ending on June 30, 2019 in accordance with the schedule below:

  Relative Total Shareholder Return Ranking over Performance Period

Award % Level

0-24th Percentile

0

%

25th Percentile

50

%

50th Percentile

100

%

75th Percentile or Higher

150

%

 

2019-2021 LTIP – Three-Year Front-Loaded PSUs

Background

The actual2019-2021 LTIP began with the granting of the CEO PSU Award to Mr. Schiller in November 2018. In the months following that grant, we received positive feedback on the design of the CEO PSU Award from stockholders, who viewed the rigorous TSR goals and other terms of the award percentage level shall be interpolatedas stockholder friendly. Based on this feedback, the Compensation Committee designed the 2019-2021 LTIP for performance above 25th Percentile,our other NEOs to consist of PSU awards (the “NEO PSU Awards”) that mirror the terms of the CEO PSU Award.

In January 2019, the Compensation Committee made 2019-2021 LTIP awards to Mr. Langrock and increased by two (2) percentage points for every one (1) percentile pointMses. Meringolo and Faltischek. Messrs. Boever and McGahren received 2019-2021 LTIP awards in February 2019 and May 2019, respectively. All of improvement in relative TSR. The maximum award percentage level that may be achieved shall not exceed 150% for a relative TSRthe awards – the CEO PSU Award and the NEO PSU Awards – are three-year front-loaded PSUs and represent three years’ worth of 75th percentile and above. There shall be no awards for Relative TSR at 24% or below. Iflong-term incentive value. As is the case with the CEO PSU Award, the structure of the NEO PSU Awards aligns with the Company’s absolute TSRturnaround strategy, which involves a focus on longer-term, sustainable improvements that directly drive stockholder value. The Compensation Committee determined that three-year front-loaded awards are the most appropriate structure to align the NEOs with stockholders over the performance period is negative, the awards shall be capped at target regardless of whether the Company percentile rank is greater.

The grant date fair valueduration of the performance-based restricted stock units issued was estimated based on a Monte Carlo simulation that calculatesexpected turnaround period. It is the likelihood of goal attainment. A Monte-Carlo simulation is a generally accepted statistical technique used to simulate a range of possible future unit prices for the Company and each memberintention of the S&P Food & Beverage Select Industry peer group over the performance period.

 

  Name

 

  

 

2017
Annual Base
Salary

 

  

 

LTIP
Target
Percentage

 

 

 

LTIP Target
Dollars

 

 

 

50% of
LTIP Target
Dollars

 

  

 

Number
of Units

 

  

 

Grant Date

    Fair Value    

 

 

Irwin D. Simon

 

   

 

$

 

 

1,905,000

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

700

 

 

%

 

  

 

$

 

 

13,335,000

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

6,667,500

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

164,265

 

 

 

   

 

$

 

 

5,190,774

 

 

 

 

James M. Langrock

 

   

 

$

 

 

461,984

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

300

 

 

%

 

  

 

$

 

 

1,385,952

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

692,976

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

17,073

 

 

 

   

 

$

 

 

539,507

 

 

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

 

   

 

$

 

 

600,000

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

300

 

 

%

 

  

 

$

 

 

1,800,000

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

900,000

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

22,173

 

 

 

   

 

$

 

 

700,667

 

 

 

 

Kristy Meringolo

 

   

 

$

 

 

325,000

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

40

 

 

%

 

  

 

$

 

 

96,200

 

 

(1)

 

  

 

$

 

 

48,100

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1,185

 

 

 

   

 

$

 

 

37,446

 

 

 

 

Gary W. Tickle

 

 

   

 

$

 

 

 

496,795

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

%

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

457,051

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

228,526

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

5,630

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

$

 

 

 

177,908

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Ms. Meringolo and Mr. Tickle’s LTIP Target Dollar amounts arepro-rated to account for their employment with the Company commencing after the beginning of the performance period.

The Company has historically granted theup-front equity in connection with each new LTIP during the first fiscal year of the performance period. Due to the Company’s internal accounting reviewBoard and the delay in the filing ofCompensation Committee that Mr. Schiller and our annual and quarterly reports with the SEC, the Company was not ableother current NEOs will next be eligible to grant equity in fiscal 2017 to its employees due to not having an effective Registration Statement on FormS-8 on file with the SEC. For these reasons, theup-frontreceive long-term incentive awards or other equity awards in connection with the 2017-2019 LTIP were grantedcommencing in fiscal year 2018. Therefore,2022. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee believes it is helpful in evaluating our NEOs’ compensation to spread the value of the performance-based restricted stock units granted in connection withCEO PSU Award and the adoption ofNEO PSU Awards equally across fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021. In addition to the 2017-2019 LTIP did not appear in the Summary Compensation Table ascompensation figures required under SEC rules, we have calculated alternative fiscal year 20172019 compensation figures for our current NEOs using adjusted amounts of compensation that exclude the portions of PSU awards deemed attributable to fiscal years 2020 and 2021. These alternative compensation figures are not a substitute for the figures calculated under SEC rules, but we believe they are helpful in fully evaluating our current NEOs’ compensation. Such values are recorded as fiscal year 2018 compensation inSee the Summary Compensation Table on page 37.38.

  Name  Total Compensation
Under SEC Rules
($)
  

Portion of PSU Award

Attributable to Fiscal

Years 2020 and 2021
($)

  

Adjusted Fiscal  

Year 2019 Total  

($)  

  Mark L. Schiller  10,920,652  5,047,000  5,873,652  
  James M. Langrock    2,375,929  1,025,549  1,350,380  
  Christopher J. Boever    1,171,583     441,199     730,384  
  Kevin McGahren       807,727     505,023     302,704  
  Kristy Meringolo       924,123     245,937     678,186  

Award Amounts

The table below shows the target and maximum number of shares that can be earned under the CEO PSU Award and the NEO PSU Awards. There is no threshold payout below the target payout. See “Terms of the PSU Awards” below for the performance goals and potential payouts between the target and maximum payouts.

  Name  

Target Payout

(Number of Shares)

  

Maximum Payout  

(Number of Shares)  

  Mark L. Schiller  350,000  1,050,000  
  James M. Langrock  292,457     877,371  
  Christopher J. Boever  123,240     369,720  
  Kevin McGahren    71,130     213,390  
  Kristy Meringolo    70,134     210,402  
  Denise M. Faltischek*    88,767     266,301  

*

Ms. Faltischek’s PSU award was forfeited upon her departure from the Company in August 2019.

Terms of the PSU Awards

The performance period, performance goals and other terms of the NEO PSU Awards mirror those of the CEO PSU Award, which are described above under “New CEO Compensation Package.”

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    3335 


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

    

 

NEO Other Compensation and PerquisitesElements

Benefits

Our NEOs are eligible for the same level and offering of benefits that we make available to other employees, including our 401(k) plan, health care, dental and vision plans, life insurance plans and other employee benefit programs. In addition to the standardWe do not have any defined benefit pension plans or executive supplemental retirement programs.

While Mr. Simon was President and CEO, he received certain benefits offered to other employees, we reimburse Mr. Simonunder legacy arrangements. We reimbursed him for expenses for health, prescription, dental and vision not covered by our insurance plan that arewere incurred by him and his dependents. In addition, in accordance with his employment agreement, we reimburse Mr. Simonreimbursed him for a portion of the premium associated with his life insurance policy, and provideprovided long-term disability coverage for the benefit of Mr. Simon and long-term care coverage for the benefit of Mr. Simon and his spouse. We do not have any defined benefit pension plans or executive supplemental retirement programs.

In fiscal yearWhen Mr. Schiller was hired as President and CEO in November 2018, we continued to provide either an automobile perquisite or a car allowance for each of the NEOs. We believe the costs of these benefits constitute only a small portion of each NEO’s total compensation and are consistent with benefits offered by companies with whom we compete for talent for purposes of recruitment and retention. For additional information regarding other compensation and perquisites, see “Executive Compensation Tables-Summary Compensation Table.”

Impact of Tax Treatment

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code places a limit of $1 million on the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any one year with respect to each of our most highly paid executive officers (other than the chief financial officer). Although the Compensation Committee considers whether ordetermined not a compensation program would be subject to the Section 162(m) limit, in orderprovide these types of special medical and insurance benefits to maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner designed to promote corporate goals, theMr. Schiller.

Perquisites

The Compensation Committee has phased out certain perquisites that had been provided under legacy employment arrangements and does not adopted a policy that all compensation must be tax deductible.

Section 162(m) ofanticipate providing significant perquisites to any NEOs in fiscal year 2020. See the Internal Revenue Code was amended bySummary Compensation Table on page 38 and the 2017 Tax Reform Law, which was enactedAll Other Compensation Table on December 22, 2017. Effectivepage 39 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the 2017 Tax Reform Law eliminates the 162(m) exception for performance-based compensation (other than with respect to payments made pursuant to certain “grandfathered” arrangements entered into prior to November 2, 2017) and expands the definition of “covered employee” to include a company’s chief financial officer and certain individuals who were covered employees in years other than the then-current taxable year. In light of the changes to Section 162(m), the Committee anticipates that a larger portion of future compensation paid to our named executive officers will be subject to a tax deduction disallowance under Section 162(m).

Succession Agreement

On June 24, 2018, the Company and Irwin D. Simon entered into a Succession Agreement (the “Succession Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties agreed that,information on the date immediately prior to the first date of employment of a new Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Succession Date”), Mr. Simon will resign from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and from all other offices with the Company and its affiliates.

Prior to the Succession Date, Mr. Simon’s employment with the Company will continue to be subject to the terms and conditions set forthperquisites provided in Mr. Simon’s employment agreement dated as of July 1, 2003, as amended through September 23, 2014, by any among Mr. Simon and the Company (as amended, the “Employment Agreement”). During such period, Mr. Simon will be entitled to receive his base salary but will not be eligible to receive an annual bonus in respect of the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 or be granted any additional long-term incentive awards.

On the Succession Date, Mr. Simon will be entitled to the following payments and benefits: (A) a cash separation payment equal to $34,294,688.00, payable in a single lump sum, (B) continuation of the certain life insurance and disability insurance related benefits provided under the Employment Agreement until the third anniversary of the Succession Date, and (C) continuation of certain health benefits provided in the Employment Agreement.

Upon the Succession Date, the long-term incentive awards set forth in Exhibit B of the Succession Agreement (the “LTI Awards”) shall be treated as follows: (i) all LTI Awards shall be deemed vested with respect to any service-based requirements to which such awards are then subject, and (ii) with respect to all LTI Awards that are subject to performance-based vesting requirements, such awards shall remain subject to the applicable performance-based vesting requirements under the respective award agreements.

Upon the Succession Date, Mr. Simon will be entitled to (A) the earned but unpaid base salary and accrued but unused vacation days, payable in a single lump sum following the Succession Date, in accordance with the Employment Agreement, (B) any amounts which are vested or which Mr. Simon is otherwise entitled to receive at or subsequent to the Succession Date without regard to the performance by Mr. Simon of further services, and (C) settlement of any unreimbursed business expenses

34  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

In connection with resigning from his position as President, Chief Executive Officer and Non-Executive Chairman as of the Succession Date, Mr. Simon has decided not to stand for re-election to the Board of Directors. Accordingly, following the Annual Meeting, Mr. Simon will no longer serve on the Board of Directors.

On October 26, 2018, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Simon in order to, among other things, assist Mr. Schiller with a smooth transition into his role as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer, and to assist with the previously announced disposition of the Hain Pure Protein Corporation, including each of the Empire Kosher, Plainville Farms, and FreeBird businesses. The term of the Consulting Agreement will commence on November 5, 2018 and will continue until the earliest of (i) three months from the commencement date, (ii) Mr. Simon’s voluntary termination of the Consulting Agreement and (iii) the termination of the Consulting Agreement for Cause (as defined in the Consulting Agreement) (the “Consulting Term”). Mr. Simon will receive aggregate consulting fees of $975,000 as compensation for his services during the Consulting Term (the “Consulting Fee”). In the event of Mr. Simon’s voluntary termination of the Consulting Agreement or the termination of the Consulting Agreement for Cause, (each, a “Forfeiture Event”), Mr. Simon will not be entitled to any portion of the consulting fees for any period following the Forfeiture Event.

In addition to the Consulting Fee, the Company has agreed to reimburse Mr. Simon for (i) all documented and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that he incurs at the request of the Company in connection with providing the services under the Consulting Agreement, and (ii) Mr. Simon’s reasonable legal fees incurred in connection with the negotiation of the Consulting Agreement, not to exceed $50,000. The Company has also agreed to provide Mr. Simon with an administrative assistant through the first anniversary of the expiration of the Consulting Term. Except as described above, no further payments will be made to Mr. Simon under the consulting agreement and Mr. Simon has agreed to waive, forfeit and release any and all rights to or interest in certain long-term incentive awards set forth in the Succession Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Simon and the Company agreed to execute a mutual general release of claims.2019.

Severance andChange-in-Control AgreementsArrangements

The Compensation Committee believes that severance andchange-in-control benefits are important for attracting and retaining executive talent, and helphelping to ensure that NEOs can remain focused during periods of uncertainty and neutralizeneutralizing the potential conflict of our key executives when faced with a potentialchange-in-control.

We have entered into change of control agreements with each of the NEOs which provide for severance in the event of a change of control as defined in their respective change of control agreement or employment agreement. In addition, certain of the NEOs will receive severance in the event his or her employment is terminated without cause. The restricted stock agreements entered into with our NEOs provide for the immediate vesting of such stock grants upon a change in control. In response to our discussions with stockholders regarding last year’s Say on Pay vote, the Compensation Committee restructured our form ofchange-in-control agreement for all NEOs to include market-typical provisions. For a complete description of thesethe severance and change in control agreements,change-in-control benefits we have agreed to provide to the NEOs, see “Potential Payments Uponupon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 42.

Change-in-Control”Other Compensation Policies and Considerations below.

Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Compensation Committee believes that requiring NEOs and other key employees to hold significant amounts of our common stock strengthens their alignment with the interests of our stockholders and promotes achievement of long-term business objectives. To this end, the Compensation Committee has adopted stock ownership guidelines that require key members of the Company’s management team to own minimum amounts of the Company’s common stock. The guidelines for senior management are set forth below:

 

  Officer Level

  

Ownership Target

Chief Executive Officer

  

6 times annual base salary

Executive Vice Presidents

  

3 times annual base salary

Other Executive Officers and Segment Leaders

  

2 times annual base salary

All other LTIP participants

1 times annual base salary

Members of management subject to the guidelines have until five years after appointment to achieve the ownership target. The dollar value of shares which must be acquired and held equals a multiple of the individual executive’s base salary. Stockholding requirements are updated whenever a change in base salary occurs. Shares purchased on the open market, shares acquired and held upon stock option exercise, unvested time-based restricted shares and unvested time-based restricted share units all count toward the ownership target. Failure by an employee subject to these guidelines to meet or to show sustained progress toward meeting the Ownership Targetownership target may result in a payout of annual cash incentive awards or long-term incentive awards (in the case of employees) in stock.

 

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  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION      

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

In addition to the stock ownership guidelines, all equity awards granted to the NEOs since the beginning of fiscal year 2019 contain retention requirements. Any shares earned under the CEO PSU Award and the NEO PSU Awards (net of any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations) must be held until the earlier of twelve months after vesting, a qualifying termination of employment or a change in control of the Company. Additionally, Mr. Schiller is required to retain ownership of all shares that vest under hissign-on restricted stock award (net of any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations) until the third anniversary of the grant date, or until the earlier termination of his employment or change in control of the Company.

Compensation Recoupment Policy

We have adopted a clawback provisioncompensation recoupment policy, also known as a “clawback” policy, in connection with cash and equity awards.incentive compensation for executive officers. The clawback provisionpolicy provides that, if the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatementrestate its financial statements filed with the SEC, the Compensation Committee may require reimbursement or forfeiture of cash and equity incentive compensation paid or granted to correct an accounting error included in a report on Form10-Q or10-K caused by the misconduct of an employee, the employee shall returnexecutive officers to the Company,extent their compensation would have been lower under the restated results, regardless of whether the executive officer was involved in or forfeit if nothad knowledge of any misconduct or other facts leading to the restatement.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

Under laws enacted in December 2017, a publicly-held company is generally prohibited from deducting for tax purposes compensation paid to a current or former named executive officer that exceeds $1 million during a tax year. Certain arrangements entered into before November 2, 2017 may qualify for an exception to the $1 million deductibility limit.

The Compensation Committee takes this deductibility limitation into account in its consideration of compensation matters. However, the Compensation Committee has the flexibility to take any award arising outcompensation-related actions that it determines are in the best interests of the misconductCompany and its stockholders, including awarding compensation that may not be deductible for or during such restated period.tax purposes.

The Compensation Committee also considers the effect of certain accounting rules that apply to the various aspects of the compensation program for our NEOs. The Compensation Committee reviews potential accounting effects in determining whether its compensation actions are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Compensation Committee Report

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the materials underinformation in the captionCompensation Discussion and Analysis”Analysis included in the Company’s proxy statement with the management of the Company. Based on such review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that such Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s proxy statement and be incorporated by reference into the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended June 30, 2018.2019.

The Compensation Committee

Lawrence S. Zilavy, Chairperson

Jack L. SinclairCommittee*

Glenn W. Welling, Chair

Celeste A. Clark

Dean Hollis

*

The Report was approved by the Compensation Committee prior to changes in committee membership on October 8, 2019.

The foregoing Report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

 

36  The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement   LOGO The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  37


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

Executive Compensation Tables

 

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation paid by us to our NEOs for services rendered during the last three fiscal years ended June 30, 2018, June 30, 2017, and June 30, 2016 to or for the accounts of our NEOs:

Summary Compensation Tableyears.

 

Name and Principal Position  Fiscal
Year
   Salary   Bonus  

 

Stock
Awards
(6)

  

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

  All Other
Compensation
(11)
   Total 

 

Irwin D. Simon

Founder, President, CEO and
Chairman of the Board

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,981,200

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

5,190,774

 

(7) 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

291,196

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,463,170

 

 

   2017   $1,905,000   $2,900,000(3)  $  $  $222,248   $5,027,248 
   2016   $1,905,000   $  $2,378,354(8)  $(10)  $271,944   $4,555,298 

 

James M. Langrock

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

550,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

539,507

 

(7) 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

14,096

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,103,603

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer

   2017   $461,524   $695,000(4)  $1,681,500  $  $14,231   $2,852,255 

 

Denise M. Faltischek (1)

Executive Vice President and Chief
Strategy Officer, Corporate
Secretary

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

624,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

700,667

 

(7) 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

12,896

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,337,563

 

 

   2017   $600,000   $300,000  $  $  $12,332   $912,332 
   2016   $600,000   $  $321,040(8)  $(10)  $13,003   $934,043 

 

Kristy Meringolo (2)

Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Chief Compliance
Officer

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

337,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

269,871

 

(9) 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

11,320

 

 

  

 

$

 

618,191

 

 

 

Gary W. Tickle

CEO—Hain Celestial North America

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

600,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

177,908

 

(7) 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

14,096

 

 

  

 

$

 

792,004

 

 

   2017   $372,596   $265,000(5)  $1,681,500  $  $31,927   $2,351,023 
  Name and Principal Position Fiscal
Year 1
  Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards 2
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation 3
($)
  All Other
Compensation 4
($)
  Total
($)
  Adjusted
Fiscal Year
2019 Total  5
($)
 

Mark L. Schiller*

President and Chief Executive

Officer

 

 

2019

 

 

 

571,154

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,570,510

 

 

 

733,562       

 

 

 

45,426       

 

 

 

10,920,652

 

 

 

5,873,652

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

James M. Langrock

Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

2019

 

 

 

550,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,538,324

 

 

 

275,000       

 

 

 

12,605       

 

 

 

2,375,929

 

 

 

1,350,380

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

550,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

539,507

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

14,096       

 

 

 

1,103,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

461,524

 

 

 

695,000

 

 

 

1,681,500

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

14,231       

 

 

 

2,852,255

 

 

 

 

 

         

Christopher J. Boever*

Executive Vice President and
Chief Customer Officer

 

 

2019

 

 

 

242,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

661,799

 

 

 

267,192       

 

 

 

284       

 

 

 

1,171,583

 

 

 

730,384

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

Kevin McGahren*

President, North America

 

 

2019

 

 

 

50,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

757,535

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

807,727

 

 

 

302,704

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

Kristy Meringolo

Senior Vice President, General
Counsel, Corporate Secretary

and Chief Compliance Officer

 

 

2019

 

 

 

385,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

368,905

 

 

 

158,813       

 

 

 

11,405       

 

 

 

924,123

 

 

 

678,186

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

337,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

269,871

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

11,320       

 

 

 

618,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

Irwin D. Simon**

Former President and Chief
Executive Officer

 

 

2019

 

 

 

723,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

35,649,153       

 

 

 

36,373,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

1,981,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,190,774

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

291,196       

 

 

 

7,463,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

1,905,000

 

 

 

2,900,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

222,248       

 

 

 

5,027,248

 

 

 

 

 

         

Denise M. Faltischek**

Former Executive Vice President
and Chief Strategy Officer,
Corporate Secretary

 

 

2019

 

 

 

624,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

466,914

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

11,405       

 

 

 

1,102,319

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

624,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

700,667

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

12,896       

 

 

 

1,337,563

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

600,000

 

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

—       

 

 

 

12,332       

 

 

 

912,332

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)*

Mr. Schiller joined the Company as President and CEO on November 5, 2018. Mr. Boever joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer on January 7, 2019. Mr. McGahren joined the Company as President, North America on May 15, 2019.

**

Mr. Simon resigned as President and CEO effective November 4, 2018. Ms. Faltischek was appointedserved as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Corporate Secretary on April 12, 2018. Previously sheuntil May 2019 and thereafter served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Corporate Secretary.anon-executive employee until her departure from the Company on August 31, 2019.

(2)1

Ms. Meringolo was appointed Senior Vice PresidentThe Company’s fiscal year is July 1 to June 30, and General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer on April 12, 2018. Previously she served as Senior Vice President, Senior Litigation Counselwe refer to fiscal years by the year in which they end. Fiscal year 2019 began July 1, 2018 and Chief Compliance Officer.ended June 30, 2019.

(3)2

Represents special incentive cash bonus of $2,400,000 and $500,000 paidThe amounts shown in stock granted on September 26, 2017 vestingpro-rata over three years.

(4)

Represents (a) special incentive cash bonus of $400,000 and $65,000 paid in stock granted on September 26, 2017 vestingpro-rata over three years and (b) a $230,000 discretionary bonus paid to Mr. Langrock prior to his appointment as CFO.

(5)

Represents special incentive cash bonus of $200,000 and $65,000 paid in stock granted on September 26, 2017 vestingpro-rata over three years.

(6)

With respect to the grants made in fiscal year 2018, the amounts reportedStock Awards column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards granted with respect toduring the applicable fiscal year, and calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used by the Company in calculating these amounts are included in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.

(7)

Represents theup-front equity grant in connection with the 2017-2019 LTIP.

(8)

Represents theup-front equity grant in connection with the 2016-2018 LTIP. These2019. The stock awards did not vest and were forfeited.

(9)

Represents (a) theup-front equity grant in connection with the 2017-2019 LTIP with a grant date fair value of $37,446 and (b) an equity grant in connection with Ms. Meringolo’s promotion with a grant date fair value of $232,425.

(10)

The Compensation Committee determined that no awards would be paidgranted to our NEOs under the 2016 Annual Incentive Plan even though the NEOs had achieved the requisite performance to merit the following awards: $3,777,615 for Mr. Simon and $544,800 for Ms. Faltischek.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2018 Proxy Statement  LOGO  37


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

(11)

The table below details the components of this column for fiscal year 2018:

 

 Name

  

 

401(k)
Plan
Match
(a)

   

 

Unused
Vacation
(b)

   

 

Life and
Other
Insurance
Premiums
(c)

   

 

Car
Allowance
(d)

   

 

Supplemental
Medical
Benefit
Premiums
(e)

   

 

Other
Perquisites
(f)

   

 

Total

 

 

Irwin D. Simon

  

 

$

 

4,800

 

 

  

 

$

 

114,300

 

 

  

 

$

 

16,107

 

 

  

 

$

 

103,232

 

 

  

 

$

 

43,157

 

 

  

 

$

 

9,600

 

 

  

 

$

 

291,106

 

 

 

James M. Langrock

  

 

$

 

4,800

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

896

 

 

  

 

$

 

8,400

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

14,096

 

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

  

 

$

 

3,600

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

896

 

 

  

 

$

 

8,400

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

12,896

 

 

 

Kristy Meringolo

  

 

$

 

2,100

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

820

 

 

  

 

$

 

8,400

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

11,320

 

 

 

Gary W. Tickle

  

 

$

 

4,800

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

896

 

 

  

 

$

 

8,400

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

14,096

 

 

(a)

The Company’s 401(k) match is calculated based upon the plan year, which is a calendar year. The amounts provided for each of the NEOs in fiscal year 2018 represent a matching contribution by the Company on behalf of such officer2019 were three-year front-loaded PSUs granted under the Company’s 401(k) Plan for2019-2021 LTIP. In addition, Mr. Schiller received a restricted stock award granted in connection with his hiring, all as discussed in the 2017 plan year (January 1 through December 31, 2017).CD&A and shown in the Fiscal Year 2019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table below.

(b)

Represents an amount paid by the Company to Mr. Simon for his unused vacation days during the 2017 calendar year pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.

(c)

Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the NEOs for life, accidental death and dismemberment and long-term disability insurance. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Simon also received an amount equal to $3,394 as reimbursement for a portion of the total premium for his life insurance policy and long term care coverage for his spouse and him.

(d)

Represents the aggregate incremental cost to the Company of providing Mr. Simon with the use of a Company-owned vehicle. The calculation includes the book value of the vehicle and the insurance, gas, tolls, parking, maintenance, registration and inspection fees and costs paid by the Company. With respect to Messrs. Langrock and Tickle and Mses. Faltischek and Meringolo, the amount represents a car allowance.

(e)

Represents the reimbursement of medical expenses for Mr. Simon and his dependents for anyout-of-pocket medical expenses.

(f)

Represents organization dues for Mr. Simon.

Fiscal Year 2018 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

       Estimated Future
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

  Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and Option
 
 Name Grant
Date
 Approval
Date
  Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  or units
(3)
  Awards 

 

Irwin D. Simon

 

 

n/a

  

 

$

 

990,600

 

 

 

 

$

 

1,981,200

 

 

 

 

$

 

7,924,800

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

9/26/2017

     

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

6,667,500

 

 

 

 

$

 

13,335,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

20,002,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

James M. Langrock

 

 

n/a

  

 

$

 

275,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

550,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

550,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

9/26/2017

     

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

692,976

 

 

 

 

$

 

1,385,952

 

 

 

 

$

 

2,078,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

 

 

n/a

  

 

$

 

312,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

624,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

624,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

9/26/2017

     

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

900,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

1,800,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

2,700,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

Kristy Meringolo

 

 

4/2/2018

 

 

 

 

3/28/2018

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,500

 

 

 

 

$

 

232,425

 

 

  

 

9/26/2017

                 

 

$

 

48,100

 

 

 

 

$

 

96,200

 

 

 

 

$

 

144,300

 

 

        

 

Gary W. Tickle

 

 

n/a

  

 

$

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

600,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

600,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

  

 

9/26/2017

     

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

248,398

 

 

 

 

$

 

496,795

 

 

 

 

$

 

745,193

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

(1)3

The amounts shown as Estimated Future Payouts Underin theNon-Equity Incentive Plan Awards reflect the threshold, target and maximum amounts that may be earned by each individual duringCompensation column for fiscal year 20182019 represent payouts under the Annual Incentive Plan. For more information, see “Compensation Discussion2019 AIP. These awards are discussed in the CD&A and Analysis-Annual Incentive Plan,” beginning on page 23.are shown in the Fiscal Year 2019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table below. Mr. Schiller’s payout represents 125% of his prorated base salary for fiscal year 2019, although the payout does not equal 125% of the amount reported in the Salary column due to the Company’s biweekly payroll dates not coinciding with the Company’s fiscal year end.

(2)4

The amounts reflectedshown in Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards columns reflect the threshold, target and maximum amounts that could be paid to each NEO underAll Other Compensation column for fiscal year 2019 are detailed in the 2017-2019 LTIP. TheAll Other Compensation Committee hasTable below.

 

38   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


    

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

5

Because the discretionCEO PSU Award and the NEO PSU Awards are front-loaded awards intended to adjust thesecover three years of long-term incentive compensation, the Compensation Committee believes it is helpful in evaluating our current NEOs’ compensation to spread the value of those awards equally across fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The values of those awards included in the Stock Awards column and the Total column for our current NEOs in accordance with SEC rules are as follows: Mr. Schiller ($7,570,500), Mr. Langrock ($1,538,324), Mr. Boever ($661,799), Mr. McGahren ($757,535) and Ms. Meringolo ($368,905). In addition to those required figures, we have included alternative figures for our current NEOs in the Adjusted Fiscal Year 2019 Total column using adjusted amounts of compensation. The adjusted figures in this column excludetwo-thirds of the value of the PSU awards, constituting the portion of the awards deemed attributable to fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The adjusted figures are not a substitute for the figures in the Total column in this Summary Compensation Table.

All Other Compensation Table

The following table details the components of the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table above for fiscal year 2019.

  Name 401(k)
Plan
Match 1
($)
 Life and
Other
Insurance
Premiums 2
($)
 Car
Allowance /
Use of
Company
Vehicle 3
($)
 Relocation 4
($)
 Employment
Agreement
Legal
Expenses  5
($)
 Medical
Benefit 6
($)
 Severance
and Other
Separation-
Related
Payments
and
Benefits 7
($)
 Consulting
Fees and
Related
Expenses 8
($)
 Total
($)

Mark L. Schiller

      426      30,000   15,000            45,426 

James M. Langrock

   3,352   853   8,400                  12,605 

Christopher J. Boever

      284                     284 

Kevin McGahren

                           — 

Kristy Meringolo

   2,152   853   8,400                  11,405 

Irwin D. Simon

      355   18,714         21,112   34,583,819   1,025,153   35,649,153 

Denise M. Faltischek

   2,152   853   8,400                  11,405 

1

The Company’s 401(k) match is calculated based upon its determinationthe plan year, which is a calendar year. The amounts provided for each of the NEOs for fiscal year 2019 represent a matching contribution by the Company on behalf of such officer under the Company’s 401(k) Plan for calendar year 2018.

2

Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the NEOs for life, accidental death and dismemberment and long-term disability insurance.

3

Represents a car allowance provided to Mr. Langrock and Mses. Faltischek and Meringolo. The Company has discontinued all car allowances for the NEOs effective as of July 1, 2019. With respect to Mr. Simon, the amount represents the cost to the Company of providing Mr. Simon with the use of a Company-owned vehicle during his employment with the Company.

4

Represents an allowance for relocation expenses in connection with Mr. Schiller’s hiring as President and CEO.

5

Represents payment of a portion of the attorneys’ fees incurred by Mr. Schiller in connection with the negotiation of his employment agreement.

6

Represents payments or reimbursements to Mr. Simon under a supplemental medical benefit provided to him during his employment with the Company.

7

Represents the following payments made and benefits provided to Mr. Simon in fiscal year 2019 in connection with his resignation as President and CEO effective November 4, 2018: (a) a cash severance payment of $34,294,688, (b) a payment of $99,060 for unused vacation, (c) payment of $125,000 in legal fees incurred by Mr. Simon in connection with the negotiation of the Succession Agreement between the Company and Mr. Simon, (d) continuation of medical, dental and vision benefits for Mr. Simon and his family at a cost to the Company for fiscal year 2019 of $7,224, (e) continuation of a life insurance policy at a cost to the Company for fiscal year 2019 of $7,677, (f) continuation of a long-term disability coverage at a cost to the Company for fiscal year 2019 of $4,045, (g) continuation of long-term care coverage at a cost to the Company for fiscal year 2019 of $11,727, and (h) the Company arranging for an administrative assistant for Mr. Simon following his resignation from the Company, in accordance with the Consulting Agreement, dated October 26, 2018, between the Company and Mr. Simon (see footnote 8 below), at a cost to the Company for fiscal year 2019 of $34,398. The benefits described in clauses (d) through (h) of the preceding sentence continue beyond the end of fiscal year 2019 at an additional cost to the 2017-2019 LTIP performance period. As describedCompany. See “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in the “Long-Term Incentive Program” section above,Control” beginning on September 26, 2017 the NEOs received equity grants (the “LTIP Awards”),page 42 for the value of which was 50% of each NEO’s target underall the 2017-2019 LTIP. Accordingly, atpayments made and benefits to be provided to Mr. Simon in connection with his resignation. Ms. Faltischek departed the Company on August 31, 2019, after the end of the three-year performance period, if the Compensation Committee determines that the amounts reflectedfiscal year 2019. See “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in the Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards columns should be awarded, any such awards will be paid net of the “50% of LTIP Target Dollars” as shown in the tableControl” beginning on page 33.

(3)

The amounts granted were determined in accordance with ASC Topic 71842 for a description of all the payments to be made and reflect the grant date fair value of the shares of restricted stock issued on April 2, 2018. The shares grantedbenefits to be provided to Ms. Meringolo vestFaltischek in three equal installments on April 2, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year 2018 Year End

Stock Awards

 Name  Number of Shares or
Units of Stock That
Have Not Vested (#)
 

Market Value of Shares or
Units of Stock That Have
Not Vested

($) (1)

  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
($) (1)

 

Irwin D. Simon

   

 

 

 

160,000

 

(2)

  

 

$

 

4,768,000

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

    12,319(3)  $367,106      $
      $    162,345(7)  $4,837,881
       $    164,265(8)  $4,895,097

 

James M. Langrock

   

 

 

 

1,602

 

(3)

  

 

$

 

47,740

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

    34,334(4)  $1,023,153      $
      $    2,739(7)  $81,622
       $    17,073(8)  $508,775

 

Denise M. Faltischek

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

   

 

 

 

21,914

 

(7)

  

 

$

 

653,037

 

       $    22,173(8)  $660,755

 

Kristy Meringolo

   

 

 

 

7,500

 

(5)

  

 

$

 

223,500

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

                1,185(8)  $35,313

 

Gary Tickle

   

 

 

 

1,602

 

(3)

  

 

$

 

47,740

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

    33,334(6)  $993,353      $
                5,630(8)  $167,774

(1)

The market value is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on June 29, 2018 or $29.80 per share.

(2)

Shares relate to a special grant of restricted stock to Mr. Simon that are scheduled to vest in equal increments each year through October 22, 2019.

(3)

Shares relate to Fiscal Year 2017 Special Incentive Bonus and will vest in three (3) equal installments on September 26, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

(4)

Shares relate to grants of restricted stock to Mr. Langrock. 1,000 shares will vest on March 31, 2019 and 16,667 will vest on each of June 26, 2019 and June 26, 2020.

(5)

Shares relate to grant of restricted stock to Ms. Meringolo which will vest in three (3) equal installments on April 2, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(6)

Shares relate to grant of restricted stock to Mr. Tickle. 16,667 shares will vest on each of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2019.

(7)

Reflects units from 2016-2018 LTIPconnection with a vesting date of June 30, 2018 that did not vest and were forfeited.

(8)

Reflects units from 2017-2019 LTIP that will vest on June 30, 2019 provided the Company achieves certain performance measures which were approved by the Compensation Committeeher departure.

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    39 


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

    

 

8

Represents (a) $975,000 in consulting fees paid to Mr. Simon under the Consulting Agreement between the Company and Mr. Simon and (b) payment of $50,153 in legal fees incurred by Mr. Simon in connection with the negotiation of the Consulting Agreement. As disclosed in the Company’s Form8-K filed with the SEC on October 29, 2018, Mr. Simon’s services to the Company under the Consulting Agreement included assisting Mr. Schiller with a smooth transition into his role as the Company’s new CEO, and assisting with the Company’s disposition of Hain Pure Protein Corporation.

Fiscal Year 2018 Option Exercises2019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table provides information about the following awards granted in fiscal year 2019: (1) cash bonus opportunities granted under the 2019 AIP, (2) PSUs granted under the 2019-2021 LTIP and Stock Vested(3) a restricted stock award (“RSA”) granted to Mr. Schiller, in addition to his grant of PSUs, in connection with his hiring. These awards are also discussed in the CD&A.

 

  Option Exercises and Stock Vested 
  Option Awards   Stock Awards   

 

  

 

 Estimated Future
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

(#)

 Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
Awards 3
($)
 
Name  Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#)
   Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
   Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting (#)
 Value Realized
on Vesting ($) (1)
  Type of
Award
 Grant
Date
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 

Mark L. Schiller

 AIP   733,562   1,467,123  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 RSA 11/5/2018 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  78,555   2,000,010 

 PSU 11/6/2018  

 

  

 

  350,000   1,050,000   

 

  7,570,500 

James M. Langrock

 AIP   275,000   550,000  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 PSU 1/24/2019  

 

  

 

  292,457   877,371   

 

  1,538,324 

Christopher J. Boever

 AIP   213,754   427,508  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 PSU 2/19/2019  

 

  

 

  123,240   369,720   

 

  661,799 

Kevin McGahren*

 PSU 5/15/2019  

 

  

 

  71,130   213,390   

 

  757,535 

Kristy Meringolo

 AIP   144,375   288,750  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 PSU 1/24/2019  

 

  

 

  70,134   210,402   

 

  368,905 

Irwin D. Simon

           262,207(2)  $10,571,313    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

James Langrock

           17,666(3)  $513,637 

Denise M. Faltischek

           12,426(4)  $511,110 

Kristy Meringolo

             $ 

Gary W. Tickle

           16,666(5)  $696,639 

Denise M. Faltischek**

 AIP   265,200   530,400  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 PSU 1/24/2019  

 

  

 

  88,767   266,301   

 

  466,914 

 

(1)*

RepresentsKevin McGahren joined the aggregate value realized with respectCompany on May 15, 2019, and based on that date of hire was not eligible to all shares of common stock that vested duringparticipate in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. The value realized in connection with each share on vesting was calculated by multiplying the number of shares of common stock that vested by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date.2019 AIP.

(2)**

For Mr. Simon,The Company announced in June 2019 that Ms. Faltischek would be leaving the shares he acquired vested as follows: (i)Company in August 2019. Ms. Faltischek’s 2019 AIP opportunity was accounted for in her severance arrangements, which are described in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” which begins on August 27, 2017, 40,000 shares vested andpage 42. Ms. Faltischek’s PSU award was forfeited upon her departure from the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $40.61; (ii) on September 28, 2017, 40,000 shares vested and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $40.71; (iii) on October 5, 2017, 20,869 shares vested and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $42.35; (iii) on October 22, 2017, 40,000 shares vested and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $37.04; (v) on November 20, 2017, 81,338 shares vested and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $40.89; and (vi) on December 13, 2017, 40,000 shares vested and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $40.68.Company.

(3)1

For Mr. Langrock,The amounts shown reflect the shares he acquired vestedtarget and maximum cash bonuses that could be earned by each individual under the 2019 AIP, under the modification to the 2019 AIP awards as follows: (i)discussed in the CD&A. There was no threshold payout below the target payout based on March 31, 2018, 1,000 shares vestedCompany performance. The actual amounts paid out under these awards are shown in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal year 2019 and are also discussed in the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $30.99 and (ii) on June 26, 2018, 16,666 shares vested and the closing price was $28.96.

(4)

For Ms. Faltischek, the shares she acquired vested as follows: (i) on October 5, 2017, 2,062 shares vested and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $42.35; (ii) on November 20, 2017, 10,364 shares vested and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date was $40.89.

(5)

For Mr. Tickle, he acquired 16,666 shares, which vested on September 30, 2017 at the closing price on such date of $41.80.CD&A.

Potential Payments upon Termination orChange-in-Control

We believe that severance andchange-in-control benefits are important for attracting and retaining executive talent and help to ensure that executive officers can remain focused during periods of uncertainty and neutralize the potential conflict of our key executives when faced with a potentialchange-in-control. These considerations are particularly important in an environment where merger and acquisition activity is high.

Irwin D. Simon

On June 24, 2018, the Company and Irwin D. Simon entered into the Succession Agreement, which provides that on the Succession Date, Mr. Simon will resign from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and from all other offices with the Company and its affiliates. Prior to the Succession Date, Mr. Simon’s employment with the Company will continue to be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Mr. Simon’s employment agreement dated as of July 1, 2003, as amended through September 23, 2014, by any among Mr. Simon and the Company (as amended, the “Employment Agreement”).

Had the Succession Date been June 30, 2018 and Mr. Simon resigned from the Company at that time, consistent with the Succession Agreement, Mr. Simon would have been entitled to the following payments and benefits: (A) a cash separation payment equal to $34,294,688.00, payable in a single lump sum, (B) continuation of the certain life insurance and disability insurance related benefits provided under the Employment Agreement until the third anniversary of the Succession Date, and (C) continuation of certain health benefits provided in the Employment Agreement. In addition, he will be entitled to (A) the earned but unpaid base salary and accrued but unused vacation days, payable in a single lump sum following the Succession Date, in accordance with the Employment Agreement, (B) any amounts which are vested or which Mr. Simon is otherwise entitled to receive at or subsequent to the Succession Date without regard to the performance by Mr. Simon of further services, and (C) settlement of any unreimbursed business expenses.

Mr. Schiller’s award opportunity was based entirely on the adjusted EBITDA performance goal, with any payout above target to be determined by the Compensation Committee based on the extent to which the Company exceeded the adjusted EBITDA performance goal. For Messrs. Langrock and Boever and Mses. Meringolo and Faltischek, after Company performance was measured against the adjusted EBITDA performance goal, the Compensation Committee could increase (up to the maximum award amount) or decrease payouts based on an individual performance factor.

 

40   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


    

  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

2

The amounts shown reflect the target and maximum number of shares that can be earned under three-year front-loaded PSUs granted under the 2019-2021 LTIP. There is no threshold payout below the target payout. The PSUs will vest pursuant to the achievement ofpre-established compound annual TSR levels, measured over the three-year PSU Performance Period from November 6, 2018 to November 6, 2021. Any shares earned under the PSU awards (net of any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations) must be held until the earlier of twelve months after vesting, a qualifying termination of employment or a change in control of the Company. Total shares earned under the PSUs will range from 0% to 300% of the target award amount based on actual performance as follows (implied target share prices assume no dividends):

In addition to the payments and benefits set forth above, upon the Succession Date, the long-term incentive awards set forth in Exhibit B of the Succession Agreement (the “LTI Awards”) would have been treated as follows: (i) all LTI Awards would have been deemed vested with respect to any service-based requirements to which such awards are then subject, and (ii) with respect to all LTI Awards that are subject to performance-based vesting requirements, such awards would have been subject to the applicable performance-based vesting requirements under the respective award agreements. The LTI Awards would have otherwise remain subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable award agreements. As of the date of this proxy statement, Mr. Simon holds (a) 88,213 shares of time-vested restricted stock that will vest as of the Succession Date, which have a value of $2,628,747 based on the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on June 29, 2018, and (b) performance share units with respect to a target number of 164,265 shares, which will remain eligible to vest after the end of the performance period subject to the achievement of applicable performance targets as described above under the heading “2017-2019 LTIP,” and the potential value of which is described in the “Outstanding

 Compound Annual TSR Over
 PSU Performance Period
  Implied Target
Share Price
  Percentage of
Target Award
Amount Earned

Less than 15%

  Less than $39.74  0%

At least 15% but below 20%

  $39.74  100%

At least 20% but below 25%

  $45.15  150%

At least 25% but below 30%

  $51.04  200%

At least 30% but below 35%

  $57.41  250%

At least 35%

  $64.29  300%

3

The grant date fair value of stock awards was calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used by the Company in calculating these amounts are included in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End”2019 Year End

The following table on page 39.

Inlists all outstanding equity awards held by the event that, Mr. Simon’s employment had been terminated on account of death, Disability, Termination Without Cause, or Termination for Good Reason onNEOs at June 30, 2018, prior to the Succession Date, Mr. Simon would have been entitled to receive the payments and benefits set forth above, and the date of such termination would have been treated as the Succession Date.

If Mr. Simon’s employment had ended on June 30, 2018 as a result of a Termination For Cause or a Termination Not for Good Reason prior to the Succession Date, Mr. Simon would have been entitled to: (A) the earned but unpaid base salary and accrued but unused vacation days, payable in accordance with the Employment Agreement, (B) any amounts which vested or which Mr. Simon is otherwise entitled to receive at or subsequent to the Succession Date without regard to the performance by Mr. Simon of further services or the resolution of a contingency, and (C) settlement of any unreimbursed business expenses.

Pursuant to Mr. Simon’s employment agreement: (i) a Termination Without Cause means any termination of Mr. Simon’s employment other than a Termination For Cause or Termination Due to Disability; and (ii) a Termination for Good Reason means (a) a termination of his employment by Mr. Simon following a diminution of his position, duties and responsibilities, the removal of Mr. Simon from, or failure tore-elect Mr. Simon as, the Chairman of the Board or as CEO, a reduction in his base salary or (b) following achange-in-control, Mr. Simon not being Chairman of the Board or CEO of any ultimate parent company resulting from thechange-in-control or any material reduction in compensation opportunity (including achievability) or benefits provided under any compensation, incentive, employee benefit or welfare plan or program of the Company or any subsidiary in which Mr. Simon participated before the change in control.

Achange-in-control is defined generally as one of the following events:2019.

 

 

 

 Stock Awards 
  Name Grant
Date
 

Number of Shares or
Units of Stock That
Have Not Vested 1

(#)

  Market Value of Shares or
Units of Stock That Have
Not Vested 2
($)
  Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Number of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other Rights
That Have Not Vested 3,4
(#)
  Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other Rights
That Have Not Vested 5
($)
 

Mark L. Schiller

 11/5/2018  78,555              1,720,355               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 11/6/2018  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  350,000              7,665,000          

James M. Langrock

 6/26/2017  16,667              365,007               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 9/26/2017  1,069              23,411               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 9/26/2017 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  17,073              373,899          
 

 

 1/24/2019  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  292,457              6,404,808          

Christopher J. Boever

 2/19/2019  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  123,240              2,698,956          

Kevin McGahren

 5/15/2019  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  71,130              1,557,747          

Kristy Meringolo

 9/26/2017 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1,185              25,952          

 

 4/2/2018  5,000              109,500               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1/24/2019  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  70,134              1,535,935          

Irwin D. Simon

   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

 9/26/2017 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  22,173              485,589          
 

 

 1/24/2019  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  88,767              1,943,997          

The acquisition by a person of beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the outstanding stock of the Company; however if any one person or group is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock by the same person or persons acting as a group is not considered to cause achange-in-control;

1

The amounts listed in this column represent unvested shares of restricted stock that are scheduled to vest as follows:

 

A majority of our Board of Directors is replaced during any12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election;

Mr. Schiller:

The 78,555 shares of restricted stock are scheduled to vest in three equal installments on November 5, 2019, November 5, 2020 and November 5, 2021.

The consummation of a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of the Company or a subsidiary, reverse split of any class of voting stock, or an acquisition of securities or assets by the Company or a subsidiary, unless our stockholders prior to such event beneficially own more than 60% of the voting stock of the surviving or transferee entity in substantially the same proportions as their prior ownership; or

The consummation of a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

Other NEOs

Each of Messrs. Langrock and Tickle and Mses. Faltischek and Meringolo have achange-in-control agreement in place which provides for severance only if he or she was terminated without cause or experiences a diminution in duties or forced relocation, in each case, following achange-in-control. For Messrs. Tickle and Langrock, severance is equal to two times his annual base salary and two times the average bonus paid to him during thethirty-six month period prior to thechange-in-control and up to two years of benefits continuation. For Ms. Faltischek, severance is equal to three times her annual base salary and three times the average annual bonus paid to her during thethirty-six month period prior to thechange-in-control and up to three years of benefits continuation. For Ms. Meringolo, severance is equal to one times her annual base salary and one times the average annual bonus paid to her during thethirty-six month period prior to thechange-in-control and up to one year of benefits continuation. In addition to the change in control agreements, our restricted stock agreements and performance unit agreements (including those with Messrs. Langrock and Tickle and Mses. Faltischek and Meringolo) provide for immediate vesting of such stock grants upon achange-in-control.

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    41 


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Mr. Langrock:

All 16,667 shares of restricted stock under the award granted on June 26, 2017 are scheduled to vest on June 26, 2020, and the 1,069 shares of restricted stock under the award granted on September 26, 2017 are scheduled to vest in two equal installments on September 26, 2019 and September 26, 2020.

Ms. Meringolo:

The 5,000 shares of restricted stock are scheduled to vest in two equal installments on April 2, 2020 and April 2, 2021.

2

The market value is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on June 28, 2019, which was $21.90 per share.

3

The awards listed in this column with a grant date of September 26, 2017 for Mr. Langrock and Mses. Meringolo and Faltischek represent PSUs from the 2017-2019 LTIP that were forfeited due to the Company’s failure to attain the performance targets for the performance period that ended on June 30, 2019.

4

The awards listed in this column with a grant date of November 6, 2018 for Mr. Schiller and during calendar year 2019 for Messrs. Langrock, Boever and McGahren and Mses. Meringolo and Faltischek represent three-year front-loaded PSUs under the 2019-2021 LTIP, the terms of which are described in the CD&A and footnote 2 to the Fiscal Year 2019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table. The amounts listed represent the target number of units under each award, which is also the threshold number of units. Ms. Faltischek’s award was forfeited upon her departure from the Company on August 31, 2019.

5

The market value is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on June 28, 2019, which was $21.90 per share. As described in the CD&A and footnote 2 to the Fiscal Year 2019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table, the Company’s stock price would need to reach $39.74 (assuming no dividends) by November 6, 2021 for any PSUs under the 2019-2021 LTIP to be earned, subject to possible earlier acceleration upon certain qualifying terminations of employment.

Fiscal Year 2019 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table shows the number of shares acquired by the NEOs upon the vesting of stock awards during fiscal year 2019, and the value realized. None of the NEOs holds stock options or exercised stock options during the fiscal year.

 

 

  Stock Awards 
 Name  

Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)

   

Value Realized
on Vesting 1

($)

 

Mark L. Schiller

   —                 —      

James M. Langrock

   18,200                 384,458      

Christopher J. Boever

   —                 —      

Kevin McGahren

   —                 —      

Kristy Meringolo

   2,500                 55,125      

Irwin D. Simon

   172,319                 4,491,133      

Denise M. Faltischek

   —                 —      

1

Represents the aggregate value realized with respect to all stock awards that vested during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. The value realized is based on the closing price of the Company��s common stock on the vesting date and reflects the gross value realized prior to taxes and withholding.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

We believe that severance andchange-in-control benefits are important for attracting and retaining executive talent, helping to ensure that NEOs can remain focused during periods of uncertainty and neutralizing the potential conflict of our key executives when faced with a potential change in control. In this section, we describe (1) our severance andchange-in-control arrangements with the NEOs who remain currently employed with the Company and (2) the severance payments and benefits received or to be received by Irwin D. Simon and Denise M. Faltischek, who are no longer employees of the Company.

For the NEOs who remain currently employed with the Company, the table below contains estimates of potential payments to the NEOs upon a hypothetical termination of employment or a change in control under current employment arrangements and equity award agreements, assuming the termination orchange-in-control event occurred on June 30, 2019. Values of equity awards are included at $21.90 per share, the closing price of our common stock on June 28, 2019, and the consideration paid or exchanged in achange-in-control transaction is assumed to be $21.90 per share. We have provided a brief description of the applicable employment arrangements and equity award provisions following the table, including in the footnotes. Definitions for

42  LOGOThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

the terms “Disability,” “Cause,” “Good Reason” and “Change in Control” are also summarized below under “Definitions of Applicable Termination Events and Change in Control.”

  Name Benefit
Type
 

Voluntary

Separation

(Including

Retirement) or
Termination

for Cause 1

($)

  

Death or

Disability

($)

  

Termination

Without

Cause

($)

  

Termination

for Good

Reason

($)

  

Change in

Control

Without

Termination

($)

  

Change in  

Control and  

Termination  

Without  

Cause or  

for Good  

Reason  

($)  

 
  Mark L. Schiller Cash Severance 2     733,562   4,050,000   4,050,000      6,075,000   
 PSU Vesting 3                 —   
 RSA Vesting     1,720,355   1,720,355   1,720,355      1,720,355   
 Total    

 

 

 

2,453,917

 

 

  5,770,355   5,770,355      7,795,355   
  James M. Langrock Cash Severance 2        1,100,000         2,200,000   
 PSU Vesting3                 —   
 RSA Vesting     388,418   388,418      388,418   388,418   
 Total    

 

 

 

388,418

 

 

  1,488,418      388,418   2,588,418   
  Christopher J. Boever Cash Severance 2        971,250         1,942,500   
 PSU Vesting 3                 —   
 RSA Vesting                 —   
 Total    

 

 

 

 

 

  971,250         1,942,500   
  Kevin McGahren Cash Severance 2        832,500         1,665,000   
 PSU Vesting3                 —   
 RSA Vesting                 —   
 Total    

 

 

 

 

 

  832,500         1,665,000   
  Kristy Meringolo Cash Severance 2        673,750         1,347,500   
 PSU Vesting3                 —   
 RSA Vesting     109,500   109,500      109,500   109,500   
 Total    

 

 

 

109,500

 

 

  783,250      109,500   1,457,000   

1

The Company does not have any agreements or arrangements that provide the NEOs with payments or benefits upon a voluntary separation (including retirement) or a termination by the Company for Cause, except for payments and benefits that have accrued through the date of separation or termination.

2

Cash severance is paid out over a period of time that depends on the amount of the severance obligation in relation to the individual’s annual compensation. Severance of one times the sum of annual base salary and an annual bonus amount is payable over one year; severance of two times the sum of annual base salary and an annual bonus amount is payable over two years; and severance of three times the sum of annual base salary and an annual bonus amount is payable over three years.

3

No PSUs held by the NEOs would have vested upon any termination orchange-in-control event that occurred on June 30, 2019. To the extent the applicable event could have triggered acceleration of vesting, the threshold compound annual TSR goal had not been attained as of that date.

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Proxy Statement  LOGO  43


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

    

 

AMark L. Schiller Employment Agreement – Termination andchange-in-controlChange-in-Control Provisions

We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Schiller, dated October 26, 2018, that provides for the following payments and benefits upon certain terminations of employment.

Termination by Reason of Death or Disability

If Mr. Schiller’s employment is defined generallyterminated by reason of death or Disability, (1) Mr. Schiller will receive an amount equal to his target annual bonus for the fiscal year of termination, prorated based on the number of days worked in the fiscal year, subject to the execution of a release as described below, (2) Mr. Schiller’s PSUs will vest, if at all, pursuant to the terms of his PSU award agreement, as described below under “Performance Share Units,” and (3) all of Mr. Schiller’s unvested shares of restricted stock will fully vest.

Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason

If Mr. Schiller’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Schiller for Good Reason, (1) Mr. Schiller will receive severance in an amount equal to two times the sum of his base salary and target annual bonus, payable over two years, subject to the execution of a release as described below, (2) Mr. Schiller’s PSUs will vest, if at all, pursuant to the terms of his PSU award agreement, as described below under “Performance Share Units,” and (3) all of Mr. Schiller’s unvested shares of restricted stock will fully vest.

Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control

If a Change in Control occurs and, during the period commencing six months before and ending 12 months after the Change in Control, Mr. Schiller’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Schiller for Good Reason, (1) Mr. Schiller will receive severance in an amount equal to three times the sum of his base salary and target annual bonus, payable over three years, subject to the execution of a release as described below, (2) Mr. Schiller’s PSUs will vest, if at all, pursuant to the terms of his PSU award agreement, as described below under “Performance Share Units,” and (3) all of Mr. Schiller’s unvested shares of restricted stock will fully vest.

Severance Subject to Release

Mr. Schiller’s entitlement to the severance described above is subject to (1) Mr. Schiller’s execution of a release in a form provided by the Company releasing the Company from claims with respect to the individual’s employment or termination, (2) Mr. Schiller’s compliance with the release, including any return of property,non-disparagement, and confidentiality provisions, and (3) Mr. Schiller’s continued compliance with his obligations under the employment agreement with respect to confidentiality,non-competition,non-solicitation, assignment of intellectual property andnon-disparagement.

Termination andChange-in-Control Arrangements with Other NEOs

Each of Messrs. Langrock, Boever and McGahren and Ms. Meringolo have offer letters or understandings providing them with the right to receive severance if the Company terminates his or her employment without Cause, in an amount equal to one times his or her base salary in effect at the time of termination and one times his or her target annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, payable over 12 months following termination. Entitlement to the severance is subject to the execution of a separation agreement and release of claims in a form satisfactory to the Company, including an acknowledgement of the continued effectiveness of post-employment restrictive covenants and other obligations to the Company.

The Company has also entered into Change in Control Agreements with each of Messrs. Langrock, Boever and McGahren and Ms. Meringolo. Under the agreements, each individual will be entitled to severance if his or her employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason within 12 months following events:a Change in Control. The amount of severance will be two times the sum of his or her base salary and target annual bonus, payable over two years following termination. Entitlement to the severance is subject to (1) the execution of a release in a form provided by the Company releasing the Company from claims with respect to the individual’s employment or termination, (2) the individual’s compliance with the release, including any return of property,non-disparagement, and confidentiality provisions, and (3) the individual’s continued compliance with his or her obligations under any continuing provisions in any agreement with the Company relating to confidentiality, assignment of inventions,non-competition,non-solicitation,non-interference ornon-disparagement.

Performance Share Units

Each of Messrs. Schiller, Langrock, Boever and McGahren and Ms. Meringolo holds PSUs that may be subject to prorated accelerated vesting if, during the three-year PSU Performance Period, any such NEO’s employment (1) terminates by reason of death or Disability, (2) is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the individual for Good Reason upon or after a Change

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  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

in Control, or (3) for Mr. Schiller only, his employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Schiller for Good reason prior to a Change in Control (each, a “Qualifying Termination”). In that event, a determination is made as to whether any compound annual TSR goals under the PSUs were attained, measured through the date of the Qualifying Termination or any earlier Change in Control. If the threshold performance goal of 15% compound annual TSR was not attained, then no PSUs will vest. If any performance goals were attained, then the number of units that would have vested in the absence of proration is determined, and that figure is then prorated to determine the number of units that will vest.

If the Qualifying Termination occurs prior to any Change in Control, the number of units that will vest is prorated based on the number of full calendar months the NEO spent on the active payroll during the three-year PSU Performance Period, divided by 36 months. If the Qualifying Termination occurs after a Change in Control, the number of units that will vest is prorated based on the following:

 

Qualifying Termination occurs on or prior to first anniversary of grant date – 1/3 proration;

Qualifying Termination occurs after first anniversary and on or prior to second anniversary of grant date – 2/3 proration; and

Qualifying Termination occurs after second anniversary – no proration.

Definitions of Applicable Termination Events and Change in Control

The terms “Disability,” “Cause,” “Good Reason” and “Change in Control” have the following meanings for purposes of the agreements and arrangements described above.

Disability – Disability generally means an individual’s inability to perform the material duties of his or her position for a period of 90 consecutive days (or 180 days in the aggregate during any12-month period) because of physical or mental injury or illness or, if longer, the period of time required to qualify for long-term disability benefit under any long-term disability plan or policy maintained by the Company.

Cause – For purposes of Mr. Schiller’s employment agreement and the PSU award agreements referenced above, Cause generally means (a) conviction of a felony, (b) failure to substantially perform reasonably assigned duties for 30 days after written notice, (c) theft or embezzlement of Company assets, (d) conduct materially harmful to the public reputation of the Company, (e) any act of dishonesty, fraud, or immoral or disreputable conduct, (f) willful misconduct in the performance of duties or (g) the material breach of any covenant or condition of the individual’s employment agreement, offer letter or other agreement with the Company, or a breach of the individual’s fiduciary duty to the Company or any subsidiary. For purposes of the severance arrangements with Messrs. Langrock, Boever and McGahren and Ms. Meringolo (other than following a Change in Control), Cause is determined by the Compensation Committee in good faith.

Good Reason – For purposes of Mr. Schiller’s employment agreement and the PSU award agreements referenced above, Good Reason generally means (a) the assignment of duties or responsibilities materially inconsistent with the individual’s position, or a material diminution in the individual’s position, duties, authority or responsibilities, (b) a material reduction in base salary, (c) relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices to a location more than 50 miles from its current location and/or (d) any failure by the Company to comply with any of the material provisions of the individual’s employment agreement or offer letter with the Company. The offer letters and employment arrangements with Messrs. Langrock, Boever and McGahren and Ms. Meringolo do not provide them with the right to receive severance upon a termination for Good Reason.

Change in Control – For purposes of Mr. Schiller’s employment agreement and the PSU award agreements referenced above, Change in Control generally means (a) the acquisition by aany person of beneficial ownership of 50% or more than 50% of the total voting power of the outstanding stocksecurities of the Company;

ACompany, subject to certain exceptions, (b) during any period of one year, individuals who, as of the date of the applicable agreement, constitute the Company’s Board cease to constitute at least a majority of ourthe Board (provided that new directors approved by a vote of Directors is replaced by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed byat leasttwo-thirds of the original members are generally permitted and deemed to have been serving as of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election;

Aapplicable agreement), (c) consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, ora sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless (i) all,subject to certain exceptions for transactions that are deemed not to result in a true change in control or substantially all, of our(d) the stockholders prior to such event beneficially own more than 50% of the voting stockCompany approve the sale or disposition by the Company (other than to a subsidiary of the surviving entity in substantially the same proportions as their prior ownership, (ii) no person (other than the Company or the surviving entity) beneficially owns 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding stock of the surviving entity and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the surviving entity were members of our Board of Directors; or

Stockholders approve (i) sale or dispositionCompany) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (other than to a subsidiary) or (ii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company provided, that if the agreement would cause the executive to incur an additional tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code, the Company and the executive will use reasonable best efforts to reform such provision.Company.

If Mr. Langrock’s employment had terminated on June 30, 2018 in accordance with thechange-in-control agreement,Restricted Stock Awards

The restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Langrock would have been entitled to severance having a value of approximately $3,342,000. If Mr. Tickle’s employment had terminated on June 30, 2018 in accordance with thechange-in-control agreement, Mr. Tickle would have been entitled to severance having a value of approximately $2,668,000. If Ms. Faltischek’s employment had terminated on June 30, 2018 in accordance with thechange-in-control agreement, Ms. Faltischek would have been entitled to severance having a value of approximately $4,137,000. If Ms. Meringolo’s employment had terminated on June 30, 2018 in accordance with thechange-in-control agreement,and Ms. Meringolo would have been entitledprior to severance havingfiscal year 2019 provide for accelerated vesting upon death, Disability, termination without Cause or a value of approximately $686,000.

Messrs. Langrock and Tickle and Mses. Faltischek and Meringolo each have the right to receive one year of severanceChange in Control. Mr. Schiller’ssign-on restricted stock award provides for accelerated vesting upon death, Disability or termination without Cause or for Good Reason. Mr. Schiller’ssign-on restricted stock award does not provide for “single trigger” acceleration immediately upon a Change in Control; instead, it provides for “double trigger” acceleration in the event of a termination without cause, which is notCause or for Good Reason that occurs within six months before or 12 months after a Change in Control.

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  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Irwin D. Simon

As disclosed in last year’s proxy statement, on June 24, 2018, the Company and Mr. Simon entered into a Succession Agreement providing that Mr. Simon would resign from his position as President and CEO of the Company upon the Company’s hiring of a successor President and CEO. Also as disclosed in last year’s proxy statement, the Succession Agreement entitled Mr. Simon to a lump sum cash severance payment of $34,294,688 upon his resignation, as well as certain other payments and benefits.

As contemplated by the Succession Agreement, Mr. Simon resigned as President and CEO effective November 4, 2018. Accordingly, Mr. Simon become entitled to the following payments and benefits: (a) the cash severance payment of $34,294,688, (b) a payment of $99,060 for unused vacation, (c) payment of $125,000 in legal fees incurred by Mr. Simon in connection with the negotiation of the Succession Agreement, (d) continuation of medical, dental and vision benefits for Mr. Simon and his family for three years at a total cost to the Company of $36,893, (e) continuation of a life insurance policy for three years at a total cost to the Company of $23,031, (f) continuation of a long-term disability coverage for three years at a total cost to the Company of $12,135 and (g) continuation of long-term care coverage for three years at a total cost to the Company of $35,181.

Under the terms of the Succession Agreement, upon Mr. Simon’s termination of employment, the vesting of certain of Mr. Simon’s equity awards was accelerated. The total number of shares accelerated was 88,213 shares, which had a total value at the time of vesting of $2,245,903.

As disclosed in the Company’s Form8-K filed with the SEC on October 29, 2018, the Company and Mr. Simon entered into a Consulting Agreement on October 26, 2018. Mr. Simon’s services to the Company under the Consulting Agreement included assisting Mr. Schiller with a smooth transition into his role as the Company’s new CEO and assisting with the Company’s disposition of Hain Pure Protein Corporation. Under the Consulting Agreement, the Company (a) paid $975,000 in consulting fees to Mr. Simon, (b) paid $50,153 in legal fees incurred by Mr. Simon in connection with the negotiation of the Consulting Agreement, and (c) agreed to arrange for an administrative assistant for Mr. Simon for one year following the termination of the Consulting Agreement at a total estimated cost to the Company of $167,691.

Amounts paid and benefits provided to Mr. Simon under the Succession Agreement and Consulting Agreement are included in the Summary Compensation Table and All Other Compensation Table above, to the extent paid or relating to fiscal year 2019. Accelerated equity awards are not included in those tables under SEC rules.

Denise M. Faltischek

Ms. Faltischek served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Corporate Secretary until May 2019 and thereafter served as achange-in-control.non-executive employee until her departure from the Company in August 2019. In connection with her departure, the Company and Ms. Faltischek entered into a separation agreement, pursuant to which (1) Ms. Faltischek will receive cash severance of $1,154,400, paid inbi-weekly installments during the 12 months following her departure; (2) Ms. Faltischek received alump-sum cash payment of $265,200, which represents consideration in lieu of Ms. Faltischek’s bonus opportunity for fiscal year 2019; and (3) the Company will pay the cost of Ms. Faltischek’s COBRA premiums for a period of 12 months, at an estimated total cost of $26,593.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During fiscal year 2018, the members of the Compensation Committee were Jack Sinclair, Glenn W. Welling and Lawrence S. Zilavy. None of the Compensation Committee members during fiscal year 2018 had any relationship required to be disclosed under this caption pursuant to the rules of the SEC.

CEO Pay Ratio

 

As required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act,SEC rules, we are providing the following information about the relationship ofbetween the annual total compensation of our CEO and the annual total compensation of our employees for fiscal year 2018median employee (our “CEOCEO pay ratio”ratio). Our CEO pay ratio information is a reasonable good faith estimate calculated in a manner consistent with applicable SEC rules.

Selection of Original Median Employee as of June 30, 2018

In 2018, we selected June 30, 2018 as the determination date for identifying the median employee. As of June 30, 2018, our employee population consisted of approximately 7,585 individuals working at our parent company and consolidated subsidiaries, which includesincluded all employees whether employed on a full-time, part-time, temporary or seasonal basis. We selected June 30, 2018 as the determination date for identifying the median employee. We determined the median employee by using a consistently applied compensation measure of total annual taxable compensation paid to our global employee population other than our CEO. We define “total taxable compensation” as gross compensation for the period from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, which given the geographical distribution of our employee population includesincluded a variety of pay elements based on local tax regulations. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, all global employees are compensated based upon their local market as reviewed on an annual basis, and we believe that “total annual taxable compensation” provides a reasonable estimate of annual compensation for our employees. For purposes of calculating the pay ratio, theThe total annual taxable compensation was converted to U.S.

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dollars using exchange rates as of June 30, 2018. Although permitted under SEC regulations,rules, we did not annualize compensation of employees who were not employed with us for the full fiscal year, and therefore the total annual taxable compensation of many employees was lower than it would have been had the compensation been annualized. In determining our median compensated employee and calculating the CEO pay ratioin 2018, we did not use any of the exemptions permitted under SEC rules nor did we rely upon any material assumptions, adjustments or estimates. Using this methodology, we determined that the median employee as of June 30, 2018 was anon-exempt full-time employee located in the U.S. with an annual total compensation of $29,790 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 calculated in accordance with2018.

Fiscal Year 2019 CEO Pay Ratio Determination

In determining our CEO pay ratio for the requirementsfiscal year ended June 30, 2019, we concluded there were no changes to our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that would significantly change our pay ratio disclosure. However, we used a different median employee this year, because the original median employee left the Company during fiscal year 2019. As permitted by the SEC rules, the median employee used this year is an employee whose compensation was substantially similar to the compensation of Item 402(c)(2)(x)the original median employee last year, based on the methodology used to select the original median employee.

The new median employee’s annual total compensation for fiscal year 2019 was $30,295.

For purposes of Regulation S-K. Ourcalculating our CEO pay ratio, our CEO’s annual total compensation for fiscal year 2018 calculated2019 was $11,641,363, which represents an annualized amount in light of the CEO transition in fiscal year 2019. As permitted by SEC rules, we elected to annualize the compensation of Mr. Schiller, who was serving as CEO on June 30, 2019, the anniversary of the determination date we previously used. To annualize Mr. Schiller’s compensation:

we annualized his base salary to $900,000 (from the $571,154 reported in the same manner was $7,463,170. Summary Compensation Table);

we annualized hisnon-equity incentive plan compensation to $1,125,000 (from the $733,562 reported in the Summary Compensation Table); and

we annualized his employee benefit for life insurance and other insurance to $853 (from the $426 reported in the Summary Compensation Table).

We did not annualize Mr. Schiller’s stock awards, as the full grant date fair value of thosesign-on awards is already included in Mr. Schiller’s fiscal year 2019 compensation under SEC rules. Similarly, we did not annualize Mr. Schiller’s relocation benefit or the payment by the Company of his legal expenses, as those wereone-time benefits with the full amount already included in Mr. Schiller’s fiscal year 2019 compensation.

Based on this information, the ratio of CEO annual total compensation to the median employee compensation for fiscal year 2018, the ratio of the compensation of the CEO to the median annual total compensation of all other employees2019 was estimated to be 251384 to 1.

Alternative Fiscal Year 2019 CEO Pay Ratio Adjusting the Fiscal Year 2019 Value of Mr. Schiller’s PSU Award

As discussed above, Mr. Schiller’s CEO PSU Award is a three-year front-loaded award. The Compensation Committee believes it is helpful in evaluating Mr. Schiller’s compensation to spread the value of the CEO PSU Award equally across fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The annualized value of the CEO PSU Award over three years is $2,523,500, based on a total grant date fair value for the award of $7,570,500.

In addition to the required CEO pay ratio calculation, we have calculated an alternative CEO pay ratio using an adjusted amount of CEO compensation that excludes $5,047,000, the portion of the CEO PSU Award deemed attributable to fiscal years 2020 and 2021. When calculated in this manner, our CEO’s adjusted compensation is $6,594,363 and the alternative ratio of CEO annual total compensation to the median employee compensation for fiscal year 2019 is estimated to be 218 to 1.

This alternative CEO pay ratio is not a substitute for the CEO pay ratio, but we believe it is helpful in fully evaluating the ratio of Mr. Schiller’s annual total compensation to that of our median employee.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 2 ADVISORY VOTE REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Background

 

We believe that both the Company and its stockholders benefit from responsive compensation and corporate governance policies. Recognizing the interest our stockholders expressed in an advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs, since 2009 the Company has provided its stockholders an annual advisory vote on executive compensation. Since 2011, Section 14A of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), has required us to provide our stockholders with anon-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our NEOs (“(the “Say on Pay Proposal”) as disclosed in this proxy statement.

We are asking our stockholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our NEOs, as described in the “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (“section (the “CD&A”) section of this proxy statement. Although the advisory vote is not binding upon the Company, the Company’s Compensation Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering our executive compensation program, values our stockholders’ opinions and will continue to consider the outcome of the vote in its ongoing evaluation of our executive compensation program.

Our executive compensation philosophy and practice reflects our unwavering commitment to paying for performance – both short- and long-term. We believe that our multi-faceted executive compensation plans, with their integrated focus on both individual and corporate goals and objectives, as well as short- and long-term metrics, provide an effective framework by which progress against our strategic goals may be appropriately measured and rewarded.

Stockholder Outreach

Last year, our stockholders approved our Say on Pay resolution with 70.3% of the votes cast voting in favor, which represented a significant improvement over the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders where only 41% of the votes cast supported our Say on Pay resolution. We believe that the improvement in last year’s Say on Pay resolution resulted from the significant compensation and governance actions the Company took in response to its extensive stockholder outreach efforts after the 2015 Annual Meeting.

Conclusion

 

We urge stockholders to read the CD&A beginning on page 2322 of this proxy statement, which describes in more detail how our executive compensation policies and procedures operate and are designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and narrative, appearing on pages 3738 through 40,42, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our NEOs. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the policies and procedures articulated in the CD&A are effective in achieving our goals.

For the reasons stated above, the Board of Directors recommends that our stockholders vote in favor of the following Say on Pay Proposal:

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of RegulationS-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby approved.

Because your vote is advisory, it is not binding on the Company or the Board. However, the Compensation Committee values the opinions that our stockholders express in their votes. The Compensation Committee will review the results of the annual stockholder votes on the Say on Pay Proposal and consider whether to recommend any changes or modifications to the Company’s executive compensation policies and practices as a result of such votes.

 

 

 

  The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote, on an advisory basis, “FOR” this proposal.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 3 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF REGISTERED INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

It is the practice of the Board of Directors to designate an accounting firm to serve as our registered independent accountants. The Audit Committee has recommended that Ernst & Young LLP be selected to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019,2020, and the Board of Directors has approved the selection of Ernst & Young LLP. Ernst & Young LLP has audited our financial statements since 1994.

The Audit Committee reviews and approves the audit andnon-audit services to be provided by our registered independent accountants during the year, considers the effect that performingnon-audit services might have on audit independence and approves management’s engagement of our registered independent accountants to perform those services.

If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee may, but is not required to, reconsider whether to retain Ernst & Young LLP. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different registered independent accountant at any time during the year if it is determined that such a change would be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.

Ernst & Young LLP expects to have a representative at our Annual Meeting who will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to questions, as appropriate.

 

 

 

  The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our registered independent accountants for our fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.2020.

Fees Billed to the Company by Ernst & Young LLP

The following table sets forth the fees accrued or paid to the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, during the fiscal years ended June 30, 20182019 and June 30, 2017.2018.

Audit andNon-Audit Fees

 

   

 

2018

 

   

 

2017

 

 

 

Audit Fees (1)

 

  $

 

6,150,050

 

 

 

  $

 

6,360,000

 

 

 

 

Audit Related Fees (2)

 

  $

 

290,000

 

 

 

  $

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Fees (3)

 

  $

 

553,800

 

 

 

  $

 

383,000

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees

 

  $

 

 

 

 

  $

 

 

 

 

 

 

  2019   2018 

Audit Fees1

  $6,128,866   $6,150,050 

Audit Related Fees2

  $220,000   $290,000 

Tax Fees3

  $1,118,589   $553,800 

All Other Fees

  $   $ 

 

(1)1

Reflects the aggregate fees billed for each of the 20182019 and 20172018 fiscal years for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of our quarterly financial statements, and services that are normally provided by Ernst & Young LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The amounts presented include costs associated with the internal accounting review of $2,460,000 for the 2017 fiscal year.

(2)2

Reflects the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP in the 2019 and 2018 fiscal yearyears for assurance and related services by Ernst & Young LLP that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported in the immediately preceding paragraph. The services comprising the fees disclosed under this category were principally related to due diligence in connection with acquisitions and accounting consultations.as Audit Fees.

(3)3

Reflects the aggregate fees billed in each of the 20182019 and 20172018 fiscal years for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for tax advice, tax compliance and tax planning.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the services described above in this section is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young’s independence and has determined that it is.

The Audit Committee’s policy is topre-approve all audit and permissiblenon-audit services provided by our registered independent accountants.Pre-approval is provided for up to one year, is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee may alsopre-approve particular services on acase-by-case basis. In assessing requests for services by the registered independent accountants, the Audit Committee considers whether

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  PROPOSAL NO. 3 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF REGISTERED INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS  

such services are consistent with the registered independent accountants’ independence, whether the registered independent accountants are likely to provide the most effective and efficient service based on their familiarity with us, and whether the service could enhance our ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality. The Audit Committee has delegated limitedpre-approval authority to its chairperson,chair, who must report any decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

In fiscal years 20182019 and 2017,2018, all of the audit fees, audit related fees tax fees and all othertax fees werepre-approved by the Audit Committee or its chairperson.chair.

 

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in overseeing the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Company’s internal audit function and the performance of the Company’s internal controls and procedures. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews all material related party transactions, if any, for potential conflicts of interest and all such transactions must be approved by the Audit Committee.

In addition to fulfilling its responsibilities as set forth in its charter and further described above in “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance – Committees of the Board – The Audit Committee,” the Audit Committee has reviewed the Company’s audited financial statements for fiscal year 2018.2019. Discussions about the Company’s audited financial statements included the judgments of its independent registered public accounting firm’s judgmentsfirm about the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles and underlying estimates used in its financial statements, as well as other matters, as required by the applicable auditing standards adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and by our Audit Committee Charter. In conjunction with the specific activities performed by the Audit Committee in its oversight role, it issued the following report:

 

1.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 20182019 with the Company’s management and the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

2.

The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable auditing standards adopted byrequirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.Board and the SEC.

 

3.

The Audit Committee has received from the independent registered public accounting firm the written disclosures and the letter 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, and the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence from the Company.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to in paragraphs (1)1 through (3)3 above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 20182019 for filing with the SEC.

Andrew R. Heyer, ChairpersonThe Audit Committee*

Shervin J. Korangy, Chair

Adrianne ShapiraDean Hollis

Dawn M. Zier

*

The Report was approved by the Audit Committee prior to changes in committee membership on October 8, 2019.

The foregoing Report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

 

4650   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

The following table provides certain information as of the end of fiscal 2019 with respect to shares that may be issued under the Company’s existing equity compensation plans.

 

Plan Category

  

 

(A)

Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

 

   

 

(B)

Weighted-Average

Exercise Price

of Outstanding

Options,

Warrants and

Rights

 

   

 

(C)

Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans (excluding
securities reflected in column (A) (1)

 

   Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
  

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

of Outstanding

Options,
Warrants and

Rights1

   

Number of Securities Remaining  

Available for Future Issuance Under  
Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding   
Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise  
of Outstanding Options, Warrants and  
Rights) 2  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  

 

 

 

 

121,944                 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$    2.26          

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

10,499,724                       

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  

 

 

 

 

None                 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

None          

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

None                       

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders 3

  3,267,807   $    2.26             3,774,464

Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders 4

  2,631,409   —             1,418,591

Total

  

 

 

 

 

121,944                 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$    2.26          

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

10,499,724                       

 

 

 

 

  5,899,216   $    2.26             5,193,055

 

(1)1

Represents the weighted-average exercise price of options to purchase 121,944 shares of common stock. This weighted average does not take into account shares that may be issued upon the vesting of PSUs or RSUs.

2

Of the 10,499,7245,193,055 shares available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans 10,495,434as of the end of the fiscal year, 3,774,464 shares arewere available for grant under theThe Hain Celestial Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive and Stock Award Plan, and 4,2901,418,591 shares arewere available for grant under The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2019 Equity Inducement Award Program.

3

The 3,267,807 shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights consists of (a) 2,882,345 shares that may be issued upon the 2000 Directors Stock Plan.vesting of PSUs, (b) 263,518 shares that may be issued upon the vesting of RSUs and (c) 121,944 shares that may be issued upon the exercise of stock options. The number of shares that may be issued upon the vesting of PSUs represents the maximum number of shares that may be issued if maximum performance goals are achieved.

4

The 2,631,409 shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights consists of (a) 2,617,815 shares that may be issued upon the vesting of PSUs and (b) 13,594 shares that may be issued upon the vesting of RSUs. The number of shares that may be issued upon the vesting of PSUs represents the maximum number of shares that may be issued if maximum performance goals are achieved.

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    4751 


OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK BY

MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of September 30, 2018 for (1) each of our directors director nominees and NEOs, (2) each person who is known by usall of our current directors and current executive officers as a group, and (3) the persons we know to beneficially own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Ownership is as of October 3, 2019 except as otherwise stated in the footnotes. Percentage ownership is based on 104,484,187 shares of common stock outstanding as of October 3, 2019. Except as otherwise stated in the footnotes, the persons identified have sole voting and (3) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. The informationinvestment power with respect to the shares set forth below is based upon information supplied or confirmed by the named individuals.opposite their names.

 

   

 

Number of

Shares

  

 

Percentage of 

Common Stock 

 

Irwin D. Simon (1)(2)

   

 

 

 

1,781,005

 

   

 

 

 

1.71

 

%

 

Celeste A Clark (2)(3)

   

 

 

 

7,357

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Andrew R. Heyer (2)(4)

   

 

 

 

149,704

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

R. Dean Hollis (2)(5)

   

 

 

 

17,357

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Shervin J. Korangy (2)(6)

   

 

 

 

7,357

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Roger Meltzer (2)(7)

   

 

 

 

32,186

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Jack Sinclair (2)(8)

   

 

 

 

7,357

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Adrianne Shapira (2)(9)

   

 

 

 

19,008

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Glenn W. Welling (2)(10)

   

 

 

 

11,768,599

 

   

 

 

 

11.3

 

%

 

Dawn Zier (2)(11)

   

 

 

 

5,486

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Lawrence S. Zilavy (2)(12)

   

 

 

 

64,508

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Denise M. Faltischek

   

 

 

 

44,233

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

James M. Langrock (13)

   

 

 

 

53,060

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Kristy Meringolo (14)

   

 

 

 

7,500

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

Gary Tickle (15)

   

 

 

 

39,598

 

   

 

 

 

*

 

 

BlackRock, Inc. (16)
    55 East 52nd Street
    New York, New York 10055

   

 

 

 

8,355,740

 

   

 

 

 

8.04

 

%

 

The Vanguard Group (17)
    100 Vanguard Blvd.
    Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

   

 

 

 

8,283,755

 

   

 

 

 

7.97

 

%

 

FMR LLC (18)
    245 Summer Street
    Boston, Massachusetts 02210

   

 

 

 

7,328,055

 

   

 

 

 

7.05

 

%

 

All directors and executive officers as a group (fifteen persons) (19)

   

 

 

 

14,004,315

 

   

 

 

 

13.5

 

%

  Name

Number of

Shares

Percentage of

Common Stock

  Directors and NEOs
  Richard A. Beck  
  Celeste A. Clark1 20,717 *
  Dean Hollis2 36,451 *
  Shervin J. Korangy3 21,577 *
  Roger Meltzer4 44,973 *
  Mark L. Schiller5 124,355 *
  Michael B. Sims  
  Glenn W. Welling6 21,090,354 20.2%
  Dawn M. Zier7 18,846 *
  James M. Langrock8 46,885 *
  Christopher J. Boever9  
  Kevin McGahren10  
  Kristy Meringolo11 6,596 *
  Irwin D. Simon12 1,712,770 1.6%
  Denise M. Faltischek13 44,233 *
  All current directors and current executive officers as a group (14 persons) 21,410,754 20.5%
  5% Holders

  Engaged Capital, LLC14

      610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 250
      Newport Beach, California 92660

 21,068,777 20.2%

  The Vanguard Group15

      100 Vanguard Blvd.
      Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

 8,211,261 7.9%

  BlackRock, Inc.16

      55 East 52nd Street
      New York, New York 10055

 8,063,817 7.7%

  Black Creek Investment Management Inc.17

      123 Front Street West, Suite 1200
      Toronto, Ontario M5J 2M2, Canada

 7,625,893 7.3%

  Neuberger Berman Group LLC18

      1290 Avenue of the Americas
      New York, New York 10104

 5,776,209 5.5%

 

*

Indicates less than 1%.

(1)1

Includes 172,319Dr. Clark holds 2,452 shares outright and holds 18,265 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive and Stock Award Plan (the “2002 Plan”) and 146,782 shares held indirectly by a trust. Also includes 21,812 shares held by Mr. Simon’s wife, as to which Mr. Simon disclaims beneficial ownership. Mr. Simon is our President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors.stock.

(2)2

Director of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

(3)

Includes 7,357Mr. Hollis holds 12,452 shares outright and holds 23,999 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan.stock.

(4)3

Includes 14,906Mr. Korangy holds 2,452 shares outright and holds 19,125 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under the 2002 Plan and 12,251 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan and 110,080 shares held indirectly by a GRAT or trust.

(5)

Includes 7,357 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under the 2002 Plan.

(6)

Includes 7,357 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under the 2002 Plan.

(7)

Includes 13,392 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan.

(8)

Includes 7,357 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan.

(9)

Includes 10,925 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan

(10)

Includes 7,357 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan. In addition, as of February 28, 2018, Glenn W. Welling and related entities had voting and dispositive power over 11,761,242 shares according to a Schedulestock.

 

4852   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


    

  OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK BY MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL  OWNERS  

 

4

13D/A filed jointly by Glenn W.Mr. Meltzer holds 24,977 shares outright and holds 19,996 shares of unvested restricted stock.

5

Mr. Schiller holds 45,800 shares outright and holds 78,555 shares of unvested restricted stock. Under SEC rules, Mr. Schiller’s outstanding PSUs are not included in this table.

6

Mr. Welling holds 2,452 shares outright and holds 19,125 shares of unvested restricted stock. Mr. Welling is the following related entities: (a) Engaged Capital Flagship Master Fund, LPfounder and Engaged Capital Flagship Fund, Ltd., eachChief Investment Officer of whose address is c/o Conyers Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, P.O. Box 2681, Grand CaymanKY1-111, Cayman Islands and (b) Engaged CapitalCo-Invest VI, LP, Engaged CapitalCo-InvestVI-A, LP, Engaged CapitalCo-InvestVI-B, LP, Engaged CapitalCo-InvestVI-C, LP, Engaged Capital Flagship Fund, LP, Engaged Capital, LLC, and Mr. Welling’s beneficial holdings include the 21,068,777 shares beneficially owned by Engaged Capital, Holdings, LLC andLLC. See footnote 14 below. Mr. Welling, each of whoseWelling’s address is 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 250, Newport Beach, CACalifornia 92660.

(11)7

Includes 5,486Ms. Zier holds 1,828 shares outright and holds 17,018 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan.stock.

(12)8

Includes 10,925Mr. Langrock holds 29,683 shares outright and holds 17,202 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Plan.stock. Under SEC rules, Mr. Langrock’s outstanding PSUs are not included in this table.

(13)9

Includes 35,403Under SEC rules, Mr. Boever’s outstanding PSUs are not included in this table.

10

Under SEC rules, Mr. McGahren’s outstanding PSUs are not included in this table.

11

Ms. Meringolo holds 1,596 shares outright and holds 5,000 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Planstock. Under SEC rules, Ms. Meringolo’s outstanding PSUs are not included in this table.

(14)12

Includes 7,500 sharesMr. Simon resigned as President and CEO effective November 4, 2018, and did not stand forre-election as a director at the Company’s 2018 annual meeting of unvested restrictedstockholders held on December 5, 2018. The information provided in this table for Mr. Simon is based on a Form 4 filed by Mr. Simon with the SEC on November 6, 2018, reporting his holdings of common stock granted under our 2002 Plan.as of November 4, 2018. The shares reported for Mr. Simon consist of 1,544,176 shares held outright by Mr. Simon, 146,782 shares held by a number of trusts for the benefit of Mr. Simon’s family (for which Mr. Simon or his spouse is the trustee or custodian), and 21,812 shares held by his spouse. Mr. Simon disclaimed beneficial ownership of the shares held by trusts except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein, and disclaimed beneficial ownership of the shares held by his spouse.

(15)13

Includes 17,736Based on information provided to the Company by Ms. Faltischek, she held 44,233 shares of unvested restricted common stock granted under our 2002 Planoutright prior to her departure from the Company on August 31, 2019.

(16)14

AsThis information is based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on May 21, 2019 by Glenn W. Welling, Engaged Capital, LLC, and related entities, setting forth information as of December 31, 2017, BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) hadMay 21, 2019. The Schedule 13D/A states that Mr. Welling, Engaged Capital, LLC, and related entities have sole voting power over 7,952,971 shares and sole dispositive power over 8,355,740with respect to all 21,068,777 shares according tobeneficially owned by Engaged Capital, LLC.

15

This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 11, 2019 by BlackRock on January 25, 2015.

(17)

AsThe Vanguard Group, setting forth information as of December 31, 2017,2018. The Schedule 13G/A states that The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”) hadhas sole voting power over 54,632with respect to 44,270 shares, shared voting power with respect to 16,621 shares, sole dispositive power over 8,224,012 shares, shared voting power over 13,154with respect to 8,160,513 shares, and shared dispositive power over 59,743 shares, accordingwith respect to 50,748 shares.

16

This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed by Vanguardwith the SEC on February 9,4, 2019 by BlackRock, Inc., setting forth information as of December 31, 2018. The Schedule 13G/A states that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 7,636,830 shares, shared voting power with respect to 0 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to all 8,063,817 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 0 shares.

(18)17

AsThis information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2019 by Black Creek Investment Management Inc., setting forth information as of December 31, 2017, FMR LLC (“FMR”) had2018. The Schedule 13G states that Black Creek Investment Management Inc. has sole voting power over 555,423 shares and sole dispositive power over 7,328,055 shares, accordingwith respect to a Schedule 13G/A filed by FMR on February 13, 2018.all 7,625,893 shares.

(19)18

Includes 325,377This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019 by Neuberger Berman Group LLC and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, setting forth information as of December 31, 2018. The Schedule 13G states that Neuberger Berman Group LLC and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC have sole voting power with respect to 0 shares, of unvested restricted stockshared voting power with respect to 5,631,041 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 0 shares, and 13,678,938 shares held directly or indirectly. See Notes 1 through 15 above.shared dispositive power with respect to all 5,776,209 shares.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file initial reports of beneficial ownership and changes in such ownership with the SEC. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are also required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and written representations from our executive officers and directors, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements were met during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, except that Mr. Simon inadvertently filed one late Form 4 reporting three transactions.

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    4953 


CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Mr.Dean Hollis, who is nominated forre-election as a director, is chair of the board of SunOpta Inc., which is a supplier of the Company. In fiscal year 2019, the Company paid $21,632,905 to SunOpta Inc. and affiliated entities in the ordinary course of business.

Roger Meltzer, who is nominated forre-election as a director, is a partner at the law firm DLA Piper LLP (US)., which provides legal services to the Company. In fiscal year 2019, the Company paid $2,592,252 to DLA Piper LLP (US) provides legal services to us. In fiscal year 2018, the Company paid approximately $1,700,000 to DLA Piper LLP.and affiliated entities.

Mr.Irwin D. Simon’s spouse, Daryl Simon, has been theserved as Director of International Sales of the Company since September 1996. During thethrough December 31, 2018. For fiscal year ended June 30, 2018,2019, she earned a base salary of $132,613, was paid$71,295, received a bonus401(k) matching contribution of $17,240$3,352 and participated in the Company’s benefit programs for its employees. In addition, Mr.connection with her departure from the Company, Ms. Simon received $136,591 in severance and a payment of $13,659 for unused vacation.

Irwin D. Simon’sbrother-in-law, Geoffrey Goldberg, currently servesserved as Vice President, Corporate Services and has been employed byof the Company since June 2000. During thethrough May 30, 2019. For fiscal year ended June 30, 2018,2019, he earned a base salary of $201,270, was paid a bonus of $25,000,$194,206, received a car allowance of $8,400$7,700, received a 401(k) matching contribution of $2,850 and participated in the Company’s benefit programs for its employees. On September 26, 2017, heAdditionally, during fiscal year 2019, Mr. Goldberg received a grantgrants of 608 performance stock units5,152 Performance Share Units and 1,514 Restricted Stock Units with aan aggregate grant date fair value of $19,213 in connection with the 2017-2019 LTIP.

Mr. Hollis, who is nominated forre-election as a director, is chairperson$65,480, all of the board of directors of SunOpta Inc. SunOpta Inc. is a supplier ofwhich were forfeited upon his departure from the Company. In fiscal year 2018,connection with his departure from the Company, paid approximately $22,400,000 to SunOpta Inc.

Mr. Welling, who is nominatedGoldberg received $206,301 in severance and a payment of $11,505 forre-election as a director, is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Engaged Capital. In fiscal year 2018, pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement dated September 26, 2017, the Company reimbursed Engaged Capital in the amount of approximately $346,000 for its fees and expenses incurred in connection with its notice of nomination, the negotiation and entry into the Cooperation Agreement, preparation of its proxy statement and other matters related to its investment in the Company and the 2017 Annual Meeting. unused vacation.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

We have adopted a written policy regarding the review, approval and ratification of related party transactions. The Related Party Transaction Policy and Procedures requires the approval or ratification by the Audit Committee of any “related party transaction,” which is defined as any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which (i) we are a participant, (ii) the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and (iii) one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees, 5% stockholders (or their immediate family members) or any entity with which any of the foregoing persons is an employee, general partner, principal or 5% stockholder, each of whom we refer to as a “related person,” has a direct or indirect interest as set forth in Item 404 ofRegulation S-K. The policy provides that management must present to the Audit Committee for review and approval each proposed related party transaction (other than related party transactions involving compensation matters and certain ordinary course transactions). The Audit Committee must review the relevant facts and circumstances of the transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arms-length dealings with an unrelated third party and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction, take into account the conflicts of interest and corporate opportunity provisions of our Code of Conduct, and either approve or disapprove the related party transaction. If advance approval of a related party transaction requiring the Audit Committee’s approval is not feasible, the transaction may be preliminarily entered into by management upon prior approval of the transaction by the chair of the Audit Committee, subject to ratification of the transaction by the Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee will also review those transactions that would have been deemed a “related party transaction” but for the fact that the amount involved is $120,000 or less. No director may participate in approval of a related party transaction for which he or she is a related party.

 

5054   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


OTHER MATTERS

The Company’s management is not aware of any other matters that will come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters requiring a vote of stockholders arise, including any question as to an adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named on the enclosed proxy card to vote in accordance with their judgment on such matters.

 

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement   LOGO    5155 


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS

Stockholder proposals intended to be included in the Proxy Statement relating to our 2019 Annual Meeting2020 annual meeting of Stockholdersstockholders (the “20192020 Proxy Statement”) pursuant to Rule14a-8 under the Exchange Act (“Rule14a-8”) must be in writing addressed to the Corporate Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices, no later than July 1, 2019,June 13, 2020, and must otherwise comply with Rule14a-8.

For stockholder nominations and other proposals that are not intended to be included in the 2019 Proxy Statement, they must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary prior to the close of business on September 14, 2019.

In addition, if you would like to have theira nominee included in our proxy materials for future annual meetings, notice2020 Proxy Statement, notices of stockholder nominations intended to be included in the 20182020 Proxy Statement must be received by the Corporate Secretary between May 14, 2020 and June 1, 2019 and July 1, 2019.13, 2020. Stockholders should consult ourBy-Laws for the various procedural, informational and other requirements applicable to such nominations.

The deadline that will be applied for determining whether notice is timely for purposes of exercising discretionary voting authority with respect to proxies for purposes of Rule14a-4(c) under the Exchange Act is August 27, 2020.

A stockholder or other interested party who wishes to communicate with the Board, thenon-management directors as a group, or any individual director may do so by addressing the correspondence to the individual or group, c/o Corporate Secretary, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY 11042. All correspondence addressed to a director will be forwarded to that director.

Householding

We have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called “householding.” Under this procedure, multiple stockholders who share the same last name and address will receive only one copy of the annual proxy materials, unless they notify us that they wish to continue receiving multiple copies. We have undertaken householding to reduce our printing costs and postage fees.

If you wish toopt-out of householding and receive multiple copies of the proxy materials at the same address, you may do so at any time prior to thirty30 days before the mailing of proxy materials, which typically are mailed in October of each year, by notifying us in writing at: 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY 11042, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

You also may request additional copies of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form10-K to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended June 30, 20182019 by notifying us in writing at the same address or calling Investor Relations at(516) 587-5000 or toll free at(877) 612-4246 or submitting such request viae-mail to investorrelations@hain.com.

If you share an address with another stockholder and currently are receiving multiple copies of the proxy materials, you may request householding by notifying us at the above-referenced address.

Investors may obtain copies of Hain Celestial’s 20182019 Annual Report on Form10-K at no charge by contacting Investor Relations, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY 11042.

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

LOGOLOGO

Denise M. FaltischekKristy Meringolo

ExecutiveSenior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate

Secretary and Chief StrategyCompliance Officer

Corporate Secretary

Dated: October 29, 201811, 2019

Your vote is important. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please submit your vote as soon as possible as instructed in our Proxy Materials, or, if you received a paper copy of the proxy card by mail, you may mark, sign and date the proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may choose to vote in person even if you have previously voted your shares.

 

5256   LOGO   The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 20182019 Proxy Statement


THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (the “Company”). The undersigned hereby appoints Denise M. Faltischek and Kristy Meringolo, or each of them, proxies, each with full power of substitution, to vote the shares of the undersigned at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of the Company on December 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time at 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York 11042 and any postponements or adjournments thereof (including any vote to postpone or adjourn the Annual Meeting), upon all matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting. Without otherwise limiting the foregoing general authorization, the proxies are instructed to vote as indicated herein.If no instruction is given the shares will be voted “FOR” items 1, 2 and 3, each of said items being more fully described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, receipt of which are hereby acknowledged.

The Board of Directors Recommends You Vote “FOR” items 1, 2 and 3 below.

 

1.

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

1111 MARCUSAVENUE

LAKE SUCCESS, NY 11042

ElectionVOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of Directorsinformation up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, November 18, 2019. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, November 18, 2019. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

E85532-P28080                            KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
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For all nominees

THIS  PROXY  CARD  IS  VALID  ONLY  WHEN  SIGNED  AND  DATED.  

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

   THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

The Board of Directors recommends you vote “FOR” the election of each director nominee listed below (except as marked to the contrary)  ☐in Proposal 1 and “FOR” Proposals 2 and 3.

1.

 

Against  

Election of Directors

Nominees

 

Abstain  

(Instructions: to vote against an individual nominee, strike a line through the nominee’s name listed below.)

Celeste A. Clark, Andrew R. Heyer, R. Dean Hollis, Shervin J. Korangy, Roger Meltzer, Mark Schiller, Jack L. Sinclair, Glenn W. Welling and Dawn M. Zier

 

For    

 

Against

Abstain

1a.  Richard A. Beck

☐    

  ☐

  ☐

For    AgainstAbstain

1b.  Celeste A. Clark

☐    

  ☐

  ☐

2.

To approve, on an advisory basis, named executive officer compensation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.compensation.

 

☐    

For

  ☐

 

Against  1c.  Dean Hollis

1d.  Shervin J. Korangy

☐    

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

 

Abstain  3.

 

3.

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to act as registered independent accountants of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.2020.

☐      ☐

1e.  Roger Meltzer

 

1f.   Mark L. Schiller

1g.  Michael B. Sims

1h.  Glenn W. Welling

1i.   Dawn M. Zier

☐    

☐    

☐    

☐    

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

  ☐

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]                                 Date                    

For

 Signature (Joint Owners)                                             Date              


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at

www.proxyvote.com.

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E85533-P28080        

Against  

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

November 19, 2019, 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors

 

Abstain  

(Proxy card)

In their discretion, the proxies named above are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof, including any vote to postpone or adjourn the Annual Meeting.

Please Complete All Information Below

The undersigned stockholder(s), revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoint(s) Mark L. Schiller and Kristy Meringolo, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his/her substitute, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of Common Stock of THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on November 19, 2019, at 1111 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York 11042, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. The proxies are further authorized to vote, in their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Signature:

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations, and in the discretion of the proxies on such matters as may properly come before the meeting.

Signature:

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

Dated: , 2018

Please sign exactly as names appear hereon, indicating official position or representative capacity, if any. If shares are held jointly, both owners should sign.

(Proxy card)