UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
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| BANKUNITED, INC. |
| (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) |
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| (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
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14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
Notice of 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
April 12, 20168, 2021
Dear Fellow Stockholders:Shareholders:
Like so many others, we began 2020 with a positive outlook for the year. Our Board held a meeting in Miami in mid-February to review our annual business plan; at this meeting, our Board voted to increase our quarterly dividend to $0.23 per share. We also held town hall meetings with our employees to communicate our plans for the year. We discussed continued implementation of our BankUnited 2.0 initiatives and opportunities for growth in our corporate and commercial banking lines in New York and Florida. We reviewed technology initiatives and conducted an employee engagement survey in which 80% of our employees participated. But, we were suddenly looking at different plans for 2020 - plans that were defined by numerous challenges.
With headquarters in Miami, we frequently test and review our hurricane preparedness plans. These plans help us to respond quickly to approaching hurricanes. And perhaps it is our experience preparing for hurricanes that enabled us to pivot quickly in March 2020 to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We quickly identified emerging risks and implemented mitigation strategies. We activated our business continuity plan and made our employees’ well-being and safety our priority. We established safety protocols in our branches to provide access to support the banking needs of our customers. Our Board learned to adapt to virtual meetings and initially held weekly meetings to review the risks posed by the pandemic and to understand the impact on all of our stakeholders. On behalf of the Board and the entire BankUnited team, I would like to thank Michael Dowling for his service on our Board over the past year. In addition to his knowledge and guidance regarding the virus, Michael was a reassuring voice in very uncertain times. For more detailed information on our response to the pandemic, please see page 32.
As we learned and adapted to conducting business in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, in the summer of 2020, our nation was further confronted with the reality of racial inequity, social injustice and civil unrest. In response, we launched iCARE™, which stands for Inclusive Community of Advocacy, Respect and Equality. iCARE™ will help us develop and build a culture that promotes diversity in our workplace and in our communities. At BankUnited, diversity begins with the Board, which is 33% diverse by gender and 44% by ethnicity/nationality.
Due to the ongoing concerns for the safety and well-being of our shareholders, directors and employees, we again will be holding a virtual annual meeting in 2021. We cordially invite you to attend BankUnited, Inc.'s 2016the 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The meetingShareholders of BankUnited, Inc. which will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2016,25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, atTime. You will be able to attend the BankUnited Corporate Center, Building 3, Social Events Room, 7815 NW 148Annual Meeting as well as vote and submit questions during the meeting by visiting: thwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BKU2021. Street, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016.Information on how to participate in this year's Annual Meeting can be found on page 67.
As described in more detail in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders and Proxy Statement, the purpose of the meeting is:
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1. | To elect ten directors identified in the attached Proxy Statement to the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until that person's successor is duly elected and qualified; |
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2. | To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016; |
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3. | To approve an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BankUnited, Inc. to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable; |
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4. | To consider and vote upon a stockholder proposal regarding majority voting in uncontested elections of directors; and |
1.To elect nine directors identified in the attached Proxy Statement to the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until that person's successor is duly elected and qualified, or until that person's earlier, death, resignation or removal;
2.To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021;
3.To hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers; and
to transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Details regarding admissionOnly holders of common stock registered on the Company’s books as owners of shares at the close of business on March 29, 2021, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting are described inMeeting. You will be required to enter your control number found on your proxy card or notice to enter the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.meeting.
Your vote is important. At the meeting, stockholdersshareholders will vote on a number of important matters. Please take the time to carefully read each of the proposals described in the attached Proxy Statement. Whether or not you plan to attend the virtual meeting, we urge you to vote and submit your proxy so that as many shares as possible may be represented at the meeting. Your proxy is revocable and will not affect your right to vote in person at the virtual meeting if you choose to attend.
Thank you for your continued support ofand investment in BankUnited, Inc.
Sincerely,
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| Sincerely, |
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Rajinder P. Singh
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
John A. Kanas
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
NOTICE OF 2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
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| Time and Date | 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 18, 201625, 2021 |
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PlaceVirtual Meeting Details | The BankUnited Corporate Center
Building 3, Social Events Room
7815 NW 148Shareholders will be able to listen, vote, and submit questions from any location that has Internet connectivity. Shareholders may participate by logging in at: thwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BKU2021 Street. Please see the instructions on page 67 of the Proxy Statement.
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
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| Items of Business | Proposal No. 1: To elect tennine directors identified in the attached Proxy Statement to the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders orshareholders and until that person's successor is duly elected and qualified.qualified, or until that person's earlier death, resignation or removal.
Proposal No. 2: To ratify the appointment of KPMGDeloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016.2021.
Proposal No. 3: To hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers.
To approve an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BankUnited, Inc. to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable.
Proposal No. 4: To consider and vote upon a stockholder proposal regarding majority voting in uncontested elections of directors.
To transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. |
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| Record Date | You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof if you were a stockholdershareholder of record at the close of business on March 18, 2016.29, 2021 (the "Record Date"). On the Record Date, BankUnited, Inc. had 93,263,882 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. |
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| Voting | Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to read the attached Proxy Statement and submit your proxy or voting instructions as soon as possible. You may vote by either marking, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card or using telephone or internet voting, if available. For specific instructions on voting, please refer to the instructions on your enclosed proxy card. |
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| Internet Availability of Proxy Materials | Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be held on May 18, 2016.25, 2021. BankUnited, Inc.'s Proxy Statement and 20152020 Annual Report to StockholdersShareholders are available at: http:https://ir.bankunited.com.
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| By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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April 12, 20168, 2021 | | Susan W.Wright Greenfield |
| Miami, Florida | | Corporate Secretary |
Table of Contents
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors" or "Board") of BankUnited, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and at any adjournment or postponement of that meeting (the "Annual Meeting"). The Annual Meeting will be held at the BankUnited Corporate Center, Building 3, Social Events Room, 7815 NW 148th Street, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card, the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders (the "Annual Report") were first mailed on or about April 13, 2016, to stockholders of record as of March 18, 2016 (the "Record Date").
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS
AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Q: Why am I receiving these materials?
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A: | We are providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the solicitation, by the Board of Directors of BankUnited, Inc., of proxies to be voted at the Company's Annual Meeting. You are receiving this Proxy Statement because you were a BankUnited, Inc. stockholder as of the close of business on the Record Date. This Proxy Statement provides notice of the Annual Meeting, describes the three proposals presented for stockholder action and includes information required to be disclosed to stockholders. |
Q: How do I get electronic access to the proxy materials?
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A: | This Proxy Statement and the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders are available on our website at http://ir.bankunited.com. If you are a stockholder of record, you may elect to receive future annual reports or proxy statements electronically by registering your email address at www.proxyvote.com. If you hold your shares in street name, you should contact your broker, bank or other nominee for information regarding electronic delivery of proxy materials. An election to receive proxy materials electronically will remain in effect for all future annual meetings unless revoked. Stockholders requesting electronic delivery may incur costs, such as telephone and internet access charges, that must be borne by the stockholder. |
Q: What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
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A: | There are four proposals scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting: |
To elect ten directors identified in this Proxy Statement to the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until that person's successor is duly elected and qualified;
To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016;
To approve an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BankUnited, Inc., as amended, to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable; and
To hold an advisory vote on a stockholder proposal regarding majority voting in uncontested director elections.
Q: What is the Board of Directors' voting recommendation?
A: The Company's Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares:
"FOR" each of the nominees to the Board of Directors;
"FOR" the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016; and
"FOR" the approval of an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BankUnited, Inc. to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable.
Our Board of Directors makes no recommendation on the stockholder proposal regarding majority voting in uncontested elections of directors.
Q: Who is entitled to vote?
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A: | All shares owned by you as of the close of business on March 18, 2016 (the "Record Date"), may be voted by you. You may cast one vote per share of common stock that you held on the Record Date. These shares include shares that are: |
held directly in your name as the stockholder of record; and
held for you as the beneficial owner through a broker, bank or other nominee.
On the Record Date, BankUnited, Inc. had approximately 104,154,464 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Q: What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
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A: | Many of our stockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some differences between shares held of record and those owned beneficially. |
Stockholder of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company's transfer agent, Computershare, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by the Company. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to certain officers of BankUnited, Inc. or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. The Company has enclosed or sent a proxy card for you to use. You may also vote on the internet or by telephone, as described below under the heading "How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?"
Beneficial Owner. If your shares are held in an account by a broker, bank or other nominee, like many of our stockholders, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials were forwarded to you by that organization. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares, and you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
Since a beneficial owner is not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a "legal proxy" from the broker, bank or other nominee that is the stockholder of record of your shares giving you the right to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting. If you do not wish to vote in person or you will not be attending the Annual Meeting, you may vote by proxy.
You may vote by proxy over the internet or by telephone, as described below under the heading "How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?"
Q: How can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?
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A: | Stockholder of Record. Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting. If you choose to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, please bring proof of identification. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, the Company recommends that you vote your shares in advance as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.
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Beneficial Owner. Shares held in street name may be voted in person by you only if you obtain a signed proxy from the stockholder of record giving you the right to vote the shares.
Q: What must I do if I want to attend the Annual Meeting in person?
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A: | Attendance at the Annual Meeting is limited to individuals who were stockholders as of the Record Date, and admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and seating will begin at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Each stockholder will be asked to present proof of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, prior to admission to the Annual Meeting. Beneficial owners of shares held in street name will need to bring proof of share ownership as of the Record Date, such as a bank or brokerage firm account statement or a letter from the intermediary holding your shares. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting. |
Q: How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?
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A: | Whether you hold your shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially own your shares in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the Annual Meeting by voting in one of the following manners: |
Internet. Go to the website listed on your proxy card or voting instruction card and follow the instructions there. You will need the control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form;
Telephone. Dial the number listed on your proxy card or your voting instruction form. You will need the control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form; or
Mail. Complete and sign your proxy card or voting instruction card and mail it using the enclosed, prepaid envelope.
If you vote on the internet or by telephone, you do not need to return your proxy card or voting instruction card. Internet and telephone voting for stockholders will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 17, 2016.
Q: What is the quorum requirement for the Annual Meeting?
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A: | A quorum is necessary to hold a valid Annual Meeting. A quorum exists if the holders of a majority of the Company's capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat are present in person or represented by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for determining whether a quorum exists. A broker non-vote occurs when an intermediary holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the intermediary does not have discretionary voting power for that particular proposal and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. |
Q: What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?
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A: | Stockholder of Record. If you are a stockholder of record and you submit a signed proxy card or submit your proxy by telephone or the internet but do not specify how you want to vote your shares on a particular proposal, then the proxy holders will vote your shares in accordance with the recommendations
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of the Board of Directors on all matters presented in this Proxy Statement. With respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders will vote your shares in accordance with their best judgment.
Beneficial Owners. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters such as the election of directors. If the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter, the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares will inform the inspector of election that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a "broker non-vote." Therefore, we urge you to give voting instructions to your broker. Shares represented by such broker non-votes will be counted in determining whether there is a quorum. Because broker non-votes are not considered entitled to vote, they will have no effect on the outcome on non-routine matters other than reducing the number of shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote from which a majority is calculated for proposals that require the approval of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. However, because approval of the amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BankUnited, Inc. to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, broker non-votes will have the same effect as negative votes against this proposal.
Q: Which proposals are considered "routine" or "non-routine"?
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A: | The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016 (Proposal No. 2) is a matter considered routine under applicable rules. A broker or other nominee may generally vote on routine matters, and therefore no broker non-votes are expected to exist in connection with Proposal No. 2. |
The election of directors (Proposal No. 1, the approval of an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable (Proposal No. 3) and the stockholder proposal regarding majority voting (Proposal No. 4) are matters considered non-routine under applicable rules. A broker, bank or other nominee cannot vote without instructions on non-routine matters, and therefore there may be broker non-votes on Proposal Nos. 1, 3 and 4.
Q: What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?
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A:
| Proposal 1: Ten directors have been nominated for election at the Annual Meeting. Each director will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting, either in person or represented by properly authorized proxy. This means that the ten nominees who receive the largest number of "FOR" votes cast will be elected as directors. Stockholders cannot cumulate votes in the election of directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal. |
Proposal 2: The ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. In accordance with Delaware law, only votes cast "for" a matter constitute affirmative votes. A properly executed proxy marked "abstain" with respect to the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm will not be voted, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Since abstentions will not be votes cast "for" the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, they will have the same effect as negative votes or votes against that matter.
Proposal 3: The approval of an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BankUnited, Inc., as amended, to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of BankUnited, Inc. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote against approval of the amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BankUnited, Inc.
Proposal 4: The approval of the stockholder proposal regarding majority voting requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
Q: What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy or voting instruction card?
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A: | It means your shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. Please provide voting instructions for all proxy and voting instruction cards you receive. |
Q: Who will count the vote?
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A: | A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge") will tabulate the votes and act as the inspector of election. |
Q: Can I revoke my proxy or change my vote?
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A: | Yes. You may revoke your proxy or change your voting instructions at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting by: |
providing written notice to the corporate secretary of the Company;
delivering a valid, later-dated proxy or a later-dated vote on the internet or by telephone; or
attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
Please note that your attendance at the Annual Meeting in person will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. Shares held in street name may be voted in person by you at the Annual Meeting only if you obtain a signed proxy from the stockholder of record giving you the right to vote the shares.
Q: Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the Annual Meeting?
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A: | The Company will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials. In addition to the mailing of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic and facsimile transmission by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. In addition, the Company may reimburse its transfer agent, brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares of BankUnited, Inc.'s common stock for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners. We have also retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an anticipated approximate cost of $10,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Stockholders can contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated at 888-750-5834 to answer any questions they may have regarding voting. |
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Q: | I share an address with another stockholder, and we received only one paper copy of the proxy materials. How may I obtain an additional copy of the proxy materials? |
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A: | The Company has adopted a procedure called "householding," which the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has approved. Under this procedure, we deliver a single copy of this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report to multiple stockholders who share the same address unless we received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. This procedure reduces the Company's printing costs, mailing costs and fees. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to be |
able to access and receive separate proxy cards. Upon written or oral request, a separate copy of this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report will be promptly delivered to any stockholder at a shared address to which the Company delivered a single copy of any of these documents. To receive a separate copy of this Proxy Statement or the Annual Report, or to receive a separate copy of our proxy materials in the future, stockholders may write or call the Company at the following address and telephone number:
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Attn: Investor Relations
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
(305) 231-6400
Stockholders who hold shares in street name (as described above) may contact their broker, bank or other nominee to request information about householding. Stockholders sharing an address can request delivery of a single copy of our proxy materials if they are currently receiving multiple copies by following the same procedures outlined above.
Q: How can I obtain a copy of BankUnited, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K?
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A: | Copies of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, are available to stockholders free of charge on BankUnited, Inc.'s website at http://ir.bankunited.com or by writing to BankUnited, Inc., Investor Relations, 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016. The Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K accompanies this Proxy Statement. |
Q: Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?
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A: | BankUnited, Inc. will announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and publish preliminary results, or final results if available, in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days of the Annual Meeting. |
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON BY BANKUNITED, INC. STOCKHOLDERSSHAREHOLDERS
PROPOSAL NO. 1
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| Directors Elected Annually |
Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of tennine members. The size of the Board of Directors may be fixed from time to time exclusively by our Board of Directors as provided in our Certificate of Incorporation. BankUnited, Inc.'s directors are elected each year by the stockholdersshareholders at the Company's annual meeting of stockholders.shareholders. We do not have a staggered or classified board. Ten directors will be elected
Nine director nominees are standing for election at this year's Annual Meeting. All nominees currently serve as directors on our Board of Directors. Each elected director's term will last until the 20172022 annual meeting of stockholdersshareholders and until such director's successor is duly elected and qualified, or until such director's earlier death, resignation or removal.
Directors of BankUnited, Inc. have historically also served as directors of its wholly-owned subsidiary BankUnited, N.A. (the "Bank").
Each director will be elected by a pluralitymajority of the votes cast, either in person or by properly authorized proxy, in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting, either in personMeeting.
Under our Amended and Restated By-Laws, at any meeting of the shareholders at which directors are to be elected and a quorum is present, each director nominee receiving a majority of the votes cast at the meeting will be elected as a director. A majority of votes cast means that the number of shares voted “for” a director’s election exceeds 50% of the number of votes cast with respect to that director’s election.
If a nominee for director who is an incumbent director is not elected and no successor has been elected at the meeting, then the director will be required under our Amended and Restated By-Laws to promptly tender his or representedher resignation as a director. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would then make a recommendation to the full Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation.
If the resignation is not accepted by properly authorized proxy.the Board, then the director will continue to serve until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected, or his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
If the director’s resignation is accepted by the Board, then the Board may fill the vacancy.
However, if the number of nominees exceeds the number of positions available for the election of directors, then the directors will be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting of the shareholders at which directors are to be elected and a quorum is present.
Board candidates are selected based on various criteria including their character and reputation, relevant business experience and acumen and relevant educational background. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Board of Directors review these factors, including diversity, in considering candidates for Board membership. Board members are expected to prepare for, attend and participate in all Board of Directors and applicable committee meetings and the Company's annual meetings of stockholders.shareholders.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| Information Regarding the Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors |
Key Statistics about our Director Nominees
Qualifications
In considering candidates for the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee takes into consideration the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and all other factors deemed appropriate by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's determination is made based primarily on the following criteria: (i) a candidate's special skills, expertise and background that would enhance or complement the mix of the existing directors, (ii) a candidate's reputation and prominence in his or her business, professional activities or community, including a well-known reputation for addressing important issues that the Company may face, (iii) a candidate's commitment to high ethical business standards and integrity and (iv) a candidate's time commitment and willingness to fully participate in the Board's affairs and perform his or her duties to the highest standards. For more information about the nominating process, see "Board of Directors Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Director Nominating Process and Diversity."
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| Director/Age | Professional Experience | Board Tenure | Independent |
Rajinder P. Singh, 50
Chairman, President and CEO | Banking | 2013 | No |
| Tere Blanca, 60 | Commercial Real Estate | 2013 | Yes |
| John N. DiGiacomo, 59 | Banking/Accounting | 2018 | Yes |
| Michael J. Dowling, 72 | Healthcare | 2013 | Yes |
| Douglas J. Pauls, 62 | Banking/Accounting | 2014 | Yes |
| A. Gail Prudenti, 67 | Legal | 2015 | Yes |
| William S. Rubenstein, 65 | Legal | 2017 | Yes |
| Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D., 59 | Finance & Capital Markets | 2014 | Yes |
| Lynne Wines, 66 | Banking | 2015 | Yes |
Biographical Information
Set forth below is biographical information concerning each nominee who is standing for election at the Annual Meeting. Following the biographical information forWe further provide each nominee is a description of such nominee's specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors considered in determining whether to recommend the nominee for election to the Board of Directors. In addition to the information presented below, the Company believes that a board comprised of its nominees constitutes a board with a reputation for integrity, strong business acumen and the exercise of sound judgment; a board that is strong in its collective knowledge and leadership abilities; and a board
that has a diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds. The ages of the nominees are as of the date of the Annual Meeting.
John A. Kanas
, 69, has served on our Board and as our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since our inception in May 2009. Mr. Kanas served as the Chairman of our Executive Committee up until the time the Committee was eliminated in February 2012 as part of the Company's conversion to a bank holding company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kanas was President and Chief Executive Officer of North Fork Bancorporation,
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BankUnited, Inc. from 1977 until its acquisition by Capital One Financial Corporation in December 2006. He also2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | |
| RAJINDER P. SINGH | CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
| Mr. Singh is our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and one of the founding organizers of our Company. Mr. Singh was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of BankUnited, Inc. in January 2019 and President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2017. Mr. Singh served as our Chief Operating Officer from October 2010 up until his promotion in 2017. An industry veteran of 25 years, Mr. Singh has held several executive leadership positions prior to BankUnited including for Invesco’s WL Ross & Co., Capital One Financial Corp, North Fork Bancorporation and FleetBoston Financial Corporation. Mr. Singh serves on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors' Federal Advisory Council, representing the Atlanta Region. Mr. Singh earned his M.B.A. from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and his B.S. in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi.
Board Qualifications:
•Banking and leadership experience and his understanding of regulatory and corporate governance matters.
|
Age: •50
|
Director Since: •July 2013
|
Committee Membership: •None |
Professional Experience: •Banking |
| | | | | |
| TERE BLANCA |
| Ms. Blanca is the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc., an independently owned commercial real estate services firm in Florida. Ms. Blanca has more than 25 years of experience in the South Florida real estate sector. Prior to launching Blanca Commercial Real Estate in March 2009, she served as Senior Managing Director for Cushman & Wakefield of Florida, Inc., where she led the firm's South Florida operations. Ms. Blanca also held the position of Senior Vice President at Codina Realty Services, Inc. ONCOR International. Ms. Blanca is a past member of the Board of Directors of The Miami Foundation, member of the Board of Governors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, past chair of the Board of Directors of City Year Miami, and past chair of Miami-Dade County's official economic development agency, The Beacon Council. She also is a member of Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) Gold Miami-Ft Lauderdale Chapter, an Associate member of the YPO Miami Chapter, a member of the Women Corporate Directors (WCD) and a member of the University of Miami's School of Business Real Estate Advisory Council. Ms. Blanca has earned several honors, including “Top 100 Power Leaders”, “Ultimate CEO” and “Most Influential Business Women” by the South Florida Business Journal, and “Power Leader of the Year” and “Office Broker of the Year” by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, “Philanthropist of the Year” by City Year Miami, “Community Leader” by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, “Top 25 Women in Real Estate” by Commercial Property Executive, “Women of Influence: Legends” and “Women of Influence” by Real Estate Forum, “Top Dealmakers of the Year” by the Daily Business Review, and Camacol's “Successful Hispanic Women of the Year.” Ms. Blanca earned a B.B.A with a concentration in international marketing and finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Miami.
Board Qualifications:
•Leadership and management experience, knowledge of commercial real estate markets and relationships in the business community. |
Age: •60 |
Director Since: •September 2013
|
Committee Membership: •Compensation Committee Member |
Professional Experience: •Commercial Real Estate |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | |
| JOHN N. DIGIACOMO |
| Mr. DiGiacomo joined our Board in August 2018 and has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. From 1994 to 2007, he served as Chief Financial Officer of North Fork Bank until the company’s merger with Capital One Financial Corporation. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. DiGiacomo served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller of North Fork Bank, and Vice President of Financial Planning, North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. from 1988 to 1990. Mr. DiGiacomo served as Vice President, Director of Finance of Long Island Mortgage from 1986 to 1988. Mr. DiGiacomo began his career at KPMG LLP. Mr. DiGiacomo graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, New York.
Board Qualifications:
•Banking experience and deep understanding of financial statements, regulation, compliance and corporate governance. |
Age: •59
|
Director Since: •August 2018
|
Committee Membership: •Audit Committee Member |
Professional Experience: •Banking and Accounting |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | |
| MICHAEL J. DOWLING |
| Mr. Dowling is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwell Health, a clinical, academic and research enterprise with a workforce of more than 75,000 and annual revenue of $14 billion. Northwell is the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State, caring for more than two million people annually through a vast network of 830 outpatient facilities, including 220 primary care practices, 52 urgent care centers, home care, rehabilitation and end-of-life programs, and 23 hospitals. Prior to becoming President and CEO in 2002, Mr. Dowling was the health system's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Northwell in 1995, he was a Senior Vice President at Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Mr. Dowling served in New York State government for 12 years, including seven years as State Director of Health, Education and Human Services and Deputy Secretary to the Governor. He was also Commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services. Before his public service career, Mr. Dowling was a professor of Social Policy and Assistant Dean at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services and Director of the Fordham Campus in Westchester County. Mr. Dowling is past chair of the Healthcare Institute and the current chair of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Sciences and the North American Board of the Smurfit School of Business at University College, Dublin, Ireland. He also serves as a board member of the Long Island Association. He is past chair and a current board member of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL), the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) and the League of Voluntary Hospitals of New York. Mr. Dowling was an instructor at the Center for Continuing Professional Education at the Harvard School of Public Health. Mr. Dowling grew up in Limerick, Ireland. He earned his undergraduate degree from University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, and his master’s degree from Fordham University. He also has honorary doctorates from Queen's University Belfast, University College Dublin, Hofstra University, Dowling College and Fordham University.
Board Qualifications:
•Extensive leadership and management experience as well as Chairman of North Fork from 1986 to 2006. In December 2006, he became President of Capital One's banking segment, which included North Fork, the former Hibernia Bank in Louisiana and Texas and Capital One Direct Bank in Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Kanas retired from that position in August 2007. Between August 2007 and May 2009, Mr. Kanas was an independent consultant. Mr. Kanas holds a B.A. from Long Island University. He is a past president of the New York State Bankers Association. Mr. Kanas was also a member of the NYSE Listed Company Advisory Committee and is currently a member of the board of trustees of Weill Cornell Medical College. In 2005, Mr. Kanas was recognized by "Institutional Investor" as the best regional bank CEO in America. In 2007, Mr. Kanas received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship and was also conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Dowling College. In 2012, Mr. Kanas was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Sciences from Gordon College. Mr. Kanas' qualifications to serve on our Board include his 36-year career at North Fork, his extensive experience in the banking industry and his long-standing relationships within the business, political and charitable communities. |
Age: •72
|
Director Since: •May 2013 |
Committee Membership: •Compensation Committee Chair |
Professional Experience: •Healthcare |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | |
| DOUGLAS J. PAULS | LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR |
| Mr. Pauls served as our Chief Financial Officer from September 2009 to February 2013. From March 2013 to December 2013, Mr. Pauls served as a senior advisor to the Company. In December 2013, Mr. Pauls joined the Board of Directors of Essent Group Ltd. (NYSE: ESNT), and serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Compensation Committee and the Technology, Innovation and Operations Committee. In September 2020, Mr. Pauls joined the Board of Directors of North Mountain Merger Corp. (NASDAQ: NMMC), and serves as a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. In February 2021, Mr. Pauls joined the Board of Directors of The Global Atlantic Financial Group LLC. From June 2019 to January 2021, Mr. Pauls served on the Board of South Mountain Merger Corp. (NASDAQ: SMMCU) and as a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Between March 2009 and August 2009, Mr. Pauls was self-employed as a consultant. From April 2008 until February 2009, Mr. Pauls served as Executive Vice President of Finance for TD Bank, NA following TD Bank's acquisition of Commerce Bancorp, Inc. in March 2008. Mr. Pauls served as Chief Financial Officer of Commerce Bancorp from March 2002 until the acquisition by TD Bank in March 2008. Mr. Pauls was a member of the three person Office of the Chairman, responsible for overall management, policy making and strategic direction of Commerce Bancorp. From October 1995 to March 2002, Mr. Pauls served as the Chief Accounting Officer of Commerce Bancorp, its Senior Vice President from January 1999 to April 2006 and its Executive Vice President from April 2006 to April 2008. Earlier in his career, Mr. Pauls was a Senior Manager in the Audit Department of Ernst & Young in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Pauls received a B.A. in Economics magna cum laude from Dickinson College. Mr. Pauls currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Dickinson College.
Board Qualifications:
•Extensive banking experience, including his previous service as our Chief Financial Officer, and his deep understanding of financial statements, regulation, compliance and corporate governance. |
Age: •62 |
Director Since: •May 2014 |
Committee Membership: •Risk Committee Chair •Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member |
Professional Experience: •Banking and Accounting |
Current Other U.S. Listed Company Boards: •Essent Group Ltd. •North Mountain Merger Corp.
|
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | |
| A. GAIL PRUDENTI |
| Judge Prudenti is the Dean at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and Executive Director of the Center for Children, Families and the Law at Hofstra. From December 2011 to July 2015, Judge Prudenti served as the Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts of New York State, where she supervised the administration and operation of the statewide court system. From 2002 until December 2011, Judge Prudenti served as the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department in New York State. Judge Prudenti served as Associate Justice, Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department from 2001 to 2002, and as Administrative Judge for the Tenth Judicial District (Suffolk County) from 1999 to 2001. Prior to her appointment as Administrative Judge, Judge Prudenti served as Surrogate of Suffolk County from 1995 to 2000. Judge Prudenti’s judicial career began in 1991 when she was elected to the New York State Supreme Court, where she served until 1995. In 1996, during her tenure as Surrogate, Judge Prudenti was also designated as an Acting Supreme Court Justice and received the additional responsibilities of presiding over a dedicated Guardianship Part. After six years as the Surrogate, Judge Prudenti was reelected to the Supreme Court bench. Judge Prudenti earned her law degree from the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, which also awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2004 and an honorary appointment as Professor in the School of Law. Judge Prudenti earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Marymount College of Fordham University and an Honorary Doctorate from Hofstra University in 2016. She is a member of the Advisory Panel of Judges of the New York State Lawyer Assistance Trust Program, a member of the Council of Chief Judges of the National Center for State Courts, a former chairperson of the Office of Court Administration’s Mental Health Curriculum Committee for Trial Judges, co-chair of the Chief Judge’s Task Force on Delay in the Courts, a member of the Chief Judge’s Commission on Public Access to Court Records, a former member of the Chief Administrative Judge’s Judicial Legislative Group and a member of the NYS Office of Court Administration’s Gender Bias and Anti-Discrimination Panel. In addition, the judge is a member of the Judicial Section of the American Bar Association, the former Presiding Member of the Judicial Section of the New York State Bar Association, a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the New York State Women’s Bar Association, a former co-chair of the Surrogate’s Court Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association, a member of the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Suffolk County Columbian Lawyers Association.
Board Qualifications:
•Extensive legal experience as well as her leadership and relationships in the political and charitable communities. |
Age: •67 |
Director Since: •August 2015 |
Committee Membership: •Nominating and Corporate Governance Member •Compensation Committee Member |
Professional Experience: •Legal |
Rajinder P. Singh, 45,has served on our Board since July 2013 and is currently our Chief Operating Officer, and one of the founding organizers of our Company. Mr. Singh has been our Chief Operating Officer since October 2010, and prior to that, he served as our Head of Mortgage Banking and Corporate Development since May 2009. Mr. Singh also served as Corporate Secretary of the Company from May 2009 to June 2013. From April 2008 to May 2009, Mr. Singh led the financial services practice of WL Ross & Co., a private equity firm and one of the original investors in the Company. From December 2006 through April 2008, Mr. Singh served as Executive Vice President for Capital One's banking segment which includes retail, small business and commercial banking businesses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Louisiana and Texas and a national direct deposit gathering franchise. Mr. Singh was a member of Capital One's Bank Leadership Team and chaired the Deposit Pricing Committee. He also served on Capital One's ALCO and brand board. Previously, Mr. Singh served as Head of Corporate Development and Strategy for North Fork from February 2005 to December 2006. During his tenure, North Fork was acquired by Capital One for $13.2 billion. Prior to joining North Fork in February 2005, Mr. Singh spent nine years at FleetBoston Financial Corporation and last served as Managing Director of Corporate Development and Strategy. Mr. Singh earned his M.B.A. from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and his B.S. in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi. Mr. Singh's qualifications to serve on our Board include his banking experience and his understanding of regulatory and corporate governance matters.
Tere Blanca, 55, has served on our Board since September 2013. Ms. Blanca is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc., a leading Miami-based commercial property real estate advisory services and brokerage firm. Ms. Blanca has more than 25 years of experience in the South Florida real estate sector. Prior to launching Blanca Commercial Real Estate in March 2009, she served as senior managing director for Cushman & Wakefield of Florida, Inc., where she led the firm's South Florida operations. Ms. Blanca is a past chair of The Beacon Council, chair of the board of directors of City Year Miami, a member of the University of Miami's President's Council, School of Business Real Estate Advisory Board, and Alumni Association Board, a member of Strategic Forum and the World Presidents' Organization Miami-Ft. Lauderdale Chapter, and an associate member of the Young Presidents' Organization. She also is a member of Commercial Real Estate Women, a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties South Florida Chapter and a trustee member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Blanca has earned several honors, including being named among the 2013 "Top 25 Women in Real Estate" by Commercial Property Executive, 2013 "Women of Influence: Legends" and 2010 "Women of Influence" by Real Estate Forum, 2010 "Top Dealmakers of the Year" by the Daily Business Review, 2009 "Most Influential Business Women" by the
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
South Florida Business Journal, 2008 Camacol's "Successful Hispanic Women of the Year" and 2007 "Ultimate CEOs" by the South Florida Business Journal. Ms. Blanca earned a B.B.A with a concentration in international marketing and finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Miami. Ms. Blanca's qualifications to serve on our Board include her leadership and management experience as well as her relationships in the business community.
Eugene F. DeMark, 68, has served on our Board since September 2010. From June 1969 until his retirement in October 2009, Mr. DeMark worked for KPMG LLP, a global professional services firm. Mr. DeMark served as the Advisory Northeast Area Managing Partner at KPMG LLP from October 2005 until his retirement. Since his retirement, Mr. DeMark has been an independent consultant. From January 2010 until he joined our Board in September 2010, Mr. DeMark advised our Audit and Compensation Committees. In January 2012, Mr. DeMark joined the board of directors and audit committee of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., a national floral and thoughtful gifting company. In December 2013, Mr. DeMark became chairman of its audit committee. In October 2015, Mr. DeMark joined the board of directors of Madison Square Garden Networks and became a member of the compensation committee and chairman of the audit committee. Madison Square Garden Networks provides the platforms for regional sports and entertainment networks including the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and the New York Islanders. Between 1988 and 2001, Mr. DeMark had been the Northeast Area Managing Partner of the Information, Communications and Entertainment Practice and the Managing Partner of KPMG's Long Island Office. During his career at KPMG, Mr. DeMark had responsibilities to lead a number of specialized practices in Banking, High Technology, Media and Entertainment and Aerospace and Defense. He joined KPMG in 1969 and was elected to its partnership in 1979. On special assignments, he worked on the research staff of the Commission on Auditor's Responsibilities, the predecessor to the Treadway Commission, formed to assess increases in fraudulent financial reporting. Mr. DeMark also developed the firm's first study guide on SEC reporting. Mr. DeMark holds a B.B.A. degree from Hofstra University, is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. DeMark has served as chairman of the Long Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, president of the Nassau County council of the Boy Scouts of America and Northeast Regional board member of the National organization, president of the Nassau Chapter of the National Association of Accountants, Treasurer of the New Long Island Partnership and chairman of the Economic Development Task Force—Project Long Island. Mr. DeMark also was active in the United Way on Long Island and in New York, served on its board of directors and chaired the nominating committee. Mr. DeMark's qualifications to serve on our Board include his 40 years of financial experience at KPMG LLP, including 35 years in various positions in the firm's audit practice. | | | | | |
| WILLIAM S. RUBENSTEIN |
| Mr. Rubenstein is a retired partner of the New York law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, LLP. Mr. Rubenstein was with the firm from September 1981 through December 2014, and was made a partner in April 1989. Mr. Rubenstein served as co-head of the firm's Financial Institution Group preceding his retirement. For more than ten years preceding his retirement from Skadden, Mr. Rubenstein served as a trustee of the Firm's pension plan and a member of the Firm's retirement committee, overseeing the investment of the Firm's pension and retirement plan assets. From 2003 to 2013, Mr. Rubenstein served as a trustee of the Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation, a New York not-for-profit established in 1959 dedicated to supporting programs to improve the educational opportunities and the delivery of health and other services for people in low income neighborhoods.
Board Qualifications:
•More than 33 years of experience representing financial institutions and their boards of directors in a wide range of corporate transactions involving negotiated and contested mergers and acquisitions, the structuring and issuance of complex securities, and governance and regulatory matters. |
Age: •65 |
Director Since: •August 2017 |
Committee Membership: •Risk Committee Member |
Professional Experience: •Legal |
Michael J. Dowling, 66, has served on our Board since May 2013. Mr. Dowling is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwell Health, formerly North Shore-LIJ Health System, the largest integrated healthcare system in New York State and the nation's third-largest, non-profit secular health system with more than 6,600 beds and a total workforce of more than 61,000 employees. Northwell Health has 21 hospitals and more than 400 ambulatory locations. Prior to becoming President and CEO in 2002, Mr. Dowling was the health system's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining North Shore-LIJ in 1995, he was a senior vice president at Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Mr. Dowling served in New York State government for 12 years, including seven years as State Director of Health, Education and Human Services and Deputy Secretary to the Governor. He was also Commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services. Before his public service career, Mr. Dowling was a professor of Social Policy and Assistant Dean at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services and Director of the Fordham Campus in Westchester County. Mr. Dowling is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and Chairman of the North American Board of the Smurfit School of Business at University College, Dublin, Ireland. He also serves as a board member of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and board member and Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. He is also past Chairman and current board member of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL), the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) and the League of Voluntary Hospitals of New York. Mr. Dowling grew up in Limerick, Ireland and earned his B.A. degree from University College Cork (UCC). He has an M.S.W. degree from Fordham University and honorary doctorates from Hofstra University and Dowling College. Mr. Dowling's qualifications to serve on | | | | | |
| SANJIV SOBTI, Ph.D. |
| Dr. Sobti has served at several preeminent Wall Street firms during a career spanning more than 30 years. Since 2007, Dr. Sobti has had an independent consulting business and has served as a senior advisor to Credit Suisse since 2008. In 2006, he co-founded FIRE Capital Fund Management Mauritius Private Limited, the manager for a private equity fund, and served as the Chairman of its Board of Directors until 2011. From 2001 through 2008, Dr. Sobti was a Senior Managing Director of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. where he was appointed to the President's Advisory Council and Fairness Opinion Committee. From 1999 to 2001, Dr. Sobti was a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan & Co. where he was recruited as head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Financial Institutions. Previously Dr. Sobti was with Lehman Brothers Inc. from 1989 to 1999 culminating in his serving as Managing Director and co-head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Financial Institutions. Earlier Dr. Sobti worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. from 1986 through 1989. Dr. Sobti is co-Chair of the International Advisory Board of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Advanced Study of India. Dr. Sobti holds a B.A. from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, and an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Board Qualifications:
•Over 30 years of experience in serving as a corporate finance and mergers specialist advising the financial services industry, expertise in valuation analyses and capital markets transactions, and in analyzing and evaluating various financial services businesses. |
Age: •59 |
Director Since: •May 2014 |
Committee Membership: •Audit Committee Chair •Risk Committee Member |
Professional Experience: •Finance and Capital Markets |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
our Board include his extensive background in leadership and management as well as his relationships within the business, political and charitable communities. | | | | | |
| LYNNE WINES |
| Ms. Wines brings extensive banking experience to our Board. From July 2011 to May 2014, Ms. Wines served as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Southern Bank of Boca Raton, Fla. and was responsible for all aspects of market and operations before its acquisition by Centerstate Bank in 2014. From January 2008 to June 2010, she served as President and Chief Operating Officer of CNL Bank, a $1.6 billion independent statewide commercial bank. Ms. Wines served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Banking South Florida for Colonial Bank, N.A. from 2005 until 2007 following Colonial Bank’s acquisition of Union Bank of Florida. Ms. Wines served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Florida from May 1999 until the acquisition by Colonial Bank, N.A. in February 2005. From January 1986 to May 1999, Ms. Wines served as the Controller of Union Bank of Florida, its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Wines’ professional affiliations include a four-year term on the board of directors of the Florida Bankers Association, a member of Leadership Florida, International Women's Forum, Women's Corporate Directors, and past member of Broward Workshop. From August 2018 to March 2020, Ms. Wines served as Senior Director, Broward Business Council on Homelessness. Ms. Wines has been a guest lecturer at Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, and Nova Southeastern University's MBA programs. Civic involvement includes Commissioner of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Chairperson of United Way of Broward County, Chair of 211-Broward, Board Member, Broward County Continuum Care, as well as leadership roles in several other non-profit organizations. Ms. Wines received a Bachelor of Science from Nova Southeastern University and a Master's in Public Administration, Public Service Leadership from New York University. Ms. Wines completed the Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellowship at Harvard University in December 2016.
Board Qualifications:
•Extensive banking experience and her deep understanding of financial statements, regulation and compliance. |
Age: •66 |
Director Since: •August 2015 |
Committee Membership: •Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair •Audit Committee Member
|
Professional Experience: •Banking |
Douglas J. Pauls, 57, has served on our Board since May 2014. Mr. Paulsserved as our Chief Financial Officer from September 2009 to February 2013. From March 2013 to December 2013, Mr. Pauls served as a senior advisor to the Company. In December 2013, Mr. Pauls joined the board of directors, risk committee and audit committee of Essent Group Ltd., and serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee of Essent Group. Between March 2009 and August 2009, Mr. Pauls was self-employed as a consultant. From April 2008 until February 2009, Mr. Pauls served as Executive Vice President of Finance for TD Bank, NA following TD Bank's acquisition of Commerce Bancorp, Inc. in March 2008. Mr. Pauls served as Chief Financial Officer of Commerce Bancorp from March 2002 until the acquisition by TD Bank in March 2008. Mr. Pauls was a member of the three person Office of the Chairman, responsible for overall management, policy making and strategic direction of Commerce Bancorp. From October 1995 to March 2002, Mr. Pauls served as the Chief Accounting Officer of Commerce Bancorp, its Senior Vice President from January 1999 to April 2006 and its Executive Vice President from April 2006 to April 2008. Earlier in his career, Mr. Pauls was a Senior Manager in the Audit Department of Ernst & Young in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Pauls received a B.A. in Economics magna cum laude from Dickinson College. Mr. Pauls currently serves on the board of trustees of Dickinson College and as a Member of the Committee on Finance, Budget and Audit, as well as the Campaign Steering Committee. Mr. Pauls' qualifications to serve on our Board include his extensive banking experience, including his previous service as our Chief Financial Officer, and his deep understanding of financial statements, regulation, compliance and corporate governance.
A. Gail Prudenti, 62, has served on our Board since August 2015. Judge Prudenti is the Executive Director of the Center for Children, Families and the Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where she also serves as Special Advisor to the Dean. From December 2011 to July 2015, Judge Prudenti served as the Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts of New York State, where she supervised the administration and operation of the statewide court system. From 2002 until December 2011, Judge Prudenti served as the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department in New York State. Judge Prudenti served as Associate Justice, Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department from 2001 to 2002, and as Administrative Judge for the Tenth Judicial District (Suffolk County) from 1999 to 2001. Prior to her appointment as Administrative Judge, Judge Prudenti served as Surrogate of Suffolk County from 1995 to 2000. Judge Prudenti’s judicial career began in 1991 when she was elected to the New York State Supreme Court, where she served until 1995. In 1996, during her tenure as Surrogate, Judge Prudenti was also designated as an Acting Supreme Court Justice and received the additional responsibilities of presiding over a dedicated Guardianship Part. After six years as the Surrogate, Judge Prudenti was reelected to the Supreme Court bench. Judge Prudenti earned her law degree from the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, which also awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2004 and an honorary appointment as Professor in the School of Law. Judge Prudenti earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Marymount College of Fordham University. She is a member of the Advisory Panel of Judges of the New York State Lawyer Assistance Trust Program, a member of the Council of Chief Judges of the National Center for State Courts, a former chairperson of the Office of Court Administration’s Mental Health Curriculum Committee for Trial Judges, co-chair of the Chief Judge’s Task Force on Delay in the Courts, a member of the Chief Judge’s Commission on Public Access to Court Records, a former member of the Chief Administrative Judge’s Judicial Legislative Group and a member of the NYS Office of Court Administration’s Gender Bias and Anti-Discrimination Panel. In addition, the judge is a member of the Judicial Section of the American Bar Association, the former Presiding Member of the Judicial Section of the New York State Bar Association, a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the New York State Women’s Bar Association, a former co-chair of the Surrogate’s Court Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association, a member of the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Suffolk County Columbian Lawyers Association. Judge Prudenti’s qualifications to serve on our board include her extensive legal experience as well as her leadership and relationships in the political and charitable communities.
Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D., 54, has served on our Board since May 2014. Dr. Sobtihas served at several preeminent Wall Street firms during a career spanning more than 25 years. Since 2007, Dr. Sobti has had an independent consulting business and has served as a senior advisor to Credit Suisse since 2008. In 2006 he co-founded FIRE Capital Fund Management Mauritius Private Limited, the manager for a private equity fund, and served as the Chairman of its Board of Directors until 2011. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of several investee companies of FIRE Capital Fund. From 2001 through 2008, Dr. Sobti was a Senior Managing Director of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. where he was appointed to the President's Advisory Council and Fairness Opinion Committee. From 1999 to 2001, Dr. Sobti was a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan & Co. where he was recruited as head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Financial Institutions. Previously Dr. Sobti was with Lehman Brothers Inc. from 1989 to 1999 culminating in his serving as Managing Director and co-head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Financial Institutions. Earlier Dr. Sobti worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. from 1986 through 1989. Dr. Sobti is co-Chair of the International Advisory Board of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Advanced Study of India. Dr. Sobti holds a B.A. from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, and an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sobti's qualifications to serve on our Board include over 25 years of experience in serving as a corporate finance and mergers specialist advising the financial services industry, expertise in valuation analyses and capital markets transactions, experience in analyzing and evaluating various financial services businesses, and knowledge of complex financial instruments including asset-backed securities and derivatives.
A. Robert Towbin, 80, has served on our Board since April 2014. Mr. Towbin has served as Executive Vice President of Stephens, Inc. since 2003 and as Managing Director from October 2001 until 2003. Mr. Towbin served as a member of the board of directors of Globecomm Systems Inc. from 1997 until December 2013. From January 2000 to November 2001, he was Co-Chairman of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin, and from 1995 to 1999 was Senior Managing Director of that firm. From January 1994 to September 1995, Mr. Towbin was President and CEO of the Russian-American Enterprise Fund, a U.S. government-owned investment company with headquarters in Moscow and New York, and offices in Khabarovsk in the Russian far east. He was later Vice Chairman of its successor fund, The U.S. Russia Investment Fund. From January 1987 until January 1994, Mr. Towbin was co-head of Technology Investment Banking of Lehman Brothers, and from 1959 to 1987 was Vice Chairman and a Director of L.F. Rothschild, Unterberg, Towbin Holdings Inc. and its predecessor companies. Mr. Towbin received his B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1957. Mr. Towbin's qualifications to serve on our Board include his extensive background in leadership and management, as well as his public company and financial experience.
Lynne Wines, 61,has served on our board since August 2015. From July 2011 to May 2014, Ms. Wines served as President and CEO of First Southern Bank of Boca Raton, Fla. and was responsible for all aspects of market and operations before its acquisition by Centerstate Bank in 2014. From January 2008 to June 2010, she served as President and CEO of CNL Bank, a $1.6 billion independent statewide commercial bank. Ms. Wines served as President & CEO of Commercial Banking South Florida for Colonial Bank, N.A. from 2005 until 2007 following Colonial Bank’s acquisition of Union Bank of Florida. Ms. Wines served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Florida from May 1999 until the acquisition by Colonial Bank, N.A. in February 2005. From January 1986 to December 1988, Ms. Wines served as the Controller of Union Bank of Florida, its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from January 1989 to December 1993 and its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer January 1994 to May 1999. Wines’ professional affiliations include a four-year term on the board of directors of the Florida Bankers Association, a member of Leadership Florida, International Women's Forum, Women's Corporate Directors, and past member of Broward Workshop. Ms. Wines has been a guest lecturer at Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, and Nova Southeastern University's MBA programs. Civic involvement includes Chairperson of United Way of Broward County, Chair of 211-Broward, as well as leadership roles in several other non-profit organizations. Ms. Wines received a Bachelor of Science from Nova Southeastern University and is currently a 2016 Fellow in the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University. Ms. Wines qualifications to serve on our Board include her extensive banking experience and her deep understanding of financial statements, regulation and compliance.
THEOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
"FOR" THE ELECTION OF THE FOREGOING TENNINE NOMINEES
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
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12BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
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| Role of Board of Directors |
The Company's business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors, which is the Company's ultimate decision-making body, except with respect to those matters reserved to the Company's stockholders.shareholders. The Board of Directors' mission is to maximize long-term stockholdershareholder value. The Board of Directors establishes the Company's overall corporate policies, evaluates the Company's CEOChief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the senior leadership team and acts as an advisor and counselor to senior management. The Board of Directors also oversees the Company's business strategy, planning and planning,risk management framework, as well as the performance of management in executing the Company's business strategy, assessing and managing risks and managing the Company's day-to-day operations.
Director Independence
Under the NYSE listing standards, in order to consider a director independent, the Board of Directors must affirmatively determine that he or she has no material relationship with the Company. The standards specify the criteria for determining whether directors are independent and contain guidelines for directors and their immediate family members with respect to employment or affiliation with the Company or its independent registered public accounting firm. The Board of Directors also has adopted independence standards to assist it in making independence determinations. The Company's Director Independence Standards contain the formal director qualification and independence standards adopted by the Board of Directors, and are available as part of the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines on the Company's website at http:https://ir.bankunited.com.ir.bankunited.com.
The Board of Directors determines annually whether a director is independent at the time the Board of Directors approves director nominations for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement and when a director joins the Board of Directors between annual meetings. Although the determination of whether a director is independent relies on the Board's subjective assessment of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Company's Director Independence Standards provide that a director will not qualify as independent if:
within the last three years, (i) the director has been an employee of the Company or an immediate family member of the director has been an executive officer of the Company; (ii) the director or an immediate family member of the director has received, during any twelve-month period, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other deferred compensation for prior service (provided that such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service) and compensation received by a family member for service as a non-executive employee of the Company; (iii) the director or an immediate family member of the director was a partner or employee of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and personally worked on the Company's audit within that time; andor (iv) the director or an immediate family member of the director has been employed as an executive officer of a company in which a present executive officer of the Company at the same time served on the compensation committee of that company's board of directors;
the director is a current partner or employee of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm or an immediate family member of the director is a current partner of such firm or a current employee of such firm who personally works on the Company's audit; or
the director or an immediate family member of the director is a current executive officer of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million or 2% of such company's consolidated gross revenue.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
The Board undertook its annual review of director independence in March 2016.April 2021. As a result of this review, the Board affirmatively determined that all of the directors and nominees are independent of the Company and its management under the corporate governance standards of the NYSE, with the exception of John A. Kanas, Rajinder P. Singh. Mr. Singh is our Chairman, President and Douglas J. Pauls. Messrs. Kanas and Singh are considered not independent because of their
employment as senior executives of the Company. Mr. Pauls is considered not independent because of his previous employment as a senior executive of the Company within the last three years.Chief Executive Officer. In making the determination that Dr. Sobti is independent of the Company and its management, the Board of Directors considered that Dr. Sobti is a senior advisor to Credit Suisse, which is a full-service financial institution that, with its affiliates, had directly and indirectly engaged, and may in the future engage, in financial advisory, investment banking and commercial banking services for us and our affiliates, for which it received, or may receive, customary compensation, fees and expense reimbursement. The Board considered that Dr. Sobti is not an employee of Credit Suisse and also has had an independent consulting business since 2007.
In making the determination that Mr. Rubenstein is independent of the Company and its management, the Board of Directors Meetingsconsidered that Mr. Rubenstein is a retired partner of the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and AttendanceFlom, LLP, which was former counsel of the Company, and may in the future engage in legal services for us and our affiliates, for which it received, or may receive, customary compensation, fees and expense reimbursement.
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| Board and Board Committee Performance Evaluations |
Each year, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee leads the Board through self-evaluation. Through this evaluation process, the directors assess performance, identify areas for improvement and provide feedback.
Board Annual Self-Evaluation:
•Each director completes an open-ended questionnaire with key topics such as board composition and culture; information and resources; effectiveness and oversight;
•Responses are reviewed by the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee;
•The Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee leads a discussion of the results with the full Board at the next Board meeting;
•As a result of director feedback, management has updated content and formats of some materials provided to the Board.
Committee Annual Self-Evaluations:
•Each director completes an open-ended questionnaire for each committee on which he or she serves with key topics such as Committee Charter, structure, composition and effectiveness;
•Responses are reviewed by each Committee Chair;
•Committee Chair leads a discussion of the results with the full Board at the next Board meeting.
Our Board believes that director education is essential to the ability of our directors to provide oversight and fulfill their roles. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee provides directors with information regarding external director development and training programs and encourages director participation in such programs. Continuing director education is provided during Board meetings and our directors also attend conferences and round tables hosted by our primary banking regulators.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| Board of Directors Meetings and Attendance |
In 2020, the Board of Directors held 1117 meetings, during 2015five information sessions and acted by written consent sixtwo times. All of the directorsEach director attended at least 75% or more of the total of all the meetings of the Board of Directors and Board committees on which they served during 2015.2020. Directors are expected to attend all meetings of shareholders. All directors attended the 2020 annual meeting.
Number of Board Leadership Structureand Board Committee Meetings in 2020
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| Committees of the Board of Directors |
The Board has established four committees to facilitate its oversight responsibilities; an Audit Committee, a Risk Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. A description of each Board committee is set forth below.
Each committee operates under a written charter. Copies of the charters of the Audit Committee, Risk Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are available on our website at https://ir.bankunited.com and may also be obtained upon request without charge by writing to the Corporate Secretary, BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.
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| Audit Committee | 14 meetings held in 2020 |
The Audit Committee is a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The Audit Committee meets at least four times annually and privately meets in executive session at such times as the Committee may determine, and meets with management, the chief internal auditor, the independent auditors, and the regulatory examiners as appropriate.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| Committee Members: | Key Responsibilities: |
Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D. (Chair)
John N. DiGiacomo
Lynne Wines | •Oversees the integrity of the Company's financial statements and the financial reporting process, including the system of disclosure controls. •Oversees the appointment, qualifications, performance, compensation and independence of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. •Oversees the performance of the Company's internal audit function. •Oversees the Company's compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements related to financial matters. •Reviews the audit plans and findings of our independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit team. •Reviews our financial risk and control procedures, compliance programs and significant tax matters. |
| Independence/Qualifications/Requirements: |
| •Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent and financially literate in accordance with NYSE listing standards and qualify as "audit committee financial experts" as defined by the SEC. •All of the Audit Committee members meet the independence and experience requirements of the NYSE and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). |
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| Risk Committee | 6 meetings held in 2020 |
The Risk Committee meets at least four times annually and privately meets in executive session at such times as the Committee may determine with our Chief Risk Officer.
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| Committee Members: | Key Responsibilities: |
Douglas J. Pauls (Chair)
William S. Rubenstein
Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D. | •Approves the Enterprise Risk Framework and the Company's Risk Appetite Statement. •Oversees risk assessment, monitoring, and management of aggregate credit, interest rate, liquidity, price, operational, compliance/legal, BSA/AML, strategic, and reputation risk, including the adequacy of capital to absorb such risks. |
| Independence/Qualifications/Requirements: |
| •All of the Risk Committee members meet the independence requirements of the NYSE and the SEC. •All Risk Committee members also meet the risk expertise requirements for directors of a risk committee by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| Compensation Committee | 7 meetings held in 2020 |
The Compensation Committee meets at least four times annually.
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| Committee Members: | Key Responsibilities: |
Michael J. Dowling (Chair)
Tere Blanca
A. Gail Prudenti | •Oversees establishing, maintaining, and administering our compensation programs and employee benefit plans, including the BankUnited, Inc. equity incentive plans. •Determines and approves compensation and corporate goals and objectives relevant to the incentive awards of our CEO and other named executive officers; further evaluates the performance of these officers. •Evaluates and discusses with executive management our incentive-based compensation plans. •Makes recommendations to the Board for approval of the non-employee director compensation program. |
| Independence/Qualifications/Requirements: |
| •All of the Compensation Committee members meet the independence standards of the NYSE, including the NYSE's independence requirements specific to the members of compensation committees. |
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| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | 5 meetings held in 2020 |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets at least four times annually.
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| Committee Members: | Key Responsibilities: |
Lynne Wines (Chair)
Douglas J. Pauls
A. Gail Prudenti | •Makes recommendations to the Board regarding candidates for directorships and the size and composition of our Board of Directors and committees. •Oversees and reviews the annual Board and board committee self-assessments. •Reviews appropriate retirement age and tenure limitations as well as memberships on other boards and board education and training. •Oversees CEO succession planning and working with the CEO, further reviews the Company's management succession plans. •Oversees our corporate governance guidelines and reports and makes recommendation to our Board on responsibilities related to corporate governance matters, including Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters. |
| Independence/Qualifications/Requirements: |
| •All of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members meet the independence standards of the NYSE. |
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| Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation |
In 2020, our Compensation Committee consisted of Mr. Dowling (Chairman), Ms. Blanca and Judge Prudenti. None of them had at any time in the last fiscal year been one of our officers or employees, and none has had any relationships with our company of the type that is required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
None of our executive officers serves or has served as a member of the board of directors, compensation committee or other board committee performing equivalent functions of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as one of our directors or on our Compensation Committee.
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| Risk Governance Documents |
The Company's Risk Appetite Statement, which is reviewed and approved by the Risk Committee,sets forth the guidelines for the aggregate levels of acceptable risks and forms the basis of the Company's enterprise risk management framework. It further defines the boundaries for the type and amount of risk that may be undertaken by the Company in pursuing business objectives and initiatives.
The Company's Risk Framework establishes enterprise-wide governance and risk management requirements for monitoring nine categories of risk: strategic risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, compliance risk, BSA/AML risk, reputation risk and price risk.
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| Risk Management and Oversight |
Our Board of Directors oversees our risk management framework, including the company-wide approach to risk management, carried out by our management. Our full Board of Directors determines the appropriate levels of risk for the Company generally, assesses the specific risks faced by us and reviews the steps taken by management to manage those risks. While our full Board of Directors maintains the ultimate oversight responsibility for risk management, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas.
In particular, the Risk Committee plays a key role in the Board of Directors' exercise of its risk oversight function. The Risk Committee assists the Board in overseeing the Company's enterprise-wide risk management framework, including the risk appetite statement, risk tolerances and limits, and risk management infrastructure. The Risk Committee oversees the risk assessment process to assist the Board and management in identifying emerging risks that could potentially impact the Company's strategic objectives and business plan.
The Risk Committee also has responsibility for monitoring risks related to information security and cybersecurity and overseeing management's approach to effectively addressing these risks. On a routine basis, the Risk Committee reviews the Company's Information Security Program and regular reporting related to emerging risks and risk metrics in this area. The Risk Committee receives reports from either the Chief Information Security Officer or the Chief Risk Officer and reviews the Information Security Program Annual Report to the Board as well as results of audits of controls and procedures related to information security.
The Risk Committee also reviews regular reporting related to credit, interest rate, liquidity, operational and compliance risk.
The Audit Committee also has a significant role in the Board of Directors' exercise of its risk oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing matters involving the Company's financial reporting risks and the guidelines, policies and processes for managing such risks, including internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee conducts its risk oversight in a variety of ways, including reviewing management's assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, and reviewing and approving the Company's significant accounting policies. Additionally, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regularly discusses risks and related mitigation measures that may come to their attention during its regular reviews and audits of the Company's financial statements with the Audit Committee. To ensure candid and complete reporting, the Audit Committee regularly meets in separate executive sessions with management, the head of the Company's internal audit department and the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and practices, as well as the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. The Compensation Committee reviews our incentive plans to ensure that they appropriately balance risk and reward and do not encourage inappropriate risks, which could impact our financial position and reputation.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our Board.
Pursuant to our Board's instruction, management regularly reports on applicable risks to the relevant committee or the full Board, as appropriate, with additional review or reporting on risks conducted as needed or as requested by our Board and its committees.
Environmental, Social and Governance Practices (ESG)
While our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has primary responsibility for oversight of ESG matters, our Risk Committee also has oversight for certain ESG related risks. In addition to its oversight of information security and cybersecurity, the Risk Committee is responsible for the oversight of the identification and mitigation of climate related risks related to our credit underwriting standards. The Company's Enterprise Risk Management function is enhancing its coverage and oversight of climate related risks and how it might impact our loan portfolios and borrowers.
We engage with our shareholders throughout the year, not just during proxy season. We regularly have discussions with shareholders, potential shareholders and investment analysts. Our management team further participates in investor conferences and other industry conferences.
The Board recognizes the value of developing and maintaining strong relationships with our investors and understanding their perspectives. In the fall of 2020, we reached out to shareholders representing approximately 55% of our outstanding shares. One of our objectives for these calls was to solicit shareholder perspectives on ESG matters. Shareholders representing approximately 28% of our shares responded and in calls led by Mr. Pauls, our Lead Independent Director, we discussed their views on ESG, human capital management, corporate governance and executive compensation. The Board reviews shareholder feedback, which helps shape our policies and practices.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| Board Leadership Structure |
The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the exercise of corporate power and seeing that our business and affairs are managed to meet our stated goals and objectives and that the long-term interests of our stockholdersshareholders are served. The Board of Directors regularly reviews and assesses the effectiveness of the Company's leadership structure in the context of the Company's specific circumstances, culture, strategic objectives and challenges.
The Board of Directors does not have a fixed policy regarding the separation of the offices of Chairman and CEO because it believes that it should maintain flexibility to select the Chairman and determine the Board leadership structure, from time to time, based on criteria that it deems to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Currently,shareholders.
Our current board leadership structure provides for a combined role of the Chairman of the Board of Directors believes that having a combined Chairman and CEO,Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), along with a Lead Independent Director and a substantial majoritythe independence of all other directors. The independent directors providesbelieve that Mr. Singh's knowledge and background with the most effectiveCompany, his deep industry experience and appropriatehis demonstrated leadership structure for the Company. In particular, the Boardcapability benefits our shareholders and employees and that a combined role of Directors believes that combining the Chairman and CEO roles fosters unified leadership and direction for the Board of Directors and executive management and allows for alignment and clear accountability in the development and execution of the Company'swill best allow us to execute our strategic initiatives and business plans. Based on Mr. Kanas' extensive experience in the banking industry, including serving as our CEO since May 2009, and his familiarity with the Company's business and industry, the Board of Directors believes that Mr. Kanas is best suited to serve as our Chairman and CEO. Mr. Kanas' historical performance as our Chairman and CEO has demonstrated his ability to effectively lead the Company in pursuit of its strategic objectives.
Although the Board of Directors believes that,plan at this time, it is more effective to have one person serve as the Company's Chairman and CEO, the Board also believes that independent, objective oversight of management's performance is a critical aspect of effective Board leadership. Accordingly, thetime.
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| Lead Independent Director |
The Board of Directors has appointed Mr. DeMarkPauls to serve as our Lead Independent Director. Mr. DeMark, who has served as Lead Independent Director since November 2012, providesPauls brings extensive banking and risk management experience to our Board and is an independent voice on important issues facing the Company and ensures that those issues are fully considered by the Board of Directors.
Primary Responsibilities: In his role as Lead Independent Director, Mr. DeMark'sPauls' duties include, but are not limited to, presidingto:
•Presiding over regularly scheduled executive sessions ofwith the non-management directors, servingdirectors;
•Serving as a liaison between the non-management directorsBoard and executive management and assistingsenior management;
•Assisting the Board of Directors, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and executive management to ensure compliance with the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines.Guidelines;
In addition,•Assisting the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the CEO, in the identification and evaluation of director candidates';
•Participating with management in shareholder engagement meetings and sharing feedback with the full Board (see "Shareholder Engagement" on page 17 for information on our shareholder engagement program);
•Communicating, as appropriate, with our primary bank regulators.
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide for additional independent oversight of our operations, risks, business strategy and compensation practices. Consistent with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board of Directors currently consists of a substantial majorityindependent directors, except for Mr. Singh. Each of the Audit Committee, Risk Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed solely of independent directors. Independent directors, therefore, oversee essential, risk-sensitive matters such as the quality and integrity of our financial statements; the compensation of our named executive officers, including the CEO; the nomination of directors; and the evaluation of the Board, its committees, and its members.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines also require that the non-management directors meet regularly in executive session without the presence of management, which provides an opportunity for the independent directors to freely express their views on important issues. In addition, the independent directors regularly evaluate Mr. Kanas' performance in his dual capacities of Chairman and CEO.
Through the Company's overall governance structure described above, the Board of Directors believes it has effectively balanced the need for strategic leadership by the Company's Chairman and CEO with the oversight and objectivity of the independent directors and has created an effective and appropriate leadership structure that is conducive to the risk oversight process. The Board of Directors recognizes that, depending on the circumstances, other leadership structures might be appropriate and in the best interests of the Company. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has the discretion to modify the Company's leadership structure if it believes doing so would be in the best interests of the Company.
Committees
The rules of the NYSE require the non-management directors of the Company to regularly meet in executive session without management. In 2020, non-management directors of the Company met in executive session four times. The Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines state that a non-management independent director shall be chosen to preside at each executive session. Mr. Pauls currently serves as the Presiding Director. For information regarding how to communicate with non-management directors as a group and one or more individual members of the Board, of Directors
Theincluding the Presiding Director, see "Communications with the Board of Directors maintains three standing committees: the Audit and Risk Committee, the Compensation Committee and theDirectors" below.
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| CEO and Senior Management Succession Planning |
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. A descriptionCommittee has responsibility for succession planning with respect to the Company's CEO, as well as oversight of each Board committee is set forth below.
succession planning for other executive management positions. The AuditNominating and RiskCorporate Governance Committee annually reviews succession plans for the CompensationCEO, and considers emergency, interim scenarios as well as long-term scenarios. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee further works with our CEO to review succession planning for other executive management positions, including his evaluations of executive officers and development plans for executives. The Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operate underleads a written charter. Copiesdiscussion with the full Board following the annual succession planning session.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| Communications with the Board of Directors |
Any interested parties desiring to communicate with the Board of Directors or any of the chartersindependent directors regarding the Company may directly contact such directors by delivering such correspondence to such directors (or the entire Board) in care of the Audit and Risk Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating andCompany's Corporate Governance Committee are available on our websiteSecretary at http://ir.bankunited.com and may also be obtained upon request without charge by writing to the Corporate Secretary, BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.
Audit and Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee held nine meetings during 2015. On a quarterly basis, or more frequently as needed, the Audit and Risk Committee meets privately in executive session with the Bank's Chief Risk Officer and additional members of management as it deems appropriate and with our independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee also meets periodically with the Bank's primary regulator.
The Audit and Risk Committee is a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Our Audit and Risk Committee assists our Board of Directors in its oversight of (i) the integrity of our financial statements and the financial reporting process, including the system of disclosure controls; (ii) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) the performance of our internal audit function and our independent registered public accounting firm, including its appointment, qualifications, compensation and independence; (iv) the effectiveness of our systems of internal controls and policies and procedures for risk assessment and risk management; and (v) the effectiveness our procedures for risk assessment and risk management of material credit, interest rate, liquidity, operational, legal and compliance, and other material risks, and the adequacy of capital available to absorb such risks.
In carrying out its oversight role, the Audit and Risk Committee, among other things: (i) reviews the audit plans and findings of our independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit team, as well as the results of regulatory examinations, and tracks management's corrective action plans where necessary; (ii) reviews our financial statements, including any significant financial items and changes in accounting policies, with our senior management and independent registered public accounting firm; (iii) reviews our financial risk and control procedures, compliance programs and significant tax, legal and regulatory matters; and (iv) reviews our policies and practices with respect to the assessment and management of material categories of risk. In addition, the Audit and Risk Committee has the sole discretion to appoint annually our independent registered public accounting firm, evaluate its independence and performance and set clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm.
The current members of the Audit and Risk Committee are Messrs. DeMark (Chairman) and Towbin, Ms. Wines and Dr. Sobti, each of whom the Board of Directors has determined qualifies as an "independent" director as defined underestablished procedures for the applicable rulesreceipt, retention and regulationstreatment of the SECcomplaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters and the NYSE. Allconfidential, anonymous submission by our employees of the members of the Audit and Risk Committee are financially literate and haveconcerns regarding questionable accounting or related financial management expertise within the meaning of the NYSE rules. The Board also has determined that Mr. DeMark qualifies as an "audit committee
financial expert" as defined by SEC rules. Mr. DeMark's relevant experience includes 40 years with KPMG LLP, including 30 years as a partner. Mr. Demark holds a B.B.A. degree from Hofstra University, is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Compensation Committee
In accordance with the terms of the Compensation Committee charter, our Compensation Committee is responsible for such matters as the determination of incentive awards, if any,auditing matters. Persons wishing to be paid to our executive officers and the administration of the BankUnited, Inc. equity incentive plans, including the determination of grant amounts and vesting terms, as well as the approval of any employment agreements with our executive officers and the administration of the BankUnited, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan (the "Annual Incentive Plan").In addition, the Compensation Committee is responsible for the adoption of and any amendments to the Company’s qualified and non-qualified plans. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our CEO and other executive officers, evaluates the performance of these officers in light of those goals and objectives and recommends the compensation of these officers based on such evaluations. The Compensation Committee held six meetings during 2015. The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Dowling (Chairman) and DeMark, Ms. Blanca and Dr. Sobti, each of whom qualifies as "independent" under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE.
Ambassador Sue M. Cobb was a member of the Board of Directors and served as a member of the Compensation Committee until May 13, 2015. Ambassador Cobb did not seek reelection at the 2015 annual meeting.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for making recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding candidates for directorships and the size and composition of our Board of Directors. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing our corporate governance guidelines and reporting and making recommendations to our Board of Directors concerning governance matters.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in consultation with our CEO, also reviews the Company's management succession plans to ensure that an effective succession process is in place and to discuss potential internal successors for both emergency and long-term executive succession. The succession planning activities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are discussed with the full Board of Directors.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held four meetings and acted by written consent once during 2015. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is currently comprised of Ms. Blanca (Chairman), Judge Prudenti and Messrs. Dowling and Towbin, each of whom qualifies as an "independent" director as defined under the applicable rules of the NYSE.
Ambassador Cobb served as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee until May 13, 2015.
Risk Management and Oversight
Our Board of Directors oversees our risk management process, including the company-wide approach to risk management, carried out by our management. Our full Board of Directors determines the appropriate levels of risk for the Company generally, assesses the specific risks faced by us and reviews the steps taken by management to manage those risks. While our full Board of Directors maintains the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas.
In particular, the Audit and Risk Committee plays a key role in the Board of Directors' exercise of its risk oversight function. The Audit and Risk Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing matters involving the
Company's financial and operational risks and the guidelines, policies and processes for managing such risks, including internal controls. The Audit and Risk Committee conducts its risk oversight in a variety of ways, including reviewing management's assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, reviewing the results of regulatory examinations and receiving quarterly reports on legal and regulatory matters. Additionally, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regularly discusses risks and related mitigation measures that may arise during its regular reviews of the Company's financial statementscommunicate with the Audit and Risk Committee. To ensure candid and complete reporting, the Audit and Risk Committee regularly meetsmay do so by writing in separate executive sessions with management, the headcare of the Company's internal audit department and the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.Chairman, Audit Committee, BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.
Additionally, the Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements, as well as the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our Board. Pursuant to our Board's instruction, management regularly reports on applicable risks to the relevant committee or the full Board, as appropriate, with additional review or reporting on risks conducted as needed or as requested by our Board and its committees.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics |
Our Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which set forth a flexible framework within which our Board, assisted by Board committees, directs the affairs of the Company. The Corporate Governance Guidelines address, among other things, the composition and functions of the Board, director independence, compensation of directors, management succession and review, Board committees and selection of new directors.
We also have a Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all directors, officers, employees, agents (including consultants and contractors) and temporary personnel of the Company. We have a separate Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers, which contains provisions specifically applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller (or persons performing similar functions).
The Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Code of Conduct and the Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers are available on our website at http:https://ir.bankunited.com.ir.bankunited.com. We expect that any amendments to these codes, or any waivers of their requirements, will be disclosed on our website.
We use a combination of cash and stock-based incentive compensation to attract and retain independent, qualified candidates to serve on our Board. In setting director compensation, we consider the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties, as well as the skill level we require of members of our Board. Directors who are also our employees have not received and willdo not receive any compensation from us for any period of service on our Board or Board committees.
committees that is concurrent with service as an employee.
17
The following table shows compensation paid, earnedDirectors do not receive fees for attending Board or awarded to each of the non-employee members of our Boardcommittee meetings. Non-employee directors are reimbursed for 2015.
Director Compensation for 2015
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1)(2) | | Stock Awards ($)(3) | | Total ($) |
| Tere Blanca | | | 100,000 |
| | 34,060 |
| | 134,060 |
|
| Ambassador Sue M. Cobb | | | 50,000 |
| | — |
| | 50,000 |
|
| Eugene F. DeMark | | | 225,000 |
| | 102,180 |
| | 327,180 |
|
| Michael J. Dowling | | | 100,000 |
| | 34,060 |
| | 134,060 |
|
| Douglas J. Pauls | | | 100,000 |
| | 34,060 |
| | 134,060 |
|
| A. Gail Prudenti | | | 40,054 |
| | — |
| | 40,054 |
|
| Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D. | | | 150,000 |
| | 34,060 |
| | 184,060 |
|
| A. Robert Towbin | | | 150,000 |
| | 34,060 |
| | 184,060 |
|
| Lynne Wines | | | 60,081 |
| | — |
| | 60,081 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | Ambassador Cobb did not seek reelection at the 2015 meeting, and her term ended on May 13, 2015. Judge Prudenti and Ms. Wines were named to our Board on August 6, 2015. The amounts in this column include the pro rata portion of the annual retainer fees (of $100,000) for the period of time Ambassador Cobb, Judge Prudenti and Ms. Wines served on our Board in 2015. |
| |
(2) | The amounts in this column include the pro rata portion of the annual retainer fee (of $50,000) for service as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee for the period of time Ms. Wines served on our Audit and Risk Committee in 2015. |
| |
(3) | The amounts in this column represent the value of restricted common stock awards granted to Messrs. DeMark, Dowling, Pauls and Towbin, Dr. Sobti and Ms. Blanca, as described under "—Stock-Based Compensation" below and determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The grant date fair value is based on the closing price of our stock on the NYSE on the grant date. The closing stock price on May 13, 2015 was $34.06 a share. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see "Note 15, Equity Based Compensation" to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016. As of December 31, 2015, our non-management directors held the number of unvested shares of restricted stock shown in the table below. |
reasonable expenses incurred in connection with Board-related activities. |
| | |
Name | | Unvested Restricted Shares (#) |
Tere Blanca | | 1,666 |
Eugene F. DeMark | | 6,000 |
Michael J. Dowling | | 1,999 |
Douglas J. Pauls | | 1,666 |
Dr. Sanjiv Sobti | | 1,666 |
A. Robert Towbin | | 1,6662020 Director Compensation |
Stock-BasedOur Compensation
On May 13, 2015, Committee periodically reviews and recommends updates to the director compensation program for our Board approved a grantapproval. No changes were made to the form or amount of 1,000 shares of restricted common stockdirector compensation for each of Messrs. DeMark, Dowling, Pauls, Towbin, Dr. Sobti and Ms. Blanca, as well as an additional grant of 2,000 shares of restricted common stock for Mr. DeMark as the Lead Independent Director. Each director's restricted common stock grants vests in three substantially equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of2020.
the date of grant, except for accelerated vesting in the event of a director's death or disability and in certain circumstances relating to a change in control of the Company.
Cash-Based Compensation
For service in 2015,2020, each non-employee director was eligible to receive an annual cash retainer of $100,000$70,000 for his or her service on our BoardBoard. The Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Risk Committee each receive an annual retainer of $35,000 and the members of the Audit and the Risk committees receive an annual
20
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
retainer of $25,000. The chairs of the Compensation Committee orand the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. For service in 2015,Committee each member of the Audit and Risk Committee was eligible to receive an additional $50,000, and Mr. DeMark was eligible to receive an additional $75,000 for his role as Audit and Risk Committee Chairman.annual retainer of $25,000. Cash retainers are paid in installments.
The cash retainers payable to our non-employee directors were not adjusted for 2016. The following table sets forthshows compensation paid, earned or awarded to each of the non-management directors of our Board for 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
($) | | Stock Awards ($)(1) | | Total
($) |
| Tere Blanca | | 70,000 | | | 70,006 | | | 140,006 | |
| John N. DiGiacomo | | 95,000 | | | 70,006 | | | 165,006 | |
| Michael J. Dowling | | 95,000 | | | 70,006 | | | 165,006 | |
| Douglas J. Pauls | | 130,000 | | | 105,009 | | | 235,009 | |
| A. Gail Prudenti | | 70,000 | | | 70,006 | | | 140,006 | |
| William S. Rubenstein | | 95,000 | | | 70,006 | | | 165,006 | |
| Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D. | | 155,000 | | | 70,006 | | | 225,006 | |
| Lynne Wines | | 120,000 | | | 70,006 | | | 190,006 | |
(1) The amounts in this column represent the value of restricted common stock awards granted to Mss. Blanca and Wines, Judge Prudenti, Dr. Sobti and Messrs. Dowling, DiGiacomo, Pauls and Rubenstein, as described under "—Stock-Based Compensation" and determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The grant date fair value is based on the closing price of our stock on the NYSE on the grant date. The closing stock price on May 15, 2020, the date of grant, was $13.99 per share. For additional information on the assumptions used in determining fair value for share-based compensation, refer to Notes 1 and 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for servicesthe year ended December 31, 2020.
Stock-Based Compensation
On May 15, 2020, our Board approved a grant of 5,004 shares of restricted common stock (grant date fair value: $70,006) to each non-management director elected at the 2020 annual meeting to serve a term ending at the 2021 annual meeting. Mr. Pauls received an additional grant of 2,502 shares of restricted common stock (grant date fair value: $35,003) for his service as Lead Independent Director. Each director's restricted common stock grant vests in 2016 expectedfull on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or the date of the next annual meeting of shareholders, subject to be paidthe director's continued service as a director through the vesting date, except for accelerated vesting in the event of a director's death or disability and in certain circumstances relating to a change in control of the Company.
As of December 31, 2020, our non-employeenon-management directors for their service on our Board.held the number of unvested shares of restricted stock shown in the table below.
| | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Unvested Restricted Shares (#) |
| Tere Blanca | | 5,337 | |
| John N. DiGiacomo | | 5,004 | |
| Michael J. Dowling | | 5,337 | |
| Douglas J. Pauls | | 7,839 | |
| A. Gail Prudenti | | 5,337 | |
| William S. Rubenstein | | 5,337 | |
| Dr. Sanjiv Sobti | | 5,337 | |
| Lynne Wines | | 5,337 | |
21
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
|
| | | | |
| Name | | Retainer Fees |
| Tere Blanca | | $ | 100,000 |
|
| Eugene F. DeMark | | 225,000 |
|
| Michael J. Dowling | | 100,000 |
|
| Douglas J. Pauls | | 100,000 |
|
| A. Gail Prudenti | | 100,000 |
|
| Dr. Sanjiv Sobti | | 150,000 |
|
| A. Robert Towbin | | 150,000 |
|
| Lynne Wines | | 150,000 |
|
| | |
| Stock retention requirements and non-hedging policy for our non-management directors |
Director Expenses
The Company also reimburses expenses incurred by•Under our stock retention requirements, directors are required to attend Board and committee meetings, educational seminars andown shares of the Company's stock with a market value of five times the current annual retainer of $70,000. Under the requirements of the program, the director will not sell equity other expenses directlythan to cover taxes related to the vesting of an equity awards if, after giving effect to such sale, his or her respective retained equity (including vested and unvested equity) has a value that is less than the required multiple for the annual cash retainer. All non-management directors subject to the policy are in compliance with these requirements.
•The Company's business.Insider Trading Policy prohibits directors and executive officers of the Company from engaging in hedging transactions such as (but not limited to) zero-cost collars, equity swaps, and forward sale contracts in the Company's securities, as well as pledging of the Company's securities as collateral for a loan or from holding securities in a margin account. See page 48 for additional information about our prohibitions on Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging of Company Securities.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Director Nominating Process and Diversity |
The Board of Directors is responsible for nominating members for election to the Board of Directors and for filling vacancies on the Board of Directors that may occur between annual meetings of stockholders.shareholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for identifying, screening and recommending candidates to the Board of Directors for Board membership. When formulating its Board of Directors membership recommendations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also consider advice and recommendations from others, including stockholders,shareholders, as it deems appropriate.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors believe that diversity along multiple dimensions, including opinions, skills, perspectives, personal and professional experiences and other differentiating characteristics, is an important element of nomination for Board membership. At present, our Board of Directors is 33% diverse by gender (female) and 44% diverse by ethnicity/nationality. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not identified any specific minimum qualifications that must be met for a person to be considered as a candidate for director. However, Board candidates are selected based on various criteria including experience, skills, expertise, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, business judgment, time availability in light of other commitments, dedication, conflicts of interest and such other relevant factors that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers appropriate in the context of the needs of the Board of Directors. Although the Board of Directors does not have a formal diversity policy, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Board of Directors review these factors, including diversity, in considering candidates for board membership. Board members are expected to
prepare for, attend and participate in all Board of Directors and applicable committee meetings and the Company's annual meetings of stockholders.shareholders.
Candidates Nominated by StockholdersShareholders
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider nominees recommended by stockholders.shareholders. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that nominees recommended by stockholdersshareholders should be given appropriate consideration in the same manner as other nominees. Pursuant to the Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws, stockholdersshareholders who wish to nominate a candidate for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for election at the 20172022 annual meeting may do so by delivering written notice, no earlier than January 18, 201715, 2022 and no later than February 17, 2017,14, 2022, of such nominees' names to BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane Miami Lakes, FL 33016, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Any stockholdershareholder of record or beneficial owner of common stock on whose behalf a nomination is being proposed must (i) be a stockholdershareholder of record or beneficial owner on the date of the giving of such notice, on the record date for the determination of stockholders
22
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the 20172022 annual meeting of stockholdersshareholders and at the time of the 20172022 annual meeting of stockholdersshareholders and (ii) comply with the applicable notice procedures set forth in the Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws.
The Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws require that certain information must be included in the notice provided to the Company's Corporate Secretary regarding the nomination and the stockholdershareholder giving the notice, the beneficial owner on whose behalf the notice is made, if any, and any affiliate or associate of the stockholdershareholder or the beneficial owner (collectively, the "Nominating Person"). The information required to be set forth in such notice includes (i) the name and address of the Nominating Person, (ii) information regarding the common stock owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record by the Nominating Person, (iii) whether and the extent to which any derivative or other instrument, transaction, agreement or arrangement has been entered into by or on behalf of the Nominating Person with respect to the common stock and certain additional information relating to any such instrument, transaction, agreement or arrangement as described in the Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws, (iv) any other information relating to the Nominating Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings made with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies with respect to such business and (v) a description of all arrangements or understandings (including any anticipated benefits to the Nominating Person as a result of the nomination) between or among the Nominating Person and the candidate and any other person in connection with the proposed nomination. The notice must also include a representation that the stockholdershareholder giving the notice intends to appear in person or by proxy at the 20172022 annual meeting to nominate the person named in the notice.
The Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws also require that the notice provide certain information regarding the candidate whom the Nominating Person proposes to nominate as a director, including (i) certain biographical information, such as name, age, business and residential address and principal occupation, (ii) the information that would be required to be provided if the candidate were a Nominating Person, (iii) a resume or other written statement of the qualifications of the candidate and (iv) all other information regarding the candidate, including the written consent of the candidate indicating that the candidate is willing to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and serve as a director if elected, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings made with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for director elections.
For a complete description of the procedures and disclosure requirements to be complied with by stockholdersshareholders in connection with submitting director nominations, stockholdersshareholders should refer to the Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws.
No candidates for director nominations were submitted by any stockholdershareholder in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting.
Communications with the Board of Directors
Any interested parties desiring to communicate with the Board of Directors or any of the independent directors regarding the Company may directly contact such directors by delivering such correspondence to such directors (or the entire Board) in care of the Company's Corporate Secretary at BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.
The Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. Persons wishing to communicate with the Audit and Risk Committee may do so by writing in care of the Chairman, Audit and Risk Committee, BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016.
Executive Sessions
The rules of the NYSE require the non-management directors of the Company to regularly meet in executive session without management. In 2015, non-management directors of the Company met in executive session four times. The Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines state that a non-management independent director shall be chosen to preside at each executive session. Mr. DeMark currently serves as the Presiding Director. For information regarding how to communicate with non-management directors as a group and one or more individual members of the Board, including the Presiding Director, see "Communications with the Board of Directors" above.
Our Board of Directors and each of its committees may retain outside advisors and consultants of their choosing at our expense. The Board of Directors need not obtain management's consent to retain outside advisors.
Attendance at Annual Meeting23
As stated in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, each director is expected to attend all annual meetings of stockholders. All of the current directors attended the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders except A. Gail Prudenti and Lynne Wines who were not directors at the time.BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2015, our Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Dowling (Chairman) and DeMark, Ms. Blanca and Dr. Sobti. Ambassador Cobb served as a member of the Committee until May 13, 2015. Dr. Sobti was named to the Committee on May 13, 2015. None of them had at any time in the last fiscal year been one of our officers or employees, and none has had any relationships with our company of the type that is required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K.
None of our executive officers serves or has served as a member of the board of directors, compensation committee or other board committee performing equivalent functions of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as one of our directors or on our Compensation Committee.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock to file reports of initial ownership of common stock and other equity securities and subsequent changes in that ownership with the SEC and the NYSE. Based solely on a review of such reports and written representations from the directors and
executive officers, the Company believes that all reports that were required to be filed under Section 16(a) during 2015 were timely filed, except, a Form 4 reporting one transaction was filed late on behalf of Judge Prudenti.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is information, as of the date of the Annual Meeting, concerning the Company's executive officers and Messrs. Starr, Bagnoli, Cornish and Roberto, executive officers of the Bank. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Age | | Position |
John A. Kanas | | 69 | | Chairman, President and CEO |
Rajinder P. Singh | | 45 | | Chief Operating Officer |
Leslie N. Lunak | | 58 | | Chief Financial Officer |
Jeffrey Starr | | 55 | | General Counsel of BankUnited, N.A. |
Mark P. Bagnoli | | 64 | | Chief Risk Officer of BankUnited, N.A. |
Thomas M. Cornish | | 57 | | President, Florida Region of BankUnited, N.A. |
Joseph Roberto | | 58 | | President, New York Region of BankUnited, N.A.CERTAIN RELATED PARTY RELATIONSHIPS |
John A. Kanas. For biographical information regarding Mr. Kanas, see page 8.Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons
Rajinder P. Singh. For biographical information regarding Mr. Singh, see page 8.
Leslie N. Lunak, 58, has been our Chief Financial Officer since March 2013. Ms. Lunak servedTransactions by us with related parties are subject to a formal written policy, as the Bank's Executive Vice Presidentwell as regulatory requirements and Chief Accounting Officer from June 2012 through March 2013restrictions. These requirements and as Senior Vice President, Finance from October 2010 through June 2012. From August 2004 through October 2010, Ms. Lunak was an Audit Director at the public accounting firm McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Her responsibilities included overseeing audit engagementsrestrictions include Sections 23A and the performance of financial and accounting consulting services for clients primarily engaged in the financial services industry, serving as a designated national financial services industry specialist and serving as a subject matter expert in a variety of technical accounting areas, including derivatives, equity instruments, fair value accounting and acquisition accounting. She was also responsible for the development and presentation of a wide variety of continuing education courses for both internal and external audiences. From 2001 through August 2004, Ms. Lunak was a senior audit manager with the certified public accounting firm Adair, Fuller, Witcher and Malcom, with oversight responsibility for all of the firm's audit engagements. From June 1985 through 2001, Ms. Lunak was an independent consultant, providing finance and accounting related services to clients consisting primarily of community banks and thrifts and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. From 1979 through June 1985, Ms. Lunak was with the public accounting firm Deloitte, where she was an audit manager serving primarily clients in the banking industry and was designated a national banking industry specialist. Ms. Lunak is a Florida CPA and received a B.S. in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.
Jeffrey Starr,55, has been the Bank's General Counsel since August 2009. In his role as General Counsel, Mr. Starr is responsible for overseeing the Bank's Legal, Compliance, Corporate Fraud and Community Development and Outreach departments. Mr. Starr has more than 20 years of experience representing financial institutions, and in 2011 was named as a General Counsel Leading Lawyer by the South Florida Business Journal. Prior to joining BankUnited, from 2006 through 2009, Mr. Starr served as Managing Vice President and Chief Counsel for Capital One, N.A. Mr. Starr joined Capital One when it acquired North Fork Bank, where he had served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel since 1997. Earlier in his career, Mr. Starr was associated
with the law firms of Wickham, Wickham & Bressler, Lord Day & Lord, Barrett Smith and Finley, Kumble, Wagner, Underberg, Manley, Myerson & Casey where he represented a multitude of clients including several in the financial services industry. Mr. Starr received his J.D. from The Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro College and his B.A. in political science from Muhlenberg College.
Mark P. Bagnoli, 64, has been the Bank's Chief Risk Officer since December 2013. Mr. Bagnoli is an internal audit and risk management professional with more than 25 years of experience in large to mid-size financial services companies, and he most recently served as the Bank's Executive Vice President and Chief Auditor from December 2009 through December 2013. Prior to joining BankUnited, Mr. Bagnoli served as an independent consultant from 2008 through 2009 and as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer23B of the Federal Home LoanReserve Act (which govern certain transactions by the Bank in Chicago from 2005 through 2008. Priorwith its affiliates) and the Federal Reserve's Regulation O (which governs certain loans by the Bank to that position, he wasits executive officers, directors and principal shareholders). We have adopted policies to comply with JPMorgan Chase/Bank One for more than 20 years where he rose through the ranks to Senior Vice President, Corporate Audit. Mr. Bagnoli has an M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Managementthese regulatory requirements and received a B.S. in accounting from Seton Hall University.restrictions.
Thomas M. Cornish, 57, Our Board of Directors has beenalso adopted a written policy governing the Bank's President, Florida Region since March 2014.approval of related party transactions that complies with all applicable requirements of the SEC and the NYSE concerning related party transactions. Related party transactions are transactions in which our Company is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related party has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Related parties of our Company include directors (including nominees for election as directors), executive officers, greater than 5% shareholders of our Company and the immediate family members of these persons. Our general counsel, in consultation with management and outside counsel, as appropriate, will review potential related party transactions to determine if they are subject to our Related Party Transactions Policy. If so, the transaction will be referred for approval or ratification to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In his role as President, Florida Region, Mr. Cornish is responsible for retaildetermining whether to approve a related party transaction, the Nominating and commercial banking servicesCorporate Governance Committee will consider, among other factors, the fairness of the proposed transaction; the direct or indirect nature of the director's, executive officer's or related party's interest in the state. From 2004 to March 2014, Mr. Cornish served as President and CEOtransaction; the appearance of Marsh & McLennan Agency, Florida Region. Prior to that, he held several senior leadership positions with SunTrust Bank from 1983 through 2003. While with Marsh & McLennan Agency, Mr. Cornish was recognized with honors as "Miami's CEOan improper conflict of interest for any director or executive officer of the Year"Company, taking into account the size of the transaction and the financial position of the director, executive officer or related party; whether the transaction would impair an outside director's independence; the acceptability of the transaction to the Company's regulators; and the potential violations of other Company policies. Additionally, all related party transactions are reviewed by the South Florida Business Journal and the "Ultimate CEO" by Business Leader Magazine. Mr. Cornish was also electedAudit Committee. Our Related Party Transactions Policy is available on our website at https://ir.bankunited.com, as Annex B to the Florida International University School of Business Hall of Fame in 2013. Mr. Cornish currently serves as the chairman of the Florida International University Foundation Board of Directors. He is also the chairman of the FIU Wolfsonian Museum and Chairman of the Board of the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Mr. Cornish is a past chairman of the Beacon Council and Assurex Global Corporation. He is a past board member of the Camillus House, The Chapman Partnership and past member of the Orange Bowl committee. Mr.Cornish earned his B.A. degree from Florida International University.our Corporate Governance Guidelines.
Joseph Roberto, 58, has been the Bank's President, New York Region since March 2013. Mr. Roberto is responsibleThe Company had no Related Party Transactions to report for managing the banking center locations, commercial private banking and deposit operations for the New York region. From 2007 to 2013, Mr. Roberto was senior vice president responsible for Capital One's commercial real estate deposit portfolio, managing seven teams in the North East, Mid-Atlantic and South Central markets. Prior to joining Capital One, Mr. Roberto held leadership positions at North Fork Bank from 1998 up until its merger with Capital One. Mr. Roberto is a founding board member of the Melville/East Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce and has chaired or served on committees for AHRC-Suffolk County, Southampton Youth Services, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, Great South Bay YMCA, Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. He was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award by the 23rd Street Association in 2007 for outstanding community service. Mr. Roberto currently serves as a community board member at Northwell Health-South Side Hospital in Bay Shore, on the corporate advisory board of Cohen Children’s Hospital, on the corporate advisory board of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and on the dean’s advisory board for the College of Management at Long Island University. He received a B.S. in business management from Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus.2020.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
Proposal
The Audit and Risk Committee has appointed KPMGDeloitte & Touche LLP to serve as BankUnited, Inc.'s independent registered public accounting firm for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.2021. The Audit and Risk Committee and the Board of Directors seek to have the stockholdersshareholders ratify the Audit and Risk Committee's appointment of KPMGDeloitte & Touche LLP which has served as BankUnited, Inc.'sthe Company's independent registered public accounting firm or independent auditor since 2009.for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. Although BankUnited, Inc. is not required to seek stockholdershareholder approval of this appointment, the Board of Directors believes it to be sound corporate governance to do so. If the appointment of KPMGDeloitte & Touche LLP is not ratified by the stockholders,shareholders, the Audit and Risk Committee may appoint another independent registered public accounting firm or may decide to maintain its appointment of KPMGDeloitte & Touche LLP.
Representatives of KPMGDeloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and to respond to appropriate questions.
The ratificationChange of Independent Registered Accounting Firm
On March 3, 2021, we, following a competitive proposal process at the appointmentdirection of our Audit Committee, dismissed KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, requireseffective immediately. The decision to change independent registered public accounting firms was approved by the affirmative voteAudit Committee.
KPMG’s reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 did not contain any adverse opinion or a majoritydisclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that the report as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 contained a paragraph stating that “As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for the recognition and measurement of credit losses as of January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses”.
During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the subsequent interim period through March 3, 2021, there were no (i) disagreements, within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Regulation S-K”), and the related instructions thereto, with KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of KPMG, would have caused KPMG to make reference to the subject matter of the votes representeddisagreements in connection with its reports; or (ii) reportable events within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions thereto.
We provided KPMG LLP with a copy of the foregoing disclosures and requested KPMG LLP to furnish us with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with the statements made by us set forth above and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. KPMG's letter, dated March 5, 2021, was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2021. Representatives from KPMG LLP are not expected to be present at the meetingAnnual Meeting.
On March 3, 2021, the Audit Committee approved the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 effective immediately. During our two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and entitled to vote2019, and the
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
subsequent interim period through March 3, 2021, neither we nor anyone acting on our behalf consulted with Deloitte & Touche LLP regarding any of the proposal.matters described in Items 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.
THEOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP AS OURREGISTERED INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2016.2021.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee |
The Audit and Risk Committee reviewsoversees the Company's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. The Audit and Risk Committee consists of three directors who have been determined by the Board of Directors to be independent of the Company as prescribed by the NYSE and the SEC. Our Board has further determined that all Committee members are financially literate in accordance with NYSE listing standards and further qualify as "audit committee financial experts" as defined by the SEC. The Company's management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and for the financial reporting process, including the establishment and maintenance of the system of internal control over financial reporting. KPMG LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm isfor the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, was responsible for auditing the financial statements prepared by management, expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and auditing the Company's internal control over financial reporting and expressing an opinion on the effectiveness thereof. In this context, the Audit and Risk Committee has reviewed the audited financial statements and met and held discussions with management and KPMG LLP regarding the fair and complete presentation of those financial statements and the assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit and Risk Committee has discussed with KPMG LLP matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16,1301, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB") and has reviewed and discussed KPMG LLP's independence from the Company and its management. As part of that review, the Audit and Risk Committee has received the required written disclosures and the lettercorrespondence required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding KPMG LLP's communications with the Audit and Risk Committee concerning independence. The Audit and Risk Committee also has considered whether KPMG LLP's provision of non-audit services to the Company is compatible with the auditor's independence. The Audit and Risk Committee has concluded that KPMG LLP is independent from the Company and its management.
The Audit and Risk Committee meets with the Chief Financial Officer in regular sessions and has met with representatives of KPMG LLP, in regular and executive sessions, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of the Company's internal controls and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting and compliance programs.reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit and Risk Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2020, for filing with the SEC.
The Audit and Risk Committee
Eugene DeMark (Chairman)
Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D. (Chairman)
A. Robert TowbinJohn N. DiGiacomo
Lynne Wines
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Auditor Fees and Services |
The following table presents fees for professional services provided by KPMG LLP in each of the last two fiscal years in each of the following categories, including related expenses:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Audit Fees | $ | 2,062,000 | | | $ | 2,190,000 | |
| Audit-Related Fees | 282,000 | | | 77,500 | |
| Tax Fees | — | | | — | |
| All Other Fees | — | | | — | |
| Total Fees | $ | 2,344,000 | | | $ | 2,267,500 | |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2015 | | 2014 |
| Audit Fees | $ | 2,421,400 |
| | $ | 1,907,500 |
|
| Audit-Related Fees | 147,500 |
| | 282,500 |
|
| Tax Fees | — |
| | — |
|
| All Other Fees | — |
| | — |
|
| Total Fees | $ | 2,568,900 |
| | $ | 2,190,000 |
|
Audit Fees: Includes the aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP for professional services and expenses rendered for the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements, reviews of consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Also includes the aggregate fees billed for professional services performed in connection with the Company's filing of certain registration statements and the related issuance of consents and comfort letters.
Audit-Related Fees: Includes the aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees." These services primarily relate to attestation services performed to report on the Company's compliance with certain contractual provisions of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement between the Company and the FDIC, compliance with certain requirements applicable to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in both years and fees billed for professional services performed in connection with a comfort letter related to the Company's issuance of subordinated notes in 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors |
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit, audit-related tax services and other services performed by the independent auditor. The policy provides for pre-approval by the Audit Committee of specifically defined audit and non-audit services. Unless the specific service has been previously pre-approved with respect to that year, the Audit Committee must approve the permitted service before the independent auditor is engaged. The Audit Committee pre-approved all of the audit ofand audit-related services provided to the BankUnited 401(k) Plan.
Policy on Audit and Risk Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors
THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE HAS ADOPTED A POLICY THAT REQUIRES ADVANCE APPROVAL OF ALL AUDIT, AUDIT RELATED TAX SERVICES AND OTHER SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR. THE POLICY PROVIDES FOR PRE-APPROVAL BY THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE OF SPECIFICALLY DEFINED AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES. UNLESS THE SPECIFIC SERVICE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY PRE-APPROVED WITH RESPECT TO THAT YEAR, THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE MUST APPROVE THE PERMITTED SERVICE BEFORE THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR IS ENGAGED. THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVED ALL OF THE AUDIT SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE COMPANY BYCompany by KPMG LLP IN FISCAL YEAR 2015.in fiscal year 2020.
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26BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
In this section, we describe the objectives and elements of our compensation philosophy, policies and practices with respect to the compensation of the executive officers who appear in the "Summary Compensation Table for 2015" below (referred to collectively throughout this section as our "named executive officers" or "NEOs").2020." Our named executive officers (“NEOs”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, were:
2020 were the individuals set forth in the table below: |
| | | | | | | |
| Named Executive Officer | Age | Title |
John A. KanasRajinder P. Singh | 50 | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Leslie N. Lunak | 63 | Chief Financial Officer |
Rajinder P. Singh | Chief Operating Officer ("COO") |
| Thomas M. Cornish | President, Florida Region62 | Chief Operating Officer |
| Rishi Bansal | 47 | Chief Investment Officer of BankUnited, N.A. |
Joseph RobertoJay D. Richards | President, New York Region50 | Chief Risk Officer of BankUnited, N.A. |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYRajinder P. Singh. For biographical information regarding Mr. Singh, see page 4.
Our 2015 Financial Performance | | | | | |
| LESLIE N. LUNAK |
| Ms. Lunak has been our Chief Financial Officer since March 2013. Ms. Lunak served as the Bank's Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from June 2012 through March 2013 and as Senior Vice President, Finance from October 2010 through June 2012. From August 2004 through October 2010, Ms. Lunak was an Audit Director at the public accounting firm McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Her responsibilities included overseeing audit engagements and the performance of financial and accounting consulting services for clients primarily engaged in the financial services industry, serving as a designated national financial services industry specialist and serving as a subject matter expert in a variety of technical accounting areas, including derivatives, equity instruments, fair value accounting and acquisition accounting. She was also responsible for the development and presentation of a wide variety of continuing education courses for both internal and external audiences. From 2001 through August 2004, Ms. Lunak was a senior audit manager with the certified public accounting firm Adair, Fuller, Witcher and Malcom, with oversight responsibility for all of the firm's audit engagements. From June 1985 through 2001, Ms. Lunak was an independent consultant, providing finance and accounting related services to clients consisting primarily of community banks and thrifts and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. From 1979 through June 1985, Ms. Lunak was with the public accounting firm Deloitte, where she was an audit manager serving primarily clients in the banking industry and was designated a national banking industry specialist. She was named one of South Florida Business Journal's Influential Business Women of 2019 and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Broward County. Ms. Lunak is a Florida CPA and received a B.S. in Accounting from Oklahoma State University. |
Age: •63 |
Position: •Chief Financial Officer |
Position Since: •March 2013 |
As a result of steady leadership, in 2015, our Company produced solid earnings and balance sheet growth while maintaining strong capital levels. Key performance highlights during the year included:
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
|
| | | | |
Objective | Fiscal Year 2015 PerformanceTHOMAS M. CORNISH |
Robust balance sheet growth | ž New loansMr. Cornish has been our Chief Operating Officer since January 2017. Mr. Cornish was the Bank's President, Florida Region from March 2014 through December 2016. From 2003 to March 2014, Mr. Cornish served as President and leases, including equipment under operating lease, grewChief Executive Officer of Marsh & McLennan Agency, Florida Region. Prior to that, he held several senior leadership positions with SunTrust Bank from 1983 through 2003. While with Marsh & McLennan Agency, Mr. Cornish was recognized with honors as "Miami's CEO of the Year" by $4.7 billionthe South Florida Business Journal and the "Ultimate CEO" by Business Leader Magazine. Mr. Cornish was also elected to the Florida International University ("FIU") School of Business Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2017, Mr. Cornish received the Torch Award from the FIU Alumni Association, the organization's highest award that recognizes alumni and faculty making positive impacts on their profession, the community and the university. Mr. Cornish previously served as Chairman of the Board of the FIU Foundation. He is also the past Chairman of the FIU Wolfsonian Museum and past Chairman of the Board of the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Mr. Cornish is a past Chairman of the Beacon Council and Assurex Global Corporation. He is a past board member of the Camillus House, The Chapman Partnership and past member of the Orange Bowl committee. Mr. Cornish earned his B.A. degree from Florida International University.
|
Age: ž •Deposit portfolio increased by $3.4 billion62
|
High credit quality and capital strength relative to peers | ž Ratio of non-performing non-covered assets to total assets at 0.26% This appears to be an increase from last year. As with this and other values, consider whether it is helpful to put them in context, relative to the previous year, goals or peer companies.Position:
ž •Net charge-off ratio (non-covered) at 0.09%
ž Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital of 12.58%
ž Successful completion of 4.875% senior notes offering with aggregate principal amount of $400 millionChief Operating Officer
|
Strong profitability | ž 2015 Diluted EPS of $2.35Position Since:
ž •Return on average stockholders’ equity of 11.62%
ž Return on average assets of 1.18%
|
Building stockholder value | ž Year-over-year tangible book value grew $1.38, or 7%, from $19.52 to $20.90
ž Total stockholder return of 26.8%, well above market and peers
ž Successful completion of the acquisition of the Small Business Finance Unit of CertusHoldings, Inc.January 2017
|
| | | | | |
| RISHI BANSAL |
| Mr. Bansal has been the Bank's Chief Investment Officer since February 2017 and most recently served as Executive Vice President, Mortgage Portfolio. Mr. Bansal joined the Bank in July 2009, and was part of the advisory group that worked on the Bank's acquisition. In his role as Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Bansal is responsible for the bank’s investment securities portfolio. He manages the Bank's residential loan portfolio, residential mortgage warehouse business and Pinnacle Public Finance business. Prior to joining BankUnited, Mr. Bansal was a Managing Director in fixed income with Merrill Lynch from 2007 through 2009 and a fixed income trader at Lehman Brothers from 1998 through 2007. Mr. Bansal received a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and earned his Bachelor of Technology (Chemical Engineering) from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. |
Age: •47 |
Position: •Chief Investment Officer of BankUnited, N.A. |
Position Since: •February 2017 |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | |
| JAY D. RICHARDS |
| Mr. Richards has been the Bank's Chief Risk Officer since September 2019 when the Bank consolidated the Credit and Risk organizations into one Enterprise Risk Management group. Mr. Richards served as our Chief Credit Officer from January 2018 through September 2019. Prior to that, he held several senior leadership positions with TD Bank (and its predecessor banks) from 2008 until 2018, Compass Bank from 2006 until 2008, Regions Bank (and its predecessor banks) from 1999 until 2006, and Bank One (now part of JPMorgan Chase) from 1993 through 1999. Mr. Richards has a breadth of experience across Capital Markets, Commercial C&I, Commercial CRE, Consumer Lending, Specialty Banking, Government and Not-for-Profit Banking industries, as well as, extensive Workout and Recovery experience. In addition, Mr. Richards has significant experience in bank mergers and acquisitions, from the due diligence phase through integration. He has also been an essential part of several core infrastructure and strategic realignment projects. Mr. Richards has a B.S. in Finance from Indiana State University. |
Age: •50 |
Position: •Chief Risk Officer of BankUnited, N.A. |
Position Since: •September 2019 |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
2020 Performance and Highlights
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Governmental responses were swift and broad-based including both measures to contain the pandemic and to support individuals, households and businesses negatively impacted. The pandemic and measures taken to contain it have had and are continuing to have far-reaching impacts on global, national and local economies and by extension on consumers and businesses. BankUnited's operations and financial performance for 2020 and those of many of our customers, as well as our employees and shareholders, were impacted in myriad ways. We were challenged with delivering essential banking services to our customers while enabling our employees to continue to work in a healthy and safe manner.
From its onset, our Board and executive management team were actively engaged in responding to the pandemic. We prioritized risk management and implemented a number of measures summarized below to support our customers, employees, and communities and to ensure that we continued to build value for our shareholders.
◦Maintained a regular cadence, initially weekly, of update calls with our Board
◦Activated our business continuity plan, under the leadership of executive management
◦Enhanced liquidity monitoring and management protocols
◦Implemented a program of continuous proactive outreach to borrowers to assess pandemic impact
◦Identified vulnerable segments of the loan portfolio for heightened monitoring
◦Enhanced our workout and recovery staffing and processes and our stress testing regimen
◦Developed a new dashboard to better communicate with executives, regulators and our Board
◦Enhanced our disclosures and communications with investors and analysts
◦Monitored and ensured operational resilience in a remote work environment
•Maintained access to banking centers with drive-through services and appointments
•Supported short-term funding for small and medium-sized businesses through the CARES Act Payroll Protection Program ("PPP")
◦Originated over 3,500 loans totaling $876 million
◦PPP loans helped our customers save over 100,000 jobs
•Granted extensions, deferrals and forbearance to clients in need
•Waived select fees
•Temporarily halted residential foreclosures
•Continued to invest in and implement key technology enhancements
•Seamlessly moved to a work from home environment at the onset of the pandemic
•Enhanced cleaning and personal protective measures for employees working at our corporate and branch locations
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
•Provided Personal Protective Equipment ("PPE") to all employees and implemented guidelines including daily health screenings and temperature checks for employees entering our facilities
•No COVID-19 related workforce reductions
•Expanded employee medical and PTO benefits
•Provided access to employee assistance programs - nutrition, mental and physical wellness, financial awareness
•Implemented a wide variety of new employee engagement initiatives
•Launched our iCARE™ initiative to promote diversity in our workplace and communities
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Supporting our Communities |
•Disbursed over 150 grants to nonprofit organizations across our footprint
•Helped to meet the needs of our community partners through over 1,500 employee "virtual" volunteer hours
•Made a $100,000 donation to community food banks
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Building Value for our Shareholders |
•Continued successful execution of our deposit mix optimization strategy
◦Non-interest bearing deposits grew to $7.0 billion at December 31, 2020 from $4.3 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of 63% for the year.
◦Non-interest bearing demand deposits represented 25% of total deposits at December 31, 2020 compared to 18% at December 31, 2019.
•Reduced deposit costs across all lines of business, a key strategic initiative for 2020
◦The total cost of deposits declined to 0.77% for 2020 from 1.63% for 2019.
◦ On a spot basis, the average annual percentage yield on total deposits declined to 0.36% at December 31, 2020 from 1.42% at December 31, 2019.
•Due primarily to an increase in the provision for credit losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic, income before income taxes declined from $404.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $249.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. However, pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue ("PPNR") improved to $427.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $412.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
•Book value per common share grew to $32.05 at December 31, 2020 from $31.33 at December 31, 2019
•Successfully completed an underwritten public offering of $300 million in subordinated notes, augmenting Tier 2 capital
•Maintained our investment grade credit ratings
•Increased the quarterly dividend per share by 10%, from $0.21 to $0.23, effective the first quarter of 2020 and maintained that dividend throughout 2020
•The Company's and the Bank's capital ratios continue to exceed all regulatory "well-capitalized" guidelines
*PPNR is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on pages 65 through 66 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 on our website at https://ir.bankunited.com for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the respective comparable GAAP financial measurement.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 Key Financial Highlights |
The Company's financial performance, like that of our peers, was negatively impacted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deterioration of economic conditions led to an increase in the provision for credit losses, and resulting declines in earnings per share and return on average equity and assets. The level of commercial loan origination activity, outside of the PPP, declined. Volatility in our share price also increased. Despite these challenges, the Board believes that the actions of the executive management team mitigated damage to the Company and protected shareholder value.
Key financial highlights are presented below (dollars in thousands, except per share and percentage data):
(3) Tangible book value per common share and PPNR are non-GAAP financial measures. See the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on pages 65 through 66 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 on our website at https://ir.bankunited.com for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the respective comparable GAAP financial measurement.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
BankUnited 2.0
In 2019, we launched our BankUnited 2.0 program, targeting an annual pre-tax impact of $40 million in cost reductions and $20 million in incremental revenue. Throughout 2020, while some initiatives were delayed by the pandemic, we continued to execute on our BankUnited 2.0 initiatives. As of December 31, 2020, we had exceeded the targeted amount of cost reductions on an annualized basis and still expect to reach our incremental revenue target. Our recently launched commercial card product, small business initiatives and other enhanced product and pricing strategies are expected to generate additional revenue.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
BankUnited's executive compensation program is centered on a pay-for performance philosophy, which aligns executive compensation with shareholder value and determines program design. We believe that our compensation program also discourages inappropriate risk-taking by avoiding undue emphasis on any one metric or short-term goal and having a cap on incentive payments.
Key Elements of our Executive Compensation ProgramProgram:
Our executive compensation philosophy focuses on paying for performance while retaining executives who are critical to the long-term success of our Company and increasing stockholder value. Accordingly, our executive compensation program is designed to achieve the following objectives: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Emphasis on Pay for Performance | | Attract and Retain Key Executives | | Align Interests of our Executives with those of our Shareholders | | Balance Risk and Reward - Discourage Inappropriate Risk Taking |
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27BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Pay for performance. To properly align incentives with the financial, operational and strategic objectives and long-term success of the Company, a meaningful portion of overall compensation for our NEOs is subject to the performance of the Company.
Create long-term value for our stockholders. We believe the interests of our executives should be aligned with our stockholders over both the short- and long-term. To this end, a substantial portion of overall compensation for the NEOs is paidBest Practices in the form of incentive awards that vest over several years, and our NEOs are subject to stock ownership requirements.
Balance risk and reward. Our focus and goal is to build a safe and sound institution through prudent growth. As such, our compensation program is designed and governed to appropriately balance compensation with risk management.
Executive Compensation Best Practices
The Company employs a number of practices that reflect our executivecommitment to good compensation program's philosophy and objectives, many of which are disclosed below:
|
| | | | |
What we doWHAT WE DO | What we don't doWHAT WE DON'T DO |
Predetermined Performance metrics usedü Use an independent compensation consultant to calculate incentive pay for our CEO advise on executive compensation matters | r Do not have compensation programs that encourage unnecessary and COOexcessive risk taking |
ü Design compensation programs to drive long-term performance | r No gross-ups to cover income tax or excise taxestax gross-ups |
Performance thresholds and caps includedü Incorporate an overriding performance condition in our incentive plansperformance metrics | r No re-pricingreloading, repricing or backdating of options |
Peerü Consider peer group market data considered when making executive compensation decisionsdecisions; our performance metrics are measured relative to the peer group and are formulaic in nature | No excessive perquisites for executives |
Responsibly manage allocationr Do not permit hedging, pledging or short-selling of equity compensation | Prohibition on hedging and pledgingthe Company's stock by executive officers |
Stock ownership requirements for senior executives | No excessive severance payments |
Multi-year vesting periods of equity awards | No guaranteed retention bonuses |
Adopted a recoupment policy for incentive compensation | No pension plans or special retirement programs |
Engage with stockholders on compensation and governance matters | Our employment agreements apply to a limited number of executives and apply for a specified term |
Engage an independent compensation advisor | No liberal change in control definitions |
Have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors | |
Mitigate undue risk in compensation programs | |
Response to 2015 Say-on-Pay Vote
All of the elements of our NEOs’ 2015 compensation program were determined prior to the 2015 advisory vote on executive compensation ("Say-on-Pay"). Our Board and the Compensation Committee take the opinions of our stockholders very seriously and consider feedback from the stockholders when making compensation program decisions. At the 2015 annual stockholder meeting only approximately 31% of votes cast were in favor of our advisory Say-on-Pay proposal. Although stockholders are not being asked to vote on a Say-on-Pay proposal at this Annual Meeting since a triennial vote has previously been approved by stockholders, the results of the Say-on-Pay proposal last year caused us to initiate a constructive dialogue with our stockholders on the subject of compensation, including the substantial majority of our significant institutional stockholders.
While a minority of the stockholders with whom we spoke shared concerns similar to those voiced by the proxy advisory firms relating to differentiating short-term and long-term performance goals, the majority of the stockholders with whom we spoke expressed confidence in our senior management and acknowledged the unique
alignment of interests between themselves and Messrs. Kanas and Singh as stockholders, as well as a focus on the continued retention of Messrs. Kanas and Singh. None of the stockholders with whom we spoke expressed a concern about the total amount of compensation provided to Messrs. Kanas and Singh.
In July 2015, our Compensation Committee engaged an independent compensation consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP (“Deloitte Consulting”) and spent considerable time reviewing our compensation programs to design a framework that was more directly performance-based to be implemented beginning in 2016. In order to address any stockholders’ concerns about the performance-based approach to compensation, we adopted the modifications to our compensation programs summarized below which are being implemented in 2016.
|
| | |
What We Heard | Applies to | Modifications Beginning in 2016 |
We use the same metrics for the short-term and long-term incentives. | Messrs. Kanas and Singh | ž We will utilize different performance metrics for our annual incentive (short-term) and long-term incentive plans.
|
No performance metric is directly tied to stockholder return. | Messrs. Kanas and Singh | ž The long-term incentive award will include a relative three-year total stockholder return metric.
|
Performance based only on one-year period. | Messrs. Kanas and Singh | ž 50% of the executive’s long-term incentive award will be awarded in performance shares measured over a three-year performance period.
ž The remaining 50% will be awarded in restricted stock units that vest over three years based on continued service.
|
Performance periods are not aligned with the fiscal year. | Messrs. Kanas and Singh | ž All performance periods will be based on the Company’s fiscal year.
|
Not enough of total compensation is performance-based. | All NEOs | ž All NEOs will be compensated under performance-based plans and have a substantial portion of their compensation tied to performance.
ž We have discontinued the use of retention bonuses for our executive officers.
|
Dividends should not be paid on unearned performance sharesü Set multi-year vesting periods for equity awards
| Messrs. Kanas and Singh | žr We doDo not provide excessive severance arrangements
|
ü Require equity ownership and retention - CEO equals 6 times base salary and other NEOs equals 3 times base salary | r Do not pay dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned performance shares.share units (PSUs) or restricted share units (RSUs) until vested |
ü Have a recoupment policy | r Do not provide guaranteed bonuses to our NEOs |
ü Regularly engage with shareholders on compensation and governance matters | |
ü Maintain an independent Compensation Committee | |
ü Provide a majority of the NEO's compensation opportunity in the form of incentive awards, aligning compensation with the Company's performance | |
ü All equity awards granted after March 1, 2019 are subject to "double-trigger" vesting provisions upon a change in control | |
For additional information regarding | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Consideration of Say-on-Pay Vote Results |
At our most recent annual meeting of shareholders, held on May 15, 2020 the Company’s 2016Company conducted an advisory vote to approve its executive compensation program, seefor the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. Shareholders approved the compensation of our NEOs, with 96% of the votes present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter cast to approve our 2019 executive compensation proposal.
“—2016 Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers” below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
HOW WE SET COMPENSATION DECISIONS ARE MADE |
Role of the Compensation Committee in Setting Named Executive Officer Compensation
Our Compensation Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors, is responsible for overseeing the development and approving compensation and benefitsbenefit programs for our NEOs and non-employee directors. Our Compensation Committee meets at least quarterly (one time in person, six times virtually and twice by written consent in 2020) to approve amounts paid to our NEOs and non-employee directors and administeringadminister our incentive plans, which includes the determination of performance metrics, target pay levels, grant amounts and vesting terms of awards under such plans. In addition, our Compensation Committee is responsible for the development and approval of employment agreements with our NEOs. Our Compensation Committee is responsible for determining whether our executive
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
compensation policies are reasonable and appropriate, that compensation practices meet the stated objectives of those policies and effectively serve the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.shareholders.
Role of Management
In evaluating compensation, our Compensation Committee receives and considers information and recommendations from our Chief Executive Officer. Our
Compensation Committee has discretion to approve, disapprove or modify recommendations made by our Chief Executive Officer. However, ourOur Chief Executive Officer is not present during deliberations or voting by our Compensation Committee relating to his own compensation.
Role of our Independent Compensation Consultant
Pursuant to its charter, our Compensation Committee may in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice and assistance of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser. Our Compensation Committee may retain or obtain the advice of an adviser only after taking into consideration factors related to that person’s independence from management, including each of the factors it is required to take into consideration under the Corporate Governance Standards of the New York Stock Exchange, subject to limited exceptions. Our Compensation Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of any adviser it retains. The Company is obligated to provide appropriate funding for the compensation of any such adviser.
In JulyFrom 2015 ourthrough May 2020, the Compensation Committee engaged anretained Deloitte Consulting as its independent compensation consultant. Beginning in June 2020, the Compensation Committee retained Pay Governance as its independent compensation consultant. The compensation consultant assists the Compensation Committee in reviewing the framework of the Company's executive compensation consultant, Deloitte Consulting. Deloitte Consulting conducted a review of industry-specific employment agreements and assisted in the redesign of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer employment agreementsprogram as well as compensation packages including target compensation levels, and thedirect salary, annual incentive and long-term equity incentive ("LTI") plan frameworkprograms for 2016Mr. Singh, Mr. Cornish, Ms. Lunak and futureMr. Bansal.
Compensation Peer Group
The Compensation Committee selects a compensation decisions. Deloitte Consulting further developed an industry peer group of 17 companies that are similar in business model andconsultation with its independent compensation consultant, considering such factors as similarity in size in terms ofbased on total assets and market capitalization, similarity in business model and conductedstrategy, geographic footprint and other qualitative factors. The Company does not seek to set compensation at a competitive assessmentspecific level relative to the peer group, but may consider compensation levels of ourpeer group executives as one factor in its evaluation of executive compensation program and provided advice on compensation design, pay mix and competitive market levels.
COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Messrs. Kanas and Singh have a compensation structure that is different from our other NEOs. Messrs. Kanas and Singh entered into employment agreements with us initially in July 2009. In August 2012, these employment agreements were amended and restated, and at that time, these employment agreements were negotiated with and approved by our four largest stockholders, who owned approximately 55% of our stock. These employment agreements expired on June 30, 2015 and our The Compensation Committee engaged Deloitte Consulting to assist with providing guidance on thefurther benchmarks certain incentive performance metrics against comparative peer group results and may consider compensation to be paid to Messrs. Kanas and Singh during the periodgovernance practices of July 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 (the “Interim Period”), as well as recommendations for the designpeers among other factors in its evaluation of the new employment agreements that would commence on January 1, 2016 to alignCompany's practices.
The peer group was reviewed by the agreements with the Company’s fiscal year.
For additional information regarding to Messrs. Kanas and Singh's employment agreements see "—2016 Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers—Employment Agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh."
Our other NEOs do not have employment agreements. As such, in 2015, their compensation was determined by our Compensation Committee in its discretionwith respect to 2020 incentive awards and designedthe only change was the removal of IBERIABANK Corporation due to balance financial, operational and strategic results with proper risk management. Effective January 1, 2016, Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto will have a substantial portion of their compensation tied to performance.acquisition by First Horizon National
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30BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
2015 COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Overview
Our compensation philosophy is designed to retain talent and align pay with performanceCorporation. The 18 members of the Company. The following table lists and describes2020 peer group that will be used in measuring performance under the purpose of the key elements of compensation for our NEOs:
long-term incentive awards granted in March 2020 are: | | | | | |
| Bank OZK | Pacwest Bancorp |
| BancorpSouth Bank | People's United Financial |
| Cullen/Frost Bankers | Signature Bank |
| East West Bancorp | Synovus Financial |
| FNB Corp | TCF Financial |
| First Republic Bank | Texas Capital Bancshares |
| Fulton Financial | UMB Financial Corp |
| Investors Bancorp | Valley National Bancorp |
| New York Community Bank | Western Alliance Bancorporation |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Overriding Performance Condition |
| If the Company fails to be well-capitalized at the end of any year, as defined by the applicable federal banking regulator for purposes of the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, no performance-based awards will be payable or granted to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Investment Officer regardless of the Company having met the established performance criteria. |
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
Element2020 Capital Position |
•Exceeded all requirements to be considered "well capitalized" |
•CET1 risk based capital of 12.6% |
•Tier 1 leverage ratio of 8.6% |
Key Components of our Executive Compensation Program
Our executive compensation program provides a mix of salary, short and long-term incentives, and benefits that we believe are aligned with our business strategy and are designed to maximize long-term shareholder value.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Component of Pay | DescriptionForm of Pay | PurposeObjective |
| Fixed | Base Salary | Fixed cash compensationCash | To attract and retain key executive talent by providing a stable sourcelevel of compensationincome security for services rendered during the fiscal year that is not at risk. |
Short-Term CashAt-Risk
| Annual Incentive Award
Program (AIP) | Performance-based cash payment based on | To reward the achievement of annual financial operational and strategic metricsother performance related goals, aligning pay with performance. |
| At-Risk | Long-Term Equity-Based Incentive Program (LTIP) | Restricted Share Units (RSUs) | To motivate executive officers to achieve the Company's annual strategic and financial goals and reward individual performanceretain executives by aligning their long-term interests with those of shareholders through sustained performance. |
Long-term equity-based compensation | Performance-based share awards with multi-year vesting periods; awards are based on financial and operational and strategic metrics | To align long-term interests of executives and stockholders and provide appropriate balance of at-risk compensation that incentivizes long-term value creation and retentionPerformance Share Units (PSUs) |
Performance Peer Group
For certain38
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
In light of theour focus on paying for performance, criteria related to Messrs. Kanas' and Singh's performance-based compensation, the Compensation Committee structures compensation packages for the NEOs such that a majority of each officer's target compensation opportunity is delivered through incentive compensation, with a significant portion of the total target incentive compensation opportunity delivered through long-term incentive compensation.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Key Compensation Decisions Made for 2020
In March of each year, the Compensation Committee reviews prior year performance, finalizes AIP awards for the prior year and establishes the basis of compensation, including performance metrics to be measured under both the AIP and LTIP, for our NEOs for the current year.
In late March 2020, as the Compensation Committee was meeting to consider performance compared withmetrics for 2020 AIP awards, the Company's peers (the “Performance Peer Group”). In 2015,emerging serious nature of the Performance Peer Group included publicly traded U.S. banksCOVID-19 pandemic was becoming apparent. At this time, COVID-19 cases and thrifts with assets between $10 billionmortality were rapidly increasing, particularly in the New York metropolitan area, and $25 billion,little was known about the underlying nature, trajectory and market capitalization from $1 billionrisk profile of the virus. Unprecedented challenges were facing the Board and management as they shifted focus to $5 billion. The Performance Peer Group was modified fromcrisis management, the year prior (which was all publicly traded U.S. bankssafety and thrifts with assets between $5 billion and $25 billion) becausewellness of our balance sheet sizeemployees and growth. For the performance period from July 1, 2014need to June 30, 2015 (the “2015 Performance Period”), the Performance Peer Group was composedcontinue providing banking services to our customers and communities in an unprecedented environment. In view of the extraordinary level of uncertainty facing the Company and the challenges of establishing a slate of formulaic short-term performance metrics in light of that uncertainty, the Compensation Committee members determined that they would delay any decision on performance metrics for the 2020 AIP. When the Compensation Committee next met in May 2020, they once again considered potential performance metrics for the AIP. Given the still increasing level of uncertainty about the evolving impact of the pandemic, the Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to allow itself full discretion in ultimately determining the appropriate amount of AIP awards for the NEOs for 2020. The Compensation Committee left unchanged from 2019 the annual incentive target amounts for Mr. Singh, Ms. Lunak, Mr. Cornish and Mr. Bansal as depicted in the following banks:
table, but retained future discretion with respect to its determination of criteria to be used in establishing the final amount of the AIP awards: |
| | | | |
Astoria Financial Corp.NEO | Old National Bancorp2020 AIP Target |
BancorpSouthRajinder P. Singh | PacWest Bancorp$1,500,000 |
Bank of Hawaii Corp.Leslie N. Lunak | PrivateBancorp$437,500 |
Cathay General BancorpThomas M. Cornish | Prosperity Bancshares$945,000 |
Commerce BancsharesRishi Bansal | $450,000 |
The Compensation Committee determined that the LTIP performance metrics for the 2020 - 2023 performance period would be the same three equally weighted metrics established for the 2019 - 2022 period: (i) relative growth in earnings per share measured against the applicable compensation peer group; (ii) relative average net charge-off ratio measured against the applicable compensation peer group; and (iii) relative four-year total shareholder return (“TSR”) measured against the banks in the KBW Regional Bank Index. See —"2020 LTIP Awards" below. The Compensation Committee made no changes related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to any previously established performance measures used to determine the level of LTIP awards for any long-term performance period. Also see —"PSUs Granted in 2018" below.
The Compensation Committee made no pandemic-related changes to the base salary levels of our NEOs and awarded no retention payments. The Compensation Committee increased the base salary of Mr. Richards from $350,000 to $400,000 effective March 1, 2020. The increase reflects Mr. Richards' additional responsibilities as Chief Risk Officer following the consolidation of our Credit and Risk organizations under the Enterprise Risk Management group. Base salaries for the remaining NEOs remained unchanged.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
2020 Base Salaries
The table below presents the 2019 and 2020 base salaries for each of the NEOs:
| | | | | | | | |
| NEO | 2019 Base Salary | 2020 Base Salary |
| Rajinder P. Singh | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Leslie N. Lunak | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Thomas M. Cornish | $630,000 | $630,000 |
| Rishi Bansal | $450,000 | $450,000 |
| Jay D. Richards | $350,000 | $400,000 |
2020 Annual Incentive Awards
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak |
Given its decision to retain discretion in determining the amount of AIP awards for NEOs for 2020 performance, the Compensation Committee reviewed and considered a number of quantitative and qualitative measures of performance in establishing the amount of the awards.
Quantitative Considerations:
•The Compensation Committee considered performance for 2020 applying the same performance metrics used in determining the 2019 AIP awards. Each year, the Compensation Committee determines performance metrics for the AIP based on our overall strategic objectives, financial goals and business plan for the year. In 2019, these metrics, equally weighted and measured relative to the compensation peer group, were chosen to align with our BankUnited 2.0 initiatives and our focus on credit quality. The table below presents pro-forma results as if the 2019 metrics had been carried forward without modification. Each metric was measured relative to the compensation peer group recommended by the Company's independent compensation consultant in August 2020. Consistent with prior years, the metrics were equally weighted in calculating an average percentile ranking (APR).
•The peer group used by the Committee was:
| | | | | |
| BancorpSouth Bank | People's United Financial, Inc. |
| BOK Financial Corporation | Signature Bank |
| Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | Sterling Bancorp |
EverBank Financial Corp.EastWest Bancorp, Inc. | TCFSynovus Financial Corp. |
| F.N.B. Corporation | Texas Capital Bancshares |
First BanCorp | Trustmark Corp. |
Flagstar Bancorp | UMBTCF Financial Corp.Corporation |
| Fulton Financial Corporation | Umpqua Holdings Corp.Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. |
Hancock Holding CompanyWhitney Corporation | United BanksharesUMB Financial Corporation |
Hilltop HoldingsInvestors Bancorp, Inc. | Valley National Bancorp |
IBERIABANK Corporation | Washington Federal |
International Bancshares Corporation | Webster Financial Corp. |
InvestorsPacWest Bancorp | Western Alliance Bancorporation |
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
MB Financial | Wintrust Financial Corp. | |
| Pro-Forma Annual Scorecard - 2020 Illustrative Based on the 2019 Performance Metrics |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| FY 2019 - 2020 Revenue Growth | FY 2019 - 2020 Operating Expense Growth | FY 2019 - 2020 Earnings Per Share Growth | 2020 NPA Ratio | APR |
| BankUnited | (1.67)% | (3.19)% | (34.19)% | 0.56% | |
| Percentile Ranking | 29.30% | 91.30% | 29.80% | 21.50% | 42.98% |
31
For•The Compensation Committee considered performance relative to the Interim Period, the same Performance Peer Group was used except EverBank was removed from the list because it exceeded the asset size threshold.
Components of Our Compensation Program
Base Salary
Base salaries for our NEOs are designedcompensation peer group with respect to compensate each executive for the experience, education, responsibilities and other qualificationskey strategic priorities of the executive that are essentialCompany for 2020. The Company's primary strategic priorities for 2020, in addition to responding to the specific role the executive serves within our Company, while remaining competitiveemerging COVID-19 crisis, were growth in non-interest bearing demand deposits and reduction in the labor market.cost of total deposits. The following chart presents the Company's (i) reduction in average cost of total deposits, (ii) percentage growth in period end non-interest bearing demand deposits and (iii) percentage growth in average non-interest bearing demand deposits for 2020 measured relative to the recommended compensation peer group:
Consistent with their employment agreements, Mr. Kanas did not receive a base salary in 2015 while Mr. Singh’s base salary remained $500,000 per year. For our other NEOs, | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Reduction in Average Cost of Deposits (change in bps) | Growth in Non-Interest DDA | Growth in Average Non-Interest DDA |
| FY 2020 | FY 2019 - 2020 | FY 2019 - 2020 |
| BankUnited | (0.86)% | 63.19% | 45.81% |
| Percentile Ranking | 100.00% | 100.00% | 94.10% |
•Further, the Compensation Committee withconsidered relative Total Shareholder Return for 2020, measured against the assistancebanks in the KBW Regional Bank Index. The Company ranked in the 73rd percentile based on this performance measure.
Although the Compensation Committee did not adopt specific AIP performance metrics for 2020, for reference, the grid below was adopted by the Compensation Committee in March 2020 for use in determining the amount of future AIP awards. Performance between the 25th percentile (threshold) and 50th percentile (target) and performance between the 50th percentile and the 75th percentile (maximum award level) is interpolated on a linear basis.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| APR | Payout (% of Target) | Rajinder P. Singh | Leslie N. Lunak | Thomas M. Cornish | Rishi Bansal |
| <25% | —% | – | – | – | – |
| 25% | 50% | $750,000 | $218,750 | $472,500 | $225,000 |
| 50% | 100% | $1,500,000 | $437,500 | $945,000 | $450,000 |
| 75% | 150% | $2,250,000 | $656,250 | $1,417,500 | $675,000 |
Based on the pro-forma scorecard presented above using the 2019 AIP performance metrics, for the year ended December 31, 2020 at the calculated APR of 42.98% interpolated on a linear basis, the payouts would have been $1,289,250 for Mr. Singh, $812,228 for Mr. Cornish, $376,031 for Ms. Lunak and $386,775 for Mr. Bansal. Based on a combination of the Messrs. Kanas and Singh, generally reviews salariesrelative performance metrics presented above related to growth in non-interest bearing demand deposits, reduction in the earlycost of total deposits and total shareholder return for 2020, AIP payouts for 2020 would have been at the maximum performance level.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Qualitative Considerations:
•The Compensation Committee recognized that the Company's profitability for 2020 was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the provision for credit losses. Net income, earnings per share, return on equity and return on assets were all lower than the prior year. PPNR for 2020 improved by 4% compared to 2019.
•The Company's stock price was volatile during 2020 and traded below book value for a significant part of each yearthe year.
•The Compensation Committee viewed favorably management's swift and if appropriate adjusts themeffective response to reflect changesthe emergence of the pandemic. Some of the ways management responded to the onset of the pandemic, which were considered by the Compensation Committee in considerations and to remain competitivedetermining the amount of AIP awards, are listed above in the labor market. After reviewing their base salaries,section entitled "Executive Summary - 2020 Performance and Highlights". Actions taken by management that had a notable impact on the Compensation Committee's assessment included:
◦Rapid deployment of our business continuity and contingency funding plans
◦A seamless transition to a remote work environment for the majority of employees, with no significant technology issues or disruptions in customer service
◦Actions taken to manage and mitigate credit risk including timely identification of at risk borrowers and portfolio segments, agile implementation of our PPP platform, deployment of deferral and modification programs for borrowers impacted by the pandemic and enhancement of workout capabilities
◦Nimble pivot to a drive-through and appointment model to continue serving customers in our branches
◦Enhanced liquidity monitoring and management protocols
◦The launch of iCARE™ and other employee assistance and engagement programs
◦Growth of tangible book value per share to greater than pre-pandemic levels
◦Maintenance of regulatory capital ratios and investment grade ratings
◦Successful execution of a Tier 2 capital raise in a challenging environment
In consideration of the Company's and management's performance for 2020 and the quantitative and qualitative factors listed above, the Compensation Committee awarded the following cash AIP payments to Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak:
| | | | | | | | |
| NEO | AIP Target Payout | Actual Payout Awarded |
| Rajinder P. Singh | $1,500,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Leslie N. Lunak | $437,500 | $306,250 |
| Thomas M. Cornish | $945,000 | $708,750 |
| Rishi Bansal | $450,000 | $337,500 |
In view of reduced profitability and a lower stock price for much of the year, the Compensation Committee determined that none of our NEOs would receive a base salary increase in 2015.
Short-Term Cash Incentive Awards
All performance-based short-term cash incentive awards granted to our NEOs are granted pursuant to our Annual Incentive Plan and are determined byan AIP award less than the target level was appropriate. However, the Compensation Committee. The Annual Incentive Plan
43
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Committee also believed it was last approved by our stockholders at our 2013 annual meeting.
Messrs. Kanas and Singh received cash incentive awards in 2015 for both the 2015 Performance Period and the Interim Period, during the latter of which they were not employed pursuantimportant to the employment agreements.
The Compensation Committee set the performance criteria of top quartile results as compared to the Performance Peer Group in the following four metrics: year-over-year deposit growth, year-over-year loan growth, non-performing assets ratio (excluding covered assets) and reserve coverage ratio (excluding covered assets). These metrics were used as the basis for compensation for both the 2015 Performance Period and for the Interim Period. The Compensation Committee believesprovide an award that the performance metrics appropriately aligned Messrs. Kanas and Singh with the overall long-term objectives of the Company and with the interests of stockholders.
The opportunity for the cash incentive award for the 2015 Performance Period was as follows:
|
| | |
| Performance Period: July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015 |
| Number of | Total Incentive Opportunity |
| Performance Metrics at Top Quartile or Higher | Mr. Kanas | Mr. Singh |
| 0-1 | $— | $— |
| 2 | $1,190,000 | $250,000 |
| 3 (Target) | $1,530,000 | $375,000 |
| 4 (Maximum) | $1,870,000 | $500,000 |
The Compensation Committee, working with Deloitte Consulting, determined that the payout schedule for performance during the Interim Period would be similar to what Messrs. Kanas and Singh had been historically compensated under their prior employment agreements.
The three-year average total compensation for the duration of the employment agreements was $5,890,000 and $3,000,000 for Messrs. Kanas and Singh, respectively. The Compensation Committee determined that during the Interim Period, the target total compensation for Messrs. Kanas and Singh would be equal to the total compensation each executive historically received on a pro-rata basis. Based upon their historical compensation,
the Compensation Committee established that the opportunity for the cash incentive during the Interim Period for Messrs. Kanas and Singh would be as follows:
|
| | |
| Interim Performance Period: July 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015 |
| Number of | Total Incentive Opportunity |
| Performance Metrics at Top Quartile or Higher | Mr. Kanas | Mr. Singh |
| 0-1 | $— | $— |
| 2 | $1,559,000 | $625,000 |
| 3 (Target) | $2,252,000 | $938,000 |
| 4 (Maximum) | $2,945,000 | $1,250,000 |
For the 2015 Performance Period, as well as the Interim Period, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company achieved top quartile performance for all four performance metrics and Messrs. Kanas and Singh were paid out the maximum amount for both performance periods. . The following table indicates the Company’s actualrecognized management's performance with respect to each metrickey strategic priorities relative to peers and the top quartile threshold relativeresponse to the Performance Peer Group:COVID-19 crisis.
|
| | | | |
| Performance Metric | 2015 Performance Period | Interim Period |
| Company Performance | Top Quartile of Peers Performance | Company Performance | Top Quartile of Peers Performance |
| Year-over-year total deposit portfolio growth rate | 27% | 17% | 22% | 12% |
| Year-over-year total loan and lease (including operating leases) portfolio growth rate | 37% | 22% | 32% | 15% |
| Non-performing assets ratio (excluding covered assets) | 0.29% | 0.69% | 0.26% | 0.50% |
| Reserve coverage ratio | 171% | 122% | 204% | 131% |
An overriding feature of this performance-basedIn 2020, Mr. Richards was eligible to receive a cash incentive program (as well as any long-term equity-based compensation) is that in the event BankUnited fails to be well-capitalized in any year, as defined by the applicable federal banking regulator for purposes of the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, no cash incentive (or long-term equity-based compensation) will be payable to Messrs. Kanas and Singh, regardless of the Company having met the established performance criteria.
Short-term cash incentive awards for our other NEOs, Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto, were discretionary. Incentive amounts wasaward determined in accordance with the Company's Policy on Incentive Compensation Arrangements, which provides that incentive amounts are to be based on the past, present and expected future contributions of an employee or group of employees to the overall success, safety and soundness of the organization. Factors considered by the Compensation Committee in evaluating those contributions include, among other things: overall individual performance, overall organizational performance, individual contribution to organizational performance, business segment performance, successful completion of projects or initiatives and level of individual responsibilities. The Company's Policy on Incentive Compensation Arrangements is designed to balance risk and financial, operational and strategic results in a manner that does not encourage employees to expose the Company to imprudent risks.
On February 24, 2021, the Compensation Committee evaluated the performance of Mr. Richards based on the factors above and approved a discretionary cash incentive award in the amount of $245,000. For 2019, Mr. Richards received a discretionary cash incentive award in the amount of $350,000.
2020 LTIP Awards
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak |
In 2020, Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak were eligible to receive an annual grant of RSUs. On March 31, 2020, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Singh 54,705 RSUs, with a grant date fair value of $1,250,009, Mr. Cornish 24,125 RSUs, with a grant date fair value of $551,256, Mr. Bansal 14,224 RSUs, with a grant date fair value of $325,018 and Ms. Lunak 13,677 RSUs, with a grant date fair value of $312,519. The first one-fourth vested on December 31, 2020, and one-fourth will vest on each of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Performance-Based Awards (PSUs) - Performance Period January 1, 2020- December 31, 2023 |
In 2020, Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak were eligible to receive an annual grant of PSUs.
•Performance will be measured based on the achievement relative to specified peer companies of three equally-weighted performance metrics determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) relative growth in earnings per share; (ii) relative 4-year total shareholder return; and (iii) relative average annual net charge-off ratio. Relative growth in earnings per share and relative 4-year total shareholder return are metrics that the Compensation Committee believes serve to align the compensation of our NEOs with the interests of our shareholders. The relative annual net charge-off ratio performance metric serves to discourage excessive risk taking.
◦Relative growth in earnings per share and relative net charge-off ratio are measured against the 2020 compensation peer group and relative total shareholder return is measured against the banks in the KBW Regional Bank Index at both the beginning and end of the performance period.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
◦The PSU award was denominated in a target number of shares at the beginning of the performance period based on the target value of the PSU award and the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the grant date. The actual number of shares earned will be determined at the end of the four-year measurement period based on actual performance.
◦At the end of the performance period, the Company's performance with respect to each of the equally-weighted performance metrics will be assigned a percentile ranking. The number of PSUs earned at the end of the performance period will be determined based on the APR.
◦Following feedback from investors in the fall of 2019, the Compensation Committee made adjustments to the performance grid for LTIP awards so that a target payout requires performance at the 50th percentile. PSU awards are measured against identified threshold (25th percentile), target (50th percentile) and maximum (75th percentile) levels of performance. Performance between threshold and target and between and target and maximum performance levels will be interpolated on a linear basis. Awards are capped at 150% of each NEOs target. The performance grid is presented below:
| | | | | |
| APR | Payout (% of Target) |
| <25% | —% |
| 25% | 50% |
| 50% | 100% |
| 75% | 150% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Threshold, Target and Maximum performance levels for PSUs Granted in 2020 |
| 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Threshold | Threshold Shares | Target | Target Shares | Maximum | Maximum Shares |
| Rajinder P. Singh | $625,000 | 27,353 | $1,250,000 | 54,705 | $1,875,000 | 82,057 |
| Leslie N. Lunak | $156,250 | 6,839 | $312,500 | 13,677 | $468,750 | 20,515 |
| Thomas M. Cornish | $275,625 | 12,063 | $551,250 | 24,125 | $826,875 | 36,188 |
| Rishi Bansal | $162,500 | 7,112 | $325,000 | 14,224 | $487,500 | 21,335 |
Mr. Richards did not participate in the LTIP in 2020.
In 2020, Mr. Richards was eligible to receive a restricted stock award in accordance with the Company's Policy on Incentive Compensation Arrangements, the amount of which was determined on the same basis as his annual incentive award. On February 24, 2021, the Compensation Committee evaluated the performance of Mr. Richards and effective March 1, 2021 approved a discretionary restricted stock award of 12,000 shares to Mr. Richards, which are scheduled to vest in equal installments on March 1, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, subject to his continued service.
PSUs Granted in February 2018
As previously disclosed in our 2019 proxy statement, Messrs. Singh and Cornish and Ms. Lunak were granted PSUs in March 2018 for the performance period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The PSU awards were denominated in a target number of shares at the beginning of the performance period based on the target value of the PSU award and the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the grant date.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Performance was measured based on the achievement relative to selected peers of three equally-weighted performance metrics, which were determined by the Compensation Committee: (i) relative growth in tangible book value per share (3-year compound annual growth rate); (ii) relative total shareholder return; and (iii) relative average annual net charge-off ratio.
Relative growth in tangible book value per share and relative average net charge-off ratio were measured against the 2018 compensation peer group and total shareholder return was measured against the banks in the KBW Regional Bank Index at both the beginning and end of the performance period.
The Compensation Committee reviewed discretionary cash incentive awardsthe Company's performance with respect to each of the performance metrics in March 2021 and determined the percentile ranking for Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto in February 2016 and approved cash incentive awards for their performance and contributionseach metric relative to the Company and Bank in fiscal year 2015 in the amounts of $332,500 for Ms. Lunak, $600,000 for Mr. Cornish and $350,000 for Mr. Roberto.
Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation
In general, we provide a significant portion of the compensation to our NEOs in the form of long-term equity-based compensation. We believe that equity awards reward the achievement of long-term goals, align the interest of executives with those of stockholders, foster employee stock ownership and strengthen retention among our executives.
In 2015, Messrs. Kanas and Singh weredesignated peer group. The amount awarded long-term equity-based compensationwas determined based on the same fourAPR in accordance with the following grid. The Company's performance metrics being met as described aboveresulted in an APR of 47.87% and under the heading "—Short-Term Cash Incentive Awards"existing payout structure resulted in a payout at the target level. As discussed above, in response to feedback from our shareholders, for LTIP awards granted in 2020 and pursuant to their respective employment agreements. The grant date value of performance shares awarded in respect of any performance period is determined bybeyond, the Compensation Committee andadopted a revised performance grid such that performance sharesat or above the 50th percentile is required to earn awards at the target level.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2018 PSUs - Award Amounts in Number of Shares |
| APR | Payout (% of Target) | Rajinder P. Singh | Leslie N. Lunak | Thomas M. Cornish |
| 0% - 33% | -% | - | - | - |
| 34% - 66% | 100% | 30,766 | 7,692 | 13,568 |
| 67% - 100% | 150% | 46,149 | 11,538 | 20,352 |
Results for 2018 are awarded only if specified performance measurements are metsummarized below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Growth in Tangible Book Value Per Share (3-yr CAGR) | Relative 3-year Total Shareholder Return | Relative Net Charge-off Ratio | APR |
| BankUnited | 4.21% | -6.00% | 0.14% | |
| Percentile Ranking | 20.90% | 62.80% | 59.90% | 47.87% |
Growth in tangible book value per share for the applicablethree-year performance period.
The potential valueperiod ended December 31, 2020 was impacted by the repurchase of the performance share awards for Messrs. Kanas and Singh during the 2015 Performance Period was as follows:
|
| | |
| Number of | Total Value of Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation |
| Performance Metrics at Top Quartile or Higher | Mr. Kanas | Mr. Singh |
| 0-1 | $— | $— |
| 2 | $340,000 | $250,000 |
| 3 (Target) | $680,000 | $375,000 |
| 4 (Maximum) | $1,020,000 | $500,000 |
Performance-based share awards are granted pursuant to our 2010 and 2014 Omnibus Equity Plans. Pursuant to the terms of the BankUnited, Inc. 2010 and 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plans Award Agreements, participants shall be the record owners of earned performance-based$300 million in shares and are generally entitled to all rights of common stockholders of the Company, including the right to receive dividends.
The Compensation Committee evaluated the Company’s performance against applicable performance metrics for the 2015 Performance Period and determined that the Company achieved top quartile performance for all four performance metrics. Accordingly, in August 2015, the Compensation Committee approved performance shares with a grant date value of $1,020,029 to Mr. Kanas and $500,014 to Mr. Singh. One-third of the performance shares vest on the date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting one-third on June 30 of each of 2016 and 2017.
For our other NEOs, the Compensation Committee awarded restricted stock grants pursuant to the terms of the 2010 and 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plans. These awards generally vest in three equal annual installments, starting on the first anniversary of the grant date. Pursuant to the terms of the BankUnited, Inc. 2010 and 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plans award agreements, participants shall be the record owners of restricted shares and are generally entitled to all rights of common stockholders of the Company, including the right to receive dividends.
We typically grant stock awards early in the year as part of total year-end compensation awarded for prior year performance. The Compensation Committee reviewed restricted stock awards for Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto in February 2016 for performance in 2015, and approved awards of 12,500 shares to Ms. Lunak, 20,000 shares to Mr. Cornish, and 10,000 shares to Mr. Roberto.
For additional information regarding certain provisionsduring 2018; this repurchase activity was related to our NEOs' equity awards, see "—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control."
OTHER BENEFITS
Change in Control Agreements
Ms. Lunak has a change in control agreement pursuant to which, if her employment is terminateddiscrete income tax benefit of $328 million recorded by the Company without Cause (as defined in the change in control agreement), or by her due to a reduction in base salary, each within six months following a change in control2017.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| OTHER ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION |
Retirement Programs
All of the Company, she would be entitled to a payment inCompany's full-time employees (including the amount equal to one year of her base salary, payable on the date that is six months following the change in control. The agreement further provides for payment, on the date that is six months following completion of the change in control, of a lump sum retention bonus equal to one year of base salary (as in effect immediately prior to the change in control), subject to her continued employment with BankUnited and any successor to BankUnited through such date.
Mr. Roberto has a change in control agreement similar in structure to Ms. Lunak’s agreement. However, the lump sum payment is an amount equal to $700,000 less the value of any and all equity awards granted during his employment with the Company. As of December 31, 2015, the value of Mr. Roberto's equity awards exceeded $700,000 and the Company would have met its obligation pursuant to his change in control.
Mr. Cornish does not have a change in control agreement with us. However, his offer letter dated February 6, 2014, contains a provision whereby if his employment is terminated by the Company without Cause within the first year of employment, he would be entitled to an accelerated vesting of 33,333 restricted shares (one-third of his initial grant) and a severance payment of $500,000. This provision expired on February 6, 2015 and is no longer applicable.
For additional information regarding the terms of these agreements, see "—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control."
Limited Perquisites
The Company provides very limited perquisites. Our NEOs as well as all of our full-time and part-time employeesCompany's NEOs) are eligible to participate in oura 401(k) retirement plan under which we provide a matching feature. Our NEOs as well asplan. In addition, certain of ourthe Company's employees, including the NEOs, are eligible to participate in our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.Plan, the terms of which are described in additional detail below under "Nonqualified Deferred Compensation." The Company has no defined benefit pension plans.
Welfare Programs
The Company offers a variety of health and other welfare benefit programs to all employees, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability insurance. The Company's NEOs are generally eligible to participate in these employee benefit plans on the same basis as the rest of the Company's employees. In 2015, Messrs. Kanasaddition,
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
pursuant to Mr. Singh's employment agreement, the Company pays all premiums on and otherwise maintains in good standing a second to die split-dollar life insurance arrangement providing for a death benefit of $15 million.
No Excise Tax Gross-Ups and Limited Perquisites
The Company does not provide excise tax gross-ups to its employees. Mr. Singh each receivedhas non-exclusive access to a car allowanceCompany provided automobile and Mr. Kanas was provideddriver primarily for business purposes, with access for personal use depending on availability. This limited transportation perquisite is similar to that offered by companies with which the Company competes for talent and enables employees to better focus on their duties to the Company. In addition, when traveling on Company business, the CEO is occasionally permitted to bring his spouse on the Company aircraft, which does not result in incremental cost to the Company.
Limited Severance Arrangements
In order to promote the retention of our executive leadership team, particularly in the event of a company-paid driver.potentially disruptive corporate transaction, the Company provides customary but limited severance arrangements to its NEOs. In addition, the CEO is party to an employment agreement with the Company. The terms of these arrangements are described below under "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control."
Equity Ownership Requirement
We believe that requiring members of our senior management to invest and maintain ownership in our Company serves to alignbetter aligns their interests with the interests of our stockholders. In connection with our initial public offering in 2011, we adopted a policy relating to the minimum amount of equity securities that certain executive officers must retain so long as they are employed by us. This policy,shareholders. The Company's Executive Ownership Policy provides that so long as Mr. Kanasthe executive is employed byand a NEO, the Company or its affiliates, heexecutive will not transfersell equity other than for purposes of tax withholding due upon the settlement of an equity award or to pay the exercise price due upon the exercise of an option if after giving effect to such transfer, his retained equity (including vested and unvested equity, including options) has a value that is less than twelve times his base salary. As of March 31, 2016, Mr. Kanas held equity securities (including vested and unvested equity, including options) having a value well in excess of twelve-times his base salary.
Additionally, for Mr. Singh, the policy provides that so long as he is employed by the Company or its affiliates, he will not transfer equity if, after giving effect to such transfer, his respective retained equity (including vested and unvested equity, including options) has a value that is less than five times his base salary. As of March
31, 2016, Mr. Singh held equity securities (including vested and unvested equity, including options) having a value well in excess of five-times his base salary.
As of March 31, 2016, we amended our policy to include ownership requirements for all other NEOs. As such, the policy provides that so long as the Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto are employed by the Company or its affiliates, he or she will not transfer equity if, after giving effect to such transfer,sale, his or her respective retained equity (including vested and unvested equity, includingshares and options) has a value that is less than two and a half timesthe required multiple of his or her respective base salary, Atsalary.
Our current guidelines require:
| | | | | |
| Named Executive Officer | Minimum Equity Ownership |
| Chief Executive Officer | 6 times base salary |
| All Other Named Executive Officers | 3 times base salary |
The NEOs have three years from the time the policy was adopted, all NEOs held equity securities (including vesteddate they were appointed as a NEO to meet their target ownership level requirement. Mr. Richards became a NEO in 2019 and is still within his three year accumulation period. The stock ownership requirement may be satisfied by:
•Vested and unvested equity) having a value in excesscommon stock
•Vested and unvested stock options
•Vested and unvested restricted share units
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity Ownership |
| Named Executive Officer | | Ownership Requirement | | Approximate Stock Value Required to be Held | | Holds Required Amount | | Percent of Required Amount Owned (1) |
| Rajinder P. Singh | | 6 X Base Salary | | $6,000,000 | | Yes | | 389% |
| Leslie N. Lunak | | 3 X Base Salary | | $1,500,000 | | Yes | | 293% |
| Thomas M. Cornish | | 3 X Base Salary | | $1,890,000 | | Yes | | 333% |
| Rishi Bansal | | 3 X Base Salary | | $1,350,000 | | Yes | | 125% |
| Jay D. Richards | | 3 X Base Salary | | $1,200,000 | | Yes | | 112% |
(1) Value is based on the $43.95 closing price of two and a half times his or her respective base salary.our stock on March 31, 2021.
Recoupment Policy
On March 31, 2016, we adoptedThe Company has a recoupment policy, which provides that, if we are required to prepare an accounting restatement of our financial statements due to material noncompliance with any reporting requirement, our Board (or a committee thereof) may require reimbursement or forfeiture of incentive-based compensation received by any of our current or former executive officersNEOs during the three-year period preceding the date on which we are required to prepare the accounting restatement,restatement. The amount to be recouped is based on the excess of the amount of incentive-based compensation paid based on the erroneous data, in excess of whatfinancial information over the amount that would have been paid tobased on the executive officer under the accounting restatement.financial information as restated. This policy is in addition to our ability to seek reimbursement or forfeiture of compensation pursuant to the terms of any plan, policy or agreement or applicable law.
Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging of Company Securities
The Company has an anti-hedging policy Pursuant to our Insider Trading Policy, our directors, executive officers, and other employees and their related parties, which prohibits directorsincludes spouses, minor children, and other family members who reside in the same household and any other entities in which such persons exercise or share control (“Covered Persons”) are prohibited from pledging the Company’s securities as collateral for a loan or holding the Company’s securities in a margin account.
Directors and executive officers of the Company are prohibited from engaging in hedging transactions with respect to Company securities such as (but not limited to) zero-cost collars, equity swaps, and forward sale contracts in the Company’s securities. Other employeescontracts. All Covered Persons are restrictedprohibited from engaging in theseany such hedging transactions while in possession of material non-public information regarding the Company. In addition to our existing anti-hedging policy, in February 2016, we adopted an anti-pledging policy that restricts all directors, executive officers and other employees from pledging the Company's securities as collateral for a loan or from holding securities in a margin account, to be effective as of June 1, 2016.
Tax Implications
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 162(m)") generally disallows a federal income tax deduction to public companies for compensation greater than $1 million paid in any tax year to specifiedcovered executive officers unlessofficers. Under prior law, there was an exception to the $1 million deduction limitation for compensation isthat meets the requirements of "qualified performance-based compensation" under; however, for tax years after 2017, this exception has been eliminated, subject to limited transition relief that section. Certainapplies to certain arrangement in place as of November 2, 2017. As a result, compensation paid to our compensation arrangements are designed to permit us to grant awardsNEOs in excess of $1 million may not be deductible for taxable years commencing after December 31, 2017. Further, no assurance can be given that may qualify as "qualified performance-based compensation;" however, it is possible that awardscompensation intended to satisfy the requirements for exemption from Section 162(m) in fact will qualify for future tax deductibility. Despite the tax deduction may not so qualify if all requirementschange in law, the Compensation Committee intends to continue to implement compensation programs that it believes are competitive and in the best interests of the "qualified performance-based compensation" exemption are not met. Furthermore, our Compensation Committee believes that the tax deduction is only one of several relevant considerations in setting executive compensationCompany and takes into account a multitude of factors in making executive compensation decisions. Accordingly, our Compensation Committee may, in certain circumstances, approve compensation arrangements that provide for compensation that is not deductible for federal income tax purposes.its shareholders.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Compensation Risk Assessment
At least annually, our Compensation Committee conducts an assessment ofassesses the compensation policies and practices forapplicable to our employees, including our executive officers, and considers whether such policies and practices createdcreate risks that wereare reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Additionally, our Enterprise Risk Management group periodically performs an independent risk assessment of all of the Company's incentive compensation arrangements, including those applicable to our NEOs. The most recent such risk assessment was completed in 2020.
We believe our compensation programs strike the appropriate balance between the short-term and long-term components.performance of the Company. We consider the potential risks in our business when designing and administering our compensation
programs, and we believe our balanced approach to performance measurement and compensation decisions works to mitigatemitigates the risk that employees, including our executive officers, will be encouraged to undertake excessive or inappropriate risk. The Company's compensation program also is subject to internal controls and to audit by our internal audit function, and we rely on principles of sound governance and good business judgment in administering our compensation programs.
Based on its assessment in 2015,2020, our Compensation Committee has determined, in its reasonable business judgment, that the Company's compensation policies and practices as generally applicable to its executive officers and employees do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company and instead promote behaviors that support long-term sustainability and stockholder value creation.
2016 COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Overview
As will be described in further detail in the proxy statement for our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, the Compensation Committee, working with Deloitte Consulting, made significant modifications to the 2016 compensation program for our NEOs and the employment agreements for Messrs. Kanas and Singh were revised accordingly. We believe our new compensation program properly addresses the concerns of our stockholders, strengthens pay for performance and further aligns the interests of our executives to the long-term success of the Company.
New Peer Group49
The Compensation Committee, working with Deloitte Consulting, created a new industry peer group (“New Peer Group”) for the Company that takes into consideration publicly traded U.S. banks and thrifts, asset size and market capitalization, as well as geographic footprint and business models. We believe the New Peer Group represents the companies with which we currently compete for executive talent, and also includes our principal business competitors. When the New Peer Group was developed in July 2015, BankUnited, was positioned at the 55th percentile for total assets and 48th percentile for market capitalization. The New Peer Group, which was used to benchmark compensation for 2016 and will be used to measure relative performance under our annual and long-term incentive plans (which are described further below) is as follows:Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
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| |
Astoria Financial Corp. | PacWest Bancorp |
BancorpSouth | People's United Financial |
Cullen/Frost Bankers | PrivateBancorp |
Everbank Financial Corp. | Prosperity Bancshares |
First Republic Bank | Signature Bank |
Iberiabank Corp. | Texas Capital Bancshares |
Investors Bancorp | Valley National Bancorp |
New York Community Bancorp | Western Alliance Bancorporation |
The original peer group included City National Bank, but was subsequently removed as it was acquired by Royal Bank of Canada at the end of 2015.
Employment Agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh
On February 2, 2016, the Compensation Committee approved employment agreements by and between the Company and each of Messrs. Kanas and Singh. Each employment agreement has a three-year term, commencing as of January 1, 2016, which may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties (the “Employment Term”). If the Employment Term would expire on or following the date of the first public announcement of a transaction or other event that would constitute a change in control (such announcement, a “Public Announcement”) and prior to consummation of such change in control, the Employment Term would automatically extend for a period of one
year from the date the Employment Term would otherwise have expired, except that the Employment Term would end if such potential change in control were terminated or abandoned. During the Employment Term, Mr. Kanas will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, reporting to our Board, and Mr. Singh will continue to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.
Key Components of Compensation under the Employment Agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh
The key components of compensation, as provided under the terms of the employment agreements, are as follows:
|
| | |
2016 Employment Agreements |
Element of Pay | Description | Purpose |
Base Salary | Fixed cash compensation | To attract and retain key executive talent and to compensate for services rendered during the fiscal year |
Short-Term Incentive Award | Performance-based cash payment based on financial, operational and strategic metrics | To motivate executive officers to achieve the Company's annual strategic and financial goals |
Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) - Time-Based | Restricted Stock Units with 3-year vesting based on continued service (at Target payout, would comprise 50% of total LTIP award) | To align interests of executives and stockholders, use as retention tool and provide appropriate balance of at-risk compensation |
LTIP- Performance-Based | Performance Stock Units with 3-year performance-based vesting (at Target payout, would comprise 50% of total LTIP award) | To motivate executive officers to create long-term value creation for our stockholders |
The performance criteria for Messrs. Kanas and Singh during the 2016 fiscal year for both the short-term cash incentive and LTIP awards were set by the Compensation Committee, which has the right to change the criteria each year. For the 2016 fiscal year, the criteria for the short-term cash incentive and the LTIP performance award are as follows:
Short-term incentive criteria:
| |
◦ | Five performance metrics measured against peer group as defined by the Compensation Committee. |
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◦ | Relative year-over-year growth measured for the following: new loans and leases portfolio, deposit portfolio and operating net income. |
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◦ | Maintenance of strong asset quality ratios measured by relative non-performing assets ratio (excluding covered assets) and reserve coverage ratio (excluding covered loans). |
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◦ | Awards payable in cash and maximum awards will reflect performance at or above the 85th percentile of the defined peer group.
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◦ | Payouts are capped at 150% of the executive’s target award value. |
LTIP performance criteria:
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◦ | Relative performance metrics to be measured on the achievement of three equally-weighted performance metrics and include: operating net income growth, total stockholder return and net charge-off ratio. |
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◦ | Performance will be measured over a three-year period. |
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◦ | The performance share award will be denominated in a target number of shares at the beginning of the performance period with fair market value of the grant based on the target value of the performance award. The actual number of shares earned will be determined at the end of the three-year measurement period based on actual performance and the fair market value on the date of grant. |
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◦ | Maximum awards will reflect performance at or above the top third of the defined peer group. |
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◦ | Payouts are capped at 150% of the executive’s target award value. |
Consistent with the terms of the prior awards granted to Messrs. Kanas and Singh pursuant to their prior employment agreements, if BankUnited fails to be well-capitalized in any year, as defined by the applicable federal banking regulator for purposes of the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, no awards will be payable or granted to Messrs. Kanas and Singh, regardless of the Company having met the established performance criteria. In addition, the Compensation Committee reserves the right to use its discretion to adjust the financial results of the Company for unplanned or unforeseen events that impact financial statements, such as acquisitions and changes in legislation. Such adjustments would also be applied to the peers to allow for relative performance comparisons.
An illustrative breakdown of total compensation based on the achievement of certain performance criteria is as follows for each of Messrs. Kanas and Singh:
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| | | |
| John A. Kanas 2016 Employment Agreement |
| Component | Low | Target | Maximum |
| Base Salary | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 |
| Short-Term Cash Incentive | $-- | $1,950,000 | $2,925,000 |
| LTIP - Time | $1,202,500 | $1,202,500 | $1,202,500 |
| LTIP - Performance | $-- | $1,202,500 | $1,803,750 |
| Total Compensation | $2,502,500 | $5,655,000 | $7,231,250 |
| % Performance-Based Compensation | —% | 56% | 65% |
|
| | | |
| Rajinder P. Singh 2016 Employment Agreement |
| Component | Low | Target | Maximum |
| Base Salary | $700,000 | $700,000 | $700,000 |
| Short-Term Cash Incentive | $-- | $1,050,000 | $1,575,000 |
| LTIP - Time | $525,000 | $525,000 | $525,000 |
| LTIP - Performance | $-- | $525,000 | $787,500 |
| Total Compensation | $1,225,000 | $2,800,000 | $3,587,500 |
| % Performance-Based Compensation | —% | 56% | 66% |
Other Terms of the Employment Agreement with Messrs. Kanas and Singh
Benefit Plans
Each of Messrs. Kanas and Singh will also be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans and perquisites on the same basis as generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, as well as other benefits specified under the employment agreements. For Mr. Singh, such specified benefits include a commitment by the Company to purchase, pay all premiums on and otherwise maintain in good standing a second-to-die life insurance policy with a death benefit of not less than $15 million (the “Split-Dollar Life Insurance Policy”).
Severance and Change-in-Control Terms
The employment agreements provide that, in the event of an executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason (each, as defined in the employment agreements)
during the Employment Term, such executive would be entitled to receive, subject to the executive’s execution of a release of claims against the Company, (i) payment of an amount equal to two times the sum of the applicable executive’s base salary and Target Annual Incentive (or three times such sum if termination occurs on or following a change in control); (ii) payment of the executive’s prorated annual incentive award based on actual performance for the year of termination (or a prorated annual incentive award based on target performance if termination occurs on or following a change in control); (iii) full vesting of the restricted share unit awards (and any other time-based equity awards); (iv) vesting of the performance unit awards (and any other performance-based equity awards) based on actual achievement for the performance criteria (or, if the termination occurs following a Public Announcement, the performance unit awards will convert into a time-based restricted stock unit award (with the number of units determined based on the award agreement) that vest on the later of the change in control and the date of termination); (v) continued coverage under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s expense for up to 24 months following termination; and (vi) for Mr. Singh, continuation of the Split-Dollar Life Insurance Policy.
In addition, the employment agreements provide that, in the event of Messrs. Kanas’ or Singh’s termination of employment during the Employment Term due to the applicable executive’s death or Disability (as defined in the employment agreements), such executive would be entitled to receive the benefits described in (iii)-(vi) above, as applicable, and in the event such executive continues his employment with the Company following expiration of the Employment Term and his employment is subsequently terminated for any reason, such executive will be entitled to receive the benefits described in (iii), (iv) and (vi) above, as applicable.
Upon a change in control, the performance unit awards granted to Messr. Kanas and Singh under their employment agreements automatically convert to time-based restricted share units (“Converted RSUs”) that vest at the completion of the three-year performance period, subject to the applicable executive’s continued employment with the Company through the vesting date. In the event an executive’s termination of employment due to the executive’s death or Disability, without Cause by the Company, for Good Reason by the executive or for any reason following the expiration of such executive’s employment agreement, in each case, prior a Public Announcement, any unvested portions of the performance unit awards will vest based on actual achievement of the performance criteria. If any such termination occurs on or following a Public Announcement and contingent on the consummation of the change in control, the Converted RSUs will fully vest on the later to occur of (i) the date of such change in control and (ii) the termination date.
The employment agreements do not require the Company to reimburse the executives for the amount of any golden parachute excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. Instead, if the payments to be received by either executive under the employment agreements would result in the imposition of the golden parachute excise tax, the amounts payable will be paid in full or reduced to such lesser amounts that would result in no portion of the payments being subject to the golden parachute excise tax, whichever would result in such executive’s receipt of the greatest amount under his employment agreement on an after-tax basis.
Restrictive Covenants
Each of the executives is subject to confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations under the employment agreements, as well as non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for a period of 18 months following a termination of employment during the Employment Term by the Company for Cause or following Executive’s voluntary resignation without Good Reason.
The employment agreements are subject to regulatory laws to the extent applicable.
Compensation for our Other Named Executive Officers
Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto have not entered into employment agreements, but they are participants under a new compensation plan that ties a substantial portion of their total compensation to performance.
For Ms. Lunak, beginning with the 2016 fiscal year, both her short-term cash incentive award and long-term incentive award will be tied to the same performance metrics as Messrs. Kanas and Singh’s short-term incentive program. For Mr. Cornish, both of short-term cash incentive award and long-term incentive award will be tied to prudent loan and deposit growth in the Florida market. For Mr. Roberto, both his short-term cash incentive award and long-term incentive award will be tied to deposit growth in the New York market.
An illustrative summary of total compensation for Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto at target performance is as follows:
|
| | | |
| Component | Lunak | Cornish | Roberto |
| Base Salary | $400,000 | $500,000 | $300,000 |
| Short-Term Cash Incentive | $350,000 | $600,000 | $350,000 |
| LTIP - Performance | $400,000 | $650,000 | $350,000 |
| Total Compensation | $1,150,000 | $1,750,000 | $1,000,000 |
| % Performance-Based Compensation | 65% | 71% | 70% |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material" or "filed" with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
The Compensation Committee
Michael J. Dowling, Chair
Tere Blanca
Eugene F. DeMarkA. Gail Prudenti
Sanjiv Sobti, Ph.D.
50
42BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Summary Compensation Table for 20152020
The following summary compensation table sets forth the total compensation paid or accrued for the years 2013, 20142018, 2019 and 20152020 to our named executive officers.NEOs.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | Bonus ($) (2) | | Stock Awards ($)(3)(4)(5) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | All Other Compensation ($) | | Total ($) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Rajinder P. Singh | | 2020 | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | | | 2,500,019 | | | — | | | — | | | 176,562 | | (6) | 4,676,581 | |
| Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | | 2019 | | 1,000,000 | | | — | | | 2,500,028 | | | 1,500,000 | | | 731 | | | 319,470 | | | 5,320,229 | |
| 2018 | | 985,460 | | | — | | | 2,500,045 | | | 1,500,000 | | | — | | | 613,872 | | | 5,599,377 | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | | 2020 | | 500,000 | | | 306,250 | | | 625,039 | | | — | | | — | | | 12,825 | | (7) | 1,444,114 | |
| Chief Financial Officer | | 2019 | | 500,000 | | | — | | | 625,007 | | | 437,500 | | | 1,111 | | | 12,600 | | | 1,576,218 | |
| 2018 | | 500,000 | | | — | | | 625,052 | | | 437,500 | | | — | | | 12,375 | | | 1,574,927 | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | | 2020 | | 630,000 | | | 708,750 | | | 1,102,513 | | | — | | | — | | | 12,825 | | (7) | 2,454,088 | |
| Chief Operating Officer | | 2019 | | 630,000 | | | — | | | 1,102,541 | | | 945,000 | | | 342 | | | 12,600 | | | 2,690,483 | |
| 2018 | | 630,000 | | | — | | | 1,102,536 | | | 945,000 | | | — | | | 12,375 | | | 2,689,911 | |
| Rishi Bansal | | 2020 | | 450,000 | | | 337,500 | | | 650,037 | | | — | | | — | | | 12,825 | | (7) | 1,450,362 | |
| Chief Investment Officer BankUnited, N.A. | | 2019 | | 450,000 | | | — | | | 650,042 | | | 450,000 | | | 503 | | | 12,600 | | | 1,563,145 | |
| 2018 | | 441,667 | | | — | | | 805,600 | | | 450,000 | | | — | | | 12,375 | | | 1,709,642 | |
Jay D. Richards(1) | | 2020 | | 391,667 | | | 245,000 | | | 370,800 | | | — | | | — | | | 12,825 | | (7) | 1,020,292 | |
| Chief Risk Officer BankUnited, N.A. | | 2019 | | 350,000 | | | 350,000 | | | 366,500 | | | — | | | — | | | 17,600 | | | 1,084,100 | |
1.Mr. Richards was not a NEO in 2018. Mr. Richard's base salary was increased from $350,000 to $400,000 effective March 1, 2020.
2.The amounts reported for 2020 represents a discretionary bonus earned for performance in 2020 and paid during the first quarter of 2021.
3.Amounts shown do not reflect the compensation actually realized in 2020 by the NEOs. Instead, amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of performance and restricted shares granted to the NEOs during 2020 calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information on the assumptions used in determining fair value for share-based compensation, refer to Notes 1 and 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Due to the volatility of our stock price in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic, the Compensation Committee determined to use the average closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for the period of March 2 - 30, 2020. The high closing price was $30.90, the low closing price was $15.63 and the average closing price was $22.85.
4.On March 31, 2020, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Singh 54,705 RSUs and 54,705 PSUs, Mr. Cornish 24,125 RSUs and 24,125 PSUs, Ms. Lunak 13,677 RSUs and 13,677 PSUs and Mr. Bansal 14,224 RSUs and 14,224 PSUs. For PSUs, the amount included is based on the probable outcome of performance conditions, which is equal to the target amount. Assuming satisfaction of performance conditions at the maximum level, the PSUs granted to (w) Mr. Singh would have had a grant date fair value of $1,875,002 (as opposed to the target grant date fair value of $1,250,009 reported above); (x) Mr. Cornish would have had a grant date fair value of $826,896 (as opposed to the target grant date fair value of $551,256 reported above); (y) Ms. Lunak would have had a grant date fair value of $468,768 (as opposed to the target grant date of $312,519 reported above); and (z) Mr. Bansal would have had a grant date fair value of $487,505 (as opposed to the target grant date of $325,018 reported above).
5.Other than RSUs and PSUs, we typically grant stock awards in the first quarter of each year as part of total year-end compensation awarded for prior year performance. As a result, the amounts for those stock awards generally appear in the Summary Compensation Table for the year after the performance year upon which they were based. On March 2, 2020, Mr. Richards was awarded 12,000 restricted shares for his performance in the 2019 fiscal year and overall contributions to the Company.
6.Includes contributions of $12,825 and $99,675 made by us on Mr. Singh's behalf to our 401(k) plan and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, respectively, $8,998 for personal use of a company owned automobile, $22,477 for personal use of a company
51
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) (1) | Bonus ($) (2) (3) (4) | Stock Awards ($) (5) (6) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(7) (8) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings $ (9) | All Other Compensation ($) (10) | | Total ($) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| John A. Kanas | 2015 | — |
| — |
| 1,020,029 |
| 4,815,000 |
| — |
| 196,100 |
| (10 | ) | 6,031,129 |
|
| Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | 2014 | — |
| 1,500,000 |
| 1,020,000 |
| 1,870,000 |
| — |
| 262,278 |
| | 4,652,278 |
|
| 2013 | — |
| 1,500,000 |
| 1,020,021 |
| 1,870,000 |
| 21,249 |
| 231,337 |
| | 4,642,607 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | 2015 | 400,000 |
| 332,500 |
| 391,875 |
| — |
| — |
| 11,925 |
| (11 | ) | 1,136,300 |
|
| Chief Financial Officer | 2014 | 400,000 |
| 332,500 |
| 393,000 |
| — |
| — |
| 11,700 |
| | 1,137,200 |
|
| 2013 | 383,335 |
| 350,000 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 9,513 |
| | 742,848 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Rajinder P. Singh | 2015 | 500,000 |
| — |
| 500,014 |
| 1,750,000 |
| — |
| 75,000 |
| (12 | ) | 2,825,014 |
|
| Chief Operating Officer | 2014 | 500,000 |
| 750,000 |
| 500,003 |
| 500,000 |
| — |
| 108,786 |
| | 2,358,789 |
|
| 2013 | 500,000 |
| 750,000 |
| 500,004 |
| 500,000 |
| 10,214 |
| 104,258 |
| | 2,364,476 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | 2015 | 500,000 |
| 600,000 |
| 627,000 |
| — |
| — |
| 11,925 |
| (13 | ) | 1,738,925 |
|
| President, Florida Region BankUnited, N.A. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Joseph Roberto | 2015 | 300,000 |
| 350,000 |
| 282,150 |
| — |
| — |
| 11,925 |
| (14 | ) | 944,075 |
|
| President, New York Region BankUnited, N.A. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | Effective March 1, 2013, Ms. Lunak became CFO of the Company. On February 1, 2013, her base salary increased from $200,000 to $400,000. |
| |
(2) | 2013 - For each of Messrs. Kanas and Singh, represents a retention bonus paid on December 15, 2013. For Ms. Lunak, represents a discretionary bonus earned for performance rendered in 2013 and paid on February 20, 2014. |
| |
(3) | 2014 - For each of Messrs. Kanas and Singh, represents a retention bonus paid on December 15, 2014. For Ms. Lunak represents a discretionary bonus earned for performance rendered in 2014 and paid during the first quarter of 2015. |
| |
(4) | 2015 - For Ms. Lunak and Messrs. Cornish and Roberto represents a discretionary bonus earned for performance rendered in 2015 and paid on March 4, 2016. |
| |
(5) | Amounts shown do not reflect the compensation actually received in 2015 by the named executive officers. Instead, amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of performance and restricted shares granted to the named executive officers calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information on the assumptions used in determining fair value for share-based compensation, refer to Notes 1 and 14 in the Consolidated Financial Statements in BankUnited’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. |
paid driver and $32,587 representing annual service cost recorded by the Company related to Mr. Singh's split-dollar life insurance arrangement.
437.Represents a contribution of $12,825 made by us on behalf of each of Messrs. Cornish, Bansal, Richards and Ms. Lunak to our 401(k) plan.
| |
(6) | We typically grant stock awards early in the year as part of total year-end compensation awarded for prior year performance. As a result, the amounts for stock awards generally appear in the Summary Compensation Table for the year after the performance year upon which they were based. On February 12, 2015, Ms. Lunak was awarded 12,500 restricted shares, Mr. Cornish 20,000 restricted shares and Mr. Roberto 9,000 restricted shares for their performance in the 2014 fiscal year and overall contributions to the Company. On February 12, 2014, Ms. Lunak was awarded 12,500 restricted shares for her performance in the 2013 fiscal year and overall contribution to the Company. |
| |
(7) | For each of Messrs. Kanas and Singh, represents a performance-based cash incentive award earned on June 30 and paid in August of each of the reflected years. |
| |
(8) | For each of Messrs. Kanas and Singh, 2015 amounts also reflect a performance-based cash incentive award earned on December 31, 2015 and paid in February 2016. |
| |
(9) | Represents the value of above-market earnings on nonqualified deferred compensation amounts credited with respect to each applicable named executive officer. Pursuant to our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, amounts deferred thereunder were credited with interest at a rate of 6% per annum. According to IRS guidelines, as of December 2013, interest above 2.89% was considered above market. |
| |
(10) | All other compensation for Mr. Kanas includes contributions of $11,925 and $72,225 made by us on Mr. Kanas' behalf to our 401(k) plan and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, respectively, $32,606 for an automobile allowance and $79,344 for a driver allowance. |
| |
(11) | All other compensation for Ms. Lunak represents a contribution of $11,925 made by us on Ms. Lunak's behalf to our 401(k) plan. |
| |
(12) | All other compensation for Mr. Singh includes contributions of $11,925 and $33,075 made by us on Mr. Singh's behalf to our 401(k) plan and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, respectively and $30,000 for an automobile allowance. |
| |
(13) | All other compensation for Mr. Cornish represents a contribution of $11,925 made by us on Mr. Cornish's behalf to our 401(k) plan. |
| |
(14) | All other compensation for Mr. Roberto represents a contribution of $11,925 made by us on Mr. Roberto's behalf to our 401(k) plan. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the plan-based awards granted to each of our named executive officersNEOs during 2015.2020.
20152020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Grant Date | | Approval Date | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) | | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(2) | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(4) |
| | Threshold
($) | | Target
($) | | Maximum
($) | | Threshold
(#) | | Target
(#) | | Maximum
(#) | |
| Rajinder P. Singh | | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 27,353 | | | 54,705 | | | 82,057 | | | — | | | 1,250,009 | |
| | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 54,705 | | | 1,250,009 | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6,839 | | | 13,677 | | | 20,515 | | | — | | | 312,519 | |
| | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 13,677 | | | 312,519 | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12,063 | | | 24,125 | | | 36,188 | | | — | | | 551,256 | |
| | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 24,125 | | | 551,256 | |
| Rishi Bansal | | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 7,112 | | | 14,224 | | | 21,335 | | | — | | | 325,018 | |
| | 3/31/2020 | | 3/31/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 14,224 | | | 325,018 | |
| Jay D. Richards | | 3/2/2020 | | 2/14/2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12,000 | | (3) | | 370,800 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Grant Date | | Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) | | Number of Performance Shares (#) (2) | | Number of Restricted Shares (#) (3) | | Closing Market Price on Date of Grant ($/SH) | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(4) |
| | Threshold ($) | | Target ($) | | Maximum ($) | |
| John A. Kanas | | 8/12/2015 | | 1,559,000 |
| | 2,252,00 |
| | 2,945,000 |
| | 27,946 |
| | — |
| | 36.50 |
| | 1,020,029 |
|
| Leslie N. Lunak | | 2/12/2015 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12,500 |
| | 31.35 |
| | 391,875 |
|
| Rajinder P. Singh | | 8/12/2015 | | 625,000 |
| | 938,000 |
| | 1,250,000 |
| | 13,699 |
| | — |
| | 36.50 |
| | 500,014 |
|
| Thomas M. Cornish | | 2/12/2015 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 20,000 |
| | 31.35 |
| | 627,000 |
|
| Joseph Roberto | | 2/12/2015 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9,000 |
| | 31.35 |
| | 282,150 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | Represents performance-based incentive awards granted for the performance period that began on July 1, 2015 and ended on December 31, 2015, which were paid in February 2016. |
| |
(2) | Represents performance-based share awards granted to each named executive under the BankUnited, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. In the case of Messrs. Kanas and Singh, this award was vested as to one-third on August 12, 2015 and the unvested portion of the awards will vest in equal installments on June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2017, subject to the applicable executive's continued employment through such dates. |
2.Represents RSUs granted under the 2014 Plan. In the case of Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak, one-fourth of the RSUs vested on December 31, 2020 and the unvested portion of the awards will vest in equal installments on December 31, 2021, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023. Each RSU represents the right to receive, at settlement, and at the discretion of the plan administrator, one share of common stock or cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of one share of common stock. At the time of settlement, the NEO will be eligible to receive a dividend award in an amount equal to the dividends that would have been paid prior to settlement. At the discretion of the plan administrator, the dividend award can be settled in cash equal to the dividend award, or shares having a fair market value equal to such dividend award.
3.Represents restricted stock awards granted under the 2014 Plan. On March 2, 2020, Mr. Richards was awarded 12,000 restricted shares for his performance in the 2019 fiscal year and overall contributions to the Company. The restricted shares are scheduled to vest in equal annual installments on March 2, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting dates, and participate in dividends declared on common shares.
4.Represents the fair value of restricted stock awards based on the closing price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. Due to the volatility of our stock price in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic, the Compensation Committee determined to use the average closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for the period of March 2 - 30, 2020 for the RSUs and PSUs granted on March 31, 2020. The high closing price was $30.90, the low closing price was $15.63 and the average closing price was $22.85. For additional information on the assumptions used in determining fair value for share-based compensation, refer to Notes 1 and 12 in the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. For performance-based awards, the amount included is based on the probable outcome of performance conditions, which is equal to the target amount.
52
44BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| |
(3) | Represents restricted stock awards granted to each named executive under the BankUnited, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. On February 12, 2015, Ms. Lunak was awarded 12,500 restricted shares, Mr. Cornish 20,000 restricted shares and Mr. Roberto 9,000 restricted shares for their performance in the 2014 fiscal year and overall contribution to the Company. The shares vest in equal, annual installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. |
| |
(4) | Represents the value of restricted shares based on the closing price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information on the assumptions used in determining fair value for share-based compensation, refer to Notes 1 and 14 in the Consolidated Financial Statements in BankUnited’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table shows grants of equity awards outstanding on December 31, 20152020 for each of our named executive officers.NEOs.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 20152020 Fiscal Year-End
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Stock Awards |
| Name | | | | | | | | | Number of Units/Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested | | Market Value of Units/Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested (6) | | Number of Unearned Units/Shares or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (7) | | Market or Payout Value of Unearned Units/Shares or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (6) |
| Rajinder P. Singh | | | | | | | | | 99,731 | | (1) | 3,468,644 | | | 92,153 | | | 3,205,081 | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | | | | | | | | | 14,938 | | (2) | 519,544 | | | 23,039 | | | 801,296 | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | | | | | | | | | 26,350 | | (3) | 916,453 | | | 40,640 | | | 1,413,459 | |
| Rishi Bansal | | | | | | | | | 22,203 | | (4) | 772,220 | | | 23,961 | | | 833,364 | |
| Jay D. Richards | | | | | | | | | 21,983 | | (5) | 764,569 | | | — | | | — | |
1.39,979 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 29, 2021, 23,038 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2021, 23,038 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2022 and 13,676 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2023.
2.5,759 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2021, 5,760 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2022 and 3,419 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2023.
3.10,160 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2021, 10,159 on December 31, 2022 and 6,031 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2023.
4.5,990 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2021, 5,990 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2022 and 3,556 RSUs scheduled to vest on December 31, 2023. 6,667 restricted shares vested on March 1, 2021.
5.4,983 restricted shares vested on March 1, 2021 and 3,000 restricted shares vested on March 2, 2021. For 14,000 restricted shares, 5,500 are scheduled to vest on March 1, 2022, 5,500 on March 1, 2023 and 3,000 on March 1, 2024.
6.Based on the $34.78 closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020.
7.Represents Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak's 2019 and 2020 PSUs, assuming satisfaction of performance goals at the target level (performance has not yet been achieved). Vesting is based on the Company’s achievement relative to specified peer companies of three equally-weighted performance metrics determined by the Compensation Committee. For the description of the 2020 PSUs see "Performance-Based Awards - Performance Period January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023."
53
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of Shares of Stock That Have Not Vested | | Market Value of Shares That Have Not Vested ($)(6) |
| John A. Kanas | 2,226,258 |
| | — |
| | 27.00 |
| | 2/2/2021 |
| | 29,836 |
| (1) | 1,075,886 |
|
| Leslie N. Lunak | 18,000 |
| | — |
| | 22.24 |
| | 11/17/2020 |
| | 20,833 |
| (2) | 751,238 |
|
| Rajinder P. Singh | 989,448 |
| | — |
| | 27.00 |
| | 2/2/2021 |
| | 14,625 |
| (3) | 527,378 |
|
| Thomas M. Cornish | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 86,666 |
| (4) | 3,125,176 |
|
| Joseph Roberto | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 15,000 |
| (5) | 540,900 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | 20,521 performance shares scheduled to vest on June 30, 2016 and 9,315 performance shares scheduled to vest on June 30, 2017. |
| |
(2) | 8,333 shares vested on February 12, 2016. For 12,500 shares, 8,333 scheduled to vest on February 12, 2017 and 4,167 scheduled to vest on February 12, 2018. |
| |
(3) | 10,059 performance shares scheduled to vest on June 30, 2016 and 4,566 performance shares scheduled to vest on June 30, 2017. |
| |
(4) | 6,667 shares vested on February 12, 2016 and 33,333 vested on March 17, 2016. For 13,333 shares, fifty percent scheduled to vest on February 12, 2017 and the remaining fifty percent scheduled to vest on February 12, 2018. 33,333 shares are scheduled to vest on March 17, 2017. |
| |
(5) | 6,000 shares vested on February 12, 2016. For 9,000 shares, 6,000 scheduled to vest on February 12, 2017, and 3,000 scheduled to vest on February 12, 2018. |
| |
(6) | Based on the $36.06 closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2015. |
Option ExercisesVesting of Restricted Stock, RSUs and Stock VestedPSUs
The following table contains information regarding equity heldthe exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock, PSUs and RSUs by our named executive officers, which vestedNEOs during fiscal year 2015.2020.
2015 Option Exercises and2020 Stock Awards Vested
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| Name | | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise
(#) | | Value Realized on Exercise
($) (1) | | Number of Units/Shares Acquired on Vesting
(#) | | Value Realized on Vesting
($) (1) |
| Rajinder P. Singh | | 599,632 | | | 1,696,600 | | | 30,766 | | (2) | | 1,070,041 | |
| | | | | | 33,294 | | (3) | | 1,157,965 | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | | 18,000 | | | 84,903 | | | 7,692 | | (2) | | 267,528 | |
| | | | | | 8,324 | | (3) | | 289,509 | |
| | | | | | 3,546 | | (4) | | 67,090 | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | | | | | | 13,568 | | (2) | | 471,895 | |
| | | | | | 14,684 | | (3) | | 510,710 | |
| | | | | | 4,894 | | (4) | | 145,352 | |
| Rishi Bansal | | | | | | 5,990 | | (3) | | 208,332 | |
| | | | | | 13,333 | | (4) | | 395,990 | |
| Jay D. Richards | | | | | | 4,982 | | (4) | | 147,965 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | | Value Realized on Exercise ($) (3) | | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) | | Value Realized on Vesting ($) (4) |
| John A. Kanas | — |
| | — |
| | 31,769 |
| (1) | | 1,146,770 |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | — |
| | — |
| | 8,334 |
| (2) | | 286,148 |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Rajinder P. Singh | 100,000 |
| | 1,543,445 |
| | 15,573 |
| (1) | | 562,141 |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | — |
| | — |
| | 33,334 |
| (2) | | 1,104,355 |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| Joseph Roberto | — |
| | — |
| | 3,000 |
| (2) | | 94,050 |
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | Represents shares vested pursuant to the terms of performance share award agreements. |
| |
(2) | Represents shares vested pursuant to the terms of restricted stock award agreements. |
| |
(3) | The value is equal to the difference between the fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise and the applicable exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares vesting or acquired on such date. |
| |
(4) | The value is equal to the closing market price of a share of our common stock at the vesting date, multiplied by the number of shares vesting or acquired on such date. |
2.Represents PSUs that vested pursuant to the terms of PSU award agreements in December 2020. Receipt of the shares represented by the PSUs is deferred until settlement (which occurred on March 15, 2021).
3.Represents RSUs that vested pursuant to the terms of RSU award agreements in December 2020. Receipt of the shares represented by the RSUs is deferred until settlement (which occurred on March 15, 2021).
4.Represents restricted shares vested pursuant to the terms of restricted stock award agreements.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Messrs. Kanas and Singh were eligible toNonqualified Deferred Compensation Table for 2020
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | Executive Contributions in Last FY | | Registrant Contributions in Last FY | | Aggregate Earnings in Last FY | | Aggregate Withdrawals / Distributions | | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE |
| ($)(2) | | ($)(3) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($)(4) |
| Rajinder P. Singh | 1,504,298 | | | 99,675 | | | 226,110 | | | (1,208,034) | | | 4,164,561 | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | 281,250 | | | — | | | 167,540 | | | — | | | 2,853,515 | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | — | | | — | | | 25,085 | | | (115,850) | | | 383,295 | |
| Rishi Bansal | 225,000 | | | — | | | 114,186 | | | (388,673) | | | 1,617,655 | |
Jay D. Richards(1) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
(1) Mr. Richards does not participate in the Company's Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
(2) The full amount of the contribution for Messrs. Singh, Cornish and Bansal and Ms. Lunak to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan is reflected as compensation earned as part of each executive's "Salary", and/or "Bonus" or "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" in 2020 in the "Summary Compensation Table for 2020."
(3) Amounts reflect our contributions, if any, to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan for fiscal year 2013. In 2014, we approved a new Nonqualified Deferredthe applicable NEO. These amounts are also reported in the "All Other Compensation" column of the "Summary Compensation Table for 2020."
54
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
(4) These amounts include amounts previously reported in the Summary Compensation Table as "Salary," "Bonus," "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" or "All Other Compensation" for years prior to 2020, in which all our named executive officers (as well as certain other employees) may participate. For 2015, ourthe following aggregate amounts: $259,978 for Mr. Singh, $787,500 for Ms. Lunak, $236,250 for Mr. Cornish and $426,667 for Mr. Bansal.
Our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan allows each named executive officer the abilityNEO to defer up to 100% of eligible compensation. Each of Messrs. Kanassalary and cash bonus or incentives. Mr. Singh is eligible to receive company matching contributions under the plan. For the 20152020 plan year, we contributed an amount equal to one hundred percent100% of the first one percent1% plus seventy percent70% of the next five percent5% of eligible compensation that Messrs. Kanas andMr. Singh elected to defer under the plan. Amounts deferred by a named executive officerNEO are vested at all times and amounts that we contribute on the executive's behalf will become vested upon the earlier to occur of a change in control (as defined in the plan), the executive's death, disability, attainment of "Normal Retirement Age" under our 401(k) planage 65 or completion of two years of service. The Company credits each participant's account with income based on either an annual interest rate determined by the Company's Compensation Committee or returns of selected investment portfolios, as elected by the participant. The annual interest rate has ranged from 6.08% in 2009 to 5.50% in 2020. Amounts deferred under our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan are distributed upon a date or dates specified by the executive, which may be no earlier than January 1 of the third plan year following the plan year in which the compensation would have otherwise been paid to the executive, or upon the earliest to occur of the executive's separation from service, disability or a change in control.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table for 2015
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Executive Contributions in Last FY | | Registrant Contributions in Last FY | | Aggregate Earnings in Last FY | | Aggregate Withdrawals / Distributions | | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE |
| ($)(1) | | ($)(2) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) (3) |
| John A. Kanas | 802,500 |
| | 72,225 |
| | 80,545 |
| | 171,786 |
| | 2,001,447 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | 366,251 |
| | — |
| | 21,610 |
| | — |
| | 593,403 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Rajinder P. Singh | 551,250 |
| | 33,075 |
| | 85,230 |
| | 91,355 |
| | 1,855,430 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Joseph Roberto | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | The full amount of the contribution for Messr. Kanas and Singh and Ms. Lunak to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan is reflected as compensation earned as part of each executive's "Salary", and/or "Bonus" or "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" in 2015 in the "—Summary Compensation Table for 2015." |
| |
(2) | Amounts reflect our contributions, if any, to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan for the applicable named executive officer. These amounts are also reported in the "All Other Compensation" column of "—Summary Compensation Table for 2015." |
| |
(3) | These amounts include amounts previously reported in the Summary Compensation Table as "Salary," "Bonus," "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" or "All Other Compensation" for years prior to 2015, in the following aggregate amounts: $1,394,705 for Mr. Kanas, $1,348,668 for Mr. Singh and $200,000 for Ms. Lunak. |
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control
The employment arrangements with our named executive officersNEOs provide for certain severance payments and benefits, to the extent applicable, in the event of a termination of employment as described below:
Employment AgreementsAgreement with Messrs. Kanas and Singh. As of December 31, 2015,Mr. Singh
Mr. Singh is the Company’s prioronly executive subject to an employment agreement. Mr. Singh has been a party to various employment agreements with Messrs. Kanasus since July 2009. In connection with Mr. Singh's appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2017, the Company amended his current employment agreement to reflect the change in his title and reporting relationship, the increase in his annual base salary effective January 1, 2017, and to reflect a three-year term, commencing January 1, 2017 (the "Employment Term"). On December 19, 2019, the Company amended Mr. Singh's employment agreement to among other things, extend the term of the agreement for an additional three years commencing on January 1, 2020 and reflect Mr. Singh's current base salary of $1,000,000.
The Employment Term may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties. In the event of the public announcement of a transaction or other event that would constitute a change in control (such announcement, a “Public Announcement”) during the Employment Term, the Employment Term would expire no later than the second anniversary of the change in control, except that the Employment Term would not be automatically extended on or following the date on which such potential change in control were terminated or abandoned.
The employment agreement with Mr. Singh had expired, and, as reflectedprovides that, in the table below, theyevent of his termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by him for Good Reason (as defined in the employment agreement) during the Employment Term, Mr. Singh would not have beenbe entitled to severance uponreceive, subject to an execution of a release of claims against the Company, (i) payment of an amount equal to two times the sum of his base salary and target annual incentive opportunity (or three times such sum if termination occurs on or following a change in control); (ii) payment of his prorated annual incentive award based on actual performance for the year of termination (or a prorated annual incentive award based on target performance if termination occurs on or following a change in control); (iii) full vesting of his RSU awards (and any other time-based equity awards); (iv) vesting of his PSU awards based on actual achievement for the performance criteria (or, if the termination occurs following a Public Announcement, the PSU awards will convert into a time-based RSU award (with the number of units determined based on the award agreement) that vest on the later of the change in control and the date of termination); (v) continued
55
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
coverage under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s expense for up to 24 months following termination; and (vi) continuation of Mr. Singh's split-dollar life insurance arrangement.
In addition, the employment agreement provides that, in the event of Mr. Singh's termination of employment during the Employment Term due to his death or Disability (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Singh would be entitled to receive the benefits described in (iii)-(vi) above. In the event Mr. Singh's employment with the Company terminates for any reason following expiration of the Employment Term he would be entitled to receive the benefits described in (iii), (iv) and (vi) above.
Upon a change in control, the PSU awards granted to Mr. Singh under his employment agreement would automatically convert to time-based RSUs (“Converted RSUs”) that vest at the completion of the performance period, subject to his continued employment with the Company through the vesting date. In the event of Mr. Singh’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, without Cause by the Company, for Good Reason by Mr. Singh or for any reason following the expiration of such employment agreement, prior to a Public Announcement, any unvested portions of the PSU awards would vest based on actual achievement of the performance criteria. If any such termination occurs on or following a Public Announcement and contingent on the consummation of the change in control, the Converted RSUs would fully vest on the later to occur of (i) the date of such change in control and (ii) the termination date.
Mr. Singh's employment agreement does not require the Company to reimburse him for the amount of any golden parachute excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. Instead, if the payments to be received by Mr. Singh under the employment agreement would result in the imposition of the golden parachute excise tax, the amount payable would be paid in full or reduced to such lesser amounts that would result in no portion of the payments being subject to the golden parachute excise tax, whichever would result in Mr. Singh's receipt of the greatest amount under his employment agreement on an after-tax basis.
Mr. Singh is subject to confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations under his employment agreement as well as non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for a period of 18 months following a termination of employment.
However, on February 2, 2016, we entered into new employment agreements with each of Messrs. Kanas
and Singh, which are described in further detail above under “—2016 Compensation of Our Named Executive
Officers—Employment Agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh—Other Terms ofduring the Employment Term by the Company for Cause or following Mr. Singh's voluntary resignation without Good Reason.
Agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh.”The employment agreement is subject to regulatory laws to the extent applicable.
Change in Control Agreement with our other NEOsMs. Lunak and Mr. Bansal
Ms. Lunak has aand Mr. Bansal have change in control agreementagreements pursuant to which, if herthe executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the change in control agreement), or by herthe executive due to a reduction in base salary, each within six months following a change in control of the Company, shethe executive would be entitled to a payment in the amount equal to one year of his or her base salary, payable on the date that is six months following the change in control. The agreement further provides for payment, on the date that is six months following completion of the change in control, of a lump sum retention bonus equal to one year of base salary (as in effect immediately prior to the change in control), subject to his or her continued employment with BankUnited and any successor to BankUnited through such date.
Change in Control Agreement with Mr. Richards
47
Mr. RobertoRichards commenced employment with BankUnited, N.A. on January 29, 2018 and has a change in control agreement similarpursuant to which, he will receive on the date that is six months following consummation of the Change in structureControl, subject to Ms. Lunak’s agreement. However, thehis continued employment with BankUnited and any successor to BankUnited, a lump sum payment, isin an amount equal to: (i) three times his annual base salary, if the Change in Control occurs prior to $700,000 less the valuefirst anniversary of any and all equity awards granted during his continued employment with BankUnited or (ii) two times his annual base
56
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
salary, if the Company. As of December 31, 2015, the value of Mr. Roberto's equity awards exceeded $700,000 and the Company would have met its obligation pursuant to his changeChange in control.
Mr. Cornish does not have a change in control agreement with us. However, his offer letter dated February 6, 2014, contains a provision whereby if his employment is terminated by the Company without Cause withinControl occurs on or after the first year of employment, he would be entitledanniversary and prior to an accelerated vesting of 33,333 restricted shares (one-thirdthe second anniversary of his initial grant)continued employment with BankUnited or (iii) one time his annual base salary if the Change in Control occurs on or after the second anniversary and a severance paymentprior to the third anniversary of $500,000. This provision expired on February 6, 2015 and is no longer applicable.his continued employment with BankUnited.
Equity Awards
Generally. In the event of a change in control, (as defined in the Company's 2010 and 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plans), all outstanding restricted stock awards and RSUs granted prior to March 1, 2019 (other than the equity awards described under "Employment Agreement with Mr. Singh") held by the named executive officersNEOs that are then unvested would be subject to accelerated vesting, and any performance-based shares[performance-based units to be prospectively awarded with respect to a pending performance period would be granted and vested at target levels.
Equitylevels]. Awards Granted to Messrs. Kanas and Singhgranted after March 1, 2019 (other than the equity awards described under "Employment Agreement with Mr. Singh") that are assumed in 2016. In connection with, the entry into the employment agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh on February 2, 2016, each was granted performance units and restricted share units pursuant to the terms of the employment agreements. The agreements governing these awards contain termination and change-in-control provisions, which are describedor otherwise continued following, a change in further detail under “—2016 Compensation of Our Named Executive Officers—Employment Agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh—Other Terms of the Employment Agreements with Messrs. Kanas and Singh.” Because these awards had not been granted as of December 31, 2015, theycontrol are not reflectedsubject to vesting upon a change in control, but are subject to accelerated vesting in the table below.
event of a termination of employment without cause or for good reason within 24 months following the change in control.
48
The following table provides information concerning the estimated payments and benefits that would be provided in the circumstances described above for each of the named executive officers,NEOs, which were estimated assuming that the triggering event took place on the last business day of the fiscal year (December 31, 2015)2020) and calculated using the closing price per share of our common stock on such date ($36.06)34.78), and also assumes a cash-out of equity awards in connection with a change in control. The amounts set forth below do not reflect any potential reduction to avoid application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash Severance | | Continued Benefits | | Value of Acceleration of Equity | | Total |
| ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) |
Rajinder P. Singh (1) | | | | | | | |
| Death / Disability | — | | | 137,916 | | | 6,673,726 | | | 6,811,642 | |
| For Cause / Without Good Reason | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Without Cause / For Good Reason | 6,500,000 | | | 137,916 | | | 6,673,726 | | | 13,311,642 | |
| Change in Control | 9,000,000 | | | 137,916 | | | 6,673,726 | | | 15,811,642 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | | | | | | | |
| Without Cause / For Good Reason | 500,000 | | | — | | | 1,320,840 | | | 1,820,840 | |
| Change in Control | 500,000 | | | — | | | 488,416 | | | 988,416 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | | | | | | | |
| Without Cause / For Good Reason | — | | | — | | | 2,329,912 | | | 2,329,912 | |
| Change in Control | — | | | — | | | 861,570 | | | 861,570 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Rishi Bansal | | | | | | | |
| Without Cause / For Good Reason | 450,000 | | | — | | | 1,373,706 | | | 1,823,706 | |
| Change in Control | 450,000 | | | — | | | 507,962 | | | 957,962 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Jay D. Richards | | | | | | | |
| Without Cause / For Good Reason | 400,000 | | | — | | | 520,483 | | | 920,483 | |
| Change in Control | 400,000 | | | — | | | 86,359 | | | 486,359 | |
(1) Continued benefits includes continuation of Mr. Singh's split-dollar life insurance arrangement.
57
BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Cash Severance | | Continued Benefits | | Value of Acceleration of Equity | | Excise Tax Gross-Up | | Total |
| ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) |
| John A. Kanas (1) | | | | | | | | | |
| Death / Disability | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| For Cause / Without Good Reason | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Without Cause / For Good Reason | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Change in Control | — |
| | — |
| | 1,075,886 |
| | — |
| | 1,075,886 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Leslie N. Lunak | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in Control | 400,000 |
| | — |
| | 751,238 |
| | — |
| | 1,151,238 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Rajinder P. Singh | | | | | | | | | |
| Death / Disability | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| For Cause / Without Good Reason | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Without Cause / For Good Reason | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
| Change in Control | — |
| | — |
| | 527,378 |
| | — |
| | 527,378 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Thomas M. Cornish | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in Control | — |
| | — |
| | 3,125,176 |
| | — |
| | 3,125,176 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Joseph Roberto | | | | | | | | | |
| Change in Control | — |
| | — |
| | 540,900 |
| | — |
| | 540,900 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our CEO. The pay ratio included in this information is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K. Given the different methodologies that companies may use to determine their CEO pay ratio, the ratio reported below may not be comparable to the ratios reported by other companies.
For 2020, our last completed fiscal year:
•We determined that, as of December 31, 2020 our employee population consisted of approximately 1,488 full- and part-time employees, all of whom were located in the United States. We have no seasonal or temporary employees.
•To identify the “median employee” from our employee population, we compared the amount of gross pay of our employees (excluding our CEO) as reflected in our payroll records as reported to the Internal Revenue Service on Form W-2 for 2020. In making this determination, we annualized the compensation of approximately 138 full-time employees and part-time employees who were hired in 2020 but did not work for us for the entire fiscal year.
•Once we identified our median employee, we combined all of the elements of such employee's compensation for 2020 in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K.
•With respect to the annual total compensation of our CEO, we used the amount reported in the "Total" column of our 2020 Summary Compensation Table included in the 2021 Proxy Statement.
For 2020, our last completed fiscal year:
•the median of the annual total compensation of all employees of our company (other than our CEO) was $92,843 and
•the annual total compensation of our CEO, as reported in the "Total" column of the Summary Compensation Table included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement was $4,676,581.
| Pursuant to our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as described above under "—Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.", Mr. Kanas has elected to receive a lump sum payment | | | | |
Based on this information, for 2020 the ratio of the balance in his account upon a changeannual total compensation of control. The 2015 year-end account balance underMr. Singh, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, to the plan is shown in Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table for 2015 set forth above.median of the annual total compensation of all employees was 50.4 to 1. |
|
|
58
49BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION |
The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2015,2020, relating to the Company's equity compensation plans pursuant to which grants of equity incentive awards to acquire shares of our common stock may be granted from time to time.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity Compensation Plan Category | | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | Number of securities available for issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in first column) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders | | 1,437,362 | (1) | | N/A | | | 2,781,048 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders | | 60,821 | (2) | | N/A | | | 58,026 | (3) |
| Total | | 1,498,183 | | | | | | 2,839,074 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity Compensation Plan Category | | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | Number of securities available for issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in first column) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders | | 27,762 | (1) | | N/A |
| | | 3,958,355 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders | | 4,629,558 | (2)(3) | | $ | 26.47 |
| (4) | | 23,965 | (5) |
| Total | | 4,657,320 | | | | | | 3,982,320 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1) | Includes 27,762 shares subject to restricted share awards issued under the BankUnited, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. |
| |
(2) | Includes 1,005,820 shares subject to restricted share awards and 3,623,738 shares subject to stock options under the BankUnited, Inc. 2009 Stock Option Plan (the "2009 Plan") and the BankUnited, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan"). |
| |
(3) | Excludes 27,414 shares subject to outstanding stock options under the Heritage Bank, N.A. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, which options have a weighted-average exercise price of $46.14. This plan was assumed in connection with the Company's acquisition of Herald National Bank. No further awards are available for issuance under this plan. |
| |
(4) | Represents the weighted average exercise price on stock options only. |
| |
(5) | The above shares are available under the 2010 Plan. The 2009 Plan was frozen on February 12, 2014 and no further awards are available for issuance thereunder. |
(2) Shares issued subject to restricted share awards granted under the BankUnited, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "2010 Plan"). Excludes 1,569 shares subject to outstanding stock options under the Heritage Bank, N.A. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, which options have a weighted-average exercise price of $15.94. This plan was assumed in connection with the Company's acquisition of Herald National Bank. The weighted average remaining contractual term for all outstanding options is 0.3 years. No further awards are available for issuance under this plan.
(3) These shares are available under the 2010 Plan.
In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan is administered by the Board or a committee thereof and provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, deferred shares, performance shares, unrestricted shares and other share-based awards to selected employees, directors or independent contractors of the Company and its affiliates. The number of shares of common stock authorized for award under the 2010 Plan is 7,500,000, of which 23,96558,026 shares remained available for issuance as of December 31, 2015. In February 2016,2020. The 2010 Plan expired on January 27, 2021, and shares may no longer be granted under the Compensation Committee approved awards of 572,205 restricted shares to employees in recognition of their contribution to the Company's performance in fiscal year 2015. Plan.
Shares of common stock delivered under the 2010 and 2014 Plans may consist of authorized but unissued shares or previously issued shares reacquired by the Company. The term of a share option or stock appreciation right issued under the 2010 and 2014 Plans may not exceed ten years from the date of grant and the exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. Unvested awards generally become fully vestedAwards issued prior to March 1, 2019 are subject to full vesting upon a "change in the event of a change in controlcontrol" (as defined in the 2010 and 2014 Plans). Awards granted after March 1, 2019 that are assumed in connection with, or otherwise continued following, a change in control are not subject to vesting upon a change in control, but may be eligible for vesting upon a qualifying termination of employment thereafter.
In March 2021, the Compensation Committee granted awards of 537,925 restricted shares to employees in recognition of their contribution to the Company's performance in fiscal year 2020.
59
50BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
PROPOSAL NO. 3
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE AND TO ELIMINATE ARTICLE THIRTEENTH AND OTHER REFERENCES TO THE COMPANY’S INITIAL EQUITY SPONSORS THAT ARE NO LONGER APPLICABLE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ("SAY-ON-PAY") |
Proposal
The Company’s stockholders are being asked to approve an amendment toAs required by Section 14A of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) that (i) would provide forSecurities Exchange Act, the Directors to be removed from office with or without cause and (ii) would eliminate Article Thirteenth, whereby the Company renounced its interest or expectancy to engage in business transactions with Equity Sponsors (i.e. the Company’s initial stockholders, who were subject to certain restrictions pursuant to commitments they made with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the FDIC, in May 2009), and other references in the Certificate of Incorporation to the Equity Sponsors that are no longer applicable.
Our Board of Directors has adoptedis providing our shareholders the opportunity to vote to approve, on a resolution approvingnon-binding, advisory basis, the proposed amendment, declaring that it is advisable and directing that it be submitted tocompensation of our stockholders for approval.
The descriptionnamed executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the proposed amendmentSEC. This vote is qualifiedreferred to as a "Say-on-Pay" vote, which we hold annually.
As described in its entirety by reference to,more detail under the heading "Compensation Discussion and should be read in conjunctionAnalysis," we believe that our executive compensation programs appropriately motivate and retain our executives while effectively aligning the interests of our named executive officers with the full textthose of the Certificate of Incorporation, as amendedour shareholders. We target total compensation for our NEOs at market and restated as proposed herein, andpeer group competitive levels, while delivering pay which is attachedlinked to company performance over time.
The vote on this Proxy Statement as Appendix A. For convenienceresolution is not intended to address any specific element of reference, a copy ofcompensation; rather, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation showing the proposed amendment, with deleted text shown in strikethrough and added text shown as underlined and highlighted, is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix B. The approval of the amendmentvote relates to the Certificatecompensation of Incorporation of the Company,our named executive officers generally, as amended, to provide for the removal of directors with or without cause and to eliminate Article Thirteenth and other references to the Company’s initial equity sponsors that are no longer applicable requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.
Elimination of “only for cause” removal of Directors
The Company’s existing Article 5(d) permits removal of Directors only for cause by the affirmative vote of the stockholders of the Company representing the majority of the capital stock entitled to vote, and subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding. In light of a recent ruling of the Delaware Chancery Court, the Company proposes to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the removal of Directors with or without cause. If the proposed amendment is approved by the Company’s stockholders, Directors of the Board may be removed for or without cause by the affirmative vote of the majority of stockholders entitled to vote and subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding.
Elimination of Article Thirteenth
Pursuant to the existing Article Thirteenth, the Company renounces its interest or expectancy to engage in business transactions with Equity Sponsors, which are defined as WLR Recovery Fund IV, L.P., WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P., WLR/GS Master Co-Investment, L.P., Carlyle Partners V, L.P., Carlyle Partners V-A, L.P., CP V Coinvestment A, L.P., CP V Coinvestment B, L.P., Carlyle Strategic Partners II, L.P., CSP II Co-Investment, L.P., Carlyle Financial Services BU, L.P., Centerbridge Capital Partners, L.P., Centerbridge Capital Partners SBS, L.P., Centerbridge Capital Partners Strategic, L.P., CB BU Investors, L.L.C., CB BU Investors II, L.L.C., CB BU Investors III, L.L.C., Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P. and Blackstone Participation Partnership V L.P. and their respective affiliates and subsidiaries. The Equity Sponsors held ownership interests in the corporate entity which acquired
the failed BankUnited, FSB from the FDIC in May 2009. The Equity Sponsors were prevented by commitments to FDIC from engaging in certain transactions with the Company as long as certain factors, including share ownership, would apply. The Equity Sponsors divested their interests in the Company’s shares in a series of secondary offerings conducted in November 2013 and March 2014 such that their ownership decreased to less than 5% of the Company’s shares. The commitments with the FDIC were subsequently removed by the FDIC in April 2014, essentially lifting the restrictions between the Company and the Equity Sponsors. Therefore, at the current time, Article Thirteenth is no longer relevant or applicable.
Other Conforming Revisions
As part of the proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, certain other provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation that refer to terms included in the modified provisions would also be eliminated because they are no longer relevant and have been revised accordingly.
If approved, the amended Certificate of Incorporation will be effective at the close of business on the date of filing an amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
As noted above, the descriptiondescribed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the proposed amendmentSEC. Because the vote is qualified in its entirety by referenceadvisory, it will not be binding upon our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee and we will not be required to and should be read in conjunction with, the full texttake any action as a result of the Certificateoutcome of Incorporation, as amendedthe vote. However, our Board of Directors and restated as proposed herein,Compensation Committee value the opinions of our shareholders and, which is attached towill take the results of the vote into consideration when making compensation decisions.
For the reasons set forth above, and the others described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, as Appendix A. For conveniencethe Board of reference, a copyDirectors recommends approval of the Company’s Certificatefollowing non-binding resolution:
"RESOLVED, that the shareholders hereby APPROVE, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of Incorporation showing the proposed amendments, with deleted text shownSEC in strikethroughthe Company's Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of shareholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and added text shown as underlinedAnalysis section, the compensation tables and highlighted, is attached toany related material disclosed in this Proxy Statement as Appendix B.Statement."
THEOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVALRESOLUTION APPROVING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ON AN AMENDMENTADVISORY, NON-BINDING BASIS, AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO ITEM 402 OF REGULATION S-K, INCLUDING THE COMPANY'S AMENDEDCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSEANALYSIS, COMPENSATION TABLES AND TO ELIMINATE ARTICLE THIRTEENTH AND OTHER REFERENCES TO THE COMPANY’S INITIAL EQUITY SPONSORS THAT ARE NO LONGER APPLICABLE.RELATED MATERIAL DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
PROPOSAL NO. 4
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING MAJORITY VOTING IN UNCONTESTED ELECTIONS OF DIRECTORS
The California State Teachers' Retirement System ("CalSTRS") has notified us of its intention to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting. We have been notified that CalSTRS owns 314,528 shares of common stock as of December 7, 2015 and is located at 100 Waterfront Place, MS-04, West Sacramento, CA 95605-2807. In accordance with SEC rules, the text of the stockholder proposal and supporting statement are printed below exactly as they were submitted to us. We are not responsible for the contents of the proposal or the supporting statement.
BE IT RESOLVED:
That the shareholders of BankUnited, Inc. hereby request that the Board of Directors initiate the appropriate process to amend the Company's articles of incorporation and/or bylaws to provide that director nominees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast at an annual meeting of shareholders, with a plurality vote standard retained for contested director elections2021 Proxy Statement
, that is, when the number of director nominees exceeds the number of board seats.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT:
In order to provide shareholders a meaningful role in director elections, the Company's current director election standard should be changed from a plurality vote standard to a majority vote standard. The majority vote standard is the most appropriate voting standard for director elections where only board nominated candidates are on the ballot, and it will establish a challenging vote standard for board nominees to improve the performance of individual directors and entire boards. Under the Company's current voting system, a nominee for the board can be elected with as little as a single affirmative vote, because "withheld" votes have no legal effect. A majority vote standard would require that a nominee receive a majority of the votes cast in order to be re-elected and continue to serve as a representative for the shareholders.
In response to strong shareholder support a substantial number of the nation's leading companies have adopted a majority vote standard in company bylaws or articles of incorporation. In fact, more than 94% of the companies in the S&P 500 have adopted majority voting for uncontested elections. We believe the Company needs to join the growing list of companies that have already adopted this standard.
CalSTRS is a long-term shareholder of the Company and we believe that accountability is of upmost importance. We believe the plurality vote standard currently in place at the Company completely disenfranchises shareholders and makes the shareholder's role in director elections meaningless. Majority voting in director elections will empower shareholders with the ability to remove poorly performing directors and increase the directors' accountability to the owners of the Company, its shareholders. In addition, those directors who receive the majority support from shareholders will know they have the backing of the very shareholders they represent. We therefore ask you to join us in requesting that the Board of directors promptly adopt the majority vote standard for director elections.
Please vote FOR this proposal.
Board of Directors Recommendation:
Our Board of Directors has considered the proposal set forth above relating to majority voting for uncontested director elections, and has determined to make no voting recommendation to stockholders. The proposal, which is advisory in nature, would constitute a recommendation to the Board if approved by stockholders. Our Board recognizes that there are valid arguments in favor of, and in opposition to, majority voting. The Board wants to use this proposal as an opportunity for our stockholders to express their views on this subject without being influenced by any recommendation the Board might make.
Supporters of plurality voting contend, among other things, that plurality voting is the default standard for director elections under Delaware law, that adopting a majority voting standard would unnecessarily complicate director elections, and that adoption of majority voting could lead to unintended consequences such as no directors being elected, the Company not being in compliance with applicable NYSE or SEC rules regarding independent directors or the potential loss of a person whose service the Board believes would make a valuable contribution to the Board's oversight of the Company's business and affairs. Supporters of a majority voting standard often make arguments such as those set forth above in the proponent's supporting statement.
Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal at the Annual Meeting once a quorum is present. Such approval would not, by itself, implement majority voting. In order to implement majority voting, the Company's bylaws would need to be amended. If stockholders approve the proposal at this year's Annual Meeting, the Board will adopt an amendment to the bylaws that would implement majority voting in director elections no later than the 2017 Annual Stockholders Meeting.If stockholders return a validly executed proxy solicited by the Board of Directors, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted on this proposal in the manner specified by the stockholder. If stockholders do not specify the manner in which their shares represented by a validly executed proxy solicited by the Board are to be voted on this proposal, such shares will be counted as abstentions. However, since approval of the proposal requires a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
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| BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK |
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company's equity securities as of the March 18, 2016:29, 2021 record date: (1) each person or entity, based on information contained in Schedules 13G filed with the SEC, who owns of record or beneficially more than 5% of any class of the Company's voting securities; (2) each of the Company's executive officers and directors; and (3) all of the Company's directors and executive officers as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of SEC. To our knowledge, each stockholdershareholder will have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned, unless otherwise indicated in a footnote to the following table. Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote, the business address of each person is our corporate address, c/o BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, Florida 33016.
In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 18, 2016.29, 2021. We did not, however, deem these shares outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Beneficial ownership representing less than 1% is denoted with an asterisk (*).
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
| Name of Beneficial Owner | | Number | % |
| Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominees: | | | |
Rajinder P. Singh(1) | | 497,986 | | * |
Thomas M. Cornish(2) | | 128,599 | | * |
Leslie N. Lunak(3) | | 91,781 | | * |
Rishi Bansal(4) | | 30,030 | | * |
Jay D. Richards(5) | | 30,621 | | * |
Kevin A. Malcolm(6) | | 4,000 | | * |
Tere Blanca (7) | | 13,049 | | * |
John N. DiGiacomo(8) | | 7,549 | | * |
Michael J. Dowling(9) | | 13,049 | | * |
Douglas J. Pauls(10) | | 68,054 | | * |
A. Gail Prudenti(11) | | 11,279 | | * |
William S. Rubenstein(12) | | 8,413 | | * |
Sanjiv Sobti(13) | | 9,049 | | * |
Lynne Wines (14) | | 11,049 | | * |
| All executive officers and directors as a group (14 persons) | | 924,508 | | 1.0 |
| Greater than 5% Shareholders (Other than Executive Officers and Directors): | | | |
The Vanguard Group(15) | | 9,711,463 | | 10.4 | |
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.(16) | | 9,946,734 | | 10.7 | |
BlackRock, Inc.(17) | | 13,623,949 | | 14.6 | |
AllianceBernstein L.P. (18) | | 4,627,706 | | 5.0 | |
(1) Includes 99,731 RSUs.
(2) Includes 26,350 RSUs and 400 shares held by the P.A. Castellanos-Cornish Revocable Trust, for which Mr. Cornish serves as a co-trustee. Mr. Cornish disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein. The address of the P.A. Castellanos-Cornish Revocable Trust is 9555 SW 69 |
| | | |
| | Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
| Name of beneficial owner | Number | | % |
| Executive Officers, Directors and Director Nominees: | | | |
John A. Kanas(1) | 3,546,006 | | 3.4 |
Rajinder P. Singh(2) | 1,242,890 | | 1.2 |
Leslie N. Lunak(3) | 71,462 | | * |
Mark P. Bagnoli(4) | 19,458 | | * |
Jeffrey Starr(5) | 39,000 | | * |
Thomas M. Cornish(6) | 111,198 | | * |
Joseph Roberto(7) | 24,219 | | * |
Tere Blanca(8) | 3,000 | | * |
Eugene F. DeMark(9) | 14,682 | | * |
Michael Dowling(10) | 3,000 | | * |
Douglas J. Pauls(11) | 277,112 | | * |
A. Gail Prudenti(12) | 1,230 | | |
Sanjiv Sobti (13) | 2,000 | | * |
A. Robert Towbin(14) | 2,200 | | * |
| Lynne Wines | 1,000 | | |
| All executive officers and directors as a group (15 persons) | 5,358,457 | | 5.1 |
| Greater than 5% Stockholders (Other than Executive Officers and Directors): | | | |
Wellington Management Group LLP(15) | 6,650,499 | | 6.4 |
T. Rowe Price(16) | 5,496,125 | | 5.3 |
The Vanguard Group(17) | 6,675,147 | | 6.4 |
____________________th Court, Pinecrest, FL 33156. (3) Includes 14,938 RSUs .
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
(4) Includes 15,536 RSUs.
(5) Includes 26,000 restricted shares.
(6) Includes 4,000 restricted shares.
(7) Includes 5,337 restricted shares.
(8) Includes 5,004 restricted shares.
(9) Includes 5,337 restricted shares.
(10) Includes 7,839 restricted shares and 31,000 shares held by the Pauls Family Foundation, for which Mr. Pauls serves as co-trustee. Mr. Pauls disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein. The address of the Pauls Family Foundation is 4055 Gnarled Oaks Lane, Johns Island, SC 29455.
(11) Includes 5,337 restricted shares and 330 shares held by Judge Prudenti's spouse.
(12) Includes 5,337 restricted shares.
(13) Includes 5,337 restricted shares.
(14) Includes 5,337 restricted shares
(15) Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, The Vanguard Group is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 9,711,463 shares of common stock, including sole voting power over 0 shares, shared voting power over 94,512 shares, sole dispositive power over 9,544,077 shares and shared dispositive power over 167,386 shares. Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, the address of The Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Blvd, Malvern, PA 19355.
(16) Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and its affiliates are deemed to have beneficial ownership of 9,946,734 shares of common stock, including sole voting power over 2,838,093 shares and sole dispositive power over 9,946,734 shares. Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020, the address of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.
(17) Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates are deemed to have beneficial ownership of 13,623,949 shares of common stock, including sole voting power over 13,469,805 shares and sole dispositive power over 13,623,949 shares. Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, the address of BlackRock, Inc. is 55 E. 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.
(18) Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, AllianceBernstein L.P. and its affiliates are deemed to have beneficial ownership of 4,627,706 shares of common stock, including sole voting power over 3,952,095 shares, sole dispositive power over 4,627,524 shares and shared dispositive power of 182 shares. Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, the address of Alliance Bernstein L.P. is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.
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(1) | Includes 29,836 restricted shares; 40,285 restricted share units and 2,226,258 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days following March 18, 2016.Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance |
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(2) | Includes 14,625 restricted shares; 17,588 restricted share units and 989,448 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days following March 18, 2016. |
| |
(3) | Includes 25,000 restricted shares and 18,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days following March 18, 2016. |
| |
(4) | Includes 12,000 restricted shares. |
| |
(5) | Includes 24,000 restricted shares. |
| |
(6) | Includes 66,666 restricted shares and 400 shares held by the P.A. Castellanos-Cornish Revocable Trust, for which Mr. Cornish serves as a co-trustee. Mr. Cornish disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein. The address of the P.A. Castellanos-Cornish Revocable Trust is 1411 Mendavia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33146. |
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(7) | Includes 19,000 restricted shares. |
| |
(8) | Includes 1,666 restricted shares. |
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(9) | Includes 6,000 restricted shares. |
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(10) | Includes 1,999 restricted shares. |
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(11) | Includes 1,666 restricted shares, 214,732 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days following March 18, 2016 and 31,000 shares held by the Pauls Family Foundation, for which Mr. Pauls serves as co-trustee. Mr. Pauls disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein. The address of the Pauls Family Foundation is 4055 Gnarled Oaks Lane, Johns Island, SC 29455. |
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(12) | Includes 330 shares held by Judge Prudenti's spouse. |
| |
(13) | Includes 1,666 restricted shares. |
| |
(14) | Includes 1,666 restricted shares. |
| |
(15) | Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC, Wellington Management Group LLP is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 6,650,499 shares of common stock, including shared voting power over 6,137,776 shares and shared dispositive power over 6,650,499 shares. Based on the Schedule 13 G dated as of December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC, the address of Wellington Management Group LLP is c/o Wellington Management Company LLP; 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210. |
| |
(16) | Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC, T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. and its affiliates are deemed to have beneficial ownership of 5,496,125 shares of common stock, including sole voting power over 1,085,525 shares and sole dispositive power over 5,496,125 shares. Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2015, the address of T. Rowe Price, Inc. is 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. |
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(17) | Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC, The Vanguard Group and its affiliates are deemed to have beneficial ownership of 6,675,147 shares of common stock, including sole voting power over 74,609 shares, shared voting power over 4,600 shares, sole dispositive power over 6,602,138 shares and shared dispositive power over 73,009 shares. Based on the Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC, the address of The Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Blvd, Malvern, PA 19355. |
CERTAIN RELATED PARTY RELATIONSHIPS
Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons
Transactions by us with related parties are subject to a formal written policy, as well as regulatory requirements and restrictions. These requirements and restrictions include Sections 23A and 23BSection 16(a) of the Federal ReserveExchange Act (which govern certain transactions by the Bank with its affiliates)requires our directors and the Federal Reserve's Regulation O (which governs certain loans by the Bank to its executive officers directors and principal stockholders). We have adopted policiespersons who own more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock to complyfile reports of initial ownership of common stock and other equity securities and subsequent changes in that ownership with these regulatory requirements and restrictions.
Our Board of Directors has also adopted a written policy governing the approval of related party transactions that complies with all applicable requirements of the SEC and the NYSE concerning related party transactions. Related party transactions are transactions in which our Company isNYSE. Based solely on a participant,review of such reports and written representations from the amount involved exceeds $120,000directors and a related party has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Related parties of our Company include directors (including nominees for election as directors), executive officers, greater than 5% stockholders of our Company and the immediate family members of these persons. Our general counsel, in consultation with management and outside counsel, as appropriate, will review potential related party transactions to determine if they are subject to our Related Party Transactions Policy. If so, the transaction will be referred for approval or ratification to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In determining whether to approve a related party transaction, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider, among other factors, the fairness of the proposed transaction; the direct or indirect nature of the director's, executive officer's or related party's interest in the transaction; the appearance of an improper conflict of interests for any director or executive officer of the Company taking into account the size of the transaction and the financial position of the director, executive officer or related party; whether the transaction would impair an outside director's independence; the acceptability of the transactionbelieves that all reports that were required to the Company's regulators; and the potential violations of other Company policies. Additionally, all related party transactions are reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee. Our Related Party Transactions Policy is available on our website at http://ir.bankunited.com, as Annex B to our Corporate Governance Guidelines.be filed under Section 16(a) during 2020 were timely filed.
Family Relationships
John Kanas, Jr., the son of Mr. Kanas, is employed by BankUnited, N.A. He participates in compensation and incentive plans on the same basis as similarly situated Bank employees. Mr. Kanas, Jr. is not an executive officer of the Company and does not report directly to an executive officer of the Company. His compensation of approximately $438,000, which included a salary of $70,000 and incentive payments of $368,000, exceeded the $120,000 related person transaction threshold during 2015 and as a result was reviewed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee.62
BankUnited, employs the services of Marsh & McLennan Agency as our insurance broker. Patricia Castellanos-Cornish, the wife of Thomas M. Cornish (President, Florida Region of BankUnited, N.A.), was employed by Marsh & McLennan Agency in 2015. The relationship between the Company and Marsh & McLennan existed for several years before Mr. Cornish joined us in 2014. In fiscal year 2015, we paid Marsh & McLennan approximately $300,000 for their services, and as a result this transaction was reviewed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee.Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
BankUnited employs the services of GrayRobinson as outside counsel for certain legal matters. Tyler Starr, the son of Jeffrey Starr (General Counsel of BankUnited, N.A.) is employed by GrayRobinson. In fiscal year 2015, we paid GrayRobinson approximately $300,000 for their services, and as a result this transaction was reviewed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with our IPO, BankUnited, Inc., certain investment funds affiliated with the Sponsors, LF Moby LLC, Mr. DeMark, Ambassador Cobb, Mr. Kanas, John Bohlsen, Mr. Pauls, Mr. Singh and certain former members of BU Financial Holdings LLC (our parent company prior to the initial public offering) entered into a registration rights agreement, dated February 2, 2011 (as amended February 29, 2012, the "Registration Rights Agreement").
Pursuant to the registration rights provisions, in the event that we are registering additional shares of common stock for sale to the public (except in connection with a registration on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor or similar form or in a registration of securities solely relating to an offering and sale to employees pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit plan arrangement), we are required to give notice of such registration to all parties to the Registration Rights Agreement that hold registrable securities (which includes members of our management that hold shares of our common stock) of the intention to effect such a registration. Such notified persons have piggyback registration rights providing them the right to have us include the shares of common stock owned by them in any such registration if we have received written requests for inclusion therein within prescribed time limits, subject to other provisions under the Registration Rights Agreement.
Between March 2013 and March 2014, the Sponsors sold 51,931,097 shares of our common stock in registered secondary offerings (the "Secondary Offerings"). As a result of the Secondary Offerings, as of March 7, 2014, the Sponsors no longer owned any shares of our common stock, and the Registration Rights Agreement terminated with respect to the Sponsors.
REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING DEADLINES, FOR SUBMISSION OF PROXY PROPOSALS,
NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BUSINESS OF STOCKHOLDERS
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REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING DEADLINES, FOR SUBMISSION OF PROXY PROPOSALS,
NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHER BUSINESS OF SHAREHOLDERS |
In order to submit stockholdershareholder proposals for the 20172022 annual meeting of stockholdersshareholders for inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under Section14(a) of the Exchange Act materials must be received by the Corporate Secretary at the Company's principal office in Miami Lakes, Florida, no later than December 13, 2016.7, 2021.
The proposals must comply with all of the requirements of SEC Rule 14a-8. Proposals should be addressed to: Corporate Secretary, BankUnited, Inc., 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016. As the rules of the SEC make clear, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee its inclusion.
The Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws also establish an advance notice procedure with regard to director nominations and stockholdershareholder proposals that are not submitted for inclusion in the Proxy Statement, but that a stockholdershareholder instead wishes to present directly at an annual meeting. To be properly brought before the 20172022 annual meeting of stockholders,shareholders, a notice of the nomination or the matter the stockholdershareholder wishes to present at the meeting must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the Company's principal office in Miami Lakes, Florida (see above), not less than 90 or more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of this year's Annual Meeting. As a result, any notice given by or on behalf of a stockholdershareholder pursuant to these provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated By-Laws (and not pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-8) must be received no earlier than January 18, 2017,25, 2022, and no later than February 17, 2017.24, 2022. All director nominations and stockholdershareholder proposals must comply with the requirements of the Company's By-Laws, a copy of which may be obtained at no cost from the Corporate Secretary of the Company.
Other than the proposals described in this Proxy Statement, the Company does not expect any matters to be presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If for any unforeseen reason, any one or more of the Company's nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board of Directors.
The chairman of the meeting may refuse to allow the transaction of any business not presented beforehand, or to acknowledge the nomination of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing procedures.
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59BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Appendix A
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
BANKUNITED, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors" or "Board") of BankUnited, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and at any adjournment or postponement of that meeting (the "Annual Meeting"). The Annual Meeting will be a corporation organizedvirtual meeting and existing undershareholders are invited to attend by logging into: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BKU2021. The Company intends to resume in-person meetings in the lawsfuture. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card, the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the state2020 Annual Report to Shareholders (the "Annual Report") were first mailed on or about April 8 2021, to shareholders of Delawarerecord as of March 29, 2021 (the “Corporation”"Record Date"), hereby certifies that (1) the name of the Corporation is BankUnited, Inc., (2) the original certificate of incorporation of the Corporation was filed.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS
AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Q: Why am I receiving these materials?
A: We are providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 28, 2009, under the name JAK InterCo, Inc., (3) this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted on February 11, 2016solicitation, by the Board of Directors of BankUnited, Inc., of proxies to be voted at the CorporationCompany's Virtual Annual Meeting. You are receiving this Proxy Statement because you were a BankUnited, Inc. shareholder as of the close of business on the Record Date. This Proxy Statement provides notice of the Virtual Annual Meeting, describes the three proposals presented for shareholder action and approvedincludes information required to be disclosed to shareholders.
Q: How do I get electronic access to the proxy materials?
A: This Proxy Statement and the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders are available on our website at https://ir.bankunited.com. If you are a shareholder of record, you may elect to receive future annual reports or proxy statements electronically by registering your email address at www.proxyvote.com. If you hold your shares in street name, you should contact your broker, bank or other nominee for information regarding electronic delivery of proxy materials. An election to receive proxy materials electronically will remain in effect for all future annual meetings unless revoked. Shareholders requesting electronic delivery may incur costs, such as telephone and internet access charges, that must be borne by the stockholders ofshareholder.
Q: What proposals will be voted on at the CorporationAnnual Meeting?
A: There are three proposals scheduled to be voted on May [ ], 2016at the Annual Meeting:
•To elect nine directors identified in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) and (4) this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation amends and restates the Certificate of IncorporationProxy Statement to read in its entirety as follows:
FIRST. The name of the Corporation is BankUnited, Inc. (hereinafter, the “Corporation”).
SECOND. The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.
THIRD. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).
FOURTH.
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(a) | Authorized Capital Stock. The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 500,000,000 of which the Corporation shall have authority to issue 400,000,000 shares of common stock, each having a par value of one cent per share ($0.01) (the “Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, each having a par value of one cent per share ($0.01) (the “Preferred Stock”).
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(b) | Common Stock. The powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions, of the Common Stock are as follows:
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(1)Each holder of record of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation on which holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote.
(2)The holders of shares of Common Stock shall not have cumulative voting rights as defined in Section 214 of the DGCL.
(3)Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, and subject to any other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as it may be amended from time to time, holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property of the Corporation if, as and when declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time outserve until the next annual meeting of assetsshareholders and until that person's successor is duly elected and qualified, or fundsuntil that person's earlier death, resignation or removal.
•To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.
•To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Q: What is the Board of Directors' voting recommendation?
A: The Company's Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares:
•"FOR" each of the Corporation legally available therefor.nominees to the Board of Directors.
(4)•In"FOR" the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-upratification of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provisionappointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.
•"FOR" the paymentapproval, on an advisory basis, of the debt and liabilitiescompensation of our named executive officers.
Q: Who is entitled to vote?
A: All shares owned by you as of the Corporation and subject to the prior payment in fullclose of the preferential amounts, if any, to which any series of Preferred Stockbusiness on March 29, 2021 (the "Record Date") may be entitled,voted by you. You may cast one vote per share of common stock that you held on the holdersRecord Date. These shares include shares that are:
•held directly in your name as the shareholder of record; and
•held for you as the beneficial owner through a broker, bank or other nominee.
On the Record Date, BankUnited, Inc. had 93,263,882 shares of Common Stock shall be entitledcommon stock issued and outstanding.
Q: What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
A: Many of our shareholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some differences between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.
Shareholder of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company's transfer agent, Computershare, you are considered, with respect to receivethose shares, the assetsshareholder of record, and fundsthese proxy materials are being sent directly to you by the Company. As the shareholder of record, you have the Corporation remainingright to grant your voting proxy directly to certain officers of BankUnited, Inc. or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. The Company has enclosed or sent a proxy card for distributionyou to use. You may also vote on the internet or by telephone, as described below under the heading "How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?"
Beneficial Owner. If your shares are held in proportion toan account by a broker, bank or other nominee, like many of our shareholders, you are considered the numberbeneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials were forwarded to you by them, respectively.that organization. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares, and you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
Since a beneficial owner is not the shareholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a "legal proxy" from the broker, bank or other nominee that is the shareholder of record of your shares giving you the right to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting. If you do not wish to vote in person or you will not be attending the Annual Meeting, you may vote by proxy. You may vote by proxy over the internet or by telephone, as described below under the heading "How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?"
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
(5)No holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to preemptive or subscription rights.
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(c) | Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to provide for the issuance of all or any shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more classes or series, and to fix for each such class or series such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such distinctive designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such class or series and as may be permitted by the DGCL, including, without limitation, the authority to provide that any such class or series may be (i) subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (ii) entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at such rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes of stock or any other series of stock; (iii) entitled to such rights upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, of
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2Q: How can I participate in the virtual Annual Meeting?
A: To participate in the Corporation; or (iv) convertible into, or exchangeable for, sharesvirtual Annual Meeting visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BKU2021 and enter the 16-digit control number included on your notice of any other class or classes of stock, or shares of any other seriesInternet availability of the same classproxy materials, on your proxy card, or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. You may begin to log into the meeting platform beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET") on May 25, 2021. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. ET on May 25, 2021.
The virtual meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, and cell phones) running the most updated version of stock,applicable software and plugins. Participants should ensure that they have a strong WiFi connection wherever they intend to participate in the meeting. Participants should also give themselves plenty of time to log in and ensure that they can hear streaming audio prior to the start of the Corporationmeeting.
If you want to submit your question during the meeting, log into the virtual meeting platform at such price or prices orwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BKU2021, type your question into the ‘‘Ask a Question’’ field, and click ‘‘Submit.’’
Questions pertinent to meeting matters will be answered during the meeting, subject to time constraints. Any questions pertinent to meeting matters that cannot be answered during the meeting due to time constraints will be posted online and answered at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments; all as may be stated in such resolution or resolutions.
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(d) | Power to Sell and Purchase Shares. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to issue and sell all or any part of any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized to such persons, and for such consideration, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not greater consideration could be received upon the issue or sale of the same number of shares of another class or of shares of another series of such class, and as otherwise permitted by law. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to purchase any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized from such persons, and for such consideration, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not less consideration could be paid upon the purchase of the same number of shares of another class or of shares of another series of such class, and as otherwise permitted by law.
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FIFTHhttps://ir.bankunited.com. The questions and answers will be available as soon as practical after the meeting and will remain available until one week after posting.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in process, please contact the technical support number that will be posted on the Virtual Meeting login page.
Q: How can I vote my shares at the virtual Annual Meeting?
A:Shareholder of Record. Shares held directly in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted at the virtual Annual Meeting. You will need to have the 16-digit control number.
Beneficial Owner. Shares held in street name may be voted at the virtual Annual Meeting. You will need the 16-digit control number provided on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.
Q: How can I vote my shares without attending the virtual Annual Meeting?
A: Whether you hold your shares directly as the shareholder of record or beneficially own your shares in street name, you may direct your vote without attending the Annual Meeting by voting in one of the following provisions are insertedmanners:
•Internet. Go to the website listed on your proxy card or voting instruction card and follow the instructions there. You will need the control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form;
•Telephone. Dial the number listed on your proxy card or your voting instruction form. You will need the control number included on your proxy card or voting instruction form; or
•Mail. Complete and sign your proxy card or voting instruction card and mail it using the enclosed, prepaid envelope.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
If you vote on the internet or by telephone, you do not need to return your proxy card or voting instruction card. Internet and telephone voting for shareholders will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 24, 2021.
Q: What is the quorum requirement for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:Annual Meeting?
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(a) | The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon the Board of Directors by applicable law, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Corporation (as amended from time to time, the “By-Laws”), the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the DGCL and this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. |
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(b) | The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolution of the Board of Directors. |
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(c) | Subject to the terms of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of |
Directors then in office, provided that aA: A quorum is present, and any other vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled bynecessary to hold a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, evenvalid Annual Meeting. A quorum exists if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. The right of stockholders to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors is hereby specifically denied. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor.
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(d) | Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority in voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors (the “Voting Stock”). |
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(e) | Notwithstanding the foregoing, the election, term, removal and filling of vacancies with respect to directors, if any, elected separately by the holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock shall not be governed by this Article FIFTH, but rather shall be as provided for in the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors creating and establishing such class or series of Preferred Stock. |
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(f) | In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the Board of Directors is hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the DGCL and this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and any By-Laws adopted by the stock-holders; provided, however, that no By-Laws hereafter adopted by the stock-holders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such By-Laws had not been adopted.
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SIXTH. No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of any fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL. If the DGCL is amended hereafter to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as so amended. Any repeal or modification of this Article SIXTH shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
SEVENTH. The Corporation shall indemnify any person that is or was a director or officer (and any person that is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, as now or hereafter in effect, and such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation (or such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives; provided, however, that, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer (or his or her heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors. The right to indemnification conferred by this Article SEVENTH shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition.
The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article SEVENTH.
The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article SEVENTH shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the By-Laws, any statute or other law, by agreement, vote of stockholders or approval of the directors of the Corporation or otherwise.
Any repeal or modification of this Article SEVENTH shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
EIGHTH. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation may be effected only at a duly called annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation. The ability of stockholders of the Corporation to consent in writing to the taking of any action is hereby specifically denied.
NINTH. Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the By-Laws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept, subject to any provision contained in the DGCL, outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the By-Laws.
TENTH. Except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by (i) the Chief Executive Officer or the President of the Corporation or (ii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors then in office which states the purpose or purposes thereof or (iii) any stockholder or stockholders who beneficially own twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the votes entitled to be cast by the Voting Stock. Other than as set forth in clause (iii) of the preceding sentence, any power of the stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is hereby specifically denied. No business other than that stated in the notice of such meeting (or any amendment or supplement thereto), which notice, in the case of a special meeting called by a stockholder or stockholders, shall include all business requested by such stockholder or stockholders to be transacted at such meeting, shall be transacted at any special meeting.
ELEVENTH. The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
TWELFTH. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors shall have the power without the assent or vote of the stockholders to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the By-Laws. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors shall be required to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the By-Laws. The By-Laws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the shares ofCompany's capital stock issued and outstanding capital stockand entitled to vote thereon; provided, however,thereat are present in person or represented by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for determining whether a quorum exists. A broker non-vote occurs when an intermediary holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the intermediary does not have discretionary voting power for that no such repeal or modificationparticular proposal and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.
Q: What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?
A:Shareholder of Article VIII of the By-Laws may adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
THIRTEENTHRecord. If any provisionyou are a shareholder of record and you submit a signed proxy card or provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be heldsubmit your proxy by telephone or the internet but do not specify how you want to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i)vote your shares on a particular proposal, then the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisionsproxy holders will vote your shares in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to or for the benefit of the Corporation to the
fullest extent permitted by law).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed on its behalf this ________ day of _____________, 2016.
BANKUNITED, INC.
By:________________________
Name:John A. Kanas
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Title: | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Appendix B
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
BANKUNITED, INC.
The undersigned, John A. Kanas, certifies that he is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BankUnited, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “Corporation”), and does hereby further certify as follows:certifies that(1) Thethe name of the Corporation is BankUnited, Inc., (2) The name under which the Corporation was originally incorporated was JAK InterCo, Inc. and
the original Certificatecertificate of Incorporationincorporation of the Corporation was filedaccordance with the Secretaryrecommendations of State of the State of Delaware on April 28, 2009, under the name JAK InterCo, Inc.,The original Certificate of Incorporation was amended on May 21, 2009, November 12, 2009, October 22, 2010 and January 10, 2011, in each case by filing a certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (collectively, the “Original Certificate of Incorporation”). Pursuant to the certificate of amendment filed on October 22, 2010, the Corporation changed its name to BankUnited, Inc. (3) Thisthis Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted on February 11, 2016 by the Board of Directors ofon all matters presented in this Proxy Statement. With respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote at the Corporation (Annual Meeting, the “Board of Directors”)
and approved by the stockholders of the Corporation on May [ ], 2016proxy holders will vote your shares in accordance with Sections 242their best judgment.
Beneficial Owners. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and 245do not provide the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, under the rules of the General Corporation LawNew York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters such as the election of directors. If the Statebroker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter, the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares will inform the inspector of Delaware (the “DGCL”). In lieu ofelection that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a meeting, the Corporation’s sole stockholder has,"broker non-vote." Therefore, we urge you to give voting instructions to your broker. Shares represented by unanimous written consent dated January 15, 2011, approved the amendment and restatement of the Original Certificate of Incorporation as set forth hereinsuch broker non-votes will be counted in accordance with the provisions of Section 228 of the DGCL, and such consent has been filed with the minutes of the proceedings of stockholders of the Corporation. and (4) Thisthis Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation amends and restates integrates and further amends the Original Certificate of Incorporation, as heretofore amended or supplemented.
The text of the Original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporationdetermining whether there is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
FIRST:. The name of the Corporation is BankUnited, Inc. (hereinafter, the “Corporation”).
SECOND:. The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.
THIRD:. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware (the “DGCL”).
FOURTH:.
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(a) | Authorized Capital Stock. The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 500,000,000 of which the Corporation shall have authority to issue 400,000,000 shares of common stock, each having a par value of one cent per share ($0.01) (the “Common Stock”), and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, each having a par value of one cent per share ($0.01) (the “Preferred Stock”).
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(b) | Common Stock. The powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions, of the Common Stock are as follows:
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(1)Each holder of record of shares of Common Stock shall bequorum. Because broker non-votes are not considered entitled to one vote, for each share of Common Stock heldthey will have no effect on allthe outcome on non-routine matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation on which holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote.
(2)The holders of shares of Common Stock shall not have cumulative voting rights (as defined in Section 214 of the DGCL).
(3)Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, and subject to any other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as it may be amended from time to time, holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions in cash, stock or property of the Corporation if, as and when declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor.
(4)In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for the payment of the debt and liabilities of the Corporation and subject to the prior payment in full of the preferential amounts, if any, to which any series of Preferred Stock may be entitled, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the assets and funds of the Corporation remaining for distribution in proportion tothan reducing the number of shares heldpresent in person or by them, respectively.
(5)No holder of shares of Common Stock shall beproxy and entitled to preemptivevote from which a majority is calculated for proposals that require the approval of a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal.
Q: Which proposals are considered "routine" or subscription rights."non-routine"?
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(c) | Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to provide for the issuance of all or any shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more classes
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or series, and to fixA: The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for each such class or series such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such distinctive designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional2021 (Proposal No. 2) is a matter considered routine under applicable rules. A broker or other special rightsnominee may generally vote on routine matters, and such qualifications, limitationstherefore no broker non-votes are expected to exist in connection with Proposal No. 2.
The election of directors (Proposal No. 1) and the advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal No. 3) are matters considered non-routine under applicable rules. A broker or restrictions thereof, as shall be statedother nominee cannot vote without instructions on non-routine matters, and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such class or series and astherefore there may be permitted by the DGCL, including, without limitation, the authority to provide that any such class or series may be (i) subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (ii) entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at such rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes of stock or any other series of stock; (iii) entitled to such rights upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, of the Corporation; or (iv) convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of stock, or shares of any other series of the same class of stock, of the Corporation at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments; all as may be stated in such resolution or resolutions.
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(d) | Power to Sell and Purchase Shares. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to issue and sell all or any part of any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized to such persons, and for such consideration, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not greater consideration could be received upon the issue or sale of the same number of shares of another class or of shares of another series of such class, and as otherwise permitted by law. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to purchase any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized from such persons, and for such consideration, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not less consideration could be paid upon the purchase of the same number of shares of another class or of shares of another series of such class, and as otherwise permitted by law.
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FIFTH:. The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:
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(a) | The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon the Board of Directors by applicable law, this |
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Corporation (as amended from time to time, the “By-Laws”), the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the DGCL and this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
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(b) | The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolution of the Board of Directors. |
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(c) | Subject to the terms of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, and any other vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. The right of stockholders to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors is hereby specifically denied. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor.
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(d) | Except as otherwise required bySubject to applicable law and subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares representingat least a majority in voting power of the votes entitled to be cast by the shares of the thenissued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Voting Stock”).
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(e) | Notwithstanding the foregoing, the election, term, removal and filling of vacancies with respect to directors, if any, elected separately by the holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock shall not be governed by this Article FIFTH, but rather shall be as provided for in the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors creating and establishing such class or series of Preferred Stock. |
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(f) | In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the Board of Directors is hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the DGCL and this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and any By-Laws adopted by the stock-holders; provided, however, that no By-Laws hereafter adopted by the stock-
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holders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such By-Laws had not been adopted.
SIXTH:. No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of any fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL. If the DGCL is amended hereafter to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as so amended. Any repeal or modification of this Article SIXTH shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modificationbroker non-votes with respect to acts or omissions occurring prioreach of Proposal No.1 and Proposal No. 3.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Q: What is the voting requirement to such repeal or modification.
approve each of the proposals?
SEVENTHA:. The Corporation shall indemnify any person that is or was a director or officer (and any person that is or was serving Proposal 1: Nine directors have been nominated for election at the request of the Corporation as aAnnual Meeting. Each director officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, as now or hereafter in effect, and such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased towill be a director or officer of the Corporation (or such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives; provided, however, that, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer (or his or her heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors. The right to indemnification conferred by this Article SEVENTH shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition.
The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article SEVENTH.
The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article SEVENTH shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the By-Laws of the Corporation, any statute or other law, by agreement, vote of stockholders or approval of the directors of the Corporation or otherwise.
Any repeal or modification of this Article SEVENTH shall not adversely affect any
rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
EIGHTH. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation may be effected only at a duly called annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation. The ability of stockholders of the Corporation to consent in writing to the taking of any action is hereby specifically denied.
NINTH. Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the By-Laws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept,(subject to any provision contained in the DGCL), outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the By-Laws of the Corporation.
TENTH. Except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by (i) the Chief Executive Officer or the President of the Corporation,or (ii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution duly adoptedelected by a majority of the total number ofvotes cast, either in person or by properly authorized directors then in office which states the purpose or purposes thereof, or (iii) any stockholder or stockholders who beneficially own twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the votes entitled to be cast by the Voting Stock. Other than as set forth in clause (iii) of the preceding sentence, any power of the stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is hereby specifically denied. No business other than that statedproxy, in the noticeelection of such meeting (or any amendment or supplement thereto), which notice,directors at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders cannot cumulate votes in the caseelection of a special meeting called by a stockholder or stockholders, shall include all business requested by such stockholder or stockholdersdirectors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.
An incumbent director nominee who fails to be transacted at such meeting, shall be transacted at any special meeting.
ELEVENTH. The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
TWELFTH. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors shall have the power without the assent or vote of the stockholders to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Board of Directors shall be required to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation. The Corporation's By-Laws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed byreceive the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitledcast will be required to tender his or her resignation for the consideration of the Board. The Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would then make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation, or as to any other action to be cast bytaken. Upon such recommendation and any other factors it may deem appropriate and relevant, the sharesBoard will then make a determination regarding the director’s resignation within ninety days of outstanding capital stockthe certification of the election results and publicly disclose its determination.
Proposal 2: The ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, that no such repeal or modification of Article VIII ofon the Corporation's By-Laws may adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses ofproposal. In accordance with Delaware law, only votes cast "for" a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modificationmatter constitute affirmative votes. A properly executed proxy marked "abstain" with respect to any acts or
omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
THIRTEENTH. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 122(17)ratification of the DGCL (or any successor provision)),appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm will not be voted, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Since abstentions will not be votes cast "for" the Corporation, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, renounces any interest or expectancyratification of the Corporation and its subsidiaries in,appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, they will have the same effect as negative votes or in being offered an opportunityvotes against that matter.
Proposal 3: The advisory vote to participate in, business opportunities that are from time to time presented to anyapprove the compensation of our named executive officers requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Equity Sponsors (as defined below) or any of their affiliates (other thanvotes represented at the Corporationmeeting and its subsidiaries) orentitled to any ofvote on the directors or officers of the Corporation, even if such opportunity is of a character that, if referred or presentedproposal. Similar to the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof, could be taken byvote to ratify the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof, and, except as set forth in the exception at the endappointment of this sentence, even if the opportunity is presented to any such person in part or in whole in his, her or its capacity as such stockholder, affiliate, director or officer of the Corporation, and none of the foregoing persons shall (i)our independent registered public accounting firm, abstentions will also have any duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to the Corporation, or (ii) to the fullest extent permitted by law, be liable to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries for breach of any fiduciary or other duty, as a director or officer or otherwise, in each case, by reason of the fact that such person pursues or acquires such business opportunity for its own account (individually or as a partner, shareholder, member, participant or fiduciary), directs such business opportunity to another person or fails to present such business opportunity, or information regarding such business opportunity, to the Corporation or its subsidiaries unless, in the case of any such person who is a director or officer of the Corporation, such business opportunity is expressly offered to such director or officer in writing solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation. Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article THIRTEENTH. Neither the alteration, amendment or repeal of this Article THIRTEENTH nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article THIRTEENTH shall eliminate or reduce the effect of a vote against approval of the compensation of our named executive officers. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this Article THIRTEENTHitem.
Q: What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy or voting instruction card?
A: It means your shares are registered differently or are in respectmore than one account. Please provide voting instructions for all proxy and voting instruction cards you receive.
Q: Who will count the vote?
A: A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge") will tabulate the votes and act as the inspector of election.
Q: Can I revoke my proxy or change my vote?
A: Yes. You may revoke your proxy or change your voting instructions at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting by:
•providing written notice to the corporate secretary of the Company;
•delivering a valid, later-dated proxy or a later-dated vote on the internet or by telephone; or
•attending the virtual Annual Meeting and voting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BKU2021
Please note that your attendance at the virtual Annual Meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
Q: Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the Annual Meeting?
A: The Company will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials. In addition to the mailing of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic and facsimile transmission by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. In addition, the Company may reimburse its transfer agent, brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares of BankUnited, Inc.'s common stock for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners. We have also retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an anticipated approximate cost of $10,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Shareholders can contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated at 888-750-5834 to answer any questions they may have regarding voting.
Q: I share an address with another shareholder, and we received only one paper copy of the proxy materials. How may I obtain an additional copy of the proxy materials?
A: The Company has adopted a procedure called "householding," which the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has approved. Under this procedure, we deliver a single copy of this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report to multiple shareholders who share the same address unless we received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. This procedure reduces the Company's printing costs, mailing costs and fees. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy cards. Upon written or oral request, a separate copy of this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report will be promptly delivered to any shareholder at a shared address to which the Company delivered a single copy of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article THIRTEENTH, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption. The term “the Equity Sponsors” shall mean each of WLR Recovery Fund IV, L.P., WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P., WLR/GS Master Co-Investment, L.P., Carlyle Partners V, L.P., Carlyle Partners V-A, L.P., CP V Coinvestment A, L.P., CP V Coinvestment B, L.P., Carlyle Strategic Partners II, L.P., CSP II Co-Investment, L.P., Carlyle Financial Services BU, L.P., Centerbridge Capital Partners, L.P., Centerbridge Capital Partners SBS, L.P., Centerbridge Capital Partners Strategic, L.P., CB BU Investors, L.L.C., CB BU Investors II, L.L.C., CB BU Investors III, L.L.C., Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P. and Blackstone Participation Partnership V L.P. and their respective affiliates and subsidiaries (other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries).
FOURTEENTHTHIRTEENTH. If any provision or provisionsthese documents. To receive a separate copy of this AmendedProxy Statement or the Annual Report, or to receive a separate copy of our proxy materials in the future, shareholders may write or call the Company at the following address and Restated Certificatetelephone number:
BankUnited, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
14817 Oak Lane
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
(305) 231-6400
Shareholders who hold shares in street name (as described above) may contact their broker, bank or other nominee to request information about householding. Shareholders sharing an address can request delivery of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i)a single copy of our proxy materials if they are currently receiving multiple copies by following the validity, legality and enforceabilitysame procedures outlined above.
Q: How can I obtain a copy of such provisions in any other circumstance andBankUnited, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K?
A: Copies of the remaining provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to orCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the benefityear ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC, are available to shareholders free of charge on BankUnited, Inc.'s website at https://ir.bankunited.com or by writing to BankUnited, Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 14817 Oak Lane, Miami Lakes, FL 33016. The Company's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K accompanies this Proxy Statement.
Q: Where can I find the voting results of the Corporation toAnnual Meeting?
A: BankUnited, Inc. will announce preliminary voting results at the fullest extent permitted by law).Annual Meeting and publish preliminary results, or final results if available, in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days of the Annual Meeting.
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BankUnited, Inc. 2021 Proxy Statement
8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed on its behalf this
second________ day of February, 2011_____________, 2016.
BANKUNITED, INC.
By:________________________
Name:John A. Kanas
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Title: | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
