Item 4: Re-appointment of the executive directors, and (re)-appointment of the non-executive directors
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, the term of office of the executive directors and the non-executive directors will expire at the end of the Annual General Meeting of April 14, 2023. Each executive director and each non-executive director may be re-appointed at any subsequent Annual General Meeting of shareholders. In light of the size of the Company, the complexity and specific characteristics of the segments in which it operates and the geographic distribution of its businesses, the Board should be composed of individuals with skills, experience and cultural background, both general and specific, acquired in an international environment and relevant to an understanding of the macro-economy and global markets, more generally, as well as the industrial and financial sectors, more specifically. An appropriate and diversified mix of skills, professional backgrounds and diversity factors are fundamental to the proper functioning of the Board as a collegial body.
The composition of the Board should also be correctly balanced between executive directors, i.e. those who hold responsibility for the day-to-day management and are vested with executive powers, and non-executive directors. Finally, the presence of independent directors is essential in order to protect the interests of all shareholders and third parties. On the basis of the proposal made by the Environmental, Social and Governance Committee (the “ESG Committee”), the Board therefore proposes that the number of directors be set at nine (9), a number deemed appropriate for the effective functioning of the Board and its Committees, and that number of executive directors be confirmed at two (2), a number deemed appropriate for the effective functioning of the Board. Therefore, the Board recommends: (a) the re-appointment of the current executive directors, Ms. Heywood and Mr. Wine, (b) the re-appointment of Mr. Buffett, Ms. Linehan, Mr. Nasi, Mr. Sørensen, and Ms. Tamsons as non-executive directors and the appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Bastoni and Mr. Richard J. Kramer, as non-executive directors. Both executive directors and all non-executive directors are eligible and have stated their willingness to accept either re-appointment or appointment, as the case may be. The Company has also determined that Elizabeth Bastoni, Howard W. Buffett, Richard J. Kramer, Karen Linehan, Vagn Sørensen and Åsa Tamsons, satisfy the independence requirements prescribed by applicable laws and regulations.
Pursuant to the Articles of Association, the new term of office of the directors will expire on the day of the first Annual General Meeting of shareholders that will be held in 2024. The directors’ remuneration will comply with the Remuneration Policy (as revised by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held in April 2020).
| • | | 4a Re-appointment of Suzanne Heywood (voting item) |
| • | | 4b Re-Appointment of Scott W. Wine (voting item) |
The Board believes that the contribution and performance of the executive directors seeking re-appointment at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders continues to be effective, and that each demonstrate commitment to their respective roles in the Company. Accordingly, the Board recommends to re-appoint Suzanne Heywood and Scott W. Wine as executive directors.
| • | | 4c Re-appointment of Howard W. Buffett (voting item) |
| • | | 4d Appointment of Karen Linehan (voting item) |
| • | | 4e Re-appointment of Alessandro Nasi (voting item) |
| • | | 4f Re-appointment of Vagn Sørensen (voting item) |
| • | | 4g Re-appointment of Åsa Tamsons (voting item) |
| • | | 4h Appointment of Elizabeth Bastoni (voting item) |
| • | | 4i Appointment of Richard J. Kramer (voting item) |
The Board believes that the contribution and performance of the non-executive directors seeking re-appointment at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders continues to be effective, and that they each demonstrate commitment to their respective roles in the Company. Accordingly, the Board recommends to re-appoint Howard W. Buffett, Karen Linehan, Alessandro Nasi, Vagn Sørensen, and Åsa Tamsons. In line with the Company’s needs of having a Board composed of individuals with skills, experience and cultural background, acquired in an international environment with the aim of having a Board with an appropriate mix of skills, professional backgrounds and diversity factors, the Board further recommends the appointment of Elizabeth Bastoni and Richard J. Kramer as non-executive directors.
The Board believes that the contributions of Ms. Bastoni and Mr. Kramer will strengthen the expertise and capabilities of the Board of Directors of the Company. Ms. Bastoni and Mr. Kramer are eligible and have stated their willingness to accept their appointment.
Pursuant to the Articles of Association, the term of office of all the directors will expire on the day of the Annual General meeting that will be held in 2024. The remuneration of the nominees will comply with the Company’s Remuneration Policy.
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