Shareholder activists increasingly target CEO turnover as a catalyst for change, with 18% of U.S. campaigns launched after a CEO change—a 38% rise over the four‑year average. 2025 saw a record 32 activist‑driven CEO resignations, a 60% increase, including 16% of those at S&P 500 firms. High‑profile cases at CSX, Kenvue, lululemon and BP illustrate how pressure, board negotiations and strategic reviews precede leadership exits. The trend underscores the need for boards to anticipate succession challenges even after campaigns settle.
The SEC’s Corporation Finance Division released a fresh set of five CDIs, adding two Rule 13e‑3 going‑private interpretations, two tender‑offer clarifications, and a revised Form S‑4 business‑combination guidance. The new Rule 13e‑3 CDIs formalize the equity‑for‑equity exception and limit non‑waivable conditions, while the...

ISS added a negative overriding factor to its EPSC evaluation in December 2025. Plans that receive a Plan Features pillar score below seven points may now trigger a recommended vote against the equity plan proposal. ISS does not disclose how...