UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
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Mondelēz International, Inc. |
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Letter from our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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Letter from our Lead Director
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March 29, 2019 Dear Fellow Shareholders, Thank you for your investment in Mondelēz International and for your continued support as we enter a new phase in the growth of our six-year-young company. I’m pleased with our progress in 2018. After five years of a more cost-driven approach, we have started to shift more of our attention to top-line growth, which started to show signs of acceleration during the year. We also formulated a new long-term strategy and took meaningful steps forward in our mission to lead the future of snacking around the world. Mondelēz International is a global leader in snacking, which is an attractive market, distinct from packaged foods, with strong growth and approximately $1.2 trillion in annual global consumer spending. Our new purpose as a company – to empower people to snack right – has led us to take an in-depth look at consumers around the world and how their snacking behavior is evolving. It also guided our development of a new long-term strategy with well-defined priorities that will accelerate growth and generate shareholder value while creating a sustainable business with a positive impact on people and the planet. LONG-TERM PRIORITIES Following a comprehensive review during my first full year as CEO, we introduced a new long-term strategy that builds on our many advantages as a company. These include our leadership positions in the high-growth snacking categories, powerful global brands and local jewels, a real global presence, particularly in emerging markets, a strong value chain enabled by productivity initiatives and investments, and our talented people. To best leverage these strengths, our new strategic plan aims to: • Accelerate Consumer-Centric Growth. We are adopting a new, more consumer-centric commercial approach that we believe will create more demand for our beloved global and local brands. It includes increasing our understanding of consumers through a set of proprietary insights about snacking behaviors and occasions that will allow us to target our investments in the areas of highest growth potential.
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March 29, 2019 Dear Fellow Shareholders, Our Board is deeply committed to independent oversight and strong corporate governance to maximize the value of your investment. I’m honored that my fellow independent directors have selected me to serve as independent Lead Director, and I will continue to work hard to foster shareholder engagement and Board oversight and effectiveness. We are very pleased with the Company’s achievements in 2018, beginning with our leadership transition to new CEO Dirk Van de Put and the completion of a rigorous strategic review of the Company’s operations. We executed seamlessly on our leadership succession, including Dirk’s transition into the additional role of Chairman and Luca Zaramella’s assumption of the CFO role. I am particularly pleased that amidst all those changes we delivered strong financial results. Throughout the strategic review, the Board and management team worked in close coordination to craft a consumer-centric strategy that leverages our Company’s unique strengths in the attractive snacking market to accelerate growth. We are proud of our directors’ diverse backgrounds and considerable leadership experience at global companies. Our collective skill set – strategic planning, international operations, manufacturing, consumer products, marketing, innovation, food services, technology, people development, capital investments, finance and research – and diverse perspectives enable highly effective Board oversight and rigorous decision-making. In 2018, we refreshed the Board with the addition of two directors, Debra Crew and Peter May, who each possess proven track records with global food and beverage companies as well as deep financial acumen, marketing and international experience. All our directors except Chairman & CEO Dirk Van de Put are independent, and all committees are fully independent – an important feature of an effective Board. As independent Lead Director, I’m deeply engaged in my responsibilities, including the review and approval of the annual schedule of Board meetings, agenda topics, in addition to presiding at the meetings of independent directors in executive session. I chair the Governance, Membership and Public Affairs Committee and work to
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• Drive Operational Excellence. Ongoing cost and productivity focus remains fundamental to how we run the business. We are making incremental improvements to reduce our costs and have many initiatives underway to enhance our operations across sales, marketing and the supply chain. • Build a Winning Growth Culture. We can only deliver on our growth opportunities by giving our people the tools, resources and incentives they need to perform at their very best. So, we are creating a winning growth culture that moves quickly, empowers our organization’s leaders at the local level, accelerates innovation and builds world-class capabilities across a diverse and inclusive workforce. The combination of our unique structural advantages and strategic plan gives us confidence that we can deliver on a new set of long-term financial targets and capital allocation priorities to create value for our shareholders, including: • Organic Net Revenue(1) growth of 3 percent plus; • High-single digit Adjusted EPS(1) growth at constant currency; • Free Cash Flow(1) of $3 billion plus; and • Dividend growth outpacing Adjusted EPS growth. A LOOK BACK AT OUR PROGRESS I am particularly pleased with the progress we have made towards bringing our new plan to life. In 2018 we: • Launched a new approach to marketing, which includes more balanced investments in global and local brands and a completely new marketing playbook; • Deployed a ‘test, learn and scale’ approach to innovation in our local business units; • Launched our SnackFutures innovation and venture hub; • Acquired the Tate’s premium biscuits business; • Improved sales and route-to-market execution while delivering continued productivity improvements; • Improved service levels in North America and achieved highest-ever service levels in Europe; • Launched a new local-first commercial model to reduce complexity and increase speed; and • Changed our incentive structure to include volume-driven growth and absolute profit-dollar growth metrics, as well as quality of results. These initiatives helped us deliver on all our financial commitments in 2018, including strong earnings growth, free cash flow and capital return to shareholders: • Net revenues increased 0.2 percent; Organic Net Revenue(2) grew 2.4 percent; • Diluted Earnings Per Share were $2.28, up 23 percent; Adjusted EPS(2) was $2.43, up 15 percent on a constant currency basis; |
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develop recommendations for committee structure, membership, rotations and chairs. I lead an annual Board, committee and director self-assessment process to identify opportunities for improvement, and I’m available for consultation with the Company’s major shareholders. Attracting, retaining and rewarding top talent through the Company’s compensation programs is critical to our success and a top priority of the Board. Our compensation program is, and has always been, strongly performance-based and aligned with shareholders’ interests. Following the say-on-pay vote last year, we carefully reviewed our compensation policies and engaged with investors to understand their perspectives. Based on conversations with major shareholders, we confirmed that the key drivers of last year’s vote were one-time issues related to our leadership transition – primarily the make-whole awards for our new CEO. Securing executive talent with a proven track record of success always comes with a cost, and the Board was confident in offering Dirk Van de Put substantial make-whole awards, most of which were in the form of company equity, as an investment in our future. The Company’s performance so far under Dirk’s leadership including in 2018 reinforces our confidence in the decision to bring him aboard to develop and execute our growth strategy. We are committed to closely linking all executives’ compensation to performance in a manner that supports the new strategy that Dirk is leading, and that is in line with comparable peers and best practices in corporate governance. The Board and Human Resources and Compensation Committee are also conducting in-depth analysis of our leaders and their future potential as part of our ongoing succession planning. In addition to its oversight and engagement in our strategic direction, business performance, acquisitions and divestitures and talent management, the Board is heavily involved in the Company’s commitment to create a positive impact on the world while driving business performance. Mondelēz International’s Sustainable and Mindful Snacking strategies bring together our environmental sustainability, consumer well-being, community engagement and safety projects and connect them to our business strategy in service of growth. I hope you will find our proxy statement and website to be useful resources to learn more about your Board, our corporate governance practices and policies and our sustainability and Impact initiatives. We take very seriously the trust you place in us through your investment in Mondelēz International. Your vote is important to us. We encourage you to read both our proxy statement and annual report in full and to vote in accordance with our recommendations. On behalf of all the directors, thank you for your continued support and investment in our Company. Sincerely, Joseph Neubauer
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• Cash provided by operating activities was $3.9 billion, Free Cash Flow(2) was $2.9 billion; and • We returned $3.4 billion in capital to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases; since the spin six years ago, we have returned more than $21 billion to our shareholders.
We exited the year with solid momentum and are increasing targeted investments in 2019 in support of a sustainable acceleration in long-term growth.
SUSTAINABLE AND MINDFUL SNACKING I am particularly proud that we continue to operate our business the right way, with a positive impact where people and the planet thrive. In 2018 we proudly: • Committed to Making All Packaging Recyclable by 2025. As a part of this commitment, all paper-based packaging will be sustainably sourced by 2020 and 65 million kg of packaging material worldwide will be eliminated by 2020. • Expanded Harmony Sustainable Wheat Program. We are scaling our sustainable wheat sourcing initiative to cover 100 percent of biscuit brands in the European Union by 2022. • Added Milka Chocolate to Cocoa Life Sustainable Sourcing Program. One of our largest chocolate brands, Milka, joined Cocoa Life as part of our commitment to source all our cocoa sustainably over time. • Increased Percentage of Portion Control Options in Our Portfolio. Smaller portions help encourage mindful consumption and we are well on-track to reach our target of 15 percent of the portfolio. • Announced Ambitious Sugar Reduction Program in the United Kingdom. A new Cadbury Dairy Milk bar with 30 percent less sugar will be launched in the United Kingdom, offering consumers greater choice and helping them to manage their sugar intake. You can find more information about our Impact efforts on our website, including our commitments related to safety, sustainability, well-being snacks and serving the communities in which we operate.
LOOKING AHEAD I remain excited to lead an organization that is well-positioned and focused in its commitment to accelerate growth and create value for all our stakeholders ‒ shareholders, consumers, customers, colleagues and communities around the world. I look forward to engaging with you in the months ahead as we continue to execute our long-term strategy. On behalf of all my colleagues at Mondelēz International, thank you for your continued investment and support.
Best regards, Dirk Van de Put Chairman & CEO
(1) See definition in Annex A. (2) See the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation in Annex A. |
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This proxy statement contains a number of forward-looking statements. Words, and variations of words, such as “will,” “expect,” “may,” “believe,” “intend,” “aim,” “deliver,” “target,” “commitment” and similar expressions are intended to identify our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about: our future performance, including our future revenue growth, earnings per share and cash flow; our strategic plan to drive accelerated growth by adopting a more consumer-centric commercial approach, focusing on operational excellence and building a winning growth culture; demand for our brands; investments; cost discipline, including operational efficiency; our sustainable and mindful snacking initiatives; dividends; value creation for shareholders and other stakeholders; and our long-term financial targets. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks from operating globally including in emerging markets; changes in currency exchange rates, controls and restrictions; continued volatility of commodity and other input costs; weakness in economic conditions; weakness in consumer spending; pricing actions; tax matters including changes in tax rates and laws, disagreements with taxing authorities and imposition of new taxes; use of information technology and third party service providers; unanticipated disruptions to our business, such as the malware incident, cyberattacks or other security breaches; competition; protection of our reputation and brand image; our ability to innovate and differentiate our products; the restructuring program and our other transformation initiatives not yielding the anticipated benefits; changes in the assumptions on which the restructuring program is based; management of our workforce; consolidation of retail customers and competition with retailer and other economy brands; changes in our relationships with suppliers or customers; legal, regulatory, tax or benefit law changes, claims or actions; strategic transactions; significant changes in valuation factors that may adversely affect our impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets; perceived or actual product quality issues or product recalls; failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; volatility of and access to capital or other markets; pension costs; and our ability to protect our intellectual property and intangible assets. Mondelēz International disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this proxy statement, except as required by applicable law or regulation.
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PROXY STATEMENT
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Notice of 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
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TIME AND DATE: 9:00 a.m. CDT on May 15, 2019 |
PLACE: NOAH’S Event Venue 200 Barclay Boulevard Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 |
WHO MAY VOTE: Shareholders of record of Class A Common Stock at the close of business on March 12, 2019 |
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
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To elect as directors the 13 director nominees named in the Proxy Statement; |
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To approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s executive compensation; |
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To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019; |
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To vote on two shareholder proposals if properly presented at the meeting; and |
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To transact any other business properly presented at the meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. |
DATE OF DISTRIBUTION:
On or about March 29, 2019, we mailed/distributed the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and made available the Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 online at http://materials.proxyvote.com/609207.
On or about March 29, 2019, we expect to mail the Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 to shareholders who previously elected to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials.
Jeffrey S. Srulovitz
Vice President & Chief of Global Governance
and Corporate Secretary
March 29, 2019
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE |
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 15, 2019 |
Mondelēz International, Inc.’s Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended |
December 31, 2018 are available at http://materials.proxyvote.com/609207. |
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In this Proxy Statement Summary and throughout the Proxy Statement, “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “Mondelēz International” refer to Mondelēz International, Inc.
This summary highlights select information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. You should read the entire Proxy Statement carefully and consider all information in the Proxy Statement before voting. For more complete information regarding the Company’s 2018 performance, please see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Form 10-K”).
2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”)
Time and Date |
9:00 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 |
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NOAH’S Event Venue 200 Barclay Boulevard Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 |
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Record Date |
March 12, 2019 |
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Voting |
Each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock (“Common Stock”) is entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. |
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Admission |
Shareholders should follow the advance registration instructions described in Question 21 on page 93. The deadline for advance registration is 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 14, 2019. |
Items of Business
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Voting Choices |
Board’s Voting Recommendation |
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More Information |
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Company Proposals: |
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Item 1. |
Election of 13 Directors |
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With respect to each nominee: For Against Abstain |
FOR All Nominees |
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Page 8 |
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Item 2. |
Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation |
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For Against Abstain |
FOR |
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Page 81 |
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Item 3. |
Ratification of the Selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Registered Public Accountants for Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2019 |
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For Against Abstain |
FOR |
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Page 83 |
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Shareholder Proposals: |
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Item 4. |
Report on Environmental Impact of Cocoa Supply Chain |
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For Against Abstain |
AGAINST |
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Page 85 |
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Item 5. |
Consider Employee Pay in Setting Chief Executive Officer Pay |
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For Against Abstain |
AGAINST |
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Page 87 |
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Transact any other business that properly comes before the meeting. |
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Proxy Statement Summary
ITEM 1. Election of Directors – Nominees (Page 11)
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The Board recommends a vote FOR
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The Governance, Membership and Public Affairs Committee (the “Governance Committee”) recommended and the Board of Directors (the “Board”) nominated each of the 13 incumbent directors listed here. The terms of all directors elected at the Annual Meeting will end at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or when a director’s successor has been duly elected and qualified. Additional information about the director nominees is provided under “Election of Directors – Director Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting.”
Our Board at a Glance:
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Director Since |
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Indepen-dent |
Audit |
Finance |
GMPAC(1) |
HRCC(2) |
Lewis W.K. Booth Age: 70 |
2012 |
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ford Motor Company |
✓ |
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Charles E. Bunch Age: 69 |
2016 |
Retired Executive Chairman, PPG Industries, Inc. |
✓ |
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Debra A. Crew Age: 48 |
2018 |
Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Reynolds American Inc., British American Tobacco p.l.c. |
✓ |
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Lois D. Juliber Age: 70 |
2007 |
Former Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Colgate-Palmolive Company |
✓ |
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Mark D. Ketchum Age: 69 |
2007 |
Former President and Chief Newell Rubbermaid Inc. |
✓ |
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Peter W. May Age: 76 |
2018 |
President and a Founding Partner, Trian Fund Management, L.P. |
✓ |
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Jorge S. Mesquita Age: 57 |
2012 |
Former Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman, Consumer, Johnson & Johnson |
✓ |
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Joseph Neubauer Age: 77 |
2014 |
Former Chairman of the Board, ARAMARK Corporation |
✓ |
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Fredric G. Reynolds Age: 68 |
2007 |
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, CBS Corporation |
✓ |
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Christiana S. Shi Age: 59 |
2016 |
Former President, Direct-to-Consumer, Nike, Inc. |
✓ |
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Patrick T. Siewert Age: 63 |
2012 |
Managing Director and Partner, The Carlyle Group, L.P. |
✓ |
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Jean-François M. L. van Boxmeer Age: 57 |
2010 |
Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer, Heineken N.V. |
✓ |
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Dirk Van de Put Age: 58 |
2017 |
Chairman and Chief |
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+ As Lead Director, Mr. Neubauer is an ex-officio non-voting member of all committees of which he is not a member.
(1) GMPAC – Governance, Membership and Public Affairs Committee
(2) HRCC – Human Resources and Compensation Committee
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2019 Proxy Statement |
Proxy Statement Summary
Board Independence and Tenure
asf
12 of our 13 Directors |
Average Tenure of our Independent Directors is 6.2 years |
We Value the Diversity of our Independent Directors
Gender Diversity |
Age Diversity |
Global Diversity
Seven independent directors have lived and/or worked outside of the United States
Seven independent directors have lived and/or worked outside their country of birth
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Proxy Statement Summary
Our Strong Corporate Governance Framework Promotes the Long-Term Interests of Shareholders and Accountability and Trust in the Company
Our governance practices and polices enhance our Board’s effectiveness and accountability and promote the Company’s long-term success. We highlight here key aspects of our corporate governance framework. Shareholders can find additional detail under “Corporate Governance” beginning on page 19, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Our Executive Compensation Governance Practices Reflect Best Practices to Protect and Promote our Shareholders’ Interests” on page 45, and “2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders” on page 95.
Key Practice/Policy |
Benefit to Board and Shareholders |
Lead Director. Independent Lead Director has substantive responsibilities: • engages in planning and approval of meeting schedules/agendas; • presides over frequent executive sessions of independent directors; and • consults with major shareholders, |
A highly effective and engaged Lead Director: • enhances independent directors’ input and investors’ perspectives on agendas and discussions; • fosters candid discussion during regular executive sessions of the independent directors; and • provides feedback to management regarding the Board’s concerns and information needs. |
Majority Independent Board. Mondelēz International requires that all non-management directors be independent. 12 of 13 directors are independent. |
Substantial majority of independent directors in the boardroom and fully independent committees effectively oversee management on behalf of shareholders. |
Annual Elections. Shareholders elect directors annually by majority vote. |
Strengthens Board, committee and individual director accountability. |
Special Meeting of Shareholders. By-Laws allow shareholders of record of at least 20% of the voting power of the outstanding stock to call a special meeting of shareholders. |
Further strengthens Board accountability and encourages engagement with substantial shareholders regarding important matters. |
Proxy Access. By-Laws provide for proxy access on market terms, enabling substantial shareholders to add their nominee(s) to the proxy statement. |
Further strengthens Board accountability and encourages engagement with substantial shareholders regarding Board composition. |
Regular Self-Assessment. Regular Board, committee and director self-assessments include candid, one-on-one conversations between Governance Committee Chair and each director. |
• Promotes continuous process improvement at the Board and its committees. • Provides an opportunity to discuss individual directors’ contributions and performance, as well as solicit views on improving Board and committee performance. |
Tenure/Retirement. Independent director tenure and retirement policies. |
• Tenure/retirement policies promote ongoing evolution and refreshment. • Annual self-assessments provide a disciplined mechanism for director input into the Board’s evolution and succession planning process. • Average tenure for independent directors is approximately six years. |
Stock Ownership Requirements. Directors must own shares of our Common Stock in an amount equal to five times the annual Board cash retainer within five years of joining the Board. Distribution of actual shares occurs six months after the director ends his or her service as a director. |
• Aligns directors‘ and shareholders’ long-term interests; and • Many directors exceed the minimum requirement |
Engagement with Shareholders. We engage with shareholders to seek their input on emerging issues and to address their questions and concerns. |
During the past year, engaged with a diverse mix of shareholders representing approximately 55% of voting power on various topics including, among others, our leadership transition, executive compensation, strategy, capital allocation, business performance, corporate governance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. These exchanges were candid and constructive. |
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2019 Proxy Statement |
Proxy Statement Summary
ITEM 2. Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation (Page 81)
The Board recommends a vote FOR this Proposal
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When casting your 2019 say-on-pay vote we encourage you to consider:
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The alignment of the 2018 Compensation of our Chairman and CEO and our other named executive officers with our 2018 performance; |
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The pay-for-performance alignment built into the design of our incentive programs; |
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Our continued evaluation of our executive compensation program; |
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The changes made to our executive compensation program in both 2018 and 2019 that enhance our pay-for-performance culture; and |
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Our continued direct shareholder outreach and response to shareholder concerns. |
We recognize that executive compensation is a very important matter for our shareholders. This past year, in our extensive conversations with many of our largest shareholders, we heard that although the one-time compensation actions taken during our CEO succession and transition were concerning, our overall ongoing compensation programs are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. Therefore, the guiding principles of our executive compensation program continue to be:
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Link pay to performance; |
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Put significant pay at risk based on both short-term and long-term performance; |
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Reward long-term sustainable performance; |
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Target pay at or near the median of our peer group; |
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Set substantive and challenging performance goals; and |
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Require executive officers to acquire and subsequently hold a significant amount of Common Stock. |
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) has four primary goals for our executive compensation program:
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Attract, retain and motivate talented executive officers and develop world-class business leaders; |
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Support business strategies that promote superior long-term shareholder returns; |
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Align pay and performance by making a significant portion of Named Executive Officer (“NEO”) compensation variable and therefore dependent on achieving key financial and other critical strategic and individual goals; and |
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Align NEO and shareholder interests through significant stock ownership requirements and equity-based incentive grants that link executive compensation to sustained and superior Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”). |
2018 Executive Compensation Reflected the Performance of our NEOs and the Company
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Annual Cash Incentive Program |
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We achieved an above target financial performance rating of 134% under the 2018 Annual Cash Incentive Program resulting in above target annual incentive payouts to most of our NEOs. |
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Despite the challenging top-line environment, we generated above target Organic Net Revenue Growth as well as above target Adjusted Earnings per Share and Free Cash Flow; however, we performed below target on Adjusted Gross Margin Percent. |
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Performance Share Units (2016-2018 Performance Cycle) |
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We achieved a below target performance rating of 79% for the performance share unit awards subject to the 2016-2018 performance cycle. Our above target performance in 2018 was not able to fully offset the below target performance in 2016 and 2017. |
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We exceeded target on Adjusted Return on Invested Capital Increase but performed below target on Organic Net Revenue Growth and Annualized Relative TSR. |
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Proxy Statement Summary
Compensation Program Changes in 2018
We continued to refine our compensation programs to further strengthen our pay-for-performance culture and align with our strategy. To that end, we made several changes to our annual and long-term incentive programs in 2018.
You can find detailed information about our compensation programs, extensive shareholder outreach, response to shareholder concerns around 2017 NEO compensation and changes to our 2018 and 2019 compensation program in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 39 and “Executive Compensation Tables” beginning on page 63.
ITEM 3. Ratification of the Selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Registered Public Accountants for Fiscal Year 2019 (Page 83)
The Board recommends a vote FOR this Proposal
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As a matter of good governance, we are asking our shareholders to ratify the Audit Committee’s selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2019. We provide information on PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s fees in 2017 and 2018 on page 29.
Shareholder Proposals
In accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules, this Proxy Statement includes two shareholder proposals.
ITEM 4. Report on Environmental Impact of Cocoa Supply Chain (Page 85)
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this Shareholder Proposal
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ITEM 5. Consider Employee Pay in Setting Chief Executive Officer Pay (Page 87)
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST this Shareholder Proposal
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TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT PROPERLY COMES BEFORE THE MEETING
Other than Items 1 through 5, we do not expect any additional matters to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. We described the requirements for shareholders to properly submit proposals and nominations at the 2019 Annual Meeting in the 2018 proxy statement. They are similar to those described under “2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.” The Chairman of the Annual Meeting may refuse to allow presentation of an improperly submitted proposal or a nomination for the Board at the Annual Meeting.
If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, your proxy authorizes the designated proxies to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment and in their discretion.
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2019 Proxy Statement |
Proxy Statement Summary
How to Vote in Advance of the Meeting (Page 91)
Even if you plan to register for and attend the Annual Meeting in person, please vote in advance of the meeting using one of the following voting methods (see Question 12 on page 91 for additional details). If you are voting via the Internet, with your mobile phone or by telephone, be sure to have your proxy card or voting instruction form (“VIF”) in hand and follow the instructions. You can vote in advance of the meeting any of four ways:
Visit the website listed on the proxy card/VIF to vote VIA THE INTERNET |
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Scan the QR barcode on the proxy card/VIF to vote WITH YOUR MOBILE DEVICE
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Call the telephone number on the proxy card/VIF to vote BY TELEPHONE |
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If you received paper copies of your proxy materials, mark, sign, date and return the proxy card in the enclosed envelope to vote BY MAIL |
Voting Instructions to Proxies
At the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies on each shareholder’s proxy card will vote the shares represented by the proxy card FOR or AGAINST or ABSTAIN from voting with respect to each of the nominees listed in proposal 1 and with respect to proposals 2, 3, 4 and 5, as indicated in the shareholder’s voting instructions. If no indication is made on the properly executed proxy card, proxies will vote FOR each of the director nominees listed in proposal 1, FOR proposals 2 and 3, AGAINST proposals 4 and 5 and in their discretion upon such other business as properly comes before the meeting.
Voting at the Annual Meeting (Page 91)
All shareholders of record as of March 12, 2019 may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Generally, beneficial shareholders may vote in person at the Annual Meeting if they have a legal proxy. See Question 12 on page 91 for detailed information.
Attending the Annual Meeting – Important Details about Advance Registration Process and Admission Requirements (Page 93)
If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, see Question 21 on page 93 for important details about advance registration and admission requirements.
Asking Questions at the Annual Meeting
Shareholders will have the opportunity to ask questions or make comments related to the matters being voted on. They may do so at the times and in the manner indicated in the meeting agenda and meeting procedures that we will distribute at the Annual Meeting registration desk and according to the Chairman’s instructions. We will provide an opportunity for shareholders to make comments or ask additional questions of a general nature during the questions portion of the Annual Meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Annual Meeting and Voting (Page 89)
We provide answers to many frequently asked questions (“FAQ”) about the Annual Meeting and voting, including how to vote shares held in brokerage accounts and employee benefit plan accounts, in the FAQ section beginning on page 89.
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Process for Nominating Directors
The Governance Committee identifies, evaluates and recommends to the Board director nominees for election at the Annual Meeting (and any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting). The Governance Committee invites director nominee suggestions from the directors, management, shareholders and others. In addition, the Governance Committee has retained a third-party executive search firm to assist it in identifying and evaluating potential director nominees based on the Board’s recruitment objectives.
General Qualifications for Nomination to the Board
The Board believes all directors should possess certain attributes, including integrity, sound business judgment and strategic vision, as these characteristics are necessary to establish a competent, ethical and well-functioning board that best represents shareholders’ interests.
Consistent with the Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), when evaluating the suitability of an individual for nomination, the Governance Committee considers each individual’s:
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general understanding of the varied disciplines relevant to the success of a large, publicly traded company in today’s global business environment; |
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understanding of the Company’s global businesses and markets; and |
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professional expertise and educational background. |
The Governance Committee also considers:
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other factors that promote diversity of views, knowledge and experience, including, among others, gender, race and national origin; |
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whether the individual meets various independence requirements, including whether an individual’s service on boards and board committees of other organizations is consistent with our conflicts of interest policy; and |
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whether the individual can devote sufficient time and effort to fulfill his or her responsibilities to the Company given the individual’s other commitments. |
Board Composition: Director Knowledge, Competencies and Experiences
The Governance Committee works with the Board to determine the appropriate mix of individuals that will result in a Board that is strong in its collective knowledge, competencies and experiences – enabling the Board to fulfill its responsibilities and best perpetuate the Company’s long-term success and represent all shareholders’ interests. Based upon its discussions with the Board, the Governance Committee has identified key competencies that are currently desirable in order for the Board to fulfill its current and future obligations:
Key Competencies |
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Relevant Experience |
Industry Knowledge vital to understanding and reviewing strategy, including the acquisition of businesses that offer complementary products or services
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• Food and Beverage • Consumer Products |
Significant Operating Experience as current or former executives of large global companies or other large organizations giving directors specific insight into and expertise that will foster active participation in the development and implementation of the Company’s operating plan and business strategy |
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• CEO/COO • Manufacturing Operations • Retail Operations |
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Leadership Experience giving directors the ability to motivate, manage, identify and develop leadership qualities in others, as well as strong critical thinking, verbal communication skills, diversity of views and thought processes |
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• CEO/COO or Other Leadership Positions at Complex Organizations
• M&A/Alliances/Partnerships
• Strategic Planning
• Talent Assessment and People Development/Compensation
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2019 Proxy Statement |
ITEM 1. Election of Directors
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Relevant Experience |
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Substantial Global Business and other International Experience given the Company’s global presence |
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• Developed Markets
• Emerging Markets
• New Media/Digital Technology/ E-Commerce
• Technology/IT Strategy
• Government Affairs/ Regulatory/Compliance
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Accounting and Financial Expertise enabling directors to analyze financial statements, capital structure and complex financial transactions and oversee accounting and financial reporting processes |
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• CFO
• M&A/Alliances/Partnerships
• Financial Acumen/Capital Markets
• Cost Management
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Product Research, Development and Marketing Experience in food and beverage as well as complementary industries contributing to the identification and development of new food and beverage products and implementation of marketing strategies that will improve performance |
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• Consumer Insights/Analytics
• Research & Development
• Innovation |
Public Company Board and Corporate Governance Experience at large publicly traded companies providing directors with a solid understanding of their extensive and complex oversight responsibilities and furthering the goals of greater transparency, accountability for management and the Board and protection of shareholders’ interests
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• CEO/COO/Other Governance Leadership Positions
• Government Affairs/Regulatory |
Individual Director Self-Assessments and Considerations for Renomination of Incumbent Directors
The Governance Committee coordinates annual Board, committee and director self-assessments. The assessment process includes one-on-one discussions between each director and the Chair of the Governance Committee. Annually, all director nominees complete questionnaires to update and confirm their background, qualifications and skills and identify any potential conflicts of interest. The Governance Committee assesses the experience, qualifications, attributes, skills, diversity and contributions of each director. The Governance Committee also considers each individual in the context of the Board composition as a whole, with the objective of recruiting and recommending a slate of director nominees who can best sustain the Company’s success and represent our shareholders’ interests through the exercise of sound judgment and informed decision-making.
Board Refreshment Through Director Tenure and Age Limits and Annual Self-Assessment
The Board believes that its composition should provide continuity as well as new experiences and fresh perspectives relevant to the Board’s work. The Board does not believe that directors should expect to be automatically renominated. Therefore, the annual Board and director self-assessment processes are important determinants in a director’s renomination and tenure. In addition, our Guidelines provide that:
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Non-employee directors will have a tenure limit of 15 years. |
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Non-employee directors will not be nominated for election to the Board after their 75th birthday. |
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However, if a non-employee director aged 70 to 75 is appointed or elected to the Board, then that director will have a tenure limit of five years. |
In addition, as noted above, the Board’s annual self-assessment includes director self-assessments and discussions between the Chair of the Governance Committee and each director regarding the director’s strengths and opportunities to enhance contributions.
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ITEM 1. Election of Directors
The current Board composition reflects the Board’s commitment to ongoing refreshment: five of the independent director nominees served as directors before we spun off Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (“KFG”) to shareholders on October 1, 2012 and seven joined the Board on or after the spin-off, including two who joined the Board in 2018.
The Board Seeks and Values Diversity
Mondelēz International has cross-cultural and diverse employees manufacturing and marketing delicious snack food and beverage products for consumers in over 150 countries around the world. The Board embraces and encourages the Company’s culture of diversity and inclusion.
Although the Board does not establish specific diversity goals, the Board’s overall diversity is an important consideration in the director recruitment and nomination process. When assembling the pool of candidates from which directors are selected, the Governance Committee considers criteria including, among others, gender, race and national origin, as they promote a diversity of views, knowledge and experience that contribute to a more informed and effective decision-making process. The ultimate selection of a director from that candidate pool depends on a variety of factors, which are discussed above under “General Qualifications for Nomination to the Board” and “Board Composition: Director Knowledge, Competencies and Experiences.” As part of its annual assessment of the Board’s composition, the Governance Committee assesses the effectiveness of the Board’s efforts to promote diversity in all its forms.
The director nominees include three women, range in age between 48 and 77 with a median age of 68, and represent several national origins and collectively bring a range of professional and life experiences to the Board’s work.
The Governance Committee Welcomes Shareholder Recommendations for Candidates for Election to the Board
The Governance Committee will consider recommendations for director candidates submitted by a shareholder(s). The shareholder(s) should submit to the Corporate Secretary both the recommended candidate’s name along with the same information required for a shareholder to nominate a candidate for election to the Board at an annual meeting and in the same manner as set forth in the advance notice provisions of the Company’s By-Laws (the “By-Laws”).
The Governance Committee evaluates director candidates recommended by shareholder(s) using the same criteria as it uses to evaluate candidates whom the Governance Committee identifies (described above). The Governance Committee makes a recommendation to the Board regarding the candidate’s appointment or nomination for election to the Board. The Board considers the Governance Committee’s recommendation and then decides whether to appoint or nominate the candidate. The Corporate Secretary advises the shareholder(s) of the Board’s decision whether to appoint or nominate the candidate.
Shareholders Elect Directors Annually
Members of the Board are elected annually by a majority of votes cast (if the election is uncontested). The terms of all directors elected at the 2019 Annual Meeting will end at the 2020 Annual Meeting or when a director’s successor has been duly elected and qualified.
The Governance Committee recommended and the Board nominated for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting the 13 incumbent directors listed below under “Director Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting.” Shareholders most recently elected all 13 directors to one-year terms at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Each director nominee consented to his or her nomination for election to the Board and to serving on the Board, if elected. If a director nominee should become unavailable to serve as a director, the persons named as proxies intend to vote the shares for a replacement director nominee designated by the Board. In lieu of naming a substitute, the Board may reduce the number of directors on the Board.
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2019 Proxy Statement |
ITEM 1. Election of Directors
Director Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting
Individual Nominees’ Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and Skills
The Board believes that each director nominee for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting is highly qualified. All 13 director nominees satisfy the Guidelines’ criteria and possess the personal attributes essential for the proper and effective functioning of the Board. The director nominees’ biographies describe the specific qualifications that the Governance Committee relied upon when it recommended the individual director nominees for election and led the Board to nominate him or her for election.
The biographies also include information about current and past (covering the last five years) directorships at companies publicly listed in the United States and registered investment companies, as required by the proxy disclosure rules.
A particular director nominee may have experience and qualifications in addition to those described in the biographies below, including service on the boards of various private companies, companies listed outside of the United States and charitable, educational and cultural institutions.
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the Board recommends shareholders vote FOR the election |
of each of the 13 DIRECTOR nominees LISTED BELOW. |
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The following information regarding each director nominee is as of March 12, 2019.
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ITEM 1. Election of Directors
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2019 Proxy Statement |
ITEM 1. Election of Directors
DEBRA A. CREW Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Reynolds American Inc., British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Director since: March 2018
Age: 48
Independent
Board Committees: • Audit • Finance |
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Ms. Crew has served as a senior advisor for Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company, a capital management company, since September 2018. She previously served as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reynolds American Inc. (“Reynolds American”), a holding company for U.S. tobacco companies, from January 2017 through December 2017, including from July 2017 when Reynolds American was acquired by British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Prior to that, she served as President and Chief Commercial Officer of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (“RJR”), a subsidiary of Reynolds American and a tobacco company, from October 2014 to October 2015 and as President and Chief Operating Officer of RJR from October 2015 to December 2016.
Ms. Crew previously served in a variety of executive roles at PepsiCo, Inc. (“PepsiCo”), a global snack and beverage company, including President and General Manager, PepsiCo North America Nutrition from August 2014 to September 2014, President, PepsiCo Americas Beverages from October 2012 through August 2014 and President, Western European Region of PepsiCo Europe from April 2010 through October 2012.
Prior to that, Ms. Crew held positions of increasing responsibility at Kraft Foods, Nestlé S.A. (“Nestlé”) and Mars, Incorporated (“Mars”), all global food companies, from 1997 to 2010. Ms. Crew served as a captain in the U.S. Army in military intelligence from 1993 to 1997.
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Director Qualifications:
• Ms. Crew possesses invaluable perspective and experience as former President and Chief Executive Officer of Reynolds American.
• Ms. Crew has significant knowledge of the food and beverage industry and consumer products generally attained through her service in various positions of increasing responsibility, including key executive roles, at Kraft Foods, Nestlé and PepsiCo.
• Ms. Crew has extensive public company board and corporate governance experience. She is a director of Newell Brands Inc. and Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. She is a former director of Reynolds American. |
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ITEM 1. Election of Directors
MARK D. KETCHUM Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Newell Rubbermaid Inc.
Director since: April 2007
Age: 69
Independent
Board Committee: • Human Resources and Compensation
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Mr. Ketchum served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (“Newell Rubbermaid”), a global marketer of consumer and commercial products, from October 2005 until his retirement in June 2011. He was a member of Newell Rubbermaid’s board of directors from November 2004 to May 2012.
From 1971 to 2004, Mr. Ketchum served in a variety of roles at The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”), a global marketer of consumer products. Those roles included President, Global Baby and Family Care from 1999 to 2004, President – North American Paper Sector from 1996 to 1999, and Vice President and General Manager – Tissue/Towel from 1990 to 1996.
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Director Qualifications: • For over four decades, Mr. Ketchum held key executive roles at global consumer products companies with responsibility for operations, brand management, marketing and general management.
• While serving as Newell Rubbermaid’s President and Chief Executive Officer, he successfully transformed Newell Rubbermaid’s portfolio, gross margin structure and business model during difficult economic times.
• During his distinguished 33-year career at P&G, among other accomplishments, he was credited with repositioning key brands and for driving their notable profit and share growth and leading the turnaround of a major global brand.
• Mr. Ketchum has extensive public company board and corporate governance experience. He is a former director of Newell Rubbermaid and previously served as Lead Director for the Mondelēz International Board from its inception through 2018. |
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2019 Proxy Statement |
ITEM 1. Election of Directors
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JORGE S. MESQUITA Former Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman, Consumer Johnson & Johnson
Director since: May 2012
Age: 57
Independent
Board Committees: • Audit • Governance, Membership and Public Affairs |
Mr. Mesquita was Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman, Consumer of Johnson & Johnson (“J&J”), a global healthcare products company, from December 2014 until February 2019. He served on J&J’s Executive Committee and led the Consumer Group Operating Committee.
Prior to that, he was employed by P&G, a global marketer of consumer products, in various marketing and leadership capacities for 29 years from 1984 to 2013. During his tenure at P&G, he served as Group President – New Business Creation and Innovation from March 2012 until June 2013, Group President – Special Assignment from January 2012 until March 2012, Group President, Global Fabric Care from 2007 to 2011 and President, Global Home Care from 2001 to 2007, also serving as President of Commercial Products and President of P&G Professional from 2006 to 2007. |
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Director Qualifications:
• Mr. Mesquita brings extensive experience leading major global company business units. In these roles, he has a strong track record of building and marketing global brands, including the reinvention of key brands, leading strategic business transformations and driving strong, profitable growth.
• As P&G’s Group President, New Business Creation and Innovation, Mr. Mesquita redesigned the company’s business development organization and worked across the company with technology, marketing and finance leaders to develop groundbreaking innovation capabilities.
• He is known for driving innovation and has led large, complex supply chain organizations.
• Mr. Mesquita was born and raised in Mozambique, Africa and is of Portuguese descent. He has lived and worked in several countries, including Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil and the United States. He is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English. • Mr. Mesquita has public company board and corporate governance experience, serving on the Board since 2012. |
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ITEM 1. Election of Directors
CHRISTIANA S. SHI Former President, Direct-to-Consumer, Nike, Inc.
Director since: January 2016
Age: 59
Independent
Board Committees: • Audit • Governance, Membership and Public Affairs |
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Ms. Shi served as President, Direct-to-Consumer of Nike, Inc. (“Nike”), a global provider of athletic footwear and apparel, from July 2013 until her retirement in September 2016. From 2012 to 2013, she served as Nike’s Vice President and General Manager, Global Digital Commerce. From 2010 to 2012, she served as Nike’s Chief Operating Officer for Global Direct-to-Consumer. Ms. Shi is a principal of Lovejoy Advisors, LLC, an advisory services firm for digitally transforming consumer and retail businesses, she founded in 2016.
Prior to joining Nike, Ms. Shi spent 24 years at McKinsey & Company (“McKinsey”), a global management consulting firm, in various roles including ten years as Director and Senior Partner.
From 1981 to 1984, Ms. Shi served in various trading, institutional sales and investment banking roles at Merrill Lynch & Company.
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Director Qualifications:
• During her career at McKinsey, Ms. Shi worked across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia providing leadership, expertise and strategic vision to senior executives of Fortune 200 consumer companies. She designed and led performance transformation programs, developed cross-channel marketing and merchandising programs, and drove market entry work.
• In her various roles at Nike, Ms. Shi led Nike’s global integrated digital commerce strategy and retail organization, as well as real estate, finance, supply chain operations and information technology. • With her deep knowledge of digital commerce, Ms. Shi helped lead significant growth in Nike’s digital commerce capabilities.
• Ms. Shi has extensive public company board and corporate governance experience. She is a director of Williams Sonoma, Inc. and United Parcel Service, Inc. She is a former director of West Marine, Inc. |
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2019 Proxy Statement |
ITEM 1. Election of Directors
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ITEM 1. Election of Directors
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DIRK VAN DE PUT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mondelēz International, Inc.
Director since: November 2017
Age: 58
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Mr. Van de Put became Chief Executive Officer of Mondelēz International and joined the Company’s Board of Directors in November 2017. He became Chairman on April 1, 2018. Mr. Van de Put served as President and Chief Executive Officer of McCain Foods Limited (“McCain”), a multinational frozen food provider, from 2011 to 2017 and served as its Chief Operating Officer from 2010 to 2011. McCain is a $9.1 billion CAD ($7.3 billion USD) privately-held Canadian company that is the largest marketer and manufacturer of frozen french fries, potato specialties and appetizers with sales in more than 160 countries.
Mr. Van de Put also served as President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Over-the-Counter, Consumer Health Division of Novartis AG, a global healthcare company, from 2009 to 2010. From 1998 to 2009, he held a variety of roles with Groupe Danone SA, a multinational provider of packaged water, dairy and baby food products, including Executive Vice President, Fresh Dairy, Americas and Executive Vice President, Fresh Dairy, Latin America.
From 1997 to 1998, he served as President, Coca-Cola Caribbean and as Vice President, Value Chain Management, Coca-Cola Brazil with Coca-Cola. |
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2019 Proxy Statement |
Our Board is committed to corporate governance practices that promote and protect the long-term interests of our shareholders. We design our corporate governance practices to provide a robust and balanced framework for the Board in upholding its fiduciary responsibilities and to promote accountability with, and trust in, the Company. Our Board believes that having and adhering to a strong corporate governance framework is essential to our long-term success. This section describes our governance policies, key practices, Board leadership structure and oversight functions.
Key Elements of our Governance Framework, Practices and Policies Enhance our Board’s Effectiveness and Accountability to Shareholders
The Guidelines articulate our governance philosophy, practices and policies in a range of areas, including the Board’s role and responsibilities, Board composition and structure, responsibilities of the Board’s committees, CEO and Board performance evaluations and succession planning. At least annually, the Governance Committee reviews the Guidelines and recommends any changes to the Board for its consideration.
Key Practice/Policy |
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Benefit to Board and Shareholders |
Shareholders elect directors annually by majority vote in uncontested elections.
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Strengthens Board, committee and individual director accountability. |
By-Laws provide for proxy access, enabling substantial shareholders to add their nominee(s) to the proxy. Key parameters:
• Minimum Ownership Threshold: 3% or more of the outstanding Common Stock;
• Ownership Duration: continuously for at least 3 years;
• Nominating Group Size: up to 20 shareholders may aggregate holdings to meet the minimum ownership threshold; and
• Maximum Nominations Permitted: greater of 20% of the Board or 2 nominees.
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Further strengthens Board accountability and encourages engagement with substantial shareholders regarding Board composition. |
By-Laws allow shareholders of record of at least 20% of the voting power of the outstanding stock to call a special meeting of shareholders.
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Further strengthens Board accountability and encourages engagement with substantial shareholders regarding important matters. |
We engage with shareholders to seek their input on emerging issues and to address their questions and concerns.
The Lead Director is available for consultation with our major shareholders. |
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During the past year, we engaged with a diverse mix of shareholders representing approximately 55% of voting power on various topics including, among others, our leadership transition, executive compensation, strategy, capital allocation, business performance, corporate governance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. These exchanges were candid and constructive.
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Our independent Lead Director has substantive responsibilities: engages in planning and approval of meeting schedules/agendas; presides over frequent executive sessions of independent directors; and consults with major shareholders. |
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A highly effective and engaged Lead Director:
• Incorporates independent directors’ input and investors’ perspectives into agenda and discussions;
• Fosters candid discussion during regular executive sessions of the independent directors; and
• Provides feedback to management regarding Board concerns and information needs. |
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Corporate Governance
Key Practice/Policy |
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Benefit to Board and Shareholders |
The Guidelines provide that the Chairman and CEO generally should be the only member of management to serve as a director.
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Majority independent directors in the Boardroom and fully independent committees effectively oversee management on behalf of shareholders. |
Regular Board, committee and director self-assessments include candid, one-on-one conversations between the Governance Committee Chair and each director. The results of these self-assessments are used in planning Board and committee meetings and agenda, fostering director accountability and committee effectiveness, Board composition analysis and director recruitment decisions, and governance decisions.
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• Promotes continuous process improvement at the Board and committees.
• Provides an opportunity to discuss individual directors’ contributions and performance as well as solicit their views on improving Board and committee performance. |
Independent director tenure and retirement policies:
• All independent directors have a tenure limit of 15 years.
• Independent directors will not be nominated for election to the Board after their 75th birthday.
• However, if an independent director aged 70 to 75 is appointed or elected to the Board, then that director will have a tenure limit of five years.
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• Tenure/retirement policies promote ongoing evolution and refreshment.
• Annual self-assessments provide a disciplined mechanism for director input into the Board evolution and succession planning process.
• Average tenure for independent directors is approximately six years. |
At each in-person Board meeting, the independent directors meet in executive session without any members of management present. The Lead Director chairs these sessions. A committee chair leads Board discussion of a topic relevant to that committee’s remit.
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Allows the Board to discuss substantive issues important to the Company, including matters concerning management without management present. |
Annually, the Compensation Committee sets goals for and evaluates the Chairman and CEO’s performance. The Compensation Committee seeks input from the other directors before deciding on a performance rating and compensation actions.
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Enhances management accountability. |
Annually, the Board meets with management to discuss, understand and challenge our strategic plan’s short-term and long-term objectives. At its meetings during the balance of the year, the Board and management track progress against the strategic plan’s goals, consider opportunities in light of circumstances in the industry and the economic environment, and monitor strategic and operational risks.
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The Company’s goals and executive compensation design are tied to a number of metrics critical to achieving the strategic plan and promoting long-term shareholder returns. |
An independent director who serves as CEO at another public company should not serve on more than two public company, boards including the Company’s Board.
Other independent directors should not serve on more than four public companies, including the Company’s Board.
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• All our independent directors are in compliance with this policy.
• Independent directors have sufficient time to fulfill their duties to the Company. |
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2019 Proxy Statement |
Corporate Governance
Director Onboarding and Education
We provide new directors with a substantive onboarding program. They meet with numerous executives to learn about different aspects of the Company’s operations. They are invited to attend various Board committee meetings prior to joining any committees. Once they are appointed to committees, they meet with the Company officers who support those committees.
During their service, Directors have opportunities to meet and talk with our employees during Board visits to Company facilities and during Board and committee meetings. In recent years, individual directors have taken the opportunity to experience our Direct Store Delivery model by riding along as one of our drivers covers an assigned route, to meet with employees involved in our e-commerce initiatives and to observe a Line of the Future during production.
In addition, the Company supports director participation in continuing education programs. The Company reimburses directors for reasonable costs associated with attendance.
The Board has a duty to act as it believes to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, including determining the leadership structure that will best serve those interests. The By-Laws provide the Board flexibility in determining its leadership structure. The Board may determine that the CEO also serves as Chairman, but if it does so, the independent directors also appoint an independent Lead Director with substantive responsibilities. Within this framework, the Board determines the most appropriate leadership structure at a given time in light of the Company’s needs and circumstances, as described below.
The Board recognizes the importance of the Company’s leadership structure to our shareholders and regularly receives and considers input on the topic obtained through engagement with our shareholders. Many have expressed the opinion that there is no “one size fits all” solution for leadership structure.
In considering which leadership structure will allow it to carry out its responsibilities most effectively and best represent shareholders’ interests, the Board takes into account various factors. Among them are our specific business needs, our operating and financial performance, industry conditions, economic and regulatory environments, the results of Board and committee annual self-assessments, the advantages and disadvantages of alternative leadership structures based on circumstances at that time, shareholder input and our corporate governance practices.
Board’s Current Leadership Structure Provides Independent Leadership and Management Oversight
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An independent director, Joseph Neubauer, serves as Lead Director; |
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Independent directors chair the Board’s four standing committees; and |
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The CEO, Mr. Van de Put, also serves as Chairman of the Board. |
Mr. Neubauer has served as Lead Director since 2018. The Lead Director serves annual terms, subject to re-appointment by the independent directors. The independent directors selected Mr. Neubauer because he is well-positioned to lead a high-performing Board by keeping it focused, coordinating across committees and ensuring effective information flow to the directors. He is also building a productive relationship between the Board and Mr. Van de Put by providing him with candid, constructive feedback from the Board. Finally, he serves as a contact person for our shareholders.
The Board carefully considered its leadership structure, including whether the role of Chairman should be a non-executive position or combined with that of the CEO. Following due consideration, the Board concluded that combining these roles best positions Mr. Van de Put to promote shareholders’ interests and contribute to the Board’s efficiency and effectiveness because of his knowledge of the Company and food industry and the competitive environment in which we operate. The Board also believes that he is in the best position at this time to promote the alignment of our strategic and business plans, inform the Board about our global operations and critical business matters including oversight of the Company’s risk management process, and discuss with the Board key risks and management’s responses to them.
Because of their ability and commitment to working closely together, the Board believes that our independent Lead Director, committee chairs and Mr. Van de Put provide appropriate leadership and oversight of the Company and facilitate effective functioning of both the Board and management.
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Corporate Governance
Independent Lead Director Role and Responsibilities
The Board believes that independent Board leadership and oversight are vital to the Board’s effectiveness, which is why it established the substantive and expansive position of independent Lead Director. The independent directors annually select the Lead Director for a one-year term. The Board created the Lead Director position to provide strong leadership of the Board’s affairs on behalf of shareholders, increase the Board’s effectiveness, promote open communication amongst the independent directors and serve as the principal liaison between the Chairman and the other independent directors.
The Lead Director has significant authority and responsibilities with respect to the operation of the Board that serve to protect shareholders’ interests by promoting strong management oversight and accountability. Under the Guidelines, the Lead Director, in consultation with the other independent directors, has the following substantive duties and responsibilities:
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Serve as liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman and CEO; |
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Seek input from the independent directors and advise the Chairman and CEO as to an appropriate annual schedule of and major agenda topics and content of related briefing materials for regular Board meetings prior to Board review and approval; |
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Review and approve meeting agendas as well as the content of Board briefing materials. Review and approve the allocation of time amongst the Board and committee meetings; |
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Preside at Board meetings at which the Chairman and CEO is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors and, as appropriate, apprise the Chairman of the topics considered; |
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Call meetings of the independent directors or of the Board as needed; |
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Facilitate effective communication and interaction between the Board and management; |
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Serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of all Board committees of which he or she is not a member; |
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Provide input into the design of the annual Board, committee and director self-evaluations; |
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Work with the Governance Committee and develop recommendations for committee structure, membership, rotations and chairs; |
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Be available for consultation with the Company’s major shareholders; and |
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Perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time delegate to the Lead Director. |
All directors are independent except for our Chairman and CEO
The Guidelines require that at least 80% of the directors meet the Nasdaq listing standards’ independence requirements. In order to determine that a director is independent, the Board must affirmatively determine, after reviewing all relevant information, that a director has no relationship with Mondelēz International or any of its subsidiaries that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
The Board determined that, under Nasdaq’s listing standards’ independence requirements, the following directors are independent: Lewis W.K. Booth, Charles E. Bunch, Debra A. Crew, Lois D. Juliber, Mark D. Ketchum, Peter W. May, Jorge S. Mesquita, Joseph Neubauer, Fredric G. Reynolds, Christiana S. Shi, Patrick T. Siewert and Jean-François M. L. van Boxmeer. The Board also determined that Nelson Peltz, former director, was independent during the time that he served as a director.
Mr. Van de Put is not independent because he is a Mondelēz International employee. Irene B. Rosenfeld, former director, was not independent because she was a Mondelēz International employee.
Our business faces various risks, including strategic, financial, operational and compliance risks:
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Management is responsible for the day-to-day assessment, management and mitigation of risk. Identifying, managing and mitigating our exposure to these risks and effectively overseeing this process are critical to our operational decision-making and annual planning processes. |
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The Board has ultimate responsibility for risk oversight, but it has delegated primary responsibility for overseeing risk assessment and management to the Audit Committee. Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses risk assessment and risk management guidelines, policies and processes utilized in our Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) process. |
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22 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Corporate Governance
Our ERM process is ongoing and implemented at all levels of our operations and across business units to identify, assess, monitor, manage and mitigate risk. Our ERM process facilitates open communication between management and the Board so that the Board and committees understand key risks to our business and performance, our risk management process and how it is functioning, the participants in the process and the information gathered through the process. The Audit Committee annually reviews the functioning of our ERM process as well as the results of our annual ERM risk assessment.
Annually, the Audit Committee reviews and approves management’s recommendation for allocating to the full Board or another committee or retaining for itself responsibility for reviewing and assessing key risk exposures and management’s response to those exposures. Management provides reports to the Board or the appropriate committee in advance of meetings regarding key risks and the actions management has taken to monitor, control and mitigate these risks. Management also attends Board and committee meetings to discuss these reports and provide any updates. The committees report key risk discussions to the Board following their meetings. Board members may also further discuss the risk management process directly with members of management.
During 2018, the Board and committees reviewed and assessed risks related to our business and operations as shown below. The Board annually reviews and sometimes reallocates responsibilities amongst committees. Accordingly, the allocation of responsibilities and/or descriptions of risk categories shown in this table may change during 2019.
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The Board |
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• Strategy
• Operations
• Food safety (including supply chain and food defense)
• Pricing strategy
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• Competition • Labor relations (including human capital) • Transformation (including supply chain reinvention) |
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Committees |
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Audit |
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Governance, Membership and Public Affairs |
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Human Resources and Compensation(1) |
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Finance |
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• Financial statements • Financial reporting process
• Accounting matters
• Legal, compliance and regulatory matters (including non-financial compliance risks)
• Business continuity/disaster recovery
• Cybersecurity and data protection
• Financial risk management (including foreign exchange, commodities exposure, and income and other taxes)
• Health, safety and environmental |
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• Governance practices
• Board organization, membership and structure
• Related person transactions
• Social responsibility (including well-being and environmental and social sustainability)
• Public policy
• Mondelēz International’s public image and reputation |
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• Significant compensation policies and practices for employees (including executives)
• Succession planning
• Human resources policies, |
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• Capital structure • Financial strategies and transactions • Interest rate exposure
• Enterprise funding and liquidity |
(1) For a discussion about risk oversight relating to the compensation programs, see “Board Committees and Membership – Human Resources and Compensation Committee – How the Compensation Committee Manages Compensation-Related Risk.”
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23 |
Corporate Governance
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Non-Employee Directors
We have adopted the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Non-Employee Directors. It fosters a culture of honesty and integrity, focuses on areas of ethical risk, guides non-employee directors in recognizing and handling ethical issues and provides mechanisms to report unethical conduct. Annually, each non-employee director must acknowledge in writing that he or she has received, reviewed and understands the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Non-Employee Directors.
Code of Conduct
We have adopted the Code of Conduct that applies to all our employees (the “Code of Conduct”). The Code of Conduct reflects values and contains important rules employees must follow when conducting business. The Code of Conduct is part of our global compliance and integrity program. The program provides training throughout the Company and encourages reporting of wrongdoing by offering anonymous reporting options and a non-retaliation policy.
We intend to disclose in the Corporate Governance section of our website any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Non-Employee Directors or Code of Conduct and any waiver granted to an executive officer or director under these codes.
To learn more about our corporate governance practices, you can access the following corporate governance documents at www.mondelezinternational.com/investors/corporate-governance. We will also provide copies of any of these documents to shareholders upon written request to the Corporate Secretary.
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Articles of Incorporation |
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By-Laws |
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Corporate Governance Guidelines |
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Related Person Transactions Policy |
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Board Committee Charters |
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Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Non-Employee Directors |
You can access the Code of Conduct at www.mondelezinternational.com/about-us/compliance-and-integrity.
Review of Transactions with Related Persons
Related Person Transactions Policy and Procedures
The Board has adopted a written policy regarding “related person transactions.” In general, “related persons” are the following persons and their immediate family members: directors, executive officers and shareholders beneficially owning more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock. A related person transaction is one in which Mondelēz International is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and any related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The Governance Committee reviews transactions that might qualify as related person transactions. If the Governance Committee determines that a transaction qualifies as a related person transaction, then the Governance Committee reviews and approves, disapproves or ratifies the transaction. The Governance Committee approves or ratifies only those related person transactions that are fair and reasonable to Mondelēz International and in our shareholders’ best interests. When it is not practicable or desirable to delay review of a transaction until a committee meeting, the chair of the Governance Committee reviews and approves or ratifies potential related person transactions and reports to the Governance Committee any transaction so approved or ratified. When reviewing and acting on a related person transaction under this policy, the Governance Committee considers, among other things:
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• |
its commercial reasonableness; |
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• |
the materiality of the related person’s direct or indirect interest in it; |
|
• |
whether it may involve an actual, or create the appearance of a, conflict of interest; |
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24 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Corporate Governance
|
• |
its impact on the related person’s independence (as defined in the Guidelines and the Nasdaq listing standards); and |
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whether it would violate any provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Non-Employee Directors or the Code of Conduct. |
Any member of the Governance Committee who is a related person with respect to a transaction under review may not participate in the deliberations or decisions regarding the transaction.
Review of Related Person Transactions Since January 1, 2018
On February 6, 2019, BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), an investment management corporation, filed a Schedule 13G/A with the SEC reporting that it was a greater than 5% shareholder of the Company as of December 31, 2018. During 2018, BlackRock acted as an investment manager with respect to certain investment options under our U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rican retirement savings plans and Canadian, Irish and U.K. pension plans. BlackRock was selected as an investment manager by each plan’s designated authority for plan investments. BlackRock’s selection was based on the determination of each plan’s designated authority that the selection met applicable standards and that the fees were reasonable and appropriate. BlackRock’s fees were approximately $3.0 million during 2018. Each of the plans for which Blackrock performed services paid the fees for those services from its assets. The plans expect to pay similar fees to BlackRock during 2019 for similar services. Fees, based on plan asset value, are paid quarterly on a lagging basis.
Shareholder Outreach and Communications with the Board
As part of our effort to understand better our shareholders’ perspectives, we regularly engage with our shareholders, seeking their input and perspectives on various matters. During 2018 and 2019, non-employee directors and members of senior management conducted comprehensive shareholder engagement, which included outreach to shareholders in the aggregate representing approximately 55% of our outstanding stock. In addition, we engaged with shareholders at roundtables and corporate governance forums. We discussed a variety of topics, including the Company’s business strategy, executive compensation and environmental, social and governance matters. These discussions were very productive and we appreciate that our shareholders took the time to share their perspectives and questions with us.
Interested parties may directly contact the Board, the Lead Director, any of the independent directors or any committee of the Board regarding matters relevant to the Board’s duties and responsibilities. Information about how to do so is available at www.mondelezinternational.com/Investors/corporate-governance#contacts.
The Corporate Secretary:
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• |
forwards communications relating to matters within the Board’s purview to the Lead Director or appropriate independent director(s) and communications relating to matters within a Board committee’s area of responsibility to the chair of the appropriate committee; |
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• |
forwards communications relating to ordinary business matters, such as suggestions, inquiries and consumer complaints, to the appropriate Mondelēz International executive or employee, but makes them available to any independent director who requests them; and |
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does not forward or retain solicitations, junk mail and frivolous or inappropriate communications. |
The Lead Director is available for consultation with our major shareholders.
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25 |
Board Committees and Membership
The Governance Committee considers and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the Board’s committee structure and membership.
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The Board establishes its committee structure and designates the committee members and chairs following consideration of the Governance Committee’s recommendations. |
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The Board has adopted a written charter for each standing committee. The charters define each committee’s roles and responsibilities. |
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Independent directors comprise 100% of the Audit, Finance, Governance and Compensation Committees. |
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All committee chairs are independent. Committee chairs approve agendas and materials for their committee meetings. |
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Each committee meets regularly in executive session without management. |
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Committees may retain outside legal, financial and other advisors at the Company’s expense. |
Throughout 2018, the Board had, and it currently has, four standing committees: Audit, Finance, Governance and Compensation. The Board periodically reviews and rotates committee memberships. Accordingly, the membership shown in this table may change during 2019.
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Director |
Audit |
Finance |
Governance, Membership and Public Affairs |
Human Resources and Compensation |
Lewis W.K. Booth |
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Charles E. Bunch |
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Debra A. Crew(1) |
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Lois D. Juliber |
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Mark D. Ketchum(1) |
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Peter W. May(1) |
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Jorge S. Mesquita(1) |
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Joseph Neubauer(1) |
+ |
+ |
+ |
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Fredric G. Reynolds |
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Christiana S. Shi |
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Patrick T. Siewert |
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Jean-François M. L. van Boxmeer |
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Total Number of Committee Meetings During 2018 |
10 |
5* |
6 |
7* |
+ As Lead Director, Mr. Neubauer is an ex-officio non-voting member of all committees of which he is not a member.
* In addition, the Finance Committee acted twice by unanimous written consent and the Compensation Committee acted once by unanimous written consent.
(1) As of May 16, 2018, the Board appointed Ms. Crew and Mr. May to the Committees noted above, Mr. Mesquita was appointed to the Governance Committee and Mr. Neubauer was appointed Lead Director, replacing Mr. Ketchum.
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26 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Board Committees and Membership
Directors are expected to attend all Board meetings, the Annual Meeting and all meetings of the committees on which they serve. We understand, however, that occasionally a director may be unable to attend a meeting,
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• |
The Board held eight meetings during 2018, and acted four times by unanimous written consent. |
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• |
During 2018, Mmes. Crew, Juliber and Rosenfeld (retired April 2018) and Messrs. Booth, Bunch, Ketchum, May, Neubauer, Peltz (resigned March 2018), Reynolds and Van de Put attended 100% of the meetings of the Board and all committees on which they served. Ms. Shi and Messrs. Mesquita, Siewert and van Boxmeer attended at least 77% of meetings of the Board and all committees on which they served. |
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• |
11 of the 13 directors elected to the Board at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders attended that meeting. |
The Board established the Audit Committee in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The Board has determined that all of the Audit Committee members are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. The Board also determined that all Audit Committee members are able to read and understand financial statements in accordance with Nasdaq listing standards and are financially literate in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. The Board has determined that Fredric G. Reynolds and Patrick T. Siewert are “audit committee financial experts” within the meaning of SEC regulations and have financial sophistication in accordance with Nasdaq listing standards. No Audit Committee member received any payments in 2018 from us other than compensation for service as a director.
Under its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of our financial statements. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accountants, including review of their qualifications, independence and performance.
Among other duties, the Audit Committee also oversees:
|
• |
the integrity of our financial statements, our accounting and financial reporting processes, and our systems of internal control over financial reporting and safeguarding our assets; |
|
• |
our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; |
|
• |
the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditors; |
|
• |
the performance of our internal auditors and internal audit functions; and |
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• |
our guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. |
The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment, on a confidential basis, of any complaints we receive. We encourage employees and third-party individuals and organizations to report concerns about our accounting controls, auditing matters or anything else that appears to involve financial or other wrongdoing. To report such matters, please visit www.mondelezinternational.com/about-us/compliance-and-integrity for information about reporting options.
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27 |
Board Committees and Membership
|
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28 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Board Committees and Membership
The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accountants. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other permissible non-audit services. The pre-approval authority details the particular service or category of service that the independent registered public accountants will perform. Management reports to the Audit Committee on the actual fees charged by the independent registered public accountants for each category of service.
During the year, circumstances may arise when it becomes necessary to engage the independent registered public accountants for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval authority. In those instances, the committee approves the services before we engage the independent registered public accountants. In case approval is needed before a scheduled committee meeting, the committee has delegated pre-approval authority to its Chair. The Chair must report on such pre-approval decisions at the committee’s next regular meeting.
The Audit Committee pre-approved all 2018 audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accountants.
Independent Registered Public Accountants’ Fees
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered by our independent registered public accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for 2018 and 2017 were:
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2018 |
2017 |
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Audit Fees |
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$17,018,000 |
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$16,799,000 |
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Audit-Related Fees |
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690,000 |
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927,000 |
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Tax Fees |
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-0- |
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225,000 |
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All Other Fees |
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15,000 |
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15,000 |
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Total |
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$17,723,000 |
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$17,966,000 |
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29 |
Board Committees and Membership
Audit Fees include (a) the integrated audit of our consolidated financial statements, including statutory audits of the financial statements of our affiliates and our internal control over financial reporting and (b) the reviews of our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (quarterly financial statements).
Audit-Related Fees include professional services in connection with employee benefit plan audits and procedures related to various other audit and special reports.
Tax Fees include professional services in connection with tax compliance and advice.
All Other Fees include professional services in connection with seminars and compliance reviews.
All fees above include out-of-pocket expenses.
The Board has determined that all of the Finance Committee members are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards. The Finance Committee’s charter sets out its responsibilities, which include reviewing and making recommendations to the Board on significant financial matters, including:
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at least annually, the Company’s long-term capital structure, including financing plans, projected financial structure, funding requirements, target credit ratings and return on invested capital; |
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authorization of issuances, sales or repurchases of equity and debt securities; |
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the Company’s external dividend policy and dividend recommendations; |
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proposed acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, investments, asset sales and purchase commitments for services in excess of $100 million; and |
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Board authorization and delegation levels with respect to financing matters. |
The Finance Committee also reviews and discusses with management:
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results of transactions such as acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and investments in excess of $100 million; and |
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the cash-flow impact of non-debt obligations including funding pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. |
Governance, Membership and Public Affairs Committee
The Board has determined that all of the Governance Committee members are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards. The Governance Committee’s charter sets out its responsibilities. Among its responsibilities are:
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review candidates’ qualifications for Board membership consistent with criteria determined by the Board; |
|
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consider the performance and suitability of incumbent directors for re-election and recommend to the Board a slate of nominees for each annual meeting of shareholders and candidates to be appointed to the Board as necessary to fill vacancies and newly created directorships; |
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make recommendations to the Board as to directors’ independence and related person transactions; |
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make recommendations to the Board concerning the functions, composition and structure of the Board and its committees; |
|
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recommend the frequency of Board meetings and content of Board agendas; |
|
• |
advise and make recommendations to the Board on corporate governance matters, including the Guidelines and the annual self-assessments process for the Board, its committees and its directors; |
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administer the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Non-Employee Directors and monitor directors’ compliance with our stock ownership guidelines; |
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30 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Board Committees and Membership
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monitor issues, trends, internal and external factors and relationships that may affect Mondelēz International’s public image and reputation. |
Political Activity and Governance
We maintain a robust governance framework for overseeing our political activities. We do so responsibly and transparently, with priority on compliance with federal, state and local laws. The Governance Committee oversees our policies and programs related to corporate citizenship and public policy issues significant to the Company. As our success depends on sound public policies, we regularly work with government officials regarding matters of concern in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Mondelēz International has proud history of involvement in the communities where employees live and work, including participation in the political process to support policies that impact our communities, employees and businesses. We provide comprehensive disclosure of political activity through our website (www.mondelezinternational.com/investors/corporate-governance/board-responsibilities-leadership/board-oversight) reflecting our policies and procedures for making political contributions and expenditures. In addition, the website provides information on our lobbying activities and a link to the lobbying disclosure reports we file with the U.S. Congress. A list of trade associations to which we pay dues of over $50,000 annually, including the portion of dues attributable to lobbying, can also be found on our website. As demonstrated by the robustness of our reporting, we are firmly committed to providing shareholders with transparency over our political activities.
Human Resources and Compensation Committee
Human Resources and Compensation Committee Independence, Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Board determined that all Compensation Committee members are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards, including the heightened independence criteria for Compensation Committee members. All are “non-employee” directors under SEC rules and outsider directors under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). None of the Compensation Committee’s members are or were:
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• |
an officer or employee of Mondelēz International; |
|
• |
a participant in a related person transaction required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K (for a description of our policy on related person transactions, see “Corporate Governance – Review of Transactions with Related Persons” above); or |
|
• |
an executive officer of another entity at which one of our executive officers serves on the board of directors or the Compensation Committee. |
The Compensation Committee’s charter sets out its responsibilities. Among its responsibilities are to:
|
• |
establish our executive compensation philosophy; |
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• |
determine the group of companies the Compensation Committee uses to benchmark executive and director compensation; |
|
• |
assess the appropriateness and competitiveness of our executive compensation programs; |
|
• |
review and approve the CEO’s goals and objectives, evaluate the CEO’s performance against those goals and objectives and, based upon its evaluation, determine both the elements and amounts of the CEO’s compensation; |
|
• |
review and approve the compensation of the CEO’s direct reports and other officers subject to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act; |
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31 |
Board Committees and Membership
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determine annual incentive compensation, equity grants and other long-term incentive grants and awards under our incentive plan; |
|
• |
determine the Company’s policies governing option and other stock grants; |
|
• |
make recommendations to the Board regarding incentive plans requiring shareholder approval and approve eligibility for and design of executive compensation programs implemented under those plans; |
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• |
review our compensation and benefits policies and practices as they relate to our risk management practices and risk-taking incentives and review proposed material changes to those policies and practices; |
|
• |
review periodically the Company’s key human resources policies and practices related to organizational engagement and effectiveness, talent sourcing strategies and employee development programs; |
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• |
oversee the management development and succession planning process (including emergency planning) for the CEO and his direct reports; |
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• |
review key human resource policies and practices, including our policies, objectives and programs related to diversity and periodically review our diversity performance; |
|
• |
monitor executive officers’ compliance with our stock ownership guidelines; |
|
• |
advise the Board regarding the compensation of independent directors; |
|
• |
review and discuss with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and prepare and approve the Compensation Committee’s report to shareholders included in our Proxy Statement; and |
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• |
assess the independence of the Compensation Committee’s outside advisors and at least annually assess whether the work of its compensation consultants has raised any conflict of interest that must be disclosed in our annual report and Proxy Statement. |
The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate any of its responsibilities to the committee’s Chair, another Compensation Committee member or a subcommittee of Compensation Committee members, unless prohibited by law, regulation or any Nasdaq listing standard.
The Compensation Committee’s Use of an Independent Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee retains an independent compensation consultant to assist in evaluating executive compensation programs and advise regarding the amount and form of executive and director compensation. It uses a consultant to provide additional assurance that our executive and director compensation programs are reasonable, competitive and consistent with our objectives. It directly engages the consultant under an engagement letter that the Compensation Committee reviews at least annually.
Since September 2009, the Compensation Committee has retained Compensation Advisory Partners LLC (“CAP”) as its independent compensation consultant. Annually, the Compensation Committee reviews CAP’s engagement. During 2018, CAP provided the Compensation Committee advice and services, including:
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• |
regularly participating in Compensation Committee meetings including executive sessions that exclude management; |
|
• |
consulting with the Compensation Committee Chair and being available to consult with other Committee members between committee meetings; |
|
• |
providing competitive peer group compensation data for executive positions and evaluating how the compensation we pay the NEOs (as described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”) relates both to the Company’s performance and to how the peers compensate their executives; |
|
• |
analyzing “best practices” and providing advice about design of the annual and long-term incentive plans, including selecting performance metrics; |
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• |
advising on the composition of the Compensation Survey Peer Group and the Performance Peer Group (as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”) that we use for benchmarking pay and performance; |
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32 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Board Committees and Membership
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• |
updating the Compensation Committee on executive compensation trends, issues and regulatory developments; and |
|
• |
assessing and recommending non-employee director compensation. |
For the year ended December 31, 2018, CAP provided no services to Mondelēz International other than consulting services to the Compensation Committee regarding executive and non-employee director compensation.
At least annually, the Compensation Committee reviews the current engagements and the objectivity and independence of the advice that CAP provides to it on executive and non-employee director compensation. The Compensation Committee considered the six specific independence factors adopted by the SEC and Nasdaq and determined that CAP is independent and CAP’s work did not raise any conflicts of interest.
Executive Officers Have a Limited Role in the Compensation Committee’s Determination of Executive Compensation and Recommendations to the Board Regarding Non-Employee Director Compensation
|
• |
Each year, the CEO presents compensation recommendations for CEO direct reports and the other executive officers, including the NEOs. The Compensation Committee reviews and discusses these recommendations with the CEO but retains full discretion over the compensation of these employees. |
|
• |
The CEO does not make recommendations or participate in deliberations regarding the CEO’s own compensation. |
|
• |
Executive officers do not play a role in determining or recommending the amount or form of non-employee director compensation. |
The Compensation Committee’s Role in Management Succession Planning and Development
Succession planning for senior management positions, which facilitates continuity of leadership over the long-term, is critical to our success and important at all levels within our organization. Our Board’s involvement in leadership development and succession planning is systematic, strategic and continuous. The Compensation Committee oversees the development and retention of senior management talent while also maintaining an appropriate succession plan for our CEO. Additionally, the Board has contingency plans for emergencies such as the death or disability of the CEO.
The Compensation Committee, together with the CEO, regularly reviews senior management talent, including readiness to take on additional leadership roles and developmental opportunities needed to prepare leaders for greater responsibilities. The CEO also provides a regular review to the Compensation Committee of the executive leadership team. While the Compensation Committee has the primary responsibility to develop succession plans for the CEO position, it annually reports to the Board and decisions are made at the Board level. Potential leaders interact with Board members through formal presentations and during informal events. More broadly, the Board is updated on key talent indicators for the overall workforce, including diversity, recruiting and development programs.
How the Compensation Committee Manages Compensation-Related Risk
As it does each year, in 2018, the Compensation Committee evaluated whether our compensation designs, policies and practices operate to discourage our executive officers and other employees from taking unnecessary or excessive risks. As described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we design our compensation to incentivize executives and other employees to achieve the Company’s financial and strategic goals as well as individual performance goals that promote long-term shareholder returns. Our compensation design discourages our executives and other employees from taking excessive risks for short-term benefits that may harm the Company and our shareholders in the long-term. The Compensation Committee uses various strategies to mitigate risk, including:
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• |
using both short-term and long-term performance-based compensation so that executives do not focus solely on short-term performance; |
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• |
weighting executive compensation heavily toward long-term incentives to encourage sustainable shareholder value and accountability for long-term results; |
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• |
using multiple relevant performance measures in our incentive plan designs so executives do not place undue importance on one measure, which could distort the results that we want to incent; |
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33 |
Board Committees and Membership
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• |
weighting business and individual performance in our annual cash incentive program so that executives and employees do not have too narrow a focus; |
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• |
capping the amount of incentives that may be awarded or granted; |
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• |
retaining discretion to reduce incentive awards based on unforeseen or unintended consequences and clawback compensation in specified circumstances; |
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• |
requiring our top executives to hold a significant amount of their compensation in Common Stock and prohibiting them from hedging, pledging or engaging in short sales of their Common Stock; |
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• |
minimizing use of employment contracts; |
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• |
not backdating or re-pricing option grants; and |
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• |
not paying severance benefits on change in control events unless the affected executive is first involuntarily terminated without cause or terminates due to good reason. |
In addition, the Audit Committee oversees our ethics and compliance programs that educate executives and other employees on appropriate behavior and the consequences of inappropriate actions. These programs not only drive compliance and integrity but also encourage employees with knowledge of bad behavior to report concerns by providing multiple reporting avenues while protecting reporting employees against retaliation.
CAP also reviewed the Compensation Committee’s risk analysis, including the underlying procedures, and confirmed the Compensation Committee’s conclusion below.
In light of these analyses, the Compensation Committee believes that our compensation programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Governance Framework Around the Use of EPS in Our Incentive Programs
The Compensation Committee believes it is appropriate to base executive compensation on performance metrics that align with our external reporting framework and how shareholders and other stakeholders measure our performance. Accordingly, the EPS metric we use in our incentive programs, like our external targets, accounts for our capital allocation plans for the year, including expected share repurchases. The Compensation Committee recognizes there are differing views among investors as to whether share repurchases should be factored into EPS targets in executive compensation programs, but believes our robust governance and compensation practices mitigate the risk that an executive would act imprudently. Specifically,
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• |
the Compensation Committee establishes the performance metrics and targets for both the annual and long-term incentive programs; |
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• |
the Board oversees our capital allocation process and reviews a budget each year for capital deployment, including share repurchases with the goal of balancing investment in growth and returning cash to shareholders (as demonstrated through our historical investments in capital expenditures and research and development); and |
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• |
the Compensation Committee designs both the annual and long-term incentive programs so there is a mix of performance metrics such that even if executives were able to deploy an excessive amount of cash towards share repurchases to maximize EPS, there would be offsetting impacts on other performance metrics, with no clear visibility towards increasing payouts. |
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34 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors
Review of Non-Employee Director Compensation
Our Compensation Committee reviews non-employee director compensation to confirm the compensation we offer is market appropriate without being excessive. To support the Compensation Committee’s review, as requested, CAP:
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• |
benchmarks our non-employee director compensation against our Compensation Survey Peer Group and other Fortune 100 companies; |
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• |
assesses the form and amount of our non-employee director compensation; and |
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• |
provides the Compensation Committee with this data and an independent assessment of the appropriateness and competitiveness of our non-employee director compensation. |
Using CAP’s assessment, the Compensation Committee determines whether to recommend the Board make any changes to the compensation for the non-employee directors. No changes were made to non-employee director compensation for 2018.
Summary of 2018 Compensation Elements
Annual Compensation Elements |
Amount ($) |
|
|
Board Retainer |
110,000 |
|
|
Lead Director Retainer |
30,000 |
|
|
Audit Committee Chair Retainer |
25,000 |
|
|
Human Resources and Compensation Committee Chair Retainer |
25,000 |
|
|
Governance, Membership and Public Affairs Committee Chair Retainer |
20,000 |
|
|
Finance Committee Chair Retainer |
15,000 |
|
|
Annual Equity Grant Value |
175,000 |
We do not pay non-employee directors any meeting fees.
We also do not pay a Company employee who serves as a director any additional compensation for serving as a director. Currently, Dirk Van de Put is the only director who is a Company employee.
Plan Limits on Non-Employee Director Grants
Our shareholder-approved Amended and Restated 2005 Performance Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) caps the maximum fair market value of Common Stock grants made to any non-employee director in any calendar year at $500,000. All stock grants made in 2018 to non-employee directors were significantly below this amount. See the “2018 Non-Employee Director Compensation” and “2018 Non-Employee Director Equity Awards” tables for specific values.
Cash Compensation – Board, Lead Director and Committee Chair Retainers
We pay our non-employee directors their cash retainers quarterly. The Mondelēz International, Inc. 2001 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors allows directors to defer 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of their cash retainers into notional unfunded accounts. These accounts mirror certain of the investment options under the Thrift 401(k) Plan offered to U.S. salaried employees.
If the Board appoints a non-employee director during the year (i.e., other than at the annual meeting of shareholders), we pay that director prorated compensation for the balance of the year. We prorate cash compensation based on the number of days remaining in the calendar year.
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35 |
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors
Equity Compensation – Annual Equity Grant
We make annual equity grants to our non-employee directors following the annual meeting of shareholders. In order to align directors’ interests with shareholders during the directors’ service, grants are in the form of vested deferred stock units. We distribute actual shares six months after the director ends his or her service as a director. When we pay a dividend on our Common Stock, we accrue the value of the dividends that we would have paid on the deferred stock units. Six months after the director ends his or her service as a director, we issue shares to the director equal to the accumulated accrued value.
If the Board appoints a non-employee director during the year (i.e., other than at the annual meeting of shareholders), we prorate the annual equity grant value based on the number of months until the next annual meeting of shareholders over a denominator of twelve months.
Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
To align our non-employee directors’ and our shareholders’ interests, we expect our non-employee directors to hold shares of our Common Stock. Our expectations are as follows:
Key Provisions |
Explanation of Key Provisions |
Ownership Expectation |
Amount equal to five times the annual Board cash retainer (i.e., $550,000). |
Time to Meet Expectation |
Five years from joining the Board as a director. |
Shares Counted Toward Ownership
|
Common Stock, including sole ownership, deferred stock units and accounts over which the director has direct or indirect ownership or control. |
Holding Expectation |
The Company does not release the shares underlying the deferred stock units until six months after the director ends his or her service as a director. The Company does not require that shares be held after distribution/issuance.
|
If a non-employee director does not meet these ownership expectations, the Lead Director will consider the non-employee director’s particular situation and may take action as deemed appropriate. As of March 12, 2019, each director serving for at least five years met or exceeded the ownership expectation.
Company Match for Director Charitable Contributions
Non-employee directors are eligible to participate in the Mondelēz International Foundation (the “Foundation”) Matching Gift Program. Each year, the Foundation will generally match up to $15,000 in contributions by a non-employee director to any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization(s).
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36 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors
2018 Non-Employee Director Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash(1) |
Stock Awards(2) |
All Other Compensation(3) |
Total |
Name |
($) |
($) |
($) |
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
Booth, Lewis |
110,000 |
175,034 |
15,000 |
300,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bunch, Charles |
110,000 |
175,034 |
7,500 |
292,534 |
|
|
|
|
|
Crew, Debra(4) |
91,972 |
218,785 |
10,000 |
320,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
Juliber, Lois |
135,000 |
175,034 |
15,000 |
325,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ketchum, Mark |
121,209 |
175,034 |
15,000 |
311,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
May, Peter(4) |
91,972 |
218,785 |
– |
310,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mesquita, Jorge |
110,000 |
175,034 |
– |
285,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
Neubauer, Joseph |
148,791 |
175,034 |
15,000 |
338,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
Peltz, Nelson(5) |
18,333 |
– |
– |
18,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reynolds, Fredric |
135,000 |
175,034 |
– |
310,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shi, Christiana |
110,000 |
175,034 |
15,000 |
300,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
Siewert, Patrick |
125,000 |
175,034 |
– |
300,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
van Boxmeer, Jean-François |
110,000 |
175,034 |
– |
285,034 |
(1) Includes all retainer fees earned or deferred pursuant to the 2001 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
(2) The amounts shown in this column represent the full grant date fair value of the deferred stock unit grants in 2018 as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements contained in our 2018 Form 10-K. The deferred stock units are immediately vested, but receipt of the shares is deferred until six months after the director no longer serves on the Board. The 2018 Non-Employee Director Equity Awards Table provides further detail on the non-employee director grants made in 2018 and the number of stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2018.
(3) Represents Foundation contributions made as part of the Foundation Matching Gift Program. Annual match limits are based on gift date, not the match date by the Foundation. As such, the amounts reflected may represent gifts that directors made in 2017 but the Foundation did not match until 2018.
(4) In accordance with our policy, Ms. Crew and Mr. May each received two deferred stock unit grants in 2018. In connection with their respective appointments as directors effective March 1, 2018, they each received a prorated deferred stock unit grant of 1,003 units. In addition, each received the annual deferred stock unit grant of 4,429 units on May 16, 2018 simultaneously with all of the other non-employee directors in connection with the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders.
(5) Effective March 1, 2018, Mr. Peltz concluded his service on the Board. His 2018 retainer payment was prorated based on the date his term ended. He did not receive an annual equity grant during 2018.
|
|
37 |
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors
2018 Non-Employee Director Equity Awards
|
|
|
|
Name |
All Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units Granted in 2018 (#) |
All Stock Awards: Grant Date Fair Value of Stock or Units Granted in 2018(1) ($) |
Outstanding Stock Awards as of December 31, 2018 (#) |
|
|
|
|
Booth, Lewis |
4,429 |
175,034 |
29,263 |
|
|
|
|
Bunch, Charles |
4,429 |
175,034 |
11,362 |
|
|
|
|
Crew, Debra(2) |
5,432 |
218,785 |
5,500 |
|
|
|
|
Juliber, Lois |
4,429 |
175,034 |
50,349 |
|
|
|
|
Ketchum, Mark |
4,429 |
175,034 |
55,027 |
May, Peter(2) |
5,432 |
218,785 |
5,500 |
|
|
|
|
Mesquita, Jorge |
4,429 |
175,034 |
29,611 |
|
|
|
|
Neubauer, Joseph |
4,429 |
175,034 |
18,916 |
|
|
|
|
Reynolds, Fredric |
4,429 |
175,034 |
38,786 |
|
|
|
|
Shi, Christiana |
4,429 |
175,034 |
13,995 |
|
|
|
|
Siewert, Patrick |
4,429 |
175,034 |
29,410 |
|
|
|
|
van Boxmeer, Jean-François |
4,429 |
175,034 |
35,120 |
(1) The amounts shown in this column represent the full grant date fair value of the deferred stock units granted in 2018 as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(2) In accordance with our policy, Ms. Crew and Mr. May each received two deferred stock unit grants in 2018. In connection with their respective appointments as directors effective March 1, 2018, they each received a prorated deferred stock unit grant of 1,003 units. In addition, each received the annual deferred stock unit grant of 4,429 units on May 16, 2018 simultaneously with all of the other non-employee directors in connection with the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders.
|
|
38 |
2019 Proxy Statement |
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
We delivered key financial and strategic commitments in 2018:
|
• |
Net revenues increased 0.2%; Organic Net Revenue(1) grew 2.4%; |
|
• |
Gross profit grew $318 million (+3%); Adjusted Gross Profit(1) grew $352 million (+4%) on a constant currency basis; |
|
• |
Diluted EPS was $2.28, up 23%; Adjusted EPS(1) was $2.43, up 15% on a constant-currency basis; and |
|
• |
Cash provided by operating activities was $3.9 billion; Free Cash Flow(1) was $2.9 billion. |
We announced an 18% dividend per share increase in the third quarter of 2018 and returned $3.4 billion of capital to shareholders while continuing to invest in our business. We believe the compensation paid to our named executive officers for 2018 appropriately reflects and rewards their contribution to our performance.
Our results demonstrate the power of our brands, the strength of our global footprint and the potential of our strategic plan. In September 2018, we unveiled our new strategy to position us to lead the snacking industry. Our new strategy has three key pillars centered around:
|
• |
Accelerating consumer-centric growth; |
|
• |
Driving operational excellence; and |
|
• |
Building a winning growth culture. |
To accelerate our top line, we are emphasizing volume-driven growth and more agile innovation. In addition, we are increasing investment across both local and global brands, as well as pursuing opportunities to expand into faster growing channels and geographies. Our new strategy also includes a focus on operational excellence across the entire organization. We intend to drive end-to-end improvements in our processes and systems to make us more efficient. We are building a winning growth culture with a “local first” commercial approach that emphasizes speed, innovation and sustainable growth and profitability metrics that are aligned with our overall financial goals, which we believe will generate attractive long-term returns.
To drive our goals, we will focus on changing our ways of working, which includes shifting more decision making down to a local level, reducing complexity, increasing our test and learn approach to innovation and creating a reward structure that is fully aligned with our growth objectives.
To align our reward structure with our new strategy, our 2019 compensation program will emphasize Organic Volume (sales volume that excludes the impact of acquisitions and divestitures) and Organic Net Revenue Growth, Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Operating Income (“OI”) dollar growth (or Adjusted EPS for Corporate) at planned foreign exchange rates and Free Cash Flow. We will shift focus from Adjusted Gross Margin Percent to Adjusted Gross Profit dollars and increase investments to drive growth. As we are targeting high single-digit Adjusted EPS growth over the long term, Adjusted OI dollar growth will be an important measure. To incent a high quality of results, market share will return as an overlay in the Annual Incentive Program. See “Changes to our Executive Compensation Program” for more specific detail on the changes made to support our new strategy.
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis explains the guiding principles and practices upon which our executive compensation program is based as well as the compensation paid to our 2018 named executive officers:
Name |
Title (as of December 31, 2018) |
Dirk Van de Put
|