Luby’s, Inc. announced changes to its board of directors as well as its corporate governance policies. As part of its commitment to ongoing board refreshment, in 2019 the Company will add two new independent directors to replace two incumbent directors, and the Board will choose a new chair.
“Luby’s has recently been engaged in in-depth discussions with many of our shareholders, and based on the feedback we have received, we have chosen to accelerate our plans to transform the Board and to move forward with several corporate governance changes,” says Gasper Mir, III, Independent Chairman of Luby’s. “With the planned addition of these two new directors and the already-announced addition of Twila Day to our slate of nominees for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we will have three new independent directors added to the Board this year – ensuring that we continue to have the right mix of experience and skillsets, coupled with fresh perspectives, to help steer the turnaround that is underway at Luby’s and create value for all shareholders. As I am approaching the Board’s retirement age limit, I have also decided to hand over the chairmanship to another independent director this year. The Board will choose a new chair in 2019.”
Board Refreshment
The Board is searching for two new independent directors. The company will solicit shareholder input throughout the director identification process, with a focus on strong, hands-on restaurant operating and turnaround experience. The Board will appoint the two new independent directors consistent with its existing thorough review process. At the time that each new independent director is appointed to the Board, one incumbent director will retire.
Board Leadership Change
The Luby’s Board will also elect a new independent Chairman of the Board in 2019. Gasper Mir, III, will remain on the Board as an independent director.
Corporate Governance Changes
Based on feedback received from shareholders, the Board also announced the following changes, all to be implemented following the 2019 Annual Meeting:
Luby’s will introduce a plurality voting standard for contested director elections moving forward. For legal reasons, it is not possible to change the vote standard for the upcoming 2019 Annual Meeting.
In uncontested director elections, the Company will introduce a resignation policy, meaning that directors who do not receive a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting will be required to tender their resignation.
Luby’s recommends that shareholders vote for the election of ALL of the Company’s Board of Directors nominees on the WHITE proxy card today.
