New Wave of CEO Security Perks Pours In
By Agenda | Mar 9, 2026 | Read more
Partner Shaun Bisman was quoted in an Agenda article discussing the growing prevalence of executive security perquisites in proxy disclosures following heightened safety concerns for corporate leaders. Bisman noted that companies are increasingly expanding security programs and enhancing related disclosures—often following formal risk assessments—and that these changes are contributing to higher costs reported in the “all other compensation” section of proxy statements
Morgan Stanley pays CEO Pick $45M for 2025
By Banking Dive | Feb 12, 2026 | Read more
Partner Shaun Bisman was quoted in a Banking Dive article discussing Morgan Stanley’s decision to award CEO Ted Pick $45 million for 2025, reinforcing the emerging trend of $40 million-plus compensation packages among large U.S. bank CEOs. Bisman noted that rising pay levels reflect competitive market dynamics, with boards facing pressure to offer compensation packages that remain competitive with peers.
One WA CEO makes 1,794 times his average employee. Here’s why
By The Seattle Times | Feb 11, 2026 | Read more
Partner Kyle Eastman was quoted in a Seattle Times article examining rising CEO pay and widening CEO-to-employee pay ratios at major Washington-based companies. Eastman noted that the growing share of equity in executive compensation reflects a long-standing effort to align pay with shareholder interests, while emphasizing that CEO pay ratios are a “blunt metric” that can be distorted by factors such as large stock grants that vest over multiple years rather than reflecting annual compensation.
The $40 million club: Big-bank CEO pay hits new heights
By American Banker | Feb 11, 2026 | Read more
Partner Shaun Bisman was quoted in an American Banker article examining rising compensation among large U.S. bank CEOs, noting that roughly $40 million has emerged as a new benchmark for top bank leaders. Bisman explained that the increases reflect strong financial performance but are also influenced by market dynamics such as stock price growth and peer benchmarking, which can create pressure on boards to maintain competitive pay packages.
Measuring Misalignment: Why CEO Pay Doesn’t Always Line Up with Performance
By Agenda | Feb 2, 2026 | Read more
Partner Kyle Eastman was quoted in an Agenda article examining why CEO pay and performance do not always align in pay-versus-performance disclosures, even when shareholder returns decline. Kyle emphasized that compensation actually paid is an imperfect metric (often distorted by one-time items such as sign-on, retention, or severance awards) and noted that while single-year misalignment is typically explainable, persistent misalignment without clear rationale or disclosure is more likely to draw shareholder scrutiny and pushback.
$14 trillion asset manager BlackRock aims to lock down execs to compete in the ‘alts’ gold rush shaking up the fund industry
By Fortune | Jan 30, 2026 | Read more
Partner Eric Hosken was quoted in a Fortune article discussing BlackRock’s introduction of an “executive carry” compensation program for senior private markets leaders as the firm expands its alternatives platform. Eric noted that carried interest structures align pay with long-term investment performance and retention goals (and can carry different tax treatment than traditional compensation), highlighting how executive pay in private markets often differs from conventional public-company models.
U.S. Bancorp says CEO Kedia will add board chair title
By American Banker | Jan 28, 2026 | Read more
Partner Kelly Malafis and Shaun Bisman were quoted in an American Banker article discussing U.S. Bancorp’s decision to combine the CEO and board chair roles under Gunjan Kedia, reflecting a broader trend among large U.S. banks toward consolidated leadership structures. Shaun noted that appointing a lead independent director often helps offset governance concerns tied to the combined roles, while Kelly highlighted that recent examples (including Citi and Wells Fargo) represent a return to combined roles following temporary splits after CEO transitions or heightened post-financial-crisis oversight.
The Board’s Role in CEO and Director Compensation: Examining Leading Practices and Trade-offs
By The Corporate Governance Advisor | Jan 27, 2026 | Read more
Partner Kyle Eastman and Senior Analyst Grace Tan authored an article examining how boards oversee CEO and director compensation, highlighting that practices vary widely across large public companies depending on how boards balance accountability, expertise, efficiency, and optics. Drawing on a review of governance disclosures from the 110 largest S&P 500 companies, Kyle and Grace emphasize that there is no single “right” structure, and that boards should adopt compensation approval frameworks aligned with their governance philosophy, investor expectations, and director capabilities.
