8-KLeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

ATMOS ENERGY CORP 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 6, 2009)

Filed February 6, 2009For Securities:ATO

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) reports two key personnel changes. Firstly, Dan Busbee retired from the Board of Directors on February 4, 2009, following the company's annual shareholder meeting. Mr. Busbee had a long tenure with the company, serving on the Board since 1988, and also held leadership positions as Chairman of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Executive and Human Resources Committees. His retirement was in accordance with the Board's mandatory retirement policy. Secondly, and of immediate operational significance, Fred E. Meisenheimer was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller, effective February 4, 2009. Mr. Meisenheimer has a history with the company, having served as Vice President and Controller since 2000, and most recently as Interim Chief Financial Officer since January 1, 2009. His compensation structure has been updated with an increased annual salary of $350,000, and he will continue to participate in existing company compensation plans. These changes are important for investors to note regarding the company's governance and financial leadership.

Key Highlights

  • 1Dan Busbee retired from Atmos Energy's Board of Directors on February 4, 2009, after serving since 1988.
  • 2Mr. Busbee also stepped down from his roles as Chairman of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Executive and Human Resources Committees.
  • 3Fred E. Meisenheimer was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller, effective February 4, 2009.
  • 4Mr. Meisenheimer has served in interim CFO capacity since January 1, 2009, and as VP & Controller since 2000.
  • 5Mr. Meisenheimer's annual salary has been increased to $350,000.
  • 6Mr. Meisenheimer remains an 'at will' employee without a specific employment agreement.
  • 7The filing includes news releases detailing these personnel changes as exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing is primarily to report significant changes in the company's management and board of directors. Specifically, it announces the retirement of a long-standing board member and the permanent appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer.

Fred E. Meisenheimer has been appointed as the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller. His annual salary has been increased to $350,000, and he will continue to participate in the company's existing executive compensation plans.

Before this appointment, Mr. Meisenheimer served as the Vice President and Controller of Atmos Energy from July 2000 through December 2008, and he held the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer starting on January 1, 2009.

Dan Busbee retired from the Board of Directors in accordance with the Board's mandatory retirement policy after serving since 1988. He also retired from his committee leadership roles.