8-K/ALeadership ChangesMaterial Agreements

CORNING INC /NY 8-K/A Report, Material Agreement (May 2, 2005)

Filed May 2, 2005For Securities:GLW

Summary

This 8-K Amendment filing from Corning Incorporated (GLW) details significant changes in its executive leadership and associated compensation adjustments, effective April 28, 2005, and May 1, 2005. The key event is the transition of James R. Houghton from CEO to Chairman, with Wendell P. Weeks assuming the roles of President and CEO, and Peter F. Volanakis appointed Chief Operating Officer. These leadership changes are accompanied by updated compensation packages for the involved executives, reflecting their new responsibilities and roles within the company. Investors should note the specific adjustments to base salaries, annual bonus targets, and long-term equity incentives for Messrs. Weeks, Volanakis, and Houghton. These changes provide transparency into how the company is structuring executive compensation in alignment with its leadership succession plan. The amendment clarifies the details of these material definitive agreements and compensation actions, which are crucial for understanding the company's governance and executive compensation philosophy.

Key Highlights

  • 1James R. Houghton stepped down as CEO, retaining his role as Chairman of the Board.
  • 2Wendell P. Weeks was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer.
  • 3Peter F. Volanakis was appointed Chief Operating Officer.
  • 4Wendell P. Weeks' annual base salary increased to $915,000, with a bonus target of 95% and enhanced equity incentives.
  • 5Peter F. Volanakis' annual base salary increased to $750,000, with a bonus target of 85% and equity incentives.
  • 6James R. Houghton's base salary decreased to $800,000, bonus target to 50%, and equity incentives were reduced, reflecting his reduced executive duties.
  • 7All compensation adjustments were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on April 28, 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main leadership changes include James R. Houghton stepping down as CEO to remain Chairman, Wendell P. Weeks being appointed President and CEO, and Peter F. Volanakis taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer. These changes were effective April 28, 2005.

Wendell P. Weeks' annual base salary increased from $811,000 to $915,000. His annual bonus target under the Performance Incentive Plan (PIP) increased from 85% to 95%, and he received an increase in long-term equity incentives, including a stock option grant vesting over three years. He was also granted unlimited use of company aircraft for business and personal travel.

As James R. Houghton's duties were reduced, his annual base salary decreased from $1,028,000 to $800,000. His annual bonus target under PIP decreased from 100% to 50%, and his long-term equity incentive target value was reduced from $5 million to $3,333,333. He will retain performance shares for 2005 but will forfeit two-thirds of his stock options awarded for 2005.

All cash compensation adjustments are effective May 1, 2005. Equity compensation adjustments are effective April 28, 2005.