8-KLeadership Changes

HCA Healthcare, Inc. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Oct 28, 2008)

Filed October 28, 2008For Securities:HCA

Summary

This 8-K filing from HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) on October 28, 2008, details significant changes in its Board of Directors and executive compensation arrangements. Key personnel changes include the resignation of Thomas F. Frist, Jr. from the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2009, and the appointment of William R. Frist to fill the vacancy. This appointment reflects the ongoing influence of the Frist family group in the company's governance. Additionally, the filing outlines compensation for the incoming Chief Executive Officer, Richard M. Bracken, and details an amended employment agreement for retiring CEO Jack O. Bovender, Jr., who will transition to an executive Chairman role. Significant amendments to the company's Restoration Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) are also disclosed, impacting retirement benefits for highly compensated employees.

Key Highlights

  • 1Thomas F. Frist, Jr. resigns from the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2009.
  • 2William R. Frist appointed to the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2009, to fill the vacancy created by Dr. Frist's resignation.
  • 3Richard M. Bracken appointed CEO effective January 1, 2009, with an approved annual base salary of $1,325,000 and a target bonus of 130% of base salary.
  • 4Jack O. Bovender, Jr. transitions from CEO to Executive Chairman, with an amended employment agreement outlining compensation and benefits through December 15, 2009.
  • 5Amendments to the HCA Restoration Plan are effective January 1, 2008, altering the benefit formula and excluding executive officers participating in SERP.
  • 6Amendments to the HCA Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) are effective January 1, 2007, introducing a lump-sum distribution option and other modifications.
  • 7The Frist family group retains significant governance influence through board appointment rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

The filing announces the resignation of Thomas F. Frist, Jr. from the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2009, and the appointment of William R. Frist to the Board on the same date. It also confirms Richard M. Bracken's appointment as CEO effective January 1, 2009, and details the transition of Jack O. Bovender, Jr. from CEO to Executive Chairman.

Richard M. Bracken will have an annual base salary of $1,325,000 and a 2009 Performance Excellence Program target bonus of 130% of his base salary, effective January 1, 2009.

The HCA Restoration Plan was amended to change the benefit formula and exclude executive officers who participate in the SERP. The HCA Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) was restated to add a lump-sum distribution option, delay initial payments, and update actuarial factors, among other changes. These amendments are generally effective in 2007 and 2008.

William R. Frist's appointment fills the vacancy left by his father, Thomas F. Frist, Jr., and maintains the Frist family's representation on the Board. This appointment is made pursuant to an agreement that grants the Frist family group the right to appoint two managers to the Board, highlighting their continued influence in the company's governance.