8-KLeadership Changes

ISHARES GOLD TRUST 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Mar 8, 2022)

Filed March 8, 2022For Securities:IAU

Summary

iShares Gold Trust (IAU) filed an 8-K report on March 7, 2022, announcing a change in the Directorship of its sponsor, iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC. Shannon Ghia was appointed as a Director, effective March 2, 2022, replacing Rachel Aguirre. Ms. Ghia brings extensive experience from BlackRock, where she currently serves as Global Co-Head of ETF Markets, overseeing teams focused on investment integrity and product development within BlackRock's ETF and Index Investing organization. This leadership change within the sponsor entity is the primary information conveyed in this filing. Investors in IAU should note Ms. Ghia's background in ETF markets and product engineering, which suggests a continued focus on the operational integrity and market quality of the Trust's offerings. The departure of Ms. Aguirre was stated to be without any dispute or disagreement with the Trust.

Key Highlights

  • 1Shannon Ghia appointed as a Director of iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC, effective March 2, 2022.
  • 2Ms. Ghia replaces Rachel Aguirre, who resigned from her Director position.
  • 3Ms. Ghia is a Managing Director at BlackRock and Global Co-Head of ETF Markets.
  • 4Her role at BlackRock involves overseeing teams responsible for investment integrity and product engineering within ETFs.
  • 5Ms. Ghia has been with BlackRock and its affiliates since 2002.
  • 6Rachel Aguirre's resignation was not due to any dispute or disagreement with the Trust.
  • 7The filing is an 8-K Current Report filed on March 7, 2022, with an event date of March 1, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to report a change in the leadership of the Trust's sponsor, iShares® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC. Specifically, it announces the appointment of Shannon Ghia as a new Director and the resignation of Rachel Aguirre.

Shannon Ghia is a Managing Director at BlackRock and has served as Global Co-Head of ETF Markets since January 1, 2022. Her role involves overseeing teams dedicated to investment integrity, market quality, and product development within BlackRock's ETF and Index Investing organization. She has a long tenure with BlackRock and its predecessors, dating back to 2002.

This filing concerns a change in the sponsor's board, not a direct change to the Trust's investment strategy, holdings, or operational mechanics. However, Ms. Ghia's expertise in ETF markets and product engineering suggests a continued commitment by the sponsor to maintaining the operational integrity and market quality of the IAU.

No, the filing explicitly states that Ms. Aguirre’s decision to resign was not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the Trust on any matter relating to the Trust's operations, policies, or practices.