8-KLeadership ChangesCorporate ChangesExhibits & Filings

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Dec 11, 2017)

Filed December 11, 2017For Securities:LMT

Summary

This 8-K filing from Lockheed Martin Corporation announces significant changes to its Board of Directors and bylaws. Effective January 1, 2018, Jeh C. Johnson and James D. Taiclet, Jr. have been elected to the Board. Both individuals have been determined to be independent directors and bring extensive experience from government service and leadership roles in major corporations. The filing also details an amendment to the company's bylaws, effective December 8, 2017. This amendment clarifies the authority regarding the creation, amendment, and repeal of bylaws, specifying that both the stockholders and the Board of Directors retain such powers, subject to the Corporation's Charter and applicable laws. These changes reflect governance updates aimed at strengthening oversight and strategic direction.

Key Highlights

  • 1Election of Jeh C. Johnson and James D. Taiclet, Jr. to the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2018.
  • 2Both new directors have been deemed independent according to NYSE, SEC, and company guidelines.
  • 3Jeh C. Johnson brings a background in government, including former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and General Counsel of the Department of Defense.
  • 4James D. Taiclet, Jr. has significant experience as Chairman, President, and CEO of American Tower Corporation, with prior roles in aerospace and telecommunications.
  • 5Mr. Johnson will serve on the Classified Business and Security Committee and Ethics and Sustainability Committee.
  • 6Mr. Taiclet will serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Strategic Affairs Committee.
  • 7Amendment to bylaws clarifies stockholder and Board authority for amending or creating bylaws, effective December 8, 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

The election of Jeh C. Johnson and James D. Taiclet, Jr. brings new expertise and perspectives to Lockheed Martin's Board. Mr. Johnson's extensive government and legal background, particularly in homeland security and defense, could be valuable for a company in the defense sector. Mr. Taiclet's leadership experience at a major telecommunications real estate company and his prior roles in aerospace suggest a strong understanding of complex business operations and strategic growth.

The bylaw amendment clarifies the respective powers of the stockholders and the Board of Directors concerning the company's bylaws. It ensures that both entities have the authority to create, amend, or repeal bylaws, subject to the company's Charter and applicable laws. This dual authority is a common governance practice designed to balance management oversight with shareholder rights.

No, the filing states that Mr. Johnson and Mr. Taiclet will receive the corporation's standard compensation for non-employee directors. This compensation includes standard fees, potential equity grants made according to the company's equity plan, and eligibility to defer fees into the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan. They will also be covered by the standard director indemnification agreement.

Jeh C. Johnson will join the Classified Business and Security Committee and the Ethics and Sustainability Committee. James D. Taiclet, Jr. will be a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Strategic Affairs Committee.