8-KLeadership ChangesRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jan 27, 2025)

Filed January 27, 2025For Securities:NSC

Summary

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) announced a significant development on January 27, 2025, with the election of Lori J. Ryerkerk to its Board of Directors. This appointment is a direct outcome of the Cooperation Agreement entered into with Ancora Catalyst Institutional, LP and its affiliates on November 13, 2024. The agreement stipulated the mutual identification and appointment of an independent director candidate, a process that has now resulted in Ms. Ryerkerk's addition to the board. Ms. Ryerkerk has also been appointed to the Human Capital Management and Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees, indicating a focus on key strategic areas. Investors should note that Ms. Ryerkerk's nomination will be included in the company's slate for the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, suggesting a move towards board refreshment and potentially addressing shareholder concerns raised by the Ancora Parties. There are no disclosed related-party transactions, and her compensation will be consistent with other non-management directors.

Key Highlights

  • 1Lori J. Ryerkerk appointed to Norfolk Southern's Board of Directors.
  • 2Appointment is a result of the November 13, 2024 Cooperation Agreement with Ancora Catalyst Institutional, LP.
  • 3Ms. Ryerkerk will serve on the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee.
  • 4Ms. Ryerkerk will serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee.
  • 5Ms. Ryerkerk will be included in the company's director nominee slate for the 2025 annual meeting.
  • 6No related-party transactions or arrangements requiring disclosure were identified for Ms. Ryerkerk.
  • 7Ms. Ryerkerk's compensation will align with that of other non-management directors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lori J. Ryerkerk is a newly elected independent director to Norfolk Southern's Board. Her appointment is a direct consequence of a Cooperation Agreement signed in November 2024 with Ancora Catalyst Institutional, LP, which included an agreement to mutually select an independent director candidate.

Ms. Ryerkerk has been appointed to two key committees: the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee.

Her inclusion in the company's slate for the 2025 annual meeting signifies a commitment to long-term board composition changes agreed upon with the Ancora Parties, suggesting a potential resolution or ongoing engagement with activist investor demands.

Ms. Ryerkerk will receive standard compensation for board service, which includes cash and equity, consistent with other non-management directors. There are no disclosed related-party transactions between Ms. Ryerkerk and Norfolk Southern that would require specific financial disclosure beyond standard director compensation.