8-KLeadership Changes

ROSS STORES, INC. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jul 14, 2022)

Filed July 14, 2022For Securities:ROST

Summary

This 8-K filing from Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) details an Executive Employment Agreement for Brian Morrow, President and Chief Merchandising Officer – dd's. The agreement extends his tenure through March 31, 2026, with a transition from his current operational role to a consultant position in March 2024. This demonstrates the company's commitment to retaining key executive talent and ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities. The agreement outlines Mr. Morrow's compensation and benefits throughout the extended period, including a continued base salary, annual incentive bonuses, and a significant Restricted Stock Award vesting in 2026. The transition to a consultant role involves a reduced salary and modified incentive structures, while still acknowledging his ongoing contributions. The agreement also includes provisions for continued medical benefits for Mr. Morrow and his spouse for eight years post-employment, and standard clauses concerning confidentiality, non-competition, and arbitration.

Key Highlights

  • 1Ross Stores has entered into a new Executive Employment Agreement with Brian Morrow, President and Chief Merchandising Officer – dd's, extending his employment through March 31, 2026.
  • 2Mr. Morrow will transition from his current role to a Consultant position on March 31, 2024, while continuing to report to the CEO.
  • 3The agreement includes a continued base salary of at least $1,038,500 while in his current role, with eligibility for increases.
  • 4Mr. Morrow will receive a new Restricted Stock Award valued at $1,500,000, vesting fully in March 2026.
  • 5As a Consultant, Mr. Morrow will receive 50% of his final salary, with continued eligibility for incentive bonuses and performance share awards at a reduced level.
  • 6The company has committed to providing continued executive medical, dental, and vision benefits for Mr. Morrow and his spouse for eight years after his termination date, under specific conditions.
  • 7The agreement contains standard provisions including non-competition, non-solicitation, protection of confidential information, and arbitration of disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this filing is to announce and detail the new Executive Employment Agreement between Ross Stores, Inc. and Brian Morrow, its President and Chief Merchandising Officer – dd's. This agreement extends his tenure with the company and outlines the terms of his employment and compensation, including a planned transition to a consultant role.

Mr. Morrow's role will transition from President and CMO – dd's to a Consultant role effective March 31, 2024. While his current role maintains a base salary of at least $1,038,500 and eligibility for bonuses and stock awards, his consultant role will involve a reduced salary (50% of his final salary), with eligibility for bonuses and awards at a reduced level. He will continue to report to the CEO in both capacities.

If Mr. Morrow remains employed through March 31, 2026, or is terminated by the Company without cause, he and his spouse/partner will be entitled to continued coverage under the Company’s executive medical, dental, and vision benefits for eight years following his termination date. Medicare will become the primary insurance once they are eligible.

Yes, the agreement includes standard restrictive covenants such as protection of Company confidential information, non-solicitation of employees and business counterparties, non-competition, and non-disparagement. It also includes provisions for the potential recoupment of compensation if financial results are restated and arbitration of disputes.