8-KLeadership Changes

TJX COMPANIES INC /DE/ 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jan 31, 2012)

Filed January 31, 2012For Securities:TJX

Summary

This 8-K filing by The TJX Companies, Inc. primarily announces significant changes in its executive leadership and compensation arrangements. Key among these is the appointment of Scott Goldenberg as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2012. Mr. Goldenberg's promotion from his previous role as Executive Vice President, Finance, demonstrates internal progression and highlights the company's confidence in his financial acumen. Furthermore, the filing details new employment agreements for Mr. Goldenberg and Senior Executive Vice President Jerome Rossi. These agreements outline specific terms of employment, including base salaries, incentive plan participation, and robust severance packages contingent on various termination scenarios, including involuntary termination without cause and change of control events. The company also announced the election of Zein Abdalla to its Board of Directors, broadening the board's expertise with his extensive experience as CEO of PepsiCo Europe. Investors should note these changes signal a focus on executive stability and clear governance frameworks.

Key Highlights

  • 1Scott Goldenberg appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 29, 2012.
  • 2New employment agreements established for CFO Scott Goldenberg and Senior Executive Vice President Jerome Rossi.
  • 3Employment agreements include defined terms, minimum annual salaries, and participation in incentive plans (SIP, LRPIP, MIP).
  • 4Detailed severance packages are outlined for both executives, covering various termination scenarios including involuntary termination without cause and change of control.
  • 5Zein Abdalla, CEO of PepsiCo Europe, elected to the TJX Board of Directors and its Corporate Governance Committee.
  • 6The filing details compensation for Mr. Abdalla's board service, including retainer and deferred stock awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scott Goldenberg has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2012. He was previously the Executive Vice President, Finance.

The new employment agreements for Scott Goldenberg and Jerome Rossi detail minimum annual base salaries, participation in various incentive plans (Stock Incentive Plan, Long Range Performance Incentive Plan, Management Incentive Plan), and specific severance benefits in case of termination without cause or a change of control.

In the event of a change of control, both Mr. Goldenberg and Mr. Rossi are entitled to lump sum settlements of certain incentive awards and potential enhanced severance benefits, including a lump sum payment equal to two times their annual base salary plus target MIP award and other benefits, if their employment terminates without cause or for good reason within a specified period after the change of control. Benefits are subject to a 'best after-tax' calculation to avoid excise taxes.

Zein Abdalla, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Europe, has been elected as a member of the TJX Board of Directors and its Corporate Governance Committee.