8-KLeadership Changes

Vistra Corp. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jun 29, 2018)

Filed June 29, 2018For Securities:VST

Summary

Vistra Corp. (VST) has filed an 8-K report to announce a change to its Board of Directors. Effective June 27, 2018, Bruce Zimmerman was elected to fill a vacancy on the Board, serving as a Class III director until the May 2019 annual meeting. Mr. Zimmerman is considered an independent director and was recommended by Oaktree, a significant stockholder, to replace Jennifer Box. This appointment also signifies the termination of a previous Stockholders' Agreement with Oaktree, which had granted them the right to designate a director. Mr. Zimmerman brings extensive experience in investment management, previously serving as CEO and CIO of the University of Texas Investment Management Company (UTIMCO) and in senior roles at Citigroup and Texas Commerce Bank/JP Morgan Chase. As a new non-employee director, Mr. Zimmerman will receive a prorated grant of restricted stock units valued at $150,000 and an annual cash retainer of $100,000. His appointment and the termination of the Stockholders' Agreement are key events that may impact the company's governance and future strategic alignment, particularly concerning Oaktree's influence. Investors should note that Mr. Zimmerman's background suggests a strong financial and investment perspective will be brought to the board.

Key Highlights

  • 1Vistra Corp. appointed Bruce Zimmerman to its Board of Directors, effective June 27, 2018.
  • 2Mr. Zimmerman's appointment fills a vacancy left by Jennifer Box's resignation.
  • 3The company determined Mr. Zimmerman meets the criteria for an independent director.
  • 4The appointment of Mr. Zimmerman is linked to the termination of a Stockholders' Agreement with Oaktree Capital Management.
  • 5Oaktree Capital Management's right to designate a director to the Board has been extinguished.
  • 6Mr. Zimmerman has a significant background in institutional investment management, including leadership roles at UTIMCO and Citigroup.
  • 7New non-employee directors, including Mr. Zimmerman, are compensated with restricted stock units and an annual cash retainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bruce Zimmerman has been elected to Vistra Corp.'s Board of Directors as a Class III director, effective immediately as of June 27, 2018. He will serve until the company's annual meeting of stockholders in May 2019. Mr. Zimmerman is an independent director and brings extensive experience in investment management, having previously led the University of Texas Investment Management Company (UTIMCO) and held senior positions at Citigroup.

The termination of the Stockholders' Agreement with Oaktree signifies that Oaktree Capital Management (and associated entities) is no longer afforded rights previously granted, most notably the right to nominate or designate a director to Vistra's Board. This change alters the governance structure by removing a specific stockholder-driven board seat.

As a non-employee director, Mr. Zimmerman will receive compensation including a prorated grant of restricted stock units with a fair value of $150,000 and an annual cash retainer of $100,000, both based on Vistra's common stock price and prorated for his service term.

Based on the filing, there are no disclosed arrangements or understandings between Mr. Zimmerman and any other person regarding his selection as director, nor are there any related person transactions between Mr. Zimmerman and Vistra Corp. as defined by SEC regulations.