8-KLeadership ChangesRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

Vistra Corp. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 27, 2020)

Filed February 27, 2020For Securities:VST

Summary

Vistra Corp. (VST) filed an 8-K report on February 26, 2020, detailing significant changes to its Board of Directors and executive leadership. Two long-standing directors, Geoffrey Strong and Bruce Zimmerman, will resign effective at the company's 2020 annual meeting, with their terms ending prematurely. This departure is stated not to be due to any disagreements with the company. In response, Vistra has expanded its Board from 11 to 12 members by appointing two new independent directors, Arcilia Acosta and Lisa Crutchfield. Both bring substantial experience in corporate governance, strategy, and various industries relevant to Vistra's operations. Additionally, the company has amended employment agreements for key executives, Steven J. Muscato (EVP & Chief Commercial Officer) and Scott Hudson (President Vistra Retail), outlining updated compensation structures including base salary, bonus opportunities, and equity awards, with terms extending to February 2023.

Key Highlights

  • 1Two Board members, Geoffrey Strong and Bruce Zimmerman, are resigning effective at the 2020 annual meeting, not due to any disagreements.
  • 2Vistra's Board size will temporarily increase from 11 to 12 members with the appointment of two new independent directors: Arcilia Acosta and Lisa Crutchfield.
  • 3Arcilia Acosta has extensive experience in construction, testing laboratories, and has served on the boards of financial institutions and a natural gas utility.
  • 4Lisa Crutchfield brings expertise in economic analysis, strategic advisory, and has held senior regulatory and risk roles in the energy sector, with experience on other public company boards.
  • 5Both new directors, Acosta and Crutchfield, are deemed independent by NYSE standards and will receive compensation including restricted stock units, annual cash retainers, and committee fees.
  • 6Steven J. Muscato's employment agreement as EVP & Chief Commercial Officer was amended, extending his term to February 2023 with a base salary of $577,500 and bonus/equity opportunities.
  • 7Scott Hudson's employment agreement as President Vistra Retail was similarly amended, extending his term to February 2023 with a base salary of $550,000 and bonus/equity opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Geoffrey Strong and Bruce Zimmerman have advised the company that they will resign from the Board of Directors effective on the date of Vistra's 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. The company states that their decisions are not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operations, policies, or practices.

Vistra Corp. has appointed two new independent directors: Arcilia Acosta and Lisa Crutchfield. Ms. Acosta is the CEO of CARCON Industries and Construction and President of Southwestern Testing Laboratories, with prior board experience in banking and natural gas utilities. Ms. Crutchfield is a managing principal at Hudson Strategic Advisors and has a background in economic analysis, strategic advisory, and significant executive roles in regulatory, risk, and compliance within the energy sector, including experience with National Grid and PECO.

Steven J. Muscato (EVP & Chief Commercial Officer) and Scott Hudson (President Vistra Retail) have entered into amended employment agreements with initial terms extending to February 25, 2023. Mr. Muscato will receive an annual base salary of $577,500, with a target bonus of 95% of his base salary. Mr. Hudson will receive an annual base salary of $550,000, with a target bonus of 90% of his base salary. Both agreements also provide for opportunities to receive equity awards under the company's Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Arcilia Acosta and Lisa Crutchfield will each receive a grant of restricted stock units valued at $150,000 on the grant date. They will also receive an annual cash retainer of $100,000, plus an additional $10,000 annually for each committee on which they serve. Both will also enter into the company's standard director indemnification agreement.