Corporate Governance: 2021 Proxy and Annual Report Season: Time to Prepare

Preparation is key to a successful proxy and annual report season, and autumn is not too early to begin. 

While work on proxy statements, annual reports and annual meetings typically kicks into high gear in the winter, advance planning will make the process go more smoothly. This is especially true for the 2021 proxy and annual report season (2021 Proxy Season) as companies evaluate the ramifications of COVID-19 that need to be discussed in various contexts in annual filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Companies also may want to spend time this fall considering whether to expand proxy disclosures beyond what is required in order to address issues that are garnering increased attention, such as human capital, diversity, and other environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters.