TheCorporateCounsel.net

September 4, 2020

“Accredited Investor” Amendments: New Sample Subscription Agreement

Lynn blogged last week about the SEC’s amended “accredited investor” definition. We’re posting the avalanche of memos in our “Private Placements” Practice Area. Courtesy of the Stinson firm, we’ve also now posted a sample subscription agreement – in Word format and in a redlined PDF that shows updates for the new definition.

Eight Steps to Better Board Succession

This Heidrick & Struggles memo describes the increasingly complicated and important issue of board composition – and notes that too few boards rigorously evaluate their composition to ensure they’re meeting demands for digital & sustainability expertise and diverse experiences. If director recruitment is an ongoing process, boards are better able to plan ahead and “future-proof” the organization. They recommend these eight steps to better board succession:

1. At least annually, evaluate board composition, individual director performance, and full board effectiveness in the context of the organization’s strategic objectives and purpose.

2. Make sure a single person is accountable for that process (likely the chair of the nominating and governance committee) but that it is broadly embraced by the full board.

3. Establish benchmarks for key areas of board composition, considering peer boards or other high-performing organizations.

4. Map out the skills and experiences the board will need to meet its objectives for the next 5 to 10 years holistically, taking into consideration multiple directors moving on and off the board. Refresh and discuss these needs annually.

5. As the company’s needs change, so should the board. Board refreshment through term limits, age limits, and regular evaluations against the strategic skills matrix is key.

6. Develop new recruitment strategies that challenge long-held norms about the most useful networks for recruiting and the most important types of career experience. Search broadly. Be open minded. (Note – this is especially important given investors’ focus on diversity)

7. Build relationships now with potential future directors. Get to know them today for tomorrow’s needs.

8. Ensure the board is both inclusive and attractive to potential directors. Test your assumptions about what inclusivity means for your board.

Transcript: “CEO Succession Planning in the Crisis Era”

We’ve posted the transcript for our recent webcast: “CEO Succession Planning in the Crisis Era,” which covered these topics:

– Why succession planning should be high priority
– How to maintain a dynamic & adaptable succession plan
– Keeping track of contract & procedural requirements
– Disclosure implications
– Transition mechanics
– Steps for boards & advisors to take right now

Liz Dunshee