Genesco Inc. announced that, based on a preliminary vote count by its proxy solicitor, shareholders have voted overwhelmingly to re-elect all nine of Genesco’s director nominees to the Board of Directors at its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
A group of activist investors, led by Legion Partners Asset Management, had been urging shareholders to vote for four of its nominees.
Genesco’s nine nominees are Matthew Diamond, Mimi Vaughn, Joanna Barsh, John Lambros, Thurgood Marshall, Jr., Angel Martinez, Kevin McDermott, Mary Meixelsperger, and Gregory Sandfort.
Matthew Diamond, lead independent director at Genesco, stated: “Today’s preliminary results reflect the support we have received from shareholders in response to the decisive actions Genesco has taken to grow and strengthen our business and bring on leaders who can effectively oversee and execute on our strategy. We have had the opportunity to speak with many of our shareholders about Genesco’s performance, strategy, and our positive outlook for the future, as well as hear their ideas and views of the Company. We appreciate all of their input and look forward to continuing that dialogue.”
Mimi Vaughn, board chair, president and CEO of Genesco, said, “I would like to thank our shareholders for their valuable feedback and insights over the past several months as well as for their vote of confidence in our Board and management team. I also would like to thank our dedicated employees for their hard work and relentless focus throughout this process. We are highly energized to continue to execute on our footwear-focused strategy, build on our progress and momentum coming out of the pandemic, and realize the significant synergies across our businesses to drive growth and profitability.”
Vaughn added: “I would also like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Kathleen Mason and Marty Dickens, who are now officially retired from the Board, for their exemplary service and many contributions over their tenures at Genesco. They have each played an instrumental role in the success of the Company, and their collaboration and guidance will be greatly missed.”
The vote is subject to certification by the Independent Inspector of Election.
Photo courtesy Genesco
