Virtual-only shareholder meetings were sold as a tool for broader access, but new evidence shows they are increasingly used to control dissent, filter investor questions, and weaken accountability. Drawing on Miriam Schwartz-Ziv’s groundbreaking research and years of shareholder experience, this post explains how virtual AGMs silence investor voice—and what reforms are needed to restore transparency […]
Virtual Shareholder Meetings 2021. The Report of the 2020 Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Practices for Virtual Shareholder Meetings came out about a month ago. I (James McRitchie) was happy to participate in the group, which did a good job of considering diverse views. Kudos to Amy Borrus, Darla Stuckey, and Doug Chia. My major contribution ensured […]
The first part of an in-depth look at Virtual-Only Shareholder Meetings, a new front in corporate-investor engagement. Scenario 1: In-Person Shareholder Meeting A shareholder proposal calling for the chairman’s resignation is coming up for vote at the physical annual meeting of Acme Inc. In the packed hall, a supporter of the proposal rises to her […]