The ESG bar is high this proxy season: Is your board prepared?

(GreenBiz) Last year saw a record number of ESG and climate-focused shareholder proposals winning majority support in 2021. Therefore, we can only expect the same for 2022 as shareholders’ and stakeholders’ expectations continue to rise. The success of hedge fund Engine No. 1 in securing board seats at Exxon Mobil in 2021 was a major warning sign for what will come. So, what can companies and their boards expect this year and are they prepared?

If you just scan the headlines for this year’s proxy season, asset managers and proxy advisers are setting the bar high. There has never been as much focus and pressure on boards of directors and their ESG and climate oversight competencies.