Leading Independent Proxy Advisory Firm Glass Lewis Supports Impactive’s Case for Change at WEX
Glass Lewis Recommends Shareholders Vote FOR Impactive Nominees
Concludes that Separation of CEO and Chair Role is in Shareholders’ Interests in Light of Sustained Underperformance Under Melissa Smith’s Tenure
Determines Impactive Has “Articulated a Coherent Set of Concerns Regarding Oversight and Capital Allocation”
Impactive Urges Shareholders to Vote on the WHITE Proxy Card to Elect All Three of Its Highly Qualified Nominees
Impactive stated:
“We appreciate Glass Lewis’ recognition of the merits of our case for change and its recommendation that shareholders vote to elect
In its report, Glass Lewis supported Impactive’s case for change, writing:1
- “[Impactive] has articulated a credible case for enhanced oversight, and the performance record, while not uniformly negative, reflects a sustained period of relative underperformance against the most relevant comparators over long- and medium-term horizons that the Company has not fully rebutted through its operational narrative.”
- “Given that [Impactive’s] campaign has demonstrated credibility, appears to have contributed to a more favorable market reassessment, and has articulated a coherent set of concerns regarding oversight and capital allocation, shareholders are justified in concluding that direct Impactive representation on the board is appropriate.”
Glass Lewis commented on the qualifications of Impactive’s nominees:
- “[Lauren Taylor Wolfe’s] direct involvement in the campaign and investment thesis provides clear alignment with the perspectives advanced in support of change, as well as detailed familiarity with the Company’s strategy, performance, and perceived areas of improvement.”
- “[Kurt Adams] brings relevant financial services, regulatory, and governance experience that appears additive to the board, and his independence from both the Company and [Impactive] should enable him to contribute constructively while reinforcing board accountability.”
In making its recommendation to withhold on
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“The combination of the chair and CEO roles, the level of shareholder dissent observed in 2025, and the Company’s sustained underperformance over [
Melissa Smith's ] tenure as chair together support the conclusion that greater separation between executive leadership and board oversight is in shareholders’ interests.” -
“In this context, it is relevant that [Impactive’s] proposal relates to Ms. Smith’s position as chair, rather than her executive role. Should she not be re-elected to the board,
Ms. Smith would continue to serve as CEO.” -
“... [Impactive] has articulated a range of governance and performance-related concerns ... with respect to leadership accountability, compensation oversight, and board responsiveness. These concerns appear most directly attributable to
Melissa Smith , given her combined executive and board leadership role.” -
“As chair of the Compensation Committee, [
Stephen Smith ] bears direct responsibility for a compensation framework that the Dissident has credibly argued has not adequately reflected shareholder experience over the relevant period.”
Glass Lewis commented on WEX’s poor corporate governance underscored by low shareholder support at the 2025 AGM, stating:
- “The level of shareholder dissent observed at the 2025 annual meeting, particularly with respect to the Company’s leadership, suggests that the Dissident’s concerns resonated with a meaningful portion of the shareholder base and that a degree of board-level accountability is warranted.”
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“...
Ms. Smith received more than 30% votes against her re-election in 2025, which constitutes a significant level of shareholder opposition. This outcome followed the Dissident’s 2025 campaign opposing her re-election, suggesting that the level of dissent may, at least in part, reflect shareholder alignment with the concerns advanced by the Dissident. Under prevailing market standards, dissent exceeding 20% is generally viewed as a meaningful signal of investor concern."
For more information, including how to vote for Impactive’s three nominees using the WHITE proxy card, please visit www.WakeUpWEX.com.
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If you have any questions, require assistance in voting your WHITE universal proxy card, or need additional copies of Impactive’s proxy materials, please contact: |
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Stockholders may call toll-free: (877) 285-5990 |
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Banks and Brokers call: (212) 297-0720 |
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E-mail: info@okapipartners.com |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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1 Permission to quote Glass Lewis was neither sought nor received. Emphasis added.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260421882945/en/
Investor Contacts:
(877) 285-5990
info@okapipartners.com
OR
Media Contact:
impactive@longacresquare.com
Source: