Apple’s board of directors has chosen to waive its longstanding age-75 retirement guideline to allow two veteran members — Board Chair Art Levinson and Audit Committee Chair Ron Sugar — to stand for re-election, citing their deep expertise and the need for continuity amid recent changes.
In a recent SEC filing, the board stated it was in the best interests of Apple and its shareholders to retain Levinson and Sugar, emphasizing their extensive experience, knowledge of the company’s operations, and long tenures. Notably, both have served on the board longer than CEO Tim Cook.
Art Levinson, age 75, has been a director since 2000, becoming chair in 2011. He currently leads Calico, a health-focused company.
Ron Sugar, age 77, joined in 2010 and previously served as chairman and CEO of Northrop Grumman until his retirement in 2010.
These waivers contrast with the board’s standard application of the age policy two years ago, when former Vice President Al Gore and James Bell were required to retire upon reaching 75, with no exceptions granted despite Gore’s 21-year tenure.
The board has a longstanding policy that directors generally may not stand for reelection after reaching age 75. As a result, Al Gore, who has served since 2003, and James Bell, who joined in 2015, will both retire from Apple’s board this year. – Apple Inc., January 11, 2024
Over the past four years, Apple has refreshed its board by adding three new members—representing more than a third of its composition—while two long-serving directors stepped down during that period. The decision to retain Levinson and Sugar underscores the board’s focus on balancing experience with ongoing renewal.
MacDailyNews Take: Some board members have deeper expertise than others.
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