“We’re seeing that public walkback a little more overtly on the DEI side, but certainly it’s changing on the climate side, as well,” said Jannice Koors, senior managing director at executive compensation consulting firm Pearl Meyer.

“As our clients increase their focus on the strategic importance of human capital and talent management, we will build on Pearl Meyer’s longstanding strengths—enhancing our platform while preserving the deep expertise, independence, and client-centric approach that define our firm,” Traxler said.

“She’s on the creative side, whereas D’Amaro is more on the financial and parks side,” says Susan Sandlund... “In combination, it’s a pretty powerful team.”

“The main thing a firm would want to do is keep the team together that they’ve assembled,” Aalap Shah said. The provisions can also serve as “a deterrent” to competitors.

Compensation committee chairs saw retainers rise 29% from 2020 to 2025, according to a new report of 1,400 public companies from compensation consultancy Pearl Meyer and the National Association of Corporate Directors.