ACCO Brands (ACCO) Proxy Filing summary

Executive summary

• Annual Meeting scheduled for May 20, 2025, to be held virtually, with voting on key proposals including director elections, auditor ratification, executive compensation, and an amendment to the incentive plan.

• 2024 achievements include $25 million in cost savings, expansion of the cost reduction program to $100 million, gross margin improvement, and $94 million net debt reduction.

• Net sales for 2024 were $1.67 billion, with a net loss of $101.6 million, primarily due to non-cash impairment charges; adjusted operating income was $189.7 million.

• Capital allocation priorities include continued debt reduction, share repurchases, and support for quarterly dividends.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Proposals include election of nine directors, ratification of KPMG LLP as auditor, advisory vote on executive compensation, and approval of an amendment to the incentive plan to increase available shares.

• Board recommends voting FOR all proposals.

• No other business is currently anticipated at the meeting.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• Board consists of nine members, 89% independent, with an average tenure of 7.8 years; three women and two ethnically diverse directors.

• All directors attended over 85% of meetings in 2024.

• Board leadership structure separates Chairman and CEO roles; E. Mark Rajkowski serves as independent Chairman.

• Annual board and committee self-evaluations are conducted.

• Stock ownership guidelines require directors to hold five times their annual cash retainer in company stock.