Reports

Consello’s Shareholder Activism Q1 ’24 Update

Key Takeaways

Activism is alive and well

Elevated public activity
Increase in private engagement
Varied set of agitants: new funds, long only funds, hedge funds, etc.

Technology & Consumer in the cross hairs

Representing ~50% of ’24 YTD activity

Current campaign focus on operations and cost cutting

Activists are waiting for M&A market to rebound to catalyze their stakes

Despite Disney/Trian proxy battle, contest for Board seats in decline

The Disney situation has garnered significant media attention, but what’s particularly intriguing is the decreasing frequency of such contests
Noticeable increase in cooperation agreements amongst activists and companies, along with a significant rise in the success rate of activists securing seats

Source: Diligent Market Intelligence; All data is based on public campaigns by funds with “primary” or “partial” focus on activism at companies with market capitalizations >$1bn at campaign launch.

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Declan Kelly is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Consello. He is an advisor to many of the world’s leading companies and CEOs.

Background

Prior to founding Consello, Declan was the Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Teneo. During his ten-year leadership, Teneo became one of the world’s leading advisory firms.

From 2009-2011 he served as the U.S Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland at the U.S Department of State, appointed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In this role he is recognized as having helped bring significant investment to the region and played a significant role in supporting the efforts that led to the historic devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly, giving Northern Ireland fully devolved governance for the first time in its modern history.

Prior to his government service, Declan held senior leadership roles at FTI Consulting and Financial Dynamics, two leading international consulting companies. He previously started, co-ran, and sold his own consulting company in Ireland called Gallagher & Kelly. Before that he worked as an award-winning journalist for more than a decade.

Awards / Recognition

Declan has been recognized on several occasions for his philanthropic and nonprofit work and his public service.

In 2008 he became the youngest ever recipient of the American Irish Historical Society’s prestigious Gold Medal, presented annually to one person deemed to have made a unique contribution to Irish American society.

In 2012 he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, presented to individuals of different ethnic backgrounds who distinguish themselves by their contributions to society in the United States.

He is an honorary visiting professor in management and leadership at Queen’s University, Belfast, where he received an honorary doctorate in 2011 for his contribution to the community and economy of Northern Ireland. For the last decade he has overseen the Northern Ireland Mentorship Program which has enabled more than 100 students to date to spend a year working inside leading U.S. corporations before launching new careers in Northern Ireland.

Declan has served on numerous nonprofit boards over the last two decades and has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars during that time on behalf of worthy causes and organizations. Declan is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Dr. Oscar Salazar is a Partner and President of Consello Tech. Dr. Salazar is a seasoned entrepreneur with vast experience in driving and managing digital transformation in legacy industries such as transport, logistics, healthcare, finance, food and waste management.

Background

Best known for his role as founding Chief Technology Officer at Uber Technologies, Dr. Salazar developed the prototype and led the architectural design of the app that revolutionized transportation, logistics and even food delivery.

Following that radical innovation, Dr. Salazar has been providing his expertise in the design and architecture of innovative products and systems for companies in the U.S., Latin America and Europe (e.g., Pager, Rubicon Global, Cornershop, Frete.com, Socure, etc.).

A visionary entrepreneur and change maker, Dr. Salazar has personally invested in several startups over the years. This has allowed him to develop a vast network and deep knowledge of technology trends.

Dr. Salazar’s experience and insights make him a leader in a fast-moving and changing world, where he is suited to provide strategic and marketing advice to help companies and their leadership adapt and thrive.

Dr. Salazar’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Science, a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a PhD in Telecommunications. These degrees have supported his achievements across three continents and are a reflection of his commitment to the industry.

Tom Brady is a Partner at Consello. He is a proven leader, whose achievements are attained by mastering the skills of leadership, strategy, performance, and teamwork.

Background

In addition, Tom’s deep knowledge of health and wellness is put into practice daily as he continues to set new records and push beyond limits. He has the focus, discipline and drive that creates and sustains excellence.

As a seven-time Super Bowl champion, Tom is one of the most accomplished athletes of all time. With 18 Division Titles and 10 Super Bowl appearances, Tom’s accolades both on and off the field have inspired a generation of young athletes to pursue their greatest potential. Tom has won 6 Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, as well as 1 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – more than any other quarterback in NFL history.

Tom’s off-the-field ventures include Autograph, a web3 brand pioneering a new era of digital experiences and a platform that brings together the most iconic brands and biggest names in sports, entertainment, fashion, and pop culture to create unique digital collectibles; his namesake next generation apparel brand BRADY; TB12, a health and wellness brand that aims to share his proven TB12 method and holistic systematic approach to wellness; and 199 Productions, a global multi-platform production company developing original, premium content spanning documentary, feature film, television, and digital formats.

Tom holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

Mindy Grossman is a Partner & Vice Chair at Consello. She is a high-energy, disruptive leader with extensive experience in building and transforming consumer brands.

Background

Prior to Consello, Mindy served as the President and CEO of WW International, and as a member of the board of directors through March 2022. She joined the company in July 2017 where she led the organization’s rebrand from Weight Watchers to WW to reflect their new purpose – “To inspire healthy habits for real life. *For people, families, communities, the world – for everyone,” to be the brand to democratize wellness for all. She also oversaw the digital transformation of WW; launched three breakthrough food program innovations; led the formation of WWGOOD and the Healthy Living Coalition; as well as the WW Presents “Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus” national tour.

Prior to WW, Mindy served as the CEO and a member of the board of directors at HSNi where she oversaw a $4 billion direct to consumer retail portfolio. She positioned HSNi as a leader in boundaryless retail, integrating entertainment, content, commerce and community and offering customers a seamless shopping experience across multiple channels. Prior to that, Mindy served as CEO of IAC Retail, the former parent company of HSNi. She successfully took IAC Retail public in 2008 and subsequently became CEO of HSNi until 2017.

Before joining IAC, Mindy served as a Global Vice President at Nike, Inc., where she oversaw its $4 billion global apparel business and served as co-chair of Nike’s Women’s Leadership Council. Earlier in her career, Mindy served as President and CEO of Polo Jeans Company, Vice President of New Business Development at Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, President of Chaps Ralph Lauren, and Senior Vice President of Menswear for Warnaco, Inc. She also held senior positions at Tommy Hilfiger and Oxford Industries.

Throughout her career, Mindy has been widely recognized for her leadership including being named to Forbes Magazine’s “The 100 Most Powerful Women;” The Financial Times “Top 50 Women in World Business;” TIME Magazine’s “50 Most Influential People in Healthcare;” and was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Corporate Innovation. She was also a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Mindy was appointed to the Digital Economy Board of Advisors for the Chamber of Commerce during the Obama administration, where she served as an advisor from 2014 to 2017. She also served as the Chairman of the National Retail Federation and Chairman of the NRF Foundation.

Mindy currently serves on the National Board of Directors of the American Heart Association and is also a member of the Board of Directors of VF Corporation, Herself Health, Fanatics, Inc. and Hungryroot.

Mark Shafir is the Managing Partner of Consello Financial. Mark has more than 38 years of experience advising clients and leading top M&A teams.

Background

Selected recent transactions include: Kroger – Albertson’s (pending), Broadcom – VMWare (pending), Permira – Mimecast, Brookfield’s 19.9% stake in First Energy Transmission, WPX – Devon Energy, LVMH – Tiffany, Broadcom – Symantec Enterprise Unit and Disney – Fox.

Prior to joining Consello, Mark was Co-Head of Global Mergers & Acquisitions at Citi. Prior to joining Citi in 2008, Mark was Head of Global M&A at Lehman Brothers.

Mark is on the Board of Governors of Multiplying Good, the largest and most prestigious platform for public service in America and on the Board of Trustees of The Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History. He is a frequent contributor to CNBC and Bloomberg television on M&A matters.

Mark holds an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, a B.A. from Yale University and was a Marshall Scholar at Kings College, Cambridge.

Janey Whiteside is a Partner & Chief Growth Officer of Consello. Janey is a recognized leader with extensive experience across a range of marketing, digital and commercial disciplines.

Background

She has a track record of growing and transforming some of the world’s most iconic products and brands.

Prior to joining Consello, Janey served as Walmart’s Executive Vice President and first Chief Customer Officer, leading Walmart’s transformation of customer-centric services and solutions. Janey was at the helm of Walmart’s newest, highest growth areas, including being the architect of Walmart+, its first ever membership program, and Walmart Connect, its retail media business, a new advertising platform.

Under Janey’s direction, Walmart was recognized as an industry leader in design and innovation for implementing a series of bold strategic moves, including the merging of the Walmart apps; the definition and expansion of the retailer’s pickup and delivery offering; exploring new technologies to better employee’s work experience; and launching a new store design.

Prior to Walmart, Janey spent over 20 years at American Express in senior management roles across business development, marketing, and operating roles in various customer segments. During her tenure with the company, Janey rose to Executive Vice President and leading the Global Premium Product, Benefits & Services team and became known as the force behind the highly successful re-launch of the iconic Platinum card. Prior to American Express, Janey worked at HSBC bank in the United Kingdom.

Janey currently serves on the Board and the Compensation Committee of Lyft, Inc. and is a member of the Board of Directors of LendingClub.

Janey holds an Economics & Management Studies degree (BSc Econ) from Cardiff University.

Peter Morrow is the Managing Partner of Consello Capital. Peter has been a successful private equity investor for over 20 years.

Background

Prior to joining Consello, he was the Co-Founder of Sycamore Partners, a premier private equity fund focused on consumer, retail, and distribution related businesses.

Before Sycamore, Peter worked at Golden Gate Capital, investing across a variety of sectors including technology, business services and consumer. He started his career at Bain & Company, where he principally advised private equity firms.

Peter received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Stanford University.

Wendy Clark is a Partner & President of Consello.

Background

Before joining Consello, Wendy was the Global Chief Executive of Dentsu International, a leader in media, customer experience management and creative solutions, where she led the company’s transformation into a worldwide integrated network operating across 145 global markets and employing over 45,000 people. While at Dentsu, Ms. Clark also acted as Executive Officer of Dentsu Group Inc. and was a member of the Dentsu Group Board.

Before joining Dentsu, Wendy also served as the CEO for DDB Worldwide.

Previously she served as President, Sparkling Brands & Strategic Marketing for Coca-Cola North America; and as Senior Vice President, Advertising for AT&T.

Called “one of the most important women in advertising” by Advertising Age, Wendy has earned numerous recognitions over the course of her career, including the “Matrix Award” from New York Women in Communications, and the She Runs It “Advertising Woman of the Year” award; she was also named the “Brand Refresher” on the Fast Company top ten list of “Innovative Business Disruptors.”

Wendy’s efforts were formally recognized in 2007 upon her induction into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement; in 2017 when Advertising Age named Wendy their “Executive of the Year;” and in 2019 upon her induction into the Marketing Hall of Fame of New York.

Wendy also sits on the board of luxury jewelry brand David Yurman.

Pete Mattoon is a Partner & Chief Operating Officer of Consello. Pete is also the Founder and Executive Chairman of SCS Financial and has over 30 years of experience in investment management.

Background

Launched in 2002, SCS serves approximately 200 clients and manages over $30 billion of assets.

Prior to SCS, Pete was a Managing Director at Scudder, Stevens & Clark where he was on Scudder’s Management Committee. He currently serves on the boards of TB12, a health and wellness business, Autograph.io, Brady Brand, an apparel company, and Religion of Sports (Board Observer), a sports media company. He was also Chairman and/or Director of several Scudder-sponsored investment companies in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Previously, Pete was on the Board of Universal Studios Japan until its acquisition by Comcast, Nucleus Scientific, an electric vehicle technology company, and Polyjoule, an energy storage business. Pete also served on the Boards of Concord Academy and Joslin Diabetes Center, the world’s largest diabetes research center and clinic. He was Chairman of the Investment Committee at both institutions during his tenure.

Pete holds a B.A. in Economics from Bucknell University.

Serena Williams is a Partner at Consello. Serena has overcome insurmountable odds to win 23 career Grand Slams.

Background

Her tennis achievements, combined with her off-court success in business, philanthropy and fashion, make her one of the most recognizable icons in the world.

In November 2021, Williams served as an executive producer for the Academy Award-nominated film, “King Richard,” a biopic based on her family.

In March 2022, Serena Ventures launched its venture capital fund and currently maintains a portfolio of over 60 companies with a focus on diverse leadership. Serena’s fashion brand, S by Serena, celebrates body positivity and female empowerment. Serena recently became a published author with the release of her children’s book, The Adventures of Qai Qai.

In December of 2022, Serena announced that she had teamed up with two CPG veterans to launch Will Perform, a line of clean, cruelty-free topical pain relief and daily muscle care solutions designed to reimagine recovery.

Serena most recently announced her production company, Nine Two Six Productions. The company produces documentaries, TV shows, and films, and focuses on telling stories that inspire and empower.

Pau Gasol is a Partner at Consello. Pau is a former All-Pro NBA Player and spent over 20 years as a professional basketball player.

Background

During his career, Pau was a two-time NBA Champion, six-time All Star and four-time All-NBA Selection. He is also a three-time Olympic medalist and has won a FIBA Basketball World Cup title. Pau won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pau is the Co-Founder and President of the Gasol Foundation, whose aim is to reduce childhood obesity through promoting four healthy habits.

Pau also serves as a Member of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission and is a Global Champion for Nutrition and Zero Childhood Obesity at UNICEF.

Key Takeaways

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Declan Kelly

Declan Kelly

Declan Kelly

Oscar Salazar

Tom Brady

Tom Brady

Mindy Grossman

Mindy Grossman

Mark Shafir

Janey Whiteside

Janey Whiteside

Peter Morrow

Wendy Clark

Pau Gasol

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Updates here