The 2027 Proxy Season Is Approaching. Are Companies Ready?
Shareholder activism isn't getting any simpler, and neither is the job of preparing for proxy season. Between changing SEC policies, institutional investor expectations and the growing importance of corporate communications, companies have plenty to consider as they look toward 2027.
What are the issues that deserve the most attention? What lessons can companies take from this year's proxy season? And how can boards, investor relations professionals, legal advisors and communications leaders work together more effectively?
These are some of the questions we'll be exploring on Wednesday, October 28, when CommPRO brings together five experienced professionals for our 2027 Proxy Season Preview, a complimentary virtual roundtable from 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET.
Keith E. Gottfried, founder and CEO of Gottfried Shareholder Advisory LLC, will moderate the discussion. Gottfried has spent years advising public companies and boards on shareholder activism, bringing valuable experience to the conversation.
Joining Gottfried are Brendan M. Foo, partner and global head of Corporate Contests at Forward Global; Sydney Isaacs, co-president of H/Advisors - U.S., Houston; Amy I. Pandit, partner at Jones Day; and Ryan Nowicki Stewart, co-founder and CEO of Pennant. Each brings a different perspective, and that's what makes this discussion valuable.
The conversation will examine the changing shareholder activism landscape, developments surrounding SEC Rule 14a-8, institutional voting practices and the role of proxy advisory firms. Just as important, the panel will explore how companies can better prepare for difficult conversations with shareholders and how communications can influence the way those conversations unfold.
“For me, the value of bringing these experts together is hearing different perspectives on the same challenges,” said Fay Shapiro, publisher and CEO of CommPRO. “Shareholder activism touches so many areas of a company, and communications and investor relations need to be part of the conversation. We want people to come away with a better understanding of what's happening and ideas they can put to work as they prepare for 2027.”
A shareholder challenge doesn't happen in isolation. It can affect corporate reputation, investor relationships, employee confidence and how leadership is perceived. Understanding how these issues connect is increasingly important for professionals advising companies and their leadership teams.
The October 28 roundtable is an opportunity to hear directly from experienced advisors, ask questions and exchange perspectives on what lies ahead.
2027 Proxy Season Preview
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
2 to 3:30 p.m. ET
Complimentary Virtual Roundtable
