The Yahoo chief executive officer resigned in connection with
saying he received a degree in computer science and accounting when
he only received a degree in accounting. Additionally, one of
Yahoo's directors did not seek re-election as a director after
it was discovered that her biographical information said she held a
bachelor's degree in marketing and economics when her
bachelor's degree was in business administration, with
specialties in marketing and economics.
This Yahoo debacle serves as a reminder for Boards of Directors
and relevant committees to conduct thorough background checks prior
to hiring a senior executive, appointing a new director or
recommending for nomination a new director candidate. Additionally,
at proxy season or in preparing a registration statement, a company
should carefully review and compare information contained in
director and officer questionnaires with biographical information
contained in the company's Form 10-K, proxy statement
