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ARTICLE · 26 NOVEMBER 2025

2026 Proxy Season: A Look Ahead To Executive Compensation Issues And Considerations

Winston Taylor
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As the 2026 proxy season approaches, public companies and their boards are navigating a rapidly evolving executive compensation landscape.

United StatesEmployment and HR
Scott Landau
Scott Landau
Joseph Adams
Joseph Adams
David A. Sakowitz
David A. Sakowitz
Precious Nwankwo
Precious Nwankwo
Ashley E. Dumoff
Ashley E. Dumoff
Grace Vorbrich
Grace Vorbrich
Grant E. Shillington
Grant E. Shillington

As the 2026 proxy season approaches, public companies and their boards are navigating a rapidly evolving executive compensation landscape. Amidst new regulatory scrutiny, shifting investor expectations, and ongoing debate over performance metrics and disclosure practices, early preparation is crucial to mitigate potential challenges and proactively manage compensation matters through effective proxy disclosures, well-executed shareholder engagement, and informed compensation committee actions.

This alert outlines key considerations for public companies and their compensation committees as they prepare for the 2026 proxy season and related compensation decisions. Emerging growth companies (EGCs) and smaller reporting companies (SRCs) should note that some of the rules and issues discussed here may not apply, and we encourage them to contact their Winston & Strawn team members for additional guidance.

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