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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

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GRAPHIC

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
9341 Courtland Drive, N.E.
Rockford, Michigan 49351

March 28, 2017

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

I am pleased to invite you to join me, our Board of Directors, members of Wolverine Worldwide's senior management team, and your fellow shareholders at Wolverine Worldwide's 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. EDT, at the Company's headquarters in Rockford, Michigan. The attached Proxy Statement and Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders provide you with information regarding the business to be conducted. There are a number of proposals for you to consider. Your vote is important, so please be sure to do so – whether online, by phone, or by mail with the enclosed proxy or voting instruction card.

2016 was a year of great progress for our Company, with our Board of Directors and senior management team focused on addressing the dynamic and fast-changing consumer marketplace through a prioritization on innovation and growth, omnichannel transformation, and operational excellence. We opened a new design and innovation center, reorganized our European, Canadian, Apparel and Accessories, and Direct-to-Consumer businesses, and restructured our credit facility, while delivering nearly $300 million in operating cash flow, reducing year-end inventories by 25%, and, most importantly, delivering 32.9% in total shareholder return, performance at the 91st percentile of our peer group. Our strong performance has continued into 2017, with 14.0% year-to-date total shareholder return through the March 13, 2017 record date for this year's annual meeting.

In addition, since our last annual meeting, the Compensation Committee engaged a new independent executive compensation consultant, and members of our Board of Directors and senior management team redoubled efforts to speak with shareholders to better understand your perspectives on important governance and compensation matters. Of primary importance this past year, following the disappointing results of our 2016 say-on-pay vote, was discussing our executive compensation program with shareholders and determining how to best demonstrate responsiveness to your concerns. We reached out to shareholders holding nearly two-thirds of our outstanding shares and held meetings, most of them in person, with more than half of these shareholders, including each shareholder who accepted our invitation. Joseph Gromek, the Chair of our Compensation Committee, led these meetings, which focused not only on our executive compensation program, but also on the Company's governance protocols and publicly-announced strategic initiatives. The details of this outreach effort and the changes made by the Compensation Committee in response to shareholder feedback are discussed throughout this Proxy Statement and within the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, but, in summary, we:

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We greatly value the conversation we have had with our shareholders. We appreciate that this is an ongoing dialogue and look forward to continuing the conversation before, at, and after our 2017 Annual Meeting.

Sincerely,

GRAPHIC

David T. Kollat
Lead Independent Director

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LOGO

NOTICE OF 2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

10:00 a.m., May 4, 2017

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
9341 Courtland Drive, N.E.
Rockford, Michigan 49351

March 28, 2017

To our Shareholders:

We invite you to attend Wolverine Worldwide's Annual Meeting of Shareholders at the Company's headquarters located at 9341 Courtland Drive, N.E., Rockford, Michigan 49351, on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. EDT. At the annual meeting, the shareholders will vote on the following items:

Shareholders of record as of March 13, 2017 can vote at the meeting and any adjournment of the meeting.

This Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement, proxy or voting instruction card and Annual Report for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 are being mailed or made available to shareholders starting on or about March 28, 2017.

Whether or not you plan to attend, you can ensure that your shares are represented at the meeting by promptly voting and submitting your proxy by telephone or through the internet, or by completing, signing, dating and returning your proxy card in the enclosed envelope.

By Order of the Board of Directors

GRAPHIC

Brendan M. Gibbons
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2017.

Wolverine's Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, are available at www.wolverineworldwide.com/2017annualmeeting.

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MEETING INFORMATION

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. ("Wolverine Worldwide" or the "Company") is furnishing this proxy statement and enclosed proxy card in connection with the solicitation of proxies by its Board of Directors to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company occurring on May 4, 2017 at the Company's corporate headquarters in Rockford, Michigan (the "Annual Meeting"). Distribution of this proxy statement and enclosed proxy card to shareholders is scheduled to begin on or about March 28, 2017.

You can ensure that your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting by submitting your instructions by telephone or through the Internet, or by completing, signing, dating, and returning your proxy form in the enclosed envelope. Submitting your instructions or proxy by any of these methods will not affect your right to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting. The Company encourages shareholders to submit proxies in advance. A shareholder who gives a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by voting in person at the Annual Meeting, by delivering a subsequent proxy, or by notifying the inspectors of election in writing of such revocation. In order to vote any shares at the Annual Meeting that are held for you in a brokerage, bank, or other institutional account, you must obtain a proxy from that entity and bring it with you to hand in with your ballot.

References to "2016" or "fiscal 2016" in this proxy statement are to the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted in the text. References to "2017" or "fiscal 2017" in this proxy statement are to the Company's fiscal year ending December 30, 2017, unless otherwise noted in the text.

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Letter to Shareholders

  1

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

  3

Meeting Information

  4

Proxy Statement Summary

  7

Summary of Shareholder Voting Matters

  7

Proposal 1 – Election of Directors for Terms Expiring in 2020

  7

Board Highlights

  8

Board is Composed of Directors with the Right Mix of Skills and Experiences

  8

Corporate Governance Highlights

  9

Proposal 2 – Advisory Vote to Approve NEO Compensation

  10

Our Brand Portfolio

  10

Strategic Focus

  10

Key 2016 Accomplishments and Financial Highlights

  11

Shareholder Engagement

  11

Compensation Philosophy – Pay at Risk

  12

Compensation Best Practices

  13

Corporate Governance

  14

Board of Directors

  14

Board Composition

  14

Director Nominations

  15

Board Self-Assessment

  16

Risk Oversight

  16

Code of Business Conduct and Accounting and Finance Code of Ethics

  17

Shareholder Communications Policy

  17

Proposal 1 – Election of Directors for Terms Expiring in 2020

  18

Directors with Terms Expiring in 2020

  19

Directors with Terms Expiring in 2018

  23

Directors with Terms Expiring in 2019

  26

Board Leadership

  30

Director Independence

  30

Board Committees, Meetings and Meeting Attendance

  31

Audit Committee

  31

Compensation Committee

  32

Governance Committee

  32

Non-Employee Director Compensation in Fiscal Year 2016

  33

Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

  35

Securities Ownership of Officers and Directors and Certain Beneficial Owners

  36

Five Percent Shareholders

  36

Stock Ownership by Management and Others

  37

A Letter From Our Compensation Committee

  38

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

  39

Summary

  39

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

  39

Shareholder Outreach

  39

Strategic Priorities

  41

Compensation Decisions in Context: Key 2016 Accomplishments and Financial Highlights

  42

Compensation Overview

  42

Year-Over-Year Change in CEO Pay

  43

CEO Annual Bonus/TSR Analysis

  44

2016 Compensation Program Overview

  45

Long-Term Incentive Program Mix

  45

Pay at Risk

  46

Compensation Best Practices

  46

Compensation Discussion and Analysis in Detail

  47

2016 Compensation Program Overview

  47

Setting Targets

  47

Base Salary

  47

Annual Bonus

  48

Performance Bonus

  48

Individual Performance Bonus

  49

2017 Annual Bonus Plan Update

  51

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

  52

Performance Shares

  52

2016 Performance Share Awards

  53

Stock Option Grants and Restricted Stock Awards

  54

2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan Update

  54

Benefits

  54

Retirement, Deferred Compensation and Welfare Plans

  54

Perquisites

  55

Post-Employment Compensation

  55

Compensation Setting Process

  56

Setting Targets

  56

Competitive Philosophy and Competitive Market Data

  56

Peer Group

  56

New 2017 Peer Group

  57

CEO Role

  57

Compensation Consultant Role

  57

Other Compensation Policies and Practices

  58

NEO Stock Ownership Guidelines

  58

Stock Hedging and Pledging Policies

  58

Clawback Policy

  58

Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatments on Compensation

  58

Compensation Committee Report

  59

Summary Compensation Table

  60

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2016

  62

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year-End

  64

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 2016

  68

    

   

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Pension Plans and 2016 Pension Benefits

  69

Qualified Pension Plan

  69

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

  69

Pension Benefits in Fiscal Year 2016

  70

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

  71

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

  71

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

  72

Benefits Triggered by Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination

  72

Benefits Triggered by Termination Other Than for Cause or for Good Reason

  72

Benefits Triggered Upon a Change in Control

  73

Benefits Triggered by Retirement, Death or Permanent Disability

  74

Description of Restrictive Covenants that Apply During and After Termination of Employment

  75

Estimated Payments on Termination or Change in Control

  75

Proposal 2 – Advisory Resolution To Approve Executive Compensation

  78

Proposal 3 – Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation

  79

Proposal 4 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  80

Audit Committee Report

  81

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  83

Proposal 5 – Approval of Amended and Restated Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan)

  84

Overview

  84

Purpose of the Plan

  84

Summary of the Plan

  85

Amendment and Termination

  87

Vote Required and Board Recommendation

  87

Related Party Matters

  88

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

  88

Related Person Transactions Policy

  88

Additional Information

  89

Shareholders List

  89

Director and Officer Indemnification

  89

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

  89

Shareholder Proposals for Inclusion in Next Year's Proxy Statement

  89

Other Shareholder Proposals for Presentation at Next Year's Annual Meeting

  89

Voting Securities

  90

Conduct of Business

  90

Vote Required for Election and Approval

  90

Voting Results of the Annual Meeting

  91

Attending the Annual Meeting

  91

Manner for Voting Proxies

  91

Revocation of Proxies

  91

Solicitation of Proxies

  91

Delivery of Documents to Shareholders Sharing an Address

  91

Access to Proxy Statement and Annual Report

  92

Appendix A – Amended any Restated Executive Short Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan)

  A-1

Appendix B – Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP Reconciliation Table

  B-1

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Proxy Statement Summary

This summary highlights key information that can be found in greater detail elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that shareholders should consider, and shareholders should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

SUMMARY OF SHAREHOLDER VOTING MATTERS

Shareholders are being asked to vote on the following matters at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders:

                     
    PROPOSAL   BOARD VOTE
RECOMMENDATION
  PAGE
REFERENCE
   
 
    1.   Election of Directors for Terms Expiring in 2020   FOR each Nominee   18    
 
    2.   Advisory Resolution Approving NEO Compensation   FOR   78    
 
    3.   Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on Executive Officers Compensation to be Every Year   EVERY ONE YEAR   79    
 
    4.   Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Auditor for Fiscal Year 2017   FOR   80    
 
    5.   Approval of the Amended & Restated Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan
(Annual Bonus Plan)
  FOR   87    

PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR TERMS EXPIRING IN 2020

The Company's Board consists of 11 directors. The Company's By-Laws establish three classes of directors, with each class being as nearly equal in number as possible and serving three-year terms.

The Board has nominated four directors for election at the Annual Meeting, as outlined in the table below. Each director has been nominated to serve for a three-year term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2020. The Board recommends that shareholders vote "FOR" each of the nominees named below.

                                 
        Age   Director Since   Independent   Other Public Directorships   Committees   Proposed Term
Expiration
   
    William K. Gerber
Managing Director, Cabrillo Point Capital
  63   2008     AK Steel Holding Corporation   Audit (Chair)
Compensation
  2020    
    Blake W. Krueger
Chairman, CEO & President of Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
  63   2006       None   None   2020    
    Nicholas T. Long
Retired CEO of MillerCoors LLC
  58   2011     None   Compensation Governance   2020    
    Michael A. Volkema
Chairman of Herman Miller, Inc.
  61   2005     Herman Miller, Inc.   Audit
Governance (Chair)
  2020    

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Board Highlights

The following pie charts illustrate key characteristics of the Company's Board:

GRAPHIC

Board is Composed of Directors with the Right Mix of Skills and Experiences

The following chart lists the important experiences and attributes that the Company's Directors possess:

GRAPHIC

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Corporate Governance Highlights

Wolverine Worldwide is committed to a governance structure that provides strong shareholder rights and meaningful accountability:

             
   

Highly independent Board (All Non-Management Directors) and Committees

Lead Independent Director with clearly defined role

Majority voting with director resignation policy

No supermajority vote requirements

Shareholder right to act by written consent

 

Annual Board and Committee self-evaluations

Robust Board and executive succession planning, including annual written director nominee evaluations

Long-standing commitment toward diversity

Director onboarding orientation program

Active shareholder engagement practices

   

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PROPOSAL 2 – ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NEO COMPENSATION

For a more detailed discussion of compensation matters, please reference the CD&A beginning on page 39. While the outcome of this proposal is non-binding, the Board and Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions. The Board recommends that shareholders vote "FOR" the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation.

Our Brand Portfolio

Wolverine Worldwide has a portfolio of brands organized into four key operating groups as illustrated below:

GRAPHIC

Strategic Focus

In 2016, the Company launched the WOLVERINE WAY FORWARD, an enterprise-wide initiative to transform the Company in light of the fast-changing retail environment. The WOLVERINE WAY FORWARD includes the following key components:

                                 
               
  Innovation & Growth
  Operational Excellence
  Portfolio Management
  People & Teams
               
   

Building great brands through product innovation and compelling marketing

Relentless focus on the consumer

Consumer-centric product innovation

Demand creation initiatives

Deep focus on digital connection, specifically eCommerce and social media

International expansion

     

Healthier supply chain, with improved speed to market

Omnichannel transformation focused on aggressively growing highly profitable eCommerce business and right-sizing underperforming store fleet

Faster, more efficient structure

Aggressive goal to achieve 12% adjusted operating margin by the end of 2018

     

Focus on core, go-forward brands that provide the biggest growth and profit opportunities

Identify strategic alternatives for non-core, underperforming businesses

Strategic, value-creating acquisitions

     

Amazing place to work

Build the best team and talent pipeline

Modern skillset

Investment in enhanced learning and development initiatives

   

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Key 2016 Accomplishments and Financial Highlights

Key 2016 financial highlights and accomplishments against the Company's strategic priorities are below.

Financial Highlights   Business Accomplishments

 

 

 

Delivered 32.9% total shareholder return for 2016, performance in the top decile of companies in its peer group

Generated operating cash flow for the year of $296.3 million, up $80.8 million or 37.5% versus the prior year

Reduced year-end inventory by 25% against a corporate objective to reduce overall inventory by 12%

Delivered revenue of $2.495 billion, in line with original guidance

Delivered reported diluted 2016 EPS of $0.89, compared to $1.20 in 2015; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.36; and, on a constant currency basis, $1.52 compared to $1.45 in 2015

Returned value to shareholders through $0.24 per share cash dividends and approximately $62 million in share repurchases

 

Progressed in our omnichannel transformation – closing 101 stores in 2016 while investing in eCommerce; additional 110 store closures anticipated for early 2017

Refinanced debt, expecting to result in $30 million of interest savings through 2020

Reorganized European, Canadian, Apparel and Accessories, and Direct-to-Consumer businesses

Opened new design and innovation center

Drove considerable efficiencies through supply chain improvements, including consolidation of factory base

Shareholder Engagement

The Company's Board and management team were disappointed with the results of the 2016 say-on-pay vote, which failed to receive majority shareholder support. In response, the Compensation Committee and full Board undertook a thorough review of the Company's compensation program in order to determine how best to respond to shareholders. Since the 2016 annual meeting, the Company's Compensation Committee Chair has reached out to shareholders representing nearly two-thirds of its outstanding shares and has held meetings with more than half of these shareholders, mostly in person. The Company met with every shareholder who accepted its invitation to engage, and the Company's Compensation Committee Chairman, Joseph Gromek, led each of the meetings. After aggregating all shareholder feedback and sharing it with the full Board, the Compensation Committee made significant changes to the executive compensation program. The feedback received and the changes made in response are discussed in greater detail in the CD&A Summary beginning on page 39. Some highlights are summarized below:

What we heard:   What we did:

A desire to further strengthen the link between Company performance and NEO compensation

 

Reallocated LTI pay mix to be more heavily weighted towards performance units – 2017 CEO mix is 70% performance stock units and 30% time-vested restricted stock units

Paid 0% on the CEO's "individual performance bonus," resulting in an overall 2016 annual bonus payout of 58% of target

Reduced 2017 CEO long-term incentive equity grants by $500,000 compared to 2016

An appreciation for the Company's publicly announced aggressive operating margin goal and a desire for NEO compensation to be tied to it

 

Incorporated an adjusted operating margin performance modifier into the 2017 annual bonus plan to link NEO compensation to the execution of Company goals

Our use of multiple, separate financial metrics (revenue, pretax income, EPS, and BVA) could be complimented with a relative performance metric

 

Added a TSR performance modifier (vs. Russell 3000 Consumer Discretionary Index) to the 2017-2019 performance share unit program

An observation that select companies in our peer group had grown too large to serve as adequate comparators

 

Adopted a new peer group, removing companies that had grown too large and adding other companies to provide greater revenue alignment with the peer group median

An opportunity to improve certain governance practices

 

Implemented "double-trigger" equity vesting for 2017 grants

Engaged a new independent compensation consultant in 2016

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Compensation Philosophy – Pay at Risk

The Company's compensation philosophy is to align the interests of NEOs and shareholders by placing a significant portion of the compensation awarded to its NEOs generally, and the CEO in particular, at-risk (performance shares and annual bonus) and variable (restricted stock and, prior to 2017, stock options). The Compensation Committee believes this incentivizes superior business, stock price and financial performance and aligns the interests of executives with those of shareholders.

The below graphic illustrates the percentage of at-risk and variable target compensation for the CEO and the average of the other NEOs:

CEO 2016 vs. 2017 Target Total Compensation

GRAPHIC

Note: 2017 CEO equity grants were reduced by $500,000 compared to 2016 to respond to shareholders concerns regarding our 2016 say-on-pay vote. This one-time reduction is not reflected in the graphic above.

Other NEO 2016 vs. 2017 Target Total Compensation (Average)

GRAPHIC

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The below graphic illustrates the CEO's actual annual performance bonus compared to his target opportunity over the last three years and demonstrates the Company's pay-for-performance compensation philosophy in action – there is a clear link between Company TSR performance and annual bonus achievement over these periods. The CEO's target annual bonus opportunity has not increased over the past three years and was not increased in 2017.

CEO 3-Year Target & Actual Bonus
(in $000s)

GRAPHIC

Compensation Best Practices

What we do   What we do not do

Vast majority of pay is at-risk or variable, i.e., performance-based or equity-based or both

Stringent share ownership requirements (6x base salary for CEO)

Broad-based clawback policy

Significant vesting horizon for equity grants

Double-trigger equity acceleration (for grants in 2017 and beyond)

 

No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned performance shares/units

No repricing or replacing of underwater stock options

No overlapping metrics

No excessive or unnecessary perquisites

No hedging, pledging, or short sales of Company stock

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Corporate Governance

Wolverine Worldwide is committed to the highest level of corporate governance, and the Board has adopted its Corporate Governance Guidelines to strengthen management accountability and promote long-term shareholder interests. These governance practices include:

 

Highly independent Board (All Non-Management Directors) and Committees

Lead Independent Director with clearly defined role

Majority voting with director resignation policy

No supermajority vote requirements

Shareholder right to act by written consent

 

Annual Board and Committee self-evaluations

Robust Board and executive succession planning, including annual written director nominee evaluations

Long-standing commitment toward diversity

Director onboarding orientation program

Active shareholder engagement practices

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The shareholders elect directors to serve on the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board of Directors" or "Board"). The Board oversees the management of the business by the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and senior management. In addition to its general oversight function, the Board's additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Board Composition

Board Highlights

The following charts illustrate Key Board characteristics:

GRAPHIC

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

The Board prides itself on its ability to recruit and retain directors who have high personal and professional integrity and have demonstrated exceptional ability and judgment to effectively serve shareholders' long-term interests. The Board believes that its directors, including the nominees for election as directors at the Annual Meeting, have these characteristics and valuable skills that provide the Company with the variety and depth of knowledge, judgment and strategic vision necessary to provide effective oversight of the Company.

To help accomplish this, and to assist in succession planning, the Board, at the recommendation of the Governance Committee, has identified specified skills and attributes it desires its members to possess. The below graphic lists these skills and attributes and indicates which of the directors possess each. As shown, these skills and attributes are well represented within the Board.

        SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
 
      Totals   Krueger   Kollat   Boromisa   Boswell   Divol   Gerber   Gromek   Lauderback   Long   O'Donovan   Volkema    
                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Active Executive   3                        
    Brand Building   9                              
    Current or Former CEO   5                        
    Digital/eComm/IT   4                                        
    Diversity   3                        
    Finance   9                              
    Footwear/Apparel   6                        
    Global Supply Chain   4                                        
    International Business   11                        
    Marketing   10                            
    Public Company Governance   8                        
    Retail   6                                    

The Governance Committee reviews with the Board on an annual basis the appropriate skills and characteristics desired of Board members in the context of the current make-up of the Board. The Board, with the assistance of the Governance Committee, annually assesses the current composition of the Board across many dimensions. As set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are posted on its website, this assessment addresses the above-referred skills and attributes and the individual performance, experience, age and skills of each director.

Director Nominations

The Board's Governance Committee serves as its nominating committee. The Governance Committee, in anticipation of upcoming director elections and other potential or expected Board vacancies, evaluates qualified individuals and recommends candidates to the Board. The Governance Committee may retain a search firm or other external parties to assist it in identifying candidates, and the Governance Committee has the sole authority to approve the search firm's fees and retention terms, and to terminate the firm if necessary.

The Governance Committee considers candidates suggested by directors, senior management or shareholders. Shareholders may recommend individuals as potential director candidates by communicating with the Governance Committee through one of the Board communication mechanisms described under the heading "Shareholder Communications Policy." Shareholders that wish to nominate a director candidate must comply with the procedures set forth in the Company's By-Laws, which are posted on its website. Ultimately, upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board selects the director nominees for election at each annual meeting. In selecting director nominees, the Board considers candidates' performance as a director (which is assessed through an anonymous written peer evaluation), personal and professional integrity, ability and judgment, and likelihood to be effective, in conjunction with the other nominees and directors, in serving the long-term interests of the shareholders. The Governance Committee also considers candidates' relative skills, attributes, background and characteristics; independence under applicable New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") listing standards and the Company's Director Independence Standards; potential to contribute to the composition and culture of the Board; and ability and willingness to actively participate in the Board and committee meetings and to otherwise devote sufficient time to Board duties.

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BOARD SELF-ASSESSMENT

As part of an annual self-assessment, each director evaluates the performance of the Board, and any committee on which he or she serves, across a number of dimensions. Mr. Kollat, as the Lead Independent Director working with the Governance Committee, reviews the Board self-assessment with directors following the end of each fiscal year, and conducts individual director interviews at the end of each year. Committee Chairpersons review the committee self-assessments with their respective committee members and discuss them with the Board. In addition, the Governance Committee, working with the Lead Independent Director, develops and implements guidelines for evaluating all directors standing for nomination and re-election.

The Corporate Governance Guidelines (including the Director Independence Standards), the Charter for each Board standing committee (Audit, Compensation and Governance), the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws, Code of Business Conduct, and its Accounting and Finance Code of Ethics all are available on the Wolverine Worldwide website at: http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/

The Board and applicable committees annually review these and other key governance documents.

RISK OVERSIGHT

The Board oversees the Company's risk management and mitigation activities with a focus on the most significant risks facing the Company, including strategic, operational, financial, and legal compliance risks. This oversight is conducted through presentations by and discussions with the CEO, Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), General Counsel, Chief Information Officer, brand and department leaders and other members of management. The Vice President of Internal Audit and Risk Compliance coordinates management's day-to-day risk management and mitigation efforts, and reports directly to the Audit Committee.

The Vice President of Internal Audit and Risk Compliance reviews with the Audit Committee periodically, and with the full Board annually, management's related assessment and mitigation strategies. In addition to the above processes, the Board has delegated risk management and mitigation oversight responsibilities to its standing committees, which meet regularly to review and discuss specific risk topics that align with their core responsibilities.

The Company reviewed its compensation policies and practices to assess whether they are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. As part of this review, the Company compiled information about the Company's incentive plans, including reviewing the Company's compensation philosophy, evaluating key incentive plan design features and reviewing historic payout levels and pay mix. With assistance from Company management and its independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee reviewed the executive compensation program, and managers from the Company's human resources and legal departments reviewed the non-executive compensation programs.

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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE CODE OF ETHICS

The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct for the Company's directors, officers and employees. The Board also has adopted an Accounting and Finance Code of Ethics ("Accounting and Finance Code") that focuses on the financial reporting process and applies to the Company's CEO, CFO and Corporate Controller.

The Company discloses amendments to or waivers from its Code of Business Conduct affecting directors or executive officers and amendments to or waivers from its Accounting and Finance Code on its website at: www.wolverineworldwide.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

Shareholders and other interested parties may send correspondence to the Board, the non-employee directors as a group, a specific Board committee or an individual director (including the Lead Director) in the manner described below.

The General Counsel will provide a summary and copies of all correspondence (other than solicitations for services, products or publications) as applicable at each regularly scheduled meeting.

Communications may be sent via email through various links on our website at www.wolverineworldwide.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/ or by regular mail c/o Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Wolverine World Wide, Inc., 9341 Courtland Drive, N.E., Rockford, Michigan 49351.

The General Counsel will alert individual directors if an item warrants a prompt response from the individual director prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Items warranting a prompt response, but not addressed to a specific director, will be routed to the applicable committee Chairperson.

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Proposal 1 – Election of
Directors for Terms Expiring
in 2020

The Company's Board consists of 11 directors. The Company's By-Laws establish three classes of directors, with each class being as nearly equal in number as possible and serving three-year terms. At each annual meeting, the term of one class expires. The Board has nominated four directors for election at the Annual Meeting: William K. Gerber, Blake W. Krueger, Nicholas T. Long, and Michael A. Volkema. Each director has been nominated to serve for a three-year term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2020 or until his successor, if any, has been elected and is qualified.

Messrs. Gerber, Long and Volkema are independent directors, as determined by the Board under the applicable NYSE listing standards and the Company's Director Independence Standards. Each director nominee currently serves on the Board. The shareholders elected Messrs. Gerber, Krueger, Long and Volkema at the Company's 2014 annual meeting by affirmative vote of at least 98% of shares voted.

The Company is not aware of any nominee who will be unable or unwilling to serve as a director. However, if a nominee is unable to serve or is otherwise unavailable for election, the incumbent directors may or may not select a substitute nominee. If the directors select a substitute nominee, the proxy holder will vote the shares represented by all valid proxies for the substitute nominee (unless other instructions are given).

The biographies of the four nominees and the other directors of the Company are below, along with a discussion of the experience and skills of each director.

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Directors with Terms
Expiring in 2020

WILLIAM K. GERBER
Age:
  63
Director since:   2008

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Managing Director of
Cabrillo Point Capital LLC

 

Board Committees:
Audit (Chair)
Compensation

 

Other Public Directorships:
AK Steel Holding Corporation

Career Highlights:
Mr. Gerber is Managing Director of Cabrillo Point Capital LLC, a private investment fund. He has held that position since 2008. From 1998 to 2007, Mr. Gerber was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kelly Services,  Inc., a publicly traded global staffing solutions company with operations in more than 35 countries. Mr. Gerber served in various leadership positions with L Brands (formerly Limited Brands, Inc.), a multinational apparel and retail company, prior to joining Kelly Services, Inc. During the preceding five years, Mr. Gerber was, but no longer is, a director of Kaydon Corporation, a publicly traded company that designed and manufactured custom-engineered products.

Experience and Skills:
From his 15 years in senior leadership positions with L Brands, Inc. and Kelly Services, Inc., Mr. Gerber has obtained extensive experience in apparel, retail, international business and finance, and his service as a director of various public companies has given him experience with public company governance and related matters.

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BLAKE W. KRUEGER
Age:
  63
Director since:   2006

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and President of
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

 

Board Committees:
None

 

Other Public Directorships:
None

Career Highlights:
Mr. Krueger is Chairman of Wolverine Worldwide, a position he assumed in January 2010, and Chief Executive Officer and President of Wolverine Worldwide, positions he assumed in April 2007. From October 2005 until April 2007, Mr. Krueger served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Wolverine Worldwide. From 2004 to October 2005, he served as Executive Vice President and Secretary of Wolverine Worldwide and President of its Heritage Brands Group. From 2003 to 2004, Mr. Krueger served as Executive Vice President and Secretary of Wolverine Worldwide and President of the Company's Caterpillar Footwear Group. He also previously served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Wolverine Worldwide with various responsibilities including the human resources, retail, business development, accessory licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and legal areas. Mr. Krueger serves as a director of Bissell Homecare, Inc., a privately-held company and leading brand of floor care appliances.

Experience and Skills:
Mr. Krueger's more than 20 years in senior leadership roles with the Company have provided him expertise in footwear and apparel, retail, international business and finance, and his board experience at the Company and Professionals Direct,  Inc., a then publicly traded insurance company, has given him extensive experience with public company governance and related matters.

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NICHOLAS T. LONG
Age:
  58
Director since:   2011

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Retired Chief Executive Officer
of MillerCoors LLC

 

Board Committees:
Compensation
Governance

 

Other Public Directorships:
None

Career Highlights:
From 2011 until his retirement in 2015, Mr. Long served as Chief Executive Officer of MillerCoors LLC ("MillerCoors"), a joint venture between two publicly traded beverage companies. From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Long served as President and Chief Commercial Officer of MillerCoors. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Long served as Chief Executive Officer of Miller Brewing Company, a beverage company, and he served as Chief Marketing Officer of Miller Brewing Company from 2005 to 2007. Prior to joining Miller Brewing Company, Mr. Long spent 17 years in various senior leadership positions at The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, including Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Global Brands, Vice President Strategic Marketing Research and Trends, President of Coca-Cola's Great Britain and Ireland Division and President of the Northwest Europe Division.

Experience and Skills:
Through his more than 20 years in senior positions at category-leading, branded companies, Mr. Long has developed significant marketing, international business and brand building expertise.

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MICHAEL A. VOLKEMA
Age:
  61
Director since:   2005

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Chairman of Herman Miller, Inc.

 

Board Committees:
Audit
Governance (Chair)

 

Other Public Directorships:
Herman Miller, Inc.

Career Highlights:
Mr. Volkema has been Chairman of Herman Miller, Inc., a publicly traded multinational furniture manufacturer, since 2000. Mr. Volkema became President and Chief Executive Officer of Herman Miller in 1995 and held those positions until 2003 and 2004, respectively. Mr. Volkema also is a director at Milliken & Company, a privately held, innovation-based company serving the textile, chemical, and floor covering markets.

Experience and Skills:
Mr. Volkema has obtained international business and brand building expertise from his more than 20 years in senior leadership positions with Herman Miller, Inc. Mr. Volkema also has public company governance and related experience from his extensive service on public company boards, including 16 years as Chairman of Herman Miller, Inc. and service on compensation and audit committees of boards of publicly-traded companies.

BOARD RECOMMENDATION

The Board recommends that you vote "FOR" the election of the above nominees for terms expiring in 2020.

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Directors with Terms
Expiring in 2018

ROXANE DIVOL
Age:
  44
Director since:   October 2014

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Executive Vice President and
General Manager, Website
Security for Symantec
Corporation

 

Board Committees:
Audit

 

Other Public Directorships:
None

Career Highlights:
Ms. Divol is Executive Vice President and General Manager, Website Security, for Symantec Corporation, a global leader in information security solutions. From January 2016 to February 2017, Ms, Divol was Senior Vice President and General Manager, Website Security for Symantec. From 2014 to January 2016, Ms. Divol was Senior Vice President and General Manager, Trust Services, for Symantec and from 2013 to 2014, Ms. Divol was Senior Vice President of Alliances with Symantec. Ms. Divol joined Symantec from McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, where she was a partner in its San Francisco office and led the West Coast marketing and sales practice, with a focus on marketing return on investment and marketing transformation.

Experience and Skills:
Ms. Divol's experience with Symantec Corporation and McKinsey & Company provides her with expertise in international business, marketing, digital/eCommerce and information technology.

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JOSEPH R. GROMEK
Age:
  70
Director since:   2008

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Retired President, Chief
Executive Officer
and a Director of
The Warnaco Group, Inc.

 

Board Committees:
Compensation (Chair)
Governance

 

Other Public Directorships:
Guess?, Inc.
The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc.

Career Highlights:
From 2003 until his retirement in 2012, Mr. Gromek served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of The Warnaco Group, Inc., a publicly traded company. Mr. Gromek also served as Chief Executive Officer of Brooks Brothers,  Inc. from 1995 until 2002. He served as Chairman of the Board of Tumi, Inc. from 2013 until its acquisition by Samsonite International S.A. in 2016. He currently serves as a director of Guess?, Inc., an apparel wholesaler and retailer, and The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., a children's clothing retailer. Mr. Gromek is also a director of Stanley M. Proctor Company, a privately held company.

Experience and Skills:
Having served for more than 40 years in the retail and apparel industries, including 30 years managing and marketing apparel brands and a collective 15 years as the chief executive officer of two leading, multi-national apparel companies, Mr. Gromek has expertise in apparel, retail and international business. His service as a senior executive and director at various public companies has given him extensive leadership experience in public company governance and related matters.

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BRENDA J. LAUDERBACK
Age:
  66
Director since:   2003

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Retired President of the
Wholesale and Retail Group
of Nine West Group, Inc.

 

Board Committees:
Audit
Governance

 

Other Public Directorships:
Denny's Corporation
Select Comfort Corporation

Career Highlights:
From 1995 until her retirement in 1998, Ms. Lauderback was President of the Wholesale and Retail Group of Nine West Group, Inc., a footwear wholesaler and distributor. She previously was the President of the Wholesale Division of U.S. Shoe Corporation, a footwear manufacturer and distributor, a position that included responsibility for offices in China, Italy and Spain, and she was a Vice President/General Merchandise Manager of Dayton Hudson Corporation (now Target Corporation), a retail company. During the preceding five years, Ms. Lauderback also was, but no longer is, a director of Big Lots, Inc., a retail company.

Experience and Skills:
Ms. Lauderback has more than 25 years of experience in the retail industry, with more than 20 years in the footwear, apparel, and accessories industries. These senior leadership positions have provided her with strong footwear, apparel and retail expertise. With her service on publicly traded company boards, including Denny's Corporation, a restaurant company, and Select Comfort Corporation, a bed manufacturer and retailer, and as a director of Wolverine Worldwide, she also has extensive experience with public company governance and related matters.

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Directors with Terms
Expiring in 2019

JEFFREY M. BOROMISA
Age:
  62
Director since:   2006

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Retired Executive Vice
President of Kellogg
International, President of Latin
America; Senior Vice President
of Kellogg Company

 

Board Committees:
Audit
Compensation

 

Other Public Directorships:
None

Career Highlights:
Mr. Boromisa worked at Kellogg Company, a global food manufacturing company, and its affiliates from 1981 to 2009. From 2008 through his retirement in May 2009, Mr. Boromisa was Executive Vice President of Kellogg International, President of Latin America; and Senior Vice President of Kellogg Company. From 2007 until 2008, Mr. Boromisa served as Executive Vice President of Kellogg International, President of Asia Pacific and Senior Vice President of Kellogg Company. From 2004 through 2006, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kellogg Company. In addition, beginning in 2004 and through his retirement, Mr. Boromisa was a member of Kellogg Company's Global Leadership Team. Prior to 2004, Mr. Boromisa occupied various leadership positions with Kellogg. Mr. Boromisa is also a director at Haworth International, Inc., a privately held, multinational, office furniture design and manufacturing company.

Experience and Skills:
With nearly 30 years of experience at Kellogg Company, including serving as its chief financial officer and leading various operational business units, Mr. Boromisa has obtained international business, brand building and finance expertise.

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GINA R. BOSWELL
Age:
  54
Director since:   2013

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Executive Vice President and
General Manager,
Unilever UK & Ireland

 

Board Committees:
Governance

 

Other Public Directorships:
ManpowerGroup Inc.

Career Highlights:
Since July 2015, Ms. Boswell has been Executive Vice President and General Manager for Unilever UK & Ireland, one of the largest markets for Unilever PLC / Unilever N.V., a multinational consumer goods company whose products include
Dove, Vaseline, Lipton, and Hellman's. From 2011 to July 2015, Ms. Boswell served as Executive Vice President, Personal Care for Unilever PLC / Unilever N.V. From 2008 to 2011, Ms. Boswell served as President, Global Brands, for The Alberto-Culver Company, a consumer goods company. Ms. Boswell has held numerous other senior leadership positions with other leading global companies, including Avon Products, Inc., Ford Motor Company, and Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. Ms. Boswell is a member of the board of ManpowerGroup Inc., a publicly traded workforce solutions company, where she is also the chairperson of the audit committee.

Experience and Skills:
Through senior leadership roles with leading branded companies, Ms. Boswell has obtained expertise in brand building, international business, marketing, digital/eCommerce and finance.

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DAVID T. KOLLAT
Age:
  78
Director since:   1992

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
President and Chairman,
22, Inc.

 

Board Role:
Independent Lead Director

 

Other Public Directorships:
L Brands, Inc.
Select Comfort Corporation

Career Highlights:
Mr. Kollat has been Chairman and President of 22, Inc., a company specializing in research and management consulting for retailers and consumer goods manufacturers, since 1987. In addition to his marketing and management experience as Chairman and President of 22, Inc., Mr. Kollat served for 11 years in senior leadership positions at L Brands, Inc. (formerly Limited Brands, Inc.), a publicly traded, multinational apparel and retail company, including as Executive Vice President, Marketing, President of Victoria's Secret Direct, and as a member of its executive committee. Mr. Kollat is Lead Independent Director of Wolverine Worldwide, a position he has held since 2007. Mr. Kollat has been a director of L Brands, Inc. since 1976 and a director of Select Comfort Corporation, a bed manufacturer and retailer, since 1994. During the preceding five years, Mr. Kollat was, but no longer is, a director of Big Lots, Inc., a publicly traded retail company.

Experience and Skills:
Mr. Kollat's more than 40 years' experience at L Brands, Inc. and 22, Inc. has provided him with marketing, apparel, international business, brand building, retail and finance expertise. He also has significant experience with company governance and related matters through service on more than twenty boards of directors, including extensive service on public company boards, and service as a lead independent director and chair of nominating, audit and compensation committees.

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TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN
Age:
  71
Director since:   1993

GRAPHIC

 

Select Business Experience:
Retired Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

 

Board Committees:
None

 

Other Public Directorships:
SpartanNash Company

Career Highlights:
Mr. O'Donovan served as Chairman of the Board of Wolverine Worldwide from 2007-2009. From April 2005 until 2007 he served Wolverine Worldwide as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. Mr. O'Donovan served Wolverine Worldwide as its Chief Executive Officer and President from April 2000 until April 2005, and as Chief Operating Officer and President from 1996 until April 2000. Prior to 1996, Mr. O'Donovan held various senior leadership positions with the Company, including Executive Vice President of Wolverine Worldwide. Mr. O'Donovan is lead independent director of SpartanNash Company, a grocery distribution and retail company. During the preceding five years, Mr. O'Donovan was, but no longer is, a director of Kaydon Corporation, a publicly traded company that designed and manufactured custom-engineered products.

Experience and Skills:
Mr. O'Donovan has obtained footwear and apparel, international business, brand building and finance expertise through his more than 40 years with the Company. His service on public company boards has provided him with public company governance and related experience.

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BOARD LEADERSHIP

The Company's CEO currently also serves as the Chairman of the Board. Since 1993, the Company has had a lead independent director who functions in many ways similar to an independent Chairman. This long-established structure provides the Board with independent oversight of the CEO's leadership. On an annual basis, the independent directors consider the appropriate leadership structure, including whether to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO, based upon the Board and Company's then-current circumstances. The independent directors believe that its current structure is appropriate at this time, and set the following enumurated responsibilities for the lead independent director:

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The Board annually assesses the independence of all directors. To qualify as "independent," the Board must affirmatively determine that the director is independent under the Company's Director Independence Standards, which are modeled after the listing standards of the NYSE. Under NYSE listing standards, the Board has determined that 10 of the Company's 11 directors are independent. Only Mr. Krueger, the Company's CEO, is not independent. All of the Board's committees are comprised entirely of independent directors. The independent directors generally meet in executive session at each regularly scheduled meeting.

The Director Independence Standards define an "Independent Director" as a director who the Board determines otherwise has no material relationship with the Company (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company), and who:

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BOARD COMMITTEES, MEETINGS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE

The Board has three standing committees: Audit, Compensation and Governance. Each committee meets periodically throughout the year, and reports its recommendations to the Board. The Company expects directors to attend every meeting of the Board and the committees on which they serve and to attend the annual meeting of shareholders. In 2016, all directors then serving on the Board attended the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and all directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board (6 meetings in 2016) and the committees on which they served. All directors are typically invited to and attend all committee meetings.

Each committee annually evaluates its performance to determine its effectiveness. The Board has determined that all committee members are "independent" as defined by NYSE listing standards. Furthermore, each Audit Committee member satisfies the NYSE "financial literacy" requirement. In addition, the Board has determined that Mr. Boromisa and Mr. Gerber are "audit committee financial experts" under Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules. Each committee's charter, with a complete list of the duties and responsibilities is available on the Company's website at http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/.

  Audit Committee
  Committee Members

 

Gerber (Chair)

Boromisa

Divol

Lauderback

Volkema

   
  Number of Meetings in 2016     9
   
  Highlighted Responsibilities    

Appoints, evaluates and oversees the work of the independent auditors and oversees the internal audit function

Oversees the integrity of the Company's financial statements, financial reporting process and internal controls

Oversees the Company's policies and systems regarding risk assessment and management and the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

    

    

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  Compensation Committee
  Committee Members

 

Gromek (Chair)

Boromisa

Gerber

Long

   
  Number of Meetings in 2016     8
   
  Highlighted Responsibilities    

Assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to executive compensation and the Company's compensation and benefit programs and policies

Oversees the overall compensation structure, policies and programs, including whether the compensation structure establishes appropriate incentives for management and employees

Oversees the Company's management of risks relating to management resources, organization structure and succession planning, hiring, development and retention processes, as well as those relating to the Company's compensation structure, policies and programs

    

    

 

  Governance Committee
  Committee Members

 

Volkema (Chair)

Boswell

Gromek

Lauderback

Long

   
  Number of Meetings in 2016     6
   
  Highlighted Responsibilities    

Assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities on matters and issues related to the Company's corporate governance practices

In conjunction with the Board, establishes qualification standards for membership on the Board and its committees and recommends qualified individuals to become Board members or serve for re-election as directors

Develops and recommends to the Board for its approval an annual self-evaluation process for the Board and its committees, and oversees the evaluation process

    

    

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Non-Employee Director Compensation
in Fiscal Year 2016

The Company's non-employee director compensation philosophy is to pay compensation competitive with compensation paid by companies of similar size, in similar industries and with whom Wolverine Worldwide competes for director candidates. The Governance Committee, with input from management and from the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant, reviewed director compensation and compared it to market data, including a comparison to director compensation for the Company's Peer Group, as defined on page 56, and to that of companies in the 2014-2015 National Association of Corporate Director Compensation Report. Based on this review non-employee director compensation for 2016 did not change from 2015 levels. The following table provides information concerning the compensation of the Company's non-employee directors for fiscal year 2016. Mr. Krueger receives compensation for his services as the Company's CEO and President, but does not receive any additional compensation for his service as a director or chairman.

 

Fees Paid in Cash



 
Cash Amounts
Voluntarily
Deferred




  Cash Amounts
Deferred
Through Annual
Equity Retainers




 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash1




 

Option
Awards2




 


Total




 

Boromisa

 
$97,000
   
+
 
-
   
+
 
$70,000
 
=
 
$167,000
 
+
 
$50,002
 
=
 
$217,002
   

Boswell

  $82,000     +   -     +   $70,000   =   $152,000   +   $50,002   =   $202,002    

Divol

  $21,250     +   $63,750     +   $70,000   =   $155,000   +   $50,002   =   $205,002    

Gerber

  $117,000     +   -     +   $70,000   =   $187,000   +   $50,002   =   $237,002    

Gromek

  -     +   $109,000     +   $70,000   =   $179,000   +   $50,002   =   $229,002    

Kollat

  $130,000     +   -     +   $92,000   =   $222,000   +   $63,002   =   $285,002    

Lauderback

  $78,375     +   $26,125     +   $70,000   =   $174,500   +   $50,002   =   $224,502    

Long

  $94,000     +   -     +   $70,000   =   $164,000   +   $50,002   =   $214,002    

O'Donovan

  $70,000     +   -     +   $70,000   =   $140,000   +   $50,002   =   $190,002    

Volkema

  -     +   $104,500     +   $70,000   =   $174,500   +   $50,002   =   $224,502    
1
Represents cash payments received or deferred by directors for fiscal year 2016. Directors may defer fees and receive stock units pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan (as defined below). The table shows the Fees Earned or Paid in Cash separated into Fees Paid in Cash, Cash Amounts Voluntarily Deferred, and Cash Amounts Deferred Through Annual Equity Retainers (required as part of the compensation program for directors) that will be paid out in stock.
2
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options granted to non-employee directors in fiscal year 2016, calculated in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 718. The chart below lists the aggregate outstanding option awards held by non-employee directors at the end of fiscal year 2016. For valuation assumptions, see the Stock-Based Compensation footnote to Wolverine Worldwide's Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscal year 2016 included in its Form 10-K for this year.

Name


Option Awards Outstanding at
December 31, 2016
(#)



Name


Option Awards Outstanding at
December 31, 2016
(#)



 

Boromisa

 

75,191

 

Kollat

 

85,129

   

Boswell

  35,644  

Lauderback

  65,321    

Divol

  30,911  

Long

  51,551    

Gerber

  62,773  

O'Donovan

  69,083    

Gromek

  81,701  

Volkema

  46,235    

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

The following table shows the non-employee director compensation program for 2016:

      Compensation Plan for 2016
 
         
Component
  Cash
Options1
Stock Units2
 

Newly Appointed or Elected Director

 

 

 

$0                        

 

Number of options equal to $65,000, determined using the Black-Scholes method.

 

 

 

 
Annual Director Fee       $70,000                           Number of options equal to $50,000, determined using the Black-Scholes method.   Number of stock units with a value equal to $70,000, determined by dividing the dollar amount by the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Units are credited to the Amended and Restated Outside Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, described below.    
Audit Committee Annual Fee       $15,000                                    
Audit Committee Chairperson Annual Fee       $20,000                                    
Compensation Committee Annual Fee       $12,000                                    
Compensation Committee Chairperson Annual Fee       $15,000                                    
Governance Committee Annual Fee       $12,000                                    
Governance Committee Chairperson Annual Fee       $15,000                                    
Lead Director Annual Fee       In lieu of the standard Annual Director Fee, the Lead Director was paid a Cash Retainer of $130,000.   In lieu of the standard stock option grant, the Lead Director received a number of stock options equal to $63,000, calculated in the same manner as the standard grant.   In lieu of the standard stock unit grant, the Lead Director received stock units with a value equal to $92,000, calculated and credited in the same manner as the standard grant.    
1
For fiscal year 2016, Messrs. Boromisa, Gerber, Gromek, Long, O'Donovan and Volkema and Mses. Boswell, Divol and Lauderback each received 12,854 options (16,196 for Mr. Kollat) granted in April 2016 under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2016. The exercise price of options granted is equal to the closing market price of Wolverine Worldwide's common stock on the date of grant. Stock options granted to non-employee directors are fully vested upon grant.

2
For fiscal year 2016, one grant was made on the first business day of each calendar quarter. For fiscal year 2016, the Company credited each of Messrs. Boromisa, Gerber, Gromek, Long, O'Donovan and Volkema and Mses. Boswell, Divol and Lauderback with an aggregate of 3,642 stock units and credited Mr. Kollat with an aggregate of 4,787 stock units. Stock units granted to our non-employee directors are fully vested on the grant date and are credited under the Amended and Restated Outside Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (described below).

The Company also:

Deferred Compensation Plan.    The Company's Amended and Restated Outside Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan") is a supplemental nonqualified deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors. A separate non-employee director deferred compensation plan applies to benefits accrued under that plan before January 1, 2005. The Deferred Compensation Plan

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permits all non-employee directors to voluntarily defer, at their option, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of their director fees. The Company establishes a book account for each non-employee director and credits the director's account with the annual equity retainer amount as described above and with a number of stock units equal to the amounts voluntarily deferred, each divided by the closing market price of common stock on the payment/deferral date. The Company also credits director accounts with dividend equivalents on amounts previously deferred in the form of additional stock units. The amounts credited to director accounts are treated as if invested in Wolverine Worldwide common stock. The number of stock units held in director accounts is set forth under the "Stock Ownership By Management and Others" table below.

Upon a director's termination of service, or such later date as a director selects, the Company distributes the stock units in the director's book account in shares of Wolverine Worldwide common stock in either a single, lump-sum distribution or annual installment distributions over a period of up to 20 years (10 years under the plan for benefits accrued before January 1, 2005). The Company converts each stock unit to one share of Wolverine Worldwide common stock.

Upon a "change in control," the Company distributes to the director, in a single, lump-sum distribution, Wolverine Worldwide common stock in a number of shares equal to the stock units credited to a director's book account. The Deferred Compensation Plan defines "change in control" as any of the following:

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

Each non-employee director must attain (and maintain) a minimum stock ownership level (including owned shares, the in-the-money value of stock options, and stock units under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan) equal to six times the non-employee director annual cash retainer prior to being able to gift or sell any Company stock. During 2016, all non-employee directors were in compliance with these guidelines.

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Securities Ownership of Officers and Directors and Certain Beneficial Owners

FIVE PERCENT SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information about those holders known by Wolverine Worldwide to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of Wolverine Worldwide's outstanding shares of common stock as of March 13, 2017:

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

  Sole Voting
Power
  Sole
Investment
Power
  Shared Voting
Power
  Shared
Investment
Power
  Total
Beneficial
Ownership
  Percent
of Class4

BlackRock, Inc.1
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055

  11,417,003   11,646,668   -   -   11,646,668   12.0%

Janus Capital Management LLC2
151 Detroit Street
Denver, CO 80206

  7,094,347   7,094,347   26,059   26,059   7,120,406   7.3%

The Vanguard Group3
100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, PA 19355

  128,438   7,959,136   11,475   134,678   8,093,814   8.3%
1
Based solely on information set forth in a Schedule 13G/A filed on January 17, 2017. The Schedule 13G/A indicates that BlackRock, Inc. beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 11,646,668 shares of Wolverine Worldwide common stock.
2
Based solely on information set forth in a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 13, 2017. The Schedule 13G/A indicates that Janus Capital Management LLC beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 7,120,406 shares of Wolverine Worldwide common stock.
3
Based solely on information set forth in a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 10, 2017. The Schedule 13G/A indicates that The Vanguard Group beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 8,093,814 shares of Wolverine Worldwide common stock.
4
Based on 96,954,357 shares outstanding as of March 13, 2017.

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

STOCK OWNERSHIP BY MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS

The following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned as of March 13, 2017, by each of the Company's directors and named executive officers and all of the Company's directors and executive officers as a group:

 

  Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock1
 

  Deferred
Stock Units,
Sole Voting
and/or
Investment
Power2,3






Shared Voting or
Investment
Power4



Stock
Options5


Total
Beneficial
Ownership



Percent
of Class6


 
 

Jeffrey M. Boromisa

  58,901   27,972   69,083   155,956   *    
 

Gina R. Boswell

  9,481   -   35,644   45,125   *    
 

Roxane Divol

  13,350   -   30,911   44,261   *    
 

William K. Gerber

  38,061   -   58,773   96,834   *    
 

Joseph R. Gromek

  104,443   -   81,701   186,144   *    
 

Michael Jeppesen

  161,448   -   105,112   266,560   *    
 

David T. Kollat

  300,776   -   79,021   379,797   *    
 

Blake W. Krueger

  1,363,761   50,000   971,345   2,385,106   2.44%    
 

Brenda J. Lauderback

  58,996   -   59,213   118,209   *    
 

Nicholas T. Long

  16,678   -   51,551   68,229   *    
 

Timothy J. O'Donovan

  617,431   -   69,083   686,514   *    
 

Michael D. Stornant

  153,917   -   140,364   294,281   *    
 

Michael A. Volkema

  58,417   -   46,235   104,652   *    
 

Richard J. Woodworth

  126,907   -   58,279   185,186   *    
 

James D. Zwiers

  163,732   161,003   259,041   583,776   *    
 

All directors and executive officers as a group (15 people)

  3,246,299   238,975   2,115,356   5,600,630   5.65%    

Restricted
Units


Performance
Units


 

Krueger

69,196 159,926  

Jeppesen

13,100 19,649  

Stornant

15,570 23,355  

Woodworth

14,643 21,965  

Zwiers

15,548 23,321  

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2017 PROXY STATEMENT

A LETTER FROM OUR COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholders,

As members of the Wolverine Worldwide Compensation Committee, two of our most important responsibilities are to ensure that our executive compensation program pays for performance and aligns with the interests of our shareholders. The disappointing outcome of our 2016 say-on-pay vote was a signal by our shareholders that you took issue with some aspects of our executive compensation program, and we were determined to understand your perspectives on this program and committed to making constructive changes in response.

To accomplish this, the Committee launched a direct shareholder engagement initiative and retained a new independent executive compensation consultant to help us assess our current plans and programs. Since the Company's 2016 annual meeting, we have reached out to shareholders representing nearly two-thirds of our outstanding shares and had conversations with more than half of these shareholders – meeting with every shareholder who accepted our invitation. Our Committee Chairman Joseph Gromek led this effort and was present for all of the conversations we had with our investors. The purpose of these meetings was twofold – to gain a better understanding of the specific shareholder concerns with our executive compensation program and to also get feedback on a number of changes to the program that the Committee was considering.

After aggregating the shareholder feedback, sharing it with the full Board and deliberating as a Committee, we made significant changes to our executive compensation program and took targeted actions to reduce the CEO's 2016 and 2017 compensation. These changes reflect the thoughtful and constructive insights we received from our shareholders and are summarized below:

We have listened to shareholder concerns and have taken significant steps to address them and improve the Company's overall compensation program. We are committed to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of our executive compensation program to further enhance alignment with the interests of our shareholders. We welcome the opportunity to engage and encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns related to our program. Correspondence can be addressed to the Compensation Committee care of the Corporate Secretary, as set forth on page 17 of this proxy statement.

Sincerely,

The Wolverine Worldwide Compensation Committee
Joseph R. Gromek (Chairman), Jeffrey M. Boromisa, William K. Gerber, Nicholas T. Long

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Compensation Discussion
and Analysis

SUMMARY

The Company's Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") provides an overview and analysis of the executive compensation for the Company's named executive officers ("NEOs"). For 2016, the Company's NEOs were:

Blake W. Krueger

 

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

Michael Jeppesen

  President, Wolverine Heritage Group and Global Operations Group

Michael D. Stornant

  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Richard J. Woodworth

  President, Wolverine Boston Group

James D. Zwiers

  President, Wolverine Outdoor & Lifestyle Group (in 2016);
    Assumed new role as Executive Vice President in February 2017

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Company's compensation philosophy is to provide executives with a competitive compensation package that is heavily weighted towards at-risk (performance shares and annual bonus) and variable (restricted stock and, prior to 2017, stock options) compensation in order to encourage superior business, stock price and financial performance over the short and longer term and to closely align the interests of the Company's NEOs with those of its shareholders. The Compensation Committee (the "Committee") oversees the Company's executive compensation program.

The executive compensation program has four primary objectives:

    Attract and retain talented NEOs who will lead Wolverine Worldwide and drive superior business and financial performance

    Provide incentives for achieving specific pre-established near-term individual, business-unit and corporate goals and reward the attainment of those goals
    Provide incentives for achieving pre-established longer-term corporate financial goals and reward the attainment of those goals

    Align the interests of NEOs with those of the shareholders through incentives based on achieving performance objectives that enable increased shareholder value

Shareholder Outreach

The Company's say-on-pay proposal received insufficient support at the 2016 annual meeting. Since that meeting, the Company reached out to shareholders representing nearly two-thirds of its outstanding shares and had conversations with more than half of these shareholders. The Compensation Committee Chairman Joseph Gromek led this effort, was present for all of these conversations, and solicited and received direct feedback from shareholders on what drove their 2016 say-on-pay vote and what changes the Committee could make to address these concerns. The feedback was shared with the full Board and significant changes were made in response to the feedback.

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Below is a list of the key themes heard during Mr. Gromek's conversations with shareholders and the Committee's actions in response, with additional details provided below the chart:

    TOPIC

  WHAT WE HEARD FROM SHAREHOLDERS

  WHAT WE DID IN RESPONSE

    CEO "bridge grants"      

Concerns over the one-time "bridge grants" awarded to the CEO in 2015 intended to bring his compensation to peer group median

     

The Company understands shareholders' concerns in this area, and these CEO awards were not repeated in 2016 or 2017

   
    Pay for performance      

Desire to see a greater link between the Company's stated strategic and financial goals and its compensation program, and to see relative performance measures used

     

Incorporated an adjusted operating margin modifier into the 2017 annual bonus plan and a 3-year relative TSR modifier into the 2017-2019 performance unit plan

   
    CEO pay in light of Company performance      

Notwithstanding positive 2016 total shareholder return (TSR), the CEO's compensation appeared high relative to peers in light of three-year TSR

     

Despite very strong 2016 TSR, the Committee reduced the CEO's 2017 total long-term incentive grants by $500,000

   
                   

Paid $0 on the individual performance objectives portion of his 2016 annual bonus despite actual performance in excess of that

   
    Pay mix      

Preference to shift the long-term incentive mix to a heavier weighting on performance share units, the most at-risk pay element

     

Beginning in 2017, the Company no longer utilizes stock options and increased from 40% to 70% the percentage of CEO long-term compensation that is granted as performance share units; other NEOs' performance share units now make up 60% of the total long-term incentive opportunity

   
    Peer group      

Some concern that select peers within the 2015 peer group were significantly larger than the Company

     

The Company adopted a new 2017 peer group to create better alignment from a size perspective. The Company is now above the median of the new peer group as measured by market capitalization and enterprise value

   
    Compensation consultant      

Some independence concerns that the compensation consultant performed other services for the Company

     

For this reason and to provide a fresh perspective on the Company's compensation programs, the Committee appointed a new independent compensation consultant in 2016

   
    Change in control equity acceleration      

Desire to see the Company move away from single-trigger vesting of equity awards upon a change in control

     

2017 equity award change in control provisions provide for double-trigger acceleration upon a change in control

   

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Strategic Priorities

Near the end of 2016, Wolverine Worldwide announced a holistic, enterprise-wide business initiative designed to transform the Company to compete and win in the fast-changing global consumer retail environment — the WOLVERINE WAY FORWARD. It includes four critical components:

               
    Innovation & Growth
  Operational Excellence
  Portfolio Management
  People & Teams
 
               
   

Building great brands through product innovation and compelling marketing

Relentless focus on the consumer

Consumer-centric product innovation

Demand creation initiatives

Deep focus on digital connection, specifically eCommerce and social media

International expansion

     

Healthier supply chain, with improved speed to market

Omnichannel transformation focused on aggressively growing highly profitable eCommerce business and right-sizing underperforming store fleet

Faster, more efficient structure

Aggressive goal to achieve 12% adjusted operating margin by the end of 2018

     

Focus on core, go-forward brands that provide the biggest growth and profit opportunities

Identify strategic alternatives for non-core, underperforming businesses

Strategic, value-creating acquisitions

     

Amazing place to work

Build the best team and talent pipeline

Modern skillset

Investment in enhanced learning and development initiatives

   

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Compensation Decisions in Context: Key 2016 Accomplishments and Financial Highlights

The Company performed well in 2016, despite broad-based slowing of consumer demand, destabilizing geopolitical events, the continued strengthening of the U.S. dollar, over-stored U.S. retail sector, and other macroeconomic factors that combined to create a volatile consumer retail environment around the world and a challenging year for companies in the retail, footwear, apparel and consumer soft goods industries, as well as companies with significant international footprints. Notwithstanding this, however, the Company finished 2016 with significant accomplishments against its strategic priorities outlined above.

Compensation Overview

Despite a solid year in the face of macroeconomic and industry headwinds, NEO compensation was below target on a number of measures and the Compensation Committee took additional actions, including:

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Year-Over-Year Change in CEO Pay

The graphic below presents the year-over-year change in the CEO's pay as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table (SCT) on page 60, without impact of change in pension value. As shown, the year-over-year change in CEO's pay decreased from 2015 to 2016 by $2,342,955 or 23%.

Total CEO Pay*

GRAPHIC

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CEO Annual Bonus/TSR Analysis

The below graphic shows the CEO's actual annual bonus compared to his target opportunity over the last three years and demonstrates a clear link between Company TSR performance and annual bonus achievement over these periods:

CEO 3-Year Target & Actual Bonus
(in $000s)

GRAPHIC

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2016 Compensation Program Overview

The Company's executive compensation program consists of base salary, annual bonus, long-term incentive compensation, and benefits. A breakdown of base salary, annual performance bonus, and long-term incentive compensation is illustrated below:

ELEMENT
   
  COMPONENT
   
  METRICS
   
  WHAT THE PAY ELEMENT REWARDS
   
                                

    

Base
Salary

    


 
   

    

Cash

    

     

    

Fixed amount based on responsibilities, experiences and market data

    

     

    

Scope of core responsibilities, years of experience, and potential to affect the Company's overall performance

    

   
             
                                

    

Annual
Performance
Bonus1

    



 
   

    

Company/Business Unit Cash Bonus

Individual Cash Bonus

    

     

    

85% Revenue and adjusted pretax earnings

15% Specific individualized performance targets

    

     

    

Achieving specific corporate business and/or divisional objectives over which the NEO has reasonable control

Achieving specific personal objectives

    

   
             
                                

    

Long-Term
Incentive
Compensation1