Autodesk has resolved its proxy battle with activist investor Starboard Value by appointing two new independent directors, Jeff Epstein and Christie Simons, to its board. The settlement with Starboard concludes the investor's attempt to influence the company's governance, which had been a contentious point between the two parties.
According to relevant reports, Epstein and Simons will serve initially as non-voting observers and are set to become full voting board members after Autodesk's 2025 Annual Meeting. This move will expand the board to 12 directors, with 11 identified as independent. Autodesk's decision to integrate these individuals, who possess substantial expertise in technology, finance, and auditing, underscores the company's commitment to strengthen its governance framework and strategic operations.
This agreement with Starboard is part of a larger effort by Autodesk to enhance its board performance and reflects a broader strategy to align with shareholder interests. Previously, Starboard had attempted to initiate a proxy fight, criticizing Autodesk's strategies and governance. The company, through this settlement and strategic board appointments, seeks to address these concerns while continuing its long-term growth initiatives.