UNITED STATES | |||
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | |||
Washington, D.C. 20549 | |||
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SCHEDULE 14A | |||
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Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of | |||
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Check the appropriate box: | |||
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Preliminary Proxy Statement | ||
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | ||
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Definitive Proxy Statement | ||
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Definitive Additional Materials | ||
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 | ||
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WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. | |||
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) | |||
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) | |||
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No fee required. | ||
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | ||
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. | ||
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OTHER MATTERS
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White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the Company, Registrant or WTM) is an exempted Bermuda limited liability company whose principal businesses are conducted through its property and casualty insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Within this proxy statement, the term White Mountains is used to refer to one or more entities within the consolidated organization, as the context requires.
White Mountains property and casualty insurance and reinsurance operations principally include: (1) OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (OneBeacon or OB), a 75%-owned Bermuda-based company which, through its U.S.-based subsidiaries, offers a wide range of specialty property and casualty insurance products through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies; and (2) Sirius International Insurance Group, Ltd. (Sirius Group), a wholly-owned Bermuda-based company, which provides insurance and reinsurance products for property, accident and health, aviation and space, trade credit, marine, casualty, agriculture and certain other exposures on a worldwide basis through its subsidiaries, Sirius International Insurance Corporation (Sirius International), Sirius America Insurance Company and Lloyds Syndicate 1945. White Mountains invested assets are managed by White Mountains Advisors LLC (WM Advisors), the Companys wholly-owned investment management subsidiary.
The 2012 Annual General Meeting will be confined to a Member vote on the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement and on such other matters properly brought before the meeting.
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
NOTICE OF 2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
TO BE HELD MAY 24, 2012
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April 3, 2012 |
Notice is hereby given that the 2012 Annual General Meeting of Members of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 12:00 noon Atlantic Time at Tuckers Point Hotel, 60 Tuckers Point Drive, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda. At this meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:
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to elect three of the Companys directors to Class IIl with a new term ending in 2015; |
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to elect the Board of Directors of Sirius International, a wholly-owned |
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reinsurance company organised under the laws of Sweden; |
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to elect the Board of Directors of Scandinavian Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Scan Re), a wholly-owned reinsurance company organised under the laws of Bermuda; |
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to elect the Board of Directors of White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (WM Life Re), a wholly-owned reinsurance company organised under the laws of Bermuda; |
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to elect the Board of Directors of White Shoals Re Ltd. (WSRe), a wholly-owned reinsurance company organised under the laws of Bermuda; |
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to elect the Board of Directors of Star Re Ltd., a wholly-owned reinsurance company organised under the laws of Bermuda; |
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to elect the Board of Directors of White Mountains Re Sirius Capital Ltd. (WMRSC), a Lloyds of London corporate member; |
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to elect the Board of Directors of any new designated subsidiary; |
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to approve the advisory resolution on executive compensation; |
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to approve the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the Companys Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2012. |
The Companys audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, as approved by the Companys Board of Directors, will be presented at this Annual General Meeting.
Members of record of common shares on the record date, Friday, March 30, 2012, (1) who are individuals, may attend and vote at the meeting in person or by proxy or (2) that are corporations or other entities, may have their duly authorised representative attend and vote at the meeting in person or by proxy. A list of all Members entitled to vote at the meeting will be open for public examination during regular business hours beginning on or about April 9, 2012 at the Companys registered office located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.
All Members are invited to attend this meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Jennifer L. Pitts |
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Corporate Secretary |
Members are invited to complete and sign the accompanying proxy card to be returned to White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., c/o Computershare, P.O. Box 8069, Edison, New Jersey, 08818-8069, in the envelope provided, whether or not they expect to attend the meeting. Members may also vote their shares by telephone or via the internet in accordance with the instructions on your proxy card.
WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) for the 2012 Annual General Meeting of Members (the 2012 Annual Meeting), to be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Tuckers Point Hotel, 60 Tuckers Point Drive, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda. The solicitation of proxies will be made primarily by mail, and the Proxy Statement and related proxy materials will be distributed to registered Members on or about April 16, 2012.
Holders of the Companys common shares (Members), par value $1.00 per share, as of the close of business on Friday, March 30, 2012, the record date, are entitled to vote at the meeting.
You can ensure that your common shares are properly voted at the meeting by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided. Members may also vote their shares by telephone or via the internet in accordance with the instructions on your proxy card. A Member has the right to appoint another person (who need not be a Member) to represent the Member at the meeting by completing an alternative form of proxy which can be obtained from the Corporate Secretary or by notifying the Inspectors of Election (see page 37). Every Member entitled to vote has the right to do so either in person or by one or more persons authorised by a written proxy executed by such Member and filed with the Corporate Secretary. Any proxy duly executed will continue in full force and effect unless revoked by the person executing it in writing or by the filing of a subsequent proxy.
Sending in a signed proxy will not affect your right to attend the meeting and vote. If a Member attends the meeting and votes in person, his or her signed proxy is considered revoked.
IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION
If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other financial institution, in order for your vote to be counted on any matter other than Proposal 10 (the ratification of the selection of PwC as the Companys auditor for 2012), you must provide specific voting instructions to your broker, bank or financial institution by completing and returning the proxy card or following the instructions provided to you to vote your shares via telephone or the Internet. Voting deadlines vary by institution. Please check with your broker, bank or other financial institution for the voting cut-off date for WTM.
Your Participation in Voting the Shares You Own Is Important
Voting your shares is important to ensure that you have a say in the governance of your company. Please review the proxy materials and follow the instructions on the proxy card to vote your shares. We hope you will exercise your rights and fully participate in your companys future.
More Information Is Available
If you have any questions about this rule or the proxy voting process in general, please contact the broker, bank or other financial institution where you hold your shares. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has information available on the internet at: www.sec.gov/investor/alerts/votingrules2010.htm with more information about your voting rights as a shareholder.
PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF THE COMPANYS DIRECTORS
The Board is divided into three classes (each a Class). Each Class serves a three-year term.
At the 2012 Annual General Meeting, Messrs. Howard L. Clark, A. Michael Frinquelli and Allan L. Waters are nominated to be elected to Class III with a term ending in 2015.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 1 which calls for the election of the 2012 nominees.
The current members of the Board and terms of each Class are set forth below:
Director
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Director
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Class I - Term ending in 2013 |
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Morgan W. Davis |
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61 |
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2006 |
Edith E. Holiday |
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60 |
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Lowndes A. Smith |
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72 |
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Class II - Term ending in 2014 |
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Raymond Barrette, Chairman |
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61 |
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Yves Brouillette |
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60 |
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John D. Gillespie |
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53 |
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Class III - Term ending in 2012* |
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Howard L. Clark, Jr. |
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68 |
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A. Michael Frinquelli |
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70 |
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2005 |
Allan L. Waters |
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54 |
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2005 |
* Nominated to be elected at the 2012 Annual Meeting to Class III with a term ending in 2015.
All three of the nominees for election at the 2012 Annual Meeting, Messrs. Clark, Frinquelli and Waters, were previously elected by Members.
The Board believes its members should have a diversity of skills and experience and be willing to devote adequate time and effort to Board responsibilities. In evaluating director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee evaluates attributes such as independence, integrity, expertise, breadth of experience, knowledge about the Companys business and industry, and ownership interest in the Company. Key aspects of the directors experiences, qualifications and skills are included in their individual biographies.
Class I - Term Ending in 2013
Morgan W. Davis has been a director of the Company since 2006. Mr. Davis was formerly a Managing Director of OneBeacon from 2001 to 2005 and served in a variety of capacities for subsidiaries of White Mountains from 1994 to 2001. Prior to joining the White Mountains in 1994, Mr. Davis had 21 years of experience in the insurance business, mostly at Firemans Fund Insurance Company and INA/Cigna. Mr. Davis also serves as a director of OneBeacon, Montpelier Re Holdings and Valen Technology. Mr. Davis has extensive executive and board-level experience gained over the course of his forty-year career in the property and casualty insurance industry.
Edith E. Holiday has been a director of the Company since 2004. Ms. Holiday formerly served as Operating Trustee for TWE Holdings I and II Trusts from 2002 to 2007. Ms. Holiday was also the President, Secretary and Treasurer of Comcast TW Holdings, Inc. from 2006-2007. From 1990 to 1993 Ms. Holiday served as Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet. From 1989 to 1990 she was General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department. Ms. Holiday also holds directorships at Hess Corporation (since 1993), Canadian National Railway Company (since 2001), H. J. Heinz Company (since 1994) and RTI International Metals, Inc. (since 1999) and is a director or trustee of 41 investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Mutual Funds (since 1996). Ms. Holiday has extensive board-level experience across diverse industries and significant experience with the U.S. Federal government.
Lowndes A. Smith has been a director of the Company since 2003. Mr. Smith has served as Managing Partner of Whittington Gray Associates since 2001. Mr. Smith formerly served as Vice Chairman of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The Hartford) (1989-2001) and President and CEO of Hartford Life Insurance Company (1989-2001). Mr. Smith serves as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Compensation Committee of OneBeacon, and as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Audit, Compensation and Executive Committees of Symetra Financial Corporation. Mr. Smith is a director of 91 investment companies in the mutual funds of The Hartford (since 1990). Mr. Smith has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry as well as broad management and financial experience.
Class II - Term Ending in 2014
Raymond Barrette has served as Chairman and CEO of the Company since January 2007 and has been a director since August 2006. He previously served as a director of the Company (2000-2005), as President and CEO of the Company (2003-2005), as CEO of OneBeacon (2001-2002), as President of the Company (2000-2001) and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (1997-2000). Prior to joining the Company in 1997, Mr. Barrette had 23 years of experience in the insurance business, mostly at Firemans Fund Insurance Company. Mr. Barrette is also Chairman of Sirius Group and a director of OneBeacon. Additionally, Mr. Barrette served as a director for Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd. (2001-2007). Mr. Barrette is an actuary and has significant experience in all facets of the property and casualty insurance industry.
Yves Brouillette has been a director of the Company since 2007. He has been the President of Beluca Investment, Inc. since 2005. Previously, Mr. Brouillette had been with ING since 1989, serving in many leadership positions at ING companies, including most recently as the CEO for ING Latin America operations in Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Peru (2002-2005). Mr. Brouillette is a director of Intact Financial Corporation (formerly ING Canada) and was its Chairman of the Board (2003-2007). Mr. Brouillette is an actuary and has over 30 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry in North and South America.
John D. Gillespie has been a director of the Company since 1999. Mr. Gillespie is the founder and Managing Member of Prospector Partners, LLC (Prospector) and has been the Chairman and President of Prospector Funds, Inc. since 2007 and a Director of Prospector Offshore Fund (Bermuda) Ltd. since 1997. Mr. Gillespie served as Chairman and President of WM Advisors (2003-2005), as a Managing Director of OneBeacon (2001-2003) and was a director of Symetra Financial Corporation (2004-2007). Mr. Gillespie also served as a director for Montpelier Re (2004-2005). Prior to forming Prospector, Mr. Gillespie was President of the T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund and the New Age Media Fund, Inc. Mr. Gillespie possesses extensive financial and investment experience.
Class III - Term Ending in 2012 (up for re-election)
Howard L. Clark, Jr. was a director of the Company (1986-1990), an advisor to the Board (1990-1993), and was re-elected as a director in 1993. From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Clark served as Vice Chairman at Barclays Capital, Inc. (Barclays). Prior to joining Barclays, Mr. Clark was Vice Chairman of Lehman Brothers, Inc., the broker/dealer subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings (1993-2008), and Chairman and CEO of Shearson Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (1990-1993). Previously, Mr. Clark was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the American Express Company. Mr. Clark is also a director of Walter Energy, Inc., formerly Walter Industries, Inc., (since 1995), United Rentals, Inc. (since 2004) and Mueller Water Products, Inc. (since 2006). Mr. Clark has extensive board-level experience across diverse industries and extensive executive experience in the financial services industry.
A. Michael Frinquelli has been a director of the Company since June 2005. Mr. Frinquelli is co-founder and Manager of Renaissance Fund Advisors, Inc. Until 2004, Mr. Frinquelli was a general partner of Renaissance Executive Partners, which he co-founded in April 1997. Prior to that, he was a managing director at Merrill Lynch and a managing director at Salomon Brothers. Mr. Frinquelli also served as a director for Primus Financial Products, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Primus Guaranty, Ltd. from 2004 until 2010. Mr. Frinquelli has extensive insurance industry expertise, serving as an insurance industry equity analyst for 33 years.
Allan L. Waters was appointed President and CEO of Sirius International Insurance Group, Ltd. (formerly White Mountains Re) in March 2007. He served as a director of the Company from 2003 to 2004 and was re-elected as a director in 2005. Mr. Waters was the founder and Managing Member of Mulherrin Capital Advisors, LLC (1998-2007). Mr. Waters formerly served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (1993-1997), as Vice President and Controller (1990-1993), as Vice President of Finance (1987-1990) and as Assistant Vice President of Finance (1985-1987). Mr. Waters possesses long-term knowledge of the Company and has significant executive and board-level experience in the property and casualty industry.
Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled and involves the distribution of rights and responsibilities among the Board, management and the Companys Members. The Company has established Corporate Governance Guidelines that spell out its overall approach towards corporate governance.
The Company also has a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all directors, officers and employees in carrying out their responsibilities to, and on behalf of, the Company. No waivers of the Code of Business Conduct were requested of, or granted by, the Board for any director or executive officer during 2011.
The Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct are available at our website, www.whitemountains.com. These documents are available in print, free of charge, to any Member upon request.
The Board
The day-to-day management of the Company, including preparation of financial statements and short-term and long-term strategic planning, is the responsibility of management. The primary responsibility of the Board is to oversee and review managements performance of these functions in order to advance the long-term interests of the Company and its Members.
In fulfilling this responsibility, directors must exercise common sense business judgment and act in what they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the Company and its Members. Directors are entitled to rely on the honesty and integrity of senior management and the Companys outside advisors and auditors. However, it is the Boards responsibility to establish that they have a reasonable basis for such reliance by ensuring that they have a strong foundation for trusting the integrity, honesty and undivided loyalty of the senior management team upon whom they are relying and the independence and expertise of outside advisors and auditors.
Mr. Barrette serves as Chairman of the Board and as CEO of the Company. The Board believes that the most effective leadership structure for the Company at the present time is for Mr. Barrette to serve in both roles. As CEO, Mr. Barrette is effective at overseeing the complex, decentralized operations of the Company. By virtue of his broad knowledge of the insurance industry and his long experience and track record with the Company, the Board believes Mr. Barrette is best suited to preside over the Board and set its agendas. The Board is composed of directors that, together, are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of the Companys business, and the Board is satisfied that the current structure provides strong oversight of the Companys affairs.
At meetings of the Board, an independent director presides over a separate session of non-management directors without Company management present.
Director Independence
The Board has determined that a majority of the Companys current directors are independent, as defined in Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Listed Company Manual. Those directors determined to be independent are Messrs. Brouillette, Clark, Davis, Frinquelli and Smith and Ms. Holiday. For a director to be independent, the Board must determine that the director has no relationship with the Company (other than being a director or shareholder of the Company or its subsidiaries) or has only immaterial relationships with the Company. The Company does not apply categorical standards as a basis for determining director independence. Accordingly, the Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances, on a case-by-case basis, in making an independence determination.
The Board notes no current relationships (other than being directors or shareholders) with Messrs. Brouillette, Clark, Davis, Frinquelli and Smith or Ms. Holiday. The Board notes a relationship with Mr. Clark that ended in 2011, as disclosed herein under Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons, and that it concluded was immaterial and did not impair his independence. In making its independence determinations, the Board considers all such relationships in light of NYSE standards as well as the attributes it believes should be possessed by independent-minded directors. Those attributes include the relative impact of the transactions to the directors personal finances, the perceived degree of dependence by the director or the Company upon the relationship or transactions continuing in the future and whether the transactions were on terms that were reasonable and competitive. The Board concluded that Mr. Clarks prior relationship did not and does not impair his independence.
Board Meetings and Committees; Annual Meeting Attendance
During 2011, the following meetings of the Board were held: seven meetings of the full Board, nine meetings of the Audit Committee, five meetings of the Compensation Committee, three meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and two meetings of the Finance Committee. During 2011, each director attended more than 75% of the aggregate of: (1) the total number of meetings of the Board (held during the period for which he or she has been a director); and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he or she served. It is WTM practice that all directors are invited to and generally attend all Committee meetings. In addition, each Committee Chair provides regular updates to the Board regarding Committee activities.
Directors are encouraged, but are not required, to attend annual meetings. All of the Companys directors were in attendance at the 2011 Annual General Meeting, which was held on May 26, 2011.
Committees of the Board
Nominating and Governance Committee
The primary purposes of the Nominating and Governance Committee are to: (1) identify individuals qualified to become Board members and recommend such individuals to the Board for nomination for election to the Board; (2) make recommendations to the Board concerning committee appointments; (3) develop, recommend and annually review corporate governance guidelines applicable to the Company and oversee corporate governance matters and (4) oversee the evaluation of the Board and management.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Clark (as Chairman), Brouillette and Davis and Ms. Holiday. The Board has determined that each current member of the Nominating and Governance Committee satisfies applicable NYSE requirements.
The Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee, is available at www.whitemountains.com. The Nominating and Governance Committee Charter is available in print, free of charge, to any Member upon request.
General Criteria and Process for Selection of Director Candidates. In identifying and evaluating director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee does not set specific criteria for directors. Under its charter, the Committee is responsible for determining desired Board skills and evaluating attributes such as independence, integrity, expertise, breadth of experience, knowledge about the Companys business or industry and ownership interest in the Company. In selecting director candidates, the Company seeks a diversity of skills and experience, but does not affirmatively seek diversity based on race, gender, or national origin. Directors must be willing to devote adequate time and effort to Board responsibilities. As set forth in the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines and its Charter, the Committee is responsible for recommending director candidates to the Board.
Consideration of Director Candidates Nominated by Members. The Company has not adopted a specific policy regarding consideration of director candidates from Members. Members who wish to recommend candidates for consideration by the Committee may submit their nominations in writing to the Corporate Secretary at the address provided in this Proxy Statement. The Committee may consider such Member recommendations when it evaluates and recommends candidates to the Board for submission to Members at each annual general meeting. In addition, Members may nominate director candidates for election without consideration by the Committee by complying with the eligibility, advance notice and other provisions of our Bye-laws as described below.
Procedures for Nominating Director Candidates. Under the Companys Bye-laws, nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board or by any Member entitled to vote for the election of directors (a Qualified Member). A Qualified Member may nominate persons for election as directors only if written notice of such Qualified Members intent to make such nomination is delivered to the Secretary not later than: (1) with respect to an election to be held at an annual general meeting, 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting or not later than 10 days after notice or public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting is given or made available to Qualified Members, whichever date is earlier, and (2) with respect to an election to be held at a special general meeting for the election of directors, the close of business on the seventh day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to Qualified Members. Each such notice shall set forth: (a) the name and address of the Qualified Member who intends to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated; (b) a representation that the Qualified Member is a holder of record of common shares entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (c) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the Qualified Member and each such candidate and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the Qualified Member; (d) such other information regarding each candidate proposed by such Qualified Member as would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC had each such candidate been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board; and (e) the consent of each such candidate to serve as a director of the Company if so elected.
Audit Committee
The primary purposes of the Audit Committee are to: (1) assist with Board oversight of: the integrity of the Companys financial statements; the qualifications and independence of the independent auditors; the performance of the internal audit function and the independent auditors; and the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (2) provide an avenue of communication among the independent auditors, management, the internal auditors and the Board; (3) approve certain related or affiliated person transactions and review disclosures thereof and (4) prepare the Audit Committee Report (which appears on page 31). In addition, with respect to risk management, the Committee discusses with management the Companys policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including the Companys major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control those exposures.
The Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Smith (as Chairman), Brouillette and Frinquelli and Ms. Holiday. The Board has determined that, of the persons on the Audit Committee, at a minimum Mr. Smith meets the requirements of being an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). The Board has also determined that each current member of the Audit Committee satisfies applicable NYSE requirements as well as the separate independence standards set forth by the SEC.
The Audit Committee Charter, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee, is available at www.whitemountains.com. The Audit Committee Charter is available in print, free of charge, to any Member upon request.
Compensation Committee
The primary purposes of the Compensation Committee are to: (1) review and make recommendations on director compensation; (2) discharge the Boards responsibilities relating to the compensation of executives; (3) oversee the administration of the Companys compensation plans (and, to the extent the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, the plans of the Companys major subsidiaries), in particular the incentive compensation and equity-based plans and (4) review and discuss the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and prepare the Compensation Committee Report (which appears on page 19).
The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Davis (as Chairman), Frinquelli and Smith and Ms. Holiday. The Board has determined that each current member of the Compensation Committee satisfies applicable NYSE requirements.
The Compensation Committee Charter, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, is available at www.whitemountains.com. The Compensation Committee Charter is available in print, free of charge, to any Member upon request.
Interlocks and Insider Participation
No member of the Compensation Committee was an employee of the Registrant during the last fiscal year or has served as an officer of the Registrant.
Finance Committee
The primary purposes of the Finance Committee are to: (1) formulate the Companys (including OneBeacons) investment policy and investment guidelines; (2) review the performance and asset allocation of the Companys (including OneBeacons) investment portfolio on a regular basis and (3) monitor the capital, debt, and corporate structure of the Company (including OneBeacon) and, in coordination with the Audit Committee, review the adequacy of risk management, including with respect to new business opportunities outside of traditional property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The Finance Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Frinquelli (as Chairman), Barrette, Brouillette, Gillespie and Smith.
Risk Oversight
The Board, directly and through its Committees, plays an active role in the oversight of the Companys risk management. The subject of risk management is a recurring agenda item, for which the Board regularly receives reports from management on capital, investments, and operations, including the risks associated with each and the steps management is taking to manage those risks. The Board also discusses with management the Companys business strategy, risk appetite and appropriate levels of risk.
The Boards committees are assigned oversight responsibility for particular areas of risk. For example, the Audit Committee receives a report, at least annually, on company-wide risks which encompass operational, financial, legal, compliance and reputational risks. The Compensation Committee oversees risk related to executive compensation plans and implementation. The Finance Committee oversees the risks related to managing the Companys investment portfolio.
Shareholder Communications
Members, employees and others interested in communicating directly with the Board, any of the Boards Committees or any individual member of the Board should write to the addressee, c/o the Corporate Secretary, at the address presented under Available Information (which appears on page 37).
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
Voting Rights of Members
As of March 30, 2012, there were 6,638,873 common shares outstanding. Members of record of common shares shall be entitled to one vote per common share, provided that if, and so long as, the votes conferred by Controlled common shares (as defined below) of any person constitute ten percent (10%) or more of the votes conferred by the outstanding common shares of the Company, each outstanding common share comprised in such Controlled common shares shall confer only a fraction of a vote that would otherwise be applicable according to the following formula:
[(T divided by 10)-1] divided by C
Where: T is the aggregate number of votes conferred by all the outstanding common shares; and C is the number of votes conferred by the Controlled common shares of such person.
Controlled common shares in reference to any person means:
(1) all common shares directly, indirectly, or constructively owned by such person within the meaning of Section 958 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, of the United States; and
(2) all common shares directly, indirectly, or constructively owned by any person or group of persons within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; provided that this clause (ii) shall not apply to (a) any person (or any group that includes any person) that has been exempted from the provisions of this clause or (b) any person or group that the Board, by the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the entire Board, may exempt from the provisions of this clause.
The limitations set forth above do not apply to any Member which is a Byrne Entity (as defined below) for any matter submitted to the vote of Members, except with respect to the election of directors. Byrne Entity means Mr. Byrne and any foundation or trust established by any associate or affiliate of him (or any group of which he is a part), as defined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.
If, as a result of giving effect to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the votes conferred by the Controlled common shares of any person would otherwise represent 10% or more of the votes conferred by all the outstanding common shares, the votes conferred by the Controlled common shares of such person shall be reduced in accordance with the foregoing provisions. Such process shall be repeated until the votes conferred by the Controlled common shares of each person represent less than 10% of the votes conferred by all common shares.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
To the knowledge of the Company, there was no person or entity beneficially owning more than 5% of the common shares outstanding as of March 30, 2012, except as shown below.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount of |
|
Percent of |
|
|
|
|
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC 101 JFK Parkway, Short Hills, NJ 07078 |
1,755,805 |
(a) |
26.4 % |
John J. Byrne P.O. Box 599, Etna, NH 03750 |
687,783 |
(b) |
10.4 % |
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. P.O. Box 17630, Baltimore, MD 21297-1630 |
342,981 |
(c) |
5.2 % |
|
|
|
|
(a) Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC has advised the Company that the common shares it is reported to beneficially own were acquired for investment purposes on behalf of client investment advisory accounts.
(b) Mr. Byrne has, or shares with his spouse, dispositive power over a total of 687,783 common shares of which 666 common shares are owned by trusts and charitable foundations in which Mr. Byrne has no pecuniary interest.
(c) T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. has advised the Company that the common shares it is reported to beneficially own were acquired for investment purposes on behalf of client investment advisory accounts.
Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth, as of March 30, 2012, beneficial ownership of common shares by each director, the Named Executive Officers (as defined on page 20) and all other executive officers as a group:
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
Amount of Ownership |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially (a) |
|
Economically (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond Barrette |
|
223,186 |
(c) |
211,461 |
|
Yves Brouillette |
|
4,228 |
|
4,228 |
|
Howard L. Clark, Jr. |
|
770 |
|
974 |
|
Morgan W. Davis |
|
24,090 |
|
24,090 |
|
David T. Foy |
|
21,194 |
|
35,044 |
|
A. Michael Frinquelli |
|
1,541 |
|
1,541 |
|
John D. Gillespie |
|
52,439 |
(d) |
77,889 |
|
Edith E. Holiday |
|
802 |
|
802 |
|
T. Michael Miller |
|
5 |
|
5 |
|
G. Manning Rountree |
|
9,155 |
|
18,355 |
|
Lowndes A. Smith |
|
1,602 |
|
1,602 |
|
Allan L. Waters |
|
17,274 |
|
22,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors, Named Executive Officers and all other executive officers as a group (15 persons) |
|
392,298 |
|
455,447 |
|
(a) The common shares shown as beneficially owned by (1) Mr. Barrette and (2) all directors, Named Executive Officers and all other executive officers as a group represent 3.4% and 5.9% of the total common shares outstanding at March 30, 2012, respectively. No other director or executive officer beneficially owned 1% or more of the total common shares outstanding at that date. Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1) of the Exchange Act. As security for loans totaling $500,000, Mr. Barrette has pledged the assets of certain brokerage accounts which, as of March 30, 2012, contained 3,229 common shares.
(b) Common shares shown as economically owned (1) include common shares beneficially owned, target unearned performance share awards and deferred compensation phantom share balances, (2) exclude, in the case of Mr. Barrette, common shares in which he has no pecuniary interest and (3) include, in the case of Mr. Gillespie, performance shares granted to Prospector, of which Mr. Gillespie is the Managing Member.
(c) Of the 223,186 common shares which are beneficially owned by Mr. Barrette, (1) 15,000 represent unvested restricted shares granted to Mr. Barrette by the Company in January 2007, (2) 125,000 represent vested but unexercised stock options and (3) 11,725 represent common shares owned by trusts or charitable foundations in which Mr. Barrette has no pecuniary interest but over which Mr. Barrette retains both voting and dispositive power. The remaining shares represent common shares over which Mr. Barrette or his wife has both voting and dispositive power.
(d) Includes 50,000 common shares owned by various funds of Prospector in which Mr. Gillespie is either general manager or investment manager; Mr. Gillespies pecuniary interest in such shares is limited to his economic interests in the Prospector funds.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Philosophy
Our executive compensation policies are designed with the primary goal of maximizing shareholder value over long periods of time. We believe that this goal is best pursued by utilizing a pay-for-performance program that closely aligns the financial interests of management with those of our shareholders and encourages appropriate risk taking. We accomplish this by emphasizing variable long-term compensation, the value of which is tied to performance over a number of years rather than entitlements (such as base salary, pensions and employee benefits). To that end, the Compensation Committee (the Committee) has established base salaries and target annual bonuses for our executives that tend to be lower than those paid by comparable property and casualty insurers and reinsurers, while granting the bulk of an executives target compensation as long-term incentive compensation.
We generally have structured our long-term incentive compensation as performance shares, restricted shares or performance units. At our parent company, long-term incentive compensation is typically in the form of WTM performance shares and restricted shares, which reward company-wide performance. The number of WTM common shares earned from a grant of performance shares, which can be from 0x to 2x the target number granted, is tied to our after-tax annual growth in intrinsic business value per share (as defined by the Committee) over the performance cycle. Performance shares, restricted shares and/or performance units are typically granted annually, and performance is tied to a three-year period.
Typically, we have set the performance target for a 100% payout of WTM performance shares at roughly 700 basis points above the risk-free rate, a level consistent with the risk premium that the market has demanded for investing in equities. To establish the risk-free rate, the Committee typically looks to the yield on the 10-year treasury at the beginning of the performance cycle. In general, no shares are earned if annual growth in intrinsic business value per share is less than the risk-free rate and 200% are earned if performance is 1,400 basis points above the risk-free rate. We use linear interpolation to determine the payout percentage for results in between.
Under our long-term incentive programs, at any given time an executive usually has three overlapping cycles running. This approach avoids cliffs that could foster a short-term outlook and also serves as an effective retention tool.
In the case of our Chairman & CEO, Mr. Barrette, to induce him to rejoin the Company and to incent him as an owner, in January 2007 he was granted a package of 200,000 out-of-the-money, escalating strike price options and 35,000 restricted shares, each of which vested in annual installments over five years. Mr. Barrette also received a tranche of 15,000 restricted shares that were structured to vest in the event of a change in control prior to January 20, 2012. In 2010, shareholders approved modifications to Mr. Barrettes options and, in conjunction with those changes, the Compensation Committee amended the vesting terms of the tranche of 15,000 restricted shares so that those shares time vest in three equal annual installments beginning on January 20, 2013. Mr. Barrette does not receive other long-term incentive grants.
Since OneBeacons initial public offering in November 2006, its long-term compensation had been structured primarily in the form of OneBeacon performance shares, which reward OneBeacons overall performance. Beginning with the 2009-2011 performance cycle, OneBeacons long-term incentives were re-designed with the CEO and CFO receiving half in the form of performance units that are tied to underwriting performance and half in OneBeacon performance shares. Other OneBeacon executives receive a greater proportion or all of their long-term incentives in performance units or in long-term cash awards that are tied to the results of OneBeacons specialty business as a whole and the executives individual business unit. The number of OneBeacon common shares earned from a performance share grant, which can be from 0x to 2x the target number granted, is tied to OneBeacons after-tax annual growth in book value per share over the performance cycle. The payout earned from a OneBeacon performance unit grant, which also can be from 0x to 2x the target number granted, is tied to OneBeacons adjusted combined ratio over the performance cycle.
At our major non-public operating subsidiaries, Sirius Group and, until its sale in 2011, Esurance, long-term incentive compensation is typically in the form of performance units. Performance units reward the performance of the particular operating group. The number of units earned at the end of the performance cycle is tied to those elements of performance for which the operating groups management has primary responsibility. As an example, because the parent company keeps responsibility for investing the assets of our non-public operating subsidiaries, in calculating performance the operating subsidiaries are credited with a standard return on their investible assets. At Sirius Group, the number of units earned can be from 0x to 2x the target number granted. In addition, for the most senior non-public operating group executives, including our Named Executive Officers who work for our wholly owned operating companies, in order to better align their interests with those of our shareholders, we typically denominate a portion of their long-term incentives in WTM performance shares and/or restricted shares.
In our long-term incentive compensation programs, we target sharing with management an aggregate of 13% to 17% of the value added above a risk-free return on our shareholders equity. We take this approach because producing a rate of return equal to a risk free rate does not add value to the capital owners put in the businessour shareholders would be better off putting their money in U.S. treasuries and avoiding entirely the risk of owning a portion of a business. We target sharing 13% to 17% because we compete for talent and investment opportunities where such sharing is common and because we believe that this is a fair sharing of value between owners who put their capital at risk and employees who dedicate their time and talent. In addition, as an additional guideline, we generally limit annual share grants to less than 1% of the Companys outstanding shares.
Each year, the Committee compares the originally targeted sharing percentage to the actual sharing percentage that resulted from the most recently completed performance cycle. In addition, when making new grants, the Committee assesses the impact of different performance scenarios on the potential sharing percentage. Further, in order to test our beliefs about the size of the awards we make and their variability, annually the Committee has reviewed and considered a systematic analysis prepared by management of the public disclosures about compensation made by other property and casualty insurers and reinsurers and of the amount and variability of compensation at those companies at differing levels of performance. These analyses have supported the Committees view that our compensation programs are appropriately sized and more variable than most other insurers and reinsurers, have fewer fixed elements of compensation and perquisites, and do not lead to significant rewards for poor performance as can happen with long-term options granted with a fixed exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant.
The Committee believes that the compensation structures that have been developed for the Company and its subsidiaries closely align the financial interests of management with those of our shareholders and encourage appropriate, but not excessive, risk taking. In the case of Sirius Group, given its exposure to catastrophic events, beginning in 2008 we implemented a catastrophe spreading mechanism with respect to both its performance units and annual bonus. This mechanism ensures that Sirius Group is charged with at least 50% of its expected annual catastrophe losses whether or not any catastrophe losses are actually incurred. Through this mechanism and Sirius Groups management of its aggregate exposure to very large catastrophic events through the monitoring of its modeled 10,000-year net financial impact, the Companys management and the Committee believe that Sirius Groups incentive plans are appropriate and do not encourage excessive risk taking.
Our Compensation Process
The Committee is responsible for approving our compensation practices that affect executive officers, and it specifically approves all compensation for our executive officers and for any employee with target annual compensation in excess of $1.5 million. Our CEO annually presents the Committee with his evaluation of our executives, their individual performances, responsibilities and the contributions they made to the Companys accomplishments over the past year, as well as over the last long-term incentive plan cycle and his expectations for the future and succession plans. In connection with this evaluation, the CEO presents the Committee with his recommendations for establishing the compensation for these executives for its consideration. The Committee assesses the performance, responsibilities and contributions of the CEO, considers CEO succession plans, and sets the compensation of the CEO.
With the exception of significant promotions and new hires, compensation matters are usually addressed at the first meeting of the Committee each year (typically late February) following the availability of financial results for the prior year. This allows us to determine the results of prior period grants and to set targets for the current year and newest long-term performance cycle. Performance cycles for long-term compensation typically run for three years beginning on January 1st of the year of grant.
Following the OneBeacon initial public offering (the OB IPO) in November 2006, the Committee determined that it would fully delegate to the OneBeacon Compensation Committee (the OneBeacon Committee) authority for the compensation of OneBeacons officers, including those who might be Named Executive Officers of the Company. Accordingly, compensation actions for OneBeacon personnel following the date of the OB IPO (including new annual and long-term incentives and approval of payouts on existing annual and long-term incentives) have been taken by the OneBeacon Committee (which is currently comprised of Lowndes Smith (Chair), Lois Grady and Kent Urness, who are independent directors of OneBeacon, and Mr. Barrette) and, to the extent necessary to comply with applicable regulations, a subcommittee that excludes Mr. Barrette.
Compensation for 2011
The principal elements of compensation for our executives are long-term incentive compensation, base salary, and annual incentive bonuses.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
CEO. Mr. Barrette received no new long-term incentive grants in 2011.
Named Executive Officers. In the case of Messrs. Foy, Rountree and Waters, in determining the amount of new long-term incentive compensation grants for 2011, the Committee assessed each executives scope of authority and ability to impact the success of the Company. Based on the Committees general experience and the recommendation of the CEO, the Committee established a grant level that it believed was appropriate to reflect each such executives expected contribution to the Company over the next performance cycle. Mr. Millers level of compensation was established by the OneBeacon Committee.
For each Named Executive Officer recipient of a WTM performance share grant for the 2011-2013 performance cycle, the Committee established 10% annual growth in intrinsic business value per share as the performance target that would result in a payout of 100% of the target shares. Annual growth of 3% or less would result in a payout of 0% and annual growth of 17% or more would result in a payout of 200%. The targets were consistent with the Companys compensation philosophy described above as the yield on the 10-year treasury at the beginning of 2011 was 3.3%. To measure growth in intrinsic business value per share, the Committee looks to growth in economic value per share (weighted 50%) and growth in adjusted GAAP book value per share (weighted 50%), in each case including dividends.
In total, the WTM performance share and restricted share grants made to all employees of the Company for the 2011-2013 performance cycle totaled approximately 0.7% of the then outstanding shares, within the Committees 1% guideline.
In addition, with respect to the 2009-2011 performance cycle which matured at the end of 2011, 10% annual growth in intrinsic business value per share (GIBVPS) was the performance target for a payout of 100% of the target shares. Annual growth of 3% or less would have resulted in a payout of 0% and annual growth of 17% or more would have resulted in a payout of 200%. At its meeting in February 2012, based on an average annual GIBVPS of 13.8%, the Committee confirmed that the payout that was earned was 155% of target. The Committee permitted the earned performance shares to be paid in cash or in WTM common shares.
David Foy. Mr. Foy has been the CFO of the Company since 2003. For the 2009-2011 cycle, Mr. Foy had been granted 9,000 target performance shares. Based on the Companys performance over the cycle, he earned 13,950 WTM common shares.
For the performance cycle from 2011-2013, Mr. Foy was granted 4,250 WTM performance shares and 4,250 restricted shares. The grant date value was approximately $3.1 million. The number of performance shares that will be earned will be determined after the end of 2013 based on the Companys performance over the cycle compared to the target described above. The restricted shares will vest on January 1, 2014, subject to Mr. Foys continued employment.
G. Manning Rountree. Mr. Rountree is a Managing Director of White Mountains Capital and the President of White Mountains Advisors. He joined the Company in 2004. For the 2009-2011 cycle, Mr. Rountree had been granted 5,000 target performance shares. Based on the Companys performance over the cycle, he earned 7,750 WTM common shares.
For the performance cycle from 2011-2013, Mr. Rountree was granted 2,800 WTM performance shares and 2,800 restricted shares. The grant date value was approximately $2.0 million. The number of performance shares that will be earned will be determined after the end of 2013 based on the Companys performance over the cycle compared to the target described above. The restricted shares will vest on January 1, 2014, subject to Mr. Rountrees continued employment.
Allan Waters. Mr. Waters has been the CEO of Sirius Group since 2007. In addition, from time to time Mr. Waters takes on responsibility for certain projects at the Company. For the 2009-2011 cycle, Mr. Waters had been granted 3,950 target performance shares. Based on the Companys performance over the cycle, he earned 6,122.5 WTM common shares. Based on Sirius Groups performance for the 2009-2011 performance cycle, which was an annualized after-tax, levered underwriting return on deployed capital (UROC) of 11.5%, Mr. Waters received a payout of 106.5% of the Sirius Group units granted to him for the 2009-2011 cycle at a value of $1,384 per unit, which equaled approximately $3.9 million.
For the performance cycle from 2011-2013, Mr. Waters was granted 2,569 Sirius Group performance units, 1,650 WTM performance shares and 1,650 restricted shares. The grant date value was approximately $3.8 million. The performance target for the Sirius Group units is an annual 11% UROC, with a UROC of 4% or less resulting on no payout and a UROC of 18% or more resulting in a 200% payout. The number of performance shares and units that will be earned will be determined after the end of 2013 based, respectively, on the Companys and Sirius Groups performance over the cycle compared to the targets described above. The restricted shares will vest on January 1, 2014, subject to Mr. Waters continued employment.
T. Michael Miller. Mr. Miller has been the CEO of OneBeacon since 2005. For the 2009-2011 OneBeacon performance cycle, Mr. Miller received a total combined payout of $4.7 million from the OneBeacon performance shares and OneBeacon performance units he had been granted. In addition, he received approximately $0.2 million from the vesting of a 2008 OneBeacon restricted stock unit award. The payout of Mr. Millers OneBeacon performance shares was tied to average annual growth in OneBeacons book value per share (OB GBVPS). Based on an average OB GBVPS of 14.7% over the cycle, the OneBeacon Committee approved a payout of 138.6% of the OneBeacon performance shares originally granted. This resulted in a payout of approximately $3.5 million to Mr. Miller. In addition, based on OneBeacons 97.6% adjusted economic combined ratio for the 2009-2011 performance cycle compared to a 95% target, Mr. Miller received a payout of 47% of the OneBeacon performance units granted to him for the 2009-2011 cycle, which equaled approximately $1.2 million.
In early 2011, the OneBeacon board reached an agreement with Mr. Miller to secure his continued services for an extended period of time. The OneBeacon Committee made a one-time grant of 630,000 OneBeacon restricted shares to Mr. Miller, which vest in equal annual installments from February 2014 through February 2017. In exchange, Mr. Miller agreed that his OneBeacon performance share grants would be reduced by 35,000 shares per year for 6 years (i.e., 210,000 performance shares in total), commencing retroactive to February 2011. The restricted share grant was submitted to and approved by the shareholders of OneBeacon in May 2011.
For the performance cycle from 2011-2013, the OneBeacon Committee granted Mr. Miller 22,500 OneBeacon performance units and 108,748 OneBeacon performance shares. The grant date value was approximately $3.7 million. The number of performance shares was subsequently reduced to 73,748 in light of the restricted share grant described above. The number of performance units and performance shares that will be earned will be determined after the end of 2013 based on OneBeacons performance over the cycle compared to the targets described below. The performance target for the performance units is 94% average adjusted combined ratio, with a combined ratio of 98% or more resulting in no payout and a combined ratio of 90% or less resulting in a 200% payout. The OneBeacon performance units have a fixed value of $100 per unit. For the performance shares, the OneBeacon Committee set 11% annual growth in book value per share as target performance, with a range of 4% to 18%.
Base Salary
We pay our executive officers salaries that we believe to be below-market. In 2008, we limited base salaries to a maximum of $500,000. Each of our Named Executive Officers receives a salary of $500,000, other than Mr. Rountree, who receives a salary of $450,000.
Annual Incentive Bonuses
We provide annual bonus opportunities to our executive officers. Each Named Executive Officer participates in the annual bonus pool of his respective business unit. The aggregate bonus pool size for each business unit could range from 0% to 200% of target, depending upon performance. Individual bonuses can vary widely around the pool average based on individual performance and no cap (other than the size of the pool) applies to any single individual. Typically, the head of a business unit receives the average bonus percentage applicable to his business unit.
For the Named Executive Officers at the WTM level (Messrs. Barrette, Foy and Rountree), the Committee established target annual bonuses of 75% of salary for 2011, which was the same as for 2010.
For Messrs. Barrette, Foy and Rountree, their annual incentive bonuses are designed to reward company-wide performance. Based on the Companys performance in 2011, the Committee awarded a bonus pool of 150% of target taking into account the Companys 23% growth in adjusted book value per share, 9% growth in economic value per share, and its performance in achieving qualitative objectives over the course of the year. These qualitative objectives included avoiding big mistakes in uncertain investment markets, developing specialty platforms and rationalizing capital and structure at OneBeacon, maintaining a disciplined reinsurance operation and extracting additional capital, accelerating profitable growth at Esurance/AFI, and actively pursuing attractive opportunities while maintaining plenty of financial flexibility. Messrs. Barrette, Foy and Rountree received bonuses of $450,000, $600,000 and $450,000, which represented 120%, 160% and 133% of target. In setting the annual bonus amount for these individuals, at Mr. Barrettes recommendation, the Committee reduced the annual bonus payouts for those individuals who had received special bonuses following the completion of the sale of Esurance/AFI, which are discussed below.
For our operating subsidiaries (including for our Named Executive Officers at operating subsidiaries), we design our annual incentives to reward performance of the applicable subsidiary operating group. Messrs. Waters and Miller, who participate in the Sirius Group and OneBeacon bonus pools, respectively, have annual bonus targets equal to 50% and 75% of base salary.
For Sirius Group, including for Mr. Waters, the performance objective was the UROC. Based on a UROC of 8.0% compared to the target of 11%, the indicated bonus pool was 57% of target. However, in light of Sirius Groups strong relative performance compared to peers in a year of heavy worldwide catastrophes, its structural reorganization which freed up substantial capital for the parent company, and the successful launch of its Lloyds syndicate, the Committee awarded a bonus pool of 85% of target. As CEO, Mr. Waters received the pool average of 85%, or $212,500.
For OneBeacon, including for Mr. Miller, the primary performance objective required to achieve a bonus pool of 100% of target was the achievement of a combined ratio of 95% or better. OneBeacons actual combined ratio was 95.8%. Other performance goals included the management of expenses in conjunction with OneBeacons changing earned premium levels, the management of the Companys ongoing specialty businesses, and optimizing capital management including debt and share repurchases and special dividends as appropriate. Based on its assessment of OneBeacons overall performance in 2010, the OneBeacon Committee established a bonus pool of 90% of target. It awarded Mr. Miller a cash bonus of $337,500, which equaled 90% of target.
Special Esurance / AFI Bonus
Following the closing of the sale of Esurance/AFI, the Committee approved special bonuses totaling $6.75 million for key corporate executives who greatly contributed to the success of Esurance and AFI over the years, concluding with the sale of those businesses in early October 2011 for a price of $700 million over tangible book value. Named Executive Officers were awarded $3 million of this amount, including $2 million to Mr. Barrette and $1 million to Mr. Rountree.
2012 Compensation Actions
New Long-term Incentive Grants and Annual Bonus Targets
In February 2012, the Committee and the OneBeacon Committee made new long-term incentive grants to and established annual bonus target levels for the Named Executive Officers based on the same factors described above with respect to grants made in 2011. Mr. Barrette did not receive any new long-term incentive grants.
The new long-term incentive grants for White Mountains executives (other than operating company executives) were allocated 50% as performance shares and 50% as restricted shares, which was the same allocation as in 2011.
For each Named Executive Officer recipient of a WTM performance share grant for the 2012-2014 performance cycle, the Committee established 8% annual growth in intrinsic business value per share as the performance target that would result in a payout of 100% of the target shares. Annual growth of 2% or less would result in a payout of 0% and annual growth of 14% or more would result in a payout of 200%. To measure growth in intrinsic business value per share, the Committee looks to growth in economic value per share (weighted 50%) and growth in adjusted GAAP book value per share (weighted 50%), in each case including dividends. The yield on the 10-year Treasury at the beginning of 2012 was 1.89%. In setting the target at 8%, which equaled the yield on the 10-year Treasury + roughly 600 basis points, the Committee considered many factors including its typical practice of adding roughly 700 basis points to the yield as well as the historically low interest rate environment. In addition, the Committee considered the impact of the Companys significant amount of undeployed capital on expected returns. The Committee determined that 8% was an appropriate target that properly balanced the competing demands of effectively deploying capital and remaining patient for great opportunities.
Clawback Policy
In 2010, the Company adopted a clawback policy applicable to bonuses and long-term incentive awards. If the Company is required to restate any financial statement included in an SEC filing as a result of an employees misconduct, the Board may, without prejudice to any other remedies available to the Company, seek reimbursement of any bonus or long-term incentive award received by such person that relates in whole or in part to any period for which such financial statements were restated. If the misconduct was fraud, then in addition to other actions, the Board mandatorily will seek such reimbursement.
Other Elements of Compensation
Retirement Benefits
We have no active U.S. pension plans. Benefit accruals under all our U.S. qualified pension plans and all our U.S. supplemental pension plans were frozen for all employees in 2002.
Our Named Executive Officers who are not employees of Bermuda-domiciled entities may participate in our voluntary non-qualified deferred compensation plans whereby they may defer all or a portion of their compensation. Investment options in these plans are those available in our 401(k) plans, including White Mountains common shares and OneBeacon common shares. None of the investment options offered under these plans provides an above-market rate of interest.
Our employees may participate in our qualified 401(k) plans and eligible employees can participate in a qualified employee stock ownership plan. We do not provide supplemental retirement benefits to any employees in connection with these plans.
Perquisites
We review the perquisites that our senior management receives. The primary perquisites include housing allowances in special circumstances and personal use of corporate aircraft.
We allow our Named Executive Officers to use our corporate aircraft from time to time for personal reasons. The aggregate incremental cost to the Company is included, for proxy reporting purposes, as compensation to the Named Executive Officer. For tax purposes, we comply with IRS regulations. We do not gross-up our Named Executive Officers for their taxes associated with perquisites, including with respect to personal use of our aircraft.
Our Named Executive Officers also participate in our other benefit plans on the same terms as our other employees. These plans include medical and health insurance, company paid life insurance (which is currently capped at $150,000 in coverage at our parent company) and charitable gift matching.
Certain Board Fees
Our Named Executive Officers do not receive director fees for serving on the Companys board of directors or for serving on the boards of directors of our wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries. However, those Named Executive Officers who serve on the boards of directors of other companies in which we have a minority interest may receive director fees. We consider those board fees when evaluating the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.
Employment and Severance Agreements; Change in Control
We have no long-term employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers although, from time to time, we have entered into short-term arrangements with newly hired executives governing their compensation and severance during up to their first three years with the Company. No such arrangements are in effect with our Named Executive Officers.
At our parent company, severance benefits, if any, are determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. At our operating subsidiaries, our Named Executive Officers participate in the severance plans, if any, generally applicable at those companies.
If any of our most senior executives were to retire, in order to enable the Company to ensure a smooth transition, to receive a non-compete/non-solicit from the executive and to retain access to valuable knowledge, talents and relationships, we generally will consider entering into a one to three year consulting agreement with the executive, which would permit the executive to earn some or all of such executives long-term incentive compensation then outstanding.
While the Company has no employment or severance agreement with Mr. Barrette, pursuant to the terms of his grants discussed above under Philosophy, if Mr. Barrette is terminated without cause, any unvested restricted shares would vest in such circumstance.
We have no standalone change in control agreements with our Named Executive Officers. However, under our long-term incentive plans, if a change in control of the Company (or a business unit, as applicable) were to occur, certain events, such as involuntary or constructive employment termination or amendments to our incentive plans which are materially adverse to its participants, may cause stock options to become fully exercisable, restricted shares to become immediately vested and performance shares and performance units to become payable in full or in part. Our plans do not provide for tax gross-ups for excess parachute payments that may result from a change in control.
The grants made to Mr. Barrette include provisions pursuant to which such grants vest upon the occurrence of a change in control. While the Company typically has double-trigger change in control provisions in its long-term incentive plans, when originally making the grant to Mr. Barrette, the Committee determined that, in light of the design of Mr. Barrettes grants and as an inducement to Mr. Barrette, immediate vesting upon a change in control was appropriate.
Tax Considerations
As a Bermuda-domiciled company, we do not receive a tax deduction for compensation paid to employees of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. and, accordingly, the limitation of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code does not impact compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers who are employees of non-U.S. companies (Messrs. Barrette, Foy and Waters). However, in the case of Named Executive Officers who are employees of subsidiaries that are organised in the United States (Messrs. Miller and Rountree), Section 162(m) limits the deductibility of their compensation to $1,000,000 per individual to the extent that such compensation is not performance-based as defined in Section 162(m). The Company is cognizant of Section 162(m) and generally seeks to structure its long-term incentive programs to permit the deductibility of the bulk of such compensation paid to these Named Executive Officers. However, the Committee may approve compensation that will not meet the Section 162(m) requirements if, in the Committees judgment, structuring compensation in such manner better promotes the Companys interests (such as with a grant of restricted shares).
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
Morgan W. Davis, Chairman
A. Michael Frinquelli
Edith E. Holiday
Lowndes A. Smith
Summary Compensation Table
The following table presents compensation in 2011, 2010 and 2009 for the Companys CEO, CFO and its three other most highly compensated executive officers (collectively, the Named Executive Officers).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Non-Equity |
|
Change in |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
|
Raymond Barrette |
|
2011 |
|
500,000 |
|
2,450,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
98,292 |
|
3,048,292 |
|
Chairman and CEO |
|
2010 |
|
500,000 |
|
243,750 |
|
- |
|
889,177 |
(c) |
- |
|
- |
|
90,550 |
|
1,723,477 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
500,000 |
|
1,000,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
96,173 |
|
1,596,173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David T. Foy |
|
2011 |
|
500,000 |
|
600,000 |
|
3,090,600 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
139,652 |
|
4,330,252 |
|
Executive Vice President and CFO |
|
2010 |
|
500,000 |
|
232,500 |
|
3,065,400 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
201,715 |
|
3,999,615 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
500,000 |
|
1,000,000 |
|
3,501,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
82,554 |
|
5,083,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Michael Miller |
|
2011 |
|
500,000 |
|
337,500 |
|
10,124,110 |
|
- |
|
1,175,000 |
|
- |
|
1,140,230 |
|
13,276,840 |
|
President and CEO of OneBeacon |
|
2010 |
|
500,000 |
|
2,010,657 |
|
1,624,038 |
|
16,670 |
(d) |
- |
|
- |
|
91,444 |
|
4,242,809 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
500,000 |
|
3,209,959 |
|
1,357,541 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
135,554 |
|
5,203,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allan L. Waters |
|
2011 |
|
500,000 |
|
212,500 |
|
1,199,880 |
|
- |
|
3,876,515 |
|
- |
|
25,912 |
|
5,814,807 |
|
President and CEO of Sirius Group |
|
2010 |
|
500,000 |
|
225,000 |
|
1,192,100 |
|
- |
|
4,353,464 |
|
- |
|
10,848 |
|
6,281,412 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
500,000 |
|
425,000 |
|
1,001,675 |
|
- |
|
4,179,067 |
|
- |
|
9,623 |
|
6,115,365 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. Manning Rountree |
|
2011 |
|
450,000 |
|
1,450,000 |
|
2,036,160 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
38,042 |
|
3,974,202 |
|
Managing Director of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
White Mountains Capital, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and President of WM Advisors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents annual incentive bonuses earned for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. For Messrs. Barrette and Rountree, the amounts in 2011 include discretionary bonuses of $2,000,000 and $1,000,000. Mr. Millers amounts in 2010 and 2009 include retention bonuses of $729,357 and $2,741,159 paid in February 2011 and 2010. Mr. Millers amount in 2010 also includes a $1,000,000 discretionary bonus. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis. |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
For Messrs. Foy, Waters and Rountree, the amounts represent the grant date market value of WTM performance shares granted in 2011, 2010 and 2009 and WTM restricted shares issued in 2011 and 2010. For Mr. Miller, the amounts represent the grant date market value of OB performance shares granted in 2011, 2010 and 2009 and OB restricted shares issued in 2011. Mr. Millers amount in 2011 includes 35,000 OB performance shares with a grant date fair value of $480,550 that were forfeited concurrently with his grant of 630,000 OB restricted shares on May 24, 2011. Mr. Millers OB performance awards for each of the next five years will also be reduced by 35,000 shares. For all Named Executive Officers, the performance share awards included in the table have a maximum payout of 200% of the shares granted and, at such level, would have a grant date fair value equal to 200% of the amounts shown in the Grants of Plan Based Awards table. See Grants of Plan Based Awards and Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End. |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
On May 26, 2010, the Companys shareholders approved modifications to Mr. Barrettes outstanding Non-Qualified Options. The incremental fair value of the award modifications calculated under ASC Topic 718 was $889,177. For a discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the awards under ASC Topic 718, see Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2012 (Note 11). See Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End. |
|
|
|
(d) |
|
OneBeacon paid a $2.50 extraordinary dividend in 2010, and the OneBeacon Committee reduced the exercise price of all outstanding option awards by such amount. For Mr. Miller, the incremental fair value of the award modification calculated under ASC Topic 718 was $16,670. For a discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the awards under ASC Topic 718, see Note 11. See Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End. |
|
|
|
(e) |
|
Value of OB performance units Mr. Miller earned for the 2009-2011 performance cycle and Sirius Group performance units Mr. Waters earned for the 2009-2011, 2008-2010 and 2007-2009 performance cycles. |
|
|
|
(f) |
|
See next table for details of All Other Compensation. |
All Other Compensation
The following table presents a breakout of All Other Compensation included in the Summary Compensation Table for 2011, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Year |
|
Director |
|
Personal |
|
Restricted |
|
401(k) |
|
Employee |
|
Profit |
|
Total |
|
Raymond Barrette |
|
2011 |
|
- |
|
65,738 |
|
22,000 |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
98,292 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
- |
|
50,996 |
|
29,000 |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
90,550 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
- |
|
49,619 |
|
36,000 |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
96,173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David T. Foy |
|
2011 |
|
121,872 |
|
- |
|
7,400 |
|
7,176 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
139,652 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
179,011 |
|
- |
|
12,150 |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
201,715 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
63,000 |
|
- |
|
9,000 |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
82,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Michael Miller |
|
2011 |
|
- |
|
102,776 |
|
1,026,900 |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
1,140,230 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
- |
|
80,890 |
|
- |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
91,444 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
- |
|
125,000 |
|
- |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
135,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allan L. Waters |
|
2011 |
|
- |
|
8,949 |
|
2,875 |
|
9,800 |
|
- |
|
4,288 |
|
25,912 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
2,425 |
|
8,423 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
10,848 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,200 |
|
8,423 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
9,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. Manning Rountree |
|
2011 |
|
- |
|
22,588 |
|
4,900 |
|
7,350 |
|
3,204 |
|
- |
|
38,042 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents director fees paid to Mr. Foy by Symetra Financial Corporation. |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
Amounts represent the aggregate incremental cost to the Company for the use of aircraft that were not otherwise in use for business. For Company aircraft, the incremental cost is the direct cost per hour multiplied by the number of hours of use. For chartered flights, the incremental cost is the actual cost of the flight. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table presents grants of plan-based awards granted, except as otherwise noted, under the White Mountains Long-Term Incentive Plan (the WTM Incentive Plan) to the Named Executive Officers during 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Non- |
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
All Other |
|
All Other |
|
Exercise |
|
Grant Date |
| ||||||||
Name |
|
Grant |
|
Type of |
Equity |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
or Base |
|
Fair Value |
|
Raymond Barrette |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
David T. Foy |
|
2/24/11 |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
0 |
|
4,250 |
|
8,500 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,545,300 |
|
|
|
2/24/11 |
|
WTM Restricted Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
4,250 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,545,300 |
|
T. Michael Miller |
|
2/22/11 |
|
OB Performance Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
0 |
|
108,748 |
|
217,496 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,493,110 |
|
|
|
2/22/11 |
|
OB Performance Units |
22,500 |
|
0 |
|
2,250,000 |
|
4,500,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
|
5/24/2011 |
|
OB Restricted Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
630,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
8,631,000 |
|
Allan L. Waters |
|
2/24/11 |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
0 |
|
1,650 |
|
3,300 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
599,940 |
|
|
|
2/24/11 |
|
WTM Restricted Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,650 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
599,940 |
|
|
|
2/24/11 |
|
Sirius Group Performance Units |
2,569 |
|
0 |
|
3,513,444 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
G. Manning Rountree |
|
2/24/11 |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
0 |
|
2,800 |
|
5,600 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,018,080 |
|
|
|
2/24/11 |
|
WTM Restricted Shares |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
2,800 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
1,018,080 |
|
Footnotes to Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
(a) |
|
On February 22, 2011, Mr. Miller was granted OB performance units for the 2011-2013 performance cycle under the OneBeacon Incentive Plan. Each unit has a fixed value of $100. An OB adjusted economic combined ratio of 98% or more (Threshold) would result in no payout. An adjusted economic combined ratio of 94% would result in a target payout of 100%. An adjusted economic combined ratio of 90% or lower (Maximum) would result in a 200% payout. Payouts for results in between are determined by linear interpolation. |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
On February 24, 2011, Mr. Waters was granted Sirius Group performance units for the 2011-2013 performance cycle under the Sirius Group Incentive Plan. Each unit is initially valued at $1,000 and compounds in value based on Sirius Groups underwriting return on deployed capital (uroc) during the performance period. A uroc of 4% or less (Threshold) would result in no payout. A uroc of 11% would result in a target payout of 100%. A uroc of 18% or more (Maximum) would result in a 200% payout. Payouts for results in between are determined by linear interpolation. |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
On February 24, 2011, Messrs. Foy, Waters and Rountree were granted WTM performance shares for the 2011-2013 performance cycle. Growth in WTMs intrinsic business value per share of 3% or less (Threshold) would result in no payout. Growth in intrinsic business value per share of 10% would result in a target payout of 100%. Growth in intrinsic business value per share of 17% or more (Maximum) would result in a payout of 200%. Payouts for results in between are determined by linear interpolation. |
|
|
|
(d) |
|
On February 22, 2011, Mr. Miller was granted OB performance shares for the 2011-2013 performance cycle under the OneBeacon Incentive Plan. Of these, Mr. Miller relinquished 35,000 OB performance shares for the 2011-2013 performance cycle on May 24, 2011. See footnote (f). Growth in OBs book value per share of 4% or less (Threshold) would result in no payout. Growth in book value per share of 11% would result in a target payout of 100%. Growth in book value per share of 18% or more (Maximum) would result in a payout of 200%. Payouts for results in between are determined by linear interpolation. |
|
|
|
(e) |
|
On February 24, 2011, Messrs. Foy, Waters and Rountree were granted WTM restricted shares that vest on January 1, 2014. |
|
|
|
(f) |
|
On May 24, 2011, Mr. Miller was granted 630,000 OB restricted shares that vest one-fourth on each of February 22, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Concurrently with the grant of the OB restricted shares, 35,000 OB performance shares granted to Mr. Miller for the 2011-2013 performance share cycle were relinquished and his performance share awards for each of the next five years will be reduced by 35,000 shares. |
|
|
|
(g) |
|
Represents the grant date fair value (based on a market price of $363.60 for WTM performance shares, $13.73 for OB performance shares and $13.70 for OB restricted shares) as determined in accordance with ASC Topic 718 without regard to forfeitures. Assuming a maximum 200% payout, the grant date fair value of the performance shares granted to Messrs. Foy, Miller, Waters and Rountree would be $3,090,600, $2,986,220, $1,199,880 and $2,036,160. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table presents outstanding equity awards under the WTM Incentive Plan, except as otherwise noted, to the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards (a)(b)(c) |
| ||||||||||||||
Name |
|
Type of |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Equity |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Number of |
|
Market |
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
|
Raymond Barrette |
|
WTM Restricted Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
22,000 |
|
9,976,120 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
|
WTM Non-Qualified Options |
|
125,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
742.00 |
|
1/20/17 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
David T. Foy |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
10,100 |
|
5,078,760 |
|
|
|
WTM Restricted Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
7,400 |
|
3,355,604 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
T. Michael Miller |
|
OB Performance Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
181,229 |
|
2,059,964 |
|
|
|
OB Restricted Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
630,000 |
|
9,695,700 |
|
|
|
OB Non-Qualified Options |
|
277,826 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
25.47 |
|
5/9/2012 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Allan L. Waters |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
3,925 |
|
1,973,495 |
|
|
|
WTM Restricted Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
2,875 |
|
1,303,698 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
G. Manning Rountree |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
6,700 |
|
3,366,904 |
|
|
|
WTM Restricted Shares |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
4,900 |
|
2,221,954 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(a) |
Stock awards not yet vested at December 31, 2011 for Mr. Barrette include 7,000 WTM restricted shares that vested on January 20, 2012 and 15,000 WTM restricted shares that vest in three equal annual installments beginning on January 20, 2013. Stock awards not yet vested at December 31, 2011 for Messrs. Foy, Waters and Rountree include 4,250, 1,650 and 2,800 WTM restricted shares, respectively, that vest on January 1, 2014 and 3,150, 1,225 and 2,100 WTM restricted shares, respectively, that vest on December 31, 2012. Stock awards not yet vested at December 31, 2011 for Mr. Miller include 630,000 OB restricted shares that vest in four equal annual installments beginning on February 22, 2014. Market values are based on the December 31, 2011 closing market price ($453.46 for White Mountains and $15.39 for OneBeacon). |
(b) |
Equity incentive plan awards not yet vested at December 31, 2011 include: (1) WTM performance shares granted for the 2011-2013 performance cycle to Mr. Foy (4,250 target performance shares), Mr. Waters (1,650 target performance shares) and Mr. Rountree (2,800 target performance shares), (2) WTM performance shares granted for the 2010-2012 performance cycle to Mr. Foy (5,850 target performance shares), Mr. Waters (2,275 target performance shares granted under the Sirius Group Incentive Plan) and Mr. Rountree (3,900 target performance shares) and (3) OB performance shares granted to Mr. Miller for the 2011-2013 performance cycle (73,748 target OB performance shares) and the 2010-2012 performance cycle (107,481 target OB performance shares). Payout values for WTM performance shares are based on the December 31, 2011 closing market price of $453.46, at an estimated payout of 125% of target for the 2011-2013 performance cycle and 100% of target for the 2010-2012 performance cycle and includes dividends accrued since the grant date. Payout value for OB performance shares are based on the December 31, 2011 closing market price of $15.39, at an estimated payout of 100% of target for the 2011-2013 performance cycle and 35.7% of target for the 2010-2012 performance cycle. The payout value for OB performance shares also includes accumulated dividends of $1.84 for the 2011-2013 performance cycle and $5.18 for the 2010-2012 performance cycle. |
(c) |
Excludes WTM performance shares for the 2009-2011 performance cycle and OB performance shares for the 2009-2011 performance cycle, which vested on December 31, 2011. See Option Exercises and Stock Vested. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table presents stock awards that vested in 2011 for each of the Named Executive Officers. No option awards were exercised by the Named Executive Officers during 2011.
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
Stock Awards |
| |||||
Name |
|
Type of Award |
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized |
| |
Raymond Barrette |
|
|
|
- |
|
- |
| |
David T. Foy |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
(a) |
13,950 |
|
6,760,868 |
| |
T. Michael Miller |
|
|
OB Performance Shares |
(b) |
162,905 |
|
3,533,407 |
|
|
|
OB Restricted Stock Units |
(c) |
8,533 |
|
211,797 |
| |
Allan L. Waters |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
(a) |
6,122 |
|
2,967,270 |
| |
G. Manning Rountree |
|
WTM Performance Shares |
(a) |
7,750 |
|
3,756,038 |
| |
(a) |
Represents 9,000, 3,950 and 5,000 target WTM performance shares awarded for the 2009-2011 performance cycle to Messrs. Foy, Waters and Rountree, respectively, which became fully vested on December 31, 2011 at 155% of target. Value realized on vesting is based on a per share value of $481.65, which is the average of the high and low market values of common shares on February 22, 2012, the date the awards were determined by the Compensation Committee, plus dividends declared during the 2009-2011 cycle of $3.00 per common share. |
|
|
(b) |
Represents 117,536 target OB performance shares awarded for the 2009-2011 performance cycle, which became fully vested on December 31, 2011 at 138.6% of target. Value realized on vesting is based on a per share value of $15.23, which is the average of the closing market prices of OB common shares from the five days prior to February 21, 2012, the date the awards were determined by the OneBeacon Committee, plus dividends declared and compounded during the 2009-2011 cycle of $6.46 per common share. |
|
|
(c) |
Represents 8,533 target OB restricted stock units, which became fully vested on December 31, 2011. The value realized on vesting is based on a per share value of $15.09, which is the average of the high and low market prices of OB common shares on February 21, 2012, the date the awards were determined by the OneBeacon Committee, plus dividends declared since the grant date of $9.73 per common share. Amounts earned with respect to the restricted stock units were mandatorily deferred into a OneBeacon deferred compensation plan with payment scheduled for May 2012. |
Pension Benefits
The Named Executive Officers do not participate in any defined pension plans sponsored by White Mountains.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The following table presents contributions, earnings, withdrawals and ending account balance for the only Named Executive Officer participating in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for 2011.
Name |
|
Executive |
|
Registrant |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
T. Michael Miller |
|
325,323 |
|
- |
|
89,820 |
|
- |
|
415,143 |
|
(a) |
Executive contributions represent the mandatory deferral of the OB restricted stock units earned in March 2011. |
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Employment and Severance Agreements
We have no employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers although from time to time we have entered into short-term arrangements with newly hired executives governing their compensation and severance for a period of up to their first three years with the Company.
Long-Term Incentive Plans
Under our long-term incentive plans, certain events, such as retirement, death or disability, or the occurrence of both a change in control of the Company (or a business unit, as applicable) and an involuntary or constructive employment termination or materially adverse amendments to such plans, WTM restricted shares becoming vested and performance shares and performance units becoming payable in full or in part. Below is a description of the payments to which each of our Named Executive Officers would be entitled assuming in each case that such events occurred on December 31, 2011.
Voluntary Termination of Employment
Had any of our Named Executive Officers voluntarily terminated their employment on December 31, 2011, their unvested long-term incentive grants would have been cancelled and payments, if any, in respect of those cancelled grants would be made at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Involuntary Termination of Employment
Had Mr. Barrette been terminated without cause on December 31, 2011, his unvested restricted shares would have immediately vested. Had Mr. Miller been terminated without cause, his restricted shares would have vested pro rated for time (but at not less than 50%) less any shares that had previously vested. Had any of our other Named Executive Officers been terminated without cause on December 31, 2011, their outstanding long-term incentive grants would have been cancelled and payments, if any, in respect of those cancelled grants would be made at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Retirement
Had any of our Named Executive Officers retired on December 31, 2011, their unvested long-term incentive grants would have been cancelled and payments, if any, in respect of those cancelled grants would be made at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee.
Death or Disability
Had any of our Named Executive Officers died or become disabled on December 31, 2011, they would have been entitled to pro rata vesting of their performance shares, full vesting of their restricted shares (except for Mr. Millers restricted shares that vest pro rata) and pro rata vesting of their performance units. Under this scenario, Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Miller, Waters and Rountree would have been entitled to receive $9,976,120, $12,150,067, $8,241,318, $10,805,959 and $7,372,344, respectively.
For purposes of computing the amounts above, performance shares were valued at the December 31, 2011 common share closing market price ($453.46 for White Mountains and $15.39 for OneBeacon) including dividends since grant. Restricted shares were valued at the December 31, 2011 common share closing market price. OneBeacon performance units have a value of $100 per unit. Sirius Group performance units were valued at actual value as of December 31, 2011. The WTM performance shares would vest pro-rated for time and at 100% of target; provided, that in the case of the 2009-2011 performance cycles, values are shown at actual performance of 155%. The OneBeacon performance shares would vest pro-rated for time and actual performance through the end of 2011 (but at not less than 50%) for the 2009-2011 and 2010-2012 performance cycles and at 100% for the 2011-2013 performance cycle. The OneBeacon performance units would vest pro-rated for time and actual performance through the end of 2011 (and at 100% for the 2011-2013 performance cycle). The Sirius Group performance units would vest pro-rated for time and Sirius Groups actual performance through the end of 2011.
Change in Control
Had both a change in control of the Company (or a business unit, as applicable) and an involuntary termination, constructive termination or materially adverse amendments to our long-term incentive plans occurred on December 31, 2011, our Named Executive Officers would have been entitled to full vesting of their performance shares at up to 200% of target (except for Mr. Millers OneBeacon performance shares that would vest on a pro rata basis), full vesting of their restricted shares and pro rata vesting of their performance units at up to 200% of target (and at not less than target). Under this scenario, Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Miller, Waters, and Rountree would have been entitled to receive up to $9,976,120, $20,763,676, $20,067,692, $14,946,385 and $12,884,118, respectively.
For purposes of computing the amounts above, performance shares were valued at the December 31, 2011 common share closing market price ($453.46 for White Mountains and $15.39 for OneBeacon) including dividends since grant. Restricted shares were valued at the December 31, 2011 common share closing market price. OneBeacon performance units have a value of $100 per unit. Sirius Group performance units were valued at actual value as of September 30, 2011. The WTM performance shares, including the 2009-2011 performance cycle, are shown at 200% of target. The OneBeacon performance shares and performance units would vest pro-rated for time and at 100% of target for the 2009-2011 and 2010-2012 performance cycles and actual performance (but not less than 100%) for the 2011-2013 performance cycle; provided, that in the case of the 2009-2011 performance share cycle, values are shown at actual performance of 138.6%. The Sirius Group performance units would vest pro-rated for time and at actual performance through the end of 2011 (but at not less than 100%).
Our long-term incentive plans do not provide for tax gross-ups for excess parachute payments that may result from a change in control.
Director Compensation
The following table summarizes director compensation for 2011 (for directors other than Named Executive Officers):
Director |
|
Fees Paid |
|
Stock |
|
Option Awards ($) |
|
Non-Equity |
|
Change in |
|
All Other |
|
Total ($) |
|
Yves Brouillette |
|
68,144 |
|
193,256 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
261,400 |
|
Howard L. Clark, Jr. |
|
161,000 |
|
78,400 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
239,400 |
|
Robert P. Cochran (a) |
|
165,000 |
|
78,400 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
243,400 |
|
Morgan W. Davis (a) |
|
140,500 |
|
78,400 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
179,000 |
|
397,900 |
|
A. Michael Frinquelli |
|
116,040 |
|
178,360 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
294,400 |
|
George J. Gillespie, III (a) |
|
8,000 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
8,000 |
|
John D. Gillespie (e) |
|
32,040 |
|
178,360 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
5,579 |
|
215,979 |
|
Edith E. Holiday |
|
189,000 |
|
78,400 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
10,000 |
|
277,400 |
|
Lowndes A. Smith |
|
276,000 |
|
78,400 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
711,408 |
|
1,065,808 |
|
(a) |
Director change of status: On May 26, 2011, Mr. George J. Gillespie, III, retired from the board. On September 22, 2011, Mr. Cochran resigned from the board. In November 2011, Morgan W. Davis was determined to be independent in accordance with NYSE Section 303A. |
|
|
(b) |
Named Executive Officers do not receive any additional compensation for their role as a director. Except as noted, each director is provided a $100,000 annual retainer. Additional retainers in the following amounts are provided to those directors serving in the following roles: Chairman of the Audit Committee ($100,000), Chairman of any other Board committee ($25,000) and members of the Audit Committee ($15,000). Retainers were paid in cash except for Messrs. Brouillette, Frinquelli and John D. Gillespie who received an equivalent value in common shares. Retainers relate to the twelve-month period from May 2011 through April 2012, inclusive, and are typically pro-rated for partial year service. Each director received Board and Board committee meeting fees of $4,000 per meeting when such meetings were attended in person and $2,000 per meeting when such meetings were attended by telephone. |
|
|
(c) |
On May 26, 2011, all non-management directors received an annual grant of 200 common shares and Messrs. Brouillette, Frinquelli and John D. Gillespie received additional common shares for payment of their retainers. All common shares issued were valued at $392.00 per share, the market price on such date. |
|
|
(d) |
All other compensation shown for Mr. Davis includes $89,000 in director compensation paid to him as a director of OneBeacon, $60,000 in director compensation paid to him as a director of Answer Financial, Inc. and $30,000 in director compensation paid to him as a director of Esurance. Amount shown for Mr. John D. Gillespie represents $5,579 for personal use of corporate aircraft (which is valued at White Mountains aggregate incremental operating cost). Amount shown for Ms. Holiday represents $10,000 in matching payments from a company-sponsored charitable gift program. Amount shown for Mr. Smith represents $278,500 in director compensation paid to him in cash and OneBeacon shares as Chairman of OneBeacon and $432,908 in director compensation paid to him as Chairman of Symetra Financial Corporation. |
|
|
(e) |
Pursuant to a consulting agreement, Prospector was granted 10,800 performance shares for the 2009-2011 performance cycle (which were paid in March 2012 at a harvest percentage of 151% for a total payout of $7.9 million), 9,200 performance shares for the 2010-2012 performance cycle and 8,500 performance shares for the 2011-2013 performance cycle. Amounts related to Prospectors performance shares have not been included in this table. See Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons. |
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS, PROMOTERS AND CERTAIN CONTROL PERSONS
Transactions with Related Persons
Prospector
Mr. John Gillespie is the founder and Managing Member of Prospector. Prospector serves as a discretionary adviser with respect to specified assets, primarily equity securities, managed by WM Advisors on behalf of White Mountains and other clients of WM Advisors.
Pursuant to an investment management agreement with WM Advisors (the WMA Agreement), Prospector charges WM Advisors fees based on the following schedule: 100 basis points on the first $200 million of assets under management; 50 basis points on the next $200 million; and 25 basis points on amounts over $400 million. At December 31, 2011, Prospector managed a total of approximately $408 million of assets for White Mountains (excluding any OneBeacon assets) under this arrangement.
Prospector has separate investment management agreements with OneBeacon (the OneBeacon Agreements) pursuant to which Prospector supervises and directs specified assets, primarily equity securities, including assets in OneBeacons defined benefit and defined contribution plans (the ERISA Assets). All assets managed under the OneBeacon Agreements are subject to a single fee schedule that is substantially similar to the terms of the WMA Agreement fee schedule. At December 31, 2011, Prospector managed $558 million of assets for OneBeacon under this arrangement, including $217 million of ERISA Assets.
During 2011, Prospector earned $6 million in total fees pursuant to the WMA Agreement and the OneBeacon Agreements.
Prospector also advises White Mountains on matters including capital management, asset allocation, private equity investments and mergers and acquisitions. Pursuant to a Consulting Agreement for those services, Prospector was granted 7,750 performance shares for the 2012-2014 cycle, 8,500 performance shares for the 2011-2013 performance cycle and 9,200 performance shares for the 2010-2012 performance cycle. In accordance with the terms of the WTM Incentive Plan, performance against target governing the performance shares will be confirmed by the Compensation Committee of the Board following the end of each performance cycle and the number of performance shares actually awarded at that time will range from 0% to 200% of the target number granted. Based on the Companys performance, Prospector received 151% of the 10,800 performance shares granted for the 2009-2011 performance cycle for a total payout of $7.9 million. Unless and until the Consulting Agreement has been terminated, and subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee, at the beginning of each performance cycle Prospector is to be granted performance shares with a value of approximately $4.5 million. The Compensation Committee establishes the performance target for such performance shares.
Pursuant to a revenue sharing agreement, Prospector has agreed to pay White Mountains 6% of the revenues in excess of $500,000 of certain of Prospectors funds in return for White Mountains having made a founding investment in 1997. During 2011, White Mountains earned $0.2 million under this arrangement.
At December 31, 2011, White Mountains had $109 million invested in limited partnership investment interests managed by Prospector (the Funds). This total includes $43 million of OneBeacon assets. Under the limited partnership agreements, Prospector serves as general partner and general manager of the Funds and is paid management and incentive performance fees by White Mountains and OneBeacon. For the year ended December 31, 2011, White Mountains and OneBeacon incurred $1 million in management fees and $0 in incentive fees. In addition, Messrs. Barrette, Davis, Gillespie and Waters, each a director of the Company, and Mr. Campbell, an executive officer of the Company, owned limited partnership investment interests managed by Prospector as of such date.
Franklin Mutual Advisers
On January 7, 2011, the Company agreed to repurchase 140,000 WTM common shares from mutual funds managed by Franklin Mutual Advisers. The price per share was $342.50, which was $2.50 less than the market price at the time the agreement was reached.
Other relationships and transactions
Mr. Clark, a director of the Company, was a Vice Chairman of Barclays Capital from 2008 until his retirement in 2011. Barclays has, from time to time, provided various services to White Mountains including investment banking services, brokerage services, underwriting of debt and equity securities and financial consulting services.
Mr. Gillespie, a director of the Company, indirectly through general and limited partnership interests holds a 33% interest in Dowling & Partners Connecticut Fund III, LP (Fund III). Two of the Companys indirect subsidiaries, OneBeacon Professional Insurance (OBPI) and White Mountains Specialty Underwriting, Inc. (WMSUI), had previously borrowed approximately $8 million and $7 million, respectively, from Fund III in connection with an incentive program sponsored by the State of Connecticut known as the Connecticut Insurance Reinvestment Act (the CIR Act). The CIR Act provides for Connecticut income tax credits to be granted for qualifying investments made by approved fund managers. Both loans were repaid in full during 2006. The loans were qualifying investments which generated tax credits to be shared equally between Fund III on the one hand and OBPI and WMSUI on the other. As a result of his interest in Fund III, during 2009, Mr. Gillespie generated approximately $0.5 million in such tax credits.
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
The Companys Audit Committee Charter states that the Audit Committee shall approve any related or affiliated person transactions and review disclosures thereof. In determining whether to approve or reject a related person transaction, the Audit Committee takes into account, among other factors its deems appropriate, whether the proposed transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related persons economic interest in the transaction. For purposes of Audit Committee approval, a related person transaction is defined as any transaction that is required to be reported under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K.
During 2011, the Audit Committee approved all Transactions with Related Persons occurring since the beginning of the Companys calendar year.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2011 with respect to the common shares that may be issued under White Mountains existing incentive compensation plans. Performance shares awarded under the WTM Incentive Plan are typically paid in cash, though they may be paid in the Companys common shares at the election of the Board or a Committee of the Board. For that reason, these plans are listed in the Equity Compensation Plan Table below. Grants of phantom performance shares made under subsidiary incentive plans (which are payable in cash) and grants made under the OneBeacon Incentive Plan (which are payable in OneBeacon common shares) are excluded from this table.
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
Plan category |
Number of securities that may |
|
Weighted average exercise |
|
Number of securities remaining |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders - WTM Incentive Plan: |
|
|
|
|
438,894 (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance shares |
140,975 |
|
$ 0 |
|
|
(a) |
Under NYSE rules, common shares remain available for issuance when the Company pays cash or establishes deferred compensation balances in the settlement of its performance share obligations (which is typically the case) rather than issuing common shares. However, the Compensation Committee has taken a more conservative approach by counting the number of performance shares granted at target against the WTM Incentive Plan inventory. Under the Companys approach, as of April 3, 2012, 109,758 common shares remained available for grant at target under the WTM Incentive Plan, which could result in up to 219,516 common shares being issued. |
In connection with the audit of the Companys financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, the Audit Committee has: (1) reviewed and discussed with management and PwC the Companys audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, managements assessment of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting and PwCs audit of the Companys internal control over financial reporting; (2) reviewed and discussed with PwC the matters required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended; and (3) received the written disclosures and the letter from PwC required by the applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board rules and discussed with PwC their independence.
Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee determined that the non-audit fees billed by PwC for services performed in 2011 and 2010 (as presented herein) are compatible with maintaining their independence. Further, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the SEC and for presentation to the Members at the 2012 Annual Meeting.
Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Companys consolidated financial statements as well as for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Companys independent registered public accounting firm, PwC, is responsible for expressing its opinion on the conformity of the Companys audited financial statements with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). In addition, PwC is responsible for expressing its opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Companys financial statements are complete and accurate and in accordance with GAAP; that, as described above, is the responsibility of management and PwC. In giving its recommendation to the Board, the Audit Committee has relied on (1) managements representation that such financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with GAAP and (2) the reports of PwC with respect to such financial statements.
The Audit Committee has established a Charter which outlines its primary duties and responsibilities. The Audit Committee Charter, which has been approved by the Board, is reviewed at least annually, is updated as necessary and is available for viewing at www.whitemountains.com.
Lowndes A. Smith, Chairman
Yves Brouillette
A. Michael Frinquelli
Edith E. Holiday
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The Audit Committee, pursuant to its policy, pre-approves the scope and fees for all services performed by PwC. Annually, the Audit Committee receives and pre-approves a written report from PwC describing the elements expected to be performed in the course of its audit of the Companys financials. All other audit, audit-related and non-audit-related services rendered by PwC also require pre-approval, which may be granted in accordance with the provisions of the policy either (a) at a meeting of the full Audit Committee, (b) on an interim basis by the Chairman of the Audit Committee, provided that the requested services are not expressly prohibited and are ratified by the full Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting, or (c) on a per-project basis through specific compliance with pre-approved definitions of services that do not exceed per-project limits established by the Audit Committee, provided that any such services are authorised by the Companys General Auditor or his/her designee and that the General Auditor makes a full report of all services pre-approved per the policy at the next regularly scheduled Committee meeting.
It is the intent of the policy to assure that PwCs performance of audit, audit-related and non-audit-related services are consistent with all applicable rules on auditor independence. As such, services expressly prohibited by the Audit Committee under its policy include bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Company or its subsidiaries; financial information systems design and implementation; appraisal and valuation services; fairness opinions; contribution-in-kind reports; certain actuarial services; internal audit outsourcing services; management functions; human resources; broker-dealer, investment advisor or investment banking services; legal services; and expert services unrelated to the audit. All services performed by PwC during 2011 and 2010 were pre-approved in accordance with the policy described above.
The services performed by PwC in 2011 and 2010 are described below. PwC does not provide any services to the Company prohibited under applicable laws and regulations, such as financial information systems design and implementation. From time to time, PwC may perform permissible consulting services for the Company, provided they have been pre-approved in accordance with the policy described above. To the extent consulting services are provided by PwC, they are closely monitored and controlled by both management and the Audit Committee to ensure that their nature and extent do not interfere with the independence of PwC. The independence of PwC is also considered annually by the Audit Committee.
The following table sets forth the approximate aggregate fees billed by PwC for professional services provided in 2011 and 2010:
|
|
2011 (e) |
|
2010 (e) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees (a) |
|
$ 4,335,692 |
|
$ 4,168,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit-Related Fees (b) |
|
339,962 |
|
720,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees (c) |
|
794,124 |
|
533,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees (d) |
|
12,082 |
|
74,841 |
|
(a) |
The fees in this category were for professional services rendered in connection with (1) the audits of the Companys annual financial statements, including the Companys internal control over financial reporting, included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, (2) the review of the Companys quarterly financial statements included in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, (3) audits of the Companys subsidiaries that are required by statute or regulation, and (4) services that generally only the Companys independent registered public accounting firm reasonably can provide, such as consents. |
|
|
(b) |
The fees in this category were for professional services rendered in connection with (1) accounting and reporting consultations, (2) employee benefit plan audits, (3) services related to certain transactions (primarily the OneBeacon personal lines transaction in 2010), (4) actuarial certifications of loss reserves, and (5) other regulatory requirements. |
|
|
(c) |
The fees in this category were for professional services rendered in connection with tax strategy assistance and tax compliance services. |
|
|
(d) |
The fees in this category were for (1) access to PwCs proprietary technical research and tax filing software, (2) advisory services in connection with the regulatory, tax and accounting treatment of equalization and safety reserves in 2010, and (3) participation in an annual survey conducted by PwC. |
|
|
(e) |
For purposes of proxy reporting, fees billed in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are generally translated at rates in effect at the time the fees are pre-approved. The fees reported include expense reimbursements of $309,659 and $223,979 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. |
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Pursuant to SEC rules relating to the reporting of changes in beneficial ownership of common shares, the executive officers, directors and greater than 10% Members are believed to have filed all reports required under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act on a timely basis during 2011.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
SIRIUS INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION
Bye-law 76 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as Sirius International be elected by the Companys Members.
Proposal 2 calls for the election of Messrs. Lars Ek (age 51, CFO of Sirius International), Brian E. Kensil (age 54, CFO of Sirius Group), Göran A. Thorstensson (age 65, President and CEO of Sirius International), and Waters to the Board of Directors of Sirius International.
None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of Sirius International.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 2 which calls for the election of the director nominees of Sirius International.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
SCANDINAVIAN REINSURANCE COMPANY LTD.
Bye-law 76 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as Scan Re, be elected by the Companys Members.
Proposal 3 calls for the election of Messrs. Warren J. Trace (age 55, President & CEO of White Mountains Re Underwriting Services Ltd.), and Waters and Ms. Christine H. Repasy (age 55, General Counsel of WM Advisors and Sirius Group) to the Board of Directors of Scan Re.
None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of Scan Re.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 3 which calls for the election of the director nominees of Scan Re.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
WHITE MOUNTAINS LIFE REINSURANCE (BERMUDA) LTD.
Bye-law 76 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as WM Life Re, be elected by the Companys Members.
Proposal 4 calls for the election of Messrs. Barrette, David T. Foy (age 45, CFO of WTM) and Trace and Ms. Jennifer Pitts (age 46, Corporate Secretary of WTM), to the Board of Directors of WM Life Re.
None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of WM Life Re.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 4 which calls for the election of the director nominees of WM Life Re.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
WHITE SHOALS RE LTD.
Bye-law 76 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as WSRe, be elected by the Companys Members.
Proposal 5 calls for the election of Messrs. Waters and Trace and Ms. Repasy to the Board of Directors of WSRe.
None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of WSRe.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 5 which calls for the election of the director nominees of WSRe.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
STAR RE LTD.
Bye-law 76 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as Star Re Ltd., be elected by the Companys Members.
Proposal 6 calls for the election of Messrs. Waters, Thorstensson and Trace and Ms. Repasy to the Board of Directors of Star Re Ltd.
None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of Star Re Ltd.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 6 which calls for the election of the director nominees of Star Re Ltd.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
WHITE MOUNTAINS RE SIRIUS CAPITAL LTD.
Bye-law 76 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as WMRSC, a Lloyds of London corporate member, be elected by the Companys Members.
Proposal 7 calls for the election of Messrs. Michael Dashfield (age 51, General Manager of Sirius Group), Ek, Thorstensson and Waters to the Board of Directors of WMRSC.
None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of WMRSC.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 7 which calls for the election of the director nominees of WMRSC.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
ANY NEW DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY
Bye-law 76 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company be elected by the Companys Members.
Proposal 8 calls for the election of Messrs. Barrette, Foy and Trace and Ms. Pitts to the Board of Directors of any new designated subsidiary that may be formed by the Company prior to the next Annual General Meeting.
None of the nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of any such company.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 8 which calls for the election of the director nominees of any new designated company or subsidiary.
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are seeking advisory shareholder approval of the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in the section of this proxy statement titled Executive Compensation. You are being asked to vote on the following advisory resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the companys named executive officers, as disclosed in the companys proxy statement dated April 3, 2012, pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion & Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.
The Board of Directors believes that the compensation policies and practices described in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis are effective in achieving the companys primary goal of maximizing shareholder value over long periods of time, as well as motivating and retaining our key executives. The compensation of our named executive officers is heavily weighted toward variable long-term compensation the value of which is tied to performance over a number of years.
We urge you to read the Compensation Discussion & Analysis, beginning on page 12 of this proxy statement, as well as the 2011 summary compensation table and related compensation tables and narrative, beginning on page 20, which provide detailed information on the companys compensation policies and practices and the compensation of our named executive officers.
Although the vote is non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will review and consider the voting results when evaluating our executive compensation program.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 9 which calls for the approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation.
APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2012
Subject to Member approval, the Audit Committee of the Board has appointed PwC as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for 2012. Further, Members are being asked to authorize the Audit Committee to negotiate and fix the remuneration to be paid to PwC in connection with its service. Representatives from PwC will attend the 2012 Annual Meeting, will be provided with the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to answer appropriate questions.
The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 10 approving the appointment of PwC as the Companys Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2012.
Manner of Voting Proxies
Common shares represented by all valid proxies received will be voted in the manner specified in the proxies. Where specific choices are not indicated, the common shares represented by all valid proxies received will be voted FOR each of the proposals named earlier in this Proxy Statement.
In the case of common shares held in employee benefit plans, the trustee will typically vote all common shares within such plans in direct proportion to those common shares actually voted by plan participants.
Should any matter not described above be acted upon at the meeting, the persons named in the proxy card will vote in accordance with their judgment. The Board knows of no other matters which are to be considered at the 2012 Annual Meeting.
Votes Required for Approval
With respect to the election of directors, the nominees receiving the highest number of votes, up to the number of directors to be elected, shall be deemed elected. The other proposals require the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power held by holders of common shares present at the 2012 Annual General Meeting, in person or by proxy, provided a quorum is present.
Inspectors of Election
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43023, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3023, has been appointed as Inspectors of Election for the 2012 Annual Meeting. Representatives of Computershare will attend the 2012 Annual Meeting to receive votes and ballots, supervise the counting and tabulating of all votes and ballots and determine the results of the vote.
Costs of Solicitation
The solicitation of proxies will be made primarily by mail; however, directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company may also solicit proxies by telephone, internet or personal interview. Solicitation costs will be paid by the Company. Upon request, the Company will reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding proxy materials to their principals.
Delivery of Documents to Members Sharing an Address
SEC regulations permit a single set of the Annual Report and Proxy Statement to be sent to any household at which two or more shareholders reside if they appear to be members of the same family. Each Member will continue to receive a separate proxy card. This procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate information shareholders receive and reduces our mailing and printing costs. Those Members who desire additional copies of this document or would like to receive separate copies of this document in the future should contact their bank, broker or other holder of record or the Corporate Secretary at the address presented under Available Information below.
Available Information
The Company is subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance therewith, the Company files reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The Company will provide to any Member, upon request and without charge, copies of all documents (excluding exhibits unless specifically requested) filed by the Company with the SEC as well as the Charter of any of the Companys various committees of the Board. Written or telephone requests should be directed to the Corporate Secretary, White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., 14 Wesley Street, 5th floor, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, telephone number (441) 278-3160. Additionally, all such documents are physically available at the Companys registered office at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda and are available at www.whitemountains.com shortly after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Availability of Proxy Materials
Proxy materials for the 2012 Annual General Meeting, including the Chairmans Letter, Notice of 2012 Annual General Meeting of Members and Proxy Statement, 2011 Management Report, and Form 10-K are available online for viewing and downloading at: www.edocumentview.com/wtm
Offices of the Company
The Companys headquarters is located at 14 Wesley Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, its principal executive office is located at 80 South Main Street, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755 and its registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.
Proposals by Members for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Members
Member proposals (other than proposals nominating director candidates for which the procedures for are outlined on page 8) must be received in writing by the Secretary of the Company no later than Wednesday, December 5, 2012 and must comply with the requirements of SEC Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act in order to be considered for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement relating to the Annual Meeting to be held in 2013.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Jennifer L. Pitts,
Corporate Secretary
1 U P + X Annual Meeting Proxy Card + . 01GHNB Notice of the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Raymond Barrette and Jennifer L. Pitts, or any of them, each with the full power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote all Common Shares of the undersigned at the 2012 Annual General Meeting of Members to be held Thursday, May 24, 2012, and at any adjournment thereof. Shares represented by this proxy will be voted by the proxy holders subject to any directions indicated on the reverse of this card. If no directions are given, the proxy holders will have authority to vote FOR the Election of all director nominees (proposals 1 to 8) and FOR proposals 9 and 10. In their discretion, the proxy holders are hereby authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Non-Voting Items A Change of Address Please print new address below. IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 1234 5678 9012 345 000004 MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 ENDORSEMENT_LINE SACKPACK 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext C123456789 You can vote by Internet or telephone! Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED ABOVE IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies received by the internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 PM EST on May 23, 2012. Electronic Voting Instructions Vote by telephone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada any time on a touch tone telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call. Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message. Vote by Internet Log on to the Internet and go to www.envisionreports.com/WTM Follow the steps outlined on the secured website. PLEASE REFER BELOW FOR TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING INSTRUCTIONS. |
10. Approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the Companys Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2012. For Against Abstain Proxy - WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. . + 01GHNB Please sign this proxy exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. Proposals B For Withhold 02 - A. Michael Frinquelli 01 - Howard L. Clark, Jr. 03 - Allan L. Waters 01 - Christine H. Repasy 02 - Brian E. Kensil 01 - Lars Ek 04 - Allan L. Waters 03 - Göran A. Thorstensson 03 - Jennifer L. Pitts 02 - David T. Foy 01 - Raymond Barrette 04 - Warren J. Trace For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold For Against Abstain 7. Election of Directors of White Mountains Re Sirius Capital Ltd. 9. Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation. 1. Election of Class III Directors to a term ending in 2015. 2. Election of Directors of Sirius International Insurance Corporation. 4. Election of Directors of White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. 5. Election of Directors of White Shoals Re Ltd. 02 - Warren J. Trace 03 - Allan L. Waters For Withhold 04 - Allan L. Waters 01 - Michael Dashfield 02 - Lars Ek 03 - Göran A. Thorstensson 8. Election of Directors for Any New Designated Subsidiary. For Withhold 04 - Warren J. Trace 01 - Raymond Barrette 02 - David T. Foy 03 - Jennifer L. Pitts Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below. 1 U P + X 03 - Allan L. Waters 02 - Warren J. Trace 01 - Christine H. Repasy For Withhold 3. Election of Directors of Scandinavian Reinsurance Company Ltd. Authorized Signatures - Sign Here - This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed. C 01 - Christine H. Repasy For Withhold 6. Election of Directors of Star Re Ltd. 02 - Göran A. Thorstensson 03 - Warren J. Trace 04 - Allan L. Waters 1 3 6 4 7 6 1 MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND C 1234567890 J N T |
1 U P + X Annual Meeting Proxy Card + . 01GHPB Notice of the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Raymond Barrette and Jennifer L. Pitts, or any of them, each with the full power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote all Common Shares of the undersigned at the 2012 Annual General Meeting of Members to be held Thursday, May 24, 2012, and at any adjournment thereof. Shares represented by this proxy will be voted by the proxy holders subject to any directions indicated on the reverse of this card. If no directions are given, the proxy holders will have authority to vote FOR the Election of all director nominees (proposals 1 to 8) and FOR proposals 9 and 10. In their discretion, the proxy holders are hereby authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION |
10. Approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the Companys Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2012. For Against Abstain Proxy - WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD. . + 01GHPB Please sign this proxy exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. For Withhold 02 - A. Michael Frinquelli 01 - Howard L. Clark, Jr. 03 - Allan L. Waters 01 - Christine H. Repasy 02 - Brian E. Kensil 01 - Lars Ek 04 - Allan L. Waters 03 - Göran A. Thorstensson 03 - Jennifer L. Pitts 02 - David T. Foy 01 - Raymond Barrette 04 - Warren J. Trace For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold For Against Abstain 7. Election of Directors of White Mountains Re Sirius Capital Ltd. 9. Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation. 1. Election of Class III Directors to a term ending in 2015. 2. Election of Directors of Sirius International Insurance Corporation. 4. Election of Directors of White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. 5. Election of Directors of White Shoals Re Ltd. 02 - Warren J. Trace 03 - Allan L. Waters For Withhold 04 - Allan L. Waters 01 - Michael Dashfield 02 - Lars Ek 03 - Göran A. Thorstensson For Withhold 04 - Warren J. Trace 01 - Raymond Barrette 02 - David T. Foy 03 - Jennifer L. Pitts Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below. 1 U P + X 03 - Allan L. Waters 02 - Warren J. Trace 01 - Christine H. Repasy For Withhold 3. Election of Directors of Scandinavian Reinsurance Company Ltd. Authorized Signatures - Sign Here - This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed. B 01 - Christine H. Repasy For Withhold 6. Election of Directors of Star Re Ltd. 02 - Göran A. Thorstensson 03 - Warren J. Trace 04 - Allan L. Waters Proposals B 8. Election of Directors for Any New Designated Subsidiary. 1 3 6 4 7 6 2 |