Impactive Capital Comments on Clear Message Sent by WEX Inc. (WEX) Shareholders That Board Change Is Needed

Key Summary: On March 6, 2025, Impactive Capital (6.7%) announced it has started discussions with the board and management regarding the company’s performance and governance, including adding a shareholder representative to the Board. On May 2, 2025, Impactive Capital announced it will vote against three directors. On May 22, 2025, Impactive Capital (7%) criticized WEX’s board after directors VanWoerkom, Smith, and Neary received unusually low support, citing underperformance and poor engagement. Impactive plans to nominate at least four directors in 2026 unless the company shows meaningful improvement.

Market Cap: $4.6 billion | WEX Inc. operates a commerce platform in the United States and internationally.

On March 6, 2025, Impactive Capital (6.7%) stated that it has initiated discussions with the  board and management concerning the company's operational and share price performance, along with specific corporate governance issues such as appointing a shareholder representative to the Board. Source

On May 2, 2025, Impactive Capital announced it will vote against three directors—Jack VanWoerkom, Melissa Smith, and James Neary—at the 2025 annual meeting, citing long-term underperformance, lack of accountability, and the Board’s refusal to add shareholder representation. Impactive criticized WEX’s strategic oversight and widening gap in performance compared to peer Corpay, despite having similar starting points. Source

On May 22, 2025, Impactive Capital (7%) criticized the board following the 2025 annual meeting, where directors Jack VanWoerkom, Melissa Smith (CEO/Chair), and James Neary received historically low support, signaling a crisis of investor confidence. Impactive attributed this to WEX’s persistent underperformance and lack of meaningful engagement, despite its four-year effort to work constructively with the board. Unless WEX significantly improves performance or shareholder alignment, Impactive plans to nominate at least four directors for election at the 2026 annual meeting. Source

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