Shareholder Activism: Get Playbook Ready

Shareholder Activism: Get Your Playbook Ready

Thursday, April 16 4:00 – 6:30 pm (including reception 5:45 – 6:30 pm)

General Mills Corporate Headquarters

Shareholder activism surged to record highs in 2025, with over 250 campaigns in the U.S. For boards, activism is now a regular feature of the governance landscape — one that demands foresight, alignment, and a clear plan.

At its best, shareholder activism can serve as a governance guiderail—testing strategic assumptions, reinforcing accountability, and supporting long-term value creation. Yet recent high-profile contests show how quickly engagement can escalate into public pressure and scrutiny on leadership, strategy, board composition and governance practices. An activism playbook can help identify risks before an activist comes knocking —the difference between being caught off guard and being prepared.

Through real-world insights and group interaction, this program will help you understand shareholder activism from three unique perspectives: director obligations, investor relations officer insights, and activist approaches.

Moderator / Small Group Facilitator

Cooley Senior Strategic Advisor, Capital Markets & Corporate Governance

Liz Dunshee

Liz is a trusted industry leader for executives, boards of directors and those who advise them. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in corporate and securities law, executive compensation and investor developments...

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President, Fredrikson; Board Chair, NACD Minnesota Chapter

Melodie Rose

A veteran of the firm for more than 30 years, Melodie serves as president of Fredrikson & Byron as well as a member of the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee. In her legal practice, Melodie has more than three decades of experience in corporate representation, including securities regulation, corporate governance, equity and debt capital market transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and business planning...

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