Table of ContentsUNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

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

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

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

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WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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TableNotice of Contents2022 

Annual General Meeting

Of Members and

Proxy Statement

 

 

Notice of 2016

Annual General Meeting

Of Members and

Proxy Statement

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 



Dear Fellow Shareholders:

We finished 2021 with book value per share of $1,176 and adjusted book value per share of $1,190, decreases of 7% and 6% from the prior year, respectively. Excluding the mark-to-market decline in our investment in MediaAlpha, adjusted book value per share increased 4% for the year, reflecting positive results from our operating businesses.

Ark produced good underwriting results in a heavy catastrophe year, while growing full year premiums 77%. At BAM, investor demand for bond insurance remained strong, and BAM insured a record $15.6 billion of par in the primary market. NSM finished 2021 with new highs for pro forma controlled premiums and pro forma adjusted EBITDA. Likewise, Kudu produced strong growth in adjusted EBITDA and completed five acquisitions during the year.

The businesses we own today position us well for the future. As is the White Mountains “way,” we continue to prospect for acquisition opportunities, via our “platform business” and at the parent company.

Enhancement of ESG Practices and Disclosures

White Mountains seeks to create superior growth in the Company’s intrinsic value per share over the long term. In order to achieve this goal, and in order to steward our owners’ capital effectively, the Board and management are committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility. We have made this commitment an integral part of our culture and practices. In 2021, with oversight from the Board of Directors, White Mountains aligned our ESG priorities with both our Company’s business strategy as well as industry and investor expectations. We significantly enhanced our ESG practices by (i) amending the Company’s investment policy to address ESG, (ii) adopting a climate change statement, (iii) formalizing the Board’s oversight of ESG matters, and (iv) further integrating climate-related risks into our risk management practices. In response to feedback from shareholders, we also improved the communication of our ESG practices by launching an ESG page on our website.

Ongoing Dialogue with Shareholders Through Proactive Engagement

Over the last year, members of the Board and management reached out to shareholders owning 72% of White Mountains’s shares outstanding and met with all of those shareholders who accepted a meeting, who represented 19% of our shares outstanding. Over the past several years, feedback received from these discussions has helped guide changes to our executive compensation program and to enhance our disclosures about the skills and areas of expertise of our Board and our risk management and human capital management practices in general. This year our discussions with shareholders focused on our business strategy, corporate governance, the composition of our Board and enhancements to our ESG disclosures.

In 2021, in response to shareholder feedback, the Board committed to further expanding its diversity by adding a highly qualified and racially or ethnically diverse Board member by year-end 2022. During the year, the Board fulfilled its commitment, increasing gender diversity from 29% to 38% and racial or ethnic diversity from 0% to 13%. The Board is committed to refreshing its membership regularly in order to enhance the diversity of its skills, experience and background and to effectively oversee the Company as it evolves.

Our core principles served us well in 2021, as we continued to meet the challenges posed by the global pandemic. It is a privilege to serve as your Board, and we value highly your support of White Mountains.

Sincerely,

TableThe White Mountains Insurance Group Board of ContentsDirectors

 

Morgan W. Davis, Chair

Peter M. CarlsonMary C. ChoksiMargaret Dillon
Philip A. GelstonG. Manning RountreeSuzanne F. ShankDavid A. Tanner
April 6, 2022

Table of Contents

Page

PROXY SUMMARY

2
NOTICE OF 20162022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

2

6

PROXY STATEMENT

3

7

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF THE COMPANY’S DIRECTORS

4

8

The Board of Directors

4

8

Corporate Governance

6

14

Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof

10

22

Executive Compensation

12

24

CEO Pay Ratio

48
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

28

49

Equity Compensation Plan Information

29

50

Audit Committee Report

30

51

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

31

52

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

32

PROPOSAL 2:   ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF HG RE LTD.

32

PROPOSAL 3:   ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF WHITE MOUNTAINS LIFE REINSURANCE (BERMUDA) LTD.

32

PROPOSAL 4:   ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ANY NEW DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY OF WTM

32

PROPOSAL 5:   ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF SPLIT ROCK INSURANCE, LTD.

33

PROPOSAL 6:   ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF GRAND MARAIS CAPITAL LIMITED

33

PROPOSAL 7:   ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF ANY NEW DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY OF ONEBEACON

33

PROPOSAL 8:   ADOPTION OF MAJORITY VOTING IN UNCONTESTED DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

34

PROPOSAL 9:  ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

36

53

PROPOSAL 10:3:  APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 20162022

36

54

OTHER MATTERS

37

55

ANNEX A: RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

A-1

 

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (the “Company”, “Registrant” or “WTM”) is an exempted Bermuda limited liability company whose principal businesses are conducted through its propertysubsidiaries and casualty insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries.affiliates. 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’sMountains is engaged in the business of making opportunistic and value-oriented acquisitions of businesses and assets in the insurance, financial services and related sectors, operating these businesses and assets through its subsidiaries and, if and when attractive exit valuations become available, disposing of these businesses and assets.

As of December 31, 2021, White Mountains conducted its business primarily in five areas: municipal bond insurance, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, operations principally include: (1) OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (“OB” or “OneBeacon”), a 76%-owned Bermuda-based company, whichspecialty insurance distribution, capital solutions for asset management firms and other operations. White Mountains’s municipal bond insurance business is conducted through its subsidiaries offers a wide range of specialty property and casualty insurance products in the United States primarily through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies; (2)subsidiary HG Global Ltd. and its reinsurance subsidiary HG Re Ltd. (“HG Re”), a Bermuda-domiciled company, which(collectively, “HG Global”). HG Global was established to fund the startup of and provide reinsurance, through its subsidiaries reinsuresHG Re, to Build America Mutual Assurance Company (“BAM”), a mutual municipal bond insurer domiciled in New York that provides insurance on bonds issued to support essential U.S. public purposes, and provided the initial capitalization of BAM through the purchase of $503 million of BAM surplus notes; and (3)company. White Mountains’s Other Operations segment, which includesproperty and casualty insurance and reinsurance business is conducted through its subsidiary Ark Insurance Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Ark”). White Mountains’s variable annuity reinsurancespecialty insurance distribution business is conducted through its subsidiary NSM Insurance HoldCo, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively, “NSM”). White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (“Life Re Bermuda”), which is in runoff with all ofprovides capital solutions for asset management firms through its contracts maturing by June 30, 2016, and Life Re Bermuda’s U.S.-based service provider, White Mountains Financial Services LLC (collectively, “WM Life Re”), White Mountains’s ownership positions in Tranzact Holdings, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “Tranzact”), QL Holdings, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “MediaAlpha”) and Wobi Insurance Agency Ltd. (“Wobi”), as well as various other entities and investments. The Other Operations segment also includes Star & Shield Services LLC, Star & Shield Risksubsidiary Kudu Investment Management, LLC and Star & Shield Claims Services LLCits subsidiaries (collectively, “Star & Shield”“Kudu”). Star & Shield provides management services for a fee to Star & Shield Insurance Exchange (“SSIE”), a reciprocal that is owned by its members, who are policyholders. White Mountains’s invested assets are managed byother operations consist of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, White Mountains Capital, LLC (“WM Capital”), its other intermediate holding companies, its wholly-owned investment management subsidiary, White Mountains Advisors LLC (“WM Advisors”), the Company’s wholly-owned investment management subsidiary.  For additional information on our businessassets managed by WM Advisors, its interests in MediaAlpha, Inc. (“MediaAlpha”), certain other consolidated and unconsolidated entities and certain other assets. As of December 31, 2021, White Mountains’s reportable segments please refer to the Form 10-K for 2015 which can be found at www.whitemountains.com.were HG Global/BAM, Ark, NSM, Kudu and Other Operations.

 

The 20162022 Annual General Meeting will be confined to a Membershareholder vote on the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement and on such other matters properly brought before the meeting.

For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures used in this Proxy Statement to their most comparable GAAP measures, see Annex A.


PROXY SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider. You should read the entire Proxy Statement carefully before voting.

Meeting Information and Availability of Proxy Materials
Date and Time:May 26, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. Atlantic Time
Place:Rosewood Bermuda Hotel, 60 Tucker’s Point Drive, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda
Record Date:April 4, 2022

This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being distributed and made available to shareholders on or about April 22, 2022.

Voting Matters and Board Recommendations
MatterOur Board’s Recommendation
Proposal 1

Election of three directors to Class I with terms ending in 2025;

Election of one director to Class III with term ending in 2024

For
Proposal 2Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensationFor
Proposal 3Approval of the appointment of PwC as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2022For

How to Vote

Even if you plan to attend the 2022 Annual Meeting of Members in person, we encourage you to vote in advance of the meeting. You may vote using one of the following voting methods. Make sure to have your proxy card or voting instruction form in hand and follow the instructions. Participants who hold shares in a brokerage account, an employee benefit plan, or through a nominee will need to follow instructions on their proxy card, which may include options to vote their shares by telephone or over the internet. You can vote in one of three ways:

Record HoldersBeneficial Owners
Vote via the internetFollow the instructions set forth on the voting instruction form provided by your broker with these proxy materials.
·Go to www.envisionreports.com/WTM
Vote by telephone
·Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada
Vote by mail
·Complete, sign, date and return your proxy card in the envelope provided

2

Company Performance Highlights
ABVPS and IBVPS were down 7% and 6%, respectively, year over year.  Excluding the mark-to-market decline in our investment in MediaAlpha, adjusted book value per share increased 4% for the year, reflecting positive results from our operating businesses.  Highlights of our 2021 operational and financial performance include:

üGood underwriting results for Ark in a heavy catastrophe year; grew full year premiums 77%

üRecord $15.6 billion of par insured for BAM, driven by strong investor demand for bond insurance

üNew highs for pro forma controlled premiums and pro forma EBITDA for NSM

üStrong growth in adjusted EBITDA for Kudu, and completion of five acquisitions during the year

üSuccessful navigation of COVID-19 pandemic

ü Significant progress in evolving our ESG practices and increasing diversity on our Board of Directors

Governance Highlights
The Company’s commitment to strong corporate governance, effective risk management and strong independent oversight of management by the Board is reflected in our sound governance practices and policies.  Governance highlights include:

ü Board Composed of 88% Independent Directors
(7 out of 8 Board Members)

ü Commitment to Board Refreshment (Three New Directors in Past Three Years)

ü Average Board Tenure is 5 years

ü Independent Chairman

ü 38% Board Gender Diversity (increased from 29%)

ü 13% Racial or Ethnic Diversity (increased from 0%)

ü Shareholder Right to Call a Special Meeting at 10%

üAnnual Board, Committee, and Individual Self-Evaluations

üRobust Director and Executive Officer Share Ownership Guidelines (5x cash retainer for Directors and 10x salary for CEO and EVPs)


Shareholder Outreach

Shareholder engagement is of great importance to our Board and management team as a means to solicit feedback and to ensure accountability and responsiveness to our shareholders. As part of our 2021 shareholder engagement, we reached out to owners representing 72% of outstanding shares and met with all shareholders who accepted a meeting, who represented 19% of outstanding shares. Our Compensation / Nominating & Governance Committee Chair personally led discussions in meetings with shareholders representing 13% of outstanding shares.

 

Feedback from these discussions is shared with the Board each year. In 2019 and 2020, this feedback helped guide changes to our executive compensation plan and further enhancement of our proxy disclosures. In this year’s proxy statement, we have included information on the enhancement of our ESG practices and the launch of an ESG landing page on our website, disclosed the Board’s fulfillment, in 2021, of our commitment to add a racially or ethnically diverse Director by year-end 2022 and added disclosure on our director recruitment practices, including consideration of diversity. For further details on the topics discussed with shareholders and the responsive actions taken to the feedback received, please refer to page 14 of the proxy statement.

Executive Compensation Highlights

üFormulaic Annual Incentive Plan with Pre-established, Rigorous, and Quantifiable Performance Targets

üHalf of Annual Long-Term Incentives Delivered in Performance-Based Equity, with a Three-Year Performance Period

üClawback Policy for Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan

üDouble-Trigger Change-in-Control Provisions

ü93% of Total Target 2021 CEO Compensation Was Linked to Metrics Assessing Company or Stock Performance and Therefore Meaningfully “At-Risk”

ü88% of Total Target 2021 CEO Compensation Delivered in Long-Term Incentives

üThoughtful Peer Group Selection Methodology with Peer Group Used for Variability and Assessment of Appropriate Compensation Structure, Not for Benchmarking Purposes

Chief Executive Officer:

 

Other NEOs:

 


Enhancing Environmental, Social and Governance Practices and Disclosures

In 2020, with oversight from the Board of Directors, White Mountains embarked on a project designed to improve our ESG practices and disclosures. To strengthen our ESG practices, we undertook a comprehensive gap analysis to identify areas of focus that would align with our Company’s business strategy as well as industry and investor expectations. The full Board had oversight of this process and final approval of the ESG focus areas and actions, which include:

·ESG in our Investment Policy: In 2021, we revised our investment policy to address ESG factors. We consider ESG factors when (i) making decisions in respect of internally managed portfolios and (ii) selecting external investment managers.

·Board Oversight of ESG: In 2021, the charters of the Audit, Finance and Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committees were amended to explicitly include ESG oversight responsibilities. The CNG Committee has responsibility for overseeing the Company’s strategy with respect to corporate governance; environmental stewardship, sustainability and corporate social responsibility; and succession planning for senior executives. The Finance Committee has the responsibility to formulate and approve the investment policy for White Mountains, including the incorporation of ESG considerations. The Audit Committee has responsibility for the oversight of ESG risks as part of its risk management oversight responsibilities.

·Statement on Climate Change: In 2021, we have adopted a corporate statement on climate change, which can be found on page 20.

·ESG in Our Risk Management: Through our risk management activities, we seek to identify and assess major risks that could affect our businesses. We consider ESG risks, such as the impact of climate change and human capital management, in our risk management processes. In 2021, we added information on our risk management practices, including the primary frameworks used to assess risk and our approach to business continuity and the management of cybersecurity risks, to our Company website.

·Communication of Our ESG Practices: To respond to feedback received in our annual shareholder engagement, we have developed an ESG landing page on our corporate website to communicate our practices more effectively. The ESG page contains an overview of how ESG is incorporated into our corporate governance and business ethics, our approach to climate change, our investment management activities, our human capital management, our approach to risk management and our community engagement.

For further information on the enhancement of our ESG practices and disclosures, please refer to page 19.


WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

 

NOTICE OF 20162022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

 

TO BE HELD MAY 26, 20162022

 

April 6, 2022

April 21, 2016

 

Notice is hereby given that the 20162022 Annual General Meeting of Members of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. will be held on Thursday, May 26, 20162022 at 8:00 am Atlantic Time at Tucker’s PointRosewood Bermuda Hotel, 60 Tucker’s Point Drive, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda. At this meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

1)

1)

election of three directors to Class I with aterms ending in 2025; and election of one director to Class III with term ending in 2019;

2024;

 

2)

election of the Board of Directors of HG Re Ltd. (“HG Re”), a wholly-owned reinsurance company organized under the laws of Bermuda;

3)

election of the Board of Directors of White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. (“WMLRB”), a wholly-owned reinsurance company organized under the laws of Bermuda;

4)

election of the Board of Directors of any new designated subsidiary;

5)

election of the Board of Directors of Split Rock Insurance, Ltd. (“Split Rock”), a reinsurance company organized under the laws of Bermuda that is wholly-owned by OneBeacon Insurance Group;

6)

election of the Board of Directors of Grand Marais Capital Limited (“Grand Marais”), a reinsurance company organized under the laws of Bermuda that is wholly-owned by OneBeacon Insurance Group;

7)

election of the Board of Directors of any new designated subsidiary of OneBeacon Insurance Group;

8)

approval of amendments to the Company’s bye-laws to adopt majority voting for uncontested Director elections;

9)

approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation;

and

 

10)

3)

approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2016.

2022.

 

The Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015,2021, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, will be presented at this Annual General Meeting.

 

MembersShareholders of record of common shares on the record date, Monday, April 4, 2016,2022, (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 authorized representative attend and vote at the meeting in person or by proxy. A list of all MembersShareholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be open for public examination during regular business hours beginning on or about April 18, 201622, 2022 at the Company’s registered office located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.

 

All Members are invited to attend this meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

Jennifer L. PittsMoyer

Corporate Secretary

 

MembersShareholders are invited to complete and sign the accompanying proxy card to be returned to White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., Proxy Services, c/o Computershare Investor Services, P.O. Box 8069, Edison, New Jersey, 08818-8069,505008, Louisville, Kentucky 40233-9814, in the envelope provided, whether or not they expect to attend the meeting. MembersShareholders 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.

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) for the 20162022 Annual General Meeting of Members (the “2016“2021 Annual Meeting”), to be held on Thursday, May 26, 20162022 at Tucker’s PointRosewood Bermuda Hotel, 60 Tucker’s Point Drive, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda.

Holders of the Company’s common shares (“Shareholders”), par value $1.00 per share, as of the close of business on Monday, April 4, 2022, the record date, are entitled to vote at the meeting. The solicitation of proxies will be made primarily by mail, and the Proxy Statement and related proxy materials will be distributed to registered MembersShareholders on or about April 22, 2016.

Holders of the Company’s common shares (“Members”), par value $1.00 per share, as of the close of business on Monday, April 4, 2016, the record date, are entitled to vote at the meeting.2022.

 

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. MembersShareholders may also vote their shares by telephone or via the internet in accordance with the instructions on your proxy card. A Member hasShareholders have the right to appoint another person (who need not be a Member)Shareholder) to represent the MemberShareholder 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)55). Every MemberShareholder entitled to vote has the right to do so either in person or by one or more persons authorized by a written proxy executed by such MemberShareholder 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 MemberShareholder 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 103 (the ratification of the selection of PwC as the Company’s auditor for 2016)2022), 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.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 company’s 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.htmhttps://www.investor.gov/system/files/publications/documents/english/sec-guide-to-proxy-brochures.pdf with more information about your voting rights as a shareholder.


PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF THE COMPANY’S DIRECTORS

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board is divided into three classes (each a “Class”). Each Class serves a three-year term.

 

At the 20162022 Annual General Meeting, Messrs. Morgan W. Davis, Lowndes A. SmithPeter M. Carlson and Gary C. TolmanSuzanne F. Shank are nominated to be elected to Class I with a term ending in 2019.2025 and David A. Tanner is nominated to be elected to Class III with a term ending in 2024. Of the nominees for election at the 2022 Annual General Meeting, Messrs. Davis, Carlson and Tanner were previously elected by Shareholders. Ms. Shank was recommended by Mr. Rountree, the Chief Executive Officer, and approved for nomination to be elected at the 2022 Annual General Meeting by the Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee.

 

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 1 which calls for the election of the 20162022 nominees.

 

The current members of the Board and terms of each Class are set forth below:

 

Director

 

 

Age

 

 

 

Director
since

 

Class I - Term ending in 2016*

 

 

 

 

Morgan W. Davis

 

65

 

2006

Lowndes A. Smith

 

76

 

2003

Gary C. Tolman

 

64

 

2015

Class II - Term ending in 2017

 

 

 

 

Raymond Barrette, Chairman

 

65

 

2006

Yves Brouillette

 

64

 

2007

Class III - Term ending in 2018

 

 

 

 

A. Michael Frinquelli*

 

74

 

2005

Edith E. Holiday

 

64

 

2004

* Nominated to be elected at the 2016 Annual Meeting to Class I with a term ending in 2019.

 

Director 

 

Age 

 

Director

Since 

Class I - Term ending in 2022   
   Morgan W. Davis, Chairman71 2006
   Peter M. Carlson57 

2019 

   Suzanne F. Shank60 2021
   David A. Tanner63 2018
Class II - Term ending in 2023   
   G. Manning Rountree50 2017
   Mary C. Choksi71 2017
Class III - Term ending in 2024   
   Margaret Dillon62 2021
   Philip A. Gelston69 

2018 

 

The Board is currently comprised of sixseven independent directors and the Chairman/CEO.Chief Executive Officer.

Board Composition and Refreshment

 

The Company is committed to maintaining a Board with members from a variety of backgrounds to promote diverse, independent thinking. Diversity considerations are an important part of the director search process, and the Company believes that regularly enhancing and refreshing the makeup of the Board is important. In 2021, our Board committed to further expanding its diversity by adding a highly qualified and racially or ethnically diverse Board member by year-end 2022. The Board has fulfilled its commitment, increasing gender diversity from 29% to 38% (3 directors) and racial or ethnic diversity from 0% to 13% (1 director). Out of eight directors, seven are independent, with 100% independence on the Audit and Compensation/Nominating & Governance committees. The Board regularly refreshes its membership to enhance the diversity of its skills, experience and background to effectively oversee the business as the Company evolves.


Director Skills and Qualifications

Our Board seeks Directors with a broad range of skills, experience and perspectives in order to ensure effective oversight of the Company’s strategies and risks. The Board believes its members should have a diversity of skillsmust be willing and experience and be willingable to devote adequate time and effort to Board responsibilities. In evaluating director candidates, the Compensation/Nominating and& Governance Committee evaluates attributes such as independence, integrity, expertise, breadth of experience, diversity, knowledge about the Company’s business and industry and ownership interest in the Company. Key aspectsThe skills matrix below highlights our Board’s key skills and qualifications that are directly relevant to our business, strategy and operations. The Board reviews this matrix and the overall Board composition periodically in order to ensure the appropriate balance of diversity, knowledge and experience.

Skills and QualificationsPeter CarlsonMary ChoksiMorgan DavisMargaret DillonPhilip GelstonManning RountreeSuzanne ShankDavid Tanner
Insurance/Financial Services Industry Experience promotes our Board’s ability to define and direct our strategy, evaluate potential transactions, and oversee and strategically guide our management team
Senior Leadership Experience enhances our Board’s ability to understand and impact the opportunities and challenges management faces in leading our businesses
Financial Reporting Expertise strengthens the Board’s oversight of our financial statements and internal controls
Risk Assessment/Risk Management Experience strengthens the Board’s oversight of complex risks facing the Company
Legal/Regulatory Expertise provides the Board with insights into the highly regulated insurance and financial services industries, as well as guidance on these aspects of our mergers and acquisitions activity
Public Company Board Experience equips our Board to maintain robust governance and board practices that are designed to put owners first

The lack of a checkmark for a particular item does not mean that the directors’ experiences, qualifications and skills are included in their individual biographies.director does not possess that qualification, skill or experience, but rather the checkmark indicates that the item is a particularly prominent qualification, skill or experience that the director brings to the Board.


Board of Directors

 

Class I - To Be Elected to a Term Ending in 20192025

 

Morgan W. Davis has been a director of the Company since 2006.  Mr. Davis formerly was 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 1994, Mr. Davis had 21 years of experience in the insurance business, mostly at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and INA/Cigna.  Mr. Davis also serves as a director of OneBeacon, Endurance Specialty Holdings, where he also serves as a member of the Finance and Compensation Committees, Compare.com (formerly Inspop USA LLC), Valen Analytics, where he also serves as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, and MediaAlpha.  Mr. Davis has extensive executive and board-level experience gained over the course of his forty-five-year career in the property and casualty insurance industry.

Morgan W. Davis

Chairman

Qualifications

·Joined in 2006

·Age: 71

·Chairman of the Board

·Committees: Compensation/ Nominating & Governance,

Executive (Chair)

Experience:

·Appointed Chairman of the Board in March 2017

·Formerly Managing Director of OneBeacon (2001 to 2005) and served in a variety of capacities for White Mountains subsidiaries (1994 to 2001)

·Prior to 1994, Mr. Davis had 21 years of experience in the insurance industry, mostly at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and INA/Cigna

·Served as a director of OneBeacon from 2005 until its acquisition by Intact Financial Corporation in September 2017

·Served as a director of Endurance Specialty Holdings, and as a member of its Finance and Compensation Committees, from 2015 until its acquisition by SOMPO Holdings, Inc. in March 2017

·Serves on the Board of Trustees of Lipscomb University and on the Board of Directors of the United States African Development Foundation

Mr. Davis has extensive executive and board-level experience gained over the course of his more than 45-year career in the property and casualty insurance industry.

Select Board Service:

·NSM Insurance Group (Private)

 

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. (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 Executive and Compensation Committees of OneBeacon.  Mr. Smith also served as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Audit, Compensation and Executive Committees of Symetra Financial Corporation from 2007 until its February 2016 merger with Sumitomo Life Insurance Company.  Mr. Smith has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry as well as broad management and financial experience.

Gary C. Tolman was appointed to the Board of Directors in June 2015. Mr. Tolman served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal auto insurance company, from 2000 until his retirement in 2015.  Mr. Tolman also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Answer Financial, one of the country’s largest personal lines insurance agencies.  Prior to joining Esurance in 1999, Mr. Tolman served as the President and Treasurer of Talegen Holdings, formerly the property and casualty insurance operations of Xerox Corporation.  Before Talegen, Mr. Tolman worked at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company for 15 years, serving in a number of capacities and leaving as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of its reinsurance company.  Mr. Tolman is on the Board of Governors of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and has also served on the boards of a number of insurance and insurance services companies during his 40-year career in the property and casualty insurance industry.
Peter M. Carlson

Qualifications

 

·Joined in 2019

·Age: 57

·Committees: Audit (Chair), Executive

Experience:

·Chief Financial Officer of MiMedx Group, a biopharmaceutical company; joined December 2019

·Formerly served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Brighthouse Financial, a U.S. annuity and life insurance company that spun off from MetLife, from 2017 to 2018

·Served as Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at MetLife from 2009 to 2017

·Formerly at Wachovia Corporation from 2002 to 2009, where he served as Executive Vice President and Corporate Controller from 2006 to 2008

·Joined Wachovia after fifteen years at Arthur Andersen, where he served as an audit partner working in financial services, manufacturing, commercial services and distribution

·Serves as a Trustee of Wake Forest University

Mr. Carlson has extensive accounting and auditing experience gained over the course of his 30-year career in the insurance and financial services industries.

10

Suzanne F. ShankQualifications

 

·Joined in 2021

·Age: 60

·Committees: Compensation/Nominating & Governance, Finance

Experience:

·President, CEO and co-founder of Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC (formerly Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co., LLC), a full service investment banking and financial services company established in 1996

·Prior to her financial services career, she worked as a structural engineer at General Dynamics Corporation

·Serves as Board Member of Skillman Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Spelman College and Global Citizen

Ms. Shank has extensive experience in investment banking and municipal finance gained over the course of almost 35 years in the financial services industry

Select Board Service:

·Consumers Energy Company - Audit Committee (Public)

·Rocket Companies, Inc. - Audit Committee (Public)

 

Class II -I – To Be Elected to Class III and to a Term Ending in 20172024

 

David A. TannerQualifications

 

·Joined in 2018

·Age: 63

·Deputy Chairman of the Board

·Committees: Audit, Finance

Experience:

·Appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board in February 2020

·Managing Director of Three Mile Capital LLC, a private investment company

·Served as the Managing Director of Arlon Group LLC and as Executive Vice President and a member of the Management Committee of Continental Grain Company from 2006 to 2017

·Served as a Founder and Managing Principal of Quadrangle Group, LLC from 2000 to 2006

·Served as Managing Director at Lazard Freres & Co. and Managing Principal at Lazard Capital Partners from 1998 to 2000

·Serves as Chairman of the Board of the New York University School of Law, Trustee of New York University, Trustee and Chair Emeritus of Montefiore Medicine Academic Health System, Director of Lawyers for Children, Director of The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations

Mr. Tanner has extensive executive and board-level service and financial expertise gained over the course of 35 years in the financial services industry.

Select Board Service:

·Northeast Bancorp (Public)

11

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 CompanyClass II – Term Ending in 1997, Mr. Barrette had 23 years of experience in the insurance business.  Mr. Barrette serves as a director of OneBeacon and BAM.  Mr. Barrette is an actuary and has significant experience in all facets of the property and casualty insurance industry.2023

 

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), where he serves on the Audit and Risk Committees, and was the 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.
Mary C. ChoksiQualification

 

·Joined in 2017

·Age: 71

·Committees: Finance (Chair), Executive

Experience:

·Founding Partner (and Senior Managing Director/Senior Advisor until February 2017) of Strategic Investment Group, an investment management enterprise founded in 1987 which designs and implements global investment strategies for institutional and individual investors

·Founder and Managing Director of Emerging Markets Management LLC until May 2011

·Prior to 1987, worked in the Pension Investment Division of the World Bank

·Serves as a Trustee of Washington and Lee University

Ms. Choksi has extensive executive and board-level service and investment management expertise gained over the course of her 40 years in the financial services industry.

Select Board Service:

·Omnicom Group - Audit and Compensation Committees (Public)

·Franklin Templeton Mutual Funds (24 investment companies) - Audit Committee

G. Manning RountreeQualifications

 

·Joined in 2017

·Age: 50

·Committees: Finance, Executive

Experience:

·Joined White Mountains in 2004

·Prior to CEO appointment in 2017, served as President of White Mountains Capital and President of White Mountains Advisors

·Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Development, Putnam Investments (2002-2004)

·Associate, McKinsey & Company (1999-2002)

Mr. Rountree has extensive management and financial expertise gained over the course of his career in the investment and insurance industries.

Select Board Service:

·Build America Mutual Assurance Co. (Private) - Chairman

·Various WTM portfolio companies (Private)

 


Class III – Term Ending in 20182024

 

Margaret DillonQualifications

·Joined in 2021

·Age: 62

·Committees: Audit, Compensation/Nominating & Governance

Experience:

·Served as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, US Consumer Markets, for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company from 2014 to 2017

·Served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Personal Lines Insurance, for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company from 2002 to 2014

·Served as Controller, Personal Markets, for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company from 1998 to 2001

·Served in various technology and finance roles for International Paper from 1984 to 1993

Ms. Dillon has extensive executive, financial, and property and casualty insurance expertise gained over the course of over 30 years in the insurance and manufacturing industries.

Select Board Service:

·Guidewire Software - Audit Committee (Public)

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 is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has extensive insurance industry expertise, serving as an insurance industry equity analyst for almost 35 years.

Philip A. GelstonQualifications

 

·Joined in 2018

·Age: 69

·Committees: Audit, Compensation/ Nominating &
Governance (Chair), Executive

Experience:

·Joined Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in 1978, became a partner in 1984, and retired in December 2017

·Currently a member of Cravath’s Office of General Counsel

·Has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and general corporate counseling, encompassing complicated negotiated transactions, hostile transactions (both offense and defense), cross border transactions, activist defense, and advising boards and senior executives, particularly on complex transactions, corporate governance and managing crisis situations

·Serves as a Trustee for the Friends of Democracy Prep New York Charter Schools

Mr. Gelston has extensive legal and management expertise gained over the course of his 40-year career in the legal field.


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

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 to 2007.  From 1990 to 1993 Ms. Holiday served as AssistantWe are committed to the Presidentethical conduct of the United Statesour business. This commitment is reflected in our corporate governance and Secretaryin our corporate values and culture. Our corporate governance helps us to mitigate and manage risks by providing clear lines of the Cabinet.  From 1989 to 1990 she was General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department.  Ms. Holiday also holds directorships at Canadian National Railway Company (since 2001), where she also serves on the Audit Committee,oversight and Hess Corporation (since 1993), and is a director or trustee of 42 investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Mutual Funds (since 1996).  Ms. Holiday also served as a Directorresponsibility for the H. J. Heinz Company (from 1995 until its sale in 2013) and RTI International Metals Inc. (from 1999 until its sale in 2015).  Ms. Holiday has extensive board-level experience across diverse industries and significant experience with the U.S. Federal government.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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 Company’s Members.  Board. We review and seek to improve our corporate governance regularly.

The Company has establishedCompany’s Corporate Governance Guidelines that spell out itsour 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 2015.2021.

 

The Company’s 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 Membershareholder upon request.

The Board

 

The primary responsibility of the Board is to oversee and review management’s performance in order to advance the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders. 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 management’s performance of these functions in order to advance the long-term interests of the Company and its Members.

 

In fulfilling thistheir responsibility, directors must exercise common sense business judgment and act in what they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the CompanyCompany. Directors keep themselves informed by discussing matters with the CEO, other key executives and its Members.our principal external advisors, such as legal counsel, outside auditors and other consultants, by reading the reports and other materials that management sends them regularly, and by participating actively in Board and committee meetings. Directors are entitled to rely on the honesty and integrity of senior management and the Company’s outside advisors and auditors. However, it is the Board’s 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. BarretteDavis, an independent director, serves as Chairman of the Board and as CEOBoard. At meetings of the Company.  The Board, believes thatMr. Davis presides over a separate session of non-management directors without Company management present. In addition to being led by an independent Board Chair, 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 comprised of directors that, together, are knowledgeable and experienced in the Company’s business, and thebusiness. The Board is satisfied that the current structure provides strong oversight of the Company’s affairs.

AtShareholder Engagement

Shareholder engagement is of great importance to our Board and management team as a means to solicit feedback and to ensure accountability and responsiveness to our shareholders. We recognize the value in maintaining open lines of communication with our shareholders and consider our robust annual shareholder outreach program to be an important governance tool. In these meetings, we address any trends, topics or issues that participating shareholders wish to discuss with us. As part of our shareholder engagement efforts in 2021, we reached out to shareholders owning 72% of outstanding shares and met with all shareholders who accepted a meeting, who represented 19% of outstanding shares. Our Compensation / Nominating & Governance Committee Chair personally led discussions in meetings with shareholders representing 13% of outstanding shares.

These discussions centered around our business strategy, corporate governance (including Board diversity), executive compensation program composition of our board, and enhancements to our ESG disclosures. More specifically, we discussed our significant business achievements in 2021, the evolution of our ESG practices, our progress on Board diversity, and our compensation philosophy and metrics. Our shareholders continued to express support for the changes we made to our compensation program in 2019, which included (i) making our annual bonus program for executive officers entirely formulaic with a pre-established, rigorous and quantifiable performance target relevant for our Company and industry and (ii) adopting


share ownership guidelines for our executive officers. Our shareholders were overwhelmingly supportive of our approach in 2021.

 

Our Annual Investor Meeting provides another opportunity for us to engage with our shareholders. The Company will hold its 2022 Annual Investor Meeting on Friday, June 10, 2022. Please refer to the Company’s website for further details.

Management and the Board Morgan W. Davis,recognize the Deputy Chairman, presides over a separate sessionvalue of non-management directors without Company management present.

direct shareholder input and take our shareholders’ views into account in managing or overseeing the Company. Shareholder feedback is regularly communicated to our full Board, and the input we received directly informed enhancements implemented to our executive compensation program in 2019, as well as expanded disclosures relating to corporate governance, ESG and board diversity in our proxy statement.

Director Independence

 

The Board has determined that a majority of the Company’s 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,Carlson, Davis, Frinquelli, SmithGelston, and TolmanTanner and Ms. Holiday.Mmes. Choksi, Dillon and Shank. 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, Frinquelli, TolmanCarlson, Gelston and SmithTanner or Ms. Holiday.Mmes. Choksi, Dillon and Shank. The Board notes a relationship with Mr. Davis, as disclosed herein under “Director Compensation”, 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 director’s 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.

Board Meetings and Committees; Annual Meeting Attendance

 

During 2015,2021, the following meetings of the Board were held: five meetings of the full Board, eleveneight meetings of the Audit Committee, sevenfive meetings of the Compensation Committee, two meetings of the Performance Compensation Subcommittee, two meetings of the Compensation/Nominating and& Governance Committee and four meetings of the Finance Committee. During 2015,2021, 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 WTMWhite Mountains practice that all directors are invited to, receive materials for and generally attend all Committee meetings. In addition, each Committee Chair provides regular updates to the full Board regarding Committee activities.

Directors are encouraged but are not required, to attend annual meetings.the Annual General Meeting and our Annual Investor Meeting. All of the Company’s directors were in attendance at the 20152021 Annual General Meeting, which was held on May 28, 2015.27, 2021, and the 2021 Annual Investor Meeting, which was held on June 4, 2021.

 


Committees of the Board

Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee

Met five times during fiscal year 2021

Current Committee Members:

·Phil Gelston (Chair)

·Morgan Davis

·Margaret Dillon

·Suzanne Shank

Primary Responsibilities

·Review and make recommendations on director compensation

·Discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to the compensation of executives

·Oversee the administration of the Company’s (and, to the extent the Committee deems appropriate, the major subsidiaries of the Company) compensation plans, in particular the incentive compensation and equity-based plans

·Prepare the annual report on executive compensation required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement or annual report on Form 10-K, as applicable

·Identify individuals qualified to become Board members and recommend such individuals to the Board for nomination for election to the Board

·Make recommendations to the Board concerning committee appointments

·Develop, recommend and annually review corporate governance guidelines applicable to the Company and oversee corporate governance matters

·Oversee the Company’s strategy with respect to environmental stewardship, sustainability and corporate social responsibility

·Review the CEO’s short-term and long-term succession plans for the CEO and other senior management positions and report to the Board on succession planning

·Oversee the evaluation of the Board and management

The Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee Charter, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee, is available at www.whitemountains.com. The Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee Charter is available in print, free of charge, to any shareholder upon request.

Independence

The Board has determined that each current member of the Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee satisfies applicable NYSE requirements.


Audit Committee

Met eight times during fiscal year 2021

Current Committee Members:

·Peter Carlson (Chair)

·Margaret Dillon

·Philip Gelston

·David Tanner

Primary Responsibilities

·Assist with Board oversight of the:

-Integrity of the Company’s financial statements;

-Qualifications and independence of the independent auditors;

-Performance of the internal audit function and the independent auditors; and

-Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

·Provide an avenue of communication among the independent auditors, management, the internal auditors and the Board

·Approve certain related or affiliated person transactions and review disclosures thereof

·Prepare the Audit Committee Report

·Discuss with management the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including the Company’s major financial risk exposures and risks related to environmental, social and governance matters, and the steps management has taken to monitor and control those exposures

·Receive a report, at least annually, on company-wide risks

·Meet individually in private session with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, General Auditor, Chief Accounting Officer, and the independent auditors at its quarterly meetings

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 shareholder upon request.

Financial Expertise and Independence

The Board has determined that, of the persons on the Audit Committee, at a minimum Mr. Carlson meets the requirements of being an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined in Item 407(d) 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.

Report

The Audit Committee Report is included in this Proxy Statement beginning on page 51.

Finance Committee

Met four times during fiscal year 2021

Current Committee Members:

·Mary Choksi (Chair)

·Manning Rountree

·Suzanne Shank

·David Tanner

Primary Responsibilities

·Formulate the Company’s investment policy and investment guidelines

·Review the performance and asset allocation of the Company’s investment portfolio on a regular basis

·Monitor the capital, debt, and corporate structure of the Company

·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

17 

Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

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 Ms. Edith Holiday (as Chairwoman) and Messrs. Brouillette, Davis and Smith.  The Board has determined that each currentNo member of the Compensation/Nominating and& Governance Committee satisfies applicable NYSE requirements.

The Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, which outlines the duties and responsibilitieswas an employee of the Nominating and Governance Committee, is available at www.whitemountains.com.  The Nominating and Governance Committee Charter is available in print, freeRegistrant during the last fiscal year or has served as an officer of charge, to any Member upon request.the Registrant.

Consideration of Director Nominees

 

General Criteria and Process for Selection of Director Candidates. Our Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee regularly reviews the individual and collective skills and other attributes of Board members. In identifying and evaluating director candidates, the Compensation/Nominating and& Governance Committee does not set specific criteria for directors. Under its charter,Charter, the Committee is responsible for determining desired Board skills and evaluating attributes such as independence, integrity, expertise, breadth of business and life experience, diversity and knowledge about the Company’s business orand 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 Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and its Charter, the Committee is responsible for recommending director candidates to the Board.

The Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee has the authority to retain search firms to be used to identify director candidates. During 2021, a third-party search firm helped to identify and review director candidates, and one of our new directors in 2021 was recommended by our search firm. We inform any director search firm that may be retained of our preference to include highly qualified candidates who have diverse identities or backgrounds (including in respect of gender or gender identity, race, ethnicity or sexual identity) in the pool of potential candidates it presents for consideration by the Board.

 

Consideration of Diversity in Selection of Director Candidates. We believe that a variety of perspectives, opinions, backgrounds, business and life experiences and tenure among the members of the Board enhances the Board’s ability to perform its duties and effectively oversee the Company’s business. In the selection of director candidates, we welcome a diversity of skills, backgrounds, business and life experiences, identities and viewpoints. The Board enhanced its diversity in 2021 with the addition of two female directors (Mmes. Dillon and Shank) and one racially diverse director (Ms. Shank) and remains committed to further increasing its diversity.

Consideration of Director Candidates Nominated by Members.Shareholders. The Company has not adopted a specific policy regarding consideration of director candidates from Members.  Membersshareholders. Shareholders 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 Membershareholder recommendations when it evaluates and recommends candidates to the Board for submission to Membersshareholders at each annual general meeting. In addition, Membersshareholders 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 Company’s Bye-laws, nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board or by any Membershareholder entitled to vote for the election of directors (a “Qualified Member”Shareholder”). A Qualified MemberShareholder may nominate persons for election as directors only if written notice of such Qualified Member’sShareholder’s 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,Shareholders, 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.Shareholders. Each such notice shall set forth: (a) the name and address of the Qualified MemberShareholder who intends to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated; (b) a representation that the Qualified MemberShareholder 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 MemberShareholder 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;Shareholder; (d) such other information regarding each candidate proposed by such Qualified MemberShareholder 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 CommitteeShareholder Communications

 

The primary purposesShareholders, employees and others interested in communicating directly with the Board, any of the Audit Committee are to: (1) assist with Board oversight of: the integrityBoard’s Committees or any individual member of the Company’s financial statements;Board should write to the qualifications and independence ofaddressee, c/o the independent auditors;Corporate Secretary, at the performance of the internal audit function and the independent auditors; and the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (2provide 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 Reportaddress presented under “Available Information” (which appears on page 30)56).  In addition, with respect to risk management, the Committee discusses with management the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control those exposures.

Succession Planning

 

The Audit Committee meets individually in private session with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Actuary, General Counsel, General Auditor and the independent auditors at its quarterly meetings.

The Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Smith (as Chairman), Brouillette and Frinquelli and Ms. Holiday.  The Board has determined that,One 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 407(d) 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 andtop responsibilities of the Audit Committee,Board is available at www.whitemountains.com.  The Audit Committee Charter is availableto ensure continuity in print, freeWhite Mountains’s senior leadership by overseeing the development of charge, to any Member upon request.

Compensation Committee

The primary purposesexecutive talent and planning for the efficient succession of the Compensation Committee are to: (1) reviewCEO and make recommendations on director compensation; (2) dischargeother senior executives. Among the Board’s responsibilities relating to the compensation of executives; (3) oversee the administration of the Company’s compensation plans (and, to the extent the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, the plans of the Company’s 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 CompensationCompensation/Nominating & Governance Committee is availableto review, at www.whitemountains.com.  The Compensation Committee Charter is available in print, free of charge, to any Member upon request.

Performance Compensation Subcommittee

In February 2013,least annually, the Compensation Committee formedCEO’s short-term and long-term succession plans for the Performance Compensation Subcommittee.  The Committee delegatedCEO and other senior management positions and report to the Subcommittee reviewBoard on succession planning. Our goal is to develop well-rounded and approval of performance-based compensation in orderexperienced leaders. The Company ensures that our executives have the necessary internal or external training and mentoring they need to complydevelop professionally. Our high potential executives are regularly challenged with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) (“Section 162(m)”).

The Performance Compensation Subcommittee is comprised of Messrs. Smithadditional responsibilities and Frinquellipositioned to interact more frequently with the Board so Directors can get to know and Ms. Holiday.assess them.

 

Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of the Compensation Committee or the Performance Compensation Subcommittee 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 Company’s (including OneBeacon’s) investment policy and investment guidelines; (2) review the performance and asset allocation of the Company’s (including OneBeacon’s) 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 and Smith.

Risk Oversight

 

The Board, directly and through its Committees, plays an active role in the oversight of the Company’s 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 Company’s business strategy, risk appetite and appropriate levels of risk.risk, as well as considerations of ESG risks, such as the impact of climate change, human capital management and cybersecurity threats.

 

The Board’s 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 encompassconsiders operational, financial, legal, compliance, cyber and reputational risks.risks, as well as climate risks and sustainability matters. The CompensationCompensation/Nominating & Governance Committee oversees risk related to executive compensation plans and implementation.implementation, corporate governance, succession planning, environmental stewardship, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The Finance Committee oversees the risks related to managing the Company’s investment portfolio. Full Board meetings and individual Committee meetings are scheduled so as not to overlap and all directors are encouraged to attend all committee meetings, allowing for every director to participate and provide guidance regarding any risk concerns.

More information about the Company’s approach to risk management, including the primary frameworks used to assess risk and our approach to business continuity and the management of cybersecurity risks, is available on the ESG landing page on our Company website (www.whitemountains.com/esg/).

 

Enhancing Environmental, Social and Governance Practices and Disclosures

White Mountains invests with the goal of creating superior growth in the Company’s intrinsic value per share over the long term.  In order to achieve this goal, and in order to steward our owners’ capital effectively, the Board and management are committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility. We have made this commitment an integral part of our culture and practices.

In 2020, with oversight from the Board of Directors, White Mountains embarked on a project designed to improve our ESG practices and disclosures. We identified ESG priorities that align with both our Company’s business strategy as well as industry and investor expectations. Our key areas of focus included (i) amending the Company’s investment policy to address ESG, (ii) adopting a climate change statement, (iii) formalizing the Board’s oversight of ESG matters, and (iv) further integrating climate-related risks into our risk management practices. In response to feedback from shareholders, we also committed to improve the communication of our ESG practices by launching an ESG page within our corporate website.

19 

Our ESG Practices

To strengthen our ESG practices, we undertook a comprehensive gap analysis to identify areas to improve that would align with our business strategy as well as industry and investor expectations. ESG topics were prioritized based on relevance, applicability and feasibility of implementation. The full Board had oversight of this process and final approval of the ESG focus areas and actions, which included:

·ESG in Our Investment Policy: In 2021, we revised our investment policy to address ESG factors. We consider ESG factors when (i) making investment decisions in respect of internally managed portfolios and (ii) selecting external investment managers.

·Board Oversight of ESG: In 2021, the charters of the Audit, Finance and Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committees were amended to explicitly include ESG oversight responsibilities. The CNG Committee has responsibility for overseeing the Company’s strategy with respect to corporate governance; environmental stewardship, sustainability and corporate social responsibility; and succession planning for senior executives. The Finance Committee has responsibility for formulating and approving the investment policy for White Mountains, including the incorporation of ESG considerations. The Audit Committee has responsibility for the oversight of ESG risks as part of its risk management oversight responsibilities.

·Statement on Climate Change: In 2021, we adopted a corporate statement on climate change as follows:

“Climate change contributes to higher temperatures, sea level rise and more extreme weather events including droughts, heavy storms, wildfires and stronger hurricanes.  We do not manufacture products that produce carbon, nor do we otherwise meaningfully impact the environment through our operations. However, as the owner and operator of a diversified group of businesses in insurance, financial services and related sectors, we are exposed to risks that are exacerbated by climate change, in particular in our property and casualty insurance/reinsurance and municipal bond guaranty businesses.  Accordingly, in our risk management processes, we consider the potential impact of the effects of climate change. 

We also believe that we have an important role to play as a responsible corporate citizen on climate change matters. Our corporate philanthropy reflects our commitment to the environment.” 

·ESG in Our Risk Management: Through our risk management activities, we seek to identify and assess major risks that could affect our businesses. We consider ESG risks, such as the impact of climate change and human capital management, in our risk management processes. In 2021, we added information on our risk management practices, including the primary frameworks used to assess risk and our approach to business continuity and the management of cybersecurity risks, to our Company website.

·Communication of Our ESG Practices: To respond to feedback received in our annual shareholder engagement, we have developed an ESG landing page on our corporate website to communicate our practices more effectively. The ESG page contains an overview of how ESG is incorporated into our corporate governance and business ethics, our approach to climate change, our investment management activities, our human capital management, our approach to risk management and our community engagement.

More detailed information on the practices outlined above is available on the ESG landing page on our Company website (Shareholder Communicationswww.whitemountains.com/esg/).

Human Capital Management and Diversity & Inclusion

Our strength lies in our people, and we proactively support each employee’s well-being and development. Our Board receives periodic reporting on employee satisfaction and concerns and interacts with employees across our organization. We have an inclusive, team-oriented culture in which all employees are treated with respect. Under the guidelines of our Code of Business Conduct, we are firmly committed to providing equal employment opportunities. In our recruiting practices at our parent company, we require that a diverse slate of candidates be considered for every open position. We deeply value diversity of backgrounds, experiences and ideas, which we believe fosters more engaging discussions, stronger collaboration and better company performance. We invest in the professional development of our workforce and are committed to the long-term development of our workforce and the cultivation of our next generation of leaders. To support the advancement of our


employees at the parent company, we endeavor to strengthen their qualifications by providing access to training in financial skills, effective communication and institutional knowledge. Our parent company mentoring program encourages new relationships and additional career support opportunities, and our Educational Assistance Program funds external professional development opportunities to further enhance job-related skills.

Throughout the unique challenges of 2020 and 2021, our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and their families has been our guiding priority. To support our employees during this time, we expanded and encouraged remote work, introduced protocols and practices that emphasized employee well-being, regularly solicited feedback from our employees and ensured frequent senior leadership communication.

Corporate Social Responsibility

 

Members, employees and others interested in communicating directly with the Board, any of the Board’s Committees or any individual member of the Board should writeWhite Mountains is committed to the addressee, c/ocommunities in which we live and work, and many of our employees actively support non-profit organizations in their respective communities. Their focus is mirrored by our corporate philanthropy efforts at our parent company, which include a charitable matching gift program, corporate support for environmental and social causes in the Corporate Secretary, at the address presented under “Available Information” (which appearscommunities in which we operate, and partnerships with high quality organizations focused on page 37).issues of diversity & inclusion.


VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF

 

Voting Rights of MembersShareholders

 

As of April 4, 2016,1, 2022, there were 5,415,8622,994,162 common shares outstanding. MembersShareholders 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

(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.

(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 MemberShareholder which is a “Byrne Entity” (as defined below) for any matter submitted to the vote of Members,Shareholders, except with respect to the election of directors. “Byrne Entity” means any of John J. Byrne, any foundation or trust established by John J. Byrne, Patrick Byrne, and any associate or affiliate of any of them (or any group of which any of them is a part), as defined under Section 13(d) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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 April 4, 2016,1, 2022, except as shown below.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership

 

Percent of
Class

 

 

 

 

Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC  101 JFK Parkway, Short Hills, NJ  07078

1,371,078

  (a)

25.3 %

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  100 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD  21202

320,030

  (b)

5.9 %

The Vanguard Group, 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355

306,253

  (c)

5.7 %

 

 

 

 

Name and Address of Beneficial OwnerAmount of
Beneficial
Ownership
 Percent of
Class
    
The Vanguard Group  100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355279,362  (a)9.3 %
Wellington Management Group, LLP  280 Congress Street, Boston, MA  02210221,559  (b)7.4 %
Atlanta Capital Management Co LLC  1075 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309173,278  (c)5.8 %
River Road Asset Management, LLC  462 S. 4th St., Ste 2000, Louisville, KY 40202169,047

  (d)

5.6 %
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP  600 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX 78746149,502

  (e)

5.0 %

(a)Information as of December 31, 2021, based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2022, by and on behalf of The Vanguard Group.
(b)Information as of December 31, 2021, based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2022, by and on behalf of Wellington Management Group, LLP.
(c)Information as of December 31, 2021, based on Schedule 13F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2022, by and on behalf of Atlanta Capital Management Co LLC.
(d)Information as of December 31, 2021, based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2022, by and on behalf of River Road Asset Management, LLC.
(e)Information as of December 31, 2021, based on Schedule 13F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2022, by and on behalf of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.

 

(a)Information as of December 31, 2015, based on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2016, by and on behalf of Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC. On April 19, 2016, the Company repurchased 325,000 of these common shares. See “Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons”.

(b)Information as of December 31, 2015, based on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2016, by and on behalf of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

(c)Information as of December 31, 2015, based on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2016, by and on behalf of The Vanguard Group.

Security Ownership of Management

 

The following table sets forth, as of April 4, 2016,1, 2022, beneficial ownership of common shares by each director, the Named Executive Officers (as defined on page 20)28) and all other executive officers as a group:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Ownership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Beneficially (a)

 

Economically (b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raymond Barrette

 

197,663

 (c)

210,487

 

Yves Brouillette

 

5,806

 

5,806

 

Reid T. Campbell

 

12,982

 

22,882

 

Morgan W. Davis

 

21,340

 

21,340

 

David T. Foy

 

32,997

 

46,122

 

A. Michael Frinquelli

 

2,241

 

2,241

 

Edith E. Holiday

 

1,602

 

1,602

 

Robert L. Seelig

 

21,930

 

31,705

 

Lowndes A. Smith

 

2,402

 

2,402

 

Gary C. Tolman

 

1,870

 

1,870

 

Allan L. Waters

 

21,974

 

26,243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All directors, Named Executive Officers and all other executive officers as a group (16 persons)

 

344,596

 

413,624

 

 Amount of Ownership
Name of Beneficial OwnerBeneficially (a)  Economically (b)
Frank R. Bazos1,031  2,731 
Reid T. Campbell16,818  20,418 
Peter M. Carlson763  763 
Mary C. Choksi1,138  1,138 
Morgan W. Davis8,569  8,569 
Margaret Dillon225  225 
Philip A. Gelston1,013  1,013 
Michaela Hildreth3,425  5,175 
G. Manning Rountree22,125  30,225 
Robert L. Seelig19,162  22,312 
Susanne F. Shank151  151 
David A. Tanner1,388  1,388 
All directors, Named Executive Officers and all other executive officers as a group (13 persons) 77,058  96,608 

 

(a)

(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 3.6% and 6.4%2.6% of the total common shares outstanding at April 4, 2016, respectively.1, 2022. 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 of the Exchange Act.  Mr. Barrette has pledged 14,407 WTM common shares as collateral for a credit line of up to $5 million.

(b)

(b)

Common shares shown as economically owned (1) include common shares beneficially owned and target unearned performance share awards, and performance share awards for the 2013-2015 performance cycle earned at 140% of target, and (2) exclude, in the case of Mr. Barrette,less any common shares in which he has nothe owner disclaims a pecuniary interest.

(c)

Of the 197,663 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Barrette, (1) 5,000 represent unvested restricted shares granted to Mr. Barrette by the Company in February 2016, (2) 125,000 represent vested but unexercised stock options and (3) 24,726 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.


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

FROM OUR COMPENSATION/NOMINATING & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

One of our most important responsibilities as the independent Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee (the “CNG Committee”) is to structure our executive compensation programs and governance practices to create close alignment with our shareholders’ interests, while continuing to attract and retain talented executives to execute on our Company’s strategy and create long-term value.

To that end, we regularly seek feedback from our shareholders on our compensation practices and, as appropriate, make refinements that we believe enhance our programs. We believe our responsiveness to that input is reflected in our 2021 Say-on-Pay vote, which received nearly 98% support. This year, we reached out to shareholders owning approximately 72% of White Mountains’ outstanding shares and met with all shareholders who accepted a meeting, who represented 19% of our shares outstanding. Mr. Philip Gelston, the CNG Committee chair, personally led discussions in several of these meetings. The feedback received during these meetings was extremely valuable for our evaluation of our compensation programs for potential improvements in structure or disclosure.

 

2021 Compensation Program Highlights:

ØBase salaries continue to be capped at $500,000 for all Named Executive Officers
ØAnnual percent-of-salary target bonus opportunities were held flat for all Named Executive Officers
ØApproximately 93% of total target 2021 CEO compensation was linked to Company or share performance and therefore meaningfully “at-risk”
ØFormulaic annual bonus performance metric resulted in no payout to executive officers, further demonstrating the rigor of the compensation program design and its link to performance

History of Responsiveness to Shareholder Feedback on Compensation and Governance:

ØEnhanced our ESG practices by (i) amending the Company’s investment policy to address ESG, (ii) adopting a climate change statement, (iii) formalizing the Board’s oversight of ESG matters, (iv) further integrating climate-related risks into our risk management practices and (v) launching an ESG page on our website
ØFulfilled our commitment to increase gender and racial or ethnic diversity on our Board of Directors
ØAdopted a formulaic annual incentive program for our executive officers, with pre-established, rigorous and quantifiable performance targets that are relevant for our firm and industry
ØAdopted robust share ownership guidelines for our executive officers and non-employee directors
ØEnhanced proxy disclosure to include (i) a detailed, individual Board skills matrix that highlights our Board’s key skills and qualifications that are directly relevant to our business, strategy and operations and (ii) greater disclosure about diversity among Board members

The CNG Committee is committed to ensuring that our executive compensation programs and governance practices continue to motivate long-term value creation. We believe we have been responsive to our shareholders’ input, and we welcome your continued feedback.

Sincerely,

The White Mountains Insurance Group Compensation/Nominating & Governance Committee

Philip A. Gelston, Chair    |    Morgan W. Davis    |    Margaret Dillon    |    Suzanne F. Shank

April 6, 2022


Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Executive Summary

Business Overview and 2021 Performance Highlights

White Mountains is engaged in the business of making opportunistic and value-oriented acquisitions of businesses and assets in the insurance, financial services and related sectors, operating those businesses and assets through its subsidiaries and, if and when attractive exit valuations become available, divesting to realize gains on their sale. Our principal focus is to grow adjusted book value per share (“ABVPS”) because we believe, based on the trading history of our stock, that over the long term our share price growth will parallel our growth in ABVPS (see chart and discussion on page 32). Since our IPO, including dividends, White Mountains has delivered 13% annualized growth in ABVPS and 11% annualized growth in market value per share.

We finished 2021 with book value per share of $1,176 and adjusted book value per share of $1,190, decreases of 7% and 6% from the prior year, respectively. Excluding the mark-to-market decline in our investment in MediaAlpha, adjusted book value per share increased 4% for the year, reflecting positive results from our operating businesses.

In 2021, Ark produced good underwriting results in a heavy catastrophe year, while growing full year premiums 77%. At BAM, investor demand for bond insurance remained strong, and BAM insured a record $15.6 billion of par in the primary market. NSM finished 2021 with new highs for pro forma controlled premiums and pro forma adjusted EBITDA. Kudu produced strong growth in adjusted EBITDA and completed five acquisitions. We also smoothly effected leadership succession in our senior management team and appointed and on-boarded two independent directors, Mmes. Shank and Dillon, who reinforce and expand the Board’s skill set. Finally, we successfully navigated year two of the COVID-19 pandemic with balance and sensitivity, supporting our employees while resuming in-office work.

Commitment to Ongoing Shareholder Engagement

As part of our ongoing commitment to better understand the views of our shareholders with respect to our business, governance, and compensation practices, we continued our investor outreach efforts in 2021. Over the past several years, feedback received from these discussions has helped guide refinements to our executive compensation programs and governance practices, as well as enhancements to our public disclosures. A summary of these efforts in 2021, feedback received and our history of responsiveness is included below:

 


History of Demonstrated Responsiveness

In response to feedback from our shareholders, we have made the following changes and enhancements to our compensation and governance programs since 2019:

ØEnhanced ESG practices and disclosures, including

amending the Company’s investment policy to address ESG,
adopting a climate change statement,
formalizing the Board’s oversight of ESG matters,
further integrating climate-related risks into our risk management practices, and
establishing an ESG landing page on our website

ØIntroduced a formulaic annual incentive program for our executive officers, with pre-established, rigorous and quantifiable performance targets that are relevant for our firm and industry

ØEstablished share ownership guidelines for our executive officers and non-employee directors

ØIncluded a detailed, individual Board skills matrix in our proxy statement that highlights our Board’s key skills and qualifications that are directly relevant to our business, strategy and operations, and enhanced disclosures concerning the diversity of our Board

Compensation Peer Group

As described in more detail below, the CNG Committee refers to a peer group as part of its evaluation of the Company’s compensation practices. Importantly, we do not use this peer group to benchmark compensation. Rather, we evaluate the executive compensation programs of these peers in terms of structure and variability of payouts in good and poor performance scenarios. We seek to structure our compensation program to be more variable than most other insurance and reinsurance peers. The CNG Committee believes that our compensation structures closely align the financial interests of management with those of our shareholders and encourage appropriate, but not excessive, risk taking.

The CNG Committee regularly evaluates the continuing appropriateness of our peer group and has accordingly made several refinements to our peer group, effective for fiscal 2021. See page 30 for further details on our 2021 peer group.

26

Compensation Program Aligned with Company Performance

In assessing the design of our executive compensation program, we value input from our shareholders and incorporate their feedback into our assessment. The current design of our compensation program consists of three primary elements: base salary, annual incentive bonus and long-term incentive compensation. Each element is structured with the primary goal of maximizing shareholder value over long periods of time. Highlights of our 2021 compensation program are as follows:

Elements and Structure

 

1 The average of growth in adjusted book value per share (ABVPS) and growth in intrinsic value per share, which is the ABVPS including franchise value step-ups to reflect the fair value of certain subsidiaries carried at book value. See Annex A for a reconciliation of growth in ABVPS and growth in intrinsic value per share.


We believe that the goal of maximizing shareholder value over long periods of time is best pursued by utilizing a pay-for-performance program that closely aligns the financial interest of management with those of our shareholders while rewarding 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 fixed entitlements. To illustrate, 88% of our CEO’s 2021 target total direct compensation was linked to long-term incentives, while approximately 7% was made up of base salary, and 5% linked to annual cash bonus opportunity at target.

Chief Executive Officer:

Other NEOs:

 

Named Executive Officers

In this CD&A, we review the philosophy of White Mountains’s executive compensation program, the compensation process, the program’s elements, and the 2021 and 2022 compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers:

2021 Named Executive Officers
G. Manning RountreeChief Executive Officer
Reid T. Campbell*Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Robert L. SeeligExecutive Vice President & General Counsel
Michaela HildrethManaging Director & Chief Accounting Officer
Frank R. Bazos**Former Executive Vice President & Head of Mergers & Acquisitions

* On March 1, 2022, Mr. Campbell became President of White Mountains and will serve in that role until his retirement in February 2024. Mr. Liam P. Caffrey became Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of White Mountains on that date.

** Mr. Bazos served as a named executive officer during 2021. Effective March 1, 2021, Mr. Bazos resigned from his role and became an advisor to management. 

Unless otherwise noted, the term Named Executive Officers (or “NEOs”) refers to the group of individuals listed in the above table; the term “CEO” refers to Mr. Rountree; and the term “CFO” refers to Mr. Campbell through February 28, 2022.

28

Business Overview, Significant Transactions, and Performance Highlights

White Mountains is engaged in the business of making opportunistic and value-oriented acquisitions of businesses and assets in the insurance, financial services and related sectors, operating these businesses and assets through its subsidiaries and, if and when attractive exit valuations become available, divesting to realize gains on the sale of these businesses and assets.

White Mountains finished 2021 with book value per share of $1,176 and adjusted book value per share of $1,190, decreases of 7% and 6% from the prior year, respectively. During the year, MediaAlpha’s share price declined from $39.07 to $15.44, giving back a portion of the gains created in 2020. This decline was a key driver of White Mountains financial results in 2021. Excluding this decline, adjusted book value per share increased 4% for the year, reflecting positive results from our operating businesses.

In 2021, Ark produced good underwriting results in a heavy catastrophe year, while growing full year premiums 77%. At BAM, investor demand for bond insurance remained strong, and BAM insured a record $15.6 billion of par in the primary market. NSM finished 2021 with new highs for pro forma controlled premiums and pro forma adjusted EBITDA. Kudu produced strong growth in adjusted EBITDA and completed five acquisitions. We also smoothly effected leadership succession in our senior management team and appointed and on-boarded two independent directors, Mmes. Shank and Dillon. Finally, we successfully navigated year two of the COVID-19 pandemic with balance and sensitivity, supporting our employees while resuming in-office work.

The businesses we own today position us well for the future. The Company remains value-oriented, opportunistic, and focused on running our businesses efficiently and creating shareholder value.

Shareholder Engagement and History of Demonstrated Responsiveness

Engaging with our owners is central to our commitment to good governance and critical to maintaining our strong corporate governance practices. Our 2021 shareholder outreach was led by the Board and senior management, often including our CNG Committee chair, Mr. Philip Gelston, leading the discussion and providing a direct line of communication between the Board and our shareholders. In our 2021 Say-on-Pay vote, we received nearly 98% support. This year, we reached out to shareholders representing approximately 72% of our outstanding shares and met with all shareholders who accepted meetings, who represented 19% of our shares outstanding. Mr. Gelston personally led discussions in meetings with shareholders representing approximately 13% of our shares outstanding. Shareholder feedback received from these meetings was shared with the entire Board and help to inform our responsiveness actions.

The main topics in our engagement meetings were our current business strategy, corporate governance (including Board diversity), executive compensation practices, Board oversight of risk management, and ESG practices and disclosure. More specifically, we discussed business developments with the Ark, NSM, Kudu, MediaAlpha, and BAM businesses, our addition of two members to the Company’s Board in 2021 (Mmes. Shank and Dillon), our recently enhanced ESG practices and disclosures, and our executive compensation program. Our shareholders were overwhelmingly supportive of our successful capital redeployment efforts, Board refreshment, approach to ESG disclosure and oversight, and executive compensation programs. Shareholder feedback is regularly communicated to our full Board, and the input we received previously directly influenced the enhancements we made to our proxy disclosure, ESG disclosure, and executive compensation program.

The Company’s management and Board is committed to continuing its extensive shareholder outreach program.


Compensation 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 encourageswhile rewarding 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 fixed entitlements (such as base salary, pensions, and employee benefits). To that end, the CompensationCNG 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 executive’sexecutive's 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.  The market value To illustrate, 88% of our shares is not included as a measure of performance but it determines the value of performance and restricted share awards.  In general, no performance 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 exceeds the risk-free rate by twice theCEO’s 2021 target spread.  We use straight-line interpolation to determine the payout percentage for results in between.  Performance shares, restricted shares and/or performance units are typically granted annually, and performance is tied to a three-year period.  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. Barrette’s options, which included fixing the exercise price at $742 per share and reducing the number to 125,000.  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 vested in three equal annual installments beginning on January 20, 2013.  Mr. Barrette currently has options to purchase 125,000 shares exercisable until January 20, 2017.  Starting with the 2013-2015 cycle, the Committee began making annual long-term incentive grants to Mr. Barrette.

Generally, the performance target for a 100% payout of performance shares has been set at 700 basis points above the risk-free rate, with the Committee often adjusting the target up or down to reflect prevailing circumstances at the time of grant.  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.  For the past five years, to reflect the persistent low interest rate environment and the large amount of our capital that is undeployed, we have set the target at roughly 600 basis points above the risk-free rate.

Following OneBeacon’s initial public offering in November 2006, its long-termtotal direct compensation was structured primarily in the formlinked to long-term incentives, while approximately 7% was made up of OneBeacon performance shares, which reward OneBeacon’s overall performance.  In 2009, OneBeacon’s long-term incentives were re-designed with the CEObase salary and CFO receiving about half in the form of performance units that are tied to underwriting performance and half in OneBeacon performance shares and OneBeacon restricted shares.  The number of OneBeacon common shares earned from a performance share grant, which can be from 0x to 2x the5% was target number granted, is tied to OneBeacon’s 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 OneBeacon’s adjusted economic combined ratio over the performance cycle.  Other OneBeacon executives received 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 OneBeacon’s specialty business as a whole and the executive’s individual business unit.  In 2015, OneBeacon also began denominating a portion of its long-term incentives as OneBeacon restricted shares or restricted share units.

In connection with the agreement to sell Sirius Group, no new long-term incentives were granted to its management for the 2016-2018 performance cycle.  However, prior to its sale, its long-term incentive compensation was typically in the form of performance units that rewarded Sirius’s group-wide performance.  The number of units earned at the end of the performance cycle was tied to those elements of performance for which its management had primary responsibility.  As an example, because the parent company kept responsibility for investing Sirius’s assets, in calculating performance Sirius Group was credited with a “standard” return on its investible assets.  The number of units earned could be from 0x to 2x the target number granted.  In addition, for its most senior executives, in order to better align their interests with those of our shareholders, we typically denominated a portion of their long-term incentives in WTM performance shares and/or restricted shares.

Our long-term incentive compensation programs are designed to share with management a portion 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 business–our 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 have generally targeted sharing 13% to 17%; however, due to the significant reduction in our capital from the repurchase of 30% of our outstanding shares since 2010, we increased the targeted sharing in some recent cycles up to 20%.  This year, for the 2016-2018 cycle, we targeted sharing at 14%.  The Committee believes that this level of sharing is appropriate because we compete with private equity and hedge funds for talent and investment opportunities where such sharing is common, the Company’s value adding opportunities are not limited to the Company’s current level of capital, and we want to maintain proper incentives for further share buybacks at value adding prices.bonus opportunity.

 

The Committee closely monitors both targetfollowing principles guide and actualinform the CNG Committee’s efforts to deliver a highly effective executive compensation program that drives shareholder value sharing.  From year-to-year when we make new long-term incentive grants, we typically adjustand fosters the target numberattraction and motivation of shares granted to individual employees to reflect the Committee’s assessment of the per share value of the Company.  In addition, we generally limit total annual share grants to employees to less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding shares.  For both the 2015-2017 and 2016-2018 cycles, we adhered to this guideline.key talent:

 

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 Committee’s 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 prior to our agreement to sell it, given its exposure to catastrophic events, we utilized a catastrophe spreading mechanism with respect to both its performance units and annual bonus.  This mechanism ensured that Sirius Group was charged with at least 50% of its expected annual catastrophe losses whether or not any catastrophe losses were actually incurred.  Through this mechanism and Sirius Group’s management of its aggregate exposure to very large catastrophic events, the Company’s management and the Committee believe that Sirius Group’s incentive plans were appropriate and did not encourage excessive risk taking.

Our Compensation Setting Process

The CNG Committee is responsible for approving our compensation practices that affectprograms for 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 to the CNG Committee with his evaluation of our executives, their individual performances, responsibilities,performance, achievements, and the contributions they made to the Company’sCompany's accomplishments over the past year, as well as over the lastmost recent long-term incentive plan cycle and his expectations for the future and succession plans.cycle. In connection with this evaluation, the CEO presentsrecommends to the CNG Committee with his recommendations for establishing theappropriate compensation amounts for these executives for its consideration.executives. The CNG Committee evaluates these recommendations and also 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 CNG Committee each year (typically late February), following the availability of financial results for the prior year and the current year’s financial plan. 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.

 

Because Mr. Davis,Compensation Peer Group

When making new long-term incentive grants, the ChairmanCNG Committee assesses the impact of the Committee, does not satisfy certain requirements of Section 162(m) to be considered an “outside director” for purposes of that rule, the Committee formed the Performance Compensation Subcommittee (the “Subcommittee”) comprised of the other members of the Committee, each of whom met the requirements to be considered an outside director for purposes of Section 162(m).  The Subcommittee administers and approves all performance-based compensation awardsdifferent performance scenarios on potential realizable compensation. Further, in order to maintain favorable tax treatmenttest our beliefs about the structure and variability of such awards.the awards we make, the CNG Committee annually reviews and considers a systematic analysis of the public compensation disclosures made by other property and casualty insurers and reinsurers that the CNG Committee considers to be peers.

 

FollowingImportantly, our compensation peer group is not used for benchmarking purposes, but rather to analyze whether our compensation programs are appropriately structured and to ensure they are more variable than most other insurance and reinsurance peers.


The Company uses this group of companies as it reflects traditional competitors of White Mountains. The CNG Committee regularly evaluates the OneBeacon initial public offering (the “OB IPO”) in November 2006,continuing appropriateness of this group and did so again during 2021. As a result of this review, two of the Committee determined that it would fully delegatelargest companies from the most recent peer group were removed (Cincinnati Financial and CNA Financial), while six additional size-appropriate companies who could generally be considered as competitors were added to the OneBeacon Compensationpeer group (Assured Guaranty, Enstar, Hanover, Kinsale, RLI, and SiriusPoint).

The companies included in the analysis presented to the CNG Committee (the “OneBeacon Committee”) authorityprior to it making compensation decisions in 2021 were:

2021 Peer Group
·Alleghany·Hanover
·Arch Capital·Kinsale
·Argo·Markel
·Aspen·RenaissanceRe
·Assured Guaranty·RLI
·Axis Capital·Selective
·Enstar·SiriusPoint
·Everest Re·W.R. Berkley

The CNG Committee concluded that the peer analysis supported its view that the Company’s compensation programs are more variable than most other insurance and reinsurance peers, have fewer fixed elements of compensation and perquisites, and do not lead to significant rewards for poor performance. The CNG Committee believes that the compensation structures that have been developed for the compensationCompany closely align the financial interests of OneBeacon’s officers, includingmanagement with 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 annualour shareholders 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.encourage appropriate, but not excessive, risk taking.

 

Compensation for 2015Best Practices

 

We maintain a number of compensation governance best practices which support our overarching compensation philosophy and are fully aligned with our compensation principles, as discussed in the following section. Our compensation practices also align with input we have received from shareholders.

Key Compensation Highlights
What We DoWhat We Do Not Do

üCommitment to pay for performance as evidenced by having approximately 93% of total target 2021 CEO compensation linked to company, stock or individual performance and, therefore, meaningfully “at-risk”

üHalf of annual LTI delivered in performance-based equity, with a three-year measurement period

ü   Formulaic annual incentive program, based on pre-determined goals

ü   Clawback policy for annual and long-term incentive plans

ü   Double-trigger change-in-control provisions

ü   Annual Say-On-Pay vote

ü   Share ownership guidelines for executive officers

û    No hedging of Company securities

û    No executive pensions

û    No single-trigger vesting of equity-based awards upon change-in-control

û    No excise tax gross-ups upon change-in-control

û    No dividends on unvested performance shares

û    No long-term employment agreements with executive officers

û    No excessive perquisites or benefits

31

Superior Track Record and the Alignment of Growth in ABVPS and Market Value Per Share

From our IPO in 1985 through year-end 2021, we have delivered 13% annualized growth in ABVPS and 11% annualized growth in market value per share to our shareholders. Importantly, as seen in the chart below, ABVPS and market value per share have generally moved in tandem over the last thirty-five years, despite short-term fluctuations. This is a core factor supporting the CNG Committee’s selection of incentive plan performance metrics that relate to growth in book value per share.

32

Compensation for 2021

The principal elements of compensation for our executives arein 2021 - base salary, annual incentive bonuses and long-term incentive compensation - are discussed below.

2021 Target Annual Direct Compensation Mix

 

1.Base Salary

As discussed above under “Compensation Philosophy”, the Company’s compensation program emphasizes variable long-term incentive compensation, rather than fixed entitlements. Accordingly, 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. The base salaries in effect for each of our NEOs for 2021 and 2022 are listed in the table below:

`Base Salaries in Effect During
Executive20212022
G. Manning Rountree$500,000$500,000
Reid T. Campbell$500,000$500,000
Robert L. Seelig$500,000$500,000
Michaela Hildreth$425,000$500,000
Frank R. Bazos*$250,000$250,000

___________________

* Effective March 1, 2021, Mr. Bazos resigned from his role and became an advisor to management at a $250,000 annual salary.

2.Annual Incentive Bonuses

We provide annual bonus opportunities to our executive officers, which make up a small percentage of each NEO’s target total annual compensation – approximately 5% for our CEO, and 11% on average for the other NEOs in 2021 – as the bulk of our executive officers’ compensation opportunity is tied to long-term incentives. Each NEO participates in the annual bonus pool applicable to the parent holding companies. For 2021, the target bonus pool was $6.9 million for 59 employees.


Under our formulaic annual bonus program, the level of payout is determined by reference to the Company’s growth in CVPS, which is defined by the CNG Committee as the average of growth in ABVPS and growth in “intrinsic business value per share”, which is the ABVPS including franchise value step-ups to reflect the fair value of certain subsidiaries carried at book value. In choosing this metric for the annual bonus program, the CNG Committee recognized that this is the same metric as used in a portion of the Company’s long-term incentives (albeit for a different time period). The CNG Committee considered a number of other metrics but concluded that no other metric is as pertinent to our business as CVPS. CVPS is the metric that the Board and the management team focus on because it is linked to growth in book value per share metrics, which we believe is what ultimately drives growth in our share price. The 2021 annual bonus pool could range from 0% to 200% of target, based on the harvest scale of 3%-8%-13% growth in CVPS.

For our executive officers, the CNG Committee maintains the discretion to decrease the individual annual bonus payouts after the quantitative formula has been applied, however it does not have discretion to increase payouts. Our executive officers cannot receive more than the formulaic result.

For 2021, the NEOs (other than Mr. Bazos) had target annual bonuses of 75% of salary, which was unchanged from the prior year and is continued into 2022. Mr. Bazos was not eligible for an annual incentive bonuses.bonus in 2021 due to his resignation effective March 1, 2021. Based on the Company’s performance of a 1.2% decline in CVPS in 2021, the CNG Committee awarded the NEOs bonuses of 0% of target.

 2021 Annual Bonus Decisions
ExecutiveTarget BonusEarned Bonus% of Target
G. Manning Rountree$375,000$00%
Reid T. Campbell$375,000$00%
Robert L. Seelig$375,000$00%
Michaela Hildreth$318,750$00%

3. Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Long-term equity awards generally consist of an equal mix of performance shares and restricted shares, rewarding long-term value creation and aligning executives’ interests with shareholders’ interests. Restricted shares are subject to a three-year cliff-vesting provision, instead of annual vesting, in order to promote retention that balances incentives to redeploy capital aggressively and to remain patient for good opportunities. The number of WTM common shares earned from a grant of performance shares can range from 0%-200% of target, based on after-tax annual growth in CVPS over the three-year performance cycle.

 

Long-Term Incentive CompensationThe CNG Committee selected performance metrics that relate to growth in book value per share because it continues to believe these metrics ultimately drive growth in our share price. The market value of our shares is not included as a direct measure of performance, but it determines the ultimate value of earned performance and restricted share awards.

 

From year-to-year when we make new long-term incentive grants, we typically adjust the target number of shares granted to individual employees to reflect the change in CVPS during the prior year, rather than focusing on changes in market values. This is consistent with our view that the change in book value per share and related metrics provides a better view of the change in value of the Company than metrics reflecting short-term market price fluctuations. In addition, we generally limit total annual share grants to employees to equal to or less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding shares. For each of the past five grant cycles (from 2018-2020 to 2022-2024), we adhered to this guideline.


2021 Long-Term Incentive Grants:For the CEO and each Named Executive Officer recipient of a WTMour other NEOs (other than Mr. Bazos), the annual 2021 long-term incentive awards were allocated 50% as performance share grant for the 2015-2017 performance cycle, the Committee established 8% annual growth in intrinsic business value per shareshares and 50% 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%.  The targets wererestricted shares, consistent with prior years. With respect to the Company’s compensation philosophy described above as the yield on the 10-year treasury at the beginning of 2015 was approximately 2%.  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 ofacross the Company, the CNG Committee granted 26,950 target shares for the 2015-20172021-2023 performance cycle, waswhich represented a 4% decrease, year over year, in the number of shares granted. These grants totaled approximately 0.9% of the then outstanding shares, within the CNG Committee’s 1% guideline.

In addition, with respect The restricted shares are subject to a three-year cliff vesting provision based on continuous service, in order to promote retention of key executive talent. The performance shares vest in a range of 0% - 200% of target, following a three-year performance period.

For the 2013-20152021-2023 performance cycle which matured atperiod, the endCNG Committee established a target of 2015, 8% annual growth in intrinsic business value per share (“GIBVPS”) wasCVPS as the performance target for athat would result in the payout of 100% of the target shares.  Annualperformance shares, which is an increase over the 7% annual growth target utilized for the 2020-2022 performance period. There would be no payout for annual growth of 2%3% or less, would have resulted in a payout of 0% and annual growth of 14%13% or more would have resulted inbe required for a payout of 200%. At its meetingIn setting this performance scale, the CNG Committee’s goal was to set a performance target that was reasonable, but with an appropriate degree of stretch. Importantly, the 8% target was roughly equal to the Company’s 10YT + 700 basis points guidepost, allowing us to fulfill our commitment to shareholders since our dispositions in February 2016, based on an2015-2017. Over the past several years, we have consistently communicated our intention to deploy the large amount of capital from these dispositions patiently and sensibly, and eventually get our target back to the 10YT + 700 basis points level. In addition, the CNG Committee considered that the one-year performance scale for the 2021 annual bonus program was the same as the three-year average annual GIBVPSperformance scale being set for the 2021-2023 performance shares. The Committee determined that this scale was appropriate due to the factors discussed above and their applicability over a longer time frame (which equates to aggregate growth of 10.4% (including the effect9%-26%-44% over a three-year period).

A detailed breakdown of the sales of Sirius and Symetra),2021 grants is included in the Committee confirmed that the payout that was earned was 140% of target, subject to the closing of the Sirius sale.table below:

 

CEO.  Mr. Barrette is the Chairman and CEO of the Company.  For the 2013-2015 cycle, Mr. Barrette had been granted 12,000 target performance shares.  Based on the Company’s performance over the cycle, he earned 16,800 performance shares.

 2021 Long-Term Incentive Grants
       
 Grant DateRestricted SharesPerformance SharesTotal 2021 LTI Grant Value
Executive# SharesGrant Value# SharesGrant Value
G. Manning Rountree2/25/20212,700 $      3,239,2172,700 $      3,239,217 $          6,478,434
Reid T. Campbell2/25/20211,800 $      2,159,4781,800 $      2,159,478 $          4,318,956
Robert L. Seelig2/25/20211,000 $      1,199,7101,000 $      1,199,710 $          2,399,420
Michaela Hildreth2/25/2021600 $         719,826600 $         719,826 $          1,439,652

 

After reviewing Mr. Barrette’s historical compensation, his share ownership, his existing incentives, and compensation granted to CEOs at other property and casualty (re)insurance companies, the Subcommittee determined to grant him 10,000 performance shares for the 2015-2017 performance cycle.  The grant date market value was approximately $6.6 million. The number of performance shares that will be earned will be determined after the end of 2017 based on the Company’s performance over the cycle compared to the target described above. The Committee believes that an annual long-term incentive grant to Mr. Barrette is the appropriate way to secure his continued employment with the Company and to reward him for performance going forward.

Named Executive OfficersIn the case of Messrs. Foy, Campbell, Seelig and Waters, in determining the amount of new long-term incentive compensation grants for 2015,2021 for our NEOs, the CNG Committee assessed each executive’s scope of authority and ability to impact the success of the Company. Based on the CNG Committee’s general experience and the recommendation of the CEO, for NEOs other than himself, the CNG Committee established a grant level that it believed was appropriate to reflect each such executive’s expected contribution to the Company over the next performance cycle.

 

David Foy.Mr. Foy has been the CFOBazos did not receive a long-term incentive grant in 2021 due to his resignation effective March 1, 2021.

Payout of the Company since 2003.2019-2021 Performance Cycle: For the 2013-20152019-2021 performance cycle, Mr. Foy had beenlong-term incentives were granted 3,375 targetto the NEOs as follows: 50% as performance shares and 3,37550% as restricted shares. Based on the Company’s performance over the cycle, he earned 4,725 performance shares.  The restricted shares vested on January 1, 2016.

For the performance cycle from 2015-2017, Mr. Foy was granted 3,000 WTM performance shares, and 3,000 restricted shares.  The grant date market value was approximately $4.0 million.  The number of performance shares that will be earned will be determined afterwhich matured at the end of 2017 based on the Company’s performance over the cycle compared to the target described above.  The restricted shares will vest on January 1, 2018, subject to Mr. Foy’s continued employment.

Reid T. Campbell.  Mr. Campbell is a Managing Director of White Mountains Capital and the President of White Mountains Advisors.  He joined the Company2021, 7% annual growth in 1994.  For the 2013-2015 cycle, Mr. Campbell had been granted 2,250 target performance shares and 2,250 restricted shares.  Based on the Company’s performance over the cycle, he earned 3,150 performance shares.  The restricted shares vested on January 1, 2016.

ForCVPS was the performance cycle from 2015-2017, Mr. Campbell was granted 2,500 WTM performance shares and 2,500 restricted shares.  The grant date market value was approximately $3.3 million.  The number of performance shares that will be earned will be determined after the end of 2017 based on the Company’s performance over the cycle compared to the target described above.  The restricted shares will vest on January 1, 2018, subject to Mr. Campbell’s continued employment.

Robert L. Seelig.  Mr. Seelig is a Managing Director and General Counsel of the Company.  He joined the Company in 2002.  For the 2013-2015 cycle, Mr. Seelig had been granted 2,250 target performance shares and 2,250 restricted shares.  Based on the Company’s performance over the cycle, he earned 3,150 performance shares.  The restricted shares vested on January 1, 2016.

For the performance cycle from 2015-2017, Mr. Seelig was granted a total of 2,500 WTM performance shares and 2,500 restricted shares.  The total grant date market value was approximately $3.3 million.  The number of performance shares that will be earned will be determined after the end of 2017 based on the Company’s performance over the cycle compared to the target described above.  The restricted shares will vest on January 1, 2018, subject to Mr. Seelig’s 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 2013-2015 cycle, Mr. Waters had been granted 1,335 target performance shares and 1,335 restricted shares.  Based on the Company’s performance over the cycle, he earned 1,869 performance shares.  The restricted shares vested on January 1, 2016.  Based on Sirius Group’s performance for the 2013-2015 performance cycle, which was an annualized after-tax, levered underwriting return on deployed capital (“UROC”) of 10%, Mr. Waters received a payout of 144.9%100% of the Sirius Group units granted to him at a valuetarget performance shares. Annual growth of $1,448 per unit, which equaled approximately $5.5 million.

For the performance cycle from 2015-2017, Mr. Waters was granted 2,638 Sirius Group performance units, 1,200 WTM performance shares and 1,200 restricted shares.  The grant date value was approximately $5.1 million.  Under the terms of the purchase agreement relating to the sale of Sirius, Mr. Waters’s long-term incentives will remain outstanding and continue to vest.  The restricted shares will vest on January 1, 2018, subject to Mr. Waters’s continued employment at Sirius Group.  The performance target for the Sirius Group units is an annual 10% UROC, with a UROC of 3%2% or less resulting onwould have resulted in no payout and a UROCannual growth of 17%12% or more resultingwould have resulted in a 200% payout.  The numberpayout of performance shares200%. At its meeting in February 2022, based on an average annual growth in CVPS of 10.6%, the CNG Committee confirmed that the payout that was earned was 172% of target.


2019-2021 Performance Share Cycle
 Target SharesPerformance Scale
(min / target / max)
Actual Annual PerformancePayout %Shares Earned
G. Manning Rountree3,0002% - 7% - 12%10.6%172%        5,160
Reid T. Campbell2,0002% - 7% - 12%10.6%172%        3,440
Robert L. Seelig1,0002% - 7% - 12%10.6%172%        1,720
Michaela Hildreth4002% - 7% - 12%10.6%172%           688
Frank R. Bazos1,9002% - 7% - 12%10.6%172%        3,268

2022 Compensation Actions

Target total cash compensation opportunities remain generally unchanged from 2021, with base salaries capped at $500,000, combined with 75%-of-salary target bonus opportunities. At its February 2022 meeting, the CNG Committee increased Ms. Hildreth’s salary to $500,000 and units thatdecided to keep all other NEO 2022 base salaries and percent-of-salary target bonus opportunities at the same levels as in 2021. This reflected the CNG Committee’s long-standing philosophy of linking a vast majority of executives’ compensation to long-term incentives in order to align their interests with those of our shareholders, as opposed to awarding high levels of fixed cash compensation.

Further, the design of our executive officers’ 2022 annual bonus plan will be earned will be determined aftersimilar to the endplan in effect for 2021, with payouts tied to annual growth in CVPS and a harvest scale of 2017 based, respectively, on the Company’s and Sirius Group’s performance4%-9%-14% for threshold / target / maximum payout levels, which is an increase over the cycle compared to the targets described above.3%-8%-13% scale that was in effect for 2021.

 

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 currently receives a salary of $500,000.

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 2015, the Named Executive Officers at the WTM level (Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Campbell and Seelig) had target annual bonuses of 75% of salary, which was unchanged from the prior year.

For Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Campbell and Seelig, their annual incentive bonuses are designed to reward company-wide performance.  Based on the Company’s performance in 2015 (including the effect of the sales of Sirius and Symetra), the Committee awarded a bonus pool of 200% of target taking into account the Company’s 18.5% growth in adjusted book value per share, 18.1% growth in economic value per share, and other items deemed relevant in the judgment of the Committee.  Among the items considered by the Committee were the Company’s sales of Sirius and Symetra, investment performance, results at Sirius and OneBeacon, the continued progress at BAM/HG Global and the closing of three new insurance services deals and a number of follow-on acquisitions.  Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Campbell and Seelig were awarded bonuses of $750,000, $750,000, $850,000 and $750,000, which represented 200%, 200%, 227% and 200% of target, subject to the closing of the Sirius sale.

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.  Mr. Waters, who participates in the Sirius Group bonus pool, has an annual bonus target equal to 50% of base salary.

For Sirius Group, including for Mr. Waters, the performance objective was the UROC.  Based on a UROC of 10.5% compared to the target of 10%, the indicated bonus pool was 107% of target.  The Committee awarded a bonus pool of 107% of target.  As CEO, Mr. Waters received the base bonus pool percentage of 107%, or $267,857.

2016 Compensation Actions

New2022 Long-term Incentive Grants and Annual Bonus TargetsGrants.

In February 2016,2022, the CNG Committee and the Subcommittee made new long-term incentive grants to the NEOs (other than Messrs. Campbell and established annual bonus target levels for the Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Waters (as a result of the agreement to sell Sirius Group)Bazos) based on the same factors described above with respect to grants made in 2015.

The new long-term incentive grants for White Mountains executives (other than Mr. Barrette2021 and operating company executives) were allocated 50% as performance shares and 50% as restricted shares. With respect to the total grants made to employees across the Company, the CNG Committee granted 26,150 target shares for the 2022-2024 performance cycle, which wasrepresents a 3% decrease, year over year, in the same allocation as in 2015.  Mr. Barrette’s long-term incentive grant was made 100% as restricted shares.number of shares granted. These grants totaled approximately 0.9% of the then outstanding shares, within the CNG Committee’s 1% guideline discussed above. 

 

The key jobCNG Committee set a performance target of 9% annual growth in CVPS, which is above the Company’s guidepost of the yield at the beginning of the period on the 10 YT + 700 basis points. The CNG Committee determined that 9% annual growth in CVPS is an appropriately challenging target for a payout of 100% of the target performance shares for the Company’s management team going forward2022-2024 performance cycle, which is to appropriately deployan increase over the proceeds from8% annual growth in CVPS target utilized for the sales2021 grants. Annual growth of Sirius4% or less would result in no payout, and Symetra while remaining patient.  In lightannual growth of this,14% or more would result in a payout of 200%. As seen in the table below, the performance target goals associated with our performance shares have increased meaningfully over the past five grant cycles.

Performance CycleTarget Shares Granted% Change from Prior YearPerformance Target
(min / target / max)
2022 - 202426,150(3%)4% - 9% - 14%
2021 - 202326,950(4%)3% - 8% - 13%
2020 - 202228,110(10%)2% - 7% - 12%
2019 - 202131,20016%2% - 7% - 12%
2018 - 202026,900(24%)2% - 6% - 10%

The CNG Committee believes grading management’s performancethis target and scale properly incentivize management to manage our businesses efficiently, without taking inappropriate risks.


Share Ownership Guidelines for Executive Officers

The CNG Committee has established share ownership guidelines for our executive officers. According to the guidelines, our CEO and EVPs are required to hold Company shares with a value of 10x salary, while other executive officers are required to hold Company shares with a value of 3x salary. Shares received upon vesting must be held until the executive is in compliance with the guideline. Unvested restricted shares will be best done using judgment at the endcount toward satisfaction of the cycle rather than setting a fixed performance scale now that may or may not produce equitable results in hindsight.  Accordingly, for each Named Executive Officer recipient of a WTM performance share grant for the 2016-2018 performance cycle, the Committee elected not to set specific performance targets.  Instead, at the end of the cycle, the Committee will use its judgment to evaluate management’s performance by taking into account all facts the Committee deems relevant including the Company’s growth in intrinsic business value per share to determine the payout of theguideline, while unvested performance shares on a 0%-200% scale.  The Committee considered many other approaches, including making grantswill not count. As of December 31, 2021, all NEOs were in this cycle entirely in restricted shares, but decided thatcompliance with the chosen approach best fit the unique circumstances of the Company.guidelines.

 

Clawback Policy

 

The Company has adopted a clawback policy applicable to bonuses and long-term incentive awards. If the Company is required to restaterestates any financial statement included in an SEC filing as a result of an employee’s 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 wasinvolved fraud, then in addition to other actions the Board will mandatorily will seek such reimbursement.

Other Elements of Compensation

 

Retirement Benefits

 

We have no active U.S. defined benefit pension plans. Benefit accruals under all our U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plans and all our U.S. supplemental defined benefit 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 andperquisite is limited personal use of corporate aircraft.

 

We allow our Named Executive OfficersNEOs 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 OfficersNEOs for their taxes associated with perquisites, including with respect to personal use of our aircraft.

 

Our Named Executive OfficersNEOs 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 and charitable gift matching.

 

Certain Board Fees

 

Our Named Executive OfficersNEOs do not receive director fees for serving on the Company’sCompany's board of directors or for serving on the boards of directors of our wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries. However, those Named Executive OfficersNEOs who serve on the boards of directors of other companies in which we have a minority interest may receive director fees.fees from those companies. We consider those board fees when evaluating the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.NEOs.

 

Employment Agreements; Compensation Arrangements for Mr. Bazos and Severance Agreements; Change in ControlMr. Caffrey

In connection with the sale of Sirius Group, the buyer required that Mr. Waters enter into an employment agreement with Sirius Group in order to ensure his ongoing employment following the closing of the transaction.   However, were the sale not to have been consummated, the employment agreement would have been null and void ab initio.

Other than the employment agreement with Mr. Waters described above, weWe have no long-term employment agreements with our Named Executive OfficersNEOs 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 any Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Waters.

 

At our parent company, severanceFrank Bazos. In connection with Mr. Bazos’s hiring, the Company agreed to the following terms, which the CNG


Committee believes were reasonably negotiated and aligned with market practices:

1)a $1,500,000 sign on bonus payable in three equal tranches: upon signing, in March 2020 and in March 2021.
·The CNG Committee determined that this sign on bonus would provide market-competitive compensation for Mr. Bazos given his inability to earn any payouts from long-term incentive awards until 2022, consistent with our standard executive compensation program which is heavily weighted toward long-term performance-based pay.
2)an annual bonus for 2019 set at a target of $375,000.
3)in the event Mr. Bazos were terminated without cause prior to March 15, 2021, to receive any unpaid tranches of his signing bonus plus $875,000 and full vesting of any outstanding long-term incentives. After March 15, 2021, a termination of Mr. Bazos’s employment would be treated the same as applicable to any other senior executive (as described below).

On December 9, 2020, the Company announced that Mr. Bazos would resign from his current role on March 1, 2021 and become an advisor to management. On December 16, 2020, Mr. Bazos and WMC, acting with the approval of the CNG Committee, entered into an employment agreement (the “Bazos Agreement”) relating to Mr. Bazos’s service as an advisor. Under the Bazos Agreement, Mr. Bazos will (A) be paid a base salary at the annual rate of $250,000 and (B) continue to participate in WMC’s employee benefit plans. In addition, Mr. Bazos’s existing 3,600 unvested performance shares granted under the Company’s Long -Term Incentive Plan will remain outstanding.

Under the Bazos Agreement, and in accordance with the terms of Mr. Bazos’s original offer letter from when he joined WMC in 2019 and which terms are described above, (A) WMC paid Mr. Bazos (1) $500,000, consisting of the third installment of his original signing bonus, and (2) $875,000, representing the agreed payment in the event of Mr. Bazos’s departure prior to March 15, 2021, and (B) Mr. Bazos’s existing 3,600 restricted shares granted under the LTIP vested. The Bazos Agreement also provides that Mr. Bazos will be subject to certain restrictive covenants.

Liam Caffrey. On December 2, 2021, the Company announced that Mr. Caffrey would become its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on March 1, 2022. In connection with Mr. Caffrey’s hiring, the Company agreed to the following terms, which the CNG Committee believes were reasonably negotiated and aligned with market practices:

1)base salary of $500,000.
2)participation in the Company’s annual and long-term incentive plans:
·annual bonus target of 75% of base salary
·long-term incentive grant for the 2022-2024 cycle of 1,250 restricted shares and 1,250 performance shares.
3)a $975,000 sign on bonus payable in three equal annual installments
·in the event that Mr. Caffrey voluntarily terminates his employment prior to March 15, 2024, he must reimburse the Company for any portion of the signing bonus he has received.
4)in the event the Company terminates Mr. Caffrey’s employment, other than for cause, prior to March 15, 2024, Mr. Caffrey will be entitled to a payment of $875,000 and will continue to vest in any then outstanding long-term incentives.

Severance Agreements; Change in Control

Severance benefits, if any, for our NEOs are determined by the CNG Committee in its sole discretion. AtExecutive officers of 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 enteringwould expect to enter into a one to three year consulting agreement with the executive, whicharrangements that would permit the executive to earn some or all of such executive’s long-term incentive compensation then outstanding.

 

We have no standalone change in control agreements with our Named Executive Officers.NEOs. 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.

controlTax 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) does not impact compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers who are employees of non-U.S. companies (Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Seelig and Waters).  However, in the case of Named Executive Officers who are employees of subsidiaries that are organized in the United States (Mr.  Campbell), 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, theCompensation/Nominating & Governance Committee may approve compensation that will not meet the Section 162(m) requirements if, in the Committee’s judgment, structuring compensation in such manner better promotes the Company’s interests (such as with a grant of restricted shares and in the case of the grant of the 2016-2018 performance share cycle).

Compensation Committee Report

 

The CompensationCompensation/Nominating & Governance 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 CompensationCompensation/Nominating & Governance Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

 

Philip A. Gelston, Chair

Morgan W. Davis Chairman

A. Michael FrinquelliMargaret Dillon

Edith E. HolidaySuzanne F. Shank

Lowndes A. Smith


Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table presents compensation in 2015, 20142021, 2020 and 20132019 for the Company’s CEO, CFO and its threetwo other most highly compensated executive officers, and one additional individual for whom disclosure would have been provided had he been serving as an executive officer at the end of 2021 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and
Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary
($)

 

Bonus
(a) ($)

 

Stock

Awards

Granted
(b) (c) ($)

 

Option
Awards
Granted
($)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation
(d) ($)

 

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)

 

All Other
Compen-
sation
(e) ($)

 

Total
($)

 

Raymond Barrette

 

2015

 

500,000

 

750,000

 

6,648,900

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

230,180

 

8,129,080

 

Chairman and CEO

 

2014

 

500,000

 

100,000

 

6,200,063

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

215,666

 

7,015,729

 

 

 

2013

 

500,000

 

500,000

 

6,751,200

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

245,289

 

7,996,489

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David T. Foy

 

2015

 

500,000

 

750,000

 

3,989,340

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

140,897

 

5,380,237

 

Executive Vice President and CFO

 

2014

 

500,000

 

100,000

 

3,460,500

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

163,600

 

4,224,100

 

 

 

2013

 

500,000

 

500,000

 

3,797,550

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

145,132

 

4,942,682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allan L. Waters

 

2015

 

500,000

 

267,857

 

1,595,736

 

-

 

5,534,930

 

-

 

139,925

 

8,038,448

 

President and CEO of Sirius Group

 

2014

 

500,000

 

388,250

 

2,144,412

 

-

 

6,147,388

 

-

 

129,895

 

9,309,945

 

 

 

2013

 

500,000

 

337,500

 

1,502,142

 

-

 

3,998,027

 

-

 

138,114

 

6,475,783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reid T. Campbell

 

2015

 

500,000

 

850,000

 

3,324,450

 

-

 

-

 

(20,432

)

30,231

 

4,684,249

 

Managing Director of

 

2014

 

490,385

 

200,000

 

2,595,375

 

-

 

-

 

11,772

 

31,942

 

3,329,474

 

White Mountains Capital, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and President of WM Advisors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert L. Seelig

 

2015

 

478,846

 

750,000

 

3,317,075

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

40,249

 

4,586,170

 

Managing Director and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and

Principal Position 

Year 

Salary

($) 

    Bonus
(a) ($)
 

Stock

Awards

Granted
(b) ($)

 

Option

Awards

Granted
($)

 

Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation

(c) ($) 

 

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($) 

 

All Other

Compensation

(d) ($) 

 

Total

($) 

G. Manning Rountree2021 500,000 -6,478,434 -- - 207,135 7,185,569
Chief Executive Officer2020 500,000 -5,788,476 -750,000 - 132,152 7,170,628
 2019 500,000 -5,608,200 -528,750 - 221,324 6,858,274
Reid T. Campbell2021 500,000 - 4,318,956 - - - 219,247 5,038,203
Executive Vice President &2020 500,000 - 3,858,984 - 750,000 - 146,398 5,255,382
     Chief Financial Officer2019 500,000 - 3,738,800 - 528,750 - 140,409 4,907,959
Robert L. Seelig2021 500,000 - 2,399,420 - -- - 95,207 2,994,627
Executive Vice President &2020 500,000 - 1,929,492 - 750,000 - 29,484 3,208,976
     General Counsel2019 500,000 - 1,869,400 - 528,750 - 61,261 2,959,411
Michaela Hildreth2021 417,308 - 1,439,652 - -- - 55,176 1,912,136
Managing Director &                 
     Chief Accounting Officer                 

 

Former Executive Officer: 

 

                 
Frank R. Bazos2021 288,462 500,000 - -- - 893,881 1,682,343
Former Executive Vice President &2020 500,000 500,000 3,644,596 -750,000 - 22,612 5,417,208
     Head of Mergers & Acquisitions2019 323,077 875,000 3,499,610 -- - 29,294 4,726,981

 

(a)

(a)

RepresentsFor Mr. Bazos, the amount in 2021 represents the third $500,000 installment of his original sign-on award granted to him upon joining the Company, the amount in 2020 represents the second $500,000 installment of a sign-on award granted to him upon joining the Company and the amount in 2019 represents a sign-on award of $500,000 paid to him upon joining the Company and a targeted annual incentive bonuses earnedbonus of $375,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.2019. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

(b)

(b)

For Mr. Barrette, the amounts representRepresents the grant date market value of WTM performance shares granted in 2015, 20142021, 2020 and 2013. For Messrs. Foy and Waters, the amounts represent the grant date market value of WTM performance shares granted in 2015, 2014 and 20132019 and WTM restricted shares issued in 2015, 20142021, 2020 and 2013. For Mr. Campbell, the amounts represent the grant date market value of2019. The WTM performance shares granted in 2015 and 2014 and WTM restricted shares issued in 2015 and 2014. For Mr. Seelig, the amount represents the grant date market value of WTM performance shares granted in 2015 and WTM restricted shares issued in 2015. 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)

(c)

For Mr. Waters,In 2019, the amount in 2014 includes 1,200 WTM performance sharesannual incentive bonus program for the 2014-2016 performance cycle that were cancelled concurrentlynamed executive officers changed to a formulaic program, with the issuancelevel of an equal numberpayout determined by reference to the Company’s growth in CVPS. Company performance in the year ended December 31, 2021 resulted in a level of restricted shares on November 19, 2014.  Net of cancellations,growth in CVPS that produced no payout in March 2022 to the value of stocknamed executive officers. Amounts presented in 2020 represent annual incentive awards grantedpaid in 2014cash in March 2021 for Mr. Waters would be $1,452,312performance in the year ended December 31, 2020 and amounts presented in 2019 represent annual incentive awards paid in cash in March 2020 for performance in the value of total compensation in 2014 would be $8,617,845.

year ended December 31, 2019. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

(d)

(d)

For Mr. Waters, the amounts represent the value of Sirius Group performance units earned for the 2013-2015, 2012-2014 and 2011-2013 performance cycles.

(e)

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 2015, 20142021, 2020 and 2013:2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Year

 

Director
Fees
(a) ($)

 

Personal
use of
planes
(b) ($)

 

Restricted
stock
dividends
($)

 

401(k)
match
($)

 

Employee
stock
ownership
plan
($)

 

Profit
sharing
plan
($)

 

Total
($)

 

Raymond Barrette

 

2015

 

75,000

 

143,675

 

-

 

7,950

 

3,555

 

-

 

230,180

 

 

 

2014

 

75,000

 

124,356

 

5,000

 

7,800

 

3,510

 

-

 

215,666

 

 

 

2013

 

75,000

 

149,228

 

10,000

 

7,650

 

3,411

 

-

 

245,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David T. Foy

 

2015

 

122,140

 

-

 

9,375

 

5,827

 

3,555

 

-

 

140,897

 

 

 

2014

 

144,196

 

-

 

10,125

 

5,769

 

3,510

 

-

 

163,600

 

 

 

2013

 

124,000

 

-

 

11,375

 

6,346

 

3,411

 

-

 

145,132

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allan L. Waters

 

2015

 

75,000

 

43,965

 

3,735

 

10,600

 

-

 

6,625

 

139,925

 

 

 

2014

 

75,000

 

31,275

 

2,820

 

10,400

 

-

 

10,400

 

129,895

 

 

 

2013

 

75,000

 

40,539

 

4,470

 

10,200

 

-

 

7,905

 

138,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reid T. Campbell

 

2015

 

-

 

11,726

 

7,000

 

7,950

 

3,555

 

-

 

30,231

 

 

 

2014

 

-

 

13,632

 

7,000

 

7,800

 

3,510

 

-

 

31,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert L. Seelig

 

2015

 

-

 

22,119

 

6,625

 

7,950

 

3,555

 

-

 

40,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NameYear

Director

Fees 

(a) ($) 

Personal
use of
planes 

(b) ($) 

Restricted
stock
dividends 

($) 

Company 

contributions 

to 401(k) 

plan 

($) 

Employee
stock
ownership
plan 

($) 

Severance 

(c) ($) 

Other 

personal
benefits 

(d) ($) 

Total

($) 

G. Manning Rountree202190,00096,9543,00013,0504,131--207,135
 202090,00019,3406,00012,8253,987--132,152
201990,000105,8729,00012,6003,852--221,324

Reid T. Campbell 

202190,000110,0662,00013,0504,131--219,247
 202090,00035,5864,00012,8253,987--146,398

 

201990,00027,7076,25012,6003,852--140,409
Robert L. Seelig2021-77,0261,00013,0504,131--95,207
 2020-9,8722,80012,8253,987--29,484
 2019-40,0094,80012,6003,852--61,261
Michaela Hildreth2021-35,67540013,0504,131-   1,92055,176
          
          
Frank R. Bazos2021--1,70013,0504,131875,000        -893,881
 2020-3,2881,90012,8253,987-     61222,612
 2019-15,944-12,600--     75029,294
          

(a)

(a)

Amounts for Messrs. Barrette and Waters represent director fees paid by BAM.  Amounts for Mr. Foy represent director fees paid by Symetra Financial Corporation.

 

(b)

(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,third party aircraft services, the incremental cost is the actual costamount invoiced to the Company by the third-party aircraft provider.

(c)Represents a payment under the terms of Mr. Bazos’s employment agreement in the flight.

event of his departure prior to March 15, 2021. Mr. Bazos resigned from the Company on March 1, 2021 and became an advisor to management.

(d)Represents parking garage rental fees paid by the Company on behalf of Ms. Hildreth and Mr. Bazos.


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 that received such awards during 2015:2021:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-

 

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (a)

 

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (b)

 

All Other
Stock
Awards:

 

All Other
Option
Awards:

 

Exercise

 

Grant Date

 

Name

 

Grant
Date

 

Type of
Award

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards
(#)

 

Threshold
($)

 

Target
($)

 

Maximum
($)

 

Threshold
(#)

 

Target
(#)

 

Maximum
(#)

 

Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(c) (#)

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)

 

or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)

 

Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards
(d) ($)

 

Grant

Date 

Type of Award 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (a) 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (b) 

All Other
Stock
Awards:

Number of

Shares
of Stock

or Units

(c) (#) 

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities Underlying Options

(#)

Exercise

or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh) 

Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards

(d) ($) 

Raymond Barrette

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Performance Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0

 

10,000

 

20,000

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,648,900

 

David T. Foy

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Performance Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0

 

3,000

 

6,000

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,994,670

 

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Restricted Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,000

 

-

 

-

 

1,994,670

 

Allan L. Waters

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Performance Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0

 

1,200

 

2,400

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

797,868

 

Name

Grant

Date 

Type of Award 

Threshold

($)

Target

($) 

Maximum
($)
 

Threshold

(#) 

Target

(#) 

Maximum

(#) 

All Other
Stock
Awards:

Number of

Shares
of Stock

or Units

(c) (#) 

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities Underlying Options

(#)

Exercise

or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh) 

Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards

(d) ($) 

0375,000750,000 ---

 

2/25/15

 

Sirius Group Performance Units

2,638

 

0

 

3,511,178

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2/25/21WTM Performance
Shares
 -- 02,7005,400-3,239,217

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Restricted Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,200

 

-

 

-

 

797,868

 

2/25/21WTM Restricted
Shares
 -- -2,700-3,239,217

Reid T. Campbell

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Performance Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0

 

2,500

 

5,000

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,662,225

 

 Annual Incentive
Bonus
 0375,000750,000 -

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Restricted Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,500

 

-

 

-

 

1,662,225

 

2/25/21WTM Performance
Shares
 -- 01,8003,600-2,159,478
2/25/21WTM Restricted
Shares
 -- -1,800-2,159,478

Robert L. Seelig

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Performance Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0

 

2,250

 

4,500

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,496,003

 

 Annual Incentive
Bonus
 0375,000750,000 -

 

2/25/15

 

WTM Restricted Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,250

 

 

 

 

 

1,496,003

 

2/25/21WTM Performance
Shares
 -- 01,0002,000-1,199,710

 

5/27/15

 

WTM Performance Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0

 

250

 

500

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

162,535

 

2/25/21WTM Restricted
Shares
 -- -1,000-1,199,710
Michaela Hildreth Annual Incentive
Bonus
 0318,750637,500 -

 

5/27/15

 

WTM Restricted Shares

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

250

 

-

 

-

 

162,535

 

2/25/21WTM Performance
Shares
 -- 06001,200-719,826
2/25/21WTM Restricted
Shares 
 -- -600-719,826

 

(a)

(a)These columns indicate the range of payouts (0%, 100% and 200%) targeted for fiscal 2021 performance under our Annual Incentive Bonus Plan as described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this proxy statement. The actual payout with respect to fiscal 2021 for each named executive officer is shown in the Summary Compensation Table in the column titled “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”

 

Mr. Waters was granted Sirius Group performance units for the 2015-2017 performance cycle under the Sirius Group Incentive Plan.  Each unit is initially valued at $1,000(b)

Messrs. Rountree, Campbell, Seelig and compounds in value based on Sirius Group’s underwriting return on deployed capital (“uroc”) during the performance period.  A uroc of 3% or less (Threshold) would result in no payout.  A uroc of 10% would result in a target payout of 100%.  A uroc of 17% or more (Maximum) would result in a 200% payout.

(b)

Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Waters, Campbell and SeeligMs. Hildreth were granted WTM performance shares for the 2015-20172021-2023 performance cycle. GrowthFor the 2021-2023 performance cycle, the targeted performance goal for full payment of outstanding WTM performance shares granted under the WTM Incentive Plan for all NEOs is an 8% average growth in WTM’s intrinsic business value per shareCVPS. Average growth of 2%3% or less (Threshold) would result in no payout.  Growth in intrinsic business value per sharepayout and average growth of 8% would result in a target payout of 100%.  Growth in intrinsic business value per share of 14%13% or more (Maximum) would result in a payout of 200%.

 

(c)

(c)

Messrs. Foy, Waters,Rountree, Campbell, Seelig and SeeligMs. Hildreth were granted WTM restricted shares that vest on January 1, 2018.

2024.

 

(d)

(d)

Represents the grant date fair value (based on a market price on the date of grant) as determined in accordance with ASC Topic 718 without regard to forfeitures. Assuming a maximum 200% payout, the grant date fair value of the WTM performance shares granted to Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Waters,Rountree, Campbell, Seelig and SeeligMs. Hildreth would be $13,297,800, $3,989,340, $1,595,736, $3,324,450$6,478,434, $4,318,956, $2,399,420 and $3,317,075.

$1,439,652.

42

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, 2015:2021:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards (a)(b)(c)

 

Name

 

Type of
Award

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

 (# Exercisable)

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(# Unexercisable)

 

Equity

Incentive Plan

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned

Options

(#)

 

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

 

Option
Expiration
Date

 

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

(#)

 

Market
Value of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

($)

 

Equity

Incentive Plan

Awards:

Number of

Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other

Rights That

Have Not

Vested

(#)

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan Awards:

Market or

Payout Value

of Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other

Rights That

Have Not

Vested

($)

 

 Option Awards Stock Awards (a)(b)(c)

Raymond Barrette

 

WTM Performance Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

20,750

 

22,390,908

 

 

WTM Non-Qualified Options

 

125,000

 

-

 

-

 

742.00

 

1/20/17

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

David T. Foy

 

WTM Performance Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,000

 

6,553,290

 

 

WTM Restricted Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

9,375

 

6,813,844

 

-

 

-

 

Allan L. Waters

 

WTM Performance Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,400

 

2,621,316

 

Name

Type of

Award

Number of
Securities
Underlying

Unexercised

Options

(# Exercisable)

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(# Unexercisable)

Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

Option
Expiration

Date

 

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

(#)

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

($)

Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested

(#)

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or

Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested

($)

WTM Performance Shares--- -5,4008,226,090

 

WTM Restricted Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,735

 

2,714,635

 

-

 

-

 

WTM Restricted Shares- 8,4008,516,760-

Reid T. Campbell

 

WTM Performance Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,750

 

5,278,873

 

WTM Performance Shares- -3,6005,484,060

 

WTM Restricted Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

7,000

 

5,087,670

 

-

 

-

 

WTM Restricted Shares

- 5,6005,677,840-

Robert L. Seelig

 

WTM Performance Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,625

 

5,187,771

 

WTM Performance Shares- -1,9002,843,520

 

WTM Restricted Shares

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,875

 

4,996,819

 

-

 

-

 

WTM Restricted Shares- 2,9002,940,310-
Michaela HildrethWTM Performance Shares- -1,0001,421,660
WTM Restricted Shares- 1,4001,419,460-
Frank R. BazosWTM Performance Shares- -1,7003,454,060
WTM Restricted Shares- -

 

(a)

(a)

Equity incentive plan awards not yet vested at December 31, 20152021 for Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Waters,Rountree, Campbell, Seelig, Ms. Hildreth and SeeligMr. Bazos include 10,000, 3,000, 1,200, 2,5002,700, 1,800, 1,000, 600 and 2,5000 target WTM performance shares, respectively, for the 2015-20172021-2023 performance cycle and 10,750, 3,000, 1,200, 2,2502,700, 1,800, 900, 400 and 2,1251,700 target WTM performance shares, respectively, for the 2014-20162020-2022 performance cycle. Payout values for WTM performance shares are shown at 100% of target for the 2021-2023 performance cycle and 200% of target for the 2015-2017 performance cycle and 100% of target for the 2014-20162020-2022 performance cycle and based on the December 31, 20152021 closing market price ($726.81)1,013.90) including dividends accrueddeclared since the grant date.

(b)

(b)

Stock awards not yet vested at December 31, 20152021 for Messrs. Foy, Waters,Rountree, Campbell, Seelig, Ms. Hildreth and SeeligMr. Bazos include 3,000, 1,200, 2,5002,700, 1,800, 1,000, 600 and 2,5000 WTM restricted shares, respectively, that vest on January 1, 2018, 3,000, 1,200, 2,2502024; 2,700, 1,800, 900, 400 and 2,1250 WTM restricted shares, respectively, that vest on January 1, 2017,2023; and 3,375, 1,335, 2,2503,000, 2,000, 1,000, 400 and 2,2500 WTM restricted shares, respectively, that vest on January 1, 2016.2022. Market values are based on the December 31, 20152021 closing market price ($726.81)1,013.90).

(c)

(c)

Excludes WTM performance shares for the 2013-20152019-2021 performance cycle, which vested on December 31, 2015.2021. See “Option Exercises and Stock Vested.”

43

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

The following table presents stock awards that vested in 20152021 for each of the Named Executive Officers. No option awards were exercised by the Named Executive Officers during 2015.2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Type of Award

 

Number of Shares

Acquired on Vesting

(#)

 

Value Realized
on Vesting

($)

 

Option Awards ExercisedStock Awards Vested

Raymond Barrette

 

WTM Restricted Shares

(a)

5,000

 

3,210,000

 

 

WTM Performance Shares

(b)

16,800

 

13,602,456

 

David T. Foy

 

WTM Restricted Shares

(a)

3,750

 

2,362,913

 

 

WTM Performance Shares

(b)

4,725

 

3,825,691

 

Allan L. Waters

 

WTM Restricted Shares

(a)

1,485

 

935,713

 

Name

Number of Shares 

Acquired on 

Exercise (#) 

 

Value Realized

on Exercise

($) 

 Type of Award 

Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#) 

Value Realized

on Vesting

($) 

 - - WTM Performance Shares(a)5,1605,383,531

 

WTM Performance Shares

(b)

1,869

 

1,513,273

 

     WTM Restricted Shares(b)3,0003,001,980

Reid T. Campbell

 

WTM Restricted Shares

(a)

2,500

 

1,575,275

 

- - WTM Performance Shares(a)3,4403,589,021

 

WTM Performance Shares

(b)

3,150

 

2,550,461

 

     WTM Restricted Shares(b)2,0002,001,320

Robert L. Seelig

 

WTM Restricted Shares

(a)

2,500

 

1,575,275

 

 - - WTM Performance Shares(a)1,7201,794,510

 

WTM Performance Shares

(b)

3,150

 

2,550,461

 

     WTM Restricted Shares(b)1,8001,801,188

Michaela Hildreth

 - - WTM Performance Shares(a)688717,804
     WTM Restricted Shares(b)400400,264
Frank R. Bazos - - WTM Performance Shares(a)3,2683,409,570
     WTM Restricted Shares(c)3,6004,194,432

 

(a)

For Mr. Barrette, the amounts represent restricted shares that vested on January 20, 2015. For Messrs. Foy, Waters(a)

Represents 3,000, 2,000, 1,000, 400 and Campbell, the amounts represent WTM restricted shares that vested on January 1, 2015.

(b)

Represents 12,000, 3,375, 1,335, 2,250 and 2,2501,900 target WTM performance shares awarded for the 2013-20152019-2021 performance cycle to Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Waters,Rountree, Campbell, Seelig, Ms. Hildreth and Seelig,Mr. Bazos, respectively, which became fully vested on December 31, 20152021 at 140%172% of target. Value realized on vesting is based on the average of the high and the low market valuesclosing price of common shares for the 5 days preceding the CNG Committee meeting on April 19, 2016,February 24, 2022, as determined by the CompensationCNG Committee, plus dividends declared since the cycle was granted in 2013.2019.

(b)The amounts represent WTM restricted shares that vested on January 1, 2021.

(c)The amount for Mr. Bazos represents WTM restricted shares that vested on March 8, 2021 in accordance with the Bazos Agreement.

 

44

 

Pension Benefits

 

The following table presents the present value of accumulated benefits payable as of December 31, 2015 under the OneBeacon Pension Plan and the OneBeacon Excess Plan (collectively the “OneBeacon Plans”) for the only participating Named Executive Officer.  The table includes the number of years of service credited to the Named Executive Officer, determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s financial statements.  The other Named Executive Officers did not participate in any defined pension plans sponsored by White Mountains.

Name

 

Plan Name
(a)

 

Number of Years
Credited Service
(#) (b)

 

Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit

($)

 

Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year ($)

 

Reid T. Campbell

 

OneBeacon Plans

 

1.6

 

30,103

 

-

 

(a)

The OneBeacon Plans were frozen effective December 31, 2002. White Mountains does not sponsor any other defined benefit pension plans.

(b)

Due to the freeze, Mr. Campbell’s number of years of credited service and average annual compensation remain the same as they were on December 31, 2002.

Mountains in 2021.

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

The Named Executive Officers dodid not participate in any nonqualified deferred compensation plans sponsored by White Mountains in 2015.2021.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

 

Employment and Severance Agreements

 

In connection with the sale of Sirius Group, the buyer required that Mr. Waters enter into an employment agreement with Sirius Group in order to ensure his ongoing employment following the closing of the transaction.  However, were the sale not to have been consummated, the employment agreement would have been null and void ab initio.

Other than the employment agreement with Mr. Waters described above, weWe 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. See “Compensation Arrangements for Mr. Bazos and Mr. Caffrey” on page 37.

 

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 becomingbecome vested and WTM performance shares and performance units becomingbecome 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, 2015.2021.

 

Voluntary Termination of Employment

 

Had any of our Named Executive Officers voluntarily terminated their employment on December 31, 2015,2021, 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 CompensationCNG Committee.

Involuntary Termination of Employment

 

Had any of our other Named Executive Officers been terminated without cause on December 31, 2015,2021, 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 CompensationCNG Committee.

 

Retirement

 

Had any of our Named Executive Officers retired on December 31, 2015,2021, 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 CompensationCNG Committee.

Death or Disability

 

Had any of our Named Executive Officers employed as of December 31, 2021 died or become disabled on December 31, 2015,that date, they would have been entitled to pro rata vesting of their WTM performance shares and full vesting of their restricted shares and pro rata vesting of their performance units.shares. Under this scenario, Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Waters,Rountree, Campbell, Seelig, Ms. Hildreth and SeeligMr. Bazos would have been entitled to receive $19,923,813, $12,451,626, $14,538,215, $9,089,462$16,505,994, $11,003,996, $5,637,218, $2,592,974 and $8,937,793,$4,474,583, respectively.

 


For purposes of computing the amounts above, the WTM performance shares were valued at the December 31, 20152021 common share closing market price ($726.81)1,013.90) including dividends since grant.  Restricted shares were valued at the December 31, 2015 common share closing market price.  Sirius Group performance units were valued at actual value as of December 31, 2015. The WTM performance shares would vest pro-rated for time and at 100% of target; provided, that in the case of the 2013-2015,2019-2021 performance cycle, values are shown at actual performance of 140%172%. The Sirius Group performance units, includingRestricted shares were valued at the 2013-2015 performance cycle, would vest pro-rated for time and Sirius Group’s actual performance through the end of 2015.

December 31, 2021 common share closing market price.

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, 2015,2021 to any of our Named Executive Officers employed as of that date, they would have been entitled to full vesting of their WTM performance shares at up to 200% of target and 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).shares. Under this scenario, Messrs. Barrette, Foy, Waters,Rountree, Campbell, Seelig, Ms. Hildreth and SeeligMr. Bazos would have been entitled to receive up to $47,741,055, $20,479,781, $17,525,637, $15,290,510$25,584,480, $17,056,320, $8,832,530, $4,263,580 and $15,017,456,$7,318,280, respectively.

 

For purposes of computing the amounts above, the WTM performance shares, including the 2019-2021 performance cycle, were shown at 200% of target. The WTM performance shares were valued at the December 31, 20152021 common share closing market price ($726.81)1,013.90) including dividends since grant. Restricted shares were valued at the December 31, 20152021 common share closing market price.  Sirius Group performance units were valued at actual value as of September 30, 2015.  The WTM performance shares, including the 2013-2015 performance cycle, were shown at 200% of target.  The Sirius Group performance units, including the 2013-2015 performance cycle, would vest pro-rated for time and at actual performance through September 30, 2015 (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

Our CNG Committee has adopted a compensation program for our non-employee directors that is focused on:

·attracting and retaining highly-qualified directors with a diversity of skills, backgrounds and experiences
·appropriately valuing the significant time and travel commitment required for our non-employee directors
·encouraging directors’ ownership of our common shares to further the alignment of their interests with those of our shareholders

To that end, our non-employee director compensation program in effect for fiscal 2021 included the following elements:

·an annual cash retainer of $135,000
·an annual equity retainer of 225 common shares
·an additional retainer of $100,000 and 90 common shares for our Board Chair
·an additional cash retainer of $15,000 for all members of the Audit Committee
·additional annual retainers (in addition to member retainer) of $35,000 and $25,000 for chairs of the Audit Committee and all other committees, respectively

Our non-employee directors are not provided with any benefits other than participating in our employee matching gift program on the same terms as our employees, matching gifts up to $10,000 per participating individual.

As described in the notes to the table below, due to his extensive insurance industry expertise, Mr. Davis serves on the boards of two subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company. For his service, he receives directors fees, paid by these companies, which are included under “All Other Compensation.”

 

The following table summarizes director compensation for 20152021 (for directors other than Named Executive Officers):

 

Director

 

Fees Paid
in Cash
(a) ($)

 

Stock
Awards
(b) ($)

 

Option Awards

($)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)

 

Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)

 

All Other
Compen-
sation
(c) ($)

 

Total

($)

 

Yves Brouillette

 

74,595

 

244,411

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

319,006

 

Morgan W. Davis

 

221,000

 

130,006

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

187,500

 

538,506

 

A. Michael Frinquelli

 

232,000

 

130,006

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

362,006

 

John D. Gillespie (d)

 

8,000

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

5,071

 

13,071

 

Edith E. Holiday

 

220,000

 

130,006

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

8,850

 

358,856

 

Lowndes A. Smith

 

296,000

 

130,006

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

653,434

 

1,079,440

 

Gary C. Tolman

 

112,000

 

127,212

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

239,212

 

Director

Fees Paid

in Cash

(a) ($) 

 

 

 

Stock

Awards

(b) ($) 

 

Option Awards

($) 

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($) 

 

Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($) 

 

All Other
Compen-sation

(c) ($) 

 

 

Total

($) 

Peter M. Carlson 

185,000 266,452 - - - 10,000 461,452

Mary C. Choksi 

160,000 266,452 - - - 10,000 436,452
Morgan W. Davis235,000 373,032 - -   - 120,000728,032
Margaret Dillon150,000 266,452 - - - - 416,452
Philip A. Gelston175,000 266,452 - - - 7,000 448,452
Suzanne F. Shank90,450 166,098 - - - - 256,548
David A. Tanner150,000 266,452 - - - - 416,452

 

(a)

Named Executive Officers do(a)

Mr. Rountree does not receive any additional compensation for theirhis role as a director. Except as noted, each director is provided a $100,000Non-management directors receive an annual retainer.cash retainer of $135,000. Additional retainers in the following amounts are provided to those directors serving in the following roles: Chairman of the Board ($100,000), Chairman of the Audit Committee ($100,000), Deputy Chairman ($50,000)35,000), Chairman of any other Board committee ($25,000) and members of the Audit Committee ($15,000). Retainers were all paid in cash except for Mr. Brouillette who received an equivalent value in common shares.cash. Retainers relate to the twelve-month period from May 2015 through April 2016,2021 to May 2022, 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.

 

(b)

As of May 26, 2016, meeting fees for non-management directors will be eliminated and the annual retainer will increase to $135,000.

(b)

On May 28, 2015,27, 2021, all non-management directors except for Mr. Tolman, received an annual grant of 200225 common shares and(with the exception of Ms. Shank, who was not elected to the Board until October 10, 2021). Mr. BrouilletteDavis received an additional 90 common shares for paymenthis role as Chairman of his retainer. Upon his election to the Board on June 8, 2015, Mr. Tolman received a grant of 200 common shares.Board. All common shares issued were valued at $650.03 per share, except for Mr. Tolman’s shares that were valued at $636.06$1,184.23 per share, the market pricesprice on the datesdate the shares were granted.

As Ms. Shank received a grant of May 26, 2016, each non-management will receive an151 common shares upon her election to the Board on October 10, 2021, representing the pro-rata portion of the annual grant of 250 common shares. The Deputy Chairman offor the Board will receive an additional grant of 50 common shares.

service period ending May 2022. These shares were valued at $1,099.99 per share, the market price on the date the shares were granted.

 

(c)

AmountAmounts shown for Mr. Davis represents $87,000 in director compensation paid to him as a director of OneBeacon, $60,000 in fees paid to him to serve as the Company’s representative on the Board of Compare.com, $40,000 in fees paid to him as a director of MediaAlphaCarlson, Ms. Choksi and $500Mr. Gelston represent $10,000, $10,000 and $7,000, respectively, in matching payments from a company-sponsored charitable gift program. Amount shown for Mr. John D. GillespieDavis represents $5,071 for personal use of corporate aircraft (which is valued at White Mountains’s aggregate incremental operating cost). Amount shown for Ms. Holiday represents $8,850 in matching payments from a company-sponsored charitable gift program. Amount shown for Mr. Smith represents $278,500$60,000 in director compensationfees paid to him as Chairman of OneBeaconby Compare.com and $374,934$60,000 in director compensationfees paid to him as Chairman of Symetra Financial Corporation.by NSM Group.


CEO PAY RATIO

CEO Pay Ratio

Below is (i) the 2021 annual total compensation of our CEO; (ii) the 2021 annual total compensation of our median employee; (iii) the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to that of our median employee, and (iv) the methodology we used to calculate our CEO pay ratio:

CEO Annual Total Compensation$7,185,569

Median Employee Annual Total Compensation

$61,862
CEO to Median Employee Pay Ratio

(d)

On June 30, 2015,116:1

Methodology

Our CEO pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules. Our methodology and process are explained below:

(1)Determined Employee Population. We began with our global employee population as of December 31, 2021, including full-time and part-time workers employed by our company or consolidated subsidiaries, but excluding our CEO.

(2)Identified the Company terminated its consulting agreement with Prospector andMedian Employee. To identify the outstandingmedian employee, we calculated compensation for each employee using (i) base annual salary including estimated overtime pay as of December 31, 2021, (ii) cash incentives earned in 2021, (iii) WTM performance shares granted to Prospectorand WTM performance units vested on a pro rata basisDecember 31, 2021, and at actual performance through(iv) WTM restricted shares vested on January 1, 2022. Compensation paid in foreign currency was translated to the date of termination, which was 132.2% of target for the 7,000 performance shares from the 2013-2015 performance cycle and no payout was achieved for the 6,250 performance shares from the 2014-2016 performance cycle. The value realized on vesting wasU.S. dollar equivalent based on the averageforeign exchange rates as of the high and the low market values of common shares on August 26, 2015 ($704.75), the date the award was determined by the Compensation Committee, plus dividends declared during the 2013-2015 cycle, which resulted in a total payout of $5.5 million.

December 31, 2021.

(3)Calculated CEO Pay Ratio. We calculated our median employee’s annual total compensation for 2021 in accordance with SEC rules for preparing the Summary Compensation Table. We compared the median employee’s compensation to our CEO’s annual total compensation in the Summary Compensation Table to determine the pay ratio shown above.


TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS, PROMOTERS AND CERTAIN CONTROL PERSONS

Prospector

Mr. John Gillespie, the founder and Managing Member of Prospector, retired from the WTM Board of Directors in May 2015.  Until June 2015, Prospector served as a discretionary adviser with respect to specified assets, primarily common equity securities and convertible fixed maturity investments, managed directly or through WM Advisors on behalf of White Mountains and other clients of WM Advisors. At that time, the investment management agreements between WM Advisors and Prospector and OneBeacon and Prospector and the Consulting Agreement described below were terminated.

Pursuant to investment management agreements with WM Advisors and OneBeacon, Prospector charged WM Advisors and OneBeacon 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.  Under these agreements, Prospector earned $2.1 million from White Mountains and OneBeacon in total fees in 2015.  Prospector also had a separate investment management agreement with Symetra that was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Prospector also advised 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 6,250 performance shares for the 2014-2016 cycle and 7,000 performance shares for the 2013-2015 cycle.  Under the terms of the Consulting Agreement, Prospector earned a prorated portion of the outstanding performance share grants at the time of the termination of the Consulting Agreement and was paid $5.5 million in respect thereof.

Pursuant to a pre-existing revenue sharing agreement, Prospector paid White Mountains 6% of the annual revenues in excess of $500,000 of certain of Prospector’s funds in return for White Mountains having made a founding investment in 1997.  During 2015, White Mountains did not earn any fees under this revenue sharing agreement.  The agreement terminated in June 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, White Mountains and OneBeacon incurred $0.4 million in management fees and $0.1 million in incentive fees, respectively, related to investments made in limited partnerships managed by Prospector.

Share Repurchases from Related Parties

During 2015, the Company repurchased shares from Franklin Mutual Advisers in two transactions.  On June 1, 2015, the Company repurchased 19,688 WTM common shares for $650.03 per share, the market price at the time the agreement was reached. On September 17, 2015, the Company repurchased 26,300 WTM common shares for $761.50, the market price at the time the agreement was reached.

On September 16, 2015, the Company repurchased 1,900 WTM common shares from Mr. Reid Campbell, President of White Mountains Advisors, for $761.50, the closing market price on such date.

On April 19, 2016, the Company repurchased 325,000 WTM common shares from Franklin Mutual Advisers for $807.00 per share, the market price at the time the agreement was reached.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

The Company’s 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 it 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 2015, the Audit Committee approved all2021, there were no Transactions with Related Persons occurring since the beginning of the Company’s calendar year.that required Audit Committee approval.


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 20152021, with respect to the common shares that may be issued under White Mountains’sthe Company’s existing incentive compensation plans. Performance shares awarded under the WTM Incentive Plan are typically paid in cash, though they may be paid in the Company’s 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.Compensation/ Nominating & Governance Committee.

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

(3)

(1) (2) (3)

Plan category

Number of securities that may
be issued upon exercise or
vesting of outstanding options,
warrants and rights at target

 

Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (1))

Number of securities that may
be issued upon exercise or
vesting of outstanding options,
warrants and rights at target
 Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (1))

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders - WTM Incentive Plan:

 

 

 

 

848,168 (a)

    

 

79,658 (a) 

 

 

 

 

 

     

Performance shares

106,880 (b)

 

$         0

 

 

41,450 (b) $          0  

 

(a)

Under NYSE rules, common(a)

Represents the amount of WTM 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 shares granted at “target” against an inventory available for grant. Under the Company’s approach, as of April 4, 2016, 124,964 common shares remained available for grant at target under the WTM Incentive Plan which could result in up to 249,928 common shares being issued.

(b)

Representsas of December 31, 2021. To the target amount ofextent granted as WTM performance shares. The number of WTM common shares, earnedsuch shares could be earned at 0x to 2x the target number granted and, although typically in cash, may be paid in WTM common shares at the discretion of the CompensationCompensation/Nominating & Governance Committee.

As of April 1, 2022, 65,833 common shares remained available for issuance.

(b)Represents the target amount of WTM performance shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021, which includes 14,625 target performance shares for the 2019-2021 performance cycle that were settled in March 2022.


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

In connection with the audit of the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015,2021, the Audit Committee has: (1) reviewed and discussed with management and PwC the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015,2021, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and PwC’s audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; (2) reviewed and discussed with PwC the matters required by Statementapplicable requirements of Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended;the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the SEC; and (3) received the written disclosures and the letter from PwC required by the applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight BoardPCAOB 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 20152021 and 20142020 (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 MembersShareholders at the 20162022 Annual Meeting.

 

Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s consolidated financial statements as well as for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PwC, is responsible for expressing its opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). In addition, PwC is responsible for expressing its opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company’s 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) management’s 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.

 

LowndesPeter M. Carlson, Chair

Margaret Dillon

Philip A. Smith, ChairmanGelston

Yves BrouilletteDavid A. Tanner

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 Company’s financials.financial statements. 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 authorized by the Company’s 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 PwC’s 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 20152021 and 20142020 were pre-approved in accordance with the policy described above.

 

The services performed by PwC in 20152021 and 20142020 are described below. PwC does not provide any services to the Company that are 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 20152021 and 2014:2020:

                    2021(e)                        2020(e)
Audit Fees (a)$  5,454,328$  3,756,918
Audit-Related Fees (b)588,750 1,170,932
Tax Fees (c) 364,922 810,629
All Other Fees (d)8,370 0

 

 

 

2015 (e)

 

2014(e)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees (a) 

 

$ 6,001,594

 

$ 5,395,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit-Related Fees (b) 

 

143,062

 

310,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Fees (c)

 

657,726

 

1,790,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees (d) 

 

159,319

 

41,164

 

(a)The fees in this category were for professional services rendered in connection with (1) the audits of the Company’s annual financial statements, including the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, (2) the review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements included in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, (3) audits of the Company’s subsidiaries, and (4) services that generally only the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm reasonably can provide, such as comfort letters and consents.

(b)The fees in this category were for professional services rendered in connection with (1) accounting and reporting consultations related to certain transactions and (2) services in connection with certain transactions.

(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 access to PwC’s proprietary technical accounting research and financial statement disclosure software tools.

(e)The fees reported include expense reimbursements of $173,494 and $69,295 in 2021 and 2020, respectively.


 

(a)The fees in this category were for professional services rendered in connection with (1) the audits of the Company’s annual financial statements, including the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, (2) the review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements included in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, (3) audits of the Company’s subsidiaries that are required by statute or regulation, and (4) services that generally only the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm reasonably can provide, such as comfort letters and consents.

(b)The fees in this category were for professional services rendered in connection with (1) services related to certain transactions, (2) actuarial certifications of loss reserves and (3) 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) advisory services in connection with international regulatory requirements and (2) access to PwC’s proprietary technical research and tax filing software.

(e)The fees reported include expense reimbursements of $565,914 and $627,052 in 2015 and 2014, 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 2015.

PROPOSAL 2

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF

HG RE LTD.

Bye-law 77 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as HG Re, be elected by the Company’s Members.

Proposal 2 calls for the election of Messrs. Kevin Pearson (age 51, President of HG Global), Jennifer Pitts (age 50, Corporate Secretary of WTM), Christine Repasy, (age 59, General Counsel of WMA) and John Sinkus (age 50, Assistant Secretary of WTM) to the Board of Directors of HG Re.

None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of HG Re.

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 2 which calls for the election of the director nominees of HG Re.

 

PROPOSAL 3

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF

WHITE MOUNTAINS LIFE REINSURANCE (BERMUDA) LTD.

Bye-law 77 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as WMLRB, be elected by the Company’s Members.

Proposal 3 calls for the election of Mr. Kevin Pearson and Mmes. Lysa Brown (age 40, Controller of HG Re Ltd.), Jennifer Pitts and Christine Repasy to the Board of Directors of WMLRB.

None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of WMLRB.

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 3 which calls for the election of the director nominees of WMLRB.

PROPOSAL 4

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF

ANY NEW DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY OF WTM

Bye-law 77 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company be elected by the Company’s Members.

Proposal 4 calls for the election of Messrs. Barrette, Foy and Pearson 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 4 which calls for the election of the director nominees of any new designated company or subsidiary.

PROPOSAL 5

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
SPLIT ROCK INSURANCE, LTD.

Bye-law 77 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as Split Rock, be elected by the Company’s Members.

Proposal 5 calls for the election of Messrs. Christopher Garrod, (age 44, Director of Conyers, Dill & Pearman), Kevin Pearson and John Treacy (age 52, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of OneBeacon) and Ms. Sarah Kolar (age 40, Secretary of OneBeacon) to the Board of Directors of Split Rock.

None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of Split Rock.

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 5 which calls for the election of the director nominees of Split Rock.

PROPOSAL 6

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF
GRAND MARAIS CAPITAL LIMITED

Bye-law 77 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company, such as Grand Marais, be elected by the Company’s Members.

Proposal 6 calls for the election of Mmes. Sarah Kolar and Davinia Smith (age 37, Director of Alter Domus) and Mr. Jonah Pfeffer (age 41, Managing Director of OneBeacon) to the Board of Directors of Grand Marais.

None of the director nominees will receive any compensation for their services as a director of Grand Marais.

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 6 which calls for the election of the director nominees of Grand Marais.

PROPOSAL 7

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF

ANY NEW DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY OF ONEBEACON

Bye-law 77 of the Company provides that the Board of Directors of any designated subsidiary of the Company be elected by the Company’s Members.

Proposal 7 calls for the election of Messrs. Paul McDonough, (age 51, Chief Financial Officer of OneBeacon), Pearson and Treacy and Ms. Kolar to the Board of Directors of any new designated subsidiary of OneBeacon 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 7 which calls for the election of the director nominees of any new designated company or subsidiary.

PROPOSAL 8

AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPANY’S BYE-LAWS 48 AND 81: THE ADOPTION OF MAJORITY VOTING IN UNCONTESTED DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

Proposal 8 calls for the amendment of the Company’s Bye-law 48 to incorporate majority voting in uncontested Director elections.  Under the existing Bye-laws, nominees receiving the highest number of votes up to the number of Directors to be elected, join the Board.  In theory, a nominee could be elected even if he or she received a very small number of votes.  The amendment provides that, if a Director nominee in an uncontested election receives more votes ‘against’ than votes ‘for’ his or her appointment, the Director would be required to submit his or her resignation to the Board.  The Board would then accept or decline the resignation, and if it declined, would publicly disclose its rationale for doing so.  The Board believes the amendment benefits shareholders by strengthening their role in the governance of the Company.  Proposal 8 also calls for a technical amendment of Bye-law 81 to reflect the renumbering of subclauses in amended Bye-law 48.

The form of Bye-law 48 “Voting at Meetings” as proposed to be amended follows:

1.Unless a different number is otherwise expressly required by statute (without modification of these Bye-laws) or these Bye-laws, every act or decision (including any act or resolution regarding any amalgamation, scheme of arrangement, merger, consolidation or sale or transfer of assets that has been approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the entire Board) done or made by a majority of the voting power held by the Members present in person or by proxy at a meeting duly held, at which a quorum is present, shall be regarded as the act or resolution of the Members.

2.At any election of Directors, each Director shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast with respect to that Director’s election, provided, however, that (i) in a contested director election in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of Directors to be elected, the nominees receiving the highest number of votes, up to the number of Directors to be elected, shall be elected (a “Plurality Vote”); and (ii) in an uncontested election, any nominee for Director who receives less than a majority of the votes cast with respect to that nominee’s election but whose resignation is declined in accordance with this Bye-law shall have been elected by a Plurality Vote.  For purposes of this Bye-Law, a majority of the votes cast with respect to a Director’s election shall mean that the number of votes cast “for” a Director’s election exceeds the number of votes cast “against” that Director’s election (with “abstentions”, “withholds” and “broker non-votes” and other comparable absences of expression of a Member’s intentions not being counted as a vote cast either “for” or “against” that Director’s election).  If a nominee for Director receives less than a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election, such Director shall tender his or her resignation to the Board, whereupon the Board shall, within ninety (90) days after the receipt thereof, either (i) accept the resignation of such Director, and determine a date on which such resignation will take effect within ninety (90) days of the date of such decision and make public the effective date of such resignation, or (ii) upon the vote of at least a majority of the Board (excluding any such resigning Director(s)), decline to accept such resignation and, not later than five business days thereof, make public, together with a summary of the analysis used in reaching the conclusion, the specific reasons why the Board chose not to accept the resignation and believes that decision was in the best interest of the Company.

3.No Member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless he or she is a Member on the record date for such meeting.

4.No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except at the general meeting or adjourned general meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered and every vote not disallowed at such general meeting shall be valid for all purposes.  Any such objection made in due time shall be referred to the Chairman of the general meeting whose decision shall be final and conclusive.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the Chairman of the general meeting may, in his discretion, whether or not an objection has been raised, and if the Chairman considers that such action is necessary to determine accurately the vote count, defer until after the conclusion of the general meeting a decision as to the proper application of Bye-law 47 to any vote at such meeting.  If the decision has been so deferred, then the Chairman of the general meeting or, failing such decision within ninety (90) days of the general meeting, the Board, shall make such decision and such decision shall be final and conclusive.

The form of Bye-law 81, “Alteration of Bye-laws” as proposed to be amended follows:

No Bye-law shall be rescinded, altered or amended and no new Bye-law shall be made until the same has been approved both by a resolution of the Board and by a resolution of the Members, provided that, if under applicable law, action by the Board would be sufficient to amend a Bye-law (in the absence of this sentence), then only a resolution of the Board shall be required to amend such Bye-law.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bye-laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with the purpose or intent of, Bye-laws 10(2), 11, 15, 34, 41, 47, 48(4), 54, 55 and 81.  In addition, the affirmative vote set forth in Bye-law 80(4) shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with the purpose or intent of, Bye-law 80.  In addition, the consent of a majority of the shares held by the Byrne Entities shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or adopt any provision that would adversely affect, the exemptions provided to the Byrne Entity (or its constituent members) under Bye-law 47 or 80.

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 8 which calls for the amendment of the Company’s Bye-laws 48 and 81.

PROPOSAL 9

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

In accordance withPursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in this Proposal 2 we are seekingasking you to provide approval, on an advisory shareholder approvalbasis, of the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in the section of this proxy statement titled “Executive Compensation”.Compensation.” You are being asked to vote on the following advisory resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the company’sCompany’s proxy statement dated April 21, 2016,6, 2022, 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 Company’s 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 1225 of this proxy statement, as well as the 20152021 summary compensation table and related compensation tables and narrative, beginning on page 20,40, which provide detailed information on the Company’s compensation policies and practices and the compensation of our named executive officers.

 

Although the vote is non-binding, the Board of Directors and the CompensationCompensation/Nominating & Governance Committee will review and consider the voting results when evaluating our executive compensation program.

 

The Board recommends a vote FOR Proposal 92 which calls for the approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation.

 


PROPOSAL 103

 

APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 20162022

 

Subject to MemberShareholder approval, the Audit Committee of the Board has appointed PwC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2016.2022. Further, MembersShareholders 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 20162022 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 103 approving the appointment of PwC as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2016.

OTHER MATTERS2022.

 


OTHER MATTERS

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 FORin accordance with the Board’s recommendation 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 20162022 Annual Meeting.

Votes Required for Approval

 

With respect to the election of directors, the nominees will be elected if the number of votes cast “for” such director exceeds the number of votes cast “against” that director. If a director in an uncontested election receives less than a simple majority of votes cast “for” his election, the director is required to submit a letter of resignation to the Board of Directors, which the Board may either accept or reject in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws. The majority vote standard is not applicable to contested director elections, which are determined by a plurality of the votes cast. A plurality of votes cast means that the proposed director receiving the highest number of affirmative votes up tois elected, irrespective of how small the number of directorsaffirmative votes is in comparison to be elected, shall be deemed elected.the total number of shares voted. The other proposals require the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power held by holders of common shares present at the 20162022 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 02940-3023,480 Washington Boulevard, 26th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310, has been appointed as Inspectors of Election for the 20162022 Annual Meeting. Representatives of Computershare will attend the Annual Meeting and 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 MembersShareholders 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 MemberShareholder will continue to receive a separate proxy card. This procedure, referred to as house-holding, reduces the volume of duplicate information shareholders receive and reduces our mailing and printing costs. Those MembersShareholders 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,Shareholder, 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 Company’s various committees of the Board. Written or telephone requests should be directed to the Corporate Secretary, White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., 14 WesleyA.S. Cooper Building, 26 Reid Street, 5th floor, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, telephone number (441) 278-3160. Additionally, all such documents are physically available at the Company’s 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.

Non-GAAP Measures

Information regarding the calculation of non-GAAP financial measures contained in this proxy statement can be found in Annex A: Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.

Availability of Proxy Materials

 

Proxy materials for the 20162022 Annual General Meeting, including the Chairman’sChief Executive Officer’s Letter, Notice of 20162022 Annual General Meeting of Members and Proxy Statement 2015and the 2021 Management Report and Form 10-K are available online for viewing and downloading at: www.edocumentview.com/wtm.

 

Offices of the Company

 

The Company’s headquarters is located at 14 WesleyA.S. Cooper Building, 26 Reid Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, its principal executive office is located at 8023 South Main Street, Suite 3B, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, and its registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.

Proposals by MembersShareholders for the 20172023 Annual Meeting of Members

MemberShareholder proposals (other than proposals nominating director candidates for which the procedures for are outlined on page 8)18) must be received in writing by the Secretary of the Company no later than Thursday,Wednesday, December 22, 20167, 2022 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 Company’s proxy statement relating to the Annual Meeting to be held in 2017.2023.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Jennifer L. Pitts,Moyer,

Corporate Secretary

 


38

ANNEX A: NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS

Our 2022 Proxy Statement includes certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide information useful to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that our basis for computing these non-GAAP measures is comparable with that of other companies.

Reconcilation of GAAP book value per share to Adjusted Book Value Per Share

Refer to page 42 in White Mountains's 2021 Form 10-K

Reconcilation of Growth in Adjusted Book Value Per Share Excluding MediaAlpha

Refer to page 71 in White Mountains's 2021 Form 10-K

Reconciliation from growth in ABVPS to growth in Intrinsic Value Per Share ("IVPS")

Years ended December 31,
Growth:2021 2020 2019
ABVPS, as reported-5.7% 24.2% 14.8%
reflect MediaAlpha transaction impact in 20180.0% 0.0% -6.7%
ABVPS [1]-5.7% 24.2% 8.1%
change in franchise value step-ups8.9% -0.4% 1.9%
IVPS [1]3.2% 23.8% 10.0%
      
Compensation Value Per Share[2]-1.2% 24.0% 9.1%
Compensation Value Per Share[2]  - 3-Year Average10.6%    

[1]Adjusted as if the MediaAlpha transaction had closed as of December 31, 2018.

[2]Compensation Value Per Share is comprised using 50% each of IVPS and ABVPS.




 

 

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1PCF 01 - Morgan W. Davis 02 - Peter M. Carlson For Withhold For Withhold 04 - David A. Tanner For Withhold 03 - Susan F. Shank For Withhold Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. 03KJEB + + Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below. B q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q 2022 Annual Meeting Proxy Card Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2 and 3. A 2. Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation. 3. Approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2022. 1. Election of Class I Directors to a term ending in 2025: For Against Abstain For Against Abstain Election of Class III Director to a term ending in 2024: You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Online Go to www.envisionreports.com/WTM or scan the QR code — login details are located in the shaded bar below. Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.envisionreports.com/WTM Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada Votes submitted electronically must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 25, 2022. Your vote matters – here’s how to vote!

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Small steps make an impact. Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery, sign up at www.envisionreports.com/WTM Notice of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders G. Manning Rountree and Jennifer L. Moyer, or either of them, each with the full power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote all Common Shares of the undersigned at the 2022 Annual General Meeting of Members to be held Thursday, May 26, 2022, 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 such directions are indicated, the proxy holders will have authority to vote FOR the election of all director nominees and FOR proposals 2 and 3. In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. (Items to be voted appear on reverse side) White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. Non-Voting Items C + +

NNNNNNNNNNNN . + MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C123456789 000004 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 PLEASE REFER BELOW FOR TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING INSTRUCTIONS. Notice of the 2016 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 2016 Annual General Meeting of Members to be held Thursday, May 26, 2016, 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 7), and FOR proposals 8, 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 Change of Address — Please print new address below. Authorized Signatures - Sign Here - This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed. 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. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. Electronic Voting Instructions 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. Vote by Internet • Log on to the Internet and go to www.envisionreports.com/WTM • Follow the steps outlined on the secured website. 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. Proxies received by the internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 PM EST on May 25, 2016. + 1 U P X 02BLMA NNNNNNNNN B A Annual Meeting Proxy Card1234 5678 9012 345 IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION

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1UPX 01 - Morgan W. Davis 02 - Peter M. Carlson For Withhold For Withhold 04 - David A. Tanner For Withhold 03 - Susan F. Shank For Withhold Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. 03KJFB + + Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below. B q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q 2022 Annual Meeting Proxy Card Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2 and 3. A 2. Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation. 3. Approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2022. 1. Election of Class I Directors to a term ending in 2025: For Against Abstain For Against Abstain Election of Class III Director to a term ending in 2024:

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Notice of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders G. Manning Rountree and Jennifer L. Moyer, or either of them, each with the full power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote all Common Shares of the undersigned at the 2022 Annual General Meeting of Members to be held Thursday, May 26, 2022, 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 such directions are indicated, the proxy holders will have authority to vote FOR the election of all director nominees and FOR proposals 2 and 3. In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. (Items to be voted appear on reverse side) White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

 


. + Proposals 8. Approval of the resolution on majority voting in uncontested director elections. For Against Abstain 1. Election of Class I Directors to a term 5. Election of Directors of Split Rock Insurance, Ltd. 01 - Christopher Garrod ending in 2019. For Withhold For Withhold 01 - Morgan W. Davis 02 - Sarah Kolar 02 - Lowndes A. Smith 9. Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation. For Against Abstain 03 - Kevin Pearson 03 - Gary C. Tolman 04 - John Treacy 2. Election of Directors of HG Re, Ltd. For Withhold 10. Approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2016. 6. Election of Directors of Grand Marais For Against Abstain 01 - Kevin Pearson Capital Limited For Withhold 01 - Sarah Kolar 02 - Jennifer Pitts 02 - Jonah Pfeffer 03 - Christine Repasy 03 - Davinia Smith 04 - John Sinkus 3. Election of Directors of White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. 7. Election of Directors for any new non-United States operating subsidiary of OneBeacon. For Withhold For Withhold 01 - Lysa Brown 01 - Sarah Kolar 02 - Kevin Pearson 02 - Paul McDonough 03 - Jennifer Pitts 03 - Kevin Pearson 04 - Christine Repasy 04 - John Treacy 4. Election of Directors for any new non-United States operating subsidiary of WTM. For Withhold 01 - Raymond Barrette 02 - David Foy 03 - Kevin Pearson 04 - Jennifer Pitts NNNNNNNC 1234567890 J N T 3 9 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 + 1 U P X2 7 4 7 02BLMA C Proxy - WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

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NNNNNNNNNNNN . + Notice of the 2016 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 2016 Annual General Meeting of Members to be held Thursday, May 26, 2016, 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 7), and FOR proposals 8, 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. Authorized Signatures - Sign Here - This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed. 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. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. + 1 U P X 02BLNA NNNNNNNNN A Annual Meeting Proxy Card IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION

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. + Proposals 8. Approval of the resolution on majority voting in uncontested director elections. For Against Abstain 1. Election of Class I Directors to a term 5. Election of Directors of Split Rock Insurance, Ltd. 01 - Christopher Garrod ending in 2019. For Withhold For Withhold 01 - Morgan W. Davis 02 - Sarah Kolar 02 - Lowndes A. Smith 9. Approval of the advisory resolution on executive compensation. For Against Abstain 03 - Kevin Pearson 03 - Gary C. Tolman 04 - John Treacy 2. Election of Directors of HG Re, Ltd. For Withhold 10. Approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2016. 6. Election of Directors of Grand Marais For Against Abstain 01 - Kevin Pearson Capital Limited For Withhold 01 - Sarah Kolar 02 - Jennifer Pitts 02 - Jonah Pfeffer 03 - Christine Repasy 03 - Davinia Smith 04 - John Sinkus 3. Election of Directors of White Mountains Life Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd. 7. Election of Directors for any new non-United States operating subsidiary of OneBeacon. For Withhold For Withhold 01 - Lysa Brown 01 - Sarah Kolar 02 - Kevin Pearson 02 - Paul McDonough 03 - Jennifer Pitts 03 - Kevin Pearson 04 - Christine Repasy 04 - John Treacy 4. Election of Directors for any new non-United States operating subsidiary of WTM. For Withhold 01 - Raymond Barrette 02 - David Foy 03 - Kevin Pearson 04 - Jennifer Pitts + 1 U P X 2 7 4 7 3 9 1 02BLNA B Proxy - WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.

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