SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

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H.BH.B. Fuller Company


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LOGO

 

Office:

  1200 Willow Lake Boulevard
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55110-5101

Mail:

  P.O. Box 64683
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683

Phone:

  (651) 236-5158236-5062

Dear Shareholder:

Our 20092011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2009,14, 2011, at the H.B. Fuller Company headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. The meeting will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. Please join us. Parking at our headquarters building for attendance at the meeting is complimentary.

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Proxy Statement that follow describe the business to be conducted at the meeting. Also enclosed is a copy

For the second consecutive year, we have elected to take advantage of the “notice and access” rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to furnish most of our 2008 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. You can also view theseshareholders with proxy materials onover the Internet atwww.hbfuller.com inInternet. We believe that this method of delivery allows us to provide you with the Investor Relations section.

information you need, while reducing printing and delivery expenses.

Your vote on the proposals is important, so please sign and returnimportant. Whether or not you attend the enclosedAnnual Meeting of Shareholders, we encourage you to vote your shares to make certain that you are represented at the meeting. You may vote via the Internet or if you received a printed copy of the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope or instruct usmaterials, by telephone or viaby mailing a proxy or voting instruction card.

I look forward to seeing you at the Internet as to how you would like to vote your shares.Annual Meeting.

 

Sincerely,

/s/ James J. Owens

LOGO
MICHELE VOLPIJames J. Owens
President and Chief Executive Officer

March 2, 20092011


LOGO

 

Office:

  1200 Willow Lake Boulevard
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55110-5101

Mail:

  P.O. Box 64683
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683

Phone:

  (651) 236-5158236-5062

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

Date and Time:  Thursday, April 16, 2009,14, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time
Place:  H.B. Fuller Company
  1200 Willow Lake Boulevard
  St. Paul, Minnesota
Items of Business:  The election of three directors named in the attached Proxy Statement for a three-year term.
  A non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in the attached Proxy Statement.

A non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation.

The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as H.B. Fuller’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 28, 2009.December 3, 2011.

The approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan.
  Any other business that may properly be considered at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Record Date:  You may vote at the meeting if you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on February 18, 2009.16, 2011.
Voting by Proxy:  It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person, we encourage you to submit your proxy as soon as possible. For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, please mark, daterefer to the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you received in the mail, the section entitled“Questions and signAnswers about the Meeting” beginning on page 1 of this Proxy Statement, or if you received printed proxy materials, the enclosed proxy card and mail itor voting instruction card. You can revoke a proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the meeting by following the instructions in the enclosed envelope. No postage is required if the proxy card is mailed in the United States. Instead of mailing the proxy card, you may enter voting instructions by telephone at 1-800-560-1965 or via the Internet atwww.eproxy.com/ful.accompanying Proxy Statement.
Annual Report:H.B. Fuller’s 2008 Annual Report including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2008, which is not part of the proxy soliciting material, is enclosed.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

LOGO

/s/ Timothy J. Keenan

Timothy J. Keenan

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

March 2, 20092011

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Notice of Annual Meeting of ShareholdersQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING

  i1

Proxy StatementWhat is the purpose of the meeting?

  1

Questions and Answers AboutHow does the MeetingBoard recommend that I vote?

  1

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and ManagementWho is entitled to vote at the meeting?

  61

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceWhat is a proxy?

  1

What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a street name holder?

1

What are the voting rights of the shareholders?

2

How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?

2

How do I vote my shares?

2

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or voting instruction card?

2

Can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?

2

What vote is required for the proposals to be approved?

3

How are votes counted?

3

What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?

3

Can I change my vote?

4

Who pays for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation?

4

Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of paper copies?

4

Are the proxy and related materials available electronically?

4

Will any other business be considered at the meeting?

5

How can a shareholder present a proposal at the 2012 Annual Meeting?

5

How can a shareholder get a copy of the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K?

5

Who is the Corporate Secretary?

5

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

6

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

9

PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

9

Proposal 1—Election

9

Who are the nominees?

9

How can a shareholder suggest a candidate for election to the Board?

12

Who are the remaining directors?

13

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

18

Corporate Governance Guidelines

18

Code of Business Conduct

18

Communications with Directors

  918

Corporate GovernanceDirector Independence

  1418

Certain RelationshipsMeetings of the Board and Related TransactionsBoard Committees

  1819

What are the roles of the Board’s committees?

19

Board’s Role in Oversight of Risk

21

Board Leadership Structure

23

Director Retirement Policy

23

ii


CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

24

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

25

2010 Review of Director Compensation

  1925

ExecutiveCash Fees

25

Travel Reimbursement

26

Equity Awards

26

Directors’ Deferred Compensation / Plan

26

2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan

27

Physical Examinations

27

Matching Gifts to Education Program

27

Director Compensation Table – Fiscal Year 2010

27

Stock Ownership Guidelines

28

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

29

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

  2429

Compensation Committee Report

  3746

Summary Compensation Table

  3847

Grants of Plan-Based Awards During Fiscal 2010

  4050

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2010 Year-End

  4151

Option Exercises and Stock Vested – Fiscal Year 2010

  4253

Pension Benefits – Fiscal Year 2010

  4253

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation – Fiscal Year 2010

  4555

Potential Payments Made Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

  4858

Audit Committee ReportExecutive Benefit and Payments Upon Termination – Fiscal Year 2010

  5260

Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmPROPOSAL 2—NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  5262

Proposal 2—Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmPROPOSAL 3—NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF AN ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  5363

Proposal 3—Approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive PlanAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

  5464

Appendix A H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive PlanFEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  A-165

Directions to H.B. Fuller CompanyPROPOSAL 4—RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  B-165

“HOUSEHOLDING” OF PROXY MATERIALS

66

DIRECTIONS TO H.B. FULLER COMPANY

A-1

 

ii

iii


LOGO

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

APRIL 16, 200914, 2011

The Board of Directors of H.B. Fuller Company is soliciting proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 16, 2009,14, 2011, and at any adjournment and reconvening of the meeting. We will begin mailingfirst made this Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of proxyAnnual Report for the fiscal year ended November 27, 2010 available to our shareholders on or about March 2, 2009.

2011.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING

What is the purpose of the meeting?

At our annual meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters disclosed in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders that precededaccompanies this Proxy Statement. These include the election of three directors, a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement (the “Say on Pay Proposal”), and a non-binding advisory vote on frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation (the “Frequency of Say on Pay Proposal”) and ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm and approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan.

firm.

We will also consider any other business that may properly be presented at the meeting, and management will report on H.B. Fuller’s performance during the last fiscal year and respond to questions from shareholders.

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” alleach of the nominees for director, “FOR” the Say on Pay Proposal, for the “THREE YEAR” frequency for the Frequency of Say on Pay Proposal and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 28, 2009 and “FOR” the approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan.

December  3, 2011.

Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?

If you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on February 18, 2009,16, 2011, you are entitled to vote at the meeting.

As of the record date, 48,585,77749,417,369 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and eligible to vote.

What is a proxy?

It is your designation of another person to vote stock you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document also is called a proxy or a proxy card. When you designate a proxy, you also may direct the proxy how to vote your shares. We refer to this as your “proxy vote.” Three executive officers, James J. Owens, James R. Giertz and Timothy J. Keenan, have been designated as the proxies to cast the votes of our shareholders at our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a street name holder?

If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are considered the “shareholder of record” with respect to those shares.

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, such as the H.B. Fuller Company 401(k) Thrift& Retirement Plan (sometimes referred to as the “401(k) Plan” in this Proxy Statement), you are considered the beneficial owner of those shares, and your shares are held in street name. If you are a “street name holderholder” you will receive a voting instructionsinstruction card, which appears very similar to a proxy card. Please complete that card as directed in order to ensure your shares are voted at the meeting.

What are the voting rights of the shareholders?

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Therefore, a total of 48,585,77749,417,369 votes are entitled to be cast at the meeting. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.

How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?

A quorum is necessary to hold the meeting and conduct business. The presence of shareholders who can direct the voting of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the record date is considered a quorum. A shareholder is counted as present at the meeting if the shareholder is present and votes in person at the meeting or the shareholder has properly submitted a proxy by mail, telephone or via the Internet.

How do I vote my shares?

If you are a shareholder of record, you canmay give a proxy to be voted at the meeting either:

 

overelectronically, by following the telephone by calling 1-800-560-1965;instructions provided in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy card; or

 

electronically, using

if you received printed proxy materials, you may also vote by mail or telephone as instructed on the Internet atwww.eproxy.com/ful; or

by mailing the enclosed proxy card.

If you hold shares beneficially in street name, you may also vote by proxy over the Internet by following the instructions provided in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, if you received printed proxy materials, you may also vote by mail or telephone by following the instructions provided in the voting instruction card provided to you by your broker, bank, trustee, or nominee.

If you hold shares in the 401(k) Plan, please refer to the voting instructions that are provided to you. The Plan trustee will vote your shares as you instruct.

The telephone and Internet voting procedures have been set up for your convenience. The procedures have been designed to authenticate your identity, to allow you to give voting instructions, and to confirm that those instructions have been recorded properly. If you are a shareholder of record and you would like to vote by telephone or by using the Internet, please refer to the specific instructions on the enclosed proxy card. If you wish to vote using the paper proxy card, please return your signed proxy card to us before the meeting. You may also vote in person at the meeting.

If you hold yourmeeting as described in “Can I vote my shares in street name, you must vote your shares followingperson at the procedures indicated to you by your broker or nominee on the enclosed voting instructions card.

meeting?” below.

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or voting instructionsinstruction card?

It means you hold shares of H.B. Fuller stock in more than one account. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, sign and return each proxy card or voting instruction card or, if you vote by telephone or via the Internet, vote once for each proxy card, voting instruction card or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you receive.

Can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?

Yes. If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your shares at the meeting by completing a ballot at the meeting. However, even if you currently plan to attend the meeting, we recommend that you submit your proxy ahead of time so that your vote will be counted if, for whatever reason, you later decide to not attend the meeting.

If you hold your shares in street name, you may vote your shares in person at the meeting only if you obtain a signed proxy from your broker, bank, trustee or other nominee giving you the right to vote such shares at the meeting.

What vote is required for the proposals to be approved?

With respect to the election of directors, the three director nominees receiving the most votes for their election will be elected directors. With respect to approval of all other matters to come before the meeting, including the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm and the approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan,Say on Pay Proposal, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented and entitled to vote on each matter is required, provided that the total number of shares of Common Stock that vote on eachthe proposal represents more than 25% of the shares outstanding on the record date. With respect to the Frequency of Say on Pay Proposal, the frequency selected by shareholders will be determined based on a plurality of the votes cast. This means that the option of one year, two years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by shareholders will be the frequency that has been selected by shareholders.

How are votes counted?

Shareholders may either vote “FOR” or “WITHHOLD” authority to vote for each nominee for the Board of Directors. Shareholders may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP.LLP and on the Say on Pay Proposal. Shareholders may vote “FOR,“ONE YEAR,“AGAINST”“TWO YEARS,” “THREE YEARS” or “ABSTAIN” on the approvalFrequency of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Say on Pay Proposal.

If you vote ABSTAIN or WITHHOLD, your shares will be counted as present at the meeting for the purposes of determining a quorum. If you ABSTAIN from voting on athe Frequency of Say on Pay Proposal, this will have no effect on the frequency that is selected by shareholders. If you ABSTAIN from voting on any other proposal, your abstention has the same effect as a vote against that proposal. If you WITHHOLD authority to vote for one or more of the nominees for director, this will have no effect on the election of any director from whom votes are withheld.

If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker or nominee, your shares will be considered to be “broker non-votes” and will not be voted on any proposal on which your broker or nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Shares that constitute broker non-votes will be present at the meeting for the purpose of determining a quorum, but are not considered entitled to vote on the proposal in question, and, therefore, will not affect the outcome of the vote with respect to that proposal.question. Your broker or nominee has discretionary authority to vote your shares on the election of directors and the ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm even if your broker or nominee does not receive voting instructions from you. Your broker or nominee may not vote your shares on management’s proposal to approve the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Planelection of directors, the Say on Pay Proposal, or the Frequency of Say on Pay Proposal without instructions from you.

What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?

If you do not specify on your returned proxy card or voting instruction card (or when giving your proxy by telephone or via the Internet) how you want to vote your shares, we will vote them:

 

FOR all of the nominees for director;

 

FOR the Say on Pay Proposal;

for theTHREE YEARSfrequency on the Frequency of Say on Pay Proposal;

FOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2009 fiscal year;

FOR the approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan;year ending December 3, 2011; and

with respect to such other matters that may properly come before the meeting, in accordance with the judgment of the persons named as proxies in the enclosed proxy card or voting instructions card.proxies.

Can I change my vote?

Yes. If you are a shareholder of record, you may change your vote and revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the meeting in any of the following ways:

 

by sending a written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary;

 

by submitting another properly signed proxy card at a later date to our Corporate Secretary;

 

by submitting another proxy by telephone or via the Internet at a later date; or

 

by voting in person at the meeting.

If you are a street name holder, please consult your broker, bank, trustee or nominee for instructions on how to change your vote.

Who pays for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation?

We pay for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation, including the charges and expenses of brokerage firms or other nominees for forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares held in street name. We have retained The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of approximately $7,500$10,000 plus associated costs and expenses.

We are soliciting proxies primarily by mail. In addition, proxies may be solicited by telephone or facsimile, or personally by our directors, officers and regular employees. These individuals will receive no compensation (other than their regular salaries) for these services.

Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of paper copies?

In accordance with rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we may furnish proxy materials to our shareholders by providing access to these documents on the Internet instead of mailing printed copies. In general, you will not receive printed copies of the materials unless you request them or you are a participant in the H.B. Fuller Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan. Instead, we mailed you the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (unless you have previously consented to electronic delivery or already requested to receive paper copies), which instructs you as to how you may access and review all of the proxy materials on the Internet. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials explains how to submit your proxy over the Internet. If you would like to receive a paper copy or e-mail copy of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions provided in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

Are the proxy and related materials available electronically?

Yes.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

for the Shareholder Meeting to be held on April 16, 200914, 2011

Our Proxy Statement and 20082010 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available on the H.B. Fuller Company website atwww.hbfuller.comwww.proxyvote.com in the “Financial” section of the “Investor Relations” page (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=117108&p=irol-reportsannual).

Will the meeting consider any other business?business be considered at the meeting?

Our Bylaws provide that a shareholder may present a proposal at the annual meeting that is not included in this Proxy Statement only if proper written notice was received by us. No shareholder has given the timely notice required by our Bylaws in order to present a proposal at the Annual Meeting.annual meeting. Our Board of Directors does not intend to present any other matters for a vote at the Annual Meeting.annual meeting. If you wish to present a proposal at the 20102012 Annual Meeting, please see“How can a shareholder present a proposal at the 20102012 Annual Meeting?”

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, we do not know of any other business to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting.annual meeting. If any other business does properly come before the meeting, the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card will vote in accordance with their best judgment as to the best interests of H.B. Fuller and its shareholders.

How can a shareholder present a proposal at the 20102012 Annual Meeting?

In order for a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our Proxy Statement for the 20102012 Annual Meeting, the written proposal must be received at our principal executive offices by the close of business on November 2, 2009.3, 2011. The proposal must comply with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)SEC regulations regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials and with the requirements set forth in our Bylaws. Please contact our Corporate Secretary for a copy of such regulations and for a description of the steps required byoutlined in our Bylaws that must be taken to present such a proposal.

If a shareholder wishes to present a proposal at the 20102012 Annual Meeting that would not be included in our Proxy Statement for such meeting, the shareholder must provide notice to us no later than January 18, 201015, 2012 and no earlier than December 17, 2009.16, 2011. Please contact the Corporate Secretary for a description of the steps to be taken to present such a proposal.

How can a shareholder get a copy of the Company’s 20082010 Annual Report on Form 10-K?

Our 20082010 Annual Report, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 29, 2008,27, 2010, accompanies this Proxy Statement. The 20082010 Annual Report, including our Form 10-K is also available in the “Financial” section of our “Investor Relations”Investor Relations page of our website,www.hbfuller.com. If requested, we will provide you copies of any exhibits to the Form 10-K upon payment of a fee covering our reasonable expenses in furnishing the exhibits. You can request exhibits to the Form 10-K by writing to the Corporate Secretary, H.B. Fuller Company, 1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, P.O. Box 64683, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683.

Who is the Corporate Secretary?

The Corporate Secretary is Timothy J. Keenan. The mailing address is the Office of the Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box 64683, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table shows how much H.B. Fuller Common Stock each director and executive officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement beneficially owned as of January 30, 2009 (unless otherwise noted).28, 2011. The table also shows the beneficial ownership of H.B. Fuller Common Stock of all directors and executive officers of H.B. Fuller as a group. In general, “beneficial ownership” includes those shares of our Common Stock which a director or executive officer has the power to vote or transfer, as well as stock options that are exercisable currently or within 60 days and stock underlying phantom stock units that may be acquired, in certain circumstances, within 60 days. As of January 30, 2009, our current directors and executive officers beneficially owned 845,373 shares of Common Stock. This represents approximately 1.72% of our shares outstanding as of the same date. “Shares outstanding” for this purpose includes options exercisable within 60 days and stock underlying phantom stock units that may be acquired, in certain circumstances, within 60 days by such executive officers and directors. The detail of beneficial ownership is set forth in the following table. In addition, the table shows all shareholders known to us to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of H.B. Fuller Common Stock.

Unless otherwise noted, the shareholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment powerspower with respect to the shares of Common Stock owned by them, and such shares are not subject to any pledge.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner


  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial Ownership


  Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding


 

FMR LLC.

6,595,489(1)13.58%

Mairs and Power, Inc.

  4,059,1983,928,099(1)7.97

BlackRock, Inc.

3,783,558(2) 8.367.67%

Barclays Global Investors and Fund AdvisorsArtisan Partners Holdings LP

  3,293,9673,720,233(3) 6.787.55%

FMR LLC

2,870,605(4)5.82

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

2,588,741(5)5.25

Juliana L. Chugg

  5,14612,571(4)(5)(6)(7) *  

Knut KleedehnThomas W. Handley

  33,7284,893(4)(6)(7) *  

J. Michael Losh

  49,43365,991(4)(6) *

Richard L. Marcantonio

6,947(4) *  

Lee R. Mitau

  81,58585,449(4)(5)(6)(7) *  

Alfredo L. Rovira

  17,35525,078(4)(6) *  

John C. van Roden, Jr.

  16,67326,274(4)(6) *  

R. William Van Sant

  22,28527,459(4)(6)*

James J. Owens

94,440(8) *  

Michele Volpi

  238,376124,798(6)(9) *  

James R. Giertz

  27,761103,757(7)(10) *  

James C. McCreary, Jr.Steven Kenny

  113,96223,986(8)(11) *  

Ann B. Parriott

  42,978101,702(9)(12) *  

James J. OwensBarry S. Snyder

  19,03172,701(10)(13) *

Timothy J. Keenan

57,321(11) *  

All directors and executive officers as a group (19(15 people)

  845,373 980,111(12)(14) 1.721.96%

*Indicates less than 1%.

 

(1)

This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed by the holder with the SEC on February 17, 20098, 2011 reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2008.2010. Mairs and Power, Inc., an investment advisor, reported that it has sole voting power over 3,304,800 shares and sole dispositive power over all of the shares. The interest of one entity, Mairs and Power Growth Fund, Inc., an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, in the Common Stock of H.B. Fuller Company amounted to 2,980,000 shares at December 31, 2010. The holder’s address is W-1520 First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101.

(2)

This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 4, 2011 reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2010. BlackRock, Inc., a parent holding company, reported that it has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over all of the shares. The holder’s address is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022.

(3)This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2011 by Artisan Partners Holdings LP (“Artisan Holdings”) reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2010. The report was also filed on behalf of Artisan Investment Corporation (“Artisan Corp.”), Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (“Artisan Partners”), Artisan Investments GP LLC (“Artisan Investments), ZFIC, Inc. (“ZFIC”), Andrew A. Ziegler, Carlene M. Ziegler and Artisan Funds, Inc. (“Artisan Funds”). Artisan Partners is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Artisan Funds is an investment company under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act. Artisan Holdings is the sole limited partner of Artisan Partners; Artisan Investments is the general partner of Artisan Partners; Artisan Corp is the general partner of Artisan Holdings; ZFIC is the sole stockholder of Artisan Corp.; Mr. Ziegler and Ms. Ziegler are the principal stockholders of ZFIC. The report states that the shares reported therein were acquired on behalf of discretionary clients of Artisan Partners. Persons other than Artisan Partners and Artisan Holdings are entitled to receive all dividends from, and proceeds from the sale of, those shares. The holder reported that it has shared voting power over 3,567,033 shares, and shared dispositive power over all of the shares. The holder’s address is 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

(4)This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed by the holder with the SEC on February 14, 2011 reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2010. The holder reported that, FMR LLC, a parent holding company, has sole voting power over 70,10017,700 shares and dispositive power over all of the shares. Fidelity Management & Research Company (“Fidelity”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, is the beneficial owner of 6,525,3892,852,905 shares as a result of acting as investment adviser to various

investment companies. Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR LLC, through its control of Fidelity, and the funds each has sole power to dispose of the 6,525,3892,852,905 shares owned by the Funds. Members of the family of Edward C. Johnson 3d, the Chairman of FMR LLC, are the predominant owners directly or through trusts of Series B voting common shares of FMR LLC, representing 49% of the voting power of FMR LLC. Through their ownership of voting common shares and the execution of a shareholders’ voting agreement, members of the Johnson family may be deemed to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC. Neither FMR LLC nor Edward C. Johnson 3d has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned by the Fidelity Funds. Fidelity carries out the voting of the shares under written guidelines established by the Funds’ Boards of Trustees. Pyramis Global Advisors Trust CompanyFIL Limited (“PGATC”FIL”), an indirect wholly-owned bank subsidiary of FMR LLC,which provides investment advisory and management services to non-U.S. investment companies and certain institutional investors, beneficially owns 70,100 shares as a result of serving as investment manager of institutional accounts owning such17,700 shares. Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR LLC, through its control of PGATC, each has sole dispositive power over 70,100 shares and sole power to vote or to direct the voting of 70,100 shares owned by the institutional accounts managed by PGATC. The holder’s address is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

 

(2)(5)This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed by the holder with the SEC on February 13, 200910, 2011 reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2008.2010. The holder reported that, asVanguard Group, Inc., an investment adviser, under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,reported that it furnishes investment advice to two investment companies and serves as an investment manager to certain other commingled group trusts and separate accounts. In this capacity, the holder has sole voting power over 3,553,400 shares and shared dispositive power over all of the shares. In addition, the holder disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the shares. Also, the interest of one person, Mairs and Power Growth Fund, Inc., an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, in the Common Stock of H.B. Fuller Company, amounted to 3,100,000 shares at December 31, 2008. The holder’s address is W-1520 First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101.

(3)This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 5, 2009 by the holder as a group including Barclays Global Investors, NA, Barclays Global Fund Advisors and Barclays Global Investors, Ltd. reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2008. The holder reported that the shares are held in trust accounts for the economic benefit of the beneficiaries of those accounts. In this capacity, the holder has sole voting power over 2,536,84573,665 shares and sole dispositive power over all of the2,515,076 shares. The holder’s address is 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, California, 94105.100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, Pennsylvania, 19355.

 

(4)(6)Includes phantom stock units credited to the accounts of directors who participate in the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, described under the heading “DirectorDirector Compensation” that may be acquired, in certain circumstances, within 60 days. The number of units credited to each director participating in this plan that may be acquired within 60 days is as follows:

 

Juliana Chugg

  3,820  

Lee R. Mitau

  39,402   11,207    

Alfredo L. Rovira

   23,139  

Knut Kleedehn

  22,790  

Alfredo L. Rovira

  15,416

Thomas W. Handley

   3,585    

John C. van Roden, Jr.

   11,313  

J. Michael Losh

  45,659  

John C. van Roden, Jr.

  1,712   62,217    

R. William Van Sant

   9,253  

Richard L. Marcantonio

  4,214  

R. William Van Sant

  6,645

Lee R. Mitau

   42,799      

Excludes phantom stock units credited to the accounts of directors who participate in the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, described under the heading “DirectorDirector Compensation” that are not able to be acquired within 60 days. The number of units credited to each director participating in this plan that are excluded from the table is as follows:

 

Richard L. Marcantonio

  16,857  

John C. van Roden, Jr.

  2,541

Lee R. Mitau

  31,089  

William R. Van Sant

  30,137

Lee R. Mitau

   52,255    

William R. Van Sant

   44,220  

John C. van Roden, Jr.

   3,584      

None of the phantom stock units are entitled to vote at the meeting.

(5)(7)Includes the following shares of restricted Common Stock awarded under either the 1998 Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan or the 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan, including shares acquired upon reinvestment of dividends:

 

Juliana Chugg

  1,326  

Lee R. Mitau

  16,107

Juliana Chugg

   1,364    

Lee R. Mitau

   16,575  

Thomas W. Handley

   1,309      

 

(6)(8)Includes 80,63142,532 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture, 3,055319 shares held in trust under the H.B. Fuller’sFuller Company 401(k) Thrift& Retirement Plan, 125,135450 shares held jointly by Mr. Owens’ wife and son and over which he does not have voting control and 38,503 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are currently exercisable.

(9)Includes 124,798 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are exercisable and 754 phantom stock units credited to Mr. Volpi’s H.B. Fuller Common Stock account under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan described in the narrative accompanying the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement that may be acquired, in certain circumstances, within 60 days.as of January 28, 2011. Excludes 3,0803,170 phantom stock units credited to Mr. Volpi’s H.B. Fuller Common Stock account under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. None of the phantom stock units are entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

(7)(10)Includes 17,03538,371 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture, and 7261,098 shares held in trust under the H.B. Fuller’sFuller Company 401(k) Thrift Plan.

(8)Includes 8,589 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture, 4,996 shares held in trust under H.B. Fuller’s 401(k) Thrift& Retirement Plan 82,539and 46,319 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are currently exercisableexercisable.

(11)Includes 19,975 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are currently exercisable. Excludes 21,413 restricted stock units which are subject to forfeiture and 654which are not entitled to vote at the meeting.

(12)Includes 19,434 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture, 1,034 shares held in trust under the H.B. Fuller Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan and 69,183 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are currently exercisable. Excludes 492 phantom stock units credited to Mr. McCreary’s H.B. Fuller Common Stock account under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan that may be acquired, in certain circumstances, within 60 days. Excludes 4,597 phantom stock units credited to Mr. McCreary’sMs. Parriott’s H.B. Fuller Common Stock account under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. None of the phantom stock units are entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

(9)(13)Includes 15,60627,737 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture, 842404 shares held in trust under the H.B. Fuller’sFuller Company 401(k) Thrift& Retirement Plan and 21,51741,576 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are currently exercisable. Excludes 478 phantom stock units credited to Ms. Parriott’s H.B. Fuller Common Stock account under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. These phantom stock units are not entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

(10)(14)Includes 12,831 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture.

(11)Includes 14,315150,164 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture, 1,70116,668 shares held in trust under H.B. Fuller’s 401(k) Thrift Plan and 36,402 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are currently exercisable. Excludes 2,203 phantom stock units credited to Mr. Keenan’sthe H.B. Fuller Common Stock account under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. These phantom stock units are not entitled to vote at the meeting.

(12)Includes 172,770 shares of restricted Common Stock subject to forfeiture, 17,231 shares held in trust under H.B. Fuller’sCompany 401(k) Thrift& Retirement Plan, 339,164472,916 shares that could be issued pursuant to stock options which are currently exercisable and 141,066164,186 phantom stock units credited to directors’ and executive officers’ and directors’ individual H.B. Fuller Common Stock accounts under the Key EmployeeDirectors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and the Directors’Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan that may be acquired, in certain circumstances, within 60 days. Excludes 91,264109,794 phantom stock units credited to the individual accounts under the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan.Plan that may not be acquired within 60 days. Excludes 38,66346,360 restricted stock units which are subject to forfeiture. Neither the restricted stock units nor any of the phantom stock units in the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan or the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan are entitled to vote at the meeting.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires the Company’s directors and executive officers to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of H.B. Fuller’s securities with the SEC. These reports are available for review on our website:www.hbfuller.com, in the “Financial” section of the Investor Relations page. Directors and executive officers are required to furnish us with copies of these reports. Based solely on a review of these reports and written representations from the directors and executive officers, we believe that all directors and executive officers complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements for fiscal year 2008,2010 except for: (i) Ann B. Parriott, whofor two Form 4 filings that were not timely filed due to administrative error: (a) one late report in December 2007 reporting the sale of Common Stock in her H.B. Fuller Company Thrift (401k) Plan account; (ii) John C. van Roden, who filed one late report in January 2008 reportingrelating to a distribution of deferred compensation under the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan into Common Stock; (iii) R. William Van Sant, who filed one late report in August 2008 reporting a distribution of deferred compensation under the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan into Common Stock; (iv) J. Michaelfiling that was amended for Mr. Losh who filed one late report in September 2008 reporting the deferral of directors fees under the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan; (v) Barry S. Snyder who filed an amended Form 3 to report shares of Common Stock purchased prior to his employment with the Company; and (vi) James J. Owens, who filed an amended Form 4 to correct the inadvertent useoriginally reported number of incorrect award numberssecurities acquired on Table II on June 30, 2010, and (b) another filing for Mr. Kenny relating to a grant of stock option and restricted stock grant.options on October 1, 2010.

PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Proposal

The Board of Directors is currently composed of nineeight directors and divided into three classes. Each year one class of directors stands for election for a three-year term. The term of office for Class IIII directors, consisting of Juliana L. Chugg, Richard L. MarcantonioJ. Michael Losh, Lee R. Mitau and Alfredo L. Rovira,R. William Van Sant, will expire at the annual meeting.

At the annual meeting, three persons are to be elected as Class IIII directors to hold a three-year term of office from the date of their election until the 20122014 annual meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The three nominees for election as Class IIII directors are Juliana L. Chugg, Richard L. MarcantonioJ. Michael Losh, Lee R. Mitau and Alfredo L. Rovira,R. William Van Sant, all of whom are currently directors. All of the nominees have agreed to serve as a director if elected. Following the annual meeting, the Board will be comprised of nineeight directors. Pursuant to our Company’s Bylaws, no more than 15 persons may serve on the Board. For information on how a shareholder may suggest a person to be a nominee to the Board, see“How can a shareholder suggest a candidate for election to the Board?”

Unless earlier terminated due to retirement or resignation, the term of office for Class III directors, consisting of Knut Kleedehn, John C. van Roden, Jr.Juliana L. Chugg, Thomas W. Handley and Michele VolpiAlfredo L. Rovira, will expire at the annual meeting in 2010,2012 and the term of office for Class IIIII directors, consisting of John C. van Roden, Jr. and James J. Michael Losh, Lee R. Mitau and R. William Van Sant,Owens, will expire at the annual meeting in 2011.2013. All of the directors except Mr. Handley and Mr. Owens, who were appointed during fiscal 2010, were elected to the Board of Directors by the shareholders, except Ms. Chugg who was appointed to the Board of Directors effective April 2007. Ms. Chugg was initially brought to the attention of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee by our then-current Chief Executive Officer, and upon completion of the review process established by the Committee, was recommended by the Committee to the full Board of Directors for approval.shareholders.

We will vote your shares as you specify when providing your proxy. You may either vote FOR or WITHHOLD authority to vote for each nominee for the Board of Directors. If you submit your proxy without voting instructions, we will vote your shares FOR the election of the three nominees. If, for any

reason, any nominee becomes unable to serve before the election, we will vote your shares for a substitute nominee selected by the Board of Directors. Alternatively, the Board of Directors, at its option, may reduce the number of directors constituting Class IIII directors.

The three director nominees receiving the most votes for their election will be elected directors.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR election of each of the nominees.

Who are the nominees?

The nominees provided the following information about themselves as of January 31, 2009.2011.

Class I (Term Ending in 2009)

Juliana L. Chugg
Age:41
Director Since:2007
Principal Occupation:Senior Vice President, President Pillsbury USA, General Mills, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of consumer food products, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Business Experience:Ms. Chugg has been with General Mills, Inc. since September 1996. Prior to her appointment as Senior Vice President and President, Pillsbury USA in 2006, she served as Vice President, President of Baking Division from August 2004 to June 2006. Prior to that appointment she served in Australia as the Managing Director of General Mills from June 1999 to August 2004. Prior to that appointment she served as the Marketing Director.
Richard L. Marcantonio
Age:58
Director Since:2004
Principal Occupation:Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of G&K Services, Inc., a provider of uniform rental services, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Business Experience:Mr. Marcantonio has served as a director of G&K Services, Inc. since November 2003, and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since November 2005, prior to which he served as President and Chief Executive Officer from January 2004 to November 2005 and President and Chief Operating Officer from July 2002 to January 2004. From March 2002 until July 2002, Mr. Marcantonio served as President of the Industrial and Service Sectors at Ecolab, Inc., a leading global developer and marketer of cleaning and maintenance products. Mr. Marcantonio served as Executive Vice President of Ecolab’s Industrial and Service Sectors from January 2001 until March 2002.
Other Directorships:Mr. Marcantonio is a director of G&K Services, Inc.

Alfredo L. Rovira
Age:63
Director Since:2003
Principal Occupation:Managing partner of the law firm of Brons & Salas, and Co-Chairman of the Corporate Law Department of that firm, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Business Experience:Mr. Rovira has been associated with Brons & Salas since 1970, has served as managing partner since April 1992, and has served, first as Chairman since 1984 and later as Co-Chairman of the Corporate Law Department, since April 1992. At Brons & Salas, Mr. Rovira has had extensive experience as an arbitrator involving both domestic and multinational companies. He has also written and taught extensively on legal topics.

How can a shareholder suggest a candidate for election to the Board?

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board nominates all candidates for election to the Board. Generally, current directors or third party search firms engaged by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee identify candidates for consideration by the Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will review all nominees to the Board of Directors, including an assessment of a nominee’s judgment, experience, independence and such other factors as the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee concludes are pertinent in light of the Board’s needs. The Board of Directors believes that its membership should reflect a diversity of experience, skills, geography, gender and ethnicity. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will select qualified nominees and review its recommendations with the Board, which will decide whether to invite any nominee to join or stand for re-election to the Board. If appropriate in the future, the Committee may engage a third party search firm for a fee to assist in the process of identifying potential nominees. The Committee also will consider candidates recommended by any shareholder using the same criteria set forth above. No shareholder identified any candidate during fiscal year 2008.

Who are the remaining directors?

The directors not standing for election at the meeting and whose service will continue until the end of their respective terms also provided the following information about themselves as of January 31, 2009.

Class II (Term Ending in 2010)

Knut Kleedehn
Age:71
Director Since:2001
Principal Occupation:Private Investor
Business Experience:Mr. Kleedehn was with Bayer AG, a global health care, nutrition and high tech materials company, from 1960 to 2001. At Bayer, he served in a series of senior management roles as President and Senior Country Representative of Bayer for Japan and Korea, co-chair of Bayer do Brasil, General Manager of Bayer’s Pigments and Ceramics Division, and CEO of three Bayer chemical divisions and several subsidiaries.

John C. van Roden, Jr.
Age:59
Director Since:2003
Principal Occupation:Private Investor
Business Experience:Mr. van Roden was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, Inc. in February 2005 and served in that capacity until January 2007, at which time he became a consultant. From 2003 to February 2005 he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, Inc. He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Conectiv, an energy company located in Wilmington, Delaware, from 1998 to 2003 and at Lukens, Inc., a specialty steel producer located in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, from 1982 to 1998.
Other Directorships:Mr. van Roden is a director of Airgas, Inc., Penn Virginia GP Holdings, L.P. and Horsehead Corporation.
Michele Volpi
Age:44
Director Since:2006
Principal Occupation:President and Chief Executive Officer, H.B. Fuller Company.
Business Experience:Mr. Volpi was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of H.B. Fuller Company in December 2006. He was Group President, General Manager of the Global Adhesives Division of H.B. Fuller Company from December 2004 to December 2006. Prior to that position, he served as Global Strategic Business Unit Manager, Assembly for H.B. Fuller Company from June 2002 to December 2004. From 1999 to June 2002, Mr. Volpi served as General Manager, Marketing for General Electric Company.

Class III (Term Ending in 2011)

 

J. Michael Losh   
Age:  6264
Director Since:  2001
Principal Occupation:  Private Investor
Business Experience:  Mr. Losh was the interim Chief Financial Officer of Cardinal Health, Inc., a provider of products and services for the health care market, located in Dublin, Ohio, from July 2004 to May 2005. He was the Chairman of Metaldyne Corporation (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asahi Tec Corporation), a global designer and supplier of high quality, metal-formed components, assemblies and modules for the transportation industry headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, from 2000 to 2002. Prior to that position, Mr. Losh was employed by General Motors Corporation from 1964 to 2000. AtMr. Losh brings a wealth of global operating, financial and accounting experience through his 36-year career at General Motors, where he served inheld a variety of operating and financial postsroles in the U.S.,United States, Brazil and Mexico, and Brazil, including general manager of both the Pontiac and Oldsmobile divisions. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Losh was Chief Financial Officer from 1994 to 2000. Mr. Losh meets all of General Motors.the criteria to act as our audit committee financial expert. He also contributes extensive audit committee and corporate governance expertise, gained through his service on several other public company boards. Mr. Losh has served on the Board of H.B. Fuller Company since 2001 and has developed an in-depth knowledge of our Company and its businesses. He has been Chair or Co-Chair of the Audit Committee since 2003.
  The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Losh is an audit committee financial expert as that term is defined under the rules of the SEC.

Other Directorships:  

AON Corporation, AMB Property Corp., Cardinal Health, Inc.,AON Corporation, CareFusion Corporation, MASCO Corporation, and TRW Automotive Holdings Corporation.

 

In addition to H.B. Fuller,Fuller’s Audit Committee, Mr. Losh serves on the audit committees of AMB Property Corp., Cardinal Health, Inc.,AON Corporation, CareFusion Corporation, MASCO Corp. and TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. The Board of Directors of H.B. Fuller has determined that such simultaneous service does not impair Mr. Losh’s ability to effectively serve on our Audit Committee. This determination reflects Mr. Losh’s experience and understanding of financial statements, accounting principles and controls and audit committee functions gained throughout his professional career, and his availability to devote time and attention to his service on each committee.

Lee R. Mitau   
Age:  6062
Director Since:  1996, Chairman of the Board since December 2006.
Principal Occupation:  Executive Vice President and General Counsel, U.S. Bancorp, a bank holding company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Business Experience:  Mr. Mitau has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel of U.S. Bancorp since 1995. Mr. Mitau, also our Chairman of the
Board, Chair of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and a member of our Compensation Committee, has extensive public company legal and governance expertise. He is widely recognized as an expert in the area of corporate governance and is a highly regarded and sought after speaker in this discipline. He has gained expertise in the areas of corporate governance, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions through his career as a practicing attorney with a global law firm, where he headed the firm’s corporate and securities practice, and as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of U.S. Bancorp. In addition, since 1990, Mr. Mitau has served on the board of Graco Inc., where he is currently Chairman of the Board. Mr. Mitau has served on the Board of H.B. Fuller Company since 1995 and has developed an in-depth knowledge of our Company and its businesses. Mr. Mitau’s unique combination of experiences makes him particularly well-qualified to serve as our Chairman.
Other Directorships:  Mr. Mitau is Chairman of the Board of Graco Inc.

R. William Van Sant   
Age:  7072
Director Since:  2001
Principal Occupation:  Operating Partner, Stone Arch Capital, LLC, a private equity fund based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Business Experience:  Mr. Van Sant joined Stone Arch Capital, LLC as an Operating Partner in January 2008. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Paladin (a Dover Company), a manufacturer of heavy-duty construction products headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from August 2006 to December 2007. He previously2007 and he served as Chairman at Paladin from July 2005 to August 2006 and2006. In addition, he previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Paladin from October 2003 to July 2005. Mr. Van Sant was also an Operating Partner of Norwest Equity Partners, a leveraged buyout capital firm headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 2001 to August 2006. He was Chairman, DirectorMr. Van Sant brings to our Board his expertise in management, finance and Chief Executive Officermanufacturing operations, experience he has acquired over many years as a director, chairman or CEO with a variety of Nortrax,manufacturing companies, including Graco Inc. (where he chairs the Compensation Committee), Paladin (a Dover Corporation company), Nortax Inc., Lukens, Inc., Blount Inc. and Cessna Aircraft Company. He also held progressively larger roles over a distributor ofnearly 30-year career at John Deere construction equipment in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 1999Company, and has more recently served as an operating partner with two private equity firms, Stone Arch Capital, LLC, and Norwest Equity Partners. As a result, Mr. Van Sant brings a wealth of manufacturing, corporate finance, merger and acquisition and governance experience to Marchour Board. In addition, Mr. Van Sant has gained a detailed understanding of our Company and its businesses through his service on our Board since 2001.
Other Directorships:  Mr. Van Sant is a director of Graco Inc.

How can a shareholder suggest a candidate for election to the Board?

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board nominates all candidates for election to the Board. Generally, current directors or third party search firms engaged by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee identify candidates for consideration by the Committee. No third party search firm was engaged during fiscal 2010. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will review all nominees to the Board of Directors, including an assessment of a nominee’s judgment, experience, independence and such other factors as the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee concludes are pertinent in light of the Board’s needs. The Board of Directors believes that its membership should reflect a diversity of experience, skills, geography, gender and ethnicity. The Board of Directors considers each of these factors when evaluating director nominees and evaluates the makeup of the Board of Directors with regard to these factors on an ongoing basis as it searches for and asks director nominees to join the Board. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will select qualified nominees and review its recommendations with the Board, which will decide whether to invite any nominee to join or stand for re-election to the Board. The Committee will consider candidates recommended by any shareholder using the same criteria set forth above. Recommendations may be sent to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in care of the Corporate Secretary of H.B. Fuller. No shareholder recommended any candidate during fiscal year 2010.

Two new directors were appointed during fiscal 2010. Mr. Handley was appointed to the Board of Directors in July 2010. Mr. Handley was recommended as a director candidate by our then CEO, Michele Volpi. In considering Mr. Handley, the Board of Directors looked at several factors, including that he brings a valuable operating perspective to our Board of Directors, including relevant experience in the chemical industry and managing global businesses. Mr. Owens was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2010, at the same time he was appointed President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Owens is the voice of management on our Board of Directors and brings a wealth of adhesives industry experience to our Board of Directors.

See more information about Mr. Handley’s and Mr. Owens’ backgrounds under the heading “Who are the remaining directors?” below.

Who are the remaining directors?

The directors not standing for election at the meeting and whose service will continue until the end of their respective terms also provided the following information about themselves as of January 31, 2011.

Class I (Term Ending in 2012)

Juliana L. Chugg
Age:43
Director Since:2007
Principal Occupation:Senior Vice President, President Meals Division, General Mills, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of consumer food products, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Business Experience:Ms. Chugg has been with General Mills, Inc. since September 1996. Prior to her appointment as Senior Vice President and President, Meals Division in 2010, she served as Senior Vice President, President of Pillsbury USA from June 2006 to November 2010 and as Vice President and President Baking Division from August 2004
to June 2006. Prior to that appointment she served in Australia as the Managing Director of General Mills from June 1999 to August 2004. Prior to that appointment she served as the Marketing Director. Ms. Chugg has valuable expertise in the areas of developing, marketing and branding innovative products, and also in human resources development. In addition, she has a global perspective having operated significant businesses for General Mills in both Australia and the United States. Ms. Chugg has served on our Board since 2007 and she is also a current director and member of the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees at VF Corporation, a leading apparel products company listed on the NYSE.
Other Directorships:Ms. Chugg is a director of VF Corporation.

Thomas W. Handley
Age:56
Director Since:2010
Principal Occupation:President, Global Food & Beverage Sector, Ecolab Inc., a $6 billion dollar global company providing cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection control products and services to the foodservice, food processing, healthcare and hospitality industries located in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Business Experience:Mr. Handley has been with Ecolab Inc. since August 2003. Prior to his appointment as President of Ecolab’s global Food & Beverage Sector in September 2009, Mr. Handley served as President – Industrial and Services North America Sector from December 2007 to August 2009 and as Executive Vice President – Industrial Sector from April 2006 to November 2007. Prior to this he served as Executive Vice President of the Specialty and Services Sector from January 2004 to March 2006 and as Ecolab’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning from August to December of 2003. Before joining Ecolab, he held various management positions with The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) from 1981 to 2003, including Vice President and General Manager for P&G’s paper products businesses in Japan and Korea as well as a Vice President for the Global Feminine Care business. Mr. Handley also managed various businesses in Mexico and Latin America for P&G. Mr. Handley brings a valuable operating perspective to our Board due to his broad experience in a variety of markets and businesses both domestically and internationally while at P&G and Ecolab. He also has experience with increasing Ecolab’s presence in new markets, something which is critical to H.B. Fuller’s growth strategy. In addition, Mr. Handley has governance experience in a variety of settings, both from a management perspective at Ecolab and as a board member of several non-profit organizations and foundations.

Alfredo L. Rovira
Age:65
Director Since:2003
Principal Occupation:Managing partner of the law firm of Brons & Salas, Abogados and Co-Chair of the Corporate Law Department of that firm, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Business Experience:Mr. Rovira has been associated with Brons & Salas since 1970, has served as managing partner since April 1992, and has served, first as Chairman since 1984 and later as Co-Chair of the Corporate Law Department, since April 1992. Mr. Rovira has extensive experience as a recognized legal expert in the areas of corporate, securities and merger and acquisition law through his practice at his Argentina law firm, Brons & Salas, where he serves as Co-Chairman of the Corporate Law Department. He also has extensive experience as an arbitrator involving both domestic and multinational companies. Mr. Rovira also is a Professor of Business Law, University of Buenos Aires School of Law. Mr. Rovira brings a global perspective to our Board and his experience is especially valuable as it relates to our Latin America businesses, for which he served as legal counsel in Argentina for several years prior to his joining the Board. Mr. Rovira has served on the Board of H.B. Fuller Company since 2003. Based on his service on our Board in combination with his years of service as the Company’s Argentina legal counsel, Mr. Rovira has developed an in-depth knowledge of our Company and its businesses.

Class II (Term Ending in 2013)

John C. van Roden, Jr.
Age:61
Director Since:2003
Principal Occupation:Chairman of the Board, Airgas, Inc., the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies.
Business Experience:Mr. van Roden has served as Chairman of the Board of Airgas, Inc. since September 2010. Prior to this appointment, Mr. van Roden was a private investor. In February 2005, Mr. van Roden was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, Inc., a global supplier of specialty papers and engineered products, and served in that capacity until January 2007, at which time he became a consultant. Mr. van Roden brings a broad range of management and finance experience to our Board. During the course of his career, Mr. van Roden has held leadership roles in the finance area for a number of public companies, including as the Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, Inc., Conectiv (energy) and Lukens, Inc. (specialty steel manufacturer). This expertise along with his extensive experience serving on the boards of several other public companies, including Chairman of the Board of Airgas, Inc., provides additional depth to our Board’s leadership and governance
capabilities. Mr. van Roden has served on the Board of H.B. Fuller Company since 2003 and, in this capacity, has developed extensive knowledge of our Company and its businesses.
Other Directorships:Mr. van Roden is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Airgas, Inc., and a director of Penn Virginia GP Holdings, L.P. and Horsehead Corporation.

James J. Owens
Age:46
Director Since:2010
Principal Occupation:President and Chief Executive Officer, H.B. Fuller Company.
Business Experience:Mr. Owens was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of H.B. Fuller Company in November 2010. Prior to that appointment, he served as Senior Vice President, Americas from January to November 2010 and as Senior Vice President, North America from August 2008 to January 2010. Prior to joining H.B. Fuller Company, Owens served as Senior Vice President to Henkel Corporation, a global manufacturer of home care products, cosmetics/toiletries and adhesives products, from April to August 2008 and Corporate Vice President and General Manager, National Adhesives from December 2004 to– April 2008. Mr. Owens spent 22 years with National Starch’s adhesives business, a division of ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries Limited) in a variety of management positions, including vice president and general manager, Europe/Middle East and Africa; corporate vice president and general manager of the North American adhesives business; business director for the pressure sensitive and laminating adhesives businesses; marketing manager; and technical services manager. As President and Chief Executive Officer of H.B. Fuller Company and through his career-long experience in the adhesives industry, Mr. Owens brings to the Board discussions and deliberations deep knowledge of the industry and he is the voice of management on the Board. He also brings unique experience gained as a result of his service on the Board of Directors for the Adhesives and Sealants Council for the past seven years, most recently as Chairman.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board, upon recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which summarize many of the corporate governance principles that the Board has followed in governing H.B. Fuller. The guidelines are available for review on our website:www.hbfuller.com, in the “Governance”Governance section of the Investor Relations page. A printed copy of the guidelines may also be obtained by sending a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box 64683, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683.

Code of Business Conduct

We have a Code of Business Conduct applicable to all of our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of this Code of Business Conduct is available for review on our website atwww.hbfuller.com, in the “Governance”Governance section of the Investor Relations page. A printed copy of the Code of Business Conduct may also be obtained by sending a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box 64683, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683.

Communications with Directors

Any shareholder or other interested party may contact the Board, independent directors as a group, any committee or an individual director, by mailing a letter addressed to the Board, independent directors, committee or individual director in care of the Corporate Secretary. The Corporate Secretary reviews all communications, and after ascertaining whether such communications are appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, will forward such correspondence to the directors for their information and consideration. The Board has requested that the Corporate Secretary not forward the following types of communications to the Board: general solicitations for business or products, job applications or resumes, and any material that does not relate to the responsibilities of the Board.

Director Independence

Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)(“NYSE”), the Board has determined that all current Board members, other than Mr. Volpi,Owens, are independent. No director is considered independent unless the Board affirmatively determines that such director has no material relationship with H.B. Fuller. In assessing the materiality of any person’s relationship with H.B. Fuller, the Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including not only direct relationships between H.B. Fuller and each director but also any relationships between H.B. Fuller and any entity with which a director is affiliated.

The Board of Directors reviewed certain transactions between H.B. Fuller and our directors their immediate family members and entities with which they are affiliated and determined that they were made or established in the ordinary course of business and that the directors had no direct or indirect material interest in the transactions. All ofMr. Mitau and Ms. Chugg recused themselves from this review and determination as it related to the transactions were either banking or lending type transactions or standard customer-supplier transactions.

entities with which they are affiliated. The Board considered lending, trustee and credit card services between the Company and the following company at which a current director is an officer:

U.S. Bank (a commercial bank providing banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services), the holding company of which Lee R. Mitau is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel.

The Board also considered customer-supplier transactions between the Company and the following companies at which a current director is an employee or officer:

Les Services G&K (Quebec) Inc., G&K Services Inc.’s Canadian subsidiary (a provider of uniform and facility services), of which Richard L. Marcantonio is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and

General Mills, Inc. (a manufacturer and marketer of consumer food products), of which Juliana Chugg is a Senior Vice President. After consideration of these relationships, the Board of Directors determined that the directors had no direct or indirect material interest in the transactions. In addition, the dollar amounts involved in the transactions with U.S. Bank and General Mills, Inc. fall below the thresholds set by the NYSE for director independence.

Meetings of the Board and Board Committees

Directors are expected to attend the annual meetingAnnual Meeting of shareholdersShareholders and all meetings (including teleconference meetings) of the Board and each committee on which they serve. The Board, and the Compensation Committee each held six scheduled meetings duringand the 2008 fiscal year. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee each held five scheduled meetings during the 20082010 fiscal year. The Audit Committee held tenfourteen meetings during the 20082010 fiscal year, five of which were teleconference meetings. During the fiscal year, the directors attended greater than 75% of the meetings of the Board and Board committees on which the directors served. In addition, all but one of the then-serving directors attended our Annual Meeting of shareholdersShareholders held on April 3, 2008.

15, 2010.

What are the roles of the Board’s committees?

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall affairs of H.B. Fuller. The Board conducts its business through meetings of the Board and three standing committees: Audit; Compensation; and Corporate Governance and Nominating. The Board has adopted a written charter for each committee. The charters for each of these committees are available for review on our website:www.hbfuller.com in the “Governance”Governance section of the Investor Relations page. Printed copies of these charters may also be obtained by sending a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box 64683, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683. When necessary, the Board may also establish ad hoc committees to address specific issues.

Audit Committee

 

J. Michael Losh (Chair)  Richard L. Marcantonio
Juliana L. Chugg
Thomas W. Handley  Alfredo L. Rovira

Number of Meetings in fiscal year 20082010:    TenFourteen

Functions:    The Audit Committee appoints the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements, oversees the audit and the independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, determines and pre-approves the type and scope of all audit, audit-related and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, oversees our internal audit function, reviews the performance of our retirement plans and reviews the annual audited consolidated financial statements, accounting principles and practices and the adequacy of internal controls. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the Company’s risk management policies and procedures to assess their adequacy and appropriateness in the context of the Company’s business and operating environment. This Committee also monitors compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and our Policy and Procedures Regarding Transactions with Related Persons.

All of the members of the Audit Committee are considered independent as that term is defined by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the listing standards of the NYSE and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. Independence is considered and determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has also determined that Mr. J. Michael Losh satisfies the requirements of an audit committee financial expert as such term is defined under the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Audit Committee Report for fiscal year 20082010 is included in this Proxy Statement.

Compensation Committee

 

R. William Van Sant (Chair)(Chair)Juliana L. Chugg
Thomas W. Handley  Lee R. Mitau
Knut Kleedehn

John C. van Roden, Jr.

Number of Meetings in fiscal year 20082010:    SixFive

Functions:    The Compensation Committee establishes overall compensation programs and practices for executives and reviews and approves compensation, including salary, incentive programs, stock-based awards, and compensation, retirement plans, perquisites and other supplemental benefits, employment agreements, severance agreements, change in control provisions and other executive compensation items for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee monitors the competitiveness, fairness and equity of our retirement plans and administers our stock-based compensation plans and individual awards.

The Compensation Committee annually reviews and approves compensation for our non-employee directors including retainers, fees, stock-based awards, and other compensation and expense items.

The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to the Chair of the Compensation Committee to accelerate vesting of outstanding awards. The Committee intends this delegation of authority to be for situations of retirement or termination, and where it is impractical to obtain participation by all Committee members.

The Compensation Committee may use outside compensation consultants to provide compensation advice, competitive survey data and other benchmarkreference market information related to trends and competitive practices in executive compensation. Beginning in April 2010, the Compensation Committee hired Buck Consultants, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox Corporation, to provide ongoing advice and information regarding design and implementation of the Company’s executive compensation programs as requested by the Compensation Committee.

A representative of the independent compensation consultant firm may attend Compensation Committee meetings from time to time to serve as a resource for the Compensation Committee. In order to encourage independent review and discussion of executive compensation matters, the Compensation Committee and the committee chair may request meetings with the independent compensation consultant in executive session without management present.

During 2008, management usedfiscal 2010, the Compensation Committee asked Buck Consultants to conduct a review and analysis of non-employee director compensation. Buck Consultants presented information regarding director compensation to the Compensation Committee, provided a market data report on director compensation and presented its findings and recommendations for discussion. Buck Consultants provided these services and reported directly to the Compensation Committee Chair.

Prior to the hiring of Buck Consultants, the Compensation Committee hired compensation consultants on an ad hoc basis, using Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby, Inc. (“(now Towers Perrin”Watson Pennsylvania Inc.) as an outsideand Mercer (US) Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.) during fiscal year 2009. The Compensation Committee retained Buck Consultants to be its independent compensation consultant withfor fiscal 2010, due to their independence and industry experience. This firm advises the knowledge and agreement of the Compensation Committee. Information provided by Towers Perrin to management was made available to the Committee. During 2008, management requested Towers Perrin to conduct market researchCommittee on CEO compensation, non-employee director total compensation, and executive severance agreements. They were askedcompensation, but does no other work for the Company. The Company continues to compare our practices regarding these areas with the prevailing market practice and to provide observations. For the CEO compensation and non-employee director total compensation, management provided this information to the Compensation Committeeuse Towers Watson for their review. For the executive severance agreements, Towers Perrin presented their findings to the Compensation Committee. Towers Perrin also provides actuarial, benefits, and medical plan and employee engagement survey consulting services to H.B. Fuller. Managementservices. In addition, management has also usesused Hewitt Associates as an outside compensation consultant to provide a Black-Scholes value of H.B. Fuller stock to be used in stock option calculations. During 2008, Hewitt Associates also providedfiscal 2010, we purchased broad-based market compensation survey information.information from Towers Watson and Hewitt Associates. On certain occasions, we also paid Towers Watson to provide us with regression analysis on the general survey information we purchased. See discussion in the “CompensationCompensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement.

The Compensation Committee believes that Buck Consultants provided candid, direct and objective advice to the Compensation Committee. To ensure independence:

 

The Compensation Committee directly hired and has the authority to terminate Buck Consultants

Buck Consultants is engaged by and reports directly to the Compensation Committee and its chairman

Buck Consultants has direct access to all members of the Compensation Committee during and between meetings

No Buck Consultants consultant works for the Company

Buck Consultants does not provide any other services, other than compensation consulting services, to the Company

The Compensation Committee has approved direct interaction between Buck Consultants and management, however, these interactions are generally limited to discussions on behalf of the Compensation Committee and information that is presented to the Compensation Committee for approval

All of the members of the Compensation Committee are considered independent as that term is defined by our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the listing standards of the NYSE. Independence is considered and determined by the Board of Directors. The Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our Board, which is reviewed annually. A copy of the charter is available on our website:www.hbfuller.com in the “Governance” section of the Investor Relations page. The Compensation Committee Report for fiscal year 20082010 is included in this Proxy Statement.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

Lee R. Mitau (Chair)  J. Michael Losh
Alfredo RoviraJohn C. van Roden, Jr.
Knut KleedehnR. William Van Sant

Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2008:2010:    Five

FunctionsFunctions::    The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews matters of corporate governance, including reviewing our organizational structure and succession planning. This Committee evaluates and recommends new director nominees and evaluates each current director prior to nominating such person for re-election. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews a director’s continued service if a director’s occupation changes during his or her term. This Committee also evaluates the performance of the Chairman of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and the directors, and makes recommendations to the Board regarding any shareholder proposals.

This Committee considers shareholder recommendations for potential director nominees. Suggestions may be sent to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in care of the Corporate Secretary of H.B. Fuller. See“How can a shareholder suggest a candidate for election to the Board?”

All of the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are considered independent as that term is defined by our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the listing standards of the NYSE. Independence is considered and determined by the Board of Directors.

Board’s Role in Oversight of Risk

In General

Our Board of Directors has general oversight responsibility for the business and affairs of the Company, including risk management, while our management is responsible for day-to-day operations. During our 2009 fiscal year, management completed a comprehensive enterprise risk assessment

whereby it identified, assessed and prioritized a broad range of risks (e.g., financial, operational, strategic, legal and regulatory, reputational and managerial) that could affect our ability to execute on our corporate strategy and fulfill our business objectives. The results of this assessment were shared with our Board of Directors. Since then, we have integrated the risk assessment process into our strategic planning and budgeting processes. As part of these processes, we regularly identify risks and uncertainties that could impact our business operations and strategic initiatives and we formulate plans to manage these risks or mitigate their effects.

At least annually, management reviews with the Board of Directors the Company’s enterprise risk management and assessment processes and their effectiveness. This review is supplemented throughout the year with regular management presentations that highlight material risks and exposures and related initiatives. In addition, oversight of risks directly relating to the responsibilities of the Board committees is undertaken at the committee level. The Audit Committee participates in regular reviews of our processes to assess and manage enterprise risk management and oversees risks and exposures associated with financial matters, internal controls and financial reporting, accounting, tax, ethics and legal matters. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee oversees risks and exposures related to corporate governance and compliance and management succession planning. The Compensation Committee oversees risks and exposures associated with the Company’s compensation programs and arrangements. The Board’s leadership structure, as described below in the section titled “Board Leadership Structure” supports its role in risk oversight.

Risk Assessment of Compensation Programs

In fiscal 2010, management conducted a risk assessment of the Company’s policies and programs relating to the compensation of employees, including those that apply to our executive officers. The format of this review was discussed with and approved by the Compensation Committee. This risk assessment included categorizing the Company’s compensation programs across all of our regions by type of program and potential risks in such programs, focusing on risk mitigation factors in the programs and the processes surrounding the payouts of incentive compensation in particular. A cross functional team reviewed the findings of the assessment with several members of executive management and with the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, Buck Consultants. The review was then presented to the Compensation Committee. Some of the risk mitigation factors by type of plan were as follows (noting that base salary does not encourage risk-taking because it is a fixed amount):

Short-term incentive plan: Our short-term incentive program was designed in order to promote an appropriate balance between risk-taking and rewards for achieving results. We include caps on our short-term incentive program that prevent undue risk taking for short-term gains. In addition, our short-term incentive program uses a balance of four to five metrics addressing a combination of growth, profitability and sustainable return. We include earnings per share as one of these measures to align our executive officer incentives with our shareholders’ interests. Finally, our short-term incentive program metrics are aligned with our long-term strategic objectives.

Long-term incentive plan: Our long-term incentive program has an important role in managing risk in our compensation programs. When our executive officers receive stock options, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units, and when they are expected to comply with stock ownership guidelines (see discussion under the section titled “Stock Ownership Guidelines” below), they are incented to make decisions with a view toward the long-term interests of shareholders versus making decisions that would affect only short-term gain.

Management discussed the findings of the risk assessment with the Compensation Committee and also with the Audit Committee. Based on the assessment described above, the Company believes that its compensation policies and practices create an appropriate balance between our base salary

compensation, short-term incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation, thereby reducing the possibility of imprudent risk-taking and that its compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Presiding DirectorBoard Leadership Structure

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Board of Directors has no policy with respect to the separation of the offices of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Separation of these offices is an issue that is to be addressed as part of the Company’s succession planning. When the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are separate offices, the Chairman will serve as the Presiding Director. However, when the Chief Executive Officer also holds the position of Chairman, a Presiding Director will be appointed by the Board to further the achievement of a strong, independent Board with an appropriate balance between the Board and the Chief Executive Officer. In such cases, the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall serve as the Presiding Director.

Lee R.Mr. Mitau was elected non-executivehas served as our independent Chairman of the Board effective insince December 2006 and in this capacity has acted as the Presiding Director at Board of Director Meetingsmeetings and during executive sessions of the non-management directors, during fiscal year 2008. Ifdirectors. Our Board has separated the roles of Chairman of the Board and CEO since 2006 because our current CEO and our previous CEO both had limited public company chief executive officer experience at the time of each of their elections to the Board. Mr. Mitau serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors is notGraco Inc. and has significant public company experience. The CEO, in consultation with the CEO or an executive officerChairman, establishes the agenda for each Board meeting. At the beginning of H.B. Fuller, then he/she serves aseach fiscal year the Presiding Director. Otherwise, the ChairChairman also publishes a schedule of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee serves as the Presiding Director.

topics to be discussed.

Director Retirement Policy

Directors have a term limit of 15 years and a mandatory retirement age of 72. A director who72, unless a waiver of this retirement policy is ending his or her service due togranted by the 15 year term limit will conclude his or her service at the endBoard of the term in which the limit is reached.Directors. A director who is ending his or her service due to reaching the mandatory retirement age of 72 will end such term at the regular meeting of the Board immediately following the director’s 72ndbirthday. Mr. Van Sant reached the mandatory retirement age of 72 during fiscal year 2010. Due to his extensive knowledge and experience with the Company, the Board of Directors determined to waive the mandatory retirement age for Mr. Van Sant and asked him to remain on the Board of Directors to provide consistency during fiscal year 2010 and beyond.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

During fiscal year 2007, the Board of Directors adopted a written policy and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of transactions with executive officers, directors and nominees for director and their immediate family members. In general, the policy provides that certain transactions with these related persons and their immediate family members and certain transactions with any person who is a security holder known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of our stock, are subject to the review, approval and/or ratification of the disinterested members of the Audit Committee. If ratification of a transaction is not forthcoming, management must make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul that transaction. If a transaction with a related party is entered into without the pre-approval of the Audit Committee, it shall not be deemed to violate these policies and procedures, or be invalid or unenforceable, so long as the transaction is brought to the Audit Committee for ratification as promptly as reasonably practical after it is entered into or brought to the Company’s attention. All executive officers and directors of H.B. Fuller are informed in writing on an annual basis of these policies and procedures. The Audit Committee may use any process and review any information that it determines is reasonable in order to determine if a transaction is fair and reasonable and on terms no less favorable to H.B. Fuller than could be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a third party unrelated to H.B. Fuller.

In addition, on an annual basis, each of our directors and executive officers completes a questionnaire and discloses information regarding entities with which they and their immediate family members are affiliated. Any person nominated for election as a director must complete a questionnaire no later than the date he or she becomes a member of the Board of Directors. Any person who becomes an executive officer must complete a questionnaire as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

Our Audit Committee annually reviews all transactions and relationships disclosed in the director and officer questionnaires and approves or ratifies, as applicable, any transactions with related persons. The Board of Directors makes a formal determination regarding each director’s independence.

During fiscal year 2008,2010, we had transactions, arrangements and relationships with entities with which some of our related persons, specifically certain of our directors, and their family members, are affiliated. However, in accordance with the procedures in the Company’s policy, the Audit Committee determined that those related persons had no direct or indirect material interest in those transactions, arrangements and relationships.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The form and amount of compensation for each director is determined and reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee. Such compensation reflects the philosophy and practice forpractices of boards of similar public companies and is comprised of cash and H.B. Fuller Common Stock (or its equivalents). Similar to our executive compensation policy, the practice of generally aligning to the market median/50%50th percentile also applies to our director compensation.

20082010 Review of Director Compensation

Beginning in April 2010, the Compensation Committee hired Buck Consultants, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox Corporation, to provide ongoing advice and information regarding design and implementation of the Company’s executive and director compensation programs as requested by the Compensation Committee. See further discussion regarding the Compensation Committee’s independent consultant under the heading “Compensation Committee” in the Corporate Governance Section in this Proxy Statement. At the July 20082010 meeting, the Compensation Committee reviewed a market analysis conducted by Towers PerrinBuck Consultants relating to overall director compensation competitiveness, including annual board retainers, board meeting fees, committee meeting fees, committee chair retainers and annual stock basedstock-based awards. The market analysis included 22 chemical companiesour peer group (see section titled “Peer Group Data in this Proxy Statement) and a subset of our peer group with revenues under $3 billion. After a review of the $1-3 billion revenue category and 29 companies in the general industry $1-$3 billion category. As a result of thisreference market analysis and additional information provided by management,comparison data, the Compensation Committee approved an increase indetermined to maintain the discretionary stock-based award to directors from 1.4 timescurrent compensation program for the annual retainer to 1.5 times the retainer to align more closely with the market. This was an increase in the target award value of Common Stock Units from $49,000 to $52,500. The Committee approved an award value of $52,500 per director to be divided by the fair market value on July 31, 2008 to establish the number of units awarded. As a result, 2,100 Common Stock Units were awarded to each director.

non-executive directors.

Cash Fees

The following fees are paid to our non-employee directors:

 

Annual Board retainer

  $35,000 

Annual retainer for non-executive Chairman of the Board

  $60,000*

Special annual retainer for R. William Van Sant

  $30,000*

Annual retainer for Audit Committee Chair

  $10,000 

Annual retainer for Compensation Committee Chair and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Chair

  $7,500 

Daily attendance fee for each Board meeting

  $1,000 

Attendance fee for each Committee meeting, either in person or via telephone

  $1,000 

Attendance fee for each Committee ad-hoc telephone meeting

  $500 

Annual Board retainer

  $35,000  

Annual retainer for non-executive Chairman of the Board

  $70,000  

Special annual retainer for R. William Van Sant

  $30,000(1) 

Annual retainer for Audit Committee Chair

  $10,000  

Annual retainer for Compensation Committee Chair and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Chair

  $7,500  

Daily attendance fee for each Board meeting

  $1,000  

Attendance fee for each Committee meeting, either in person or via telephone

  $1,000  

Attendance fee for each Committee ad-hoc telephone meeting

  $500  

*(1)From December 2007 through August 31, 2008,During the annualJuly 2009 meeting, the Compensation Committee determined to approve a $100,000 retainer for the non-executiveChairman of the Board. However, at that time, the Compensation Committee decided to split the retainer for the Chairman of the Board was $75,000. Based on competitive market data provided by Towers Perrin, management recommended increasingbetween Lee Mitau, who receives $70,000 for his services as Chairman of the retainer to $90,000. The Committee decided to add a special annual retainer forBoard, and R. William Van Sant, who receives $30,000 for special adviceassistance, oversight and services providedguidance he provides to the Chairman of the Board andin performing the President and CEO. The Committee’s intent was notduties of the Chairman. Because the assistance provided by Mr. Van Sant relates entirely to exceed a totalthe role of $90,000 for the retainers for Lee R. Mitau and R. William Van Sant. The Committee determined to revise the annual retainer for Lee R. Mitau in his capacity as the non-executive Chairman of the Board, reducing the annualCompensation Committee determined to split the Chairman retainer from $75,000 to $60,000 effective September 1, 2008.between Mr. Mitau and Mr. Van Sant. The Compensation Committee approved an additional annual Boardthe same retainer of $30,000 to R. William Van Sant effective September 1, 2008.fees in July 2010.

Neither Mr. Volpi, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, does not receivenor Mr. Owens, our present President and Chief Executive Officer, received separate compensation for serving as a director noror for attendance at any meeting.

Travel Reimbursement

We also reimburse each director for any out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at any meeting or arising from other H.B. Fuller business. If a non-employee director must travel to and from a meeting held in the United States on a day other than the day in which he/she receives any board or meeting fees, the director will be reimbursed $500 per day. For meetings held outside the United States and in the western hemisphere, non-employee directors are reimbursed $500 for travel each way. For meetings held outside the United States and in the eastern hemisphere, non-employee directors are reimbursed $1,000 for travel each way. The purpose of these payments is to reimburse non-employee directors fairly and equitably for significant travel time spent to and from H.B. Fuller Board of Directors meetings and/or Committeecommittee meetings.

Equity Awards

In addition to the retainer, meeting and attendance fees described above, the Board believes it is important that each director have an economic stake in our Common Stock. As a result, the Compensation Committee typically makes an annual grant of shares of restricted Common Stock or an award of Common Stock units to each non-employee director. During fiscal year 2008,On July 7, 2010, the Compensation Committee made a discretionary award of 2,1003,560.53 H.B. Fuller Common Stock units to each currently serving non-employee director under the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan is described below.

For this award, the Committee approved an award value of $70,000 per director (based on a review of market data) which was divided by the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant to determine the number of units awarded.

In addition, each non-employee director typically receives a one-time grant of H.B. Fuller Common Stock (or its equivalent) upon his/her initial election to the Board. These Common Stock (or its equivalent) awards are granted under our Directors’2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan, which is described below. These shares vest three or four years from the date of grant subject to continued service during that period.

In July 2010, Mr. Handley received a grant of 1,300 shares of restricted Common Stock at the time of his initial appointment to the Board. These shares will vest three years from the date of grant subject to Mr. Handley’s service during that period.

Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan

Under this plan, directors may elect to defer all or a percentage of their retainer, attendance and meeting fees. Deferred amounts are credited with gains and losses based on the performance of certain mutual funds or H.B. Fuller Common Stock as elected by the director prior to deferring any fees. Directors who elect their retainer, attendance or meeting fees to be deferred into H.B. Fuller Common Stock units as an investment are credited with phantom stock units that will be paid out in shares of Common Stock. Phantom stock units are credited with dividend equivalents equal to the amount of dividends, if any, paid on an equal number of shares of H.B. Fuller Common Stock. The dividend equivalents are converted into additional phantom stock units based on the fair market value of H.B. Fuller Common Stock on the dividend payment date. If a participant elects to defer retainer, attendance or meeting fees into the H.B. Fuller Common Stock account in this plan, we make a 10% matching contribution of additional phantom stock units to the amount invested in H.B. Fuller Common Stock by the director. The phantom stock units credited to the directors’ accounts do not have voting rights. In addition, the Compensation Committee may make discretionary contributions to a participant’s Common Stock account under this plan. As described above, during fiscal year 2008,2010, the Committee exercised this discretion and awarded each non-employee director 2,1003,560.53 H.B. Fuller Common Stock units under this plan.

Any amounts deferred under this plan are paid in shares of H.B. Fuller Common Stock or cash (depending on the election made by the director) at the earliest to occur of:

 

The later of the date of the director’s retirement (that is, the date of resignation or removal from the Board or the end of the director’s elected term) or such other date as elected and specified by the director, which is subject to approval by the Compensation Committee and is made only at the time of the director’s initial elections and is irrevocable;

 

disability;

death;

 

the date of a change in control of H.B. Fuller; or

 

the date of termination of the plan.

Directors’2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan

Under this plan, which expired in April 2008, we had the authority tomay issue to non-employee members of the Board of Directorsdirectors restricted stock, restricted stock units, options, stock appreciation rights, performance awards or other stock-based awards. In addition, shares of H.B. Fuller Common Stock wereare issued under this plan to satisfy any requirements under the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. The Compensation Committee determineddetermines the type, amount and other terms and conditions of any awards under this plan. A new plan, the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan, is summarized in the section titled “Proposal 3—Approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan” in this Proxy Statement and it is subject to shareholder approval. Under this plan, we will have the authority to issue to non-employee members of the Board of Directors restricted stock, restricted stock units, options, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, stock awards or other stock-based awards. The discretionary awards given to the directors in July 2008, and deferrals made by directors after the expiration of the old plan, are conditioned on shareholder approval of this new plan. If shareholders do not approve the new plan, the awards will be satisfied in cash, not in Common Stock.

Physical Examinations

Non-employee directors are reimbursed for an annual physical examination and related expenses. These amounts are shown in the “All Other Compensation” columnIn fiscal year 2010, none of the “Director Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement.

members of the Board of Directors received physical examinations.

Matching Gifts to Education Program

Under this program, we match a non-employee director’s contributions (up to $1,000) to eligible educational institutions. These amounts are shown in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Director Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement.

Director Compensation Table—2008Fiscal Year 2010

 

Name


  

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)


  

Stock Awards
($)(1)


  

Change in
Pension

Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(2)

($)


  

All Other
Compensation(3)
($)


  

Total

($)


Juliana L. Chugg

  59,500  46,222  -0-  352  106,074

Knut Kleedehn(4)

  59,500  29,831  -0-  8,987  98,318

J. Michael Losh(5)

  66,000  28,905  -0-  13,874  108,779

Richard L. Marcantonio(6)

  59,500  38,978  -0-  6,698  105,176

Lee R. Mitau(7)

  135,750  31,680  -0-  19,555  186,985

Alfredo Rovira

  64,000  37,055  -0-  7,194  108,249

John C. van Roden, Jr.(8)

  56,500  38,997  159  9,539  105,195

R. William Van Sant(9)

  71,000  28,471  -0-  8,100  107,571

Name

  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
   Stock Awards
($)(1)
   All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
   Total
($)
 

Juliana L. Chugg

   59,500    70,000    395    129,895 

Thomas W. Handley

   24,671    95,558    184    120,413 

J. Michael Losh(3)

   70,000    70,000    8,000    148,000 

Lee R. Mitau(4)

   133,500    70,000    19,936    223,436 

Alfredo L. Rovira

   60,500    70,000    -    130,500 

John C. van Roden, Jr.(5)

   56,500    70,000    717    127,217 

William R. Van Sant(6)

   93,500    70,000    10,350    173,850 


(1)ThisThe amounts in this column showsare calculated based on the dollar amounts recognized infair market value of our fiscal year 2008 financial statementsCommon Stock on the date the award was made in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004)Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“SFAS 123R”FASB ASC Topic 718”). A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these values may be found in Note 3 to the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2008. Each non-employee director received an award of 2,100 common stock3,560.53 Common Stock units on July 31, 20087, 2010 with a SFAS 123R full awardgrant date fair value of $52,500.$70,000. Mr. Handley’s amount also includes an amount related to the one-time grant of restricted stock upon his election to the Board of Directors.

No non-employee director holds any stock options.

The aggregate number of shares of restricted H.B. Fuller common stockCommon Stock and deferred stock units held by each non-employee director as of November 29, 200827, 2010 were as follows:

 

Name


  

Shares of
Restricted Stock
(#)


  

Deferred
Common Stock
Units

(#)


  Shares of
Restricted Stock
(#)
   Deferred
Common stock
Units
(#)
 

Juliana L. Chugg

  1,326  3,820   1,364     11,207  

Knut Kleedehn

  0  21,977

Thomas W. Handley

   1,309     3,585  

J. Michael Losh

  0  44,953   0     61,359  

Richard L. Marcantonio

  2,733  20,798

Lee R. Mitau

  16,107  69,824   16,575     93,364  

Alfredo Rovira

  0  15,415   0     23,139  

John C. van Roden

  0  3,820

John C. van Roden, Jr.

   0     14,897  

R. William Van Sant

  0  36,115   0     52,308  

No non-employee director held any stock options as of November 27, 2010.

 

(2)Amount reported represents the amount of interest accrued during the fiscal year on the director’s account in the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan that exceeded 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate.

(3)These amounts represent the following: for Ms. Chugg, dividends paid on unvested restricted stock of $352;stock; for Mr. Kleedehn, a 10% company match pursuant to the 2003 Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan in the amount of $5,950, a director physical (including reimbursement of travel expenses) of $2,126 and a related tax gross up of $911;Handley, dividends paid on unvested restricted stock; for Mr. Losh, a 10% company match pursuant to the 2003H.B. Fuller Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (2008 Amendment and Restatement), as amended (the “DDCP-2008”), in the amount of $6,600, a matching gift by H.B. Fuller to a qualified educational institution of $1,000 and a tax gross up paid in fiscal year 2008 relating to a director physical in fiscal 2007 of $6,274; for Mr. Marcantonio, dividends paid on unvested restricted stock of $748 and a 10% company match pursuant to the 2003 Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan in the amount of $5,950; for Mr. Mitau, dividends paid on unvested restricted stock of $4,980, a 10% company match pursuant to the 2003 Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan in the amount of $13,575,$7,000 and a matching gift by H.B. Fuller to a qualified educational institution of $1,000; for Mr. Rovira, a director physical (including reimbursement of travel expenses) of $5,140 and a related tax gross up of $2,054; for Mr. van Roden,Mitau, dividends paid on unvested restricted stock of $764,$5,586, a 10% company match pursuant to the DDCP-2008 in the amount of $13,350 and a matching gift by H.B. Fuller to a qualified educational institutionsinstitution of $1,000,$1,000; for Mr. van Roden, a director physical (including reimbursement of travel expenses) of $4,809 and a tax gross up paid in fiscal year 2008 relating10% company match pursuant to a director physical in fiscal 2007 of $2,966;the DDCP-2008; and for Mr. Van Sant, a 10% company match pursuant to the 2003 Directors’ Deferred Compensation PlanDDCP-2008 in the amount of $7,100$9,350 and a matching gift by H.B. Fuller to a qualified educational institution of $1,000.

 

(4)(3)Mr. KleedehnLosh elected to receive 100% of his annual retainer and meeting fees in shares of Common Stock units in lieu of cash. That election resulted in the conversion of $59,500$70,000 into 2,984 shares of3,722 Common Stock units. This amount does not include any dividend equivalents or match paid by the Company.

(5)(4)Mr. LoshMitau elected to receive 100% of his annual retainer and meeting fees in shares of Common Stock units in lieu of cash. That election resulted in the conversion of $66,000$133,500 into 3,270 shares7,120 Common Stock units. This amount does not include any dividend equivalents or match paid by the Company.

(5)Mr. van Roden elected to receive his December meeting fees and one-third of his fourth quarter retainer in Common Stock units in lieu of cash. That election resulted in the conversion of $7,173 into 360 Common Stock units. This amount does not include any dividend equivalents or match paid by the Company.

 

(6)Mr. MarcantonioVan Sant elected to receive 100% of his annual retainer and meeting fees in shares of Common Stock units in lieu of cash. That election resulted in the conversion of $59,500$93,500 into 2,973 shares of4,977 Common Stock units. This amount does not include any dividend equivalents or match paid by the Company.

(7)Mr. Mitau elected to receive 100% of his annual retainer and meeting fees in shares of Common Stock units in lieu of cash. That election resulted in the conversion of $135,750 into 6,680 shares of Common Stock units. This amount does not include any dividend equivalents or match paid by the Company.

(8)Mr. van Roden elected to receive 100% of his annual retainer and meeting fees into a deferred cash account in the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan.

(9)Mr. Van Sant elected to receive 100% of his annual retainer and meeting fees in shares of Common Stock in lieu of cash. That election resulted in the conversion of $71,000 into 3,639 shares of Common Stock. This amount does not include any dividend equivalents or match paid by the Company.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

We have and maintain goals for stock ownership by all non-employee directors. Our goal for director stock ownership is five times the annual board retainer within five years of becoming a director. A review of director stock ownership was conducted using June 30, 20082010 stock values. At the time of this review, all directors had met or exceeded this goal except for Ms. Chugg, who became a director in April 2007.2007 and therefore has not been a director for five years. However, Ms. Chugg is only slightly below her ownership target. Mr. Handley was not included as part of this review as he joined the Board of Directors effective July 6, 2010.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

OverviewExecutive Summary

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the material elements of compensation awarded to each of our executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement (the “named executive officers”). This discussion and analysis focuses on the information contained in the tables and accompanying footnotes and narrative for fiscal year 20082010 which follow this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. We discuss compensation actions taken during fiscal years 20072009 and 20092011 to the extent they enhance the understanding of our executive compensation program for fiscal year 2008.2010.

Fiscal 2010 Business Conditions and Results. Business conditions in fiscal 2010 were difficult. In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2009, the Company indicated that it believed there was a significant amount of uncertainty for fiscal year 2010 with regard to end-market demand and that we did not anticipate a quick return to pre-recession demand levels. We also stated that we believed gross profit margin would come under pressure in fiscal 2010 because we expected raw material costs to increase. In fact raw material costs were one of the biggest issues we faced during this fiscal year. We also experienced subdued end market demand in our North America region.

In fiscal 2010, we increased our net revenues by nearly 10 percent over fiscal 2009. This increase included growth in almost every market segment and geography in the world. While most companies experienced growth in fiscal 2010 over the down year of 2009, we believe that our growth rate exceeded the market growth rate. Second, although our margins declined in fiscal 2010, in a very difficult raw material environment, we delivered an adjusted gross margin that was only 70 basis points below last year’s gross margin – a year in which we achieved a record high gross margin. Finally, we made progress in shifting our business portfolio toward future strategic growth opportunities. Our Asia Pacific region posted double digit organic revenue growth, opened a new production facility for high-technology adhesives and completed a strategic acquisition in Malaysia. Our EIMEA region had organic growth of nearly 14 percent in fiscal 2010. Also, this region’s business portfolio was enhanced as a non-core product line was discontinued and growth accelerated in strategic emerging markets. Our earnings per share were up nine percent over fiscal 2009, just short of our target range of 10 to 15 percent annual growth. Finally, for the 41st consecutive year in a row, we implemented an increase in the amount of our dividend that we pay to shareholders, with a three percent increase this year. Please also see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on our fiscal year 2010 financial performance.

Fiscal 2010 Compensation Actions. In setting the financial metrics for our short-term incentives program for fiscal year 2010, our Compensation Committee reviewed company performance expectations and budgeted targets. The annual short-term incentive award targets were set based on predetermined ranges for the achievement of the established performance measures. The targets that were set were considered to be challenging, but achievable. Due primarily to the strong earnings per share performance, overall payouts for our named executive officers under the short-term incentive program ranged from 108% to 130% of target. Please see the table in the section titled “Analysis of Fiscal 2010 Short-Term Incentive Awards”below.

In February 2010, the Compensation Committee increased the pay of Mr. Volpi to align his pay with the midpoint of the CEO salary range. When Mr. Owens became CEO and President late in fiscal 2010, the Compensation Committee increased his pay in recognition of the change in role and responsibilities.

Changes to Our Executive Compensation Program. In general, the economic environment of the last two years has not changed our approach to our executive compensation program. We continue to use base salary, a short-term cash incentive program and a long-term incentive program with equity grants to attract and motivate our executive officers to achieve results that are in the long-term best interest of our shareholders. We generally align to the market median for the three main elements of compensation and we review these elements each year. However, we did make some changes to our executive compensation programs during the year, including:

 

Adding a performance objective into the restricted stock grant to our CEO;

Changing the mix of stock options and restricted stock/restricted stock units and the value of these grants to better reflect market practice;

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors oversees thehiring an independent compensation programs and practices for named executive officers and other key executive officers and directors. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves compensation, including salary, incentive programs, stock-based awards and compensation, retirement plans, perquisites and supplemental benefits, employment agreements, severance arrangements, change in control provisions and other executive compensation items for our executive officers.

The Compensation Committee annually reviews and approves compensation for our non-employee directors, including retainers, fees, stock-based awards and other compensation and expense items. This review is discussed under the “Director Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement.

The processes and procedures forconsultant, who reports directly to the Compensation Committee oversightand does no other work for the Company other than to provide ongoing advice and information regarding design and implementation of the Company’s executive and non-employee director compensation programs are discussed in the “Corporate Governance” section of this Proxy Statement.programs; and

 

Adding language to our stock award agreements that provides that such awards are subject to present and future clawback policies regarding incentive-based compensation, which the Company expects to adopt when the SEC completes final rulemaking later in 2011.

Philosophy

The philosophy behind and goal of our executive compensation program (which includes all the named executive officers) is to provide a competitive compensation package that rewards executive officers for sustained financial and operating performance thus creatingthat creates long-term value for our shareholders. To that end, weWe have designed and implemented our compensation programs for our executive officers to meet three principal objectives:goals:

 

Attract motivate, reward and retain executive officers;

 

Motivate these individuals to achieve short-term and long-term corporate goals that enhance shareholder value, without the taking of undue risk;risk-taking; and

 

Support H.B. Fuller’s core valuesbeliefs and culture by promoting internal pay equity among executive officer positions, while considering external competitiveness and external competitiveness.job responsibilities.

To meet these objectives,goals, H.B. Fuller has the following guidelines:

 

Pay compensation that is competitive with the practices of companies in the general industry,a broad number of industries, as well as in the chemical industry, with revenues comparable to our revenues;

 

Pay for performance by setting challenging performance goals for our executive officers and providing a short-term incentive plan that is based upon achievement of these goals; and

 

Provide long-term incentives in the form of stock options, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units that are designed to increase long-term shareholder value whileby aligning the interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders.

These guidelines are considered by the Compensation Committee when the various elements of the executive compensation program are being assessed. We strive to keep each individual element of compensation at or near the market median/50th percentile, therefore keeping our total compensation at or nearapproximately the market median.median/50th percentile.

Competitive Market

We use several surveys and data points when we review executive compensation as described further below.

General Survey Data. We define our market as a broad range of companies across various industries in the $1-3 billion revenue category. We chose this revenue category because revenue from our prior fiscal year was in this range and revenue from fiscal 2010 was expected to be in this range. The Compensation Committee uses published survey data from the following sources for our executive compensation analysis:

 

Hewitt Associates ($1—2.49 billion revenue category for corporate positions)

Towers Perrin ($1—3 billion revenue category for corporate positions)

H.B. Fuller participates in both of these surveys. The Hewitt Associates survey includes 360 companies and is titled “Total Compensation Measurement™ (TCM™) General Industry/Retail Total Compensation by Industry: Executive -2009”; the Towers Perrin survey includes 428 companies and is titled “U.S. CDB General Industry Executive Database 2009 Descriptive Statistics Report.” Towers Perrin performed chemical industry regression analysis on their survey data for several executive positions.

For Mr. Kenny in our EIMEA region, the Compensation Committee also utilized additional data from Towers Perrin that did not come from the survey referenced above. Towers Perrin provided the same type of survey data for the EIMEA region senior vice president position.

Peer Group Data. During fiscal year 2009, the Compensation Committee approved a peer group consisting of the following companies:

Albemarle Corp.

Ferro Corp.Polyone Corp.

Arch Chemicals Inc.

FMC Corp.RPM International Inc.

Ashland Inc.

Georgia Gulf Corp.A. Schulman, Inc.

Avery Dennison Corporation

Hexcel Corp.Sensient Technologies Corp.

Cabot Corp.

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

Celanese Corp.

The Lubrizol Corp.Solutia Inc.

Cytec Industries Inc.

Nalco Holding Co.Valspar Corp.

Eastman Chemical Co.

Olin Corp.

Ecolab Inc.

OM Group, Inc.

These companies represent global, publicly-traded chemical and allied products companies in the 2800 Standard Industrial Classification Code with revenues between $871.1 million to 8.1 billion. No changes were made to the composition of the peer group during fiscal 2010.

Use of Market Data in Fiscal 2010

When analyzing compensation paid to named executive officers, the Compensation Committee uses specific data that matches revenue and job responsibilities from the published surveys. For fiscal 2010, the above-referenced survey data used by the Compensation Committee to review total compensation (base salary, short-term incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation) for our executive officers showed that our total compensation was in line with the market data matched according to revenue and job responsibilities.

In fiscal year 2010, Management and the Compensation Committee began to use the peer group data, in conjunction with the general survey data that we use for reference purposes, as a reference point for compensation design considerations. This data was derived from proxy statement data

available from an Equilar database. Peer group pay level data may be reviewed using a regressed value, to provide a general perspective of compensation for a company of our size. However, the primary data sources for pay level information are the survey sources listed in the section titled “General Survey Data”.

The Compensation Committee uses survey data and peer group data because these sources of data are considered reliable market information. When we refer to market data in the rest of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, unless otherwise noted, we are referring to the “General Survey Data” and the “Peer Group Data” discussed above.

Compensation Process

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all elements of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, (“CEO”), taking into account the Board of Directors’ review and assessment of the performance of the CEO as well as competitive market data and information from our human resources personnel and its independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves all elements of compensation for our other executive officers, taking into account the recommendations of the CEO, as well as competitive market data and information from our human resources personnel and its independent compensation consultant.

In determining the particular elements of compensation that will be used to implement our overall compensation policies, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration factors related to H.B. Fuller’s performance, such as H.B. Fuller’s earnings and revenue growth, and business-unit-specific operational and financial performance. Other considerations include H.B. Fuller’s business objectives, its corporate responsibilities (including equity among executive officer positions and affordability), competitive practices and trends, and regulatory requirements. In deciding on the type and amount of compensation for each executive officer, the Compensation Committee focuses on both the current pay and the opportunity for future compensation, and combines the compensation elements for each executive officer in a manner that optimizes the executive officer’s contribution to H.B. Fuller.

The Compensation Committee on occasion meets with the CEO and/or certain other executive officers to obtain recommendations with respect to our compensation program, practices and packages for executive officers and directors. The Compensation Committee considers, but is not bound to and does not always accept, management’s recommendations with respect to executive compensation. The CEO typically attends the Compensation Committee’s meetings, except when his compensation package is discussed. In addition, the Compensation Committee also holds executive sessions not attended by any members of management.

Compensation Consultant

Beginning in April 2010, the Compensation Committee hired Buck Consultants, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox Corporation, to provide ongoing advice and information regarding design and implementation of the Company’s executive compensation programs as requested by the Compensation Committee. See further discussion regarding the Compensation Committee’s independent consultant under the heading “Compensation Committee” in the Corporate Governance Section in this Proxy Statement. In this Proxy Statement, we discuss the use of compensation consultants when the Compensation Committee utilized its independent consultant for a specific project. In addition, from time to time, management receives information from the compensation consultant in preparation for Compensation Committee meetings.

Key Elements of the Executive Compensation Program

The key elements of the executive compensation program are:

 

Element of Compensation

Type of Compensation

Purpose

How Impacted by
Performance

Base SalaryCashAttract and retain high caliber executive talent with competitive fixed compensationNot performance based
Short-term incentiveCashAligns executive performance with achievement of company strategic goals and objectives and provides financial reward for meeting or exceeding specific metricsPayouts dependent on achievement of predetermined financial performance goals
Long-term incentiveStock OptionsAttract, retain and reward high caliber executive talent; ownership of common stock encourages long-term strategic decision making that is aligned with shareholder interestsIncrease in H.B. Fuller Common Stock price increases value of options
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock UnitsRetention of executive talent and reward for performance

Increase in H.B. Fuller Common Stock price increases value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards.

CEO grant contains a performance goal which must be achieved before restricted stock may vest.

Other benefitsIncludes supplemental retirement and deferred compensation plans, severance, change-in-control and other perquisitesAttract and retain high caliber executive talentNot performance-based

Additional information regarding base salary;

salary, short-term incentive;

incentive compensation and long-term incentive; and

other benefits (including retirement and supplemental plans, severance, change-in-control and employment agreements and perquisites).

incentive compensation follows.

Many of our compensation elements simultaneously fulfill one or more of our stated objectives. In determining the particular elements of compensation that will be used to implement our overall compensation policies, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration factors related to H.B. Fuller’s performance, such as H.B. Fuller’s earnings, revenue growth, and business-unit-specific operational and financial performance. Other considerations include H.B. Fuller’s business objectives, its fiduciary and corporate responsibilities (including internal pay equity considerations and affordability), competitive practices and trends, and regulatory requirements. In deciding on the type and amount of compensation for eachBase Salary.    Each executive officer, we focus on both the current pay and the opportunity for future compensation. We combine the compensation elements for each executive officerofficer’s job is positioned in a manner we believe optimizes the executive officer’s contribution to H.B. Fuller.

Competitive Market

We define our market as a broad range of companies across general industry in the $1-3 billion in revenue category as well as companies in the chemical industry in the $1-3 billion revenue category. We chose this revenue category because revenue from our prior fiscal year was, and revenue from fiscal 2008 was expected to be, in this range. We use published survey data from Hewitt Associates and Towers Perrin for our executive compensation analysis. H.B. Fuller participates in both of these surveys. The Hewitt Associates survey includes 428 companies and is titled “2007 Hewitt TCM (Total Compensation Measurement) Executive Total Compensation by Industry”; the Towers Perrin survey includes 803 companies and is titled “U.S. CDB General Industry Executive Database 2007 Descriptive Statistics Report.” For chemical industry data, we rely on data provided by Towers Perrin for chemical companies in the $1-3 billion revenue category. The companies represented in the chemical company data vary depending on the position we are reviewing. Not all companies provide data for every position in a survey. When analyzing compensation paid to named executive officers serving in non-corporate positions, we also use specific data for comparable operating business positions from the published surveys, including Towers Perrin and Hewitt sources. We use these surveys because they are sources for reliable market information. When we refer to market data in the rest of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, unless otherwise noted, we are referring to these surveys.

Compensation Process

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all elements of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, Michele Volpi (CEO), taking into account the Board of Directors’ review and assessment of the performance of the CEO, competitive market data from compensation consultants and information from our human resources personnel. The Compensation Committee discusses the CEO’s compensation package without him present.

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all elements of compensation for executive officers, taking into account the recommendations of the CEO, as well as competitivesalary grade based upon market data and information from our human resources personnel. The Compensation Committee on occasion meets withan analysis of the CEO and/or certain other executive officersjob responsibilities of positions. Salary ranges are established to obtain recommendations with respect to our compensation programs, practices and packages for executive officers and directors. The Compensation Committee considers, but is not bound to and does not always accept, management’s recommendations with respect to executive compensation. Mr. Volpi attendsgenerally reflect competitiveness at the Compensation Committee’s meetings, except when his compensation package is discussed. In addition, the Compensation Committee also holds executive sessions not attended by any members of management.

The Compensation Committee has final authority to make decisions with respect to the compensation of our executive officers. The Compensation Committee also has authorized Mr. Volpi to make salary adjustments and short-term incentive (bonus) decisions for all employees other than executive officers under guidelines approved by the Compensation Committee.

market median/50Annual Cash Compensationth

Base Salary

In General.    We provide a base salary to our executive officers to attract and retain high caliber executive talent and because base salary is an element of compensation that is provided by companies that we compete with to obtain talent. percentile. Base salaries are set to reflect the complexity and importance of a position and the experience each executive officer brings to the position, as well as the market rate paid for such positions. Each executive officer’s job is positioned in a salary grade based upon market data and internal leveling of positions. Merit increases in base salary are tied to annual performance reviews and are subject to salary ranges based on market data. Salary ranges are established to generally reflect competitiveness at the market median/50th percentile.

Fiscal 2008 Salary Increases.    The Compensation Committee reviews and considers the annual performance of the CEOnamed executive officers and determines whether and to what extent a merit increase. Thesalary increase is warranted. In the past, annual merit increases have typically been considered by the Compensation Committee also reviews and considers the annual performance of, and proposed merit increases for, each executive officer in November or early December of each year effective for the next fiscal year. The amount of annualized base salary and year-over-year increase for each of the named executive officers in fiscal year 2008 is set forth in the following table. Annual merit increases are typicallyhave become effective on December 1st1st regardless of the actual date of the fiscal year-end.

   Base Salary as of
12/1/2006 ($)


  Base Salary as of
12/1/2007 ($)


  Annualized Percent
Increase from FY 2007
to FY 2008 (%)


 

Michele Volpi

  457,400(1) 710,000(1) 55%(1)

James R. Giertz

  n/a  410,000(2) n/a     (2)

James C. McCreary, Jr.

  262,447  278,037  6%

Ann B. Parriott

  292,600  306,188  4.6%

James J. Owens

  n/a  410,000(3) n/a     (3)

Timothy J. Keenan

  246,421  257,806  4.6%

(1)Mr. Volpi’s salary for fiscal year 2007 was effective 12/3/2006, the date of his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer. He received a mid-year salary increase effective 7/1/2007 from $457,400 to $567,400 as part of a staged increase discussed below.

(2)Mr. Giertz began his employment with the Company as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer on March 3, 2008. His annualized base salary for fiscal 2008 was $410,000.

(3)Mr. Owens began his employment with the Company on August 25, 2008. His annualized base salary for fiscal 2008 was $410,000.

Analysis of Fiscal 2008 Base Salary.     Towers Perrin conducted an analysis of CEO compensation prior to Mr. Volpi’s promotion Beginning in December 2006. The Compensation Committee reviewed the analysis and decided to regularly review Mr. Volpi’s base salary and provide staged increases to establish a salary competitive with the market for CEOs with revenue responsibility of similar-sized companies. The Compensation Committee increased Mr. Volpi’s base salary 49% from fiscal 2006 to 2007 in connection with his promotion to our Chief Executive Officer as of December 3, 2006. The Compensation Committee increased Mr. Volpi’s salary 24% (to $567,400) effective as of July 1, 2007 in connection with his promotion and as part of the staged increase. For fiscal 2008,2010, the Compensation Committee reviewed market data on CEO pay from a report provided by Towers Perrin. The market data referencedand considered the performance and annual merit increases in this report represented a rangeJanuary, and the effective date of external pay levels andannual merit increases was February 1st, reflecting the entire 14-month period. In future fiscal years, the annual merit increases are intended to inform rather than determinecover a pay decision. The report by Towers Perrin included information from the Towers Perrin survey previously referencedtwelve-month period and an additional 27 companies.1 After a review of this data, the Compensation Committee decided to award Mr. Volpi with an additional staged increase of 25% to $710,000,become effective December 1, 2007. No further adjustments were made to Mr. Volpi’s salary during fiscal 2008.February 1st.

Mr. Giertz was hired as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer on March 3, 2008. As Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Giertz receives an annual base salary of $410,000. Mr. Giertz’s base salary falls in the third quartile of his salary range. His salary is higher than the midpoint in his salary range to reflect Mr. Giertz’s extensive experience in both finance (as a CFO) and in operations. Prior to joining H.B. Fuller, he held key leadership positions in several companies. Mr. McCreary’s base salary is reflective of his role as our corporate controller. Mr. McCreary was interim Chief Financial Officer from February 16, 2007 through March 2, 2008. Mr. McCreary’s fiscal 2008 base salary falls in the top quartile of his salary range based on his tenure in the role and performance. His merit increase of 6% is reflective of his outstanding performance in a role as both corporate controller and interim CFO during the 2007 fiscal year.

Ms. Parriott’s fiscal 2008 base salary is in the third quartile of her salary range. Her salary is higher than the midpoint to reflect Ms. Parriott’s prior leadership experience and her contributions in her role. Her merit increase of 4.6% is reflective of her performance in her role as Vice President of Human Resources. Mr. Owens was hired as Senior Vice President, North America on August 25, 2008. Mr. Owens’ fiscal 2008 base salary is in the third quartile of his salary range. His salary is higher than the midpoint of the salary range to reflect Mr. Owens’ extensive experience in the chemical industry. Mr. Keenan’s 2008 base salary is in the first quartile of his salary range due to the fact that he was originally promoted to his position low in the salary range. His merit increase of 4.6% is reflective of his performance in his role as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

Annual Short-Term Incentive Program

In General.Compensation.         We provide an annual short-term-incentive plan (cash bonus) for our named executive officers in order to attract and retain high caliber executive talent, to motivate executive officers to achieve our corporate goals that enhance shareholder value and because similar short-term incentive awards are provided by companies that we compete with to obtain talent. Short-term incentive awards are set for each executive officer so that the expected payout at target performance levels together with the executive officer’s base salary, would result in base salary and short-term incentive compensation equal to competitive market levels of such compensation based on market


1Applied Industrial Technologies Inc., Artic Cat Inc., Briggs & Stratton Corp., Carpenter Technology Corp., Chesapeake Corp., Cubic Corp., Donaldson Co Inc., Esterline Technologies Corp., Graco Inc., Herman Miller Inc., Kennametal Inc., Landstar System Inc., La-Z-Boy Inc., Modine Manufacturing Co., Glatfelter, Patterson Companies Inc., Pentair Inc., Polaris Industries Inc., Saia Inc., Select Comfort Corp., Teleflex Inc., Tennant Co., Texas Industries Inc., Toro Co., Valmont Industries Inc., Werner Enterprises Inc. and Worthington Industries, Inc.

data. The target percentage opportunities are established to generally reflect competitiveness at the market median/50th percentile. Payments under the short-term incentive program can range from no payment to a payment higher than the target, based upon H.B. Fuller results, businessCompany and regional operating unit or function results and individual performance.results.

Short-Term Incentive Plan Funding.     Under the short-term incentive plan, the Compensation Committee annually approves a net operating income target for purposes of funding the short-term incentive plan. Net operating income was selected as the measure because it comprehensively reflects a key component of overall company performance. For the purpose of the short-term incentive plan, net operating income is defined as gross profit less sales, general and administrative expenses, less taxes at H.B. Fuller’s effective tax rate. If H.B. Fuller achieves at least 80% of the net operating income target, the plan will be funded. The funding level/pool varies based on corporate financial performance as measured by net operating income. As the funding level/pool increases, the cash bonuses paid to the executive officers may also increase.

The chart below shows the various funding levels for executive officers and the CEO based on corporate performance. An individual executive officer may receive a cash bonus that is higher or lower than the funding level target below due to that individual’s performance and the performance of their function. The CEO may receive a cash bonus that is lower than the funding level target indicated below due to his individual performance and the overall Company performance. The maximum opportunities for the CEO in the table below were established to ensure that the CEO has similar bonus opportunities as other executive officers (due to the Compensation Committee’s ability to exercise upward discretion for executive officers other than the CEO) and to ensure tax deductibility in compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).

Corporate Financial

Performance (Budgeted

Net Operating Income)


  Funding Level
(as a percent of target)


  CEO Target/Maximum
opportunity

(as a percent of target)

 

130%

  200%* 200%/250%

125%

  180%* 180%/250%

120%

  150% 150%/250%

115%

  138% 138%/250%

110%

  125% 125%/200%

105%

  113% 113%/200%

100%

  100% 100%/200%

95%

  88% 88%/125%

90%

  75% 75%/125%

85%

  63% 63%/100%

80%

  50% 50%/100%

<80%

  0% 0%/0%

*These funding levels apply to Mr. Giertz, Ms. Parriott, Mr. Owens and Mr. Keenan.

Short—Term Incentive Plan Targets for Named Executive Officers.     Each named executive officer has a target percentage of his/her base salary for his/her award. The following table illustrates the targeted percentage of base salary for each of the named executive officers for fiscal year 2008.

Target Payout
as a % of Base
Salary


Michele Volpi

100%

James R. Giertz

56%

James C. McCreary, Jr.

38%

Ann B. Parriott .

48%

James J. Owens

56%

Timothy J. Keenan

48%

Eligible base salary does not include short-term and long-term disability payments and represents the salary earned throughout the fiscal year. The annual short-term incentive plan is designed to support both individualachieve several goals, including emphasizing the Company’s commitment to competitive compensation practices, driving a high performance culture and business performance. Therefore, there are two componentsassuring accountability. The short-term incentive plan program places emphasis on achievement of a named executive officer’s award that are equally weighted, with 50% of the award based on individual performance and 50% based on business performance. The equal weighting signifies the philosophy that both components are equally importantfinancial metrics and focuses attention on performance achievement at individualbusiness results. It also reinforces the importance of measurable and business levels. To recognize individual performance,aligned goals and objectives.

Each year, the Compensation Committee also may increase or decreaseestablishes the annual cash incentive target opportunities as a named executive officer’s short-term incentive award, with input from the CEO (other than with regard to his own award), based on the individual performancepercentage of the named executive officer. This is done to recognize individual performance that either does not meet, meets or exceeds expectations.

Analysis of Fiscal 2008 Corporate Performance and Named Executive Officer Short-Term Incentive Awards.    The pool of available funds for short-term incentive awards for fiscal year 2008 was based on H.B. Fuller’s net operating income target of $103.5 million. This target takes into consideration a number of factors, including the prior year’s performance, expected economic environment, market conditions, performance expectations, and the desire to deliver superior results. The actual net operating income for fiscal 2008 was $78.8 million. Net operating income does not take into account the after-tax impact of goodwill and other non-cash impairment charges of $54.3 million. Net operating income results were at 76.1% of target. Therefore, the plan did not achieve the threshold funding target of 80%.base salary. Under the short-term incentive plan, the Compensation Committee may also consider extraordinary circumstances that may positively or negatively impact the achievement of the total Company performance objectives.

Discretionary Funding The Board or management in their discretion, has the right at any time to enhance, diminish or terminate all or any portion of Short-Term Incentive.    While theany compensation plan did not achieve the threshold funding target at 80%, there were several extraordinary factors that contributed to this including unprecedented raw material price increases (which increases equated to more than 50% of fiscal 2007’s operating income) and a macroeconomic slowdownor program, on a global basis during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. The Compensation Committee considered these extraordinary factorscollective or individual basis.

Predetermined financial performance measures and also considered the following positive Company performance factors:

A top line trend reversal through fiscal third quarter;

The Company implemented early and thorough cost controls;

The Company’s geographic expansion through the acquisition of the Egymelt business and through investments in the Asia Pacific region;

The completion of a structural benefits plan realignment;

Conservative cash management;

Significant talent acquisition and upgrade and succession pipeline strengthening; and

Analysis shows the Company performed well compared to companies with similar portfolios.

The Compensation Committee also considered that there would be several benefits of paying a discretionary short-term incentive to certain eligible employees and certain executive officers. Such a payment would help keep eligible employees motivated and engaged, especially in light of continuing economic hardship, foster loyalty and trust, and minimize the risk of high performing/high potential employee retention issues.

In light of all these factors,goals are set by the Compensation Committee determined to pay a discretionary short-termeach year. These financial measures and goals are based on company performance expectations and budget targets. The annual cash incentive toawards are calculated based on predetermined ranges for the named executive officers in the amounts indicated in the “Bonus” columnachievement of the Summary Compensation Table.established performance measures. The fund for discretionary short-term incentives for all eligible employees was set at 35% ofplan is designed so that the target.

Mr. Volpi received 45% of his target incentive asmaximum is earned when the results exceed the Company’s goals by a discretionary short-term incentive due to his leadership throughout the year and the positive Company performance factors set forth above.

Mr. Giertz received 45% of his target incentive as a discretionary short-term incentive due to improved oversight and effectiveness of the finance function, including implementation of an improved and critical corporate budgeting process. Mr. McCreary received 50% of his target incentive as a discretionary short-term incentive due to his individual performance as interim Chief Financial Officer for part of the 2008 fiscal year in addition to his fulfilling his corporate controller function.

Ms. Parriott received 45% of her target incentive as a short-term incentive due to the completion of a structural benefits plan realignment, acquisition of significant talent for key executive positions and the upgrade and strengthening of a succession pipeline. Mr. Keenan received 45% of his target incentive as a short-term incentive due to the strong performance of the legal function in general, his role in assuring strong corporate governance and risk management practices at the Company and in support of geographic and market expansion. Mr. Owens received 35% of his target incentive due to significant organizational and commercial upgrades in the North America region under this leadership.

predetermined amount.

Long-Term Incentive ProgramCompensation.    

In General.    We provide a long-term incentive program to the named executive officers in order to attract and retain high caliber executive talent and because similar long-term incentive awards are provided by companies that we compete with to obtain talent. We also provide this opportunity because we believe that ownership of our common stock by executive officers encourages long-term, strategic decision-making that is aligned with the balanced best interests of our shareholders. Goals for recommended levels of executive stock ownership are discussed under the heading “Stock Ownership”.

Our long-term incentive program ties a significant portion of our executive officers’ annual total compensation to shareholder value creation, as measured by stock price performance. We currently award stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units under the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Amended and Restated Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan.

Plan as follows:

Stock Options.    TheBeginning with grants made in fiscal 2010, the standard “service-based” nonqualified stock options typically vest in fourthree equal installments on each anniversary date of the grant. Stockgrant which enhances retention. Vested stock options provide a benefit to an executive officer only if the market value of the stock increases over the term of the option and if the executive officer remains employed at H.B. Fuller. The multi-year vesting cycle enhances retention, because employees who resign (under certain circumstances) from H.B. Fuller forfeit their unvested options.Stock options are granted for a 10 year term.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.    TheBeginning with grants made in fiscal 2010, standard “service-based” restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants typically vest in three yearsequal annual installments from the grant date.date which enhances retention. Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards provide a benefit to an employee only if the employee remains employed until the award vests. Dividends are accrued on both restricted stock and restricted stock units during the period prior to vesting and are paid in the form of additional shares once vesting has occurred. Only restricted stock has voting rights during the period prior to vesting. In addition, if the market value of the stock increases over the grant date price of the award, the employee further benefits from that appreciation in value. TheFor our CEO, beginning with restricted stock grants in fiscal 2010, a performance goal must be achieved or the restricted stock will not vest.

The value of an individual’s target award is established to generally reflect competitiveness at the market median/50th percentile for the applicable position and grade level. The CEO recommends to the Compensation Committee the number of stock options, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units are “service-based” to support retention; however, there is no specificbe granted to each executive officer. In order to emphasize a pay for performance target. The multi-year vesting cycle enhances retention, because employees who resign (other than under certain circumstances) from H.B. Fuller forfeit their unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units.philosophy, the

Our Compensation Committee retains full authority to accept, modify or reject these recommendations to increase or decrease the value of the award. The Compensation Committee also reviews total Company performance and the CEO’s individual performance to determine the award for the CEO. The number of options is determined based on a Black-Scholes valuation and a 30-day stock price average is applied. To determine the number of restricted stock/restricted stock units to be awarded, a 30-day stock price average is applied.

In fiscal 2010 and in the past, our Compensation Committee reviewed long-term incentives for our CEO and the other executive officers in late November or early December. TheThese grants arewere effective as of the date of the Compensation Committee meeting or the first business day of the fiscal year, whichever iswas later. This ensuresensured that only one long-term incentive grant iswas given in each fiscal year. The timing of this meeting iswas set approximatelymore than one to two yearsyear in advance. Beginning in fiscal year 2011, the Compensation Committee will review long-term incentives for our CEO and the other executive officers in January. This grant date aligns better with the annual individual performance review process. Also, a January grant date will allow the grants to occur during the open trading period for H.B. Fuller stock as provided under Company policy. The grants of stock options are made with an exercise price determined as of the close of trading on the applicable grant day. We do not allow backdating of options, nor do we have a program, plan or practice to time stock option grants to executive officers in coordination with the release of material non-public information.

Fiscal 2010 Base Salaries

In General.    The amount of annualized base salary and year-over-year increase for each of the named executive officers in fiscal year 2010 is set forth in the following table.

   Base Salary as of
12/1/2008 ($)
   Base Salary as of
2/1/2010 ($)
   Annualized Percent
Increase from 12/1/2008
to 2/1/2010 (%)
 

James J. Owens

   410,000     445,949     8.8%(1) 

Michele Volpi

   738,400     815,000     10.4

James R. Giertz

   428,450     449,873     5

Steven Kenny(2)

   n/a     379,002     n/a  

Ann B. Parriott

   322,649     337,168     4.5

Barry S. Snyder

   290,000     298,700     3

(1)Mr. Owens began his employment with the Company on August 25, 2008. His annualized base salary for fiscal 2008 was $410,000. Mr. Owens did not receive a merit increase effective as of December 1, 2008 for fiscal 2009 as he was hired in the six months prior to fiscal year end. Mr. Owens received a prorated merit increase of 3% effective February 25, 2009. His base salary for the remainder of the fiscal 2009 was $422,300. Mr. Owens received a 5.6% increase on February 1, 2010.

(2)Non U.S.-based compensation paid to Mr. Kenny is denominated in British Pound Sterling and has been converted to U.S. dollars at the same exchange rate used for financial reporting purposes.

Analysis of Fiscal 2010 Base Salaries.    Mr. Owens’ fiscal 2010 base salary, prior to his promotion to President and CEO effective November 19, 2010, was in the third quartile of his salary range for business unit roles of similar size and responsibility based upon market data. His salary was higher than the midpoint of the salary range to reflect Mr. Owens’ extensive experience in the chemical industry. For fiscal 2010, Mr. Owens received a merit increase of 5.6% effective February 1, 2010. Effective November 19, 2010, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Owens as President and CEO of the Company and approved a 25.6% increase in base salary to $560,000 as a reflection of his new responsibilities as CEO. This increase was based on review, analysis and discussion with the

independent compensation consultant. This included a review of the following market data: Mercer 2009 Global Premium Executive Remuneration Suite (All Industries $1—2.5 billion); Hewitt 2010 Executive Compensation Database (All Industries $1—2.5 billion); and, Watson Wyatt 2009/2010 Survey Report on Top Management Compensation (All Industries $1—2.5 Billion and Chemical $1—2.5 billion). The Compensation Committee also reviewed market data relating to our peer group, both the entire peer group and a subset of the peer group with revenues up to $3 billion.

For fiscal 2009, the Compensation Committee hired Mercer to conduct an in-depth analysis of CEO compensation. As a result, the Compensation Committee determined that it was not necessary to engage an external compensation consultant to conduct an analysis of Mr. Volpi’s compensation for fiscal 2010 and instead referenced the 2009 review for perspective. After a review of Mr. Volpi’s performance, the Compensation Committee decided to award Mr. Volpi with a 10.4% increase in base salary to $815,000 effective February 1, 2010 based on the following factors:

Company financial performance during a difficult economic time

Progress on strategic plan

Development of Company executive leadership team

Strengthened collaboration between Board of Directors and Company leadership

Desire to move Mr. Volpi closer to the midpoint of his salary range

This increase positioned Mr. Volpi’s salary near the salary range midpoint of $811,500. On November 19, 2010, Mr. Volpi resigned as President, CEO and director of the Company, and his employment with the Company was terminated effective December 7, 2010.

Mr. Giertz’s fiscal 2010 base salary was slightly above the third quartile of the salary range for CFOs based on market data. His salary has historically been higher than the midpoint in this salary range to reflect Mr. Giertz’s extensive experience in both finance (as a CFO) and in operations with prior employers, where he held key leadership positions in several companies. For fiscal 2010, Mr. Giertz received a merit increase of 5%. Mr. Kenny’s fiscal 2010 base salary was in the second quartile of the salary range based on market data. Mr. Kenny was not eligible for an increase as of February 1, 2010 as he was hired within six months prior to the fiscal year end. Ms. Parriott’s fiscal 2010 base salary was in the third quartile of her salary range for Vice Presidents of Human Resources based on market data. Her salary has been higher than the midpoint to reflect Ms. Parriott’s prior leadership experience and her contributions in her role. Ms. Parriott received a merit increase of 4.5%. Mr. Snyder’s fiscal 2010 base salary fell in the second quartile of his salary range for Chief Technology Officers based on market data. For fiscal 2010, Mr. Snyder received a 3% merit increase.

For fiscal 2010, all merit increases for the named executive officers (except for Mr. Volpi) fell within the Company’s general merit increase guidelines for our general employee population.

Fiscal 2010 Short-Term Incentive Compensation

In General.    For fiscal 2010, based on market data, the annual cash incentive target opportunity for our executive officers ranged from 40% to 100% of base salary at a target level of performance. Potential payouts ranged from 0% to 200% of the target award based on attainment of operating unit and/or Company predetermined financial goals. The threshold level for the annual cash incentive was set at 80% of each financial target goal, except the Organic Revenue metric had a threshold amount of 85%. At these levels, the annual cash incentive would pay out at 50% of the target incentive. Higher payouts are possible if performance is above threshold levels.

In January 2010, the Compensation Committee reviewed the weighting of financial metrics in the short-term incentive plan. The Compensation Committee approved revisions to the short-term incentive

metrics for fiscal year 2010 for the CEO and Regional Operating positions, which place more emphasis on achievement of increases in Organic Revenue. The weighting of the Operating Income and Net Working Capital metrics were decreased to offset the increased emphasis on Organic Revenue.

All performance measures for the named executive officers, and the percentage of the incentive based on these measures as established by the Compensation Committee, are set forth in the table below:

Performance Measure

  CEO1  CFO and
Corporate
Positions2
  Regional
Operating
Unit3
 

EPS4

   30  30  30

Company Organic Revenue5

   40  

Company Operating Income6

   20  

Company Net Working Capital7

   10  

Region Organic Revenue

     40

Region Operating Income

     20

Region Net Working Capital

     10

North America Composite

    25 

Europe, Middle East & Africa Composite

    20 

Asia Pacific Composite

    12.5 

Latin America Composite

    12.5 

1Includes Mr. Volpi for fiscal 2010. This weighting of performance metrics also applied to Mr. Owens after he was appointed CEO. The short-term incentive for Mr. Owens for fiscal 2010 was calculated using prorated amounts for the time periods he held the relevant positions during fiscal 2010.

2Includes Mr. Giertz, Ms. Parriott and Mr. Snyder.

3Includes Mr. Owens for the time period for which he held a regional operating position. Also includes Mr. Kenny.

4Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) is defined as net income divided by common stock shares outstanding (diluted).

5Organic Revenue is defined as Revenue, excluding the effects of changes due to foreign currency exchange rates and acquisitions/divestitures.

6Operating Income (“OI”) is defined as gross profit less selling, general and administrative expenses. For administrative purposes, OI is used as a proxy for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”).

7Net Working Capital as a percentage of annualized trade revenue (“NWC”) is used as a proxy for Return on Gross Investment (“ROGI”) and is defined as: (Trade Receivables, net + (plus) Inventories—(minus) Trade Payables) and divide that by the (Quarterly Net Revenue X (times) 4). This percentage is calculated at the end of each quarter and then the average of the four quarters is the short-term incentive plan metric performance for the year.

Analysis of Fiscal 2010 Short-Term Incentive Awards.    The financial performance measures approved by the Compensation Committee in January 2010 were selected because management believed they were the most representative measurements of our financial results and were key financial measures that linked to our long-term strategic plan. This year, NWC was used as a proxy for ROGI (which we used last year) because employees at all levels have more impact on NWC than ROGI. In addition, persons who are eligible for short-term incentives are able to better relate to NWC. For example, employees at a plant are able to see inventory levels going up or down, so they can more directly see how their actions impact NWC versus ROGI.

For fiscal 2010, the financial performance measures and both the target and the actual performance were as set forth below (amounts for EIMEA Region are in Euros or U.S. Dollars as noted). Amounts shown in the table below may differ from reported results due to adjustments which are allowed under the short-term incentive plan as set forth in footnotes 2 and 3 below.

Performance Measure

($ or amounts in thousands as noted,

except EPS)

  CEO  CFO and
Corporate
Positions
  Americas
Regional
Operating
Unit1
  EIMEA
Regional
Operating
Unit
 

EPS

     

Target

  $1.46   $1.46   $1.46   $1.46  

Actual2

  $1.61   $1.61   $1.61   $1.61  

Company Organic Revenue

     

Target3

  $1,322,328     

Actual3

  $1,345,891     

Company Operating Income

     

Target3

  $114,773     

Actual3

  $109,029     

Company NWC

     

Target

   16.5   

Actual

   16.8   

Region Organic Revenue

     

Target3

    $800,637   269,8524 

Actual3

    $795,486   287,2744 

Region Operating Income

     

Target3

    $88,391   14,3484 

Actual3

    $85,095   12,8594 

Region NWC

     

Target

     17.3  17.4

Actual

     18.1  18.1

North America Composite

    **5   

Europe, India, Middle East & Africa Composite

    **5   

Asia Pacific Composite

    **5   

Latin America Composite

    **5   

1Mr. Owens’ role was expanded to include both North America and Latin America effective January 25, 2010. Based on this expanded role, the short-term incentive plan metrics were changed effective the same date to include both Latin America and North America. From the beginning of fiscal 2010 through late January 2010, Mr. Owens was measured on the North America targets only. These targets were as follows ($ amounts in thousands, except for EPS): EPS of $1.46, NA Operating Income of $73,260, NA NWC of 15.2% and NA Organic Revenue $564,917. After his appointment as President and CEO, the CEO targets were applied for the remainder of the performance period.

2Actual EPS differs from reported EPS due to adjustments or exclusions which are allowed under our short-term incentive plan, including (a) individual legal settlements (payments or receipts) with a value (net of insurance) of $3 million or greater will not be included in metric calculations, (b) unbudgeted reorganization or restructuring related items which cannot be offset by related benefits in the fiscal year will not be included in metric calculations, (c) unbudgeted acquisitions and divestitures are excluded from all actual and target metric calculations, as applicable, and (d) any unbudgeted asset write-downs in excess of $2 million will not be included in metric calculations.

3The amounts listed for Actual or Target Company Operating Income, Operating Income for the Americas Regional Operating unit and Operating Income for the EIMEA Regional Operating unit may differ from reported numbers due to adjustments or exclusions that are allowed under our short-term incentive plan. See footnote two above for further explanation.

4The amounts in Euros have been converted into U.S. Dollars at the same exchange rate used for financial reporting purposes as follows($ amounts in thousands): (a) Region Organic Revenue Target: $384,624, (b) Region Organic Revenue Actual: $385,609, (c) Region Operating Income Target: $20,450, and (d) Region Operating Income Actual: $17,238. The Company does not calculate these target and actual numbers in U.S. Dollars in determining whether the metric has been met. Local currency is used for these calculations.

5The composite metrics are a weighted composite of the region’s organic revenue, operating income and NWC targets. The actual payouts for the composite metrics for each of the regions for Mr. Giertz were as follows: North America: 14.4% of base salary; Europe, India, Middle East & Africa: 14.3% of base salary; Asia Pacific: 7.4% of base salary; and Latin America: 4.3% of base salary. The actual payout for the composite metrics for each of the regions for Ms. Parriott and Mr. Snyder were as follows: North America: 12.3% of base salary; Europe, Middle East & Africa: 12.3% of base salary; Asia Pacific: 6.3% of base salary; and Latin America: 3.7% of base salary.

The currentshort-term incentive target and actual payment as a percent of base salary for fiscal 2010 for each of our named executive officers is set forth in the table below:

Named Executive Officer

  Target Payment
as a % of Base
Salary
  Actual Payment
as a % of Base
Salary*
 

James J. Owens

   56/100  60/114

Michele Volpi

   100  114

James R. Giertz

   56  63

Steven Kenny

   40  52

Ann B. Parriott

   48  54

Barry S. Snyder

   48  54

*The actual payment that was made is found in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement. Mr. Owens has two percentages noted: the first percentage in each column relates to the time period he was covered by regional operating metrics; the second percentage relates to the time period during which he was the CEO.

The short-term incentive award payment opportunity at each level of performance for our named executive officers for fiscal 2010 is shown in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards During Fiscal Year 2010” table in this Proxy Statement. The specific performance goals for the target level are considered to be challenging but achievable.

Fiscal 2010 Long-Term Incentive Compensation

In General.    The fiscal 2010 long-term incentive plan design callscalled for grants with a mix of 50% nonqualified stock options/50% restricted stock/restricted stock units. This was a change from the prior year mix of 60% nonqualified stock options/40% restricted stock/restricted stock units. Discretion may be applied to both stock option and restricted stock/restricted stock unit grants in order to emphasize a pay for performance philosophy. The Compensation Committee reviewed the plan design for the long-term incentive awards granted December 6, 2007. The Compensation Committee determined that the mix of 60% nonqualified stock options/40% restricted stock/restricted stock units continued to be in line with the market.

The Compensation Committee determines the aggregate dollar value of long-term incentives to be awarded to each executive officer based on the executive officer’s position and grade level at H.B. Fuller. The value of an individual’s target award is established to generally reflect competitiveness at the market median/50th percentile. Once the projected dollar value is established for each executive officer, to determine the number of options to be awarded, an estimated Black-Scholes value as of the date of grant is applied. To determine the number of restricted stock/restricted units to be awarded, a 30-day stock price average is applied. The CEO then recommends to the Compensation Committee the number of stock options, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units to be granted to each executive officer. The Compensation Committee retains full authority to accept, modify or reject these recommendations. The Compensation Committee also reviews total Company performance and the CEO’s individual performance to determine the award for the CEO. The target values for each named executive officer’s long-term incentive award isare set forth in the table below:

Target Value of
Long-Term Incentive
for FY 2008 ($)


Michele Volpi

1,420,000

James R. Giertz

425,000

James C. McCreary, Jr.

150,000

Ann B. Parriott

250,000

James J. Owens

425,000

Timothy J. Keenan

250,000

Analysis of Fiscal 2008 Long-Term Incentive Awards.    In fiscal 2008, the long-term incentive program was entirely stock-based and consisted of annual grants of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. The aggregate amount of these long-term incentive awards was set for executive officers so that the expected payout would result in compensation equal to competitive market levels of such compensation based on market data. For awards made December 6, 2007, the plan was designed to deliver an expected target value with 60% based on stock options and 40% based on restricted stock or restricted stock units. The Compensation Committee has discretion to vary the 60%/40% mix.

The Compensation Committee determined to provide long-term incentives at the target values set forth above to all named executive officers except for Mr. Giertz and Mr. Owens. Thebelow (the differences in target award values are due to the named executive officers being in different job grades at the end of fiscal year 2007.2009). It is the general practice of the Compensation Committee to make awards to executive officers in a range of 80% to 120% of the target value below.

Target Value of
Long-Term Incentive
for FY 2010 ($)

James J. Owens

500,000

Michele Volpi

2,000,000

James R. Giertz

500,000

Steven Kenny

500,000

Ann B. Parriott

275,000

Barry S. Snyder

275,000

Analysis of Fiscal 2010 Long-Term Incentive Awards.    In April 2008, Mr. Giertz received a pro-ratedOctober 2009, prior to the grant of awards for fiscal 2010, the Compensation Committee reviewed the plan design for the long-term incentive awards. At that time, the Compensation Committee approved changes for awards made for fiscal 2010. The Compensation Committee utilized Towers Perrin as a consultant on this review. Towers Perrin provided information using the peer group set forth under the “Peer Group Data”heading above. Based on this review and to better align with market practices, for fiscal year 2010 the Compensation Committee decided to take the following actions:

change the percentage value of stock option awards from 60% to 50% and to change the percentage value of restricted stock and/or restricted stock unit awards from 40% to 50%

change the stock option award based on his current annual targetvesting from a 4-year ratable schedule to a 3-year ratable schedule

change the restricted stock/restricted stock unit vesting from a three-year cliff vesting schedule to a three-year ratable vesting schedule

provide retirement eligible employees with restricted stock units as opposed to restricted stock

adjust the economic value of $425,000. In October 2008, Mr. Owens received a pro-ratedthe long-term incentive award basedawards to better align with the median of market practice and ensure appropriate differentiation by pay grade

For the grant of restricted stock to our CEO during fiscal year 2010, we also added a performance measure. The grant of restricted stock to Mr. Volpi contains a requirement that the restricted stock will vest in three equal installments on his current annualJanuary 31, 2011, December 3, 2011 and December 3, 2012 only if (1) one or more of the performance measures in the CEO’s short-term incentive program are met (except for the net working capital metric) for fiscal 2010 as determined by the Compensation Committee and (2) Mr. Volpi continues to be employed by the Company on the respective vesting date. Since Mr. Volpi’s employment with the Company ended on December 7, 2010, the shares of restricted stock did not vest and were forfeited.

During fiscal year 2010, all long-term incentive awards to NEOs fell within 80% to 120% of the target of $425,000.

value above. Fiscal year 20082010 long-term incentive awards of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units are set forth in the Grant“Grants of Plan-Based Awards TableDuring Fiscal Year 2010” table in this Proxy Statement. Mr. Kenny received a grant of stock options on October 1, 2010 pursuant to terms agreed to when he was hired by the Company. This grant of stock options was not a part of the long-term incentive plan and had a grant date fair market value of $250,000.

Other Executive Benefits and Perquisites

In General.    In order to attract and retain high caliber executive talent, we provide executive officers market competitive retirement, perquisite and other benefit programs. These programs are also provided by companies that we compete with to obtain talent. We also provide some of these benefits to assist our executive officers so that they are able tomay efficiently use their time on H.B. Fuller business.

Eligible employees (including some Our U.S.-based named executive officers) hired prior to January 1, 2007 are eligible for the retirement benefit describedofficers participate in the table below under the heading “retirement plan”. All eligible employees (including some named executive officers) hired after December 31, 2006 are eligible for thesame health and welfare programs as all other U.S.-based H.B. Fuller employees.

In addition to our broad-based retirement benefit described in the table below under the heading “defined contribution restoration plan”.

Weplan (in which participation was frozen as of 1/1/2007*), we provide the following executiveperquisites and benefits and perquisites to our executive officers:officers who are based in the United States or who are U.S. expatriates:

 

Perquisites and Benefits


  

Description


RetirementDefined Contribution Restoration Plan (participation frozen as of 1/1/2007)  

•       Defined benefit qualified pension plan.

•       Right to receive benefits, and the amount received, is determined by years of credited service and eligible earnings.

•       5 years vesting service.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (Defined Contribution Restoration Plan and Defined Benefit SERP Plan)

•      Defined contribution restoration plan, non-qualified retirement plan for executives hired after 12/31/2006:

 

Ø       3% non-elective (retirement) contribution restoration for compensation in excess of IRS limits**;

 

Ø       Defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan credit equal to 7% of eligible earnings***; and

 

Ø       4% 401(k) match restoration for compensation match in excess of IRS limits.

•       Supplemental defined benefit SERP, non-qualified plan for executive hired before January 1, 2007:

Ø     Supplements retirement plan earnings in excess of IRS limits to bring total retirement income to 50% of pre-retirement income.

Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan  

•      Allows deferral of a portion of annual base salary andand/or any annual incentive payment. If an executive defers a portion of theirhis or her salary or incentive payment into the Company stock account, in this plan, the Company credits units of common stockCommon Stock and matches 10% of the amount credited with additional units of common stock.Common Stock. None of the named NEOs participated in this plan during fiscal year 2010.

Auto Allowance  

•      Monthly allowance.

Benefits


Description


Financial Counseling  

•      Up to $7,500 annually in financial planning and tax preparation.

Executive Health Exams  

•      Annual health exam expenses, including related travel.

Excess Liability Insurance  

•      Group personal excess liability insurance policy provides individual coverage up to $5,000,000, including a related tax gross up on premiums paid.$5,000,000. The Company pays the policy premium and divides cost between participating executive officers.the premium is included in the NEO’s income and is grossed up to pay the tax withholding.

Perquisites and Benefits

Description

Relocation Expense  

•      Assistance with relocation, sale and purchase of home, temporary living assistance, and movement of property, including a tax gross up for any suchcertain assistance that is taxable.


*Eligible employees (including Michele Volpi and Ann B. Parriott) hired prior to January 1, 2007 are eligible for a qualified defined benefit pension plan described in the narrative accompanying “Pension Benefits” table in this Proxy Statement.

** The 3% non-elective (retirement contribution) benefit is available through the H.B. Fuller Thrift (401k)Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan only to eligible employees (including James J. Owens, James R. Giertz and Barry S. Snyder) who were hired after December 31, 2006 as such employees are not eligible for the defined benefit retirement offered to employees hired prior to January 1, 2007.

 

*** The 7% defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan credit is available to eligible plan participants (including some executive officers)James J. Owens, Michele Volpi, James R. Giertz, Ann B. Parriott and Barry S. Snyder) who were either hired after December 31, 2006 or who made a transition election to participate in the defined contribution restorationsupplemental executive retirement plan in lieu of participation in the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan.

Of the perquisites and benefits set forth above, only the financial counseling, executive health exam and the excess liability insurance are extended to Mr. Kenny, who is not based in the United States and is not an expatriate. Other benefits provided to Mr. Kenny include:

Perquisites and Benefits

Description

Retirement Plan

•      See descriptions of retirement plan in the “Pension Benefits” table in this Proxy Statement.

Auto Allowance

•      Monthly allowance.

Analysis of Fiscal 20082010 Executive Benefits and Perquisites.    We provide perquisites to our executive officers aligned to the overall compensation objective to generally reflect competitiveness at the market median/50th percentile. However, the defined contribution restoration plan is designed to be above market to differentiate the Company in the competition for key executive talent. The Company also provides supplemental executive retirement benefits under the defined contribution restoration plan for executive officers to complement the benefits provided through H.B. Fuller’s broad-based retirement plans.

In conjunction with the annual review of executive officer total compensation, the Compensation Committee reviews data regarding executive officer benefits and perquisites from a high level comparison against prevalence in the market.perquisites. In fiscal 2008,2010, the Compensation Committee reviewed market data on the prevalence of the following benefits and perquisites: the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, auto allowance, executive health exam program and financial counseling. The data used to review the market prevalence of all of these benefits was:

2009 Hewitt TCM Executive Compensation Policies and Programs U.S. Edition (439 participating companies)

Watson Wyatt 2009/2011 Survey Report on Perquisite Policies & Practices (prevalence for top management excluding CEO) (300 participating companies)

Towers Perrin 2009 Employee Benefit Information Center Executive Database (most recent proxy filing date with no data being more than two years old) (373 participating companies)

Peer Group noted in “Peer Group Data” section above

3M Company, Best Buy Co., Inc., Donaldson Co. Inc., General Mills, Inc., Graco Inc., Imation Corp., Medtronic Inc., Polaris Industries, Inc., Supervalu Inc., Target Corp., and U.S. Bancorp. We reviewed the benefits and perquisites at these companies because they are competitors for talent in the regional marketplace in which we operate.

The annual review of executive officer total compensation with the Compensation Committee did not cover the prevalence of personal excess liability insurance coverage or relocation programs because the survey data on these types of programs is very limited. The Compensation Committee did not review the prevalence of the defined contribution restoration plan due to the key employee deferred compensationphilosophy that this plan executive health exams, auto allowance and financial counseling. The data for review of these benefits was provided by the 2007 Hewitt TCM Compensation Policies and Programs survey.is designed to be above market as discussed above. There were no changes made to these benefits as a result of that review.the Compensation Committee’s review of the perquisite and other benefit programs because of the market prevalence of these programs. All perquisites paid to our named executive officers are disclosed in the Summary Compensation TableTable” under the “Other Compensation”Other Compensation column and the footnotes thereto.

Because Mr. McCreary elected to continue participation in the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan,Severance, Change-in-Control and was hired prior to January 1, 2007, he is not eligible to participate in the following components of the defined contribution restoration plan: a) the defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan credit of 7% of eligible earnings, or b) the 3% non-elective (retirement) contribution restoration for compensation in excess of Internal Revenue Service limits discussed in the table above.

other Employment-Related Agreements

Other Benefits.In General

Health & Welfare Benefits.    OurH.B. Fuller does not have employment agreements with any of the named executive officers participate inthat provide for a specified term of employment. The Company does have an employment agreement with Mr. Kenny as discussed below. The Company also has change-in-control agreements discussed under the same healthheading“Change-in-Control Agreements”, executive severance agreements discussed under the heading“Severance”, and welfare programs as all other U.S.-based H.B. Fuller employees.agreements regarding certain payments to Mr. Owens and Mr. Snyder discussed under the heading“Other” below.

SeveranceSeverance.    .The Compensation Committee approved a form of severance agreement (the “executive severance agreement”) for the executive officers who report to the CEO after reviewing current market practices related to severance arrangements and benefit levels related thereto. The Compensation Committee engaged Towers Perrin as the compensation consultant for this project. The consultants from Towers Perrin met with the Compensation Committee and presented market practice data related to severance agreements for executives. Towers Perrin used a published survey of over 1,000 companies (Lee Hecht Harrison Severance and Separation Benefits, 2005), general practices in the Fortune 100 and a review of the severance practices of 11 companies2 identified by Company management.

Based on the review, the executive severance agreements provide for payment of the following severance benefits if the eligible executive officer’s employment is terminated involuntarily by the Company without cause (as defined in the agreement) or voluntarily by the executive officer for good reason (as defined in the agreement):

 

Severance pay equal to one times (two times for the CEO) base salary plus target bonus, payable over the twelve12 months (24 months for the CEO) following termination;

 

Continued group medical and dental insurance over 12 months (18 months for the CEO); and

 

Outplacement services with a value of up to $20,000.

Except as indicated above with respect to the CEO, the same form of agreement was provided to all named executive officers except for Mr. McCreary.Kenny. The severance agreement with Mr. McCreary participatesKenny provides for a reduction in the same H.B. Fullerany severance pay policy as all U.S.-based salaried employees exceptdue to him for any severance pay required by local law. Mr. Owens’ agreement was amended effective December 2, 2010 to provide for the enhanced CEO and executive officers who report to the CEO.

benefits.

Change-in-Control Agreements.    All named executive officers except Mr. McCreary, have entered into change-in-control agreements with H.B. Fuller. These agreements provide for payments under certain circumstances following a change-in-control of the Company. The Compensation Committee believes that one of the purposes of providing change-in-control agreements is to provide financial security to the executive officer in the event theirthe executive officer’s employment is terminated in connection with a change-in-control. The agreement is intended to ensure the executive officer remains focused on activities related to a change-in-control that could be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, and that the executive officer is not distracted by compensation implications as a result of a change-in-control. The Compensation Committee also believes that change-in-control agreements assist in the retention of executive officers at a time when their departure might be detrimental to the Company and shareholders.

The change-in-control agreements contain a “double trigger” for receipt of change-in-control payments. This means that there must be a change in control of the Company and a termination of employment (or a material change to employment) for the provisions to apply and benefits to be paid. The Compensation Committee believes that a “double trigger” is more appropriate than a “single trigger” because it prevents the unnecessary payment of benefits to an executive officer in the event that the change in control does not result in the executive officer’s termination of employment or a material change in the terms of the executive officer’s employment (such as demotion, pay cut or relocation).

Mr. McCreary has change in control benefitsAn explanation of any payments to be made under an H.B. Fuller group benefit plan. A protected period of 24 months follows a change in control of H.B. Fuller. If during this protected period, we terminate Mr. McCreary’s employment for any reason other than cause or disability, or if he terminates


23M Company, Ecolab, Inc., G&K Services, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Graco Inc., Imation Corp., Medtronic, Inc., RPM International Inc., The Toro Company, U.S. Bancorp, and The Valspar Corporation.

his employment for good reason (including demotion, pay cut or certain relocations), Mr. McCreary is entitled to receive a lump sum payment from us.

Employment Agreements.    H.B. Fuller does not have employment contracts with any of the named executive officers, other than the change-in-control agreements discussedis found under the heading “Change-in-Control Agreements”,Involuntary (Not for Cause) Termination or Good Reason Termination after a Change-in-Control” in the executive severance agreements discussed under the heading “Severance” and thesection of this Proxy Statement titled “Potential Payments Made Upon Termination or Change-In-Control”.

Other.    The Company has an agreement with Mr. Owens discussed below.

In order to attract and retain Mr. Owens as an executive officerregarding the payment of the Company, he was paid $500,000 as a hiring bonus, which was paid within his first 30 days of employment with the Company. If Mr. Owens leaves the Company voluntarily without “good cause” within the first 18 months of his employment, he will be required to refund this hiring bonus to the Company. Mr. Owens is eligible to receive an additional $500,000 as a relocation bonus. This bonus if he relocates to Minnesota within 24 months of the date he was hired. If he does not move to Minnesota during that time period, he will not be eligible to receive this additional bonus. These amounts were offered to Mr. Owens to encourage him to join the Company and to compensate him for the loss of benefits and compensation he would have received from his prior long-term employer.

The Compensation Committee approved an amendment to this agreement with Mr. Owens regarding his relocation bonus during early fiscal year 2010. Under the original agreement, Mr. Owens was eligible to receive $500,000 if he relocated to Minnesota within 24 months of the date he was hired. Under the amendment, Mr. Owens was eligible to receive $250,000 of the $500,000 bonus if he remained employed by the Company until August 1, 2010. This payment was made to Mr. Owens and is reflected in the “Bonus” column of the Summary Compensation Table. If he remains employed by the Company and relocates to Minnesota by August 1, 2012, he is eligible to receive the remaining $250,000 payment.

The Company does have an employment agreement with Mr. Kenny because employment agreements are customary in the region in England where Mr. Kenny is based. The agreement with Mr. Kenny sets forth his salary, job functions, benefits, ownership of intellectual property, and termination, non-competition and confidentiality provisions. The agreement does not provide for any minimum term of employment. See the section titled “Potential Payments made upon Termination or Change-in-Control” later in this Proxy Statement for contractual payments that the Company may owe Mr. Kenny under his employment agreement. In addition, as part of the offer of employment to Mr. Kenny, he was granted equity awards: (1) he received a grant of nonqualified stock options with 50% of the expected value provided on or near his hire date, and the other 50% of the expected value provided on October 1, 2010 as long as he remained employed by the Company; and (2) a pro-rated long-term incentive plan award granted on his date of hire in October 2009. The grant of nonqualified stock options was made in recognition of the loss of benefits from his prior employer.

The Company also has an agreement with Mr. Snyder regarding the payment of a bonus. This bonus was offered to Mr. Snyder to encourage him to join the Company and in recognition of the loss of stock he would incur in leaving his prior employer. It was structured, in part, as a retention bonus over a period of three years after his hire in lieu of paying a large hiring bonus at the time of hire with no retention criteria specified. Mr. Snyder was eligible to receive $320,000 in four equal payments of $80,000 each. The first payment of $80,000 was paid to Mr. Snyder within 30 days of his hire date. The second and third installments were paid on or about the first and second anniversaries of his hire date. The final payment will be paid on or about the third anniversary of his hire date provided that he remains employed by the Company.

Stock Ownership

We believe that ownership of H.B. Fuller Common Stock by executive officers encourages long-term, strategic decision making that helps to reduce undue short-term risk-taking and is aligned with the balanced best interestinterests of H.B. Fuller’s constituents. Goals for recommended levels of executive stock

ownership were established in 2003 and are reviewed annually. An executive officer’s stock ownership goal (which includes directly held H.B. Fuller stock, H.B. Fuller stock held in the H.B. Fuller ThriftCompany 401(k) & Retirement Plan, (a 401(k) plan), restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock units held in the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan) ranges in dollar amount from one to five times theirthe executive officer’s annual salary, depending on job grade.

The guideline for the CEO is ownership of at least five times his base salary in H.B. Fuller stockCommon Stock and the guideline for other named executive officers is ownership of at least two to three times their base salaries, depending on job grade. The guideline provides that an executive should strive to reach the applicable stock ownership goal within five years of appointment to their position. The guideline for Mr. Giertz and Mr. OwensKenny is ownership of at least three times their base salary in H.B. Fuller stock.Common Stock. The guideline for Mr. McCreary, Ms. Parriott and Mr. KeenanSnyder is ownership of at least two times their base salary in H.B. Fuller stock.Common Stock. The Compensation Committee reviews the stock holdings of our named executive officers annually. This year’s review was based on job grades and stock values in effect as of June 30, 2008 stock values.2010. At that point in time, Mr. McCreary had met his stock ownership goal. All other named executive officers, excluding Mr. Owens as he was hired after June 30, 2008, were making progress toward meeting their stock ownership goals. Nono named executive officer except for Mr. McCreary, hashad been in his or her present position for more than five years.

years and no named executive officer had met his or her stock ownership goal. All of the named executive officers are continuing to make progress on meeting their stock ownership goals.

Tax Considerations

Under Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, generally limits the tax deductibilitywe must meet specified requirements related to our performance and must obtain shareholder approval of compensation paid by a public company, like H.B. Fuller, to certain named executive officers. We consider the deductibility of compensation arrangements in order for us to fully deduct compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to a named executive compensation decisions, but deductibility is notofficer other than the only factor used in determining the appropriate level of compensation. H.B. Fuller’sCFO. The Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan (“ALTIP”) was approved by shareholders in 2008 and includes specific performance criteria; therefore, annual incentive awards granted under the ALTIP are deemed to meet the requirements of Section 162(m). The Committee believes that compensation paid pursuant to the ALTIP will be deductible.

The shareholders approved the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Amended and Restated Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan have each been approved by our shareholders as required by Section 162(m).at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the ALTIP at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Therefore, cash incentive awards, stock options and other performance-based compensation under these plans may be tax deductible. Theexcluded from the $1,000,000 cap under Section 162(m) as well. Additionally, cash compensation voluntarily deferred by our executive officers under our Key Employee Deferred Compensation Committee will continuePlan is not subject to evaluate the compensation plans and programs in view of the Section 162(m) limitations.

The Compensation Committee may decide to pay amounts that are non-deductible if it determines these payments are consistent with our compensation philosophy and are incap until the best interests of H.B. Fuller.year paid. Compensation paid forin fiscal 20082010 subject to the Section 162(m) cap did not exceed $1,000,000 for anyanyone who was an executive officer as of fiscal 2010 year end.

The Compensation Committee intends to continue its practice of paying competitive compensation consistent with our namedphilosophy to attract, retain and motivate executive officers except for Mr. Volpi.to manage our business in the best interests of H.B. Fuller and our shareholders. The Compensation Committee, therefore, may choose to provide non-deductible compensation subject to Section 162(m) paidour executive officers if it deems such compensation to Mr. Volpi for fiscal 2008 exceededbe in the $1,000,000 cap by $294,465best interests of H.B. Fuller and this portion of his compensation for fiscal 2008 was therefore not deductible for tax purposes.

our shareholders.

Our benefit plans that provide for deferrals of compensation are subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. We have reviewed such plans for compliance with Section 409A and believe that they are in compliance.

Re-Design of Short-Term Incentive Program for Fiscal 20092011 Compensation Arrangements with James J. Owens

InOn November 19, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed James J. Owens President and CEO and elected him as a director. On December 2008,2, 2010, the Compensation Committee reviewedof the Company’s Board of Directors approved the compensation and benefits to be paid to Mr. Owens as

President and CEO effective November 19, 2010. Mr. Owens will receive an annual base salary of $560,000. Also, he will be entitled to receive a target incentive opportunity of 100% of his base salary with a maximum incentive opportunity of up to 200% of his base salary under the Company’s short-term incentive (STI) program and approved changesplan for awards madethe fiscal year ending December 3, 2011. In addition, Mr. Owens will be eligible for fiscal 2009. Management determined that the current STI program metrics did not fully align with the key financial metrics that were useda stock-based award in an amount equal to measure Company performance. The revised STI program will place more emphasis on achievement of financial metrics and eliminate consideration of more subjective performance factors. Therefore, management recommended to the Compensation Committee a revised STI program that is intended to achieve several goals, including:

Emphasizing$840,000 under the Company’s commitmentlong-term incentive plan for such fiscal year. Mr. Owens will be eligible to competitive compensation practices;

Driving a high performance culture;

Assuring accountability;

Focusing on results, not activity;receive other standard benefits provided to executives and

Reinforcing the importance of measurable and aligned goals and objectives.

Under the revised STI program, the performance goals for the executive officers other key employees of the Company under the Company’s benefit plans and programs, which are described above.

In addition, Mr. Owens’ Severance Agreement with the Company dated August 25, 2008 was amended effective December 2, 2010 to modify certain payments and benefits to be provided to Mr. Owens in the event his employment with the Company is terminated either involuntarily without cause or voluntarily for good reason, as follows: (i) the amount of any separation pay that would be paid to Mr. Owens was increased from one time to two times his annual cash compensation and (ii) the period of time after his termination of employment during which the Company would pay a portion of the premiums or cost of any group medical and/or dental insurance coverage was increased from 12 months to 18 months.

Consistent with Company practice regarding pay of directors who are also employees of the Company, Mr. Owens will be based onnot receive any separate compensation for serving as a combinationdirector of financial metrics, which will vary based on position and will generally include the following: gross profit, less selling, general and administrative expense, plus depreciation expense and amortization expense (EBITDA)*, return on gross investment (ROGI), organic sales and earnings per share. For example, a regional vice president may have different metrics than an executive who works on the corporate staff.

Company.

Total Compensation for Named Executive Officers

We believe that the policies and programs described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis maintain an appropriate balance between motivating achievement of short-term goals and strategically leading H.B. Fuller in a direction to provide long-term success and therefore serve the interests of H.B. Fuller and its shareholders.


*For administrative purposes, operating income may be used as a proxy for EBITDA.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with H.B. Fuller management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on this review and discussion with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 29, 2008.

27, 2010.

Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of H.B. Fuller Company

R. William Van Sant, Chair

Knut KleedehnJuliana L. Chugg

Thomas W. Handley

Lee R. Mitau

John C. van Roden, Jr.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table shows the cash and non-cash compensation for the last twothree fiscal years awarded to or earned by individuals who served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during fiscal year 20082010 and each of the other three most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal year 2008.2010.

 

Name and Principal Position


 Year

 Salary
($)(1)

 Bonus
($)(1)(2)


 Stock
Awards
($)(3)


 Option
Awards
($)(4)

 Non-
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation(1)(5)


 Change in
Pension
Value &
Non-
qualified
Deferred
Compen-
sation
Earnings
($)(6)


 All Other
Compen-
sation
($)(7)


  Total
($)


Michele Volpi,

President and
Chief Executive Officer

 2008

2007

 710,273

502,496

 319,500

351,191

 443,294

296,693

 453,800

288,533

 -0-

501,702

 162

68,038

 218,564

80,939

 

 

 2,145,593

2,089,592

James R. Giertz,(8)

Sr.Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

 2008 307,677 77,490 27,379 26,194 -0- -0- 63,553  502,293

James C. McCreary, Jr.

Vice President,

Controller and Interim Chief Financial Officer(9)

 2008

2007

 277,980

262,520

 52,827

100,000

 63,319

67,240

 100,736

100,645

 -0-

169,541

 91,856

123,197

 37,059

54,796

 

 

 623,777

877,939

Ann B. Parriott,

Vice President, Human Resources

 2008

2007

 306,147

288,565

 66,122

-0-

 112,701

81,193

 111,641

79,975

 -0-

180,746

 6,724

24,279

 76,554

47,073

 

 

 679,889

701,831

James J. Owens,(8)

Sr. Vice President, North America

 2008 110,384 521,517 1,793 1,790 -0- -0- 30,949  666,433

Timothy J. Keenan

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 2008

2007

 257,801

246,328

 55,686

-0-

 89,776

72,304

 120,921

89,255

 -0-

165,595

 64

19,641

 74,005

41,467

 

 

 598,253

634,590


Name and Principal Position

 Year  Salary
($)(1)
  Bonus
($)(1)(2)
  Stock
Awards
($)(3)
  Option
Awards
($)(4)
  Non-
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-

sation
($)(1)(5)
  Change in
Pension
Value and
Non-
qualified
Deferred
Compen

-sation
Earnings
($)(6)
  All Other
Compen

-sation
($)(7)
  Total
($)
 

James J. Owens

  2010   441,401   250,000   283,907   282,305   277,937   —      240,869   1,776,419 

President and Chief Executive Officer

  2009   419,130   —      155,282   231,976   387,911   —      212,389   1,406,688 
  2008   110,384   521,517   35,186   46,762   —      —      30,949   744,798 

Michele Volpi(8)

  2010   800,269   —      1,083,038   981,938   918,276   5,681   3,536,537   7,325,739 

Former President and Chief Executive Officer

  2009   737,854   —      539,610   806,082   1,031,012   36,905   168,997   3,320,460 
  2008   710,273   319,500   538,490   717,247   —      162   217,635   2,503,307 

James R. Giertz

  2010   445,753   —      271,565   270,029   280,919   —      146,479   1,414,745 

Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

  2009   428,095   —      155,282   231,976   304,242   —      95,955   1,215,550 
  2008   307,677   77,490   125,622   161,013   —      —      63,553   735,355 

Steven Kenny(9)

  2010   379,002   —      246,861   495,655   196,830   —      59,903   1,378,251 

Sr. Vice President, Europe India, Middle East & Africa

         

Ann B. Parriott(10)

  2010   334,376   —      149,359   148,512   180,602   31,656   93,298   937,803 

Vice President, Human Resources

  2009   322,331   —      109,606   163,745   196,382   32,577   70,152   894,793 
  2008   306,147   66,122   94,794   126,281   —      6,724   76,554   676,622 

Barry S. Snyder(9)

  2010   297,027   80,000   135,783   135,014   160,371   —      94,783   902,978 

Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

  2009   290,000   80,000   91,338   136,456   176,510   —      251,261   1,025,565 

(1) Includes cash compensation deferred at the election of the executive under the H.B. Fuller’s ThriftFuller Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan (a 401(k) plan) and the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. For Mr. Kenny only, includes cash compensation deferred at his election into the H.B. Fuller Retirement Benefits Plan.

 

(2) We award bonuses under our short-term incentive plansplan based on our achievement of certain performance targets as discussed in the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisAnalysis” section of this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, bonus amounts under the short-term incentive plans are shown in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of this table. The bonuses for fiscal 2008 are shown in this column as they were awarded to the named executive officers after the exercise of discretion by the Compensation Committee under the short-term incentive plan even though the performance target was not met. See discussion above under the heading “Discretionary Funding of Short-Term Incentive”. The amount shown for Mr. Owens as a bonus for 2008 consists of two amounts: a) $21,517 under the short-term incentive plan, (see discussion under “Discretionary Funding of Short-Term Incentive” above), and b) $500,000 as a hiring bonus (see discussion under “Employment Agreements” above).bonus. The amount shownshow for Mr. Owens as a bonus for Mr. Volpi for fiscal 20072010 relates to an amount paid to him pursuant to his offer letter, as amended. See discussion under “Other” in the Compensation Committee’s decision to pay Mr. Volpi a discretionary bonus in order to acknowledge his and our overall positive business results in fiscal 2007. The amount shown as a bonus for Mr. McCreary for fiscal 2007 is due to Mr. McCreary’s receiptDiscussion & Analysis section of a discretionary bonus in recognition of his contribution to H.B. Fuller as interim Chief Financial Officer.this Proxy Statement.

 

(3) ThisThe amounts in this column showsrepresent the amounts recognizedgrant date fair value of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards made in the financial statements for the fiscal year2010 and time-based restricted stock awards made in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 calculated in accordance with SFAS 123(R). A discussionFASB ASC Topic 718 based on the closing price of our Common Stock on the date of grant.

(4)The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair values of stock option awards. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, the grant date fair value of these awards have been determined using the Black-Scholes method and based on the assumptions used in calculating these values may be foundset forth in Note 3 ofto the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2008.

(4)This column shows27, 2010, except that the amounts recognizedassumption related to forfeitures is not included in the financial statementscalculations for the fiscal year in accordance with SFAS 123(R). A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these values may be found in Note 3 to the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2008.purposes.

 

(5) As described in the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisAnalysis” section of this Proxy Statement, thesethe amounts arein this column represent cash bonuses paid out under our short-term incentive plan.

(6) 

The amounts in this column represent the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the named executive officer’s accumulated retirement benefits under the H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan. See the Pension BenefitsBenefits” table later in this Proxy Statement for additional information. The Change in Pension Value is based on

the same assumptions as those used for the valuation of the plan liabilities in H.B. Fuller’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2008.27, 2010. The assumptions made in the calculations of these amounts may be found in Note 10 to the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. AmountsThe amounts reported also include the amount of interest accrued during the applicablefor fiscal year on2008 had a measurement date of August 31, 2008. In accordance with accounting standards, the officer’s accountCompany changed its measurement date effective for the fiscal year ending in 2009, from August 31 to the fiscal year-end date. As a result, the amounts for fiscal year 2009 were measured as of the end of the fiscal year, and the net increase in the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan that exceeded 120%present value of accrued benefits was pro-rated by 12/15ths to account for 15 months of benefit growth from the applicable federal long-term rate. Inprior fiscal 2008: for Mr. Volpi, this amount was $162; for Mr. McCreary, $11; for Ms. Parriott, $73; and for Mr. Keenan, $64. In fiscal 2007: for Mr. Volpi, this amount was $154; for Mr. McCreary, $136; and for Mr. Keenan: $17.year’s information. For fiscal year 2008, the change in pension value amountsamount for Mr. Volpi and Mr. Keenan werewas negative. The negative balance iswas due to Mr. Volpi’s and Mr. Keenan’s election to transfer from the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan to the defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan. The increase in the value of the H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan for Mr. Volpi was $4,954. The increase in the value of the H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan for Mr. Keenan was $11,371. The resulting negative amountsamount for Mr. Volpi and Mr. Keenan arewas not included in the Summary Compensation Table. Ms. Parriott made the election to transfer from the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan to the defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan as well. However, the total amount of her change in pension value for fiscal 2008 was only partially offset by the transfer from the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan to the defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan. The full increase in the value of the H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan for Ms. Parriott for fiscal 2008 was $13,061. The elections to transfer fromAmounts reported also include the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan toamount of interest accrued during the defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan resultedapplicable fiscal year on the officer’s account in the following balance transfers being made fromKey Employee Deferred Compensation Plan that exceeded 120% of the defined benefit supplementalapplicable federal long-term rate, if any. In fiscal 2010 and 2009, no named executive retirement plan toofficers had any interest accrued that exceeded 120% of the defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan:applicable federal long-term rate. In fiscal 2008: for Mr. Volpi, $65,835;this amount was $162; for Ms. Parriott, $33,188; and Mr. Keenan, $25,676.

$73.

 

(7) The table below shows the components of this column for fiscal 2010, which include Company matching contributions to H.B. Fuller’s defined contribution plans, dividends on restricted stock and perquisites paid by the Company for the benefit of the executive officer. The amounts represent the amount paid by, or the incremental cost to, the Company. For fiscal 2008, the amounts related to the defined contribution restoration plan represent the January 1, 2008 restated plan incorporating the 7% supplement executive retirement plan contribution, a 4% match restoration and 3% nonelective restoration contributions. The restated plan is in lieu of the DB SERP. See the Pension Benefits table, the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table and the accompanying narrative in this Proxy Statement for additional information.

All Other Compensation—FY 2008Fiscal Year 2010

 

Name


  Thrift (401k)
Plan
Company
Match &
Contributions
($)


  Defined
Contribution
Restoration
Plan
Contributions
($)


  Key Employee
Deferred
Compensation
Plan Match
(10%)
($)


  Dividends
on
Unvested
Restricted
Stock
($)


  Perquisites
(see table
Below)
($)


  Total
($)


Volpi

  9,200  162,945  -0-  17,867  28,552  218,564

Giertz

  16,100  26,322  -0-  1,203  19,928  63,553

McCreary, Jr

  9,200  6,116  1,378  4,163  16,202  37,059

Parriott

  9,200  44,571  93  4,088  18,602  76,554

Owens

  3,075  9,383  -0-  123  18,368  30,949

Keenan

  9,200  35,742  2,300  4,059  22,704  74,005

Name

 Defined
Contribution
Plan
Company
Match &
Contributions
($)
  Defined
Contribution
Restoration
Plan
Contributions
($)
  Dividends
on
Unvested
Restricted
Stock

($)
  Perquisites
(see table
below)

($)
  Severance
($)
  Total
($)
 

James J. Owens

  17,150   100,498   7,654   115,567   —      240,869  

Michele Volpi

  9,800   189,531   30,767   26,999   3,279,440(a)   3,536,537  

James R. Giertz

  17,150   88,080   8,727   32,522   —      146,479  

Steven Kenny

  30,320   —      3,784   25,799   —      59,903  

Ann B. Parriott

  9,800   48,706   5,381   29,411   —      93,298  

Barry S. Snyder

  17,150   49,239   6,612   21,782   —      94,783  

Perquisites—FY 2008Fiscal Year 2010

 

Name


  Car
Allowance

($)

  Personal
Excess
Liability
Insurance

($)(a)

  Health
Exam
($)


  
Financial
Counseling


  Gifts
($)(b)


  Housing &
Commuting
Allowance
($)


  Total
Perquisites
($)


Volpi

  18,000  1,628  1,350  7,500  74  -0-  28,552

Giertz

  10,800  1,628  -0-  7,500  -0-  -0-  19,928

McCreary

  12,000  1,628  -0-  2,500  74  -0-  16,202

Parriott

  14,400  1,628  -0-  2,500  74  -0-  18,602

Owens

  4,800  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  13,568  18,368

Keenan

  14,400  1,628  2,182  4,494  -0-  -0-  22,704

Name

 Auto
Allowance
($)
  Personal
Excess
Liability
Insurance
($)(b)
  Health
Exam
($)
  Financial
Counseling
($)
  Housing &
Commuting
Expenses and
Related Tax
Gross-Ups
($)(c)
  Spousal
Airfare
($)(d)
  Total
Perquisites
($)
 

James J. Owens

  14,400   1,499   2,225   500   94,025   2,918   115,567 

Michele Volpi

  18,000   1,499   —      7,500   —      —      26,999 

James R. Giertz

  14,400   1,499   14,123   2,500   —      —      32,522 

Steven Kenny

  17,464   835   —      7,500   —      —      25,799 

Ann B. Parriott

  14,400   1,499   6,512   7,000   —      —      29,411 

Barry S. Snyder

  14,400   1,499   2,929   2,500   —      454   21,782 

 

 (a) Premiums

Mr. Volpi had a severance agreement dated May 20, 2008 (the “Severance Agreement”) with the Company, which provided that Mr. Volpi was entitled to receive the following severance payments and benefits upon the termination of his employment with the Company (without cause or for good reason) (1) $3,260,000, representing the amount equal to two times his annual cash compensation (including salary and cash incentive), payable in part in a lump sum of $2,800,000 six months after his employment termination date, with the balance of $460,000 payable in equal

installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and schedule over a twenty-four month period; (2) for a period of up to eighteen months, continued coverage under the Company’s group medical and dental insurance programs, with the Company continuing to pay the Company’s portion of any premiums or costs of coverage estimated at $19,440; and (3) for a period of up to one year, outplacement services with a total cost not to exceed $20,000. The amount in the table does not include the outplacement services due to the uncertainty of payment of these costs.

(b)Includes premiums paid on a tax protectedtax-protected basis on personal excess liability insurance of $927$835 and a related tax gross upgross-up of $718.$664. Executives hired after approximately mid-year are not assessed a premium for that year. The amount for Mr. Kenny does not include a related tax gross-up.

 

 (b)(c) Holiday gifts in the amountAmount for Mr. Owens includes a housing expense of $50 plus$8,435 (with a related tax gross-up of $24.$4,098) and commuting expenses of $45,391 (with a related tax gross-up of $36,101).

(d)Amounts for spousal airfare were paid in accordance with company policy requiring a valid business purpose for payment of spouse travel expenses. These amounts are treated as income to the employee and are not grossed up for tax purposes.

 

(8) The amounts in the “All Other Compensation” column for fiscal 2009 and 2008 have been reduced by $8,297 and $2,600 respectively from amounts reported in this column in prior years due to in advertent inclusion of a higher amount of dividends on unvested restricted stock in the applicable years than was appropriate.

(9)Mr. Giertz and Mr. Owens wereKenny was not a named executive officersofficer in either fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2009. Mr. Snyder was not a named executive officer in fiscal 2007.2008. Therefore, their compensation information is only provided for the current year.applicable fiscal years.

 

(9)(10) Mr. McCrearyThe amount in the “All Other Compensation” column for fiscal 2009 has been reduced by $2,094 from amount reported in this column in fiscal 2009 due to in advertent inclusion of a higher amount of dividends on unvested restricted stock than was interim Chief Financial Officer from February 16, 2007 to March 2, 2008.appropriate.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS DURING FISCAL 20082010

The following table summarizes the grants of plan-based awards in fiscal year 20082010 for each of the named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

Name


 Grant
Date(1)


 Date of
Meeting of
Compen-

sation
Committee
at which
Grant was
Approved(1)


 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(2)


 All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)(3)


 All
Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(4)


 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)


 Grant
Date
Fair
Value
of
Stock
and
Option
Awards
($)(5)


   Threshold
($)


 Target
($)


 Maximum
($)


    

Michele Volpi

                  

Short-Term Incentive(6)

     355,000 710,000 1,420,000        

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6/2007       20,206     538,490

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6/2007         80,653 26.65 717,247

James R. Giertz.

                  

Short-Term Incentive(6)

     -0- 172,200 344,400        

LTI Award(7)

 4/2/2008 4/2/2008       6,002     125,622

LTI Award(7)

 4/2/2008 4/2/2008         23,971 20.93 161,013

James C. McCreary, Jr.

                  

Short-term Incentive(6)

     -0- 105,654 158,481        

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6/2007       2,134     56,871

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6/2007         8,520 26.65 75,768

Ann B. Parriott

                  

Short-Term Incentive(6)

     -0- 146,937 293,874        

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6/2007       3,557     94,794

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6/2007         14,200 26.65 126,281

James J. Owens

                  

Short-Term Incentive(6)

     -0- 61,478 122,955        

LTI Award(7)

 10/2/2008 10/2/2008       1,849     35,186

LTI Award(7)

 10/2/2008 10/2/2008         7,385 19.03 46,762

Timothy J. Keenan

                  

Short-Term Incentive(6)

     -0- 123,747 247,494        

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6/2007       3,557     94,794

LTI Award(7)

 12/6/2007 12/6//2007         14,200 26.65 126,281

Name and Award
Type

 Grant
Date
  Date of
Meeting of
Compen-

sation
Committee
at which
Grant
was
Approved
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
  All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of
Stock
or
Units
(#)(2)
  All
Other
Option
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(3)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
  Grant
Date
Fair
Value
of
Stock
and
Option
Awards
($)(4)
 
   Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
     

James J. Owens

            

Short-Term Incentive

    128,968    257,936    515,873         

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009          13,802      283,907  

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009           33,275    20.57    282,305  

Michele Volpi

            

Short-Term Incentive

    401,117    802,233    1,604,467         

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009        48,007(5)       1,083,038  

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009           115,740    20.57    981,938  

James R. Giertz

            

Short-Term Incentive

    124,965    249,929    499,859         

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009          13,202      271,565  

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009           31,828    20.57    270,029  

Steven Kenny

    75,131    150,263    300,525         

Short-Term Incentive

            

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009          12,001      246,861  

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009           28,935    20.57    245,485  

Employment Inducement Award(6)

  10/1/2010    10/1/2009           30,557    20.20    250,170  

Ann B. Parriott

            

Short-Term Incentive

    80,340    160,679    321,358         

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009          7,261      149,359  

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009           17,505    20.57    148,512  

Barry S. Snyder

            

Short-Term Incentive

    71,340    142,680    285,360         

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009          6,601      135,783  

LTI Award

  12/3/2009    12/3/2009           15,914    20.57    135,014  

(1)Except as noted,The amounts shown in these option and restricted stock awards were granted at a Compensation Committee meeting on December 6, 2007. Per company policy,columns represent the grant date is the later of the date of the Compensation Committee meeting at which the grant was approved or the first day of the fiscal year for which the performance relates.

(2)This represents a bonus opportunity under our short-term incentive plan for fiscal 20082010 performance (STIP).discussed under “Fiscal 2010 Short-Term Incentive Compensation” in this Proxy Statement. The actual amount paid out in January 20092011 under the STIPshort-term incentive plan is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table. No threshold number is included for the named executive officers other than Mr. Volpi, as the plan does not provide for a minimum payment amount for individuals. Mr. Volpi has a threshold amount included due to the calculation of his short-term incentive plan award under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

(3)(2)The restricted stock awards are granted under the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. The restricted stock grants vest in fullthree annual installments beginning on the thirdfirst anniversary date of the grant. Under the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, dividends on restricted stock are accrued by H.B. Fuller at the same rate as payable to all H.B. Fuller shareholders and are paid if and when the restricted stock vests. The restricted stock becomes immediately vested in the event of retirement (age 65 and ten years of service), death, disability and change-in-control. The value of accrued dividends is included in the Summary Compensation Table in the “All Other Compensation” column.

 

(4)(3)TheseExcept as otherwise noted, these options are granted under the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and become exercisable at the rate of 25%one-third each year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, and expire 10 years from the grant date. These options become immediately exercisable upon retirement (age 65 and 10 years of service), early retirement (age 55 and 10 years of service), death, disability or change-in-control.

 

(5)(4)This column showsThe fair value of the fullrestricted stock awards is calculated by multiplying the number of shares of restricted stock by the closing price of our Common Stock on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes option pricing method was used to estimate the grant date fair value of the equity awardsoptions in this column.

(5)The restricted stock award for Mr. Volpi was granted under SFAS 123R. Generally, the fullAmended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. The restricted stock grant date fair value iswould have vested in three annual installments on January 31, 2011, December 3, 2011 and December 3, 2012 only if (a) one or more of the amountperformance measures in the CEO’s short-term incentive program measures had been met (except for the net working capital metric) for fiscal 2010 as determined by the Compensation Committee and (b) Mr. Volpi continued to be employed by the Company could expenseon the respective vesting date. Under the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, dividends on restricted stock are accrued by H.B. Fuller at the same rate as payable to all H.B. Fuller shareholders and are paid if and when the restricted stock vests. The restricted stock becomes immediately vested in its financial statements over the requisite service period. A discussionevent of death, disability and change-in-control. The value of accrued dividends is included in the assumptions usedSummary Compensation Table in calculating these values may be found in Note 3the “All Other Compensation” column. Since Mr. Volpi’s employment with the Company ended on December 7, 2010, the shares of the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2008.restricted stock did not vest and were forfeited.

 

(6)Amounts representMr. Kenny was awarded these stock options as part his agreement to join the potentialCompany. An initial award of stock options with a value of payouts under the Company’s short-term incentive compensation program.

(7)Amounts represent awards made pursuant to the H.B. Fuller Company Amended$250,000 was granted on his hire date. This award of stock options has a grant date of October 1, 2010 and Restated Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan.vests in four equal annual installments beginning on October 1, 2011.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 20082010 YEAR-END

The following table summarizes the total outstanding equity awards as of November 29, 200827, 2010 for each of the named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

    Option Awards

 Stock Awards

Name


 Grant Date

 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable(1)


 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable(1)


 Option
Exercise
Price
($)


 Option
Expiration
Date


 Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)(2)


 Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
($)(3)


Michele Volpi

 06/27/2002 5,122 -0- 15.31 06/27/2012    
  12/09/2002 3,364 -0- 13.95 12/09/2012    
  12/03/2003 10,162 -0- 13.65 12/03/2013    
  12/02/2004 18,348 6,116 14.49 12/02/2014    
  12/01/2005 19,804 19,804 16.02 12/01/2015    
  12/04/2006 16,077 48,232 26.79 12/04/2016    
  12/06/2007   80,653 26.65 12/06/2017    
  12/01/2005         14,852 263,474
  04/05/2006         5,001 88,718
  12/04/2006         17,034 302,183
  12/06/2007         20,460 362,960

James R. Giertz

 04/02/2008 -0- 23,971 20.93 04/02/2018    
  04/02/2008         6,061 107,522

James C. McCreary, Jr.

 01/17/2002 15,368 -0- 12.98 01/17/2012    
  12/09/2002 14,044 -0- 13.95 12/09/2012    
  12/03/2003 15,244 -0- 13.65 12/03/2013    
  12/02/2004 13,760 4,588 14.49 12/02/2014    
  12/01/2005 8,388 8,388 16.02 12/01/2015    
  12/04/2006 2,411 7,235 26.79 12/04/2016    
  12/06/2007 -0- 8,520 26.65 12/06/2017    
  12/01/2005         4,193 74,384
  12/04/2006         2,555 45,326
  12/06/2007         2,161 38,336

Ann B. Parriott

 01/27/2006 9,928 9,930 18.74 01/27/2016    
  12/04/2006 4,019 12,058 26.79 12/04/2016    
  12/06/2007 -0- 14,200 26.65 12/06/2017    
  01/27/2006         7,450 132,163
  12/04/2006         4,259 75,555
  12/06/2007         3,602 63,899

James J. Owens

 10/02/2008   7,385 19.03 10/02/2018    
  10/02/2008         1,857 32,943

Timothy J. Keenan

 12/02/2004 9,174 3,058 14.49 12/02/2014    
  12/01/2005 8,388 8,388 16.02 12/01/2015    
  12/04/2006 4,019 12,058 26.79 12/04/2016    
  12/06/2007 -0- 14,200 26.65 12/06/2017    
  12/01/2005         4,193 74,384
  12/04/2006         4,259 75,555
  12/06/2007         3,602 63,899

     Option Awards  Stock Awards 

Name

 Grant Date  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable(1)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable(1)
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
($)(2)
 

James J. Owens

  10/02/2008    3,692    3,693    19.03    10/02/2018    
  12/04/2008    11,915    35,748    14.15    12/04/2018    
  12/03/2009    -0-    33,275    20.57    12/03/2019    
  10/02/2008        1,911(3)   40,264  
  12/04/2008        11,292(3)   237,922  
  12/03/2009        13,981(3)   294,580  

Michele Volpi

  06/27/2002    5,122    -0-    15.31    06/27/2012    
  12/09/2002    3,364    -0-    13.95    12/09/2012    
  12/03/2003    10,162    -0-    13.65    12/03/2013    
  12/02/2004    24,464    -0-    14.49    12/02/2014    
  12/01/2005    39,608    -0-    16.02    12/01/2015    
  12/04/2006    48,231    16,078    26.79    12/04/2016    
  12/06/2007    40,326    40,327    26.65    12/06/2017    
  12/04/2008    41,405    124,217    14.15    12/04/2018    
  12/03/2009    -0-    115,740    20.57    12/03/2019    
  12/06/2007        21,054(3)   443,607  
  12/04/2008        39,241(3)(4)   826,808  
  12/03/2009        48,630(5)   1,024,634  

James R. Giertz

  04/02/2008    11,985    11,986    20.93    04/02/2018    
  12/04/2008    11,915    35,748    14.15    12/04/2018    
  12/03/2009    -0-    31,828    20.57    12/03/2019    
  04/02/2008        6,237(3)   131,414  
  12/04/2008        11,292(3)   237,922  
  12/03/2009        13,373(3)   281,769  

Steven Kenny

  10/01/2009    10,427    31,281    19.85    10/01/2019    
  12/03/2009    -0-    28,935    20.57    12/03/2019    
  10/01/2010    -0-    30,557    20.20    10/01/2020    
  10/01/2009        1,385(3)   29,182  
  12/03/2009        12,157(3)   256,148  

Ann B. Parriott

  01/27/2006    19,858    -0-    18.74    01/27/2016    
  12/04/2006    12,057    4,020    26.79    12/04/2016    
  12/06/2007    7,100    7,100    26.65    12/06/2017    
  12/04/2008    8,411    25,233    14.15    12/04/2018    
  12/03/2009    -0-    17,505    20.57    12/03/2019    
  12/06/2007        3,706(3)   78,085  
  12/04/2008        7,971(3)   167,949  
  12/03/2009        7,355(3)   154,970  

Barry S. Snyder

  10/27/2008    22,307    22,308    12.94    10/27/2018    
  12/04/2008    7,009    21,028    14.15    12/04/2018    
  12/03/2009    -0-    15,914    20.57    12/03/2019    
  10/27/2008        10,079(3)   212,365  
  12/04/2008        6,642(3)   139,947  
  12/03/2009        6,687(3)   140,895  

(1)Stock options granted prior to December 3, 2009 vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

(2)Restricted stock shares and units Stock options granted on or after December 1, 2005 through December 6, 20073, 2009 vest entirelyin three equal annual installments beginning on the thirdfirst anniversary of the grant date. Options become immediately exercisable upon retirement (age 55 and 10 years of service), death, disability or change-in-control.

(3)(2)The market value is based on the closing price at November 28, 200826, 2010 (the last business day of the fiscal year) of $17.74.$21.07.

(3)Time-based restricted stock shares and units granted December 1, 2005 through December 4, 2008 vest entirely on the third anniversary of the grant date. Restricted shares and units granted after December 4, 2008 vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. The restricted stock shares and units become immediately vested in the event of death, disability and change-in-control.

(4)Since Mr. Volpi’s employment with the company ended on December 7, 2011, these shares of time-based restricted stock did not vest and were forfeited.

(5)These performance-based restricted stock shares were granted on December 3, 2009 subject to a requirement that the restricted stock will vest in three equal annual installments on January 31, 2011, December 3, 2011 and December 3, 2012 only if (1) one or more of the performance measures in the CEO’s short-term incentive program measures are met (except for the net working capital metric) for fiscal 2010 as determined by the Compensation Committee and (2) Mr. Volpi continues to be employed by the Company on the respective vesting date. Since Mr. Volpi’s employment with the Company ended on December 7, 2010, the shares of restricted stock did not vest and were forfeited.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED—FISCAL 2008YEAR 2010

The following table summarizes the number of options exercised and shares of restricted stock vested during fiscal year 20082010 for each of the named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

   Option Awards

  Stock Awards

Name


  Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)


  Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(1)


  Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)


  Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(2)


Michele Volpi

  6,000  30,480  7,022  174,616

James R. Giertz

  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-

James C. McCreary, Jr.

  -0-  -0-  5,115  127,575

Ann B. Parriott

  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-

James J. Owens

  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-

Timothy J. Keenan

  -0-  -0-  3,095  78,279

(1)The value realized on the exercise of stock options is the difference between fair market value of the H.B. Fuller Common Stock at the time of exercise and the exercise price contained in the award agreement for the stock option.
   Option Awards   Stock Awards 

Name

  Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
   Value Realized
on Exercise
($)
   Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
   Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(1)
 

James J. Owens

   -0-     -0-     -0-     -0-  

Michele Volpi

   -0-     -0-     17,304     365,808  

James R. Giertz

   -0-     -0-     -0-     -0-  

Steven Kenny

   -0-     -0-     -0-     -0-  

Ann B. Parriott

   -0-     -0-     4,326     91,452  

Barry S. Snyder

   -0-     -0-     -0-     -0-  

 

(2)(1)The value realized on the vesting of stock awards is the closing market price of a share of H.B. Fuller Common Stock on the date of vesting multiplied by the number of vested shares. H.B. Fuller withheld shares of the H.B. Fuller Common Stock from the amounts shown having a value equal to the applicable tax withholding requirement.

PENSION BENEFITS—FISCAL YEAR 20082010

The amounts reported in the table below equal the present value of the accumulated benefit as of November 29, 200827, 2010 for the named executive officers under each planthe H.B. Fuller Company Retirement Plan based on the assumptions described in note 1 below. NeitherMr. Owens, Mr. Giertz, nor Mr. Owens isKenny and Mr. Snyder are not eligible to participate in the H.B. Fuller Company Retirement Plan.

 

Name


  Plan Name

 Number of Years
Credited Service
(#)


 Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit(1)
($)


 Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year
($)


Michele Volpi

  H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan 6.167 53,973 -0-

James C. McCreary, Jr.(2)

  H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan 7.833 114,702 -0-
   Defined Benefit Supplemental

Executive Retirement Plan

 29.833 613,913 -0-

Ann B. Parriott

  H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan 2.667 39,276 -0-

Timothy J. Keenan

  H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan 4.083 53,272 -0-

Name

 Plan Name  Number of Years
Credited Service
(#)
  Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit(1)
($)
  Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year
($)
 

Michele Volpi

  H.B. Fuller Company Retirement Plan    8.417    105,785    -0-  

Ann B. Parriott

  H.B. Fuller Company Retirement Plan    4.917    111,653    -0-  

(1)The “Present Value of Accumulated Benefit” is based on service and earnings (base salary and bonus) considered by the plansplan for the period through August 31, 2008.November 27, 2010. The “Present Value of Accumulated Benefit” is based on the same assumptions as those used for the valuation of the plan liabilities in H. B. Fuller’sH.B. Fuller Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2008,27, 2010, except in accordance with SEC guidance. The assumptions made in the calculations of these amounts may be found in Note 10 toof the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K titled “Pension and Postretirement Benefits.”

(2)According to the provisions of the Defined Benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a participant’s annual benefit may be reduced by the aggregate value of their annual benefits under any funded or unfunded pension, profit sharing, stock bonus or deferred compensation plan of another employer as determined by the Administrator. When Mr. McCreary was hired, he was granted additional credited service of twenty-two years in the Defined Benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for pension benefits received through his former employer. The amounts displayed in the table have been adjusted for an offset of a benefit he is entitled to from his former employer.10-K.

The table above sets forth the present accumulated value of theH. B. Fuller Company Retirement Plan is a funded and tax-qualified plan that provides pension benefits to 782 active employees as of December 31, 2010. Entry into the named executive officersplan was frozen as of December 31, 2006 to new participants. Neither Mr. Volpi nor Ms. Parriott is currently eligible for early retirement benefits.

Employees hired or rehired after December 31, 2006 are eligible for the “3% ‘non-elective’” retirement credit under the H.B. Fuller Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan discussed below. All regular, full-time and part-time U.S. employees who were hired before January 1, 2007 are eligible to participate in the Summary Compensation Table under eachplan after six full months of the following pension plans.employment. Normal Retirement Age is defined as age 65; however employees are generally eligible to retire with unreduced benefits at age 62 or later if they have completed 10 years of service, and are eligible to retire with reduced benefits from ages 55 to 61 if they have completed 5 years of service.

H. B. Fuller Company Retirement Plan.     This is a funded and tax-qualified plan that provides pension benefits to approximately 900 active employees as of December 31, 2008. Entry into the plan was frozen as of December 31, 2006 to new participants. Employees hired after December 31, 2006 are eligible for the “3% ‘restoration nonelective’” credit discussed below. All regular, full-time and part-time U.S. employees who were hired before January 1, 2007 are eligible to participate in the plan after six full months of employment. Normal Retirement Age is defined as age 65; however employees are generally eligible to retire with unreduced benefits at age 62 or later if they have completed 10 years of service, and are eligible to retire with reduced benefits from ages 55 to 61 if they have completed 5 years of service. All named executive officers in this Proxy Statement, except Mr. Giertz and Mr. Owens, are participants in this plan. None of the named executive officers in this Proxy Statement are currently eligible for early retirement benefits.

The amount of pension benefits received at retirement is based on a formula that includes final average compensation and years of service. Final average compensation is the average amount of eligible earnings for the five highest paid calendar years of the last 10 years of credited service. Eligible earnings are defined as base salary and short-term incentive cash bonuses below the IRS-prescribed limit applicable to tax-qualified plans ($230,000245,000 for calendar year 2008)2010). The benefit will equal the sum of 1.0% of final average compensation for each year of credited service plus .45% of final average compensation in excess of the Social Security covered compensation level for each year of credited service up to a maximum of 30 years.

The pension benefit an employee earns over his or her career with H.B. Fuller is payable starting after retirement on a monthly basis for life. Employees vest in the plan after completing five years of qualifying service.

Benefits under this plan are subject to the limitations imposed under Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code. The section 415 limit for calendar year 20082010 is $185,000$195,000 per year for a single life annuity payable at an IRS-prescribed retirement age.

Supplemental benefits provide for restoration of benefits limited in qualified retirement plans. They include:

H.B. Fuller Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (DB SERP).     H.B. Fuller offers the plan to eligible active employees Pay Grade 32 and above to provide for retirement benefits above amounts available under the company’s tax-qualified pension plan. The DB SERP is unfunded and is not qualified for tax purposes. An employee’s annual retirement benefit, when combined with amounts payable under the company’s tax-qualified pension plan and Social Security will equal 50% of the employee’s final average compensation, which is defined as the highest five out of the last ten years of earnings (gross base salary and short-term incentive bonus). Employees are generally not eligible for benefits if they leave the company prior to

age 55 and before they have completed ten years of credited service. Reduced benefits for retirement prior to age 62 is based on the same schedule as the H.B. Fuller Retirement Plan. A participant who is married will receive a monthly benefit payable in a 50% joint & survivor form of payment.

During 2007 participants were given the choice to either remain in the H.B. Fuller Company DB SERP or to participate in the supplemental executive retirement plan account within the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan (DC Restoration Plan) described below.Of the named executive officers, only Mr. McCreary elected to continue to participate in the DB SERP. Mr. McCreary is not currently eligible for early retirement benefits under this plan. The remaining participants were removed and an amount equal to their DB SERP earned benefit as of December 31, 2006 plus interest and 7% of their eligible earnings for the calendar year ending December 31, 2007 was credited to their DC Restoration Plan account during 2008. These amounts are reported in the Summary Compensation Table and Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Table.

In the past, in certain circumstances, H.B. Fuller has adjusted its standard retirement benefits in order to bring in key executive talent. In the circumstances in which these adjustments have been made, it has been to recognize valuable experience that an executive brings from a prior career and is now bringing to H.B. Fuller. We have not adjusted the standard retirement benefits for any of the named executive officers.

For Mr. Kenny, who is based in England, our stakeholder pension plan is a defined contribution plan. Eligibility for the stakeholder pension plan is immediate upon hire. The contribution consists of a 4% non-elective credit and a matching credit on a 1 to 1 basis for the first 4% of employee contributions. Benefit payout is based on the employee decision. The employee may choose between an annuity of the retirement saving or a partial lump sum and annuity pay-out at retirement at age of 55 or later. Employees who leave the company before retirement age can choose to leave their account where it is or to transfer the value of their account to another personal or stakeholder plan.

No pension benefits were paid to any named executive officers in the last fiscal year.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION—FISCAL YEAR 20082010

The following table summarizes information with respect to the participation of the named executive officers in our nonqualified deferred compensation plans. Mr. Kenny is not eligible to participate in our nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

 

Name


  

Plan Name


 Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)


 Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)


 Aggregate
Earnings/

(Loss)
in Last FY
($)


  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)


 Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE
($)(3)


Michele Volpi

  Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan 518 -0- (76,175) -0- 88,225
   

Defined Contribution

Restoration Plan

 -0- 228,780 4,664  -0- 261,956

James R. Giertz

  Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan -0- -0- -0-  -0- -0-
   

Defined Contribution

Restoration Plan

 -0- 26,322 -0-  -0- 26,322

James C. McCreary, Jr.

  Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan 68,893 1,378 (105,143) -0- 167,413
   

Defined Contribution

Restoration Plan

 -0- 6,116 -0-  -0- 6,116

Ann B. Parriott

  Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan 931 93 (4,460) -0- 6,875
   

Defined Contribution

Restoration Plan

 -0- 77,759 2,133  -0- 89,856

James J. Owens

  Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan -0- -0- -0-  -0- -0-
   

Defined Contribution

Restoration Plan

 -0- 9,383 -0-  -0- 9,383

Timothy J. Keenan

  Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan 45,999 2,300 (22,695) -0- 44,842
   

Defined Contribution

Restoration Plan

 -0- 61,418 1,550  -0- 68,640

Name

 Plan Name Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(1)
  Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($)(2)
  Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY
($)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
  Aggregate
Balance
at Last  FYE
($)(3)
 

James J. Owens

 Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
  -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-  
 Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  -0-    100,498    1,638    -0-    156,473  

Michele Volpi

 Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
  -0-    -0-    12,151    -0-    149,136  
 Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  -0-    189,531    12,015    -0-    578,277  

James R. Giertz

 Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
  -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-  
 Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  -0-    88,080    2,477    -0-    171,349  

Ann B. Parriott

 Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
  -0-    -0-    453    -0-    10,335  
 Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  -0-    48,706    4,013    -0-    178,394  

Barry S. Snyder

 Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
  -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-    -0-  
 Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  -0-    49,239    820    -0-    77,419  

(1) The amounts in this column include fiscal year 2008 salary deferrals as follows: for Mr. Volpi, $518; for Mr. McCreary, $26,508; for Ms. Parriott, $931; and for Mr. Keenan, $12,879. These amounts are included inNone of the Summary Compensation Table in the respective salary columns. This column also includes deferrals of short-term incentive payments in January 2008 for the prior fiscal year’s performance as follows: Mr. McCreary, $42,385; and Mr. Keenan $33,120. This column does not include deferrals of short-term incentive payments for the performance period ended November 29, 2008 because those amounts were not actually credited to the participants’ accounts until fiscal year 2009. There are no contributions by named executive officers made contributions to the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan or the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan.Plan during fiscal year 2010.

 

(2) The amounts in this column relatedCompany did not make any contributions to the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan are also included inrelating to the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation table. These amounts are the Company’s 10% matchnamed executive officers during fiscal year 2010. The Company contributions under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. The amounts in this column related to the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan include: (a) the following balance transfers being made from the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plan to the defined contribution restoration plan: Mr. Volpi, $65,835; Ms. Parriott, $33,188; and Mr. Keenan, $25,676; and (b) Company contributions pursuant to the defined contribution restoration plan: Mr. Volpi, $162,945; Mr. Giertz, $26,322; Mr. McCreary, $6,116; Ms. Parriott, $44,571; Mr. Owens, $9,383; and Mr. Keenan, $35,742. The Company contributions under the defined contribution restoration plan are also included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(3) Of the totals in this column, the table below sets forth amounts that were previously reported as compensation to the relevant named executive officers in our Summary Compensation Table for previous years for the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan. There were no amounts in prior yearsPlan and for the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan.

Name


  

Plan Name


  Amount previously reported as
compensation to the named
executive officer in our Summary
Compensation Table for previous
years
($)

($)

 

James J. Owens

Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
-0-
111,519

Michele Volpi

  Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  114,100*114,781
364,491

James C. McCreary, Jr.R. Giertz

  Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  10,221-0-
116,879  

Ann B. Parriott

  Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  11,70512,803
97,291  

Timothy J. KeenanBarry S. Snyder

  Key Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan
Defined Contribution
Restoration Plan
  11,959-0-
50,058  

*The amount reported in our Proxy Statement for fiscal year 2007 was $81,351. This amount should have been reported as $107,192.

Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan.    The Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan to deferthat allows deferral of salary or short-term incentive awards on a pre-tax basis. ExecutivesExecutive officers may defer up to 80% of their base salary or up to 100% of their short-term incentive award. The plan is unfunded and does not protect the executive from insolvency of the company.Company.

Amounts deferred under the Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan are credited with earnings and investment gains and losses by assuming that deferred amounts were invested in one or more hypothetical investment options selected by the executive. ExecutivesExecutive officers are allowed to change their investment elections at anytime.any time. The one year raterates of return for such investments ending November 28, 2008for fiscal 2010 are as follows: Prime Rate Fund 5.61%3.28%; PIMCO VIT Total Return AC, 1.54%7.36%; PIMCO VIT Real Return AC, (13.14)%7.52%; Fidelity VIP Equity-Income SC, (44.21)%8.19%; T. Rowe Price Equity Income II, (37.38)%8.62%; Dreyfus Stock Index IS, (38.23)%10.55%; Fidelity VIP Contrafund SC, (43.21)%13.78%; Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation VA Non-SS, (46.98)%9.39%; Janus AS Forty SS, (45.24)%5.4%; Goldman VIT MidCap Value, A, (38.11)%22.28%; Fidelity VIP MidCap SC, (41.96)%27.25%; T. Rowe Price MidCap Growth II, (42.98)%27.22%; Royce Micro-Cap IC, (46.06)%27.50%; LVIPLincoln VIPT Baron Growth Opportunities (43.52)%SC, 24.29%; Van Kampen UIF US Real Estate Securities CI I, (47.68)%37.20%; Oppenheimer Global SecuritySecurities VA Non-SS, (44.37)%12.28%; Dreyfus VIF International Value IS, (42.52)%0.03%; Janus AS International GrowthOverseas SS, (55.93)%26.80%; and H.B. Fuller Company stock, (28.95)%5.72%. Participants who invest in the Company stock fund are eligible to receive a 10% match in Company stock. The value of thesethe matching contributions received, if any, is disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement. During fiscal year 2010, no named executive officers made contributions to this plan. In addition, the Compensation Committee may make discretionary contributions to a participant’s Company Stock account under this plan. For fiscal year 2008,2010, no discretionary contributions were made to any of the named executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table. Balances in

the plan reflect amounts that have accumulated over time and directly relate to participants’ length of participation in the plan, individual investment choices and individual decisions regarding the level of savings over time.

ExecutivesExecutive officers are always 100% vested in their Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan account and are entitled to receive a distribution from their account under the following circumstances: separation from service, death, disability, age 65, date elected andor unforeseeable emergency that results in severe financial hardship that is consistent with the meaning of that term under section 409A of the IRS Code. Distributions are made in either a lump sum or, if previously elected by the executive officer, up to 11 annual installments. Distributions from the company stockCompany Stock account will be in the form of stock and all other amounts will be distributed in cash.

Defined Contribution Restoration Plan (DC(“DC Restoration Plan)Plan”).    The Defined ContributionDC Restoration Plan is a non-qualified unfunded retirement plan that is intended to provide for retirement benefits above amounts available under H.B. Fuller’s tax-qualified pension plan.retirement plans. Participants in this plan receive annual credits in a bookkeeping account that is hypothetical in nature. Following are the three component accounts in the plan.plan:

 

4% restoration plan match credit on H.B. Fuller’s ThriftFuller Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan (a 401(k) plan) employer match to restore the company matching contribution that is restricted by IRS contribution limits, providing for a benefit of 4% of eligible compensation minus matching contributions under the H.B. Fuller ThriftCompany 401(k) & Retirement Plan. (For Mr. McCreary, this match is also available.)

 

3% “restoration nonelective”non-elective” credit provides a contribution of 3% of eligible pay in excess of the IRS annual limit for participants who were hired after December 31, 2006. Mr. Owens, Mr. Giertz and Mr. OwensSnyder are the only named executive officers eligible for this retirement credit for fiscal year 2008.2010.

 

7% supplemental executive retirement plan credit on all eligible earnings, plus a one time transition election additional amount for participants whoearnings. During 2007, Mr. Volpi and Ms. Parriott elected to convert from a DB SERPearned benefits under the H.B. Fuller Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan to the DC Restoration Plan. As noted above, during 2007, Mr. Volpi, Ms. Parriott and Mr. Keenan elected to participate in the DC Restoration Plan effective January 1, 2008. Mr. McCreary elected to participate in the DB SERP.Owens, Mr. OwensGiertz and Mr. GiertzSnyder are participants in this plan due to their hire dates.

PaymentsContributions made on behalf of named executive officers under the Defined Contribution SERPDC Restoration Plan are disclosed in the Summary Compensation TableTable” in this Proxy Statement.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS MADE UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL

In General.

In General.The Company has certain arrangements, policies and practices covering the named executive officers in this Proxy Statement that require it to provide compensation in the event of certain types of terminations, including certain terminations due to a change-in-control of the Company.

The information set forth below describes amounts that the Company would pay or provide to a named executive officer or his/her beneficiaries in each of the following situations: voluntary termination, involuntary for cause termination, involuntary not for cause termination or good reason termination, involuntary (not for cause) or good reason termination after a change-in control, death, disability, early retirement and retirement. The estimated amounts payable are calculated as if the termination occurred on the last business day of the fiscal year, November 28, 2008,26, 2010, using the closing stock price from the last business day of the fiscal year.

We have not included payments or benefits that are fully disclosed in the Pension Benefits Table or the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table of this Proxy Statement, unless such payment is enhanced or its vesting or other provisions are accelerated. We have also not included information or payments related to contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements to the extent that they do not discriminate in scope, term or operation in favor of the named executive officers and that are available generally to all salaried employees. We are calling these benefits “general benefits” and they include:

 

Accrued Vacation Pay

 

ThriftH.B. Fuller Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan (or similar applicable plan)

 

Health and Welfare Benefits

 

Life Insurance Proceeds

Voluntary Termination and Involuntary For Cause Termination

In the event of a voluntary termination or an involuntary for cause termination as of the last business day of the fiscal year, the companyCompany is not obligated to provide any enhanced benefits or accelerate vesting of any existing benefits of a named executive officer’s compensation.

officer.

Involuntary Not For Cause Termination or Good Reason Termination

In the event of an involuntary not for cause termination as of the last business day of the fiscal year, a named executive officer’s compensation would be affected as follows:

We have a severance arrangement with each of the named executive officers, except for Mr. McCreary.officers. If the named executive officer’s employment with the Company is involuntarily terminated at the initiative of the Company for any reason other than cause or disability or at the initiative of the executive for good reason and such termination does not occur during the protected period of a change in control,change-in-control, then the executive officer is entitled to receive certain severance benefits. Good reason means a material reduction of the executive officer’s base salary, material diminution in the executive officer’s authority and duties, or a required change of the executive officer’s principal work location of 50 miles or more miles.more. Protected period means the 24-month period immediately following each and every change in control.change-in-control. In order to receive severance, the executive officer must sign a release of claims in favor of the Company and be in compliance with the terms of the executive severance agreement, including that

the executive officer must agree not to compete with the Company or solicit customers or employees of the Company for two years after termination of employment. The severance benefit consists of the following:

 

A severance payment equal to one times (two times for the CEO) base salary plus target bonus, payable over the twelve12 months (24 months for the CEO) following termination. Any amount over the lesser of $460,000 or two times the executives annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay for services to the Company for the calendar year prior to the calendar year in which the date of termination occurs shall be paid out in a lump sum at the earliest of the executive’s death or six months after the date of termination.

amount over the lesser of $460,000 or two times the executives annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay for services to the company for the calendar year prior to the calendar year in which the date of termination occurs shall be paid out in a lump sum at the earliest of the executive’s death or six months after the date of termination.

 

The executive is entitled to medical and dental insurance over 12 months (18 months for the CEO).

 

Outplacement services with a value up to $20,000.

Mr. McCreary participates in the same H.B. Fuller severance pay policy as all U.S.-based salaried employees except for executive officers who report to the CEO. In addition, for Mr. McCreary is eligible for outplacement services upKenny, any benefits he receives pursuant to $11,500.

local law are offset against the severance benefits set forth above.

Involuntary (Not for Cause) Termination or Good Reason Termination after a Change-in-Control

We have entered into a change-in-control agreement with each of the named executive officers other than Mr. McCreary.officers. The initial three-year term of these agreements automatically extends for an additional year on each subsequent anniversary of the agreement, unless our Board of Directors gives notice of non-renewal prior to an anniversary date. A protected period of 24 months follows each and every change-in-control of H.B. Fuller under the terms of these agreements. If during this protected period, the executive officer separates from service for any reason other than cause or disability, or the executive officer terminates his or her employment for good reason (including demotion, pay cut or certain relocations), the executive officer is entitled to receive a lump sum payment from us. The payment consists of the following:

 

The executive will receive a target short-term incentive plan payment prorated to the date of the termination without application of any denial provisions based on unsatisfactory personal performance or any other reason.

 

A severance payment equal to three times the sum of: (a) the executive’s highest base salary, on an annualized basis, established by us during the period commencing three months prior to the occurrence of the change-in-control and ending on the date of the executive’s termination of employment ;employment; plus (b) the executive’s target annual incentive in effect immediately prior to the change-in-control.

 

A payment for outplacement services of up to $25,000.

 

In addition, the executive is entitled to medical and dental benefits for a three-year period following the termination of employment.

Mr. McCreary has change-in-control benefits under an H.B. Fuller group benefit plan. A protected period of 24 months follows a change-in-control of H.B. Fuller. If during this protected period, we terminate Mr. McCreary’s employment for any reason other than cause or disability, or if he terminates his employment for good reason (including demotion, pay cut or certain relocations), Mr. McCreary is entitled to receive a lump sum payment from us. The payment consists of the following:

A target short-term incentive plan payment prorated to the date of the termination without application of any denial provisions based on unsatisfactory personal performance or any other reason.

A severance payment equal to two times the sum of: (a) the executive’s highest base salary, on an annualized basis, established by us during the period commencing three months prior to the occurrence of the change-in-control and ending on the date of the executive’s termination of employment; plus (b) the executive’s target annual incentive in effect immediately prior to the change-in-control.

A payment for outplacement services of up to $15,000.

In addition, the executive is entitled to medical and dental benefits for a two-year period following the termination of employment.

In the event severance payments are made to the named executive officers due to a change-in-control, we will adjust the payments and benefits in the event that they are subject to an excise tax imposed by Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code and do not exceed 330% of the executive’s base amount. Under these circumstances, the payments and benefits will be adjusted so that the amount of the payments equals 299% of the base amount, which is the maximum amount that can be paid without imposition of an excise tax. In the event that the payments and benefits are subject to an excise tax and exceed 330% of the executive’s base amount, we have agreed to reimburse the executive for the amount of the excise tax and for any taxes imposed upon the reimbursement. The effects of the Internal Revenue Code are unpredictable and executive officers may have very different and unexpected effects based on their own particular compensation history. Therefore, these payments are intended to place an executive officer in the same position that they would have been in

had they received the payments for reasons other than a change-in-control. The payments are not meant to pay regular income tax payments for an executive officer. In these situations, the Company will make payments to the executive officer to reimburse them for the excise tax, in addition to any other amounts to cover the tax imposed on the reimbursement. This is typically called a “gross-up”.

We have other compensatory arrangements with our named executive officers that will be affected by a change-in-control. The defined contribution restoration planDC Restoration Plan provides that if within two years after a change-in-control, we terminate a participant’s employment without cause or the participant terminates his or her employment for good reason (as defined in this plan), then zero to three years (depending on the participant’s position and pay grade) shall be added to both the participant’s age and years of credited service for purposes of determining benefits under the plan.

In addition, in the event of a change-in-control, all shares of restricted stock, all restricted stock units and any unvested stock options outstanding under our stock incentive plans immediately vest in full.

Payments upon Death or Disability

In the event of a death or disability as of the last business day of the fiscal year, a named executive officer’s compensation would be affected as follows:

 

Stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units would vest at death and at disability.

 

TheBenefits under the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan would vest at death or disability.

In the event of Mr. Kenny’s death as of the last business day of the fiscal year, his beneficiaries would be eligible to receive four times his annual base salary. In the event of a disability during which Mr. Kenny would not be able to work at all, as of the last business day of the fiscal year, Mr. Kenny would be eligible to receive 75% of his base salary after a 13 week waiting period up to a maximum payment of British Pound Sterling 158,000 per year ($255,498 on November 27, 2010). During the 13 week waiting period, the Company pays his normal base salary, allowances and fringe benefits.

Early and Normal Retirement

As of the last business day of the fiscal year, no named executive officer was eligible for early or normal retirement.

EXECUTIVE BENEFIT AND PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION—FISCAL YEAR 2010

Executive Benefit and Payments Upon Termination—FY 2008

The following table shows potential estimated payments to the named executive officers in this Proxy Statement upon (1) involuntary termination (not for cause), or good reason termination, (2) involuntary (not for cause) or good reason termination after a change-in-control, and (3) death or disability. The table assumes that the termination was effective on the last business day of the fiscal year and contains estimates of amounts that would be paid to the named executive officers upon termination in addition to the base salary and short-term incentive earned by the executives during the fiscal year and any applicable pension amounts payable to the executive officers discussed under the section titled “Pension Benefits”Pension Benefits in this Proxy Statement. Actual amounts payable to any named executive officer would only be determined after an actual event of termination. For Mr. Volpi, who resigned as President and CEO on November 19, 2010 and whose employment was terminated as of December 7, 2010, amounts are provided only in the column titled “Involuntary Not For Cause or Good Reason”. Amounts paid to Mr. Volpi in connection with his termination also are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement.

Name


  

Type of Payment


  Involuntary
Not For Cause
($)


  Payments upon
Involuntary or
Good Reason
Termination
after a
Change-in-Control
($)


  Death or
Disability
($)


  

Type of Payment

  Involuntary
Not For Cause or
Good Reason
($)
   Payments upon
Involuntary (Not for
Cause) or
Good Reason
Termination
after a
Change-in-Control
($)
   Death or
Disability
($)
 

Michele Volpi,

         

James. J. Owens(1)

James. J. Owens(1)

      

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     710,000   

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     257,936    

Stock Options

Stock Options

     54,039  54,039

Stock Options

     271,548     271,548  

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

     1,017,356  1,017,356

Restricted Stock

     572,764     572,764  

Health and Welfare Benefits

Health and Welfare Benefits

  18,749  37,498   

Health and Welfare Benefits

   12,960     38,880    

Cash Severance

Cash Severance

  2,840,000  4,260,000   

Cash Severance

   883,680     2,651,040    

Outplacement Services

Outplacement Services

  20,000  25,000   

Outplacement Services

   20,000     25,000    

Defined Contribution Restoration Plan

     178,453  178,453

DC Restoration Plan

DC Restoration Plan

     47,891     47,891  

Excise Tax Gross-Up

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     2,316,485   

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     1.270,248    

Total

Total

  2,878,749  8,598,831  1,249,848

Total

   916,640     5,135,307     892,203  

James R. Giertz

         

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     172,200   

Restricted Stock

     107,519  107,519

Health and Welfare Benefits

  12,499  37,498   

Cash Severance

  639,600  1,918,800   

Outplacement Services

  20,000  25,000   

Defined Contribution Restoration Plan

     26,322  26,322

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     924,312   

Total

  672,099  3,211,651  133,841

James C. McCreary, Jr.

         

Michele Volpi

Michele Volpi

      

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     105,654   

Short-Term Incentive Plan

      

Stock Options

Stock Options

     29,380  29,380

Stock Options

      

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

     158,052  158,052

Restricted Stock

      

Health and Welfare Benefits

Health and Welfare Benefits

     16,666   

Health and Welfare Benefits

   19,439      

Cash Severance

Cash Severance

     767,382   

Cash Severance

   3,260,000      

Outplacement Services

Outplacement Services

  11,500  15,000   

Outplacement Services

   20,000      

Total

  11,500  1,092,134  187,432

Ann B. Parriott

         

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     146,937   

Restricted Stock

     271,606  271,606

Health and Welfare Benefits

  12,499  37,498   

Cash Severance

  453,055  1,359,165   

Outplacement Services

  20,000  25,000   

Defined Contribution Restoration Plan

     68,887  68,887

DC Restoration Plan

DC Restoration Plan

      

Excise Tax Gross-Up

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     608,590   

Excise Tax Gross-Up

      

Total

Total

  485,554  2,517,683  340,493

Total

   3,299,439      

James J. Owens

         

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     61,478   

Restricted Stock

     32,938  32,938

Health and Welfare Benefits

  12,499  37,498   

Cash Severance

  639,600  1,918,800   

Outplacement Services

  20,000  25,000   

Defined Contribution Restoration Plan

     9,383  9,383

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     932,236   

Total

  672,099  3,017,333  42,321

Timothy J. Keenan

         

James R. Giertz

James R. Giertz

      

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     123,747   

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     249,929    

Stock Options

Stock Options

     24,408  24,408

Stock Options

     264,968     264,968  

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

     213,833  213,833

Restricted Stock

     651,109     651,109  

Health and Welfare Benefits

Health and Welfare Benefits

  12,499  37,498   

Health and Welfare Benefits

   12,960     38,880    

Cash Severance

Cash Severance

  381,553  1,144,659   

Cash Severance

   701,802     2,105,406    

Outplacement Services

Outplacement Services

  20,000  25,000   

Outplacement Services

   20,000     25,000    

Defined Contribution Restoration Plan

     56,568  56,568

DC Restoration Plan

DC Restoration Plan

     72,541     72,541  

Excise Tax Gross-Up

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     559,639   

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     1,087,129    

Total

Total

  414,052  2,185,352  294,809

Total

   734,762     4,494,962     988,618  

Steven Kenny

Steven Kenny

      

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     150,263    

Stock Options

Stock Options

     79,216     79,216  

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

     285,325     285,325  

Health and Welfare Benefits

Health and Welfare Benefits

   1,698     5,094    

Cash Severance

Cash Severance

   530,603     1,591,810    

Outplacement Services

Outplacement Services

   20,000     25,000    

DC Restoration Plan

DC Restoration Plan

      

Excise Tax Gross-Up

Excise Tax Gross-Up

      

Total

Total

   552,301     2,136,708     364,541  

Ann B. Parriott

Ann B. Parriott

      

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     160,679    

Stock Options

Stock Options

     183,365     183,365  

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

     401,005     401,005  

Health and Welfare Benefits

Health and Welfare Benefits

   12,960     38,880    

Cash Severance

Cash Severance

   499,009     1,497,026    

Outplacement Services

Outplacement Services

   20,000     25,000    

DC Restoration Plan

DC Restoration Plan

      

Excise Tax Gross-Up

Excise Tax Gross-Up

     682,206    

Total

Total

   531,969     2,988,161     584,370  

Barry S. Snyder

Barry S. Snyder

      

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Short-Term Incentive Plan

     142,680    

Stock Options

Stock Options

     334,835     334,835  

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

     493,206     493,206  

Health and Welfare Benefits

Health and Welfare Benefits

   12,960     38,880    

Cash Severance

Cash Severance

   442,076     1,326,228    

Outplacement Services

Outplacement Services

   20,000     25,000    

DC Restoration Plan

DC Restoration Plan

     26,129     26,129  

Excise Tax Gross-Up

Excise Tax Gross-Up

      

Total

Total

   475,036     2,386,958     854,170  

(1)For Mr. Owens, the amounts calculated in the column titled “Payments upon Involuntary (Not for Cause) or Good Reason Termination after a Change-in-Control” were calculated based on the Severance Agreement that was in effect for Mr. Owens as of the last day of the fiscal year 2010. As of December 2, 2010, Mr. Owens Severance Agreement was amended to provide for an increased benefit due to his promotion to President and CEO of the Company. See the section titled “2011 Compensation Arrangements with James J. Owens” in this Proxy Statement.

PROPOSAL 2—NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

As required pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Company is providing shareholders with an advisory (non-binding) vote on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation and the accompanying narrative disclosure contained in this Proxy Statement.

The Company is asking shareholders to indicate their support for the compensation of our named executive officers described in this Proxy Statement. The Company has designed its executive compensation program to attract, motivate, reward and retain the executive talent required to achieve our corporate growth objectives and increase shareholder value. We believe that our compensation policies and procedures are centered on a pay-for-performance philosophy and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

In deciding how to vote on this proposal, the Board urges you to consider the following factors, many of which are more fully discussed in the “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement:

The Compensation Committee has designed our executive compensation program to be competitive with the compensation offered by those peers with whom we compete for management talent.

The Compensation Committee believes that there is a need to reasonably and fairly compensate and retain a senior management team that is relatively new to the Company and many of whom have left other executive positions to join H.B. Fuller to help attain its strategic goals.

The Compensation Committee believes the Company’s executive compensation programs have been effective at incenting the achievement of short-term financial performance metrics and long-term decision making that is in the best interests of our shareholders:

ØIn fiscal 2010, we increased our revenue by 10 percent over fiscal 2009.

ØIn a very difficult raw material environment, we delivered an adjusted gross margin near the adjusted gross margin for fiscal 2009—a year in which we achieved a historically high adjusted gross margin.

ØWe made good progress in shifting our business portfolio toward future strategic growth opportunities.

ØOur earnings per share were up nine percent over fiscal 2009, just short of our target range of 10 to 15 percent annual growth.

Ø

For the 41st consecutive year in a row, we implemented an increase in the amount of our dividend that we pay to shareholders (three percent increase in fiscal 2010).

Accordingly, the Company is asking shareholders to vote FOR the following resolution at the annual meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the H.B. Fuller Company named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the tabular disclosure regarding such compensation, and the accompanying narrative disclosure, set forth in this Proxy Statement.”

This advisory vote on executive compensation is not binding on the Company’s Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors will take into account the result of the vote when determining future executive compensation arrangements.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR adoption of the resolution approving the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and the related tabular and narrative disclosure set forth in this Proxy Statement.

PROPOSAL 3—NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF AN ADVISORY

VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

As required pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Company is providing shareholders with an advisory (non-binding) vote on the frequency with which our shareholders shall have the advisory vote on executive compensation as provided in the previous proposal. By voting on this proposal, shareholders may indicate whether they would prefer an advisory vote on executive compensation once every one, two or three years. In addition, shareholders may abstain from voting. The Company is required to hold an advisory vote on frequency at least once every six years.

The Board has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years is the best approach for the Company based on a number of considerations, including the following:

We believe the best way for shareholders to evaluate H.B. Fuller’s performance is over a multi-year period because our compensation program is designed to incent and reward performance over a multi-year period based upon the long-term financial performance of the Company. For example, under our long-term incentive program we currently grant restricted stock, restricted stock unit and stock option awards that vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. A vote held every three years would be more consistent with, and provide better input on, our long-term compensation program, which constitutes a significant part (approximately 40%) of the total compensation of our executive officers. For these reasons, we believe that a three-year time horizon is appropriate in order to provide shareholders with a more comprehensive view of whether our executive officer compensation programs are achieving their objectives.

Because we believe that an effective compensation program should be consistent and incent performance over a multi-year horizon, we strive not to make frequent changes to our compensation programs. A three-year cycle is consistent with this approach.

We believe an annual say-on-pay vote would not allow for changes to the Company’s compensation program to be in place long enough to evaluate whether the changes were effective. For example, if the say-on-pay vote in April 2011 led to changes to the compensation program being made in December 2011, at the beginning of the next fiscal year, those changes would be in place only a few months before the next annual say-on-pay vote would take place in April 2012. Therefore, we believe that a three-year vote cycle gives the Board sufficient time to thoughtfully consider the results of the advisory vote and to implement any desired changes to our executive compensation policies and procedures.

You may cast your vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years, three years or abstain when you vote in response to the resolution set forth below:

“RESOLVED, that the option of once every one year, two years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast for this resolution will be determined to be the preferred frequency with which the Company is to hold a shareholder vote to approve the compensation of the named executive officers.”

The option of one year, two years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by shareholders will be the frequency for the advisory vote on executive compensation that has been selected by the shareholders.

Although the vote is non-binding, our Board of Directors will take into account the outcome of the vote when making future decisions about the frequency of the Company’s advisory votes on executive compensation.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote for the option of every “THREE YEARS” as the frequency with which shareholders are provided an advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. In the exercise of that authority, we, the members of the Audit Committee, determined to engage KPMG LLP to serve as H.B. Fuller’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending November 28, 2009.

December 3, 2011.

Management is responsible for the financial reporting process, accounting principles, and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable law and regulation. Management represented to us that H.B. Fuller’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

KPMG LLP, as H.B. Fuller’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2008,2010, was responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and to issueissuing a report.

We have reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and KPMG LLP. We have also discussed with KPMG LLP the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit Committees), as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol 1. AU Section 380), and they have discussed with us their independence and provided to us the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence.

Based upon our review and discussions referred to above, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in H.B. Fuller’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 200827, 2010 filed with the SEC.

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of H.B. Fuller Company

 

J. Michael Losh(Chair) 
Juliana L. Chugg Richard L. MarcantonioThomas W. Handley Alfredo L. Rovira

FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The following table presents fees for professional services provided by KPMG LLP for the audit, audit-related, tax and all other services rendered to us and our affiliates for the 20072009 and 20082010 fiscal years.

 

   2008

  2007

Audit Fees

  $2,587,000  $2,498,000

Audit-Related Fees

  $0  $0

Tax Fees

  $5,000  $23,000

All Other Fees

  $0  $0

   2010   2009 

Audit Fees

  $2,187,000    $2,394,000  

Audit-Related Fees

  $180,000    $128,000  

Tax Fees

  $0    $10,000  

All Other Fees

  $0    $0  

Audit Fees:    Includes fees and expenses billed and to be billed for (i) the audit of the consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K, as amended (ii) the audit of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, (iii) reviews of the interim consolidated

financial information included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, (iv) statutory audits of certain international subsidiaries, (v) consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting and (vi) reviews of documents filed with the SecuritiesSEC and Exchange Commissionconsents.

Audit-Related Fees:    Includes fees and consents.

expenses for due diligence services pertaining to potential business acquisitions.

Tax Fees:    Includes fees and expenses for U.S. federal, state and international tax planning and tax compliance services.

The Audit Committee has in place procedures to pre-approve all audit, audit-related, tax and other permissible services provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm. We have a policy of avoiding the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm except for audit, audit-related and tax compliance services. The Audit Committee has delegated to one or more of its members pre-approval authority with respect to permitted services, and receives a regular report from management on all such services provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm. All of the services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in fiscal 20082010 and 20072009 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval procedures.

PROPOSAL 2—4—RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee has appointed KPMG LLP, certified public accountants, as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 28, 2009.December 3, 2011. KPMG LLP firsthas acted as our independent registered public accounting firm during thesince our 2004 fiscal year ended November 27, 2004.year. While we are not required to do so, H.B. Fuller is submitting the selectionappointment of KPMG LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 28, 2009December 3, 2011 for ratification in order to ascertain the views of our shareholders on this appointment. If the shareholders by an affirmative vote of a majority of our shares of Common Stock represented and entitled to vote at the annual meeting, do not ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee intends to reconsider that appointment. However, because of the difficulty and expense of making any change so long after the beginning of the current fiscal year, it is likely that the appointment would stand for fiscal year 20092011 unless there were compelling reasons for making an immediate change.

Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

We will vote your shares as you specify when providing your proxy. If you submit your proxy without voting instructions, we will vote your shares FOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock represented and entitled to vote on this matter is required to approve this proposal.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR

ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP.

PROPOSAL 3—APPROVAL“HOUSEHOLDING” OF THE H.B. FULLER COMPANYPROXY MATERIALS

2009 DIRECTOR STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

Introduction

The Company’s Board of Directors adopted, upon the recommendationSEC rules allow a single copy of the Compensation Committeeproxy statement and annual report to be delivered to multiple shareholders sharing the same address and last name, or who we reasonably believe are members of the Board, thesame family, and who consent to receive a single copy of these materials in a manner provided by these rules. This practice is referred to as “householding” and can result in significant savings of paper and mailing costs. Although we do not household for our registered shareholders, some brokers household H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”), subjectproxy statements and annual reports, delivering a single copy of each to shareholder approval atmultiple shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the Annual Meeting. The 2009 Plan would become effective upon approval by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. The 2009 Plan provides for the grant of stock-based awards to non-employee directors of the Company as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Generally, the consideration to beaffected shareholders. Once you have received by the Company for awards under the 2009 Plannotice from your broker that they will be the directors’ past, presenthouseholding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or expected future contributions to the Company.

The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors adopted the 2009 Plan in connection with the expiration of the 1998 Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors believe that a stock-based plan provides an effective means of linking the interests of the directors with the interests of the Company’s shareholders. In addition, the directors believe that the Company’s ability to attract and retain capable persons as independent directors will be enhanced if the Company can provide non-employee directors with restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights and other awards under the 2009 Plan, and that the Company will benefit from encouraging a greater sense of proprietorship in its non-employee directors and stimulating the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company.

The following summary of the 2009 Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2009 Plan, which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.

Summary of the 2009 Plan

Purpose

The purpose of the 2009 Plan is to aid in attracting and retaining directors capable of assuring the future success of the Company, to offer the directors incentives to put forth maximum efforts for the success of the Company’s business and to afford the directors an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company.

Administration

The Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) comprised ofuntil you revoke your consent. If, at least the number of directors as is required to permit awards granted under the 2009 Plan to qualify under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). Each member of the Committee will be a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. The Committee will have full power and authority to determine when and to whom awards will be granted and the type, amount, form of payment and other terms and conditions of each award, consistent with the provisions of the 2009 Plan. Subject to the provisions of the 2009 Plan, the Committee may amend or waive the terms and conditions of an outstanding award, but may not reprice, adjust or amend the exercise price of an outstanding stock option or the grant price of stock appreciation rights. The Committee will have full authority to interpret the 2009 Plan and establish rules and regulations for the administration of the 2009 Plan.

Eligibility

Non-employee directors of the Company will be eligible to be selected by the Committeeany time, you no longer wish to participate in the 2009 Plan. The Board of Directors currently has eight non-employee directors.

Shares Authorized

The 2009 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 300,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar changes in the corporate structure or stock of the Company. Shares of the Company’s Common Stock subject to awards under the 2009 Plan which are not used or are forfeited because the termshouseholding and conditions of the awards are not met, or because the award terminates without delivery of any shares, may again be used for awards under the 2009 Plan. Shares of the Company’s Common Stock used by a participant as full or partial payment to the Company of the purchase price relating to an award shall not be available for awards under the 2009 Plan. The closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on February 18, 2009 was $12.56.

Types and Terms of Awards

The types of awards that may be granted under the 2009 Plan are restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, dividend equivalents, stock awards and other stock-based awards and any combination of these. The 2009 Plan provides that all awards are to be evidenced by written agreements or other instruments containing the terms and conditions of the awards. The Committee may amend or discontinue any outstanding award without the consent of the holder of the award, but only if such change does not adversely affect the rights of the holder of the award. The holder must agree to any change that adversely affects his/her rights. Awards (other than stock awards) will not be transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of a participant, an award may be exercised only by the participant to whom such award is granted.

Stock Options.    The Committee will determine the exercise price of any option granted under the 2009 Plan, but in no event will the exercise price be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock options may be exercised in whole or in part by payment in full of the exercise price in cash or such other form of consideration as the Committee may specify, including delivery of shares of Common Stock having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price. Stock options will be exercisable at such times as the Committee determines.

Stock Appreciation Rights.    The Committee may grant stock appreciation rights exercisable at such times and subject to such conditions or restrictions as the Committee may determine. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right by a holder, the holder is entitledwould prefer to receive the excessa separate copy of the fair market valueour proxy statement or annual report, or if you are receiving multiple copies of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The payment may be made in cash or shares of Common Stock, or other form of payment, as determined by the Committee.

Restricted Stockeither document and Restricted Stock Units.    The Committee may grant shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units subject to such restrictions and terms and conditions as the Committee may impose. Shares of restricted stock granted under the 2009 Plan will be evidenced by book-entry registration or by stock certificates, which will be held by the Company, and the Committee may, in its discretion, grant voting and dividend rights with respect to such shares. No shares of stock will be issued at the time of award of restricted stock units. A restricted stock unit will have a value equal to the fair market value of one share of Common Stock of the Company and may include, if so determined by the Committee, the value of any dividends or other rights or property received by shareholders after the date of grant of the restricted stock unit. The Committee has the right to waive any vesting requirements or to accelerate the vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units.

Performance Awards.    A performance award will entitle the holderwish to receive paymentsonly one, please notify your broker. The Company will deliver promptly upon the achievementwritten or oral request a separate copy of specified performance goals. The Committee will establish the terms and conditions of a performance award, including the performance goals to be achieved during the performance period, the length of the performance period and the amount and form of payment of the performance award. A performance award may be denominated our proxy statement and/or payable in cash, shares of stock or other securities, or other awards or property.

Dividend Equivalents.    An award of dividend equivalents will entitle the holder to receive payments equivalent to the amount of cash dividends paid by the Company to its shareholders with respectour annual report to a numbershareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of shares determined by the Committee. Dividend equivalents may be payable in cash, shareseither document was delivered. For copies of stockeither or other securities, or other awards or property and will be subjectboth documents, shareholders should write to such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee. However, the Committee may not grant dividend equivalents in connection with grants of options or stock appreciation rights.

Stock Awards.    The Committee may grant awards of shares of Common Stock of the Company without any restrictions. Stock awards will be subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee.

Other Stock-Based Awards.    The Committee may grant other awards denominated or payable in, valued by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to shares of Common Stock. The Committee will determine the terms and conditions of such award, including the consideration to be paid for shares of Common Stock or other securities delivered pursuant to a purchase right granted under such award.

Termination and Amendment

The 2009 Plan (but not awards outstanding under the 2009 Plan) will terminate 10 years after the date the 2009 Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, and no awards may be granted after that date. The 2009 Plan permits the Board of Directors to amend or terminate the 2009 Plan at any time, except that prior shareholder approval will be required for any amendment to the 2009 Plan that (i) requires shareholder approval under the rules or regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, (ii) permits repricing of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights granted under the 2009 Plan, (iii) increases the number of shares authorized under the 2009 Plan or (iv) permits the award of stock options or stock appreciation rights under the 2009 Plan with an exercise price less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.

Effective Date.

If approved by the shareholders, the 2009 Plan will be effective as of April 16, 2009 and will terminate on April 15, 2019.

New Plan Benefits

The numbers and types of awards that will be granted in the future under the 2009 Plan are not determinable as the Committee will make such determinations in its discretion. However, the table below sets forth awards of restricted stock units that have been made under the 2009 plan, subject to shareholder approval of the 2009 Plan at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. If approval of the 2009 Plan does not occur, these awards will be settled in cash.

Name and Position


Restricted
Stock Units


Juliana L. Chugg

Director

2,110

Knut Kleedehn

Director

3,152

J. Michael Losh

Director

3,224

Richard L. Marcantonio

Director

3,190

Lee R. Mitau

Director

4,977

Alfredo Rovira

Director

2,136

John C. van Roden, Jr.

Director

2,110

R. William Van Sant

Director

3,327

Nonexecutive Director Group (8 persons)

24,226

Nominees for Election as Director (3 persons)

7,436

Each associate of the above-mentioned directors or nominees

-0-

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table gives information about our Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans as of November 29, 2008.

Plan Category


  (a)
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights


  (b)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights


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


 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  2,302,073(1) $18.04(2) 5,169,401(3)

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  NONE   —    NONE 
   

 


 

Total

  2,302,073  $18.04  5,169,401 
   

 


 


(1)Consists of 1,923,041outstanding stock options, 57,762 outstanding restricted stock units and 321,270 deferred units convertible to common stock under the company’s deferred compensation plans.

(2)The weighted average exercise price does not include outstanding restricted stock units or deferred units convertible to common stock under the company’s deferred compensation plans.

(3)The following numbers of shares remained available for issuance under each of our equity compensation plans at November 29, 2008. Grants under these plans may be in the form of any of the listed types of awards. Of the number of shares available under the Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, only 989,068 of these shares remained available for restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards as of November 29, 2008.

Plan


Number of
Shares


Types of Awards


Amended and Restated H.B. Fuller Company Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan

5,101,908Options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and performance awards

Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan

67,493Deferred units convertible to common stock

Federal Tax Consequences

The Company has been advised by its counsel that awards made under the 2009 Plan generally will result in the following tax consequences for United States citizens under current United States federal income tax laws. The following summary does not address any other taxes imposed by the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof, or the tax consequences applicable to participants who are not subject to U.S. taxes.

Stock Options.    A recipient will realize no taxable income, and the Company will not be entitled to any related deduction, at the time a stock option is granted under the 2009 Plan. Generally, at the time of exercise of a stock option, the recipient will realize ordinary income, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction, equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the option price. Upon disposition of the shares, any additional gain or loss realized by the recipient will be taxed as a capital gain or loss.

Restricted Stock.    Unless a recipient files an election to be taxed under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, generally (i) the recipient will not realize income upon the grant of restricted stock, (ii) the recipient will realize ordinary income, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, when the restrictions have been removed or expire and (iii) the amount of such ordinary income and deduction will be the fair market value of the restricted stock on the date the restrictions are removed or expire. If the recipient files an election to be taxed under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, the tax consequences to the recipient and the Company will be determined as of the date of the grant of the restricted stock rather than as of the date of the removal or expiration of the restrictions. When the recipient disposes of the shares, the difference between the amount received upon such disposition and the fair market value of such shares on the date the recipient realized ordinary income will be treated as a capital gain or loss.

Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, Dividend Equivalents and Other Stock-Based Awards.    Generally, (i) a recipient will not realize income upon the grant of a stock appreciation right, restricted stock unit, performance award, dividend equivalent or other stock-based award, (ii) the recipient will realize ordinary income, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, in the year cash, shares of Common Stock, a combination of cash and shares, or other property are delivered to the recipient upon exercise of a stock appreciation right or in payment of a restricted stock unit, performance award, dividend equivalent or other stock-based award and (iii) the amount of such ordinary income and deduction will be the amount of cash received plus the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock or other property received. When the recipient disposes of the shares, the difference between the amount received upon such disposition and the fair market value of such shares on the date the recipient realized ordinary income will be treated as a capital gain or loss.

Stock Awards.    The recipient of a stock award will realize ordinary income upon the grant of stock, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction. The amount of such ordinary income and deduction will be the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Upon disposition of the shares, any additional gain or loss realized by the recipient will be taxed as a capital gain or loss.

Exercise of Awards.    Special rules may apply in the case of participants subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In particular, unless a special election is made pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, shares received pursuant to the exercise of an award may be treated as restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for a period of up to six months after the date of exercise. Accordingly, the amount of any ordinary income recognized, and the amount of the Company’s tax deduction, are determined as of the end of such period.

Proposal

We will vote your shares as you specify when providing your proxy. If you submit your proxy without voting instructions, we will vote your shares FOR the approval of theCorporate Secretary, H.B. Fuller Company, 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Approval of this plan requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Appendix A

H.B. FULLER COMPANY 2009 DIRECTOR STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

H.B. FULLER COMPANY

2009 DIRECTOR STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

Section 1. Purpose.

The purpose of the Plan is to aid in attracting and retaining directors capable of assuring the future success of the Company, to offer the directors incentives to put forth maximum efforts for the success of the Company’s business and to afford the directors an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company.

Section 2. Definitions.

As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, is controlled by the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, as determined by the Committee.

(b) “Award” shall mean any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, Stock Award or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan.

(c) “Award Agreement” shall mean any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award granted under the Plan. An Award Agreement may be in an electronic medium and need not be signed by a representative of the Company or the Participant. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and any other terms and conditions (not inconsistent with the Plan) determined by the Committee.

(d) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

(e) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in an Award Agreement or any other applicable agreement between the Participant and the Company.

(f) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(g) “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee of directors as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan. The Committee shall be comprised of not less than such number of directors as shall be required to permit Awards granted under the Plan to qualify under Rule 16b-3, and each member of the Committee shall be a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.

(h) “Company” shall mean H.B. Fuller Company, a Minnesota corporation, or any successor corporation.

(i) “Dividend Equivalent” shall mean any right granted under Section 5(e) of the Plan.

(j) “Eligible Person” shall mean any director of the Company who is not an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.

(k) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(l) “Fair Market Value” shall mean, with respect to any property (including, without limitation, any Shares or other securities), the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or

procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Fair Market Value of Shares on a given date for purposes of the Plan shall be the closing sale price of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system on such date or, if the New York Stock Exchange is not open for trading on such date, on the most recent preceding date when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

(m) “Option” shall mean an option granted under Section 5(a) of the Plan that is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.

(n) “Other Stock-Based Award” shall mean any right granted under Section 5(g) of the Plan.

(o) “Participant” shall mean an Eligible Person designated to be granted an Award under the Plan.

(p) “Performance Award” shall mean any right granted under Section 5(d) of the Plan.

(q) “Person” shall mean any individual or entity, including a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or trust.

(r) “Plan” shall mean this H.B. Fuller 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

(s) “Restricted Stock” shall mean any Share granted under Section 5(c) of the Plan.

(t) “Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean any unit granted under Section 5(c) of the Plan evidencing the right to receive a Share (or a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share) at some future date.

(u) “Rule 16b-3” shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act or any successor rule or regulation.

(v) “Section 409A” shall mean Section 409A of the Code, or any successor provision, and applicable Treasury Regulations and other applicable guidance thereunder.

(w) “Shares” shall mean shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company or such other securities or property as may become subject to Awards pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 4(c) of the Plan.

(x) “Stock Appreciation Right” shall mean any right granted under Section 5(b) of the Plan.

(y) “Stock Award” shall mean any Share granted under Section 5(f) of the Plan.

Section 3. Administration.

The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or the method by which payments or other rights are to be calculated in connection with) each Award; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award or Award Agreement; (v) amend the terms and conditions of any Award or Award Agreement, provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 4(c) hereof, the Committee shall not reprice, adjust or amend the exercise price of Options or the grant price of Stock Appreciation Rights previously

awarded to any Participant, whether through amendment, cancellation and replacement grant, or any other means; (vi) accelerate the exercisability of any Award or the lapse of restrictions relating to any Award; (vii) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be exercised in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited or suspended; (viii) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder of the Award or the Committee; (ix) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement, including any Award Agreement, relating to the Plan; (x) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (xi) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Award or Award Agreement shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon any Participant and any holder or beneficiary of any Award or Award Agreement.

Section 4. Shares Available for Awards.

(a)Shares Available.    Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c), the number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan shall be 300,000. Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be either from the authorized but unissued Shares or from Shares reacquired by the Company, including Shares purchased in the open market. If any Shares covered by an Award or to which an Award relates are not purchased by the Participant or are forfeited, or if an Award otherwise terminates without delivery of any Shares, then the number of Shares counted against the aggregate number of Shares available under the Plan with respect to such Award, to the extent of any such forfeiture or termination, shall again be available for granting Awards under the Plan. Shares that are used by a Participant as full or partial payment to the Company of the purchase price of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option or Other Stock-Based Award involving a purchase right granted pursuant to the Plan shall not be available for granting Awards.

(b)Accounting for Awards.    For purposes of this Section 4, if an Award entitles the holder thereof to receive or purchase Shares, the number of Shares covered by such Award or to which such Award relates shall be counted on the date of grant of such Award against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan. For Stock Appreciation Rights settled in Shares upon exercise, the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, rather than the number of Shares actually issued upon exercise, shall be counted against the number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan. Awards that do not entitle the holder thereof to receive or purchase Shares and Awards that are settled in cash shall not be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan.

(c)Adjustments.    In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is necessary in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or other property) which thereafter may be made the subject of Awards, (ii) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards and (iii) the purchase or exercise price with respect to any Award; provided, however, that the number of Shares covered by any Award or to which such Award relates shall always be a whole number.

Section 5. Awards.

(a)Options.    The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Options to Eligible Persons with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine:

(i)Exercise Price.    The purchase price per Share purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such purchase price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Option.

(ii)Option Term.    The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee.

(iii)Time and Method of Exercise.    The Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised in whole or in part and the method or methods by which, and the form or forms (including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or any combination thereof, having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the applicable exercise price) in which, payment of the exercise price with respect thereto may be made or deemed to have been made.

(b)Stock Appreciation Rights.    The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Stock Appreciation Rights to Eligible Persons subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall confer on the holder thereof a right to receive upon exercise thereof the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise (or, if the Committee shall so determine, at any time during a specified period before or after the date of exercise) over (ii) the grant price of the Stock Appreciation Right as specified by the Committee, which price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of grant of the Stock Appreciation Right. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the grant price, term, methods of exercise, dates of exercise, methods of settlement and any other terms and conditions of any Stock Appreciation Right shall be as determined by the Committee. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right as it may deem appropriate.

(c)Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.    The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to Eligible Persons with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine:

(i)Restrictions.    Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without limitation, any limitation on the right to vote a Share of Restricted Stock or the right to receive any dividend or other right or property with respect thereto), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise as the Committee may deem appropriate.

(ii)Issuance and Delivery of Shares.    Any Restricted Stock granted under the Plan shall be issued at the time such Awards are granted and may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates, which certificate or certificates shall be held by the Company. Such certificate or certificates shall be registered in the name of the Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock. Shares representing Restricted Stock that is no longer subject to restrictions shall be delivered to the Participant promptly after the applicable restrictions lapse or are waived. In the case of Restricted Stock Units, no Shares shall be issued at the time such Awards are granted. Upon the lapse or waiver of restrictions and the restricted period relating to Restricted Stock Units evidencing the right to receive Shares, such Shares shall be issued and delivered to the holder of the Restricted Stock Units.

(iii)Forfeiture.    Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, upon a Participant’s resignation or removal as a director (in either case, as determined under criteria established by the Committee) during the applicable restriction period, all Shares of Restricted Stock and all Restricted Stock Units held by the Participant at such time shall be forfeited and reacquired by the Company; provided, however, that the Committee may, when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interest of the Company, waive in whole or in part any or all remaining restrictions with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

(d)Performance Awards.    The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Performance Awards to Eligible Persons subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement. A Performance Award granted under the Plan (i) may be denominated or payable in cash, Shares (including, without limitation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units), other securities, other Awards or other property and (ii) shall confer on the holder thereof the right to receive payments, in whole or in part, upon the achievement of such performance goals during such performance periods as the Committee shall establish. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the performance goals to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any Performance Award granted, the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any Performance Award and any other terms and conditions of any Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.

(e)Dividend Equivalents.    The Committee is hereby authorized to grant to Eligible Persons Dividend Equivalents under which the Participant shall be entitled to receive payments (in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property as determined in the discretion of the Committee) equivalent to the amount of cash dividends paid by the Company to holders of Shares with respect to a number of Shares determined by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, such Dividend Equivalents may have such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not grant Dividend Equivalents to Eligible Persons in connection with grants of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to such Eligible Persons.

(f)Stock Awards.    The Committee is hereby authorized to grant to Eligible Persons Shares without restrictions thereon, as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purpose of the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, such Stock Awards may have such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine.

(g)Other Stock-Based Awards.    The Committee is hereby authorized to grant to Eligible Persons such other Awards that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Shares (including, without limitation, securities convertible into Shares), as are deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purpose of the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards. Shares or other securities delivered pursuant to a purchase right granted under this Section 5(g) shall be purchased for such consideration, which may be paid by such method or methods and in such form or forms (including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or any combination thereof), as the Committee shall determine.

(h)General.

(i)Consideration for Awards.    Awards may be granted for no cash consideration or for any cash or other consideration as may be determined by the Committee or required by applicable law.

(ii)Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together.    Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with or in substitution for any other

Award or any award granted under any plan of the Company or any Affiliate other than the Plan. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or in addition to or in tandem with awards granted under any such other plan of the Company or any Affiliate may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.

(iii)Forms of Payment under Awards.    Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or an Affiliate upon the grant, exercise or payment of an Award may be made in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine (including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or any combination thereof) and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee. Such rules and procedures may include, without limitation, provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of Dividend Equivalents with respect to installment or deferred payments.

(iv)Limits on Transfer of Awards.    No Award (other than a Stock Award) and no right under any such Award shall be transferable by a Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; provided, however, that, if so determined by the Committee, a Participant may, in the manner established by the Committee, designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to exercise the rights of the Participant and receive any property distributable with respect to any Award upon the death of the Participant. Each Award or right under any Award shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative. No Award (other than a Stock Award) or right under any such Award may be pledged, alienated, attached or otherwise encumbered, and any purported sale, transfer, pledge, alienation, attachment or encumbrance thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Affiliate.

(v)Term of Awards.    The term of each Award shall be for such period as may be determined by the Committee.

(vi)Restrictions; Securities Exchange Listing.    All Shares or other securities delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan, applicable federal or state securities laws and regulatory requirements, and the Committee may cause appropriate entries to be made or legends to be placed on the certificates for such Shares or other securities to reflect such restrictions. If the Shares or other securities are traded on a securities exchange, the Company shall not be required to deliver any Shares or other securities covered by an Award unless and until such Shares or other securities have been admitted for trading on such securities exchange.

(vii)Section 409A Provisions.    Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any amount or benefit that constitutes “deferred compensation” to a Participant under Section 409A of the Code and applicable guidance thereunder is otherwise payable or distributable to a Participant under the Plan or any Award Agreement solely by reason of the occurrence of a Change in Control or due to the Participant’s disability or “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Section 409A), such amount or benefit will not be payable or distributable to the Participant by reason of such circumstance unless the Committee determines in good faith that (i) the circumstances giving rise to such Change in Control, disability or separation from service meet the definition of a change in ownership or control, disability, or separation from service, as the case may be, in Section 409A(a)(2)(A) of the Code and applicable proposed or final regulations, or (ii) the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit would be exempt from the application of Section 409A by reason of the short-term deferral exemption or otherwise.

Section 6. Amendment and Termination; Corrections.

(a)Amendments to the Plan.    The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan at any time; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement, prior approval of the shareholders of the Company shall be required for any amendment to the Plan that:

(i) requires shareholder approval under the rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or any other securities exchange that are applicable to the Company;

(ii) increases the number of shares authorized under the Plan as specified in Section 4(a) of the Plan;

(iii) permits repricing of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights which is prohibited by Section 3(a)(v) of the Plan; and

(iv) permits the award of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights at a price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, contrary to the provisions of Sections 5(a)(i) and 5(b)(ii) of the Plan.

(b)Amendments to Awards.    Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee may waive any conditions of or rights of the Company under any outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively, but no such action may adversely affect the rights of the holder of such Award without the consent of the Participant or holder or beneficiary thereof. The Company intends that Awards under the Plan shall satisfy the requirements of Section 409A to avoid any adverse tax results thereunder, and the Committee shall administer and interpret the Plan and all Award Agreements in a manner consistent with that intent. If any provision of the Plan or an Award Agreement would result in adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, the Committee may amend that provision (or take any other action reasonably necessary) to avoid any adverse tax results and no action taken to comply with Section 409A shall be deemed to impair or otherwise adversely affect the rights of any holder of an Award or beneficiary thereof.

(c)Correction of Defects, Omissions and Inconsistencies.    The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award or Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to implement or maintain the effectiveness of the Plan.

Section 7. General Provisions.

(a)No Rights to Awards.    No Eligible Person, Participant or other Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Eligible Persons, Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to any Participant or with respect to different Participants.

(b)Award Agreements.    No Participant shall have rights under an Award granted to such Participant unless and until an Award Agreement shall have been duly executed on behalf of the Company and, if requested by the Company, signed by the Participant, or until such Award Agreement is delivered and accepted through any electronic medium in accordance with procedures established by the Company.

(c)No Rights of Shareholders.    Except with respect to Restricted Stock and Stock Awards, neither a Participant nor the Participant’s legal representative shall be, or have any of the rights and privileges of, a shareholder of the Company with respect to any Shares issuable upon the exercise or payment of any Award, in whole or in part, unless and until the Shares have been issued.

(d)No Limit on Other Compensation Plans or Arrangements.    Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Affiliate from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation plans or arrangements, and such plans or arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

(e)No Right to Directorship.    The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained as a director.

(f)Governing Law.    The internal law, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Minnesota will govern all questions concerning the validity, construction and effect of the Plan or any Award and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan or any Award.

(g)Severability.    If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the purpose or intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction or Award, and the remainder of the Plan or any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

(h)No Trust or Fund Created.    Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.

(i)No Fractional Shares.    No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash shall be paid in lieu of any fractional Share or whether such fractional Share and any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated or otherwise eliminated.

(j)Headings.    Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof.

Section 8. Effective Date of the Plan.

The Plan shall be effective as of the date of its approval by the shareholders of the Company.

Section 9. Term of the Plan.

Awards shall only be granted under the Plan during a 10-year period beginning on the effective date of the Plan. However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award theretofore granted may extend beyond the end of such 10-year period, and the authority of the Committee provided for hereunder with respect to the Plan and any Awards, and the authority of the Board of the Company to amend the Plan, shall extend beyond the end of such period.

Adopted by the Board on December 4, 2008, subject to and effective upon shareholder approval.call (651) 236-5825.

DIRECTIONS TO H.B. FULLER COMPANY

 

1200 Willow Lake Boulevard

St. Paul, Minnesota

651-236-5900

 

LOGO

 

Directions:

 

From the North:    Take I-35E south to County Road E. Take the County E exit (Exit 115) and turn left onto County Road E. Take County Road E east to Labore Road (second stoplight) and turn right. Follow Labore Road to Willow Lake Blvd and turn left. Turn right into H.B. Fuller’s corporate headquarters entrance at 1200 Willow Lake Blvd and continue to stop sign. Turn left at stop sign and proceed to parking lot.

 

From the South:    Take I-35E north to County Road E (approx. 10 miles from downtown St. Paul). Take the County E exit (Exit 115) and turn right on County Road E. Take County Road E east to Labore Road (second stoplight) and turn right. Follow Labore Road to Willow Lake Blvd and turn left. Turn right into H.B. Fuller’s corporate headquarters entrance at 1200 Willow Lake Blvd and continue to stop sign. Turn left at stop sign and proceed to parking lot.

 

From the West:    Take I-494 or I-94 east to I-35E north. Follow I-35E north to County Road E. Take the County E exit (Exit 115) and turn right on County Road E. Take County Road E east to Labore Road (second stoplight) and turn right. Follow Labore Road to Willow Lake Blvd and turn left. Turn right into H.B. Fuller’s corporate headquarters entrance at 1200 Willow Lake Blvd and continue to stop sign. Turn left at stop sign and proceed to parking lot.

 

From the East:    Take I-694 west to I-35E north. Follow I-35E north to County Road E. Take the County E exit (Exit 115) and turn right on County Road E. Take County Road E east to Labore Road (second stoplight) and turn right. Follow Labore Road to Willow Lake Blvd and turn left. Turn right into H.B. Fuller’s corporate headquarters entrance at 1200 Willow Lake Blvd and continue to stop sign. Turn left at stop sign and proceed to parking lot.

 

PARKING:    Parking is available in the parking lot of the H.B. Fuller Company headquarters.

 

 

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LOGO

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Thursday, April 16, 2009

2:00 p.m.

H.B. Fuller Company

1200 Willow Lake Boulevard

Saint Paul, Minnesota

LOGO

H.B. Fuller

P.O. Box 64683

St. Paul, MN 55164-0683

proxy

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, appoints Michele Volpi, James R. Giertz and Timothy J. Keenan, or any one or more of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution,*** Exercise YourRight to represent the undersigned and to vote, as indicated on the reverse side and otherwise in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting, all shares of the common stock of H.B. Fuller Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of H.B. Fuller Company to be held at the H.B. Fuller Company headquarters, 1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. and at any adjournment thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting.

See reverse for voting instructions.


COMPANY #

Vote by Internet, Telephone or Mail 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Your phone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your Proxy Card.

LOGOINTERNET*** – www.eproxy.com/ful

Use the Internet to vote your proxy until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

LOGOPHONE – 1-800-560-1965

Use a touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

LOGOMAIL – Mark, sign and date your Proxy Card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.

IF YOU VOTE YOUR PROXY BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE,

YOU DO NOT NEED TO MAIL BACK YOUR PROXY CARD.

TO VOTE BY MAIL AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ON ALL ITEMS BELOW,Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the

SIMPLY SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD.

òPlease detach hereò

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3.Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 14, 2011.

 

1. Election of directors:

01 Juliana L. Chugg

03 Alfredo L. Rovira

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¨   Vote FORH.B. FULLER COMPANY

LOGO

¨   Vote WITHHELDH.B. FULLER COMPANY

02 Richard L. MarcantonioP.O. BOX 64683

ST. PAUL, MN 55164-0683

   

 all nominees

 (except as specified below)

Meeting Information
 

 from all

 nomineesMeeting Type:

  Annual Meeting

(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee,

write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)For holders as of:

  February 16, 2011

Date:        April 14, 2011        Time:2:00 PM CDT

  

Location:   H.B. Fuller Company Headquarters

          1200 Willow Lake Boulevard

          Saint Paul, Minnesota 55110

You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.

This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online atwww.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).

We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions.


—  Before You Vote  —

How to Access the Proxy Materials

Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE:

NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT                    ANNUAL REPORT

How to View Online:

Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrowLOGO(located on the following page) and visit:www.proxyvote.com.

How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy:

If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request:

1) BY INTERNET:www.proxyvote.com
2) BY TELEPHONE:1-800-579-1639
3) BY E-MAIL*:sendmaterial@proxyvote.com

*    If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrowLOGO(located on the following page) in the subject line.

Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 7, 2011 to facilitate timely delivery.

LOGO      

—  How To Vote  —

Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods

2.Vote In Person: Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares.

Vote By Internet: To ratifyvote now by Internet, go towww.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrowLOGOavailable and follow the instructions.

Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card.


         Voting Items        

The Board of Directors recommends

you vote FOR the following:

1.      Election of Directors

  Nominees

  01)     J. Michael Losh

  02)     Lee R. Mitau

  03)     R. William Van Sant

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:

2.      A non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in the attached proxy statement.

The Board of Directors recommends you vote 3 YEARS on the following proposal:

3.      A non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation.

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:

4.      The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as H.B. Fuller’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 28, 2009.December 3, 2011.

NOTE: The shares represented by this proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder(s).If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR items 1, 2 and 4 and for THREE YEARS for item 3. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy statement will vote in their discretion.

 ¨    For        ¨    Against        ¨    Abstain
LOGO


LOGO


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

M30600-P05012-Z54553

3.   To approveH.B. FULLER COMPANY

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

April 14, 2011

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors

For Registered Shareholders: The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, appoints James J. Owens, James. R. Giertz and Timothy J. Keenan, or any one or more of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to represent the undersigned and to vote, as indicated on the reverse side and otherwise in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting, all shares of the common stock of H.B. Fuller Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held at the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Directorheadquarters, 1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., local time, and at any adjournment thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting.

For Participants in 401(k) Plan: This voting instruction form is sent to you on behalf of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Trustee of the H.B. Fuller Company 401(k) & Retirement Plan (the “Plan”). Please complete this form on the reverse side, sign your name exactly as it appears on the reverse side, and return it in the enclosed envelope. Your instruction must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Monday, April 11, 2011, to be counted.

As participant in the Plan, the undersigned hereby directs JPMorgan Chase Bank as Trustee, to vote all shares of Common Stock Incentive Plan.of H.B. Fuller Company represented by the undersigned’s proportionate interest in the Plan at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., local time, and at any adjournment thereof, upon the matters set forth on the reverse side and upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. Only the Trustee can vote these shares. You cannot vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

 ¨    For        ¨    Against        ¨    Abstain

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTEDFOR ITEMS 1, 2 AND 3.

Address Change? Mark Box    ¨      Indicate changes below:                                     Date

Signature(s) in Box

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the proxy.


LOGO

LOGO

H.B. FULLER COMPANY

P.O. BOX 64683

ST. PAUL, MN 55164-0683

  

LOGO

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

Annual Meeting of ShareholdersELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

 

Thursday, April 16, 2009VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

2:00 p.m.

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

 

H.B. Fuller CompanyVOTE BY MAIL

1200 Willow Lake Boulevard

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

M30599-P05012-Z54553                         KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

  

LOGOH.B. FULLER COMPANY

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

 

H.B. FullerFor
All

P.O. Box 64683Withhold
All

St. Paul, MN 55164-0683For All
Except

 

Voting InstructionsTo withhold authority to Trustee

vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

 

  

H.B. Fuller Company Thrift Plan

I hereby direct Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee of the H.B. Fuller Company Thrift Plan Trust to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of H.B. Fuller Company (the “Company”) to be held at the Company headquarters, 1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. and at any adjournment thereof, the shares of common stock of the Company allocated to my accounts.

This voting instruction card is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company. I understand this card must be returned to the Trustee if my voting instructions are to be honored. If it is not received by the Trustee, or if it is received but the voting instructions are invalid, the shares of stock with respect to which I could have directed the Trustee shall be voted by the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the plan. The Trustee is hereby directed to vote as indicated on the following proposals which are more fully described in the Company’s Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting.

See reverse for voting instructions.


COMPANY #

1.Election of Directors¨¨¨

 

Vote by Internet, Telephone or Mail 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Your phone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your Voting Instruction Card.

LOGONominees INTERNET – www.eproxy.com/ful

Use the Internet to vote your proxy until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on Monday, April 13, 2009.

LOGO PHONE – 1-800-560-1965

Use a touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on Monday, April 13, 2009.

LOGO MAIL – Mark, sign and date your Voting Instruction Card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.

IF YOU VOTE YOUR PROXY BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE,

YOU DO NOT NEED TO MAIL BACK YOUR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD.

TO VOTE BY MAIL AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ON ALL ITEMS BELOW,

SIMPLY SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD.

òPlease detach hereò

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3.

01)    J. Michael Losh
02)    Lee R. Mitau
03)    R. William Van Sant

1. Election of directors:

01 Juliana L. Chugg

03 Alfredo L. Rovira

¨   Vote FOR

¨   Vote WITHHELD

  

02 Richard L. Marcantonio

 The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: 

 all nominees

 (except as specified below)

  

 from all

 nominees

For
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)AgainstAbstain   

2.

A non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers disclosed in the attached proxy statement.

¨

¨

¨

2.  To ratifyThe Board of Directors recommends you vote 3 YEARS on the following proposal:

3 Years2 Years1 YearAbstain

3.

A non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation.

¨

¨

¨

¨

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:

ForAgainstAbstain

4.

The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as H.B. Fuller’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending November 28, 2009.December 3, 2011.

 ¨    For        ¨    Against        ¨    Abstain

3.  To approve the H.B. Fuller Company 2009 Director Stock Incentive Plan.

¨

  

¨    For        

¨    Against        ¨    Abstain

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTEDFOR ITEMS 1, 2 AND 3.

Address Change? Mark Box    ¨      Indicate changes below:                                              Date 

 
 

NOTE:The shares represented by this proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder(s).If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR items 1, 2 and 4 and for THREE YEARS for item 3. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy statement will vote in their discretion.

Signature(s) in Box

Please sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please add your name(s) appear on proxy. If heldtitle as such. When signing as joint tenants, all parties in the joint tenancy all persons shouldmust sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provideIf a signer is a corporation please sign in full corporate name of corporation and title ofby duly authorized officer signing the proxy.officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date