UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


SCHEDULE 14A


Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.)


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Executive Compensation Practices

40

Compensation Program Structure and Committee Decisions

40

Individual Performance Assessments

44

Company Performance Targets

48

Compensation Decisions

52

Compensation Contracts and Agreements

59

Compensation Policies and Practices

61
REPORT OF THE HUMAN CAPITAL COMMITTEE63
COMPENSATION TABLES64

2014 Summary Compensation Table

64

2014 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

67

2014 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

70

Vesting Schedule for Unvested Restricted Stock Units

71

2014 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

72
POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION73
OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES83

Security Ownership of Certain Shareholders

85

Section 16(a) — Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

86
ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON87

Election of Directors

87

Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

88

Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

88
ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING90
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION94
APPENDIX A: RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES96
APPENDIX B: DIRECTIONS TO THE ANNUAL MEETING99
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
   

We are furnishing proxy materials, including this proxy statement, in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors, to be voted at the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Unum Group and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Our proxy materials are first being mailed and made available electronically to shareholders on or about April 9, 2015.

13, 2017.


20152017 PROXY STATEMENT3



A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS


April 9, 2015

13, 2017

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

As members of your Board of Directors, our primary focus is on creating long-term value for our shareholders. We accomplish that by setting a clear strategic course for the company, helping develop sound operating and financial plans, and assuring that these plans are executed in a timely, effective and responsible manner.

Unum’s vision is to be the leading provider of employee benefits products and services that help employers manage their businesses and employees protect their livelihoods. We continue to make progress toward this vision through strong financial results, consistent operating performance and steady growth across our principal operating businesses.

Noteworthy financial and operational highlights from 20141 include:

Pre-tax operating income of $1.29 billion and after-tax operating income of $910.4 million, both record highs, on operating revenues of $10.49 billion. Operating earnings per share were a record $3.55, a 6.9 percent increase over the prior year;

Approximately $6.7 billion in benefits paid while continuing to achieve consistently high customer satisfaction, a testament to the commitment we make to customers each and every day;

An increase in book value per share of 2.8 percent, and continued shareholder returns including $159.4 million in dividends and $301 million in share repurchases. Since 2007, we have repurchased $2.8 billion of our shares, or nearly 32% of shares outstanding; and

Significant sales and premium growth across all businesses.

Behind this success, of course, is an organization of talented employees and leaders. One of our goals as Board members is to ensure the company is not only doing the right things to attract and retain high-caliber individuals, but also that it is proactively ensuring prudent succession planning throughout the organization. Unum has continued to identify and develop individuals capable of managing at a very senior level, which is demonstrated by its ability to execute successful leadership transitions at the business unit level over the last five years.

In 2015 we are undertaking an even more significant leadership transition as Tom Watjen, who has served as Unum’s CEO for 12 years, retires following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. He is being succeeded by Rick McKenney, who has made an enormous impact as CFO since joining the company in 2009. Rick has the right skills and experience to build on Tom’s accomplishments and leverage Unum’s unique market position. The Board has planned carefully for this succession, and we are confident that Rick’s leadership ability and his deep understanding of the company will position Unum to continue to produce strong returns for shareholders. We are also highly confident in Jack McGarry’s ability to be effective in the CFO position, as he has played a key role in the company’s operational and financial management over the course of his career.

1   Operating results referenced in this letter exclude certain specified items. For 2014, these excluded items were net realized investment gains and losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, costs related to early retirement of debt and the long-term care reserve increase. For reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures, including operating income, operating revenue, operating earnings per share, return on equity and book value per share (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, or AOCI), to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, refer toAppendix A.

4
By almost any measure, 2016 was a good year for Unum. Our company delivered strong operational and financial results, including record net income. It was also a great year for shareholders, with our stock price up sharply and total shareholder return that outpaced most of our peers and the S&P 500. These results are even more impressive given the difficult economic headwinds, including continued low interest rates and the impact of Brexit in the U.K.
Our success is driven by a relentless focus on serving customers well. We understand the critical role our products and services have in helping people preserve their financial stability during times of illness or injury. They count on us to be there, and that’s a solemn responsibility we never forget.
Our Board is committed to building a sustainable future for Unum, and we do that through ongoing investments that enhance our products, services and capabilities. This effort was highlighted in 2016 by our acquisition of Starmount Life, a leading dental and vision carrier in the U.S. We made a similar acquisition in the U.K. in 2015, and we’re excited about expanding our offering portfolio for employer clients and reaching more consumers.
At this year’s Annual Meeting, our Chairman of the Board, Tom Watjen, steps down, which completes a transition in leadership that began two years ago. Tom retired as CEO of Unum in 2015 and agreed to assume the role of Chairman for a two-year period to ensure leadership continuity. Tom is retiring after serving a total of 15 years on our Board and will be succeeded as Chairman by Kevin Kabat, our current Lead Independent Director, in the event he is re-elected to the Board at the Annual Meeting. Tom has been instrumental in shaping Unum as CEO beginning in 2003 and through his Board service. We are indebted to him for his many years of leadership.
The Board will also be saying goodbye to our longtime colleague Ed Muhl, who is retiring after 12 years as a Director. Ed’s guidance and insight will be missed, and we wish him well.
These retirements and other transitions on our Board and senior leadership team over the last few years have been the result of a deliberate and well executed succession planning process. Unum places a high priority on developing future leaders and ensuring we have an engaged and knowledgeable workforce. It’s a testament to our people that we’ve been able to successfully make these changes while continuing to deliver strong performance.
It’s an exciting time for Unum, and we remain confident we’re taking the steps necessary to position Unum well for the future and create value for our shareholders.
Thank you for your continued investment and support.
2015 PROXY STATEMENT
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A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our focus on succession planning isn’t limited to the executive ranks at the company. In fact, the Board itself will undergo significant change over the next two years as several directors approach mandatory retirement age. Tom Watjen has agreed to serve as non-executive Chairman for a period of two years to help ensure continuity through this transition period at both the Board and management levels. Current Chairman Bill Ryan will become Lead Independent Director until his retirement in 2016.

We’d like to thank Tom for his extraordinary service over his long tenure. His strategic insight and commitment to excellence has not only produced steadily improving operating results and shareholder returns under challenging conditions, but also built Unum into a clear industry leader that is well positioned to capitalize on favorable market dynamics in the years ahead.

As always, we value your continued involvement as shareholders of our company and welcome your feedback. On behalf of our employees and the entire leadership team, thank you for your continued support of Unum.



LOGOLOGOLOGO
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.E. Michael CaulfieldCynthia L. Egan
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Pamela H. GodwinRonald E. GoldsberryKevin T. Kabat
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Timothy F. KeaneyThomas KinserGloria Larson
LOGOLOGOLOGO
A.S. MacMillan, Jr.Richard P. McKenneyEdward J. Muhl
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Ronald P. O’HanleyWilliam J. RyanThomas R. Watjen2017 PROXY STATEMENT

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  5





NOTICE OF 20152017 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


NOTICE OF 20152017 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The 2015 annual meeting2017 Annual Meeting of shareholdersShareholders of Unum Group will be held:

Date:Thursday, May 21, 2015
Time:10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Place:Unum Group
1 Fountain Square
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

Date:     Thursday, May 25, 2017
Time:    10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time
Place:     Unum Group
1 Fountain Square
Chattanooga, TN 37402
The items of business are:

To elect 10 directors named in the proxy statement, each for a one-year term expiring in 2016;

To conduct an advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2015.

To elect 11 directors named in the proxy statement, each for a one-year term expiring in 2018;
To conduct an advisory vote to approve executive compensation;
To conduct an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation;
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2017; and
To approve the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017.
Shareholders also will transact any other business that may properly come before the meeting.

Management will also review the company’s 20142016 performance and its outlook for the future.

Shareholders of record of the company’s common stock (NYSE: UNM) at the close of business on March 26, 201527, 2017, are entitled to vote at the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.

LOGO

Susan N. Roth

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J. Paul Jullienne
Vice President, Transactions, SECManaging Counsel and Corporate Secretary

April 9, 2015

13, 2017

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be Held on May 21, 2015:25, 2017: The proxy statement and annual report to shareholders are available at www.envisionreports.com/unm

unm.


620152017 PROXY STATEMENT5



PROXY SUMMARY


PROXY SUMMARY

This summary is intended to highlight certain key information contained in this proxy statement that we believe will assist your review of the items of business to be voted on at the 20152017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Unum Group.Group (the "2017 Annual Meeting"). As it is only a summary, we encourage you to review the full proxy statement and our annual report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 20142016 (the “2014 10-K”"2016 Form 10-K") for more complete information about these topics.

CEO
Board Leadership Transition

In February 2015, Unum Group (“Unum” or the “company”) announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer,

Thomas R. Watjen, will retire at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting after more than 20 years with the company, including the last 12 as CEO. Richard P. McKenney, who has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 2009, was elected President and a director of the company effective April 1, 2015, and will succeed Mr. Watjen as CEO upon his retirement in May.

If re-elected as a director at the Annual Meeting, Mr. Watjen will assume the role ofcurrent non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and former CEO of Unum Group ("Unum" or the "company"), has decided as part of a planned transition not to assist in guidingstand for re-election to the Board at the 2017 Annual Meeting. After more than 15 years as newa Board member, including the last two as Chairman, he made this decision after concluding that the company was well positioned for success following a smooth Board and management transition - the primary goal that the Board had set when he assumed the Chairman role.

In December 2016, the Board elected Kevin T. Kabat, our current Lead Independent Director, to succeed Mr. Watjen as non-executive Chairman, contingent on Mr. Kabat's re-election as a director by shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting. When Mr. Kabat, an independent director, becomes the Chairman, the Lead Independent Director role will no longer be needed and will terminate at that time. The naming of Mr. Kabat as successor Chairman represents the culmination of a succession planning process led by the Governance Committee that started soon after Mr. Watjen's appointment in 2015. Transparency was fundamental to the process, and director input was solicited in developing appropriate selection criteria for the role. In establishing the process, the Committee recognized the need for a successor Lead Independent Director in 2016 and the potential for this individual to later be named successor Chairman given natural alignment between the roles. Importantly, Mr. Kabat's service as Lead Independent Director during the past year provided fellow directors are recruitedwith a basis for evaluating his candidacy for Chairman and several directors approach mandatory retirement age.

Jack McGarry, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of Closed Block Operations, succeeded Mr. McKenney as Chief Financial Officer on April 1, 2015.

also has prepared him for the transition.

Performance Highlights

Last

Unum had a very successful year was another successful one for Unum. We deliveredin 2016 as growth accelerated and we continued to deliver consistent financial and operating performance across the enterprise, highlighted by strongperformance. Positive sales and premium growth contributed to record earnings per share and our disciplined approach to running our business helped us maintain attractive profit margins and a high level of customer satisfaction. These results were achieved despite a very uncertain economic environment, including the pressure of continued low interest rates, and reflect our successful management transition as Mr. McKenney completed his first full year as CEO.


62017 PROXY STATEMENT




PROXY SUMMARY

Financial highlights(1) from 2016 include:
After-tax operating income of $926.2 million, based on total revenue of $11.0 billion;
Record operating earnings per share (EPS) of $3.92, a 7.7% increase from the prior year and the eleventh consecutive year of operating EPS growth; 
Consolidated operating return on equity (ROE) of 11.4% (15.9% in our core businesses. Thisoperating segments);
Book value per share growth along with improvementsof 9.3% from 2015 (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, or AOCI), the eighth consecutive year of growth; and
Solid investment results in operating performance, partially offset the impacts to profitability we experienced due to a difficult sustained low interest rate environment.

Financialenvironment while emphasizing sound risk management and credit quality.

Operating highlights1 from 2016 include: 
Approximately $6.9 billion in benefits paid to people facing illness, injury, or loss of life;
Healthy growth in premium of 4.5% and solid sales growth throughout our core businesses, while maintaining our pricing and risk discipline;
Acquisition of a leading dental and vision carrier to complement the offerings of our U.S. businesses;
High client satisfaction metrics that generally exceeded our plan benchmarks; and
A strong company brand, image, and reputation.
Capital Generation for 2014 include:

Pre-tax operating income of $1.29 billion, after tax operating income of $910.4 million and operating revenues of $10.49 billion;

Record operating earnings per share (EPS) of $3.55, a 6.9% increase from the prior year and the ninth consecutive year of operating EPS growth;

Consolidated operating return on equity (ROE) of 11.4% (14.7% in our three primary operating businesses);

Book value per share growth of 2.8% from 2013 (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, or AOCI), the sixth consecutive year of growth;

Strengthening of reserves for future benefits in the long-term care portion of our Closed Block business through an after-tax charge of $453.8 million; and

Shareholders

Our capital generation remained strong and allowed us to deploy that capital in a number of ways.
Shareholders received $182.6 million in Unum dividends, representing an increase in the dividend rate of 8.1% over the prior year, bringing our cumulative dividend rate increase since 2008 to 166.7%;
We also repurchased approximately 11.9 million shares at a cost of approximately $403 million, bringing our total share repurchases since 2007 to $3.6 billion; and
Our credit ratings remain high as a result of our strong balance sheet, our favorable operating results and our highly respected brand in the employee benefits market. 



______________________ 
1(1) Operating results referenced in this document are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain specified items. For 2014,2016, these excluded items were net realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, costs related to early retirement of debt and the long-term care reserve increase.losses. For reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures, including after-tax operating income, operating revenue,after-tax operating earnings per share, operating return on equity and book value per share (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, or AOCI), to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, refer toAppendix A.

B.


20152017 PROXY STATEMENT7



PROXY SUMMARY

Solid investment results in a difficult interest rate environment and, through our emphasis on sound risk management, a portfolio credit quality that remains among the best in the industry.

Operating highlights for 2014 include:

Approximately $6.7 billion in benefits paid to people facing illness, injury or loss of life;

Overall sales growth of 17.5%, led by a 21% increase in sales for our Unum US business;

Solid premium growth throughout our core businesses;

High client satisfaction metrics that generally exceeded our plan benchmarks; and

A strong company brand, image and reputation.

Capital Generation for Shareholders

Our ability to generate capital remained strong in 2014, allowing us the opportunity to deploy that capital in a number of ways. For the year, we invested in our business, strengthened our long-term care reserves and paid out $159.4 million in dividends, including increasing the dividend rate by 13.8% over the prior year. We also repurchased $301 million worth of our outstanding shares, bringing our total share repurchases since 2007 to $2.8 billion.

82015 PROXY STATEMENT


PROXY SUMMARY


Total Shareholder Return

Our

Unum has been a very good performer and an excellent long-term investment during one of the most challenging economic periods in memory, with a 9.76% compound annual return to shareholders over the last 10 years. In fact, our total shareholder return (TSR) comparisons vary significantly based uponhas outperformed our peers in nearly every index comparison during the time periods used and indices compared.

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On a one-year basis,last decade.

Although our performance continues to be pressured by the historically low interest rate environment, we nevertheless saw our TSR grow by more than a third during 2016. This was 1.27%,a far better performance than the S&P 500, our peers in line with the S&P Life and Health Index – the group that we believe most closely aligns with our industry – but lagging our Proxy Peer Group and the S&P 500. The uncertainty around interest rates and our long-term care business, we believe, affected investors’ views of our company and overshadowed the strong financial and operating results we achieved throughout the year. On a three- and five-year basis, we were generally in line with both S&P indices but continued to trail our Proxy Peer Group.

Over the longer term, as shown in this 10-year indexed TSR performance graph, our TSR continues to outperform our Proxy Peer Group and both S&P indices. During the financial crisis, manyaverage of our Proxy Peer Group companies saw greater declines in shareholder value(as defined on page 46) during the same time period. Over the most recent three-, five- and 10-year periods, we exceeded the TSR performance of every index group other than we experienced. These companies have since seen more dramatic increases in TSR, resulting in less favorable comparisons of Unum with these companies over the last five years. We remain pleased thatProxy Peer Group for the five-year comparison. This strong performance is due primarily to our longer-term track record of consistent financial returns provides attractive value to shareholders.

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market-leading positions, prudent underwriting and risk management discipline, and effective capital management.
tsr.jpg


8
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT9





PROXY SUMMARY

2014


2016 Say-on-Pay Vote

Last year’s and Shareholder Outreach

Our 2016 shareholder advisory vote to approve executive compensation (or “say-on-pay” vote) passed with over 97% approval. This was higher than the previous year’s vote and included support fromsupport. As we have done for several years, we continued our shareholder engagement through an extensive outreach effort, contacting each of our 25 largest shareholders. We continue to strive to achieve a high leveltop 50 investors, representing the holders of shareholder support for our named executive officer (NEO) compensation.

The Human Capital Committee and the Board appreciate and value the viewsover 72% of our outstanding shares. Eight of these investors, representing holders of more than 32% of our outstanding shares, accepted our invitation for engagement and we met with each of them. Another six shareholders, and routinely receive feedback from them. In considering the results, the Human Capital Committee was pleasedrepresenting approximately 8% of our outstanding shares, responded that a significant majoritymeeting was not necessary.

During the meetings, shareholders provided feedback on a variety of topics. Multiple shareholders commented that they were pleased to see a robust process for Board succession along with a focus on diversity and skills needed to support our business strategy. We did not receive any suggestions for changes to our compensation programs. In fact, the shareholders approvedwe spoke with generally had favorable comments about the proposal, showing strong support fordesign and disclosure of our executive compensation programs.

The Human Capital Committee has continuedprograms and policies.

In addition to implementour meetings with shareholders, we also met with two large proxy advisory firms to provide an update on our shareholder engagement efforts and gain further insight into their views regarding our compensation and governance practices and disclosures.
Through these meetings, we identified opportunities for further enhancements to our proxy statement and discussed issues that some shareholders asked us to consider, including:
Greater insight on Board diversity and focus on diversity during recent Board refreshment efforts;
Potential for director involvement in future shareholder outreach discussions;
Additional disclosure with respect to incentive plan adjustments and their impact on plan payouts; and
Continued disclosure with respect to feedback from shareholder outreach meetings and how we are responding.
For our response on each of these items, please see disclosure on page 43. Overall, shareholders told us they appreciated the changes it beganopportunity to engage in 2013; specifically,these discussions and the expanded use of performance share units (PSUs), which are based on three-year pre-established goals, for the NEOs. Beginningcompany’s willingness to consider their input with the 2015 grant, each NEO received 50% of his or her long-term incentive award in the form of PSUs (up from 25% the prior year for all NEOs other than the CEO, who already had a 50% PSU mix).

respect to both executive compensation and governance practices.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT9


PROXY SUMMARY

Key Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation Practices

We are committed to good corporate governance and executive compensation practices, as evidenced by the following:
Pay for performance linking a majority of our adoptioncompensation to financial and stock price performance measures as well as individual performance;
Annual election of directors;
Majority vote requirement for directors (in uncontested elections);
Proxy access bylaws;
Annual say-on-pay votes;
Robust stock ownership and retention requirements for senior officers and directors;
Anti-pledging and anti-hedging policies applicable to executives and directors;
Annual Board, committee, and individual director evaluations;
Substantially independent Board (11 of 13 current directors are independent and 10 of 11 nominees are independent);
All Board committees fully independent;
Limits on outside board and audit committee service;
Regular executive sessions of independent directors at scheduled Board meetings;
High meeting attendance by directors (average attendance of 98% in 2016);
No poison pill;
Political transparency and accountability;
Annual, proactive shareholder engagement;
Commitment to diversity initiatives and recruitment at the Board level and within the enterprise as a whole;
Double-trigger (change in control and termination) required for accelerated vesting of equity;
Independent compensation consultant to the Human Capital Committee;
Minimal perquisites; and
Elimination of golden parachute excise tax gross-ups.
In addition, the Board adopted amendments to the company's bylaws in March 2017 to provide shareholders owning at least 25% of outstanding shares the right to call a special meeting of the following practices:

shareholders in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws. For further information, please refer to "Adoption of Special Meeting Rights" on page 28.


Pay for performance;

Annual say-on-pay votes;

Robust stock ownership and retention requirements for senior officers and directors;

Anti-pledging and anti-hedging policies applicable to executives and directors;

No poison pill;

Majority voting for directors;

Board declassification in progress (all directors will stand for election annually starting in 2016);

Annual Board, committee and individual director evaluations;

Substantially independent Board (13 of 15 directors are independent);

Restriction on other board and audit committee service;

Executive sessions of independent directors at each regularly scheduled Board meeting;

High meeting attendance by directors (average attendance of 97% in 2014);

Double-trigger (change in control and termination) required for accelerated vesting of equity;

Independent compensation consultant to the Human Capital Committee;

Minimal perquisites; and

No new excise tax gross-ups since 2010.

1020152017 PROXY STATEMENT





PROXY SUMMARY


Voting Items

The following items will be voted on at the 2017 Annual Meeting:

DescriptionVoting ItemPagePagesBoard Recommends

Item 1. 1: Election of directorsDirectors

93

12-18; 87

FOR each nominee  

EACH NOMINEE
TenEleven director nominees are standing for election this year, each for a one-year term expiring in 20162018 and until his or her respective successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification, or removal from office. The Board and the Governance Committee believe that each director nominee possesses the necessary skills and qualifications to provide effective oversight of the business. The director nominees are:

Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
E. Michael Caulfield
Joseph J. Echevarria
Cynthia L. Egan

Pamela H. Godwin

Kevin T. Kabat
Timothy F. Keaney

Thomas Kinser

Gloria C. Larson

A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr.

Richard P. McKenney

Edward

Ronald P. O’Hanley
Francis J. Muhl

Shammo
William J. Ryan

Thomas R. Watjen


Item 2. 2: Advisory vote to approve executive compensation

9335-62; 88FOR
We are seeking a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. We describe our compensation programs in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement.proxy statement. The Human Capital Committee believes these programs reward performance and align the long-term interests of management and shareholders. TheAlthough non-binding, the Human Capital Committee will take into account the outcome of the advisory vote and shareholder feedback when considering future executive compensation decisions.

Item 3: Advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation
941 YEAR
We are seeking a non-binding advisory vote to determine whether shareholders believe we should hold future advisory votes to approve executive compensation, similar to Item 3. 2 above, every one year, every two years, or every three years.

Item 4: Ratification of appointment of
independent registered public accounting firm
9488-89FOR
The Audit Committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2015,2017, and the shareholders are being asked to ratify the appointment.

Item 5: Approval of Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017
96FOR
The Human Capital Committee has adopted the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017 (the "2017 Plan"), and shareholders are being asked to approve it. The 2017 Plan is similar to our existing Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, as amended, but includes certain new terms and provisions that we believe are more representative of current compensation practices in our industry and among our peers. Approval of the 2017 Plan also is intended to satisfy the conditions so that the company can make awards that qualify as performance-based compensation not subject to the $1 million annual limit on the company's tax deduction for compensation paid to certain covered individuals under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.



20152017 PROXY STATEMENT11



INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Below are brief biographies for each of our directors and descriptions of the directors’ key qualifications, skills, and experiences that contribute to the Board’s effectiveness as a whole.

Director Nominees for Election as Directors with Terms Expiring in 2016

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bunting.jpg     
Director    

since 2014    

2013    

Age 59    

58     

Cynthia L. Egan

Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.
Independent Director

Current term expires in 2015

Member of the Audit Committee   

Member of the Human Capital Committee   
Mr. Bunting is the Group President, Utility Operations of Entergy Corporation, an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, a position he has held since June 2012. From August 2007 to May 2012, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for Entergy and its subsidiaries. Prior to that, he held numerous executive positions within the Entergy organization, which he joined in 1983. He began his professional career in public accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co. in 1981 and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Bunting was a director of Imation Corp., a global data storage and information security company, from November 2012 until August 2014.

Mr. Bunting possesses extensive financial, accounting, and operational experience as a senior executive with a public company in a regulated industry. His leadership responsibilities have included financial reporting oversight, strategic and financial planning, customer service, operations support, and risk management. He also has experience as a director of another publicly traded company and qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under SEC regulations.

caulfield.jpg 
Director    
since 2007    
Age 70    
E. Michael Caulfield
Independent Director

Chair of the Audit Committee
Member of the Risk and Finance Committee
Mr. Caulfield served as President of Mercer Human Resource Consulting from September 2005 until his retirement in September 2006, prior to which he served as Chief Operating Officer from July 2005. He retired from Prudential Insurance Company as Executive Vice President in 2000, after having held a number of executive positions, including Executive Vice President of Financial Management, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Investments, and President of both Prudential Preferred Financial Services and Prudential Property and Casualty Company. He previously served as a director of our company from August 2004 to July 2005.

Mr. Caulfield has senior leadership experience in finance, investments, and executive management in both the insurance and broader financial services industry. His operating background with large global businesses included responsibility for financial reporting oversight, risk management, and strategic planning. He also qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under SEC regulations.



122017 PROXY STATEMENT




INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


echevarria.jpg 

Director    
since 2016    
Age 60    
Joseph J. Echevarria
Independent Director
Member of the Audit Committee   
Member of the Governance Committee  
Mr. Echevarria served as Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte LLP, a global provider of professional services, from 2011 until his retirement in August 2014. During his 36-year tenure with Deloitte he held increasingly senior leadership positions prior to being named CEO, including U.S. Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Managing Partner, and Southeast Region Audit Managing Partner. He also served on key boards and committees within Deloitte and its member firm network, including chair of the U.S. Executive and Americas Executive committees and memberships on the U.S. and global boards. Mr. Echevarria serves as a director of Xerox Corporation (since January 2017), The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (since January 2015, serving as its Lead Independent Director since April 2016), and Pfizer Inc. (since June 2015). In addition, he serves as the Chair of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and is a member of the President’s Export Council and the Presidential Commission on Election Administration.

Mr. Echevarria brings to the Board significant experience in finance, accounting, global operations, strategic planning, executive management and corporate governance acquired through his leadership at Deloitte and on the boards of other publicly traded companies. He has a deep understanding of the financial services industry, including the current regulatory environment. He also brings public policy perspectives from his government service, is a certified public accountant and qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under SEC regulations.

egan.jpg 

Director    
since 2014    
Age 61    
Cynthia L. Egan
Independent Director
Member of the Human Capital Committee   
Member of the Regulatory Compliance Committee   

Ms. Egan was President of T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., a retirement planning subsidiary of the global investment management firm T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., from May 2007 until her retirement in December 2012. She recently served an appointment as a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the development of myRA, a Treasury-sponsored program created to support retirement savings for workers not covered by other employer-sponsored plans.program from April 2014 to April 2015. Prior to her work at T. Rowe Price, she was a long-time member of the executive team at Fidelity Investments where she was head of Fidelity Institutional Tax-Exempt Services Company and President of the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund. Ms. Egan is alsopreviously served as a director of Envestnet, Inc., a provider of unified wealth management softwaretechnology and services provider, from August 2013 to financial advisorsMarch 2016. She has been a director of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., the holding company for several property and institutions.

casualty insurers, and the BlackRock Closed-End Funds, since May 2015 and April 2016, respectively.

Ms. Egan has significant operational experience in delivering complex financial products and services on a large scale through her work at T. Rowe Price and Fidelity. HerShe has used technology and process improvement to successfully lead businesses through transition, including growth and strategic redirection, and her knowledge of the retirement industry gives her insight into the need for the financial protection benefits we provide. She also has experience operating in a regulated environment, and qualifiesserving as an “audit committee financial expert” under SEC regulations.

a director of other publicly traded companies, including within the insurance sector.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT13


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO     

godwin.jpg    
Director    

since 2004    

Age 66    

68    

Pamela H. Godwin

Independent Director

Current term expires in 2015

Member

Chair of the Governance Committee   

Member of the Risk and Finance Committee   

Ms. Godwin has been President of Change Partners, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in organizational change and growth initiatives, since 2001. From 1999 to 2001, she was President and Chief Operating Officer of the personal lines agency division of GMAC Insurance. Prior to that time, she held a number of executive positions within the financial services industry, including Senior Vice President of customer management for the credit card division of Advanta Corporation, President and Chief Operating Officer of Academy Insurance Group, a unit of Providian Corporation, and Senior Vice President of property/casualty claims at Colonial Penn Group, Inc. Ms. Godwin ishas also been a director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh since January 2013.

Ms. Godwin bringspossesses executive management and operating experience fromwithin the insurance industry. Additionally, sheShe has expertise in strategic change initiatives, including cultural and operational integration of acquisitions, operational turnaround, and crisis intervention. She also has risk-assessment skills from her work as a chartered property/casualty underwriter and experience managing high-risk lines of insurance.


kabat.jpg 
Director    
since 2008    
Age 60    
Kevin T. Kabat
Lead Independent Director
Chair of the Human Capital Committee   
Member of the Governance Committee   
Mr. Kabat served as Chief Executive Officer of Fifth Third Bancorp, a diversified financial services company, from 2007 until October 2015, before retiring from the company in April 2016. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bancorp from September 2012 until his retirement in April 2016. He previously served at Fifth Third Bancorp as President from 2006 to September 2012, and as Executive Vice President from 2003 to 2006. Before that, he was President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank (Michigan) from 2001 to 2003. Prior to joining Fifth Third Bancorp, Mr. Kabat served in a number of management and executive positions with Old Kent Financial Corporation, including as its Vice Chairman and President. Mr. Kabat joined the Board of E*TRADE Financial Corporation, a financial services company, in June 2016, and has been a director of NiSource Inc., an energy holding company, since July 2015.

Mr. Kabat has served as Lead Independent Director of Unum's Board of Directors since May 2016 and has agreed to serve as the Chairman of the Board if re-elected as a director at the 2017 Annual Meeting.

Mr. Kabat brings to the Board executive leadership experience, including his recent service as chief executive officer of a large public company in the financial services industry, along with extensive financial, operating and strategic planning expertise. He understands the importance of risk management and the challenges of managing a business in a highly regulated industry. He also has a strong corporate governance perspective from his service as a director of other publicly traded companies, including lead independent director and board chairman experience.



121420152017 PROXY STATEMENT





INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


LOGO     

keaney.jpg    
Director    

since 2012    

Age 53    

55    

Timothy F. Keaney

Independent Director

Current term expires in 2015

Chair of the Risk and Finance Committee   

Member of the Audit Committee   

Mr. Keaney served as Vice Chairman of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a banking and financial servicesglobal investments company, from October 2010 to September 2014. While at BNY Mellon, he held a number of executive positions, most recently asincluding Chief Executive Officer of Investment Services from January 2013 to June 2014 and Chief Executive Officer of Asset Servicing from September 2010 to December 2012. He served as co-CEO of Asset Servicing at BNY Mellon following its formation in 2007 upon the merger of The Bank of New York Company, Inc. and Mellon Financial Corporation. Prior to the merger, Mr. Keaney was head of The Bank of New York’s asset servicing business and head of that company’s presence in Europe, with management responsibilities for all business activities in the region.



Mr. Keaney possesses significant operational, investment, and finance experience, both domestically and internationally. His work has included lengthy periods of executive leadership service in the United Kingdom, which has given him a deep understanding of many of the challenges and opportunities that we face there. He also qualifies as an “audit"audit committee financial expert”expert" under SEC regulations

regulations.

LOGO     

larson.jpg     

Director    

since 2004    

Age 71    

66    

Thomas Kinser

Gloria C. Larson
Independent Director

Current term expires in 2015

Member of the Audit Committee   

Member of the Human Capital Committee   

Mr. Kinser was President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee from 1994 until his retirement in 2003. From 1991 to 1994, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of BlueCross BlueShield Association in Chicago. Prior to that time, he held a number of executive positions with BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, including President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Kinser brings extensive executive management and board experience from the health insurance business. Additionally, he has a keen understanding of the complex regulatory environment in which we operate.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  13


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO     

Director    

since 2014    

Age 64    

Gloria Larson

Independent Director

Current term expires in 2015

Chair of the Regulatory Compliance Committee   

Member of the Governance Committee   

Ms. Larson has been the President of Bentley University since July 2007. She previously served as co-chairperson of the Government Practices Group of the law firm Foley Hoag LLP and coordinator for its Administrative Practices Group after joining the firm in 1996. Prior to joining Foley Hoag, she served as Secretary of Economic Affairs and as Secretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and prior to that was Deputy Director of Consumer Protection for the Federal Trade Commission. She is alsoMs. Larson has served as a director of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., a wealth management company servicing high net worth individuals, families and select institutions.

institutions, since January 2015.

Ms. Larson has executive management experience as president of a major university. In addition, she brings regulatory insight from her service as a regulator and her experience advising clients in the course of her practice of law. She also has previouscorporate governance experience from her current and prior service on the boards of directors of both public and privateother publicly traded companies.





2017 PROXY STATEMENT15


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO     

mckenney.jpg     

Director    

since 1995    

2015    

Age 71    

48    

A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr.

Independent

Richard P. McKenney
Director

Current term expires in 2015

Member of the Human Capital Committee   

Member of the Regulatory Compliance Committee   

Mr. MacMillan has served as the

President and Chief Executive Officer   of Triaxia Partners, Inc., a strategy, team, leadership and organizational development consulting firm, since 1980. Triaxia’s practice areas include organizational strategy and design, as well as team and leadership development. Specific services include management consulting, management training and organizational audits. He is also a trustee of The Maclellan Foundation, Inc.

Mr. MacMillan brings management and organizational insight from his consulting practice. He also has previous service on the boards of directors of both public and private companies.

LOGO     

Director    

since 2015    

Age 46    

Richard P. McKenney

President

Current term expires in 2015

Mr. McKenney has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Unum since April 1, 2015, and is scheduled to assume the additional position of Chief Executive Officer in May 2015 upon the retirement of Thomas R. Watjen.2015. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from August 2009 having joined our companyuntil April 2015. Before joining Unum in July 2009. Before that,2009, Mr. McKenney served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sun Life Financial, Inc., an international financial services company, from February 2007 until July 2009, having joined that company as Executive Vice President in September 2006.

Mr. McKenney has significant executive management, financial, and insurance industry experience through his prior service as chief financial officer of our company and other publicly traded insurance companies.

companies, and his current service as chief executive officer of our company. He has an intimate knowledge of all aspects of our business, including strategic planning, risk management and public policy, and close working relationships with senior management.

142015 PROXY STATEMENT


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO     

ohanley.jpg    
Director    

since 2005    

2015    

Age 70    

60    

Edward J. Muhl

Ronald P. O’Hanley
Independent Director

Current term expires in 2015

Member of the Human Capital Committee   

Member of the Risk and Finance Committee   
Mr. O’Hanley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of State Street Global Advisors, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a provider of financial services to institutional investors worldwide. In January 2017, he was also appointed as the Vice Chairman of State Street Corporation. Prior to joining State Street in this capacity in April 2015, he served as President of Asset Management and Corporate Services for Fidelity Investments, a leading provider of financial products and services, from July 2010 until March 2014 and was a member of Fidelity’s Executive Committee. From 2007 until May 2010, Mr. O’Hanley served as Vice Chairman of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a global investments company, and President and Chief Executive Officer of BNY Mellon Asset Management. Prior to the merger of The Bank of New York and Mellon Financial Corporation, he was Vice Chairman of Mellon Financial Corporation and President and Chief Executive Officer of Mellon Asset Management. Before joining Mellon in 1997, he was a partner with McKinsey & Company, Inc., a management consulting firm.
Mr. O’Hanley has significant executive management and operational experience within the financial services industry, both domestically and internationally. He has served in senior leadership positions at large, global organizations, which has included responsibility for investment, finance, human resources, legal, risk, corporate compliance, and enterprise technology functions.


162017 PROXY STATEMENT




INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

shammo.jpg    
Director    
since 2015    
Age 56  
Francis J. Shammo
Independent Director

Member of the Audit Committee   
Member of the Regulatory Compliance Committee   


Mr. Shammo served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Verizon Communications, Inc., a leading communications provider, from November 2010 until November 2016, and retired from Verizon at the end of 2016. After joining Bell Atlantic Corporation in 1989, which merged with GTE Corporation in 2000 to form Verizon, he held positions of increasing responsibility in finance, mergers and acquisitions, logistics, facilities, regional operations, and planning. His prior positions include President and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Telecom and Business, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Verizon Business, President - West Area of Verizon Wireless, and Vice President and Controller of Verizon Wireless.

Mr. Shammo has significant executive management, financial and operational experience, including service as chief financial officer, for large publicly traded companies in the telecommunications industry, where technology and connectivity are integral to the business. He has led major business units, with responsibility for sales, marketing and customer service for customers worldwide. He is also a certified public accountant and qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under SEC regulations.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT17


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Additional Current Directors – Retiring at the 2017 Annual Meeting
muhl.jpg 
Director    
since 2005    
Age 72    
Edward J. Muhl
Independent Director
Member of the Human Capital Committee   
Member of the Regulatory Compliance Committee   
Mr. Muhl served as the National Leader of the Insurance Regulatory Advisory Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2001 until his retirement in June 2005. He was Senior Managing Director of Navigant Consulting, Inc. from 1998 to 2000, which he joined as Executive Vice President in 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Muhl held important regulatory positions within the insurance industry, including Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York, Insurance Commissioner of the State of Maryland, and President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. HeMr. Muhl is also a director of Farm Family Insurance Company.

Mr. Muhl has over 45 years of experience in the insurance industry, including leadership service as a regulator.for important insurance and regulatory bodies, and understands the regulatory compliance environment in which we operate. He has previously served as a director of a publicly tradedexperience serving on other public and private company and currently serves as a director of a non-publicly tradedboards, including current service in the insurance company.

sector.

LOGO     

watjen.jpg 
Director    

since 2004    

2002    

Age 71    

62    

William J. Ryan

Independent

Thomas R. Watjen
Non-Executive Director

Current term expires in 2015

Chairman of the Board of Directors   

Mr. RyanWatjen has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of our companyUnum since October 2011. He was Chairman, President and Chief Executive officer of TD Banknorth Inc., a banking and financial services company, from March 2005 until his retirement in March 2007, and continued as its Chairman until November 2009. He was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Banknorth Group Inc. from 2000 until its merger with TD Banknorth Inc. in March 2005, and prior to thatMay 2015, having served as President and Chief Executive Officer of People’s Heritage Savings Bank. He is also a director of Anthem, Inc. (formerly WellPoint, Inc.) and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

Mr. Ryan has agreed to continue service on the Board as Lead Independent Director if re-elected at the Annual Meeting.

Mr. Ryan has experience as a board chairman and chief executive officer of companies in the banking and financial services industry. He currently serves as a director of other publicly traded companies in regulated industries.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  15


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO     

Director    

since 2002    

Age 60    

Thomas R. Watjen

Chief Executive Officer

Current term expires in 2015

Mr. Watjen has served as Chief Executive Officer of Unum since March 2003. He also served as President from March 2003 until April 2015 and May 2015, respectively, when he retired from this position. Mr. Watjenthe company. He previously served as Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer from May 2002 until March 2003. He became2003 and, before that, was named Executive Vice President, Finance in June 1999. Prior to that,the 1999 merger between Unum and Provident, he served in various roles with Provident.as Chief Financial Officer from 1994. Before joining Provident in 1994,that, Mr. Watjen served as a Managing Director of the insurance practice of the investment banking firm Morgan Stanley & Co. He is alsoMr. Watjen has been a director of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

Mr. Watjen will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer following the Annual Meeting and has agreed to serve as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors if re-elected at the Annual Meeting.

since April 2010.

Mr. Watjen has executive management and financial experience as chief executive officer of our company as well as his prior positions within the financial services industry. He also serves as a director and the chair of the audit committee of another publicly traded company in the financial services industry.

Additional Directors



LOGO     

Director    

since 2013    

Age 56    

Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.

Independent Director

Current term expires in 2016

Member of the Audit Committee   

Member of the Regulatory Compliance Committee   

Mr. Bunting is the Group President, Utility Operations of Entergy Corporation, an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, a position he has held since June 2012. From August 2007 to May 2012, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for Entergy and its subsidiaries. Prior to that, he held numerous executive positions within the Entergy organization, which he joined in 1983. He began his professional career in public accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co. in 1981 and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Bunting is also a director of Imation Corp., a global data and information security company.

Mr. Bunting possesses extensive financial, accounting and operational experience with a public company in a regulated industry. His leadership responsibilities have included strategic and financial planning, customer service, operations support and risk management. He also has experience as a director of another publicly traded company and qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under SEC regulations

161820152017 PROXY STATEMENT





INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO     

Director    

since 2007    

Age 68    

E. Michael Caulfield

Independent Director

Current term expires in 2016

Chair of the Audit Committee   

Member of the Fisk and Finance Committee   

Mr. Caulfield served as President of Mercer Human Resource Consulting from September 2005 until his retirement in September 2006, prior to which he served as Chief Operating Officer from July 2005. He retired from Prudential Insurance Company as Executive Vice President in 2000, after having held a number of executive positions, including Executive Vice President of Financial Management, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Investments, and President of both Prudential Preferred Financial Services and Prudential Property and Casualty Company. He previously served as a director of our company from August 2004 to July 2005.

Mr. Caulfield has experience in finance, investments, and executive management in both the insurance and broader financial services industry. He also qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under SEC regulations.

LOGO     

Director    

since 1999    

Age 72    

Ronald E. Goldsberry

Independent Director

Retiring in 2015

Chair of the Governance Committee   

Member of the Risk and Finance Committee   

Dr. Goldsberry is a consultant to clients in the automotive industry. He served as Chairman of OnStation Corporation from November 1999 until his retirement in August 2006, and as Chief Executive Officer of OnStation from January to May 2002 and from November 1999 to March 2001. Prior to that time, Dr. Goldsberry served in various capacities with Ford Motor Company, including Global Vice President and General Manager of Global Ford Customer Service Operations, General Manager of the Customer Service Division and General Sales and Marketing Manager for the Parts and Service Division. He was a director of UNUM Corporation from 1993 until its merger with our company in 1999. He is also a director of Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited.

Dr. Goldsberry has broad business experience which includes marketing, sales, customer service and international operations. He also brings experience from his prior service on the board and audit committee of another publicly traded company.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  17


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO     

Director    

since 2008    

Age 58    

Kevin T. Kabat

Independent Director

Current term expires in 2016

Chair of the Human Capital Committee   

Member of the Governance Committee   

Mr. Kabat is the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fifth Third Bancorp, where he has held those offices since September 2012 and April 2007, respectively. He is also a director of Fifth Third Bancorp and served as its Chairman from June 2008 to May 2010, President from June 2006 to September 2012, and Executive Vice President from December 2003. Prior to that, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Fifth Third Bank (Michigan) from April 2001. Prior to joining the Fifth Third Bancorp organization, Mr. Kabat served in a number of management and executive positions with Old Kent Financial Corporation, including as its Vice Chairman and President.

Mr. Kabat brings extensive financial and operating experience as a chief executive officer of a major regional bank, and in other executive positions in the financial services industry.

LOGO     

Director    

since 2015    

Age 58    

Ronald P. O’Hanley

Independent Director

Current term expires in 2016

Member of the Human Capital Committee   

Member of the Risk and Finance Committee   

Mr. O’Hanley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of State Street Global Advisors, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a provider of financial services to institutional investors worldwide. Prior to joining State Street in this capacity in April 2015, he served as President of Asset Management and Corporate Services for Fidelity Investments, a leading provider of financial products and services, from August 2010 until February 2014, and was a member of Fidelity’s Executive Committee. From 2007 until May 2010, Mr. O’Hanley served as Vice Chairman of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a banking and financial services company, and President and Chief Executive Officer of BNY Mellon Asset Management. Prior to the 2007 merger of The Bank of New York and Mellon Financial Corporation, he was Vice Chairman of Mellon Financial Corporation and President and Chief Executive Officer of Mellon Asset Management. Before joining Mellon in 1997, he was a partner with McKinsey & Company, Inc., a management consulting firm.

Mr. O’Hanley has significant executive management and operational experience within the financial services industry, both domestically and internationally. He has served in senior leadership positions at large, global organizations, which has included responsibility for finance, human resources, legal, risk, corporate compliance and enterprise technology functions.


Director Compensation

The Human Capital Committee (the Committee)"Committee") reviews our non-employee director compensation annually and makes recommendations to the Board as appropriate.

Benchmarking

With the assistance of its independent third-party compensation consultant, Pay Governance LLC, the Committee reviews peer group data to understand market practices for director compensation.
Our non-employee director compensation is compared to that of companies in two peer groups: (1) the Proxy Peer Group described beginning on page 4346 of this proxy statement; and (2) a general industry peer group, with market capitalizations ranging from

182015 PROXY STATEMENT


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

$2 billion to $12 billion, which consisted of 158145 companies for the review completed in December 2014.2016. The Committee usesbelieves the approximate mediancompanies in the general industry peer group provide appropriate comparisons given that their market capitalizations and revenues are well aligned with those of these peer groupsthe company (data below as a reference point for setting director compensation. of December 2016):

Market capitalizations ranging from $4.5 billion at the 25th percentile to $12.7 billion at the 75th percentile (compared to Unum market capitalization of $8.1 billion); and
Revenues ranging from $3.7 billion at the 25th percentile to $11.6 billion at the 75th percentile (compared to Unum revenues of $10.7 billion).
The use of two peer groups provides an indication of director pay levels both within the insurance industry as well as the broader market.

The Committee uses the approximate median of these peer groups as a reference point for setting director compensation.

The Committee’s consultant provided its annual analysis of non-employee director compensation at the December 20142016 Committee meeting. The analysis showedCommittee was advised that our total non-employee director compensation remains competitivewas aligned with the marketProxy Peer Group median, of the two comparator groups. Therefore, the Committee decidedand therefore determined not to makerecommend any changes to non-employee director compensation at thethat time.

For information about fees paid to Pay Governance for director and executive officer compensation consulting services, see page 42 of this proxy statement.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT19


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elements of Non-Employee Director Compensation

Non-employee directors receive cash retainers and equity awards as outlined in the following table:

CASH AND EQUITY COMPENSATION TO NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

    All Directors:

Value:

    Annual cash retainer

$95,000            

    Annual restricted stock unit award

140,000            

    Committee Chairs:

    Additional annual cash retainer - Audit Committee

22,500            

    Additional annual cash retainer - Human Capital Committee

17,500            

    Additional annual cash retainer - all other Board committees

10,000            

    Board Chairman:

    Additional annual cash retainer (paid quarterly)

160,000 (current)

200,000 (effective May 2015)

Lead Independent Director:

    Additional annual cash retainer (paid quarterly)

50,000 (effective May 2015)

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 
 2016/2017 Pay
All Directors: 
Annual cash retainer$110,000
Annual restricted stock unit award150,000
Committee Chairs: 
Additional annual cash retainer - Audit Committee22,500
Additional annual cash retainer - Human Capital Committee17,500
Additional annual cash retainer - other Board committees10,000
Board Chairman: 
Additional annual cash retainer (paid in quarterly installments)200,000
Lead Independent Director: 
Additional annual cash retainer (paid in quarterly installments)50,000
For new Board members, these amounts are prorated for partial-year service based on the date of election to the Board. Amounts may be deferred at the election of each director for payment in company common stock at a future date. Directors deferring cash compensation receive a number of deferred share rights equal to the number of whole shares of common stock that could be purchased for the deferred amount, based on the closing price of a share of common stock on the date the cash compensation would otherwise be payable.

Directors’ expenses of attending Board and committee meetings, or other meetings relating to company business, are paid by the company. Directors are eligible to participate in our employee matching gifts program. Under this program, we match up to $10,000 each year (increased in 2015 from $7,500 in 2014) for eligible gifts to non-profit organizations.

As announced in February 2015, Thomas R. Watjen will retire as Chief Executive Officer effective upon the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. Mr. Watjen will remain on the Board and assume the role of non-executive Chairman if re-elected at the Annual Meeting. William J. Ryan, the company’s current Chairman, has agreed to continue service on the Board as the Lead Independent Director if re-elected at the Annual Meeting.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  19


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In determining the compensation for the non-executive Chairman and Lead Independent Director roles, the Committee utilized its independent consultant, Pay Governance LLC to conduct a competitive review. After considering the compensation practices of peer companies and weighing the importance of the transitional period of Board and executive succession at Unum, the Committee approved the following remuneration levels. Upon becoming non-executive Chairman, Mr. Watjen will receive an annual cash retainer of $200,000, in addition to the $95,000 annual cash retainer and the annual restricted stock unit award with a value of $140,000 that all non-employee directors receive for their service on the Board. For service as the Lead Independent Director, Mr. Ryan will receive a $50,000 annual cash retainer, in addition to the compensation that all non-employee directors receive for their service on the Board.

Mr. McKenney is employed by the company and receives no additional compensation for his Board service. We
2016 Compensation
Our Board compensation year starts at the Annual Meeting each year and runs to the next Annual Meeting. The annual cash retainer and restricted stock unit award are paid/granted annually in advance. The additional cash retainers for the Chairman and Lead Independent Director are paid no additional compensation to Mr. Watjen for his Board service during the time that he was an employee of the company.

We do not have a retirement plan for non-employee directors. However, Dr. Goldsberry, who served as a director of UNUM Corporation prior to its merger into our companyquarterly in 1999, is entitled to receive an annual payment of $27,500 for four years under the UNUM Corporation plan upon his ceasing to be a director.

202015 PROXY STATEMENT


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2014 Compensation

advance. The following table provides details of the compensation of each person who served as a non-employee director during 2014.

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Name

    Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash(1)
     

Stock

Awards(2)

     

Change in

Pension

Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(3)

   All Other
Compensation(4)
     Total 

Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.

     $95,000       $140,013       $ -          $ -            $235,013  
 

E. Michael Caulfield

     117,500       140,013       8,301     5,250       271,064  
 

Cynthia L. Egan

     79,167       116,650       -       -         195,817  
 

Pamela H. Godwin

     95,000       140,013       8,671     2,040       245,724  
 

Ronald E. Goldsberry

     104,985       140,013       7,750     5,000       257,748  
 

Kevin T. Kabat

     112,492       140,013       5,651     -         258,156  
 

Timothy F. Keaney

     104,985       140,013       1,056     -         246,054  
 

Thomas Kinser

     95,000       140,013       14,889     1,150       251,052  
 

Gloria C. Larson

     105,000       140,013       23,353     7,500       275,866  
 

A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr.

     95,000       140,013       -       2,600       237,613  
 

Edward J. Muhl

     95,000       140,013       -       250       235,263  
 

Michael J. Passarella

     -         -         459     12,500       12,959  
 

William J. Ryan

     255,000       140,013       6,056     -         401,069  

2016. Mr. Echevarria was elected to the Board on April 1, 2016, prior to the 2016 Annual Meeting. Therefore, his compensation shown in the below table reflects prorated amounts for the 2015/2016 Board year in addition to the annual amounts for the 2016/2017 Board year. Messrs. MacMillan and Ryan served only through the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting.


202017 PROXY STATEMENT




INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Name
Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash(1)
Stock
Awards(2)
All Other
Compensation(3)
Total
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.$110,000
$149,985
$10,000
$269,985
E. Michael Caulfield132,500
149,985
-
282,485
Joseph J. Echevarria124,540
171,467
-
296,007
Cynthia L. Egan110,000
149,985
10,000
269,985
Pamela H. Godwin120,000
149,985
4,100
274,085
Kevin T. Kabat157,445
149,985
-
307,430
Timothy F. Keaney120,000
149,985
-
269,985
Gloria C. Larson120,000
149,985
-
269,985
A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr.-
-
5,000
5,000
Edward J. Muhl110,000
149,985
-
259,985
Ronald P. O'Hanley110,000
149,985
-
259,985
William J. Ryan20,192
-
5,000
25,192
Francis J. Shammo110,000
149,985
-
259,985
Thomas R. Watjen310,000
149,985
-
459,985
(1)Amounts represent retainers, including for service as Board Chairman and committee chair service,chairs, which were paid in 2016, either in cash or deferred, for 20142016/2017 Board service. TheMr. Echevarria's amount of compensation that was deferred was: Dr. Goldsberry - $104,985;also includes a prorated retainer for his 2015/2016 board year service. Mr. Kabat - $56,242; and Mr. Keaney - $104,985. Directors electingEchevarria elected to defer cash compensation receiveda total of $124,540 which was converted to deferred share rights.

(2)On May 20, 2014,26, 2016, each then serving non-employee director was granted 4,2574,125 restricted stock units (RSUs) under the Unum Groupour Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Mr. PassarellaMessrs. MacMillan and Ryan retired from the Board effective at the 2016 Annual Meeting in May 2014 and received nodid not receive a grant of restricted stock unitsRSUs for 2014. Upon herthe 2016/2017 Board year. In addition, upon his election to the Board, on July 28, 2014, Ms. EganMr. Echevarria also received a prorated grant of 3,330 restricted stock units.685 RSUs for the 2015/2016 Board year. The amounts shown are the grant date valuevalues of these units. We account for stock-based payments under the requirements of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASC 718). A complete discussion of the assumptions made as well as the financial impact of this type of compensation can be found in Notes 1 and 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The following table provides details of the unvested restricted stock units held by each non-employee director as of December 31, 2014:

We account for stock-based payments under the requirements of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 Compensation Stock Compensation (ASC 718). A complete discussion of the assumptions made as well as the financial impact of this type of compensation can be found in Notes 1 and 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of our 2016 Form 10-K.
The following table provides details of the unvested RSUs, including dividend equivalent units, held by each non-employee director as of December 31, 2016.
Director Name
Number of Unvested
Restricted Stock Units at Fiscal Year End
 Director Name
Number of Unvested
Restricted Stock Units at Fiscal Year End
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.4,149 Timothy F. Keaney4,149
E. Michael Caulfield4,149 Gloria C. Larson4,149
Joseph J. Echevarria4,841 Edward J. Muhl4,149
Cynthia L. Egan4,149 Ronald P. O'Hanley4,149
Pamela H. Godwin4,149 Francis J. Shammo4,149
Kevin T. Kabat4,149 Thomas R. Watjen4,149
Director NameNumber of Unvested Restricted Stock Units at Fiscal Year End
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.4,298
E. Michael Caulfield4,298
Cynthia L. Egan3,362
Pamela H. Godwin4,298
Ronald E. Goldsberry4,298
Kevin T. Kabat4,298

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  21


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Timothy F. Keaney4,298
Thomas Kinser4,298
Gloria C. Larson4,298
A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr.4,298
Edward J. Muhl4,298
Michael J. Passarella       0
William J. Ryan4,298
(3)The amounts shown represent dividend reinvestment earnings on deferred share rights in each director’s account.

(4)With the exception of Mr. Passarella,Messrs. MacMillan and Ryan, who both retired from the Board effective at the Annual Meetingcompany in May 2014,2016, the amounts shown represent the company’s matching gifts resulting from the directors’ charitable gifts. In addition toFor Messrs. MacMillan and Ryan, in recognition of their respective retirements from the $7,500 in matching gifts,Board, the company made a $5,000 charitable contribution in Mr. Passarella’s name in recognitionon behalf of his retirement from the Board.each director.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT21


INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Director Stock Ownership and Retention Requirements

Each non-employee director is required to own Unum equity securities with an aggregate value of five times the director’s annual cash retainer ($475,000)550,000 effective May 2016). New directors have five years from the date of their election to meet the ownership requirement.

Each

In addition, each non-employee director is required to retain 60% of Unum equity securities received as a result of director compensation for at least one year from the time the equity securitiesthey vest, and to retain at least the numberamount of equity securities necessary to meet his or her ownership requirement until retirement from the Board.

The Committee annually reviews each director’s stock ownership level. If a director does not reach his or her ownership requirement within the time period provided, the Committee will determine whether action is appropriate. As of December 31, 2014, 102016, 9 of the 12 non-employee directors serving on the Board at that time had met the ownership requirement. The other two non-employeethree directors recently joined the Board within the past five years and are expected to meet the ownership requirement within the applicable time period provided for reaching the requirement.

provided.


2220152017 PROXY STATEMENT





CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board of Directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines on a number of significant matters, including director selection and independence, director responsibilities, Board leadership, and management succession. The corporate governance guidelines are available on our investor relations website under the “Corporate Governance”"Corporate Governance" heading atwww.investors.unum.com. The Governance Committee regularly reviews developments in corporate governance and recommends updates to the corporate governance guidelines and other documents as necessary or appropriate in response to regulatory requirements and evolving practices.

As a reflection of our commitment to strong governance practices, in March 2017, the Board of Directors adopted amendments to the company's bylaws to provide shareholders owning at least 25% of outstanding shares the right to call a special meeting of the shareholders in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws. See page 28 for further discussion.
Board Leadership Structure

At present, William J. Ryan, an independent director,Thomas R. Watjen serves as Chairman of the Board, and Thomas R. WatjenRichard P. McKenney serves as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. As previously announced, Mr. Watjen will retire as CEO uponfrom the conclusion ofBoard at the 2017 Annual Meeting at which time he will become non-executive Chairman ofand the Board has elected one of its independent directors, Kevin T. Kabat, to serve as the next Chairman effective following the 2017 Annual Meeting provided that he is re-elected to the Board. The independent directors of the Board also have elected Mr. Ryan to serveKabat currently serves as the Lead Independent Director, effective uponwhich will cease to be a separate role when he becomes the conclusion ofChairman.
As the Annual Meeting if he is re-elected to the Board. Richard P. McKenney, who was named President and elected to the Board effective April 1, 2015, will succeed Mr. Watjen as CEO, and is standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

Mr. Watjen began formally discussing his possible retirement plans with the Board in 2014. At the time, the Board was also contemplating the departure of several directors who will reach the company’s mandatory retirement age in the next few years. During these discussions, the possibility of Mr. Watjen becoming non-executive Chairman for a limited duration upon his retirement as CEO was raised as a way to help assure an effective transition for both the leadership team and the Board.

The Board subsequently contracted with an outside advisor to develop a transition plan that effectively served both the company and shareholders. This plan was further evaluated by the Board throughout the second half of the year, generally without Mr. Watjen present. A final plan was approved by both the Human Capital and Governance committees, and ultimately the full Board.

The Board believes the company will greatly benefit from Mr. Watjen’s continued service as non-executive Chairman following his retirement as CEO. Mr. Watjen has proven leadership skills and extensive knowledge of both the company and the markets in which it operates, and we believe his service as Chairman will promote continuity in the boardroom and with company strategy.

Ascurrent Lead Independent Director, Mr. Ryan will have certainKabat has the responsibilities outlined in our corporate governance guidelines, including:

Presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the non-management and independent directors;
Communicating actions/issues arising from executive sessions to the Chairman and/or the CEO, as appropriate;
Authority to call meetings of the independent directors;
Authority to approve meeting schedules, agendas and information provided to the Board;
In conjunction with the Chairman, advising the Board on Board development, including Board and committee leadership succession planning;
Unless otherwise determined by the Board, together with the Chairman, meeting with each director to evaluate the Board and committees and reporting this evaluation to the Governance Committee;
When requested by the independent directors, hiring advisors to the independent directors, to be paid by the company;


Presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the non-management and independent directors;

Communicating actions/issues arising from executive sessions to the Chairman and/or the CEO, as appropriate;

Having authority to call meetings of the independent directors;

Approving meeting agendas for the Board;

Approving meeting schedules to assure sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;

Approving information sent to the Board;

20152017 PROXY STATEMENT23



CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

In conjunction with the Chairman, advising the Board on Board development, including Board and committee leadership succession planning;

Unless otherwise determined by the Board, together with the Chairman, meeting with each director to evaluate the Board and committees and reporting this evaluation to the Governance Committee;

When requested by the independent directors, hiring advisors to the independent directors, to be paid by the company;

Receiving through the Corporate Secretary communications from shareholders seeking to communicate with the Board;

Serving as liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors; and

If requested by major shareholders, ensuring that he is available for consultation and direct communication.


Receiving through the Corporate Secretary communications from shareholders seeking to communicate with the Board;
Serving as liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors; and
If requested by major shareholders, ensuring that he is available for consultation and direct communication.
The Board believes thisthe current leadership structure, will continuetogether with our active and engaged independent directors, continues to provide significant independent oversight of management, as Messrs. Watjen and McKenney are the only members of the Board who wouldare not be independent directors – Mr. Watjen because he will have beenis a recent employee of our company, and Mr. McKenney because he will continue to be anis a current employee of our company. In addition,Following Mr. Watjen's retirement in May, Mr. McKenney will be the only non-independent member of the Board has an ongoing practiceand Mr. Kabat will serve as the independent Chairman of holdingthe Board. The Board holds executive sessions, without management present, as part ofat each regularly scheduled in-person Board meeting. The non-managementIn 2016, the independent directors (all of whom are independent directors) met five timesalone in executive session during 2014,five times, and Mr. Ryaneach session was chaired these executive sessions.

by the Lead Independent Director.

Our bylaws and corporate governance guidelines allow the offices of Chairman and CEO to be filled by the same or different individuals. This allows the Board flexibility to select the appropriate leadership for our company based on a number of factors, including the specific needs of the business and what best serves the company and our shareholders at a given time. The independent directors of the Board will continue to review the Board’s leadership structure periodically and may modify this structure from time to time as they determine appropriate in the best interests of the company and shareholders.
Chairman Succession
In December 2016, our shareholders.

current non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, Thomas R. Watjen, notified the Board of his decision not to stand for re-election as a director at the 2017 Annual Meeting. His retirement from the Board will mark the completion of a leadership transition that began in 2015 when he stepped down as President and CEO of the company and assumed the role of Chairman, with Richard P. McKenney succeeding him as President and CEO. The timing of Mr. Watjen’s retirement aligns with his commitment upon being named Chairman to serve for two years to ensure continuity during a period of Board and management transition, and is also reflective of the success of the transition.

The Board has elected Kevin T. Kabat, our current Lead Independent Director, to succeed Mr. Watjen as non-executive Chairman if Mr. Kabat is re-elected to the Board at the 2017 Annual Meeting. The naming of Mr. Kabat as successor Chairman represents the culmination of a succession planning process led by the Governance Committee that started soon after Mr. Watjen’s appointment in 2015. Transparency was fundamental to the process, and director input was solicited in developing appropriate selection criteria for the role. In establishing the process, the Committee recognized the need for a successor Lead Independent Director in 2016 and the potential for this individual to later be named successor Chairman given natural alignment between the roles. Importantly, Mr. Kabat’s service as Lead Independent Director during the past year provided fellow directors with a basis for evaluating his candidacy for Chairman and also prepared him for the transition. The Lead Independent Director role will terminate when Mr. Kabat, an independent director, becomes the Chairman at the 2017 Annual Meeting.


242017 PROXY STATEMENT




CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Director Independence

Our corporate governance guidelines provide that a substantial majority of the Board will be independent. For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the director has no material relationship with our company, and the director must meet the requirements for independence under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The Board has also determined that certain categories of relationships are not considered to be material relationships that would impair a director’s independence. These independence standards are listed in our corporate governance guidelines.

The Governance Committee reviews information about the directors’ relationships and affiliations that might affect their independence and makes recommendations to the Board as to the independence of the directors. In making independence determinations, the Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances. In this regard, the Board considered that each of Messrs. Bunting, Kabat, Keaney, Muhl, O’Hanley and Ryan and Ms. Egan,the non-employee directors, or one of their immediate family members, is or was during the last three fiscal years a director, trustee, advisor, or executive or served in a similar position at another business that had dealings with our company during those years. In each case, these have been ordinary course dealings (business where the other business obtains insurance policies from us or we receive interest on debt security investments or make payments for trustee, depository and commercial banking business relationships) involving amounts less than 1% of both our and the other business’ total consolidated revenues for such fiscal year.year or in which the director's only interest arose only from his or her position as a director of the other business. In addition, each of Messrs. Bunting, Caulfield, Echevarria, and O'Hanley and Mses. Egan, Godwin, and Larson, or one their immediate family members, is or was during the last three fiscal years, a director, executive, or employee of a charitable organization or university that received contributions from us (other than non-discretionary matching contributions) of less than $120,000 in any one fiscal year.

242015 PROXY STATEMENT


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Based on a review of the findings and recommendations of the Governance Committee and applying the standards described above, the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Bunting, Caulfield, Goldsberry,Echevarria, Kabat, Keaney, Kinser, MacMillan, Muhl, O’Hanley and RyanShammo and Mses. Egan, Godwin and Larson is (and Mr. Passarella(as well as Messrs. MacMillan and Ryan who retired in 2014 was2016, were each during histheir tenure) an independent directors. director.
Mr. McKenney, our President and CEO, and Mr. Watjen, our Chairman and former CEO, are not independent directors.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT25


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Profile
Unum values a Board that represents a variety of backgrounds, experience and perspectives. With that in mind, the Governance Committee periodically reviews the composition of the Board, considering a number of factors.
Qualifications
We strive to maintain a Board with independence of thought and diverse professional experience. The committee looks for directors who have qualifications in areas relevant to Unum.
Financial services industry experience keeps us abreast of industry and marketplace trends, and helps us navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Experience as a corporate or business unit CEO provides us valuable insight into understanding organizations and business strategy, and driving change.
Investment markets expertise helps guide our prudent investment strategy and maintain strong alignment with shareholders.
An operational background ensures management remains focused on improving business processes, leveraging partnerships and developing talent.
Global experience helps us better understand international markets and the nature of running a company such as Unum, with operations in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland.
The following charts show the distribution of certain qualifications among our 11 director nominees:
qualification.jpg
Tenure
Directors with varied tenure contribute to a range of perspectives and ensure we transition knowledge and experience from longer-serving members to those newer to our Board. We have a good mix of new and long-standing directors, with our 10 independent director nominees averaging 5.9 years of service on our Board.
tenurediversity.jpg


262017 PROXY STATEMENT




CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Diversity
Our directors represent a range of backgrounds and overall experience. More than one-third are women or represent an ethnic group, which places Unum's Board among the top of our industry in gender and ethnic diversity. In recent years, our Governance Committee has focused on ensuring continued diversity on the Board during refreshment activities by requiring that candidate pools include diverse individuals meeting the recruitment criteria. Our director nominees range from 48 to 70 years of age, with the average age being 60.2 years.
genderethnicdiversity.jpg
Process for Selecting and Nominating Directors

The Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and evaluating director candidates and recommending to the Board a slate of nominees for election at each annual meeting of shareholders. The Committee has engaged a third-party search firmsfirm to assist with recruitment efforts in preparation for anticipated retirements. These firms identifyThis firm identifies candidates who meet the criteria of our search, provides requested background and other relevant information regarding candidates, and coordinates arrangements for interviews as necessary. Nominees may also be suggested by directors, management, or shareholders.

Shareholders who wish to recommend director candidates for consideration by the Governance Committee must submit to the Corporate Secretary at Unum Group, 1 Fountain Square, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402 the same information that would be required to nominate a director candidate as described on page 94111 in the section titled “Shareholder"Shareholder proposals and nominations for our 2016 annual meeting.”2018 Annual Meeting." The Governance Committee’s policy is to consider candidates recommended by shareholders in the same manner as other candidates.
In addition, our bylaws permit shareholders to nominate directors for election,inclusion in our proxy materials or directly at an Annual Meeting in accordance with the processprocedures in our bylaws, as described on page 94111 in the section titled “Shareholder"Shareholder proposals and nominations for our 2016 annual meeting.”

2018 Annual Meeting."

Our corporate governance guidelines specify the following criteria to be used in evaluating the candidacy of a prospective nominee:

Reputation for high ethical conduct, integrity, sound judgment, and accountability;
Current knowledge and experience in one or more core competencies identified in the corporate governance guidelines;


2017 PROXY STATEMENT27 Reputation for high ethical conduct, integrity, sound judgment and accountability;

Current knowledge and experience in one or more core competencies identified in the corporate governance guidelines;

Ability to commit sufficient time to the Board and its committees;

Collegial effectiveness; and

Diversity, whether in viewpoints, gender, ethnic background, age, professional experience or other demographics (though no specific diversity policy has been adopted).



CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Ability to commit sufficient time to the Board and its committees;
Collegial effectiveness; and
Diversity, whether in viewpoints, gender, ethnic background, age, professional experience or other demographics (though no specific diversity policy has been adopted).
The core competencies sought in any particular candidate depend on the current and future needs of the Board based on an assessment of the composition of the Board and the mix of attributes and qualifications represented. Core competencies include knowledge and experience in finance and accounting, executive management, the insurance or financial services industry, risk oversight, technology, marketing, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, public policy and such other areas that may be considered appropriate by the Board.

In addition to the criteria and qualifications described above and in the discussion on page 26 under "Board Profile," the Governance Committee considers other specific qualifications that may be desired or required of nominees, including their independence and ability to satisfy specific Audit Committee or Human Capital Committee requirements. The Governance Committee assesses the effectiveness of its Board membership criteria as part of the director selection and nomination process. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Governance Committee also considers the director’s interest in continuing to serve, past attendance at meetings, contributions to the Board and committees on which the director

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  25


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

serves, the skills, experience and background that the director brings to the Board relative to the Board’s needs and existing composition, and the results of the most recent Board, committee and individual director evaluations.

The Governance Committee periodically reviews the mix

Adoption of our directors’ tenure onSpecial Meeting Rights
In March 2017, the Board and favors maintainingof Directors adopted amendments to the Company's bylaws to provide shareholders owning at least 25% of outstanding shares the right to call a balance that helps transition the knowledge and experience of longer-serving directors and contributes to a range of perspectives. The average tenurespecial meeting of the 12 independent directors who are director nominees or will continue as directors followingshareholders in accordance with provisions of the bylaws. Enabling shareholders to call special meetings provides an opportunity for shareholders to vote on important items of business outside of the regularly scheduled Annual Meeting is 7.6 years,cycle. The Board's decision to adopt this shareholder right aligns with 4 members having served fewer than 5 years, 3 members having served between 5feedback received during annual shareholder outreach and 10 years, and 5 members having served more than ten years.

reflects our commitment to maintaining strong governance practices.

Limits on Board and Audit Committee Service

While we recognize that Board members benefit from service on the boards of other companies and such service is encouraged, the Board believes it is critical that directors be able to dedicate sufficient time to their service on our Board. To that end, no director may serve on more than three public company boards in addition to our Board, or on more than two audit committees of public companies in addition to our Audit Committee.



282017 PROXY STATEMENT




CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Meetings and Attendance

The Board of Directors met sevensix times during 2014.2016. Depending upon committee assignments, a director generally would have had 1918 to 25 meetings to attend in 2014.2016. Average director attendance at Board and committee meetings was 97%98%, and each incumbent director attended at least 75%89% of the total number of meetings of the Board and committees on which he or she served during the period of the director’s service in 2014.

2016.

Directors are expected to attend annual meetings of shareholders. All 13current directors serving on the Board at the time of our 2014 annual meetingthe 2016 Annual Meeting attended that meeting.

262015 PROXY STATEMENT


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Committees of the Board

The Board of Directors has five standing committees: Audit, Risk and Finance, Governance, Human Capital, and Regulatory Compliance. Each committee has a charter that is available on our investor relations website under the “Corporate Governance”"Corporate Governance" heading atwww.investors.unum.com. In addition to the duties contained in their respective charters, each committee may be assigned additional tasks by the Board, and each is charged with reporting its activities to the Board.

BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTEES

NameTerm
Expires
 AuditRisk &
Finance
GovernanceHuman
Capital
Regulatory
Compliance
 

    Theodore H. Bunting

 2016  XX
 

    E. Michael Caulfield

 2016  ChairX
 

    Cynthia L. Egan

 2015  XX
 

    Pamela H. Godwin

 2015  XX
 

    Ronald E. Goldsberry

 2016(1) XChair
 

    Kevin T. Kabat

 2016  XChair
 

    Timothy F. Keaney

 2015  XChair
 

    Thomas Kinser

 2015  XX
 

    Gloria C. Larson

 2015  XChair
 

    A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr.

 2015  XX
 

    Richard P. McKenney

 2015  
 

    Edward J. Muhl

 2015  XX
 

    Ronald P. O’Hanley

 2016  XX
 

    William J. Ryan

 2015  
 

    Thomas R. Watjen

 2015       

2014 Committee Meetings

 

 

   115775

Name
Term
Expires
Audit
Risk &
Finance
Governance
Human
Capital
Regulatory
Compliance
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.2017   
E. Michael Caulfield2017Chair   
Joseph J. Echevarria(1)
2017   
Cynthia L. Egan(2)
2017   
Pamela H. Godwin2017 Chair  
Kevin T. Kabat2017  Chair 
Timothy F. Keaney2017Chair   
Gloria C. Larson2017   Chair
Richard P. McKenney2017     
Edward J. Muhl(3)
2017   
Ronald P. O'Hanley2017   
Francis J. Shammo2017   
Thomas R. Watjen(3)
2017     
2016 Committee Meetings  109775
(1)Mr. Echevarria joined the Board effective April 1, 2016.
(2)Ms. Egan rotated from the Audit Committee to the Human Capital Committee in May 2016.
(3)
As noted on page 30, Dr. Goldsberry18, Messrs. Muhl and Watjen will retire from the Board at the 2017 Annual Meeting in May 2015.Meeting.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT29


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee assists the Board in oversight of financial statement and disclosure matters, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, the relationship with our independent auditor, the internal audit function, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and financial risk. The Audit Committee also has the sole authority to appoint, oversee and, if necessary, replace the company’s independent auditors. A more complete description of the responsibilities of the Audit Committee is included in the Report of the Audit Committee beginning on page 32.

In August 2014, the Board transitioned primary responsibility for oversight of the company’s enterprise risk management program from the Audit Committee to the Finance Committee, which was re-named the “Risk and Finance Committee”. This decision was made to enable integrated oversight of risk and capital by a single committee, while recognizing the increasing time demands on the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  27


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

retained responsibility for discussion of guidelines and policies relating to the company’s risk assessment and management process, and coordinates communications with the Risk and Finance Committee as necessary for this purpose.

35.

All members of the Audit Committee meet the independence requirements of the SEC and the NYSE.NYSE for audit committee members and our corporate governance guidelines. The Board has further determined that fourall five members of the Audit Committee, Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., E. Michael Caulfield, Cynthia L. Egan andJoseph J. Echevarria, Timothy F. Keaney, and Francis J. Shammo, are “audit"audit committee financial experts”experts" under SEC regulations. All members of the Audit Committee have been determined by the Board to be “financially literate”regulations, and are "financially literate" as required by the NYSE.

Risk and Finance Committee

The Risk and Finance Committee (formerly known as the Finance Committee) assists the Board in oversight of our investments, capital and financing plans and activities, including dividends and borrowings, and related financial matters and the associated risks. It also oversees our enterprise risk management activities and other risks not specifically allocated to another committee. Among other responsibilities, the Risk and Finance Committee:

Monitors, evaluates and recommends to the Board capital and financing plans, activities, requirements and opportunities;

Oversees implementation of and compliance with investment strategies, guidelines and policies;

Reviews, assesses and reports on the impact of various finance activities on our debt ratings; and

Monitors, evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board regarding matters pertaining to our Closed Block segment, including the long-term care business, that could have a meaningful impact upon any of the matters for which the Risk and Finance Committee has oversight responsibility.

Monitors, evaluates and recommends to the Board capital and financing plans, activities, requirements and opportunities;
Oversees implementation of and compliance with investment strategies, guidelines and policies;
Authorizes loans and investments of the company;
Reviews, assesses and reports on the impact of various finance activities on our debt ratings; and
Monitors, evaluates and makes recommendations regarding matters pertaining to our Closed Block segment, including the long-term care business, that could have a meaningful impact upon any of the matters for which the Risk and Finance Committee has oversight responsibility.
All members of the Risk and Finance Committee meet the independence requirements of our corporate governance guidelines.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee assists the Board in implementation and oversight of our corporate governance policies. Among other responsibilities, the Governance Committee:

Identifies qualified candidates for the Board, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, and recommends the individuals to be nominated by the Board for election as directors;
Develops and recommends to the Board our corporate governance guidelines;
Oversees the process for Board and committee evaluations; and


 30Oversees compliance with our corporate governance guidelines;2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Identifies qualified candidates for the Board, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, and periodically reviews such criteria;

Oversees the process for Board and committee evaluations; and

Periodically makes recommendations to the Board regarding committee membership.





CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Advises the Board on corporate governance matters, including with respect to the size, composition, operations, leadership, succession plans and the needs of the Board and its committees.
All members of the Governance Committee meet the independence requirements of the NYSE and our corporate governance guidelines.

Human Capital Committee

The Human Capital Committee assists the Board in oversight of our compensation and benefit programs and related risks to support business plans, attract and retain key executives and tie compensation to performance. Among other responsibilities, the Human Capital Committee:

Establishes our general compensation philosophy, principles and practices;

Takes into consideration the company’s most recent say-on-pay vote;

282015 PROXY STATEMENT


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Evaluates and approves compensation and benefit plans;

Reviews and approves compensation of the CEO and other senior executives;

Reviews and recommends to the Board the form and amount of director compensation; and

Reviews the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and related disclosures in our proxy statements.

Establishes our general compensation philosophy, principles and practices;
Takes into consideration the results of the company’s most recent say-on-pay vote;
Evaluates and approves compensation and benefit plans;
Annually reviews and approves compensation of the CEO and other executive officers;
Reviews and recommends to the Board the form and amount of director compensation; and
Reviews the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and related disclosures in our proxy statements.
All members of the Human Capital Committee meet the independence requirements of the NYSE for directors and compensation committee members and our corporate governance guidelines and are “non-employee directors”"non-employee directors" for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and “outside directors”"outside directors" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Regulatory Compliance Committee

The Regulatory Compliance Committee assists the Board in its oversight of regulatory, compliance, policy and legal matters and related risks and compliance with laws and regulations. Among other responsibilities, the Regulatory Compliance Committee:

Monitors the effectiveness of our compliance efforts concerning applicable regulatory and legal requirements and internal policy;

Reviews and discusses with management any communication to or from regulators or governmental agencies and any complaints, reports and legal matters that raise significant issues regarding our compliance with applicable laws or regulations; and

Monitors the investigation and resolution of any significant instances of noncompliance or potential compliance violations.

Monitors the effectiveness of our compliance efforts concerning applicable regulatory and legal requirements and internal policy;
Reviews and discusses with management any communication to or from regulators or governmental agencies and any complaints, reports and legal matters that raise significant issues regarding our compliance with applicable laws or regulations; and
Monitors the investigation and resolution of any significant instances of noncompliance or potential compliance violations.
All members of the Regulatory Compliance Committee meet the independence requirements of our corporate governance guidelines.



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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

The Board has an active role, as a whole and also at the committee level, in overseeing management of the company’s risks. The Board is responsible for managing strategic risk, and it regularly reviews information regarding our capital, liquidity and operations, as well as the risks associated with each. The Risk and Finance Committee is responsible for oversight of the company’s enterprise risk management program and receives a report on these activities at least quarterly. This responsibility was transitioned from the Audit Committee to the Risk and Finance Committee in August 2014. The Risk and Finance Committee is also responsible for overseeing risks associated with investments and related financial matters, including those pertaining to our Closed Block segment, and any other risks not specifically allocated to another committee for oversight. The Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of financial risk and continues to fulfill its NYSE-mandated responsibility to discuss guidelines and policies with respect to the process by which the company undertakes risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee and Risk and Finance Committee may also meet jointly as appropriate to oversee certain risks for which they have overlapping responsibility, including operational risks relating to data privacy, cybersecurity and business continuity and disaster recovery.continuity. The Human Capital Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our compensation plans and programs and, as more fully described below, receives an annual report from the company’s chief risk officer with respect to these risks. The Regulatory Compliance Committee oversees management of risks related to regulatory, compliance, policy and legal matters, both current and emerging and whether of a local, state, federal or international nature. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  29


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors is regularly informed through committee reports about such risks in addition to the risk information it receives directly.

Compensation Risk

The

Each year, the company’s chief risk officer, in consultation with the Human Capital Committee, has undertakenundertakes a risk assessment of our compensation programs and practices. TheThis year’s process included the following steps:

Review the overall design and philosophy of the incentive compensation programs.

Review and assess the 2014 annual incentive program and long-term incentive program performance measures for alignment between actual results and achievement payout levels.

Identify fundamental principles to test, including the SEC’s non-exclusive list of situations where compensation programs may have the potential to raise material risks to the company.

Assess the incentive programs in light of the company’s primary risks (as disclosed in the company’s 2014 10-K) and the company’s annual financial and capital plans.

Assess the effect of any proposed design changes to the 2015 incentive plans.

Review of the overall design and philosophy of the incentive compensation programs.
Review and assessment of the 2016 annual incentive program and long-term incentive program performance measures for alignment between actual results and achievement payout levels.
Identification of fundamental principles to test, including the SEC’s non-exclusive list of situations where compensation programs may have the potential to raise material risks to the company.
Assessment of the incentive programs in light of the company’s primary risks (as disclosed in the company’s 2016 Form 10-K) and the company’s annual financial and capital plans.
Assessment of proposed design changes to the 2017 incentive plans.
Assessment of the sales compensation programs to identify behaviors incented, inherent risks and existing safeguards.
Based on this assessment, the following conclusions were reached by the chief risk officer and presented to the Human Capital Committee:

The company’s incentive program targets, thresholds, caps, weights and payout curves are effective control mechanisms.


 32The company’s incentive program targets, thresholds, caps, weights and payout curves are effective control mechanisms.2017 PROXY STATEMENT

The incentive plans are balanced and align the long-term interests of stakeholders and management.

The program’s goals are effectively balanced and consistent with the risk levels embedded in the company’s financial and capital plans.

All potential awards are subject to Human Capital Committee discretion and the company has a recoupment policy in place in the event of a material earnings restatement.





CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The incentive plans are balanced and align the long-term interests of stakeholders and management.
The program’s goals are effectively balanced and consistent with the risk levels embedded in the company’s financial and capital plans.
All potential awards are subject to Human Capital Committee discretion and the company has a recoupment policy in place in the event of a material earnings restatement.
Accordingly, our chief risk officer and the Human Capital Committee do not believe the company’s compensation programs create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company.

company, and that the programs fall within the range of the company's risk appetite.

Director Retirement Policy

Our bylaws do not allow any person to serve as a director beyond the date of the annual meeting of shareholders immediately following his or her 72nd72nd birthday. In accordance with this policy, Dr. GoldsberryMr. Muhl will retire from the Board effective at the Annual Meeting. We expect that three other directors (Messrs. Kinser, MacMillan and Ryan) will retire pursuant to this policy at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2016.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2014,

None of the members of the Human Capital Committee has served as an officer of the company, and during 2016 none of the members of the Human Capital Committee was an officer or employee of the company, and nonecompany. None of our executive officers served as a member of a board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our Board or Human Capital Committee.

302015 PROXY STATEMENT


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Related Party Transactions and Policy

The Board has adopted a written policy concerning related party transactions. This policy covers any transaction in which the company was or is to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related party had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A “related party”"related party" means any of our directors, director nominees, executive officers, persons known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, and any of their respective immediate family members, and any entity in which any of these persons has an interest as an employee, principal or 10% or greater beneficial owner or other material financial interest.

Prior to entering into a transaction that may be viewed as a related party transaction, the related party must notify our general counsel of the facts and circumstances of the transaction. If the general counsel determines that the proposed transaction is a related party transaction, it is submitted to the disinterested members of the Audit Committee for consideration at the next Committee meeting (or to the chair of the Committee if it is not practical to wait until the next meeting and the chair is not a related party to the transaction). The Committee considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including the benefits to the company, if the related party is an independent director or nominee, the potential effect of entering into the transaction on the director’s or nominee’s independence, any improper conflict of interest that may exist, the availability of other sources for the products and services, the terms of the transaction, and the terms available from or to unrelated third parties generally.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT33


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The transaction may be approved if it is determined in good faith not to be inconsistent with the best interests of the company and shareholders. Certain types of transactions are deemed to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee, including executive officer and director compensation arrangements approved by the Board of Directors or the Human Capital Committee, indemnification payments and any transaction between the company and any entity in which a related party has a relationship solely as a director, less than 10% equity holder, or employee (other than an executive officer), or all of these relationships.

Transactions with Related Persons

During 2014

The company employs a sister-in-law of Michael Q. Simonds, Executive Vice President, President and upChief Executive Officer of Unum US. Charlene Glidden serves as Vice President, Business Planning and Technology Strategy for Colonial Life and does not report within the Unum US organization. Her compensation for 2016 was approximately $423,328, and she participated in compensation and benefit arrangements generally applicable to the date of this proxy statement, there have been no related party transactions required to be disclosed.

similarly-situated employees.

Codes of Conduct and Ethics

The Board has adopted a code of conduct establishing certain business practices and ethics applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. The Board has also adopted a separate code of ethics applicable to our CEO and certain of our senior financial officers. Both of these codes, together with any information on certain amendments or any waivers applicable to certain of our executive officers, are available on our investor relations website under the “Corporate Governance”"Corporate Governance" heading atwww.investors.unum.com.

www.investors.unum.com.


34
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT31





REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE


REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee (in this report, the “Committee”"Committee") is appointed by the Board of Directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available on the company’s investor relations website under the heading "Corporate Governance" atwww.investors.unum.com. www.investors.unum.com. The Committee is comprised solely of independent directors who meet the independence requirements of the SEC and the NYSE. All members of the Committee are “financially literate”"financially literate" as required by the NYSE, and the Board has determined that four of theall five members are “audit"audit committee financial experts”experts" under SEC regulations. In May 2014, E. Michael Caulfield was appointed as the Committee chair following the retirement of MichaelApril 2016, Joseph J. Passarella. In July 2014, Cynthia L. EganEchevarria became a member of the Committee upon herhis election to the Board.

The primary purpose of the Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of the:

Integrity of the company’s financial statements and related disclosures;

Effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting;

Compliance by the company with legal and regulatory requirements;

Qualifications, independence and performance of the company’s independent auditor;

Responsibilities and performance of the company’s internal audit function; and

Management of the company’s financial risks.

The Committee’s responsibilities previously included oversight of the company’s enterprise risk management programfinancial statements and related disclosures;

Effectiveness of the managementcompany’s internal control over financial reporting;
Compliance by the company with legal and regulatory requirements;
Qualifications, independence and performance of operational risksthe company’s independent auditor;
Responsibilities and other risks not specifically allocated to another committee. In balancing a desire to integrate oversightperformance of riskthe company’s internal audit function; and capital in a single committee with increasing demands on
Management of the Committee’s time, the Board transitioned these responsibilities to the Finance Committee (re-named the Risk and Finance Committee) in August 2014. company’s financial risks. 
The Committee has retained responsibility to discussis also responsible for discussing guidelines and policies with respect to the process by which the company undertakes risk assessment and management, and communicates with the Risk and Finance Committee as necessary for this purpose.

The Committee receives regular enterprise risk management (ERM) reports, including results of the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA). In 2016, the Committee Chair and another member of the Committee reviewed and provided input in the development of the ORSA Summary Report. This report provides strong evidence of the strengths of the company’s ERM framework, measurement approaches, key assumptions utilized in assessing our risks, and prospective solvency assessments under both normal and stressed conditions.

The Committee met 1110 times during 2014.2016. The Committee regularly held executive sessions and met separately with its independent auditor, Ernst & Young, and with the internal auditors without management present.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Committee reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditor matters relating to the company’s accounting and financial reporting processes, including the internal control over financial reporting; reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditor the company’s annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures in reports filed with the SEC; pre-approved all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by the company’s independent auditor; reviewed and discussed with management the responsibilities and performance of the internal audit function; discussed with management policies relating to risk assessment and risk management, as well as specific financial risks; and obtained and reviewed reports concerning the company’s policies and procedures for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulationslegal and the company’s Code of Conduct.

regulatory requirements.


3220152017 PROXY STATEMENT35



REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE


Management is primarily responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the company’s financial statements and for the reporting process, including the establishment and effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. The company’s independent auditor is responsible for performing an independent audit of the financial statements and of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting in accordance with auditing standards promulgated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The independent auditor reports directly to the Committee, which is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work performed by the independent auditor.

The Committee reviewed and discussed with management the company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant estimates and assumptions which could impact the amounts reported in the company’s financial statements, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. The Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent auditor the overall scope and results of the independent audit and its judgments of the quality and acceptability of the company’s accounting principles. The Committee also engaged in discussions with management and the independent auditor, among other matters, concerning management’s assessment of reserve adequacy across all major business lines, which is presented to the Committee each year. The Committee discussed with the independent auditor the matters required to be discussed by applicable standards of the PCAOB. The Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditor required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the auditor’s communications with the Committee concerning independence. The Committee also discussed with the independent auditor matters relating to its independence, including consideration of whether the independent auditor’s provision of non-audit services to the company is compatible with the auditor’s independence.

In order to assure continuing auditor independence, the Committee periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of the independent auditor.

The company’s internal audit function, under the direction of the chief auditor, reports directly to the Committee, which is responsible for the oversight of the work performed by the internal auditors. The internal auditors are responsible for, among other matters, conducting internal audits designed to evaluate the company’s system of internal controls. The Committee reviewed and discussed with the company’s internal auditors, and received regular status reports from them concerning, the overall scope and plans for their audits. The Committee met with the internal auditors, with and without management present, to discuss their audit observations and findings, and management’s responses, and their evaluation of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Committee evaluates the performance of its independent auditor, including the senior audit engagement team, each year and considers whether to retain the current independent auditor or consider other audit firms. In doing so, the Committee took into consideration a number of factors, including the professional qualifications of the firm and the lead audit partner, the quality and candor of the firm’s communications with the Committee and the company, and evidence supporting the firm’s independence, objectivity, and professional skepticism. The Committee also reviewed the 20132015 PCAOB inspection report of Ernst & Young which was published in 20142016 and discussed its findings with the independent auditor. TheIn conjunction with the mandated rotation of the independent auditor’s lead engagement partner, the Committee is alsoand its chair are directly involved in the selection of the independent auditor’s lead audit


362017 PROXY STATEMENT




REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

engagement partner, including the current partner who assumed this role in 2014 after meeting with a subgroup of the Committee whereinduring which his qualifications were discussed.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  33


REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Based on this evaluation, the Committee has determined that the continued retention of Ernst & Young to serve as the company’s independent auditor is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Committee appointed Ernst & Young as the company’s independent auditor for 2015.2016. Ernst & Young has served as the company’s independent auditor since the merger of Unum and Provident in 1999, and before that served at various times as the independent auditor for the company and certain predecessor companies. Although the Committee has sole authority to appoint the independent auditor, the Committee recommended that the Board of Directors seek shareholder ratification of the appointment at the Annual Meeting as a matter of good corporate governance.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board approved, that the company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20142016 be included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2016 Audit Committee:
E. Michael Caulfield, Chair

Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.

Cynthia L. Egan

Joseph J. Echevarria
Timothy F. Keaney

Thomas Kinser

Francis J. Shammo


3420152017 PROXY STATEMENT37



COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In this section, we provide an overview of our compensation philosophy and processes, and explain how the Human Capital Committee of our Board (referenced throughout this section as the “Committee”"Committee") arrived at its compensation decisions for the below named executive officers (NEOs) for 2014,2016, all of whom are included in the 20142016 Summary Compensation Table on page 64.

Thomas R. Watjen, Chief Executive Officer(1)

72.
Richard P. McKenney, President(1)

Breege A. Farrell, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer

Michael Q. Simonds, Executive Vice President, Chief Executive Officer, Unum US

Randall C. Horn, former Executive Vice President, Colonial Life (retired March 31, 2015)

Kevin P. McCarthy, former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (retired March 31, 2014)

(1)Mr. Watjen was President and Chief Executive Officer of Unum Group until April 1, 2015. Mr. McKenney was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Unum Group until April 1, 2015. See additional details below regarding these leadership changes.

As previously announced, Mr. Watjen will retire as CEO upon the conclusion of the Annual Meeting after more than 20 years of service with the company. If re-elected as a director at the Annual Meeting, he will become non-executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. McKenney succeeded Mr. Watjen as , President effective April 1, 2015 and will assume the additional role of CEO when Mr. Watjen retires following the Annual Meeting. JackChief Executive Officer

John F. McGarry who had served as , Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Michael Q. Simonds, President and Chief Executive Officer, of our Closed Block Operations, succeeded Mr. McKenney as Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2015.

In May 2014, Mr. Horn announced his intent to retire in March 2015, after more than 10 years of service with the company. He relinquished his duties as President of Colonial Life in July 2014, when his responsibilities were assumed by TimothyUnum US

Lisa G. Arnold. Mr. Arnold assumed the responsibilities of CEO of Colonial Life when Mr. Horn stepped down from that role on December 31, 2014. Mr. Horn served as Iglesias, Executive Vice President, of Colonial Life until his retirement on March 31, 2015.

After more than 35 years of service with the company, Mr. McCarthy retired on March 31, 2014. Following his retirement, the company entered into an agreement with Mr. McCarthy to provide consulting services for the remainder of 2014. The company paid Mr. McCarthy a total of $23,400 under this arrangement.

General Counsel

Breege A. Farrell, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer
Business and Performance Review

Our Business

We are a leading provider of financial protection benefits in the United States and United Kingdom. Our products include disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental and vision insurance. These products, which are primarily offered through the workplace, include disability, life, accident and critical illness insurance and help protect millions of working people and their families from the financial hardships that can occur in the event of illness, injury, or loss of life.

Our business operations are divided into three primary segments selling products – Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life – and a Closed Block of business that includes products we service and support but no longer actively market.

2016 Performance
Unum had a very successful year in 2016 as growth accelerated and we continued to deliver consistent financial and operating performance. Positive sales and premium growth contributed to record earnings per share and our disciplined approach to running our business helped us maintain attractive profit margins and a high level of customer satisfaction. These results were achieved despite a very uncertain economic environment, including the pressure of continued low interest rates, and reflect our successful management transition as Mr. McKenney completed his first year as CEO.
Financial highlights(1) from 2016 include:
After-tax operating income of $926.2 million, based on total revenue of $11.0 billion;
Record operating earnings per share (EPS) of $3.92, a 7.7% increase from the prior year and the eleventh consecutive year of operating EPS growth;
Consolidated operating return on equity of 11.4% (15.9% in our core operating segments);
Book value per share growth of 9.3% from 2015 (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income or AOCI), the eighth consecutive year of growth; and


38
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT35





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2014 Performance

Unum delivered strong financial


Solid investment results in a difficult interest rate environment while emphasizing sound risk management and operational performancecredit quality.
Operating highlights from 2016 include:
Approximately $6.9 billion in 2014, continuingbenefits paid to people facing illness, injury, or loss of life;
Healthy growth in premium of 4.5% and solid sales growth throughout our track recordcore businesses, while maintaining our pricing and risk discipline;
Acquisition of solid profitability, consistent resultsa leading dental and returning valuevision carrier to shareholders that we have demonstrated overcomplement the past several years. We saw strong sales and premium growth for the year throughout allofferings of our core businesses. This growth, along with improvements in operating performance, partially offset the impacts to profitability we experienced due to a difficult, sustained low interest rate environment. We continued to generate excess capitalU.S. businesses;
High client satisfaction metrics that we used to strengthengenerally exceeded our businessplan benchmarks; and return value to shareholders.

LOGO

362015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Operating highlights for 2014 include:

The payment of more than $6.7 billion in benefits to people facing illness, injury or loss of life;

Overall sales growth of 17.5%, led by a 21% increase in sales for our Unum US business;

Solid premium growth throughout our core businesses;

A continued emphasis on disciplined pricing, growing sales with existing clients and improving our internal processes;

Strong client satisfaction that generally exceeded our benchmarks;

A company brand, image and reputation that remains at historically high levels; and

Recognition of our corporate citizenship efforts by several independent organizations, including being named one of Forbes Most Reputable Companies and one of America’s Greenest Companies by Newsweek, being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North American Index and being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance by Business Insurance.

A strong company brand, image, and reputation.
Our capital generation remained strong and allowed us to deploy that capital in a number of ways. For the year, we invested in our business, strengthened our long-term care reserves and paid out $159.4
Shareholders received $182.6 million in Unum dividends, including increasingrepresenting an increase in the dividend rate by 13.8%of 8.1% over the prior year. year, bringing our cumulative dividend rate increase since 2008 to 166.7%;
We also repurchased $301approximately 11.9 million worthshares at a cost of our outstanding shares,approximately $403 million, bringing our total share repurchases since 2007 to $2.8 billion. $3.6 billion; and
Our credit ratings remain high as a result of the strength of our strong balance sheet, the consistency of our earningsfavorable operating results and our continued commitmenthighly respected brand in the employee benefits market.
CAPITAL GENERATION AND DEPLOYMENT
YearShare RepurchasesDividend Rate Increase  
200910.0%
2010$356 million12.1%
2011$620 million13.5%
2012$500 million23.8%
2013$319 million11.5%
2014$301 million13.8%
2015$427 million12.1%
2016$403 million8.1%


______________________ 
(1) Operating results referenced in this document are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain specified items. For 2016, these excluded items were net realized investment gains and losses and non-operating retirement-related gains or losses. For reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures, including after-tax operating income, after-tax operating earnings per share, operating return on equity, and book value per share (excluding AOCI), to these capital generation principles.

CAPITAL GENERATION AND DEPLOYMENTthe most directly comparable GAAP measures, refer to Appendix B.

  YearShare RepurchasesDividend Increase  
  2008$700 million
  200910.0%
  2010$356 million12.1%
  2011$620 million13.5%
  2012$500 million23.8%
  2013$319 million11.5%
  2014$301 million13.8%



20152017 PROXY STATEMENT3937



COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Business Highlights

The following are 20142016 performance highlights within our primary business segments and other key areas of the company:

Unum US
unumushighlight.jpg
Our Unum US segment, representing 62.7% of our consolidated premium income in 2016, built on the momentum of the prior year. The business delivered healthy premium growth and solid sales results, along with favorable benefits experience and effective expense management. Operating income improved nicely from 2015 and our acquisition of a dental and vision carrier is poised to drive growth.
Unum UK
unumukhighlight.jpg
Our Unum UK segment, representing 6.3% of our consolidated premium income in 2016, showed continued improvement despite an uncertain economic environment due to that country's vote to leave the European Union, with double-digit sales growth and solid premium results in local currency.
Colonial Life
coloniallifehighlight.jpg
Our Colonial Life segment, representing 17.0% of our consolidated premium income in 2016, had another good year. The business delivered strong sales growth and solid premium results, along with stable benefits experience. Consistent with past years, Colonial Life continues to generate solid margins and returns.
Closed Block
Our Closed Block segment, representing 14.0% of our consolidated premium income in 2016, performed well, with a healthy increase in operating income of 8.7%. We continue to see consistent results from this block of business largely as a result of our continued investments in management resources and capabilities.
Investments
Our investment results remain solid, although we recorded lower net investment income in 2016. This was primarily due to a decline in the yield on invested assets as we continue to invest new cash flows at lower rates. 


Unum US

     0.3% decrease in operating income

     21% increase in sales

     3.2% increase in premium income

     13.5% operating return on equity

40
Our Unum US segment, representing 59.8% of our consolidated premium income in 2014, delivered strong results for the year driven by impressive sales growth, solid premium growth and favorable risk results. Operating income was slightly below last year’s level, primarily due to the low interest rate environment.
Unum UK

     12% increase in operating income

     7.2% increase in sales (GBP)

     9.1% increase in premium income

     18.3% operating return on equity

Our Unum UK segment, representing 7.8% of our consolidated premium income in 2014, showed significant improvement as a result of actions we took to address profitability. Strong sales and premium growth, coupled with favorable risk results, led to an excellent ROE and a good year for this business.
Colonial Life

     5.4% increase in operating income

     11.6% increase in sales

     3.4% increase in premium income

     16.8% operating return on equity

Our Colonial Life segment, representing 16.3% of our consolidated premium income in 2014, had a strong year with record-setting sales, strong premium growth and stable risk results. Consistent with past years, Colonial Life continues to generate solid margins and returns.
Closed Block
Our Closed Block segment performed at or above expectations last year, with solid growth of 12.1% in operating earnings. We continue to see consistent results from this block of business largely as a result of our recent investments in management resources and capabilities.
Investments
Our investment results remain solid, although we recorded lower net investment income in 2014, primarily due to a decline in yield on invested assets as we continue to invest new cash flows at lower rates. Our asset quality remains strong, with a net unrealized gain on our fixed maturity securities of $6.3 billion at December 31, 2014.

3820152017 PROXY STATEMENT





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Total Shareholder Return

Our

Unum has been a very good performer and an excellent long-term investment during one of the most challenging economic periods in memory, with a 9.76% compound annual return to shareholders over the last 10 years. In fact, our total shareholder return (TSR) comparisons vary significantly based uponhas outperformed our peers in nearly every index comparison during the time periods used and indices compared.

LOGO

On a one-year basis,last decade.

Although our performance continues to be pressured by the historically low interest rate environment, we nevertheless saw our TSR grow by more than a third during 2016. This was 1.27%,a far better performance than the S&P 500, our peers in line with the S&P Life and Health Index – the group that we believe most closely aligns with our industry – but lagging our Proxy Peer Group and the S&P 500. The uncertainty around interest rates and our long-term care business, we believe, affected investors’ views of our company and overshadowed the strong financial and operating results we achieved throughout the year. On a three- and five-year basis, we were generally in line with both S&P indices but continued to trail our Proxy Peer Group.

Over the longer term, as shown in this 10-year indexed TSR performance graph, our TSR continues to outperform our Proxy Peer Group and both S&P indices. During the financial crisis, manyaverage of our Proxy Peer Group companies saw greater declines in shareholder value(as defined on page 46) during the same time period. Over the most recent three-, five- and 10-year periods, we exceeded the TSR performance of every index group other than we experienced. These companies have since seen more dramatic increases in TSR, resulting in less favorable comparisons of Unum with these companies over the last five years. We remain pleased thatProxy Peer Group for the five-year comparison. This strong performance is due primarily to our longer-term track record ofmarket-leading positions, consistent financial returns provides attractive value to shareholders.

LOGO

underwriting and risk management discipline, and effective capital management.
tsr.jpg


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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2014 Say-on-Pay Vote

Last year’s advisory vote to approve executive compensation (or “say-on-pay” vote) passed with over 97% approval. This was higher than the previous year’s vote and included support from each of our 25 largest shareholders. We continue to strive to achieve a high level of shareholder support for our NEO compensation.

The Committee and the Board appreciate and value the views of our shareholders. In considering the results, the Committee was pleased that a significant majority of our shareholders approved the proposal, showing strong support for the Committee’s administration of our executive compensation programs.

After consideration of this voting result, the Committee continued to implement the changes it began in 2013; specifically, the expanded use of performance share units (PSUs), which are based on three-year pre-established goals, for the NEOs. Beginning with the 2015 grant, each NEO received 50% of his or her long-term incentive award in the form of PSUs (up from 25% the prior year for all NEOs other than the CEO, who already had a 50% PSU mix).

Key


Executive Compensation
Key Practices

We are committed to good corporate governance,executive compensation practices, including the following:
Pay for performance linking a majority of compensation to financial and stock price performance measures as evidenced bywell as individual performance;
Annual say-on-pay votes;
Robust stock ownership and retention requirements for senior officers and directors;
Anti-pledging and anti-hedging policies applicable to executives and directors;
Compensation recoupment policy allowing recovery of performance-based compensation paid to senior officers in the event of a material restatement of our adoptionfinancial results;
Double-trigger vesting of long-term incentives, which would only occur upon a qualifying termination following a change in control;
Independent compensation consultant to the Human Capital Committee;
Minimal perquisites; and
Elimination of golden parachute excise tax gross-ups.
2016 Say-on-Pay Vote and Shareholder Outreach
We continued our robust shareholder outreach efforts in 2016, contacting each of our top 50 investors, representing the holders of over 72% of our outstanding shares. Eight of these investors, representing 32% of our outstanding shares, accepted our invitation for engagement. Six of these investors, representing 8% of our outstanding shares, responded that a meeting was not necessary.
During meetings, shareholders provided feedback on a variety of topics. Multiple shareholders commented that they were pleased to see the proxy disclosure with respect to our engagement and responsiveness to the say-on-pay vote in 2015. Additionally, shareholders commented that they were pleased to see a robust process for Board succession along with a focus on diversity and skills needed to support our business strategy.
We did not receive any suggestions for changes to our compensation programs. In fact, the shareholders we spoke with had favorable comments about the design of our executive compensation programs and policies.
In addition to our meeting with shareholders, we also met with two large proxy advisory firms to provide an update on our shareholder engagement efforts and gain further insight into their views regarding our compensation programs and disclosure.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT42


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Below is a summary of the following practices:

key feedback we heard and our responses:
What We HeardOur Response
Provide greater insight on Board diversity and focus on diversity during recent Board refreshment effortàWe have expanded the disclosure in our Corporate Governance section to include additional information with respect to the tenure, diversity and qualifications of our board.
 (see disclosure beginning on page 26 )
Potential for director involvement in future shareholder outreach discussionsàOur Human Capital and Governance Committees are considering this feedback and expect to finalize the process in advance of our post-Annual Meeting outreach efforts.
Additional disclosure with respect to incentive plan adjustments and their impact on plan payoutsàWe have expanded our disclosure with respect to the incentive plan adjustments to provide additional details about the impact of such adjustments.
 Pay for performance;(see disclosure beginning on page 57)
Continue to provide disclosure with respect to feedback from shareholder outreach meetings and how we are respondingàSee the information provided or referenced in this section.

Annual say-on-pay votes;

Robust stock ownership and retention requirements for senior officers and directors;

Anti-pledging and anti-hedging policies applicable to executives and directors;

Double-trigger vesting of long-term incentives which would only occur upon termination following a change in control;

Independent compensation consultant to the Human Capital Committee;

Minimal perquisites; and

No new excise tax gross-ups since 2010.

Compensation Program Structure and Committee Decisions

Our executive compensation philosophy is designed to reward performance that helps us achieve our corporate objectives, increase shareholder return, and attract and retain talented individuals. We do this by:

Offering base salaries that reflect the competitive market as well as the roles, skills, abilities, experience and performance of employees;

Providing incentive opportunities for all employees based on the achievement of corporate and individual performance goals; and

Aligning the long-term interests of management and shareholders by offering performance-based equity compensation opportunities and requiring senior officers to own a specified value of shares and retain equity awards for a specified period of time after vesting. This practice also promotes a culture of ownership and accountability in the company.

402015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Offering base salaries that reflect the competitive market as well as the roles, skills, abilities, experience, and performance of employees;
Providing incentive opportunities for all employees based on the achievement of corporate and individual performance goals; and
Aligning the long-term interests of management and shareholders by offering performance-based equity compensation opportunities and requiring senior officers to own a specified value of shares and retain equity awards for a specified period of time after vesting. These practices also promote a culture of ownership and accountability in the company.
Elements of Pay

There are five primary elements of pay in our executive compensation program, which are summarized in the table below.

following table.

Those pay elements that are “at"at risk," or contingent onupon individual or corporate performance, are noted in the table below. Our NEOs, as the most senior officers of the company, have a majority of their targeted total direct compensation (includes(consisting of fixed salary and variable annual and long-term incentive awards), at risk. This design creates an incentive for achievement of performance goals (short- and long-term) and aligns the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders. For 2014,2016, 88% of Mr. Watjen’sMcKenney’s targeted total direct compensation was at risk. For the remaining NEOs, (except Mr. McCarthy who retired on March 31, 2014), an average of 70% of their aggregate targeted total direct compensation was at risk.



PAY ELEMENTS

Annual base salary432017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

PAY ELEMENTS
Annual base salary
To provide a fixed amount of compensation that is reflective of the market for similar jobs as well as individual skills, abilities, and performance. Aligns with our compensation philosophy of attracting and retaining talented individuals.

Annual incentive awards (at risk)
To motivate executives to achieve short-term corporate financial goals as well as individual objectives. This form of compensation is paid in cash based on the achievement of corporate and individual achievementgoals and aligns with our compensation philosophy of rewarding performance in the achievement of short-term corporate objectives.

Long-term incentive awards (at risk)
To motivate long-term performance and align the interests of management and shareholders. This form of compensation is awarded in performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) based on a corporate earnings threshold and individual performance. Additionally, the PSU vesting is based on achievement over a three-year performance period, of prospective corporate financial goals, modified by relative total shareholder return. This aligns with our compensation philosophy of rewarding long-term performance, increasing total shareholder return, and attracting and retaining talented individuals.
Retirement and workplace benefits
To provide a competitive overall compensation program that addresses health, welfare, and retirement needs of executives and other employees. Aligns with our compensation philosophy of attracting and retaining talented individuals.

Perquisites and other personal benefits
Most perquisites were eliminated as of 2008. The limited perquisites we currently offer are in support of a specific business purpose or a pre-existing contractual arrangement.purpose.

Roles of the Committee, Executive Officers and Consultants

The Committee, CEO, and compensation consultant each have important roles in our compensation program. The Committee, with input from the CEO, and compensation consultant, has the final authority to:

Evaluate, design and administer a compensation program for executive officers that appropriately links pay, company and individual performance, and the creation of shareholder value;

Establish performance goals and certify whether they have been attained;

Review the performance of the CEO, with input from the full Board, and determine his compensation; and

Determine compensation for each of the other NEOs.

Evaluate, design, and administer a compensation program for executive officers that appropriately links pay, company and individual performance, and the creation of shareholder value;
Establish performance goals and certify whether they have been attained;
Review the performance of the CEO, with input from the full Board, and determine his compensation; and
Determine compensation for each of the other NEOs.
The CEO provides to the Committee:

A self-assessment outlining his own performance for the year;
Performance assessments and compensation recommendations for executives who report directly to him, which includes all of the NEOs; and


44
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT41





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

A self-assessment outlining his own performance for the year;

Performance assessments and compensation recommendations for executives who report directly to him, which includes all of the NEOs except Ms. Farrell, who reported to Mr. McKenney for all of 2014 and continues to do so in 2015 (Mr. McKenney provided an assessment and compensation recommendation for Ms. Farrell); and

His perspective on the business environment and the company’s performance.


His perspective on the business environment and the company’s performance.
The CEO does not participate in any decisions related to his own compensation.

Pay Governance LLC, as independent compensation consultant to the Committee, provides objective, expert analyses, independent advice, and comparative data across peer companies on executive and director compensation. Pay Governance reports directly to the Committee, which is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention, and oversight of the work performed by the consultant. A senior representative of the compensation consultant generally attends Committee meetings, participates in executive sessions of the Committee without management present, and communicates directly with Committee members outside of meetings. Management interacts with the compensation consultant only when doing so on behalf of the Committee or concerning proposals the Committee will review for approval.

The Committee has adopted a policy requiring that its compensation consultant be independent. During 2014,2016, the Committee completed its annual assessment of the independence of Pay Governance, taking into account the following factors:

Compliance with the Committee’s independence policy;

Other services, if any, provided to the company by the consultant;

The amount of fees paid by the company to the consultant as a percentage of the consultant’s total revenues;

Any business or personal relationships between the consultant (including its representatives) and the company’s directors or senior officers; and

The policies and procedures the consultant has in place to prevent conflicts of interest, which includes a prohibition against stock ownership in the company.

Compliance with the Committee’s independence policy;
Other services, if any, provided to the company by the consultant;
The amount of fees paid by the company to the consultant as a percentage of the consultant’s total revenues;
Any business or personal relationships between the consultant (including its representatives) and the company’s directors or senior officers; and
The policies and procedures the consultant has in place to prevent conflicts of interest, which include a prohibition against stock ownership in the company.
Pay Governance has attested to its independence and does not provide any services to the company other than those related to director and executive compensation consulting. Fees paid to Pay Governance for such services provided in 20142016 totaled $167,109.

$130,773.

Based on its assessment, the Committee concluded that the compensation consultantPay Governance is independent under the Committee’s policy and that the compensation consultant’sPay Governance's work has not raised any conflict of interest.

The company’s finance, human resources, and legal staff, including the chief financial officer,Chief Financial Officer, support the Committee in its work. Employees from these departments discuss various executive compensation topics with the Committee and its compensation consultant,Pay Governance, including how compensation plans fit in with other programs and business objectives. Although these staff members may make recommendations, the final decision on all executive compensation matters rests solely with the Committee.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT45


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Compensation Benchmarking

The Committee compares the compensation of our named executive officers to the median pay of executives in similar positions at peer companies. By targeting each pay element to the approximate median of the applicable comparator group (as described below), we ensure that the balance among the elements is competitive, while at the same time allowing company and individual performance to determine a majority of the compensation received by our NEOs. Overall, these benchmarking comparisons are used as points of reference and are secondary to the primary factors considered by the Committee when making compensation decisions. The primary factors are: company performance; individual performance; the executive’s level of responsibility;responsibility and tenure; internal equity considerations; the creation of shareholder value; our executive compensation philosophy; and the results of the most recent shareholder say-on-pay vote.

422015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The two sources used by the Committee for benchmarking executive compensation are:

For CEO and CFO compensation, a proxy peer group comprised of insurance and financial services companies that are either our business competitors or primary competitors for talent (the "Proxy Peer Group"). The Proxy Peer Group is also a reference for compensation programs and practices. The composition of the Proxy Peer Group is determined by the Committee and reviewed annually as outlined below; and
For the compensation of our other NEOs, the Willis Towers Watson Diversified Insurance Study of Executive Compensation (Diversified Insurance Study). This source is used because responsibilities of our other NEOs may not be directly comparable with those of named executives at other companies in the Proxy Peer Group.
In addition to benchmarking executive compensation, the Committee uses a subset of the Proxy Peer Group (which we refer to as the "PSU Peer Group") for purposes of measuring relative TSR for our PSU awards (see page 56 for details on these awards). This subset is selected because they are considered to be direct business competitors of Unum.
The Committee evaluates the composition of the Proxy Peer Group every year. Peer companies are determined based on five primary criteria (life and health GICS code; reasonable range of: assets, revenues, and market capitalization; and competition with Unum for talent and/or market share). Based on the most recent peer review in August 2016, on average, the companies in the Proxy Peer Group met three of the five criteria. Overall, Unum is at 53% of the median asset level and approximately 90% of the revenue median (as of the 12 months ended March 31, 2016). Additionally, eight of the 14 peers (57%) selected Unum as a peer for compensation benchmarking purposes in their 2016 proxy statements.
During its annual Proxy Peer Group analysis in August 2016, the Committee determined to remove Assurant, Aon, and Marsh & McLennan from the Proxy Peer Group for 2017. Aon and Marsh & McLennan were removed due to their continued expansion outside of the traditional insurance business and Assurant was removed following the sale of their employee benefits and supplemental health and small lines insurance businesses. The Committee concluded that the changes to their business models makes them less relevant competitors for executive talent. Furthermore, the Committee considered other insurance and financial services companies with its consultant, Pay Governance, and determined that no companies were appropriate for inclusion in the Proxy Peer Group at the time. The effect of these changes to the Proxy Peer Group was a 5% reduction in median CEO targeted total direct compensation.


 46For CEO and CFO compensation, a proxy peer group comprised of insurance and financial services companies that are either our business competitors or primary competitors for talent (Proxy Peer Group). The Proxy Peer Group is also a reference for compensation programs and practices. The composition of the Proxy Peer Group is determined by the Committee and reviewed annually as outlined below.2017 PROXY STATEMENT

For the compensation of our other NEOs, the Towers Watson Diversified Insurance Study of Executive Compensation (Diversified Insurance Study). This source is used because responsibilities of our other NEOs may not be directly comparable with those of named executives at other companies in the Proxy Peer Group.





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following table lists the companies in the ProxyDiversified Insurance Study (DIS), PSU Peer Group and the Diversified Insurance Study.

Proxy Peer Group.

BENCHMARKING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Proxy Peer Group Indicators(1)(2)
Company
DIS
Survey
Partici-
pant(1)
PSU
Peer
Group(3)
2016 
Proxy 
Peer Group 
Life &
Health
GICS
0.4x to 2.5x
Unum
Revenues
0.4x to 2.5x
Unum
Assets
0.5x to 5.0x
Unum Market
Capitalization
List
 Unum
as a
Peer
Aflac
AIG   
Allstate
Aon
Assurant
AXA Group
Cigna
CNO Financial
Genworth Financial
Guardian Life
Hartford Financial Services
John Hancock
Lincoln Financial
Marsh & McLennan
Massachusetts Mutual
MetLife
Nationwide
New York Life
Northwestern Mutual
One America Financial
Pacific Life
Phoenix Companies
Principal Financial
Prudential Financial
Reinsurance Group of America
Securian Financial
Sun Life Financial
Thrivent Financial
TIAA-CREF
Torchmark
Transamerica
USAA
Voya Financial


Aetna

Aflac

Aon

Assurant

Cigna

2017 PROXY STATEMENT

CNO Financial

Genworth Financial

Hartford Financial Services

Humana

Lincoln Financial

Marsh & McLennan

MetLife

Principal Financial

Protective Life

Prudential Financial

Stancorp Financial

Torchmark

Diversified Insurance Study47 


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Aflac

AIG

Allstate

AXA Group

Cigna

CNO Financial

Genworth Financial

Guardian Life

Hartford Financial Services

ING

John Hancock

Lincoln Financial Massachusetts Mutual

MetLife

Nationwide

New York Life

Northwestern Mutual

One America Financial

Pacific Life

Phoenix Companies

Principal Financial

Prudential Financial

Securian Financial

Sun Life Financial

Thrivent Financial

TIAA-CREF

Transamerica

USAA

(1)
For compensation decisions made in early 2014,2016, benchmarking comparisons were made using the 2013 Diversified Insurance Study2016 Proxy Peer Group and the 2013 Proxy Peer Group.2015 DIS (the latest data available at the time). Although Unum participates in the Diversified Insurance Study,DIS, we are excluded from this table. Both peer groupsThe number of participants in the DIS remained the same for purposes of all 2014 compensation decisions.as the prior year.
(2)
The Proxy Peer Group includes both property and casualty insurers and life and health insurers, with Unum’s assets equal to 109%57% of the peer median as of December 31, 2013,2015, and our revenue at 87%92% of the peer median for the year ended December 31, 2013.2015. Unum is not part of the Proxy Peer Group.

The Committee evaluates the composition of the Proxy Peer Group every year. In 2014, the peer companies were determined based on five primary criteria (life and health GICS code; reasonable range of: assets; revenues; market capitalization; and whether they compete with Unum for talent and/or market share). Based on the review in 2014, on average, the peer companies met three of the five criteria. Overall, Unum is above the median asset level and approximately 84% of the revenue median. Additionally, 11 of the 17 peers (65%) selected Unum as a peer for compensation benchmarking purposes in their 2014 proxy statements.

The Committee last conducted its annual proxy peer group analysis in August 2014. At the meeting the Committee determined that Protective Life, as a result of being acquired and taken private, will not be included in the Proxy Peer Group for future compensation decisions. Furthermore, the Committee considered other insurance and financial services companies with its consultant, Pay Governance, LLC, and determined that Reinsurance Group of America, a company that the Committee believes closely matches the criteria above based on its discussion and analysis with its consultant in the August meeting, will be added to the Proxy Peer Group.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  (3)43
This peer group will be used for the relative TSR comparison under the 2016 PSU grant. These companies are our direct competitors, are generally followed by the same sell-side research analysts, and generally compete with us for talent.


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Since the group contains a dispersion of companies (7 proxy peers are larger than Unum based on assets; 9 are smaller), annual sensitivity tests are performed to understand the impact of both larger and smaller peers on median CEO compensation levels. For the tests conducted in 2014, excluding the two smallest and two largest peers for testing purposes had no impact on CEO targeted total direct compensation (TDC). An additional sensitivity test was conducted using a common statistical approach known as regression analysis. Regression analysis considers the correlation between two factors (e.g., compensation and asset or revenue size) and is commonly used to adjust compensation data to remove the effects of company size. A regression analysis that considers the correlation between asset size and compensation yielded a TDC level that was 10% less than the median TDC. A regression analysis that considers the correlation between revenue and compensation yielded a TDC that was 17% less than the median.

Individual Performance Assessments

The Committee uses individual performance assessments as a factor in its determination of compensation for each NEO. Individual performance is measured against the leadership criteria and Board assessment goal areas described in the table below, as well as the common performance goals outlined on the following page. Collectively, these can be used to adjust earned annual incentive and long-term incentive awards between 0% and 125%.

Evaluation Criteria

In evaluating how effectively each NEO met the leadership criteria, the Committee considers:

Company performance;

For the CEO, the Board’s assessment of Mr. Watjen’s performance, as well as Mr. Watjen’s self-assessment of his own performance;

For NEOs other than the CEO, the CEO’s and CFO’s performance assessments of the NEOs that report to them. For each individual, the performance assessment includes a self-assessment and performance feedback using a combination of the individual’s direct manager, peers, direct reports and other partners; and

Written assessments by all Board members of each NEO against the stated goals in the areas listed in the table below.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS

considered:
Company performance;
For the CEO, the Board’s assessment of his performance, as well as his self-assessment;
For NEOs other than the CEO, the performance assessments of the NEOs. For each individual, the performance assessment is based on a combination of performance feedback from the individual’s direct manager (the CEO), peers, direct reports, and other partners, as well as the individual’s self-assessment; and
Written assessments by all Board members of each NEO against the stated goals in the areas listed in the table below.
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS
Leadership Criteria Board Assessment Goal Areas

    Delivers results

  Strategic planning

    Builds organizational talent

  Demonstrated performance

    Makes effective decisions

●    Creates business and enterprise value
●    Engages employees in the corporate vision
●    Adheres to the company's values

●    Leadership
●    Strategic planning, succession planning and leadership development
●    Demonstrated performance
    Building and sustaining a high-functioning organization and team

  Creates business and enterprise value

    Humility and ego maturity

  Engages employees in the corporate vision

    Statesmanship

  Adheres to the company’s values

    Balance of putting the company first with appropriate self-care and resilience

    Ability to balance complex and competing factors

    Commitment to the enterprise as well asand their business unit

●    Board relations



444820152017 PROXY STATEMENT





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2014


2016 Performance Assessment and Highlights

As noted above, the named executive officers’

The NEOs’ achievement levels, for purposes of the 2016 annual incentive paid in 2014March 2017 and long-term incentive awards granted in February 2015,March 2017, were determined in part based on the following common performance goals. Each common performance goal has specific areas of focus for each executiveNEO and his or her respective business areas.

2014 COMMON PERFORMANCE GOALS

Achieve the business and financial objectives the Board approved for the company, which includes the following areas of focus:

2016 COMMON PERFORMANCE GOALS
Achieve the business and financial objectives the Board approved for the company, which includes the following areas of focus: 
●    Positioning each business to leverage currentdeliver planned results and capitalize on market positions and opportunities
●    Appropriately redeploying the company’s excess capital
●    Continuing to considermanage the plans of the company on an integrated basis
Deepen the management talent and develop additional centers of excellenceemployee engagement throughout the company:

Deepen the management talent and employee engagement throughout the company:

●    Strengthen the CEO and senior executive teamleadership succession plan
Build organizational depth throughout the company
●    Maintain a high level of employee engagement in all businesses
●    Continue to take actions to assure that our workforce diversity matches that of our key stakeholders

Continue to develop the culture and values of the company at all levels which includes:

Continue to develop the culture and values of the company at all levels which includes:
●    Ethics and compliance
●    Social responsibility
●    Risk management

Further enhance the image and reputation of the company:

Build on the image and reputation of the company with key constituents:
●    Including with regulators, media and public policy makers
Develop the office of the CEO (for Mr. McKenney only):
●    Visibility across the employee base
●    Visibility with investors, regulators and media
●    Continued development of strong relationships between the Board and management
●    Work closely with Chairman and Lead Independent Director through Board transition

Based on the above criteria, the Committee assessed the individual performance of our NEOs and awarded each an individual performance percentage. These percentages were used to calculate the final payout of 20142016 annual incentives and long-term incentive awards granted in 2015,2017, as described later in this section.

Individual performance highlights for each NEO, and their respective awarded performance percentages, are included below:

Thomas R. Watjen

Chief Executive Officer

In assessing Mr. Watjen’s performance for 2014, the Committee noted that he:



Achieved substantially all of the company’s business objectives, with each segment meeting or exceeding its goals for the year. This resulted in operating earnings per share growth of 6.9%, which is the ninth consecutive year of operating earnings per share growth;

Maintained a strong balance sheet and capital position. The company returned capital to shareholders by increasing the dividend for the sixth successive year and repurchasing $301 million in outstanding shares in 2014, for a total of $2.8 billion in share repurchases since 2007;

Deepened the talent level throughout the organization while maintaining consistently high company performance. Because of Mr. Watjen’s significant focus on leading a very effective succession planning process, we have seen most of the senior leadership team assume new roles over the past five years;

20152017 PROXY STATEMENT4945



COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Further strengthened the company’s culture and values, with a particular emphasis on ethics, risk management and social responsibility; and

Further enhanced the already solid brand and image of the organization with our customers, brokers, regulators, public officials and the communities in which we operate.

Given the significant accomplishments noted above, the Committee agreed that increased targets for Mr. Watjen’s 2014 annual incentive award and 2015 long-term incentive award produced year-over-year increases in pay that fully reflected his strong 2014 performance.


Richard P. McKenney

President and Former Chief FinancialExecutive Officer

In assessing Mr. McKenney’s performance for 2014,2016, the Committee noted that he:

Achieved substantially all of the company’s financial objectives, with each business segment meeting or exceeding its goals for the year. As noted above, this resulted in operating earnings per share growth of 6.9%, which is the ninth consecutive year of operating earnings per share growth;

Maintained a strong balance sheet and capital position, which allowed the company to further invest in the growth of our businesses while also returning capital to shareholders through dividend increases and share repurchases;

Effectively led the company’s operating committee and further deepened his involvement with our business segments at all levels;

Strengthened the talent and effectiveness of the finance organization, as well as contributed to talent development efforts throughout the broader enterprise; and

Further enhanced the company culture of high performance, disciplined execution and responsibility to all of our stakeholders

Led the company to record levels of financial performance in 2016 with above-plan results across most financial metrics;
Maintained a strong balance sheet and capital position. Most capital metrics were better than plan, allowing us to continue to invest in our business, fund an acquisition, and return capital to shareholders through dividend increases and share repurchases;
Demonstrated effective leadership in his first full year as CEO, and has been highly visible driving his vision for performance, change management and culture across the enterprise;
Completed an acquisition of a dental and vision insurer in the U.S., which further strengthens our market presence and positions us well for the future; and
Made significant progress developing and executing the company's long-term Closed Block strategy.
Given these accomplishments and the company’s overall performance achievement of 115%, the Committee awarded Mr. McKenney an individual performance percentage of 105% for his 2016 annual incentive award and 105% as the individual performance modifier for his long-term incentive award granted in March 2017.
John F. McGarry
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
In assessing Mr. McGarry’s performance for 2016, the Committee noted that he:
Provided strong leadership as the company exceeded most financial objectives, with each business segment generally meeting or exceeding its goals for the year;
Maintained a strong capital position, which allowed the company to continue to invest in the growth of the business, fund an acquisition in the U.S., and return capital to shareholders through dividend increases and share repurchases;
Successfully established the necessary processes to drive financial planning, monitoring and reporting. He appropriately balanced basic finance operations with a strategic focus on broader issues;
Worked closely with the Finance leadership team to drive change, strengthen talent and create a more efficient organization; and
Continued to take on a more visible role, representing the company with the investment community.
Given these accomplishments, the Committee applied an individual performance percentage of 120%110% for Mr. McKenney’s 2014McGarry’s 2016 annual incentive award. Hisaward and 111% as the individual performance modifier for his long-term incentive award granted in February 2015 was set at $3 million, which represents a prorated target for the portion of the year that he will serve asMarch 2017.


502017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Michael Q. Simonds
Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Breege A. Farrell

Chief Investment Officer,

Unum US

In assessing Ms. Farrell’sMr. Simonds’ performance for 2014,2016, the Committee noted that he:
Led Unum US to excellent financial results, including record levels of before-tax operating income;
Delivered strong premium growth and solid sales results, while maintaining risk and pricing discipline. Premium growth was 5.7%, continuing a strong trend over the last several years;
Directed the negotiations and closing of and integration following the Starmount transaction, which positions the company well for future growth;
Continued to focus on talent development across the enterprise; and
Represented the company with a variety of outside stakeholders, including shareholders, regulators, customers and brokers.
Given these accomplishments, the Committee applied an individual performance percentage of 110% for Mr. Simonds’ 2016 annual incentive award and 111% as the individual performance modifier for his long-term incentive award granted in March 2017.
Lisa G. Iglesias
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
In assessing Ms. Iglesias’ performance for 2016, the Committee noted that she:

Achieved solid results in a difficult long-term investment environment;

Operating within the company’s risk tolerances, the Investment department maintained the strong overall credit quality of the portfolio;

Continued to strengthen partnerships with our business segments to ensure the company’s investment strategy fully aligns with our business objectives;

Strengthened the effectiveness of the Investment organization through an emphasis on talent development and succession planning; and

Further leveraged her strong connections and respect throughout the investment community, adding to our knowledge and understanding of investment trends and outlooks.

Provided effective leadership for the legal department in the role of General Counsel;
Continued to execute significant changes in the legal organization to better align her team with the needs of the business;
Produced strong performance with most indicators on track for the year, and delivered several items not on the original plan, including the Starmount acquisition;
Developed solid linkages with the Board and effectively supported the Board and governance process; and
Utilized her considerable legal and public company expertise to move the organization forward.
Given these accomplishments, the Committee applied an individual performance percentage of 100% for Ms. Farrell’s 2014Iglesias’ 2016 annual incentive award and 100% as the individual performance modifier for her long-term incentive award granted in February 2015.

March 2017.


4620152017 PROXY STATEMENT51



COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Michael Q. SimondsBreege A. Farrell

Executive Vice President, Chief ExecutiveInvestment Officer of Unum US

In assessing Mr. Simonds’Ms. Farrell’s performance for 2014,2016, the Committee noted that he:

Led Unum US to strong financial results, achieving all of our goals despite a difficult interest rate environment;

Delivered exceptional sales and solid premium growth. Unum US sales increased 21%, while premium earnings increased 3.2%;

Aggressively promoted the importance of talent development across the enterprise, specifically in our efforts to attract and retain new talent, develop leadership from within the company and in our commitment to diversity;

Effectively balanced near-term operating performance and results with long-term strategic planning, which positions Unum US for future success; and

Expanded his outreach and effectiveness in his new role with a variety of outside stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, regulators and brokers.

she: 

Achieved positive results despite a continued difficult investment environment, which included stress in the energy sector early in the year as well as sharply lower interest rates throughout much of the year;
Remained disciplined in asset selection and maintained the overall strong credit quality of the portfolio;
Partnered effectively with the business segment owners to ensure we have appropriate alignment between products and investments;
Continued to build and enhance talent and depth within the investment team; and
Continued to have a strong external focus on industry trends, helping us to take advantage of market opportunities.
Given these accomplishments, the Committee applied an individual performance percentage of 115%100% for Mr. Simonds’ 2014Ms. Farrell’s 2016 annual incentive award and 120%105% as the individual performance modifier for hisher long-term incentive award granted in February 2015.

Randall C. Horn

Former Chief Executive Officer of Colonial Life (retired March 31, 2015)

In assessing Mr. Horn’s performance for 2014, the Committee noted that he:

Led Colonial Life to strong financial results. The Colonial Life business achieved all of its financial and operating goals for the year;

Delivered exceptional sales and strong premium growth. Colonial Life sales increased a record 11.6%, while premium earnings increased 3.4%;

Effectively executed a planned leadership transition in Colonial Life and positioned the company well for his retirement in 2015;

Continued to develop strategic partnerships within the company to leverage enterprise capabilities and achieve operational efficiencies; and

Represented both Colonial Life and the broader enterprise effectively with customers, brokers, the Columbia community and other key stakeholders.

Given these accomplishments, the Committee applied an individual performance percentage of 120% for Mr. Horn’s 2014 annual incentive award. He did not receive a long-term incentive award in February 2015 due to his retirement on March 31, 2015.

Kevin P. McCarthy

Former Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (retired March 31, 2014)

In assessing Mr. McCarthy’s performance for 2014, the Committee noted that he:

Set the foundation, in his role as Chief Operating Officer prior to his March 2014 retirement, for our strong operational results;

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  47


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Positioned the Unum US business for continued success through a successful leadership transition upon his retirement;

Continued to represent the company with a variety of external constituents, including shareholders, customers, regulators and the communities where we have significant locations;

Embedded the principles of disciplined growth and consistent execution through his long-term leadership of Unum US, positioning that business segment for ongoing success; and

Provided strong leadership that produced steady and consistently strong results during his tenure in senior management.

Given these accomplishments, the Committee applied an individual performance percentage of 125% for Mr. McCarthy’s 2014 annual incentive award. This modifier was applied to Mr. McCarthy’s eligible earnings for 2014 prior to his March 31, 2014 retirement. Because of his retirement in March 2014, he was not eligible for a long-term incentive award in February 2015.

2017.

Company Performance Targets

Each year, the Committee sets targets for several performance measures that are used to calculate annual and long-term incentive awards. Performance measures and their respective targets are established for the company as a whole as well as for each of our principal operating business units,segments, and weightings are assigned to each performance measure based on its relative importance to the company or business unit.

segment.

The performance targets are aligned with the company’s primary business objectives:
Strong operational performance
Disciplined growth
Effective risk management
Consistent capital generation
The performance goals in our incentive plans are a direct output of our business plans which are approved by the Board each year.
The business plans and the associated metrics carefully balance the current performance of the business and the risk appetite of the enterprise with an appropriate amount of stretch designed to drive consistent growth and improvement. In addition, the Committee considered external economic factors including: (1) the overall economic growth rate, (2) employment and wage growth which impacts our overall premium levels, and (3) the interest rate and investment environment which can have a significant impact on our overall profit margins.


522017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

While the absolute year-over-year goals for most of the performance metrics generally increase, there are instances where a performance goal for the year may be below or equivalent to the prior year goal, based on pressures in each of the identified factors above. Our 2016 annual incentive target for after-tax operating income and our 2016 long-term incentive target for operating return on equity (ROE) were each below the level of the comparable prior year metric. This was due to the continued low interest rate environment and increases in statutory capital requirements rather than lower operational expectations.
In setting the business plans and performance metrics, a number of sensitivity tests are run to determine the possible upside and downside scenarios to the plan. These scenarios are reviewed to be certain we have the appropriate degree of rigor in the plan. We set challenging business plans and performance measures to ensure that their achievement will drive long-term value for shareholders.
Once the performance measures are established, the incentive payout targets are set to appropriately reward performance above the targets and to penalize results that are below target.
Generally, the payout range for each annual incentive performance measure is set based on what is appropriate for the variability of the metric. For example, the payout range for after-tax operating income and ROE begins at achieving 75% of target with a 0% payout for achieving less than 75% of target. Performance which is 100% of the target will equate to a 100% payout, while achieving 115% of target will result in a 200% payout for that performance measure. The payout range for earned premium begins at achieving 85% of target and ranges to 120% of target. The actual ranges for each performance metric can be determined from the table on page 55. While the payout range for each metric is 0 - 200%, the overall plan maximum payout is 150%. Our incentive plans are subject to an annual risk assessment by our chief risk officer, which is discussed with the Committee as described on page 32.
The ROE performance measure is used under both our annual and long-term incentive plans. The Committee has concluded that ROE is one of the most important metrics for shareholders, over both a near-term and an extended timeframe. The Committee believes that using this metric in incentive plans that pay out over both one-year and three-year periods encourages executives to focus on both short- and long-term results. The Committee also believes that any risk of overemphasizing ROE in the annual and long-term incentive plans is avoided by assigning it only a 20% weighting for the Unum Group annual incentive performance measure and by weighting it equally with another performance measure (in recent years, average after-tax operating earnings per share) with further adjustment based on relative TSR for PSUs awarded under our long-term incentive plan.
Prior to 2016, consolidated ROE was included as an annual performance measure for Unum Group but not for the individual business segments. Effective in 2016, the consolidated ROE metric was included as a performance measure for each business segment.
For 2016, a change was made to Unum Group's annual performance measures to replace the prior business area composite metric with individual metrics for earned premium, sales, services, and operating expense ratio for the core operating business segments. Additionally, for the business segments, beginning in 2016, we are measuring the quality of our customers’ experiences from their point of view, focusing on a few specific areas that we know most directly impact customer loyalty and satisfaction. For this reason, we renamed the service performance measure "customer experience."


2017 PROXY STATEMENT53


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The changes to the annual performance measures for Unum Group and the business segments are designed to create consistency among the plan metrics which should provide better alignment between the business segments and overall company performance.
Incentive Funding Performance Requirement

Our annual and long-term incentive plans do not pay out unlessare conditioned on the company achievesachieving a specified level of performance. We apply an incentive funding performance requirement because we believe employees and officers should receive incentive awards only after our shareholders and creditors are paid. Additionally, the company intends that meeting this incentive funding performance requirement will allow the company to retain certain deductions in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”"Code"). However, the Committee retains discretion to pay compensation that is not deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code, and it is possible that compensation intended to qualify for exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code may not so qualify if all requirements for the “qualified performance-based compensation” exemption are not met.

For 2014, the

The Annual Incentive Plan specifies a performance requirement established by the Committee to fund the annual and long-term incentive plans wasof $250 million of statutory after-tax operating earnings which is more thanto fund the plan. At the time the plan was established, this was approximately enough to cover dividends to shareholders and after-tax interest on our recourse debt. For 2016, the Committee established the same performance requirement to fund grants under the long-term incentive plan. Funds used to attain the performance requirement wereare derived from statutory after-tax operating earnings and other sources of cash flow available from the company’s insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries.
The company successfully achieved the 2014 performance requirement for funding the 20142016 annual incentive awards and the long-term incentive grants made in February 2015. A portion of the long-term incentive granted for each NEO was converted to performance share units (PSUs), which will vest dependent upon achievement of three-year (2015-2017) pre-established average earnings per share and average return on equity goals, modified (up to +/-20%) based on Unum’s relative total shareholder return as described below.

March 2017.

Annual Incentive Targets

Depending on their role in the company, our NEOs’the annual incentive awards of our NEOs are tied in various ways to the performance of Unum Group and its business units. The annual incentive awards of Messrs. Watjen,Mr. McKenney, Mr. McGarry and McCarthyMs. Iglesias are based entirely on Unum Group performance. For Ms. Farrell,business unit executives 25% of hertheir award is based on Unum Group performance and 75% is based on Investments performance. For Mr. Simonds, 25% of his award is based on

482015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Unum Grouptheir business unit’s performance (Investments for Ms. Farrell and 75% is based on Unum US performance. Forfor Mr. Horn, 25% of his award is based on Unum Group performance and 75% is based on Colonial Life performance.Simonds). The following table outlines thesethe targets for annual incentives awarded for 20142016 performance and how the company and business units performed against those targets in 2014.

2014 ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARD PERFORMANCE TARGETS ($S/£S IN MILLIONS)

 

    Performance Measure

  Component
Weighting
  Threshold(1)  Target  Maximum  Actual    

 

Unum Group

 

          

After-tax operating income(2)

  40%  $684.8  $913.1  $1,050.1  $910.4

Business area composite(3)

  40%  75.0%  100%  115%  105%

Return on equity(4)

  20%  8.22%  10.96%  12.60%  11.40%

 

Unum US

 

          

Before-tax operating income(5)

  40%  $615.4  $879.1  $1,054.9  $856.3

Earned premium

  20%  $3,905.8  $4,595.1  $5,514.1  $4,659.7

Sales

  15%  $600.3  $800.4  $1,120.6  $902.1

Service(6)

  15%  90%  100%  150%  106%

Operating expense ratio

  10%  21.94%  19.94%  17.94%  20.30%

 

Colonial Life

 

          

Before-tax operating income(5)

  40%  $203.0  $290.0  $348.0  $300.2

Earned premium

  20%  $1,082.6  $1,273.6  $1,528.3  $1,273.7

Sales

  15%  $289.5  $386.0  $540.4  $410.1

Service(6)

  15%  90%  100%  150%  102%

Operating expense ratio

  10%  18.25%  16.25%  14.25%  16.60%

 

Unum UK

 

          

Before-tax operating income(5)

  40%  £62.9  £89.8  £107.8  £89.8

Earned premium

  20%  £304.5  £358.2  £429.8  £368.6

Sales

  15%  £38.2  £50.9  £71.3  £51.9

Service(6)

  15%  90%  100%  150%  106%

Operating expense ratio

  10%  22.91%  20.91%  18.91%  21.70%

 

Investments

 

          

Net Investment Income(7)

  50%  $2,430.7  $2,555.7  $2,680.7  $2,540.6

Avoided Losses(8)

  25%  ($100.0)  $2.5  $150.0  $5.0

Market Composite(9)

  25%  83%  100%  175%  105%

2016.


54
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT49





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


2016 ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARD PERFORMANCE TARGETS AND RESULTS ($s/£s IN MILLIONS)
Performance Measure
Component
Weighting
Threshold(1)
TargetMaximumActual    
 
Unum Group
     
After-tax operating income(2)
35%$662.1$882.8$1,015.2$926.2
Consolidated operating return on equity(3)
20%8.14%10.86%12.48%11.4%
Customer experience(4)
10%270%300%450%309%
Earned premium(5)
15%$6,101.2$7,165.8$8,613.5$7,187.3
Sales10%$1,151.9$1,534.1$2,150.3$1,511.9
Operating expense ratio(6)
10%20.74%18.74%16.74%18.64%
 
Unum US
     
Before-tax operating income(7)
35%$605.6$865.1$1,038.1$914.2
Consolidated operating return on equity(3)
10%8.14%10.86%12.48%11.4%
Customer experience(4)
15%90%100%150%103%
Earned premium15%$4,431.9$5,214.0$6,256.8$5,240.9
Sales15%$734.7$979.6$1,371.4$943.8
Operating expense ratio(6)
10%21.22%19.22%17.22%19.00%
 
Colonial Life
     
Before-tax operating income(7)
35%$221.5$316.4$379.7$314.2
Consolidated operating return on equity(3)
10%8.14%10.86%12.48%11.4%
Customer experience(4)
15%90%100%150%101%
Earned premium15%$1,196.3$1,407.4$1,688.9$1,417.1
Sales15%$352.5$470.0$658.0$483.6
Operating expense ratio(6)
10%18.53%16.53%14.53%16.65%
 
Unum UK
     
Before-tax operating income(7)
35%£67.5£96.4£115.7£94.8
Consolidated operating return on equity(3)
10%8.14%10.86%12.48%11.4%
Customer experience(4)
15%90%100%150%105%
Earned premium15%£340.3£400.3£480.4£390.5
Sales15%£46.6£62.1£86.9£62.7
Operating expense ratio(6)
10%21.84%19.84%17.84%20.41%
 
Investments
     
Net investment income(8)
50%$2,330.9$2,445.9$2,580.9$2,487.6
Avoided losses(9)
25%$(100.0)$7.4$150.0$(4.4)
Market composite(10)
25%83%100%175%94%
(1)For each performance measure, there is no payout at or below the threshold. For each performance measure, the payout would be 200% for performance at or above the maximum. However, the overall payout for the aggregate annual incentive plan is capped at 150% of target. For performance between defined levels, the payout is interpolated.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT55


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

(2)After-tax operating income is defined as net income adjusted to exclude after-tax net realized investment gains or losses and after-tax non-operating retirement-related gains or losses and certain other items specified in the reconciliation of non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) financial measures attached hereto as Appendix A.B.
(3)The business area composite component weighting for Unum Group includes a weighted average of the overall business unit incentive plan results (excluding before-taxConsolidated operating earnings which is already captured in both after-tax operating income and return on equity), weighted as follows: Unum US at 40%, Unum UK at 25%, Colonial Life at 25% and Investments at 10%. Performance for each business unit could be zero to a maximum of 150%.
(4)Return on equity is calculated by taking after-tax operating income and dividing it by the average of the beginning- and end-of-year stockholders’ equity adjusted to exclude the net unrealized gain or loss on securities and the net gain on cash flow hedges.
(4)Customer Experience is based on the quality of our customers' experiences and includes measures which focus on areas that impact customer loyalty and satisfaction.
(5)Earned premium is calculated for our core operations (Unum US, Unum UK, and Colonial Life).
(6)The operating expense ratio is equal to operating expenses as a percentage of earned premium. For Unum Group, the operating expense ratio is calculated for our core operations (Unum US, Unum UK and Colonial Life).
(7)Before-tax operating income is defined as net income adjusted to exclude net realized investment gains or losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, and certain other items specified in the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures and income tax expense.
(6)Service is based on the average of several service metrics for policyholders, producers and claimants.
(7)(8)Net investment income reflects the impact of investment results on after-tax operating income. Net investment income excludes interest on policy loans, investment income on floating rate securities backing floating rate debt, investment income on index-linked securities which support claim reserves that provide for index-linked claim payments, variances to plan for asset levels and specified portions of miscellaneous net investment income, and includes investment income related to investments managed by Unum supporting reserves related to a block of individual disability business assumed through a modified coinsurance agreement.
(8)
(9)Avoided losses are calculated by multiplying an industry standard weighted default rate by Unum’s total credit exposure and comparing to Unum’s actual investment losses.
(9)
(10)Market composite consists of comparing the average of three targets: (1) credit spreads on purchases to a specified benchmark, (2) yields on purchases to a specified benchmark, and (3) realized investment losses to a specified peer group.

Each performance target has been selected because the Committee believes it is an appropriate driver of long-term shareholder value:

The growth and competitiveness of the company are measured using sales and earned premium targets;

The growth and competitiveness of the company are measured using sales and earned premium targets;
Profitability achievement is measured using after-tax operating income for Unum Group and pre-tax operating income for Unum US, Colonial Life and Unum UK;

The balance of profitability and capital management effectiveness is measured using return on equity; and

Effective and efficient customer service is measured using the service and operating expense ratio targets.

A business area composite performance measure is included inmeasured using after-tax operating income for Unum Group’s annual incentive targets to better align our corporate staff functions, which provide support to eachGroup; before-tax operating income for Unum US, Colonial Life, and Unum UK; and net investment income for Investments;

The balance of our business units, withprofitability and capital management effectiveness is measured using operating return on equity; and
Effective and efficient customer service is measured using the results generated in those units.

customer experience and operating expense ratio targets.

Long-Term Incentive Targets

The achievement of a corporate performance threshold must be met before any award may be granted under the company’s long-term incentive program, as described on page 48.

54. All of our NEOs received a portion of the long-term incentive grant in February 20142016 in the form of PSUs. The PSUs will vest based on the achievement of three-year, prospective (2014-2016)(2016-2018) average operating earnings per share and average operating return on equity goals, and the achievement will be modified (up to +/-20%) based on linear interpolation on our total shareholder return (TSR) relative to 98 members of our Proxy Peer Group, referred to herein as our "PSU Peer Group." These 9eight companies (Aflac, Assurant, Hartford Financial Services, Lincoln Financial,National, MetLife, Principal Financial, Prudential Financial, Stancorp,Torchmark and Torchmark)Voya Financial) were selected because they are considered to be direct business competitors of Unum. The group previously included Protective Life, which was removed becauseUnum (see discussion



562017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

beginning on page 46 for the differences between our Proxy Peer Group and PSU Peer Group). We believe it is no longer a public company.appropriate to adjust these awards for relative TSR, since Unum’s individual TSR performance directly affects the value of the equity awards. The table below outlines the three-year performance targets established by the Committee for the PSU grants made in February 2014.

502015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

TARGETS FOR PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS GRANTED IN 2014

Corporate Performance Factors

Driver of Shareholder Value

Component

Weighting

ThresholdTargetMaximum  

Average 3-year return on

equity (2014-2016)

Capital Management Effectiveness50%8.56%11.41%13.12%

Average 3-year after-tax EPS

(2014-2016)

Profitability50%$2.87$3.82$4.40

Relative Total Shareholder Return

Modifier

Percentile

-20% @

35th

0 @

50th

+20% @

75th

2016.

TARGETS FOR PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS (PSUs) GRANTED IN 2016
Corporate 
Performance Factors
Driver of 
Shareholder Value
Component
Weighting
ThresholdTargetMaximum  
Average 3-year Operating Return on Equity (2016-2018)
Capital Management
Effectiveness
50%8.08%10.77%12.38%
Average 3-year After-Tax Operating 
EPS (2016-2018)
Profitability50%$3.04$4.05$4.67
Relative Total Shareholder Return
Modifier
Percentile
-20% @
35th
0 @
50th
+20% @
75th
Items Excluded When Determining Company Performance

When settingpre-establishing the performance measures and weightings for 2014,2016, the Committee determined that certain items not included in the 20142016 financial plan would be excluded from the calculation of the company’s performance, for purposes of both the annual and long-term incentive plans, should they occur. These criteria are the same ones that we used in 2015 and the Committee has also approved them for use in the 2017 plans as well. These items are:
Unplanned adjustments resulting from accounting policy changes, legal, tax or regulatory rule or law changes;
The impact of any unplanned acquisitions, divestitures, or block reinsurance transactions;
Unplanned adjustments to the Closed Block of business;
The effect of any unplanned regulatory, legal, or tax settlements;
The effect of unplanned changes to strategic asset allocation;
Unplanned debt issuance, repurchasing or retirement; or stock repurchase or issuance;
The effect of differences between actual currency exchange rates versus exchange rates assumed in the financial plan;
Unplanned fees or assessments, including tax assessments, from new legislation; and
The effect on revenue from unplanned variances from floating rate securities and index-linked securities.
The Committee believes it is appropriate to exclude these items because theythey: (1) are unusual or infrequent in nature, (2) do not directly reflect company or management performance, or (3) could serve as a disincentive to capital management or other decisions which are in the best interest of the company and shareholders. These items were:



2017 PROXY STATEMENT57 Unplanned adjustments resulting from accounting policy changes, legal or regulatory rule or law changes;

The impact of any unplanned acquisitions, divestitures, or block reinsurance transactions;

Unplanned adjustments to the Closed Block of business;

The effect of any unplanned regulatory, legal or tax settlements;

The effect of unplanned changes to strategic asset allocation;

Unplanned debt issuance, repurchasing or retirement; or stock repurchase or issuance;

The effect of differences between actual currency exchange rates versus exchange rates assumed in the financial plan;

Unplanned fees or assessments, including tax assessments, from new legislation; and

The effect on revenue from unplanned variances from floating rate securities and index-linked securities.



COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Applying these criteria, the Committee adjusted targetsthe performance calculations for the impact of the following threefive items on our 20142016 financial results that were not included in the 20142016 financial plan from which the targets were initially derived:

The effect of differences between actual stock repurchase versus the amount assumed in the financial plan;

The effect of differences between actual foreign currency rates versus exchange rates assumed in the financial plan; and

The after-tax charge of $453.8 million, which was taken after a review of the long term care business.

The effect of differences between actual stock repurchases and the amount assumed in the financial plan (actual repurchases were slightly higher than planned and the impact was immaterial);
The effect of unplanned debt issuance (favorable conditions in debt markets allowed us to accelerate debt issuance that was planned for the future which was an advantage to shareholders);
The impact of an unplanned reinsurance treaty (this lowered earned premium for Unum US with an immaterial impact on after-tax operating earnings);
The effect of differences between actual foreign currency rates and the exchange rates assumed in the financial plan; and
The effect of the unplanned acquisition of Starmount Life Insurance Company (this increased earned premium and sales for Unum US with an immaterial impact to earnings).
Each year, the Committee undertakes an overall assessment of the results while also maintaining the discretion to make final adjustments. Any adjustments are based on a review of the actual achievement for each performance measure compared to the annual incentive targets listed on page 49,54, as well as a qualitative assessment of results. For 2014,2016, the Committee made minor adjustments to each business unit’s performance based on a number of qualitative considerations that slightly reduced the aggregate annual incentive payout (by less thanby approximately 1%). The resulting annual incentive plan achievement levels for 20142016 and their comparison to the previous year are shown in the accompanying table.

table below.
The achievement levels for 2016 were used in calculations for annual incentive awards described in the "Compensation Decisions" section below.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS
Plan20162015
 Unum Group115%103%
 Unum US115%100%
 Unum UK98%105%
 Colonial Life105%102%
 Investments109%105%


58
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT51





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The resulting plan achievement levels for 2014 were used in calculations for annual incentive awards described in the “Compensation Decisions” section below.

 

Compensation Decisions

 

Annual Base Salary

 

 

  PLAN ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS

 

  

  Plan

 2014   2013  

 

  Unum Group

 103%   111%  

 

  Unum US

 103%   103%  

 

  Unum UK

 103%   110%  

 

  Colonial Life

 108%   105%  

 

  Investments

 

 99%   109%  


Compensation Decisions
Annual Base Salary
Salaries for our NEOs are established based on their position, skills, experience, responsibility, and performance. Competitiveness of salary levels is assessed annually relative to the approximate median of salaries in the marketplace using the sources noted above beginning on page 4346 for similar executive positions. Increases may be considered for factors such as changes in responsibilities, individual performance, and/or changes in the competitive marketplace.

At its February 2014 meeting, In early 2016, the Committee approved base salary increases for NEOs as outlined in the following changes to base salaries for NEOs, effective March 1, 2014: Mr. Watjen $1,150,000 (an increase of 2.5%); Mr. McKenney $715,000 (an increase of 2.1%); Ms. Farrell $435,625 (an increase of 2.5%); Mr. Simonds $525,000 (an increase of 16.7% as a result of taking on the additional duties of CEO, Unum US); and Mr. Horn $515,000 (an increase of 3.0%). Mr. McCarthy was not given an increase due to his retirement on March 31, 2014.table. For a discussion of 20152017 salary adjustments, see “2015"2017 Compensation Decisions”Decisions" beginning on page 56.

64.

2016 ANNUAL BASE SALARY DECISIONS
Name20162015% Change
Mr. McKenney$1,000,000$975,0002.6%
Mr. McGarry600,000550,0009.1%
Mr. Simonds600,000575,0004.3%
Ms. Iglesias495,000485,0002.1%
Ms. Farrell453,000446,5001.5%
Setting Incentive Targets

For purposes of determining the amount of annual incentive and long-term incentive awards for our NEOs, the Committee establishes a target amount as a percentage of each executive’s salary, except that the long-term incentive target is set as an absolute dollar amount for the CEO. In establishing theeach target for 2016 awards, the Committee considered market data from the appropriate peer group as well as each individual’s target relative to other NEOs, given their respective levels of responsibility.

Mr. Watjen’s In early 2016, the Committee approved annual and long-term incentive targetstarget award values for 2013 were subject to adjustment based uponeach NEO as outlined in the company’s 1- and 3-year TSRs at year-end relative to peer companies. If the company’s TSRs exceeded the medians of the comparable TSRs of the Proxy Peer Group, his annual and long-term incentive targets would be 200% and $6 million, respectively. If the company’s TSRs did not exceed the medians of the comparable TSRs of the Proxy Peer Group, his annual and long-term incentive targets would be 150% and $5 million, respectively.

As previously reported in our 2014 proxy statement, based on its February 2014 review of Proxy Peer Group data provided by its consultant, the Committee set Mr. Watjen’s annual incentive target for 2014 at 200% and his long-term incentive target at $6 million and determined that these targets will no longer be subject to adjustment. These decisions were based on consideration of the following:

tables below. 
2016 ANNUAL INCENTIVE TARGET DECISIONS
Name20162015% Change
Mr. McKenney175%175%– %
Mr. McGarry100%100%– %
Mr. Simonds90%90%– %
Ms. Iglesias75%75%– %
Ms. Farrell120%120%– %


The competitiveness of Mr. Watjen’s compensation:

o   The Committee’s philosophy is to target the approximate median of peers. The new targets resulted in Mr. Watjen’s targeted total compensation approximating the median.

At the time the relative TSR hurdles were added, there was no TSR component in Mr. Watjen’s compensation. However, 50% of his long-term incentive award is paid in the form of PSUs, which are tied to three-year pre-established performance goals with a relative TSR modifier. Thus a significant portion of Mr. Watjen’s compensation is now dependent on the company’s financial performance and the company’s stock price;

5220152017 PROXY STATEMENT59



COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Mr. Watjen’s consistent performance over the past several years, especially during a difficult financial environment; and

Mr. Watjen’s continued leadership, which the Committee believes will continue to position the company to achieve its long-term goals.


2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE TARGET DECISIONS
Name20162015% Change
Mr. McKenney$5,250,000$5,000,0005.0%
Mr. McGarry150%150%– %
Mr. Simonds150%150%– %
Ms. Iglesias125%125%– %
Ms. Farrell100%100%– %
Annual Incentive Awards

Our annual incentive awards reward performance based on the achievement of both company and individual performance, which the Committee believes aligns compensation with the objectives of shareholders. The Annual Incentive Plan, under which 20142016 annual incentive awards were granted, includes:

Eligibility for all non-sales employees to receive an annual incentive;

An Executive Officer Incentive Plan in which our NEOs participate; and

An objective performance threshold of $250 million of statutory after-tax operating earnings and other sources of cash flow available from the company’s insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries for the fiscal performance year that provides funding for incentive payments. This goal must be achieved before participants are eligible to receive an award. If the goal is not achieved, no awards are paid.

Eligibility for all non-sales employees to receive an annual incentive;
An Executive Officer Incentive Plan in which our NEOs participate; and
An objective performance threshold of $250 million of statutory after-tax operating earnings and other sources of cash flow available from the company’s insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries for the fiscal performance year that provides funding for incentive payments. This goal must be achieved before participants are eligible to receive an award. If the goal is not achieved, no awards are paid.
The decision making process to determine 20142016 annual incentive awards was as follows:

LOGO

incentiveaward2016.jpg 
(1)
The Committee exercises discretion as to the final percentage considering all performance factors, including, but not limited to, the quality of financial results. For details on adjustments for 2014,2016, see page 51.57.

(2)Individual performance may range from 0% to 125%.

Once it was determined that the performance threshold had been met for 2014,2016, specific awards for our NEOs were arrived at by:

Applying the individual annual incentive targets, which had been set in early 2016, to each individual’s base salary;


Determining the individual annual incentive targets, which had been set in early 2014 as a percentage of each individual’s base salary;

Calculating company and business unit performance percentages by comparing actual results to the performance targets listed on page 49 (the Committee may also take into account other factors, including economic considerations as well as non-financial goals);

Establishing an individual performance percentage (from 0% to 125%) using the individual assessment process described beginning on page 44; and

60
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT53





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Multiplying company and business unit performance by individual performance and the NEO’s annual incentive target. The “qualified performance-based compensation” exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code requires that a maximum individual award be established. The maximum award that an individual may receive under the Annual Incentive Plan is $8 million.


Calculating company and business unit performance percentages by comparing actual results to the performance targets described beginning on page 52 (the Committee may also take into account other factors, including economic considerations as well as non-financial goals);
Establishing an individual performance percentage (from 0% to 125%) using the individual assessment process described beginning on page 48; and
Multiplying company and business unit performance by individual performance and the NEO’s annual incentive target. The "qualified performance-based compensation" exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code requires that a maximum individual award be established. The maximum award that an individual may receive under the Annual Incentive Plan is $8 million.
The table below describessets forth the target incentive and the actual annual incentive awards approved by the Committee to our NEOs for 20142016 performance. For a discussion of 20152017 annual incentive award targets, see “2015"2017 Compensation Decisions”Decisions" beginning on page 56.

    ANNUAL INCENTIVE PAID IN 2015 (for 2014 performance)

    Executive  2014
Incentive
Target
(%)
       Eligible
Earnings(5)
($)
        Company
Performance
(%)
       Individual
Performance
(%)
       

2014 Annual

Incentive Paid

($)

 

 

Mr. Watjen(1)

  200%   X    $1,145,154     X    103.0%   X    100%   =    $2,359,017  

 

Mr. McKenney(1)

  100%   X     712,404     X    103.0%   X    120%   =     880,531  

 

Ms. Farrell(2)

  120%   X     433,786     X    100.0%   X    100%   =     520,543  

 

Mr. Simonds(3)

  90%   X     512,019     X    103.0%   X    115%   =     545,838  

 

Mr. Horn(4)

  80%   X     512,404     X    106.75%   X    120%   =     525,112  

 

Mr. McCarthy(1)

  100%   X     159,923     X    103.0%   X    125%   =     205,901  

64.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE PAID IN 2017(for 2016 performance)
Executive
2016
Incentive
Target
(%)
  
Eligible
Earnings
($)
  
Company
Performance
(%)
  
Individual
Performance
(%)
  
2016 Annual
Incentive Paid
($)
Mr. McKenney(1)
175%X994,231X115%X105%=2,100,937
Mr. McGarry(1)
100%X588,461X115%X110%=744,404
Mr. Simonds(2)
90%X594,231X115%X110%=676,532
Ms. Iglesias(1)
75%X492,692X115%X100%=424,946
Ms. Farrell(3)
120%X451,500X110.5%X100%=598,689
(1)Company performance for Messrs. Watjen,Mr. McKenney, Mr. McGarry and McCarthyMs. Iglesias was weighted 100% based on Unum Group performance.
(2)Company performance for Mr. Simonds was weighted with 75% based on Unum US and 25% based on Unum Group performance. Unum US achievement was 115% and Unum Group achievement was 115%, resulting in overall achievement of 103%115%.
(2)
(3)Company performance for Ms. Farrell was weighted with 75% based on Investments and 25% based on Unum Group performance. Investments achievement was 99%109% and Unum Group achievement was 103%115%, which when weighted, resultedresulting in anoverall achievement of 100%110.5%.
(3)Company performance for Mr. Simonds was weighted with 75% based on Unum US and 25% based on Unum Group performance. Both Unum US achievement and Unum Group achievement were 103%.
(4)Company performance for Mr. Horn was weighted with 75% based on Colonial Life and 25% based on Unum Group performance. Colonial Life achievement was 108% and Unum Group achievement was 103%, which when weighted, resulted in an achievement of 106.75%.
(5)Eligible earnings differed from the annual salary amounts discussed above because the 2014 increases, if any, became effective on March 1, 2014. Mr. McCarthy’s eligible earnings reflect his salary actually paid prior to his retirement on March 31, 2014.

Long-Term Incentive Awards

Granted in 2016

Our long-term incentive plan aligns the long-term interests of management and shareholders by tying a substantial portion of executive compensation directly to the company’s stock price. For awards grantedThe grants to the NEOs in 2014,February 2016 were based on the Committee’s February 2016 assessment of their performance for the prior year.
The mix of the CEO’s awardawards for each NEO was 50% performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs) and 50% performance share units (PSUs), while other NEOs received 75%. PBRSUs and 25% PSUs.

were awarded in 2016 based on the achievement of an after-tax statutory earnings threshold for 2015, as modified by individual achievement factors for 2015. They vest ratably over three years.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT61 PBRSUs were awarded in 2014 based on the achievement of an after-tax statutory earnings threshold for 2013 (as described in page 48) as modified by individual achievement factors. They vest ratably over three years.



COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

PSUs granted in 20142016 vest based upon the achievement of three-year (2014-2016)(2016-2018) pre-established average operating earnings per share and average operating return on equity goals, modified (up to +/-20%) based on Unum’s relative total shareholder return as described above. Beginning withon page 56. Assuming performance above the February 2015 grant, all NEOs will receive 50% PBRSUs and 50% PSUs.threshold, PSUs can be earnedpaid out at between 40% to 180% of target.

542015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

All long-term incentive awards arein 2016 were granted under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Our long-term incentive award mix is based on a review of peer practices as well as what the Committee believes most appropriately retains and rewards our NEOs and ensures that a significant portion of each executive’s compensation is tied to the increase of our stock price over the long-term.

PBRSUs, which are valued in terms of company stock, do not include any actual stock issued at the time of grant. Instead, company stock is issued only when the grant is settled. During the restricted period, dividends are not paid in the form of cash but rather additional PBRSUs that are settleddividend equivalents accrue and vest only when and to the extent that the underlying PBRSUs vest. In addition, there are no shareholder voting rights unless and until the award is settled in shares.

PSUs are notional units that will track the value of our share price over the three-year performance period, and will vest and be settled through the issuance of shares based upon the achievement of predetermined performance metrics. Dividend equivalents accrue during the three-year performance period and will vest only when and to the extent that the underlying sharesPSUs vest.

The decision-making process to determine long-term incentive awards granted in February 20142016 was as follows:

LOGO

 incentiveaward2015.jpg
(1)Individual performance may range from 0% to 125%.


As outlined in the previous diagram, above, once it was determined that the performance threshold had been met, the total value of the long-term incentive awards for our NEOs were determined by:

Applying the individual long-term incentive targets, which were set in early 2015 by considering the market data from the appropriate comparator group (as described beginning on page 46) as well as each individual’s target relative to other NEOs, given their respective levels of responsibility, to each individual’s base salary, except that, the long-term incentive target is set as a dollar amount for Mr. McKenney;
Establishing an individual performance percentage (from 0% to 125%) using the individual assessment process described beginning on page 48; and
Multiplying each NEO’s long-term incentive target by his or her individual performance percentage.


 62Determining the individual long-term incentive targets, which were set in early 2013 by considering the market data from the appropriate comparator group (as described beginning on page 43) as well as each individual’s target relative to other NEOs, given their respective levels of responsibility. The long-term incentive targets are set as a dollar amount for Mr. Watjen and as a percentage of base salary for other NEOs.2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Establishing an individual performance percentage (from 0% to 125%) using the individual assessment process described beginning on page 44; and

Multiplying each NEO’s long-term incentive target by his or her individual performance. The maximum award that each NEO could receive for 2014 grants was 300% of target.





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Once the long-term incentive award value was determined, it was deliveredawarded as described below:

The CEO’s 2014 long-term incentive award was divided evenly between PBRSUs (50%) and PSUs (50%);

The 2014 long-term incentive awards for all other NEOs were granted as 75% PBRSUs and 25% PSUs; and

The PBRSU awards vest based on each NEO’s continued service over a three-year period. The PSUs vest based on the achievement of three-year pre-established goals (2014-2016) for return on equity and earnings per share, modified by relative total shareholder return as described above.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  55


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The 2016 long-term incentive award was divided evenly between PBRSUs (50%) and PSUs (50%) for each NEO; and
The PBRSUs vest based on each NEO’s continued service over a three-year period. The PSUs vest based on the achievement of three-year pre-established goals (2016-2018) for average operating return on equity and average operating earnings per share, modified by relative total shareholder return as previously described.
In February 2014,2016, the Committee approved grants of PBRSUs and PSUs for the NEOs as outlined below. For a discussion of 20152017 long-term incentive award targets, see “2015"2017 Compensation Decisions”Decisions" below.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE GRANTED IN 2014

 

 

Executive

  Long-Term
Incentive
Target
        Individual
Performance
      2013 Long-Term
Incentive Granted(2)
 
 

Mr. Watjen(1)

   $5,000,000     X    118%  =     $5,900,000  
 

Mr. McKenney

   1,400,000     X    120%  =     1,680,000  
 

Ms. Farrell

   425,000     X    105%  =     446,250  
 

Mr. Simonds

   506,250     X    120%  =     607,500  
 

Mr. Horn

   500,000     X    110%  =     550,000  
 

Mr. McCarthy

   1,260,000     X    125%  =     1,575,000  

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE GRANTED IN 2016(for 2015 Performance)
Executive
Long-Term
Incentive Target
  
Individual
Performance
  
2016 Long-Term
Incentive Grant(2)
Mr. McKenney(1)
$5,000,000X103%=$5,150,000
Mr. McGarry825,000X110%=$907,500
Mr. Simonds862,500X110%=$948,750
Ms. Iglesias606,250X105%=$636,563
Ms. Farrell446,500X100%=$446,500
(1)Mr. Watjen’sMcKenney’s target iswas set as a dollar amount, vs.rather than as a percentage of salary as for the other NEOs.
(2)
The 2013 long-term incentive was granted in February 2014.2016 was based on individual performance during 2015. The grant date fair value of the long-term incentive grant (as reported in the Summary Compensation Table on page 6472) differs slightly based on the rounding of shares anddue to the valuation of the PSUs based on a Monte Carlo valuation:valuation.

Executive  

Grant Date

Fair Value

   

Performance Share
Units Granted

(Feb. 2014)

  

Restricted Stock Units
Granted

(Feb. 2014)

   

Mr. Watjen

  $5,900,003    87,123  87,124  

Mr. McKenney

   1,679,999    12,404  37,212  

Ms. Farrell

   446,257      3,295    9,884  

Mr. Simonds

   607,487      4,485  13,456  

Ms. Horn

   550,005      4,061  12,183  

Mr. McCarthy

   1,575,008    11,629  34,886  

Of the 50% portion

Executive
Grant Date
Fair Market Value
Performance Share
Units Granted
(Feb. 2016)
Restricted Stock Units
Granted
(Feb. 2016)
Mr. McKenney$5,150,02292,46092,460
Mr. McGarry907,52016,29316,293
Mr. Simonds948,73817,03317,033
Ms. Iglesias636,53911,42811,428
Ms. Farrell446,4918,0168,016
Vesting of Mr. Watjen’s2014 Performance Share Units (PSUs)
The long-term incentive awardmix for our NEOs' 2014 awards included 50% in the form of PSUs, which vested based on performance over a three-year performance period that ended on December 31, 2016.
The table below provides an overview of the three-year goals for the 2014 PSU grant as well as their actual achievement levels.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT63


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2014 PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT (PSU) AWARDS
Corporate Performance Factors
Component
Weighting
ThresholdTargetMaximum  Actual  
Average 3-year Operating Return on Equity (2014-2016)50%8.13%10.84%12.46%11.32%
Average 3-year After-Tax Operating EPS (2014-2016)50%$2.83$3.78$4.35$3.69
Relative Total Shareholder Return
Modifier
Percentile
-20% @
35th
0 @
50th
+20% @
75th
At
50th
Based on the above performance, and after taking into account the factors described below, in February 2017, the Committee certified the results for this grant and approved a payout of 105.2%. The business goals were achieved at 105.2%, with relative TSR at the 50th percentile which resulted in no additional modification to the achievement level.
When setting the performance measures and weightings for the 2014 PSU grant, the Committee determined that certain items not included in the financial plan for fiscal years 2014 to 2016 would be excluded from the calculation of the company’s performance, for purposes of the performance share units, should they occur. The list of items is the same list used for our annual incentive plan, the details of which can be found under "Items Excluded When Determining Company Performance," beginning on page 57.
Applying these criteria, the Committee adjusted targets for the impact of the following four items that were not included in the financial plans from which the targets were initially derived:
The effect of differences between actual stock repurchases and the amount assumed in the financial plan;
The effect of differences between actual foreign currency rates and the exchange rates assumed in the financial plan;
The effect of the unplanned acquisition of Starmount Life Insurance Company, National Dental Plan Limited and associated companies; and
The effect of an accounting policy election to account for certain investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method.
In calculating relative TSR, the PSU grant agreement provided that any company that was paid in PBRSUs, 50% willa part of the peer group at the beginning of the performance period would be settled in stock and 50% will be settled in cash upon vesting. This changeremoved from the peer group for the entire period if it had been acquired by another company prior to the end of the performance period. Protective Life was made in February 2010 byremoved from the Committee to reflect the fact that Mr. Watjen had a very significant ownership position in the company andpeer group when calculating relative TSR because it was acquired in the best interest of the company to reduce the amount of additional equity issued.

2015 and is no longer a public company.

2017 Compensation Decisions

At its February 20152017 meeting, after consideration of company and individual performance during 2016, each executive’s responsibilities, tenure and market data, the Committee made decisions with respect to our NEOs’ base salaries as well asand annual and long-term incentive targets for each of the NEOs for 20152017 as outlined below.

After consideration of company and individual performance during 2014, each executive’s responsibilities, tenure and market data, the Committee approved the following base salaries for the NEOs effective March 1, 2015: Ms. Farrell $446,500 (an increase of 2.5%); and Mr. Simonds $575,000 (an increase of 9.52%); Messrs. Horn and Watjen were not given increases due to their retirement/anticipated retirement on March 31, 2015 and May 21, 2015, respectively.



642017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2017 ANNUAL BASE SALARY DECISIONS
Name20172016% Change
Mr. McKenney$1,000,000$1,000,000—%
Mr. McGarry630,000600,0005.0%
Mr. Simonds615,000600,0002.5%
Ms. Iglesias505,000495,0002.0%
Ms. Farrell460,000453,0001.5%
The base salary increases noted above, other than Mr. Simonds, whose increase is partially related to a market driven adjustment, were approved in recognition of theireach NEO’s individual performance in 2014. The Committee believes that these increases positioned all2016 as well as consideration of our NEOs targeted TDC within an appropriate range oftheir comparison to market median given each executive’s performancebenchmarks.
Annual and time in the their current position.

As previously reported on a Form 8-K dated January 30, 2015, Mr. McKenney’s salary was set at $975,000 (an increase of 36%) effective April 1, 2015 when he assumed the role of President.

562015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Annuallong-term incentive targets were set based on consideration of each NEO’s current target, the approximate median of the appropriate comparator group, and each individual’s target relative to other NEOs given their respective levels of responsibility.

2017 ANNUAL INCENTIVE TARGET DECISIONS
Name20172016% Change
Mr. McKenney175%175%—%
Mr. McGarry100%100%—%
Mr. Simonds90%90%—%
Ms. Iglesias75%75%—%
Ms. Farrell120%120%—%
2017 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE TARGET DECISIONS
Name20172016% Change
Mr. McKenney$5,500,000$5,250,0004.8%
Mr. McGarry175%150%16.7%
Mr. Simonds160%150%6.7%
Ms. Iglesias125%125%—%
Ms. Farrell110%100%10%
The 2015 annual incentive targets were set as follows: Mr. Watjen 200% (no change); Mr. McKenney 100% forCommittee believes the period2017 compensation decisions position all of January – March 2015 and 175% effective April 1, 2015 when he assumed the role of President; Ms. Farrell 120% (no change); Mr. Simonds 90% (no change) and Mr. Horn 80% (no change). In accordance with the termsour NEOs’ targeted total direct compensation within an appropriate range of the Annual Incentive Plan and Mr. Watjen’s employment agreement, Messrs. Horn and Watjen will be eligible for a prorated payout for 2015 based on their retirement dates of March 31, 2015 and May 21, 2015, respectively.

Long-term incentive (LTI) targets for 2015 were set as follows: Mr. McKenney $5 million (pro-rated at $3 million for the 2015 grant), effective April 1, 2015 when he assumed the role of President; Ms. Farrell 100% (no change); and Mr. Simonds 150% (no change). No 2015 LTI targets were established for Mr. Hornmarket median given his retirement on March 31, 2015 or for Mr. Watjen for his anticipated retirement on May 21, 2015.

Mr. Horn retired from Unum on March 31, 2015. Our stock plan provides for vesting upon retirement, which is defined as age 55 with 15 years of service. However, recognizing that certain employees hired in mid-career might retire without meeting the requirements, the Committee established criteria in 2005 that allows unvested equity to vest for employees with a minimum of 10 years of service, with Committee approval.

Given Mr. Horn’seach executive’s performance and his 11 year tenure with the company, on May 19, 2014, the Committee approved retirement status for purposes of acceleration of his unvested restricted stock units and unvested stock options upon his retirement. This provision also impacts Mr. Horn’s stock options (both vested and unvested) and the period during which he can exercise the options. The options will now expire on the earlier oftime in their original expiration, or five years from his retirement date. Finally, the provision will also provide that Mr. Horn has the opportunity to vest in his PSUs based on actual company performance during the performance period (2014-2016). The Committee’s decision with respect to Mr. Horn’s retirement was treated as a modification under the accounting rules and has been reported as such in the Summary Compensation Table as well as the Grants of Plan Based Awards Table. In providing this approval, the Committee considered Mr. Horn’s years of service with the company and his effective leadership of Colonial Life in a difficult financial environment.

current position.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT65


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Retirement and Workplace Benefits

We provide a benefits package for employees, including all NEOs, and their dependents, portions of which are paid for, in whole or in part, by the employee.

Among the retirement benefits we offer are:

Defined Contribution. Beginning January 1, 2014, we offer new defined contribution benefits that replace our defined benefit pension plans which were frozen as to further accruals as of December 31, 2013, as described below. These include a non-contributory tax-qualified defined contribution plan for all regular U.S. employees who are scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours per year (which is offered within our existing tax-qualified 401(k) plan), and a non-qualified defined contribution plan for employees whose benefits under the tax qualified plan are limited by the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). Base pay and annual incentives are included in covered earnings for these defined contribution plans but long-term incentive awards are not. Unum provides a company contribution equal to 4.5% of covered earnings for those employees who have completed one year of service. In addition, for employees who meet specific age and service requirements, a company “transition contribution” of 3.5% is made on all earnings, with an additional 3.5% transition contribution for earnings above $70,000. The transition contributions are being provided to eligible employees to more closely align to the benefits which were accrued under the frozen defined benefit plans. This provides a benefit to those employees who, due to their age and years of service, would not have the same

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  57


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The Unum Group Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. On January 1, 2014, Unum replaced its defined benefit pension plans, which were frozen to further accruals as of December 31, 2013, with an enhanced defined contribution retirement offering. This includes: (1) a non-contributory tax-qualified defined contribution for all regular U.S. employees who are scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours per year, which is offered within our existing tax-qualified 401(k) retirement plan (401(k) Plan), and (2) a separate, non-qualified defined contribution plan (Non-Qualified Plan) for employees whose benefits under the tax-qualified plan are limited by the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). New hires are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) and Non-Qualified Plan at a 5% deferral rate 45 days after hire but are able to make adjustments to their deferral rate. Base pay and annual incentives are included in covered earnings for these defined contribution plans, but long-term incentive awards are not. Unum provides the following contributions:
A 5% match contribution (for elected deferrals provided through the 401(k) and Non-Qualified Plans);
A 4.5% contribution (provided through the 401(k) and Non-Qualified Plans); and
For employees who meet certain age and service requirements, a 3.5% transition contribution on all earnings and an additional 3.5% transition contribution for earnings above $70,000 (provided through the 401(k) Plan and, for those eligible employees whose earnings exceed the qualified plan limits, the Non-Qualified Plan)
The transition contributions are being provided to eligible employees to more closely align with the benefits which were accrued under the frozen defined benefit plans. This benefit is provided to those employees who, due to their age and years of service, would not have the same opportunity to adjust to the new defined contribution plan as other employees. Transition contributions will be made to active eligible employees until December 31, 2020.
The Unum Group Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. We sponsor both a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan and a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for employees whose benefits under the tax-qualified plan are limited by the Code. Base pay and annual incentives are counted in eligible earnings for the purposes of the defined benefit pension plans, but long-term incentive earnings are not. As noted above, during 2013, we amended the terms of our defined benefit pension plans (tax-qualified and non-qualified) to freeze the further accrual of retirement benefits provided under those plans as of December 31, 2013. For a more complete description of pension benefits for our NEOs, see page 78.
The other employees. Transition contributions will be made to active eligible employees until December 31, 2020.

401(k). We provide a tax-qualified 401(k) retirement plan for all regular U.S. employees who are scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours per year, and, effective January 1, 2014, a non-qualified 401(k) plan for employees whose benefits under the tax qualified plans are limited by the IRS. Base pay and annual incentives are counted in eligible earnings for purposes of the 401(k) plans but long-term incentives are not. Unum provides up to a 5% company match for those employees who contribute to these plans and have completed at least one year of service.

Pension plans. We sponsor both a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan and a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for employees whose benefits under the tax-qualified plans are limited by the Code. Base pay and annual incentives are counted in eligible earnings for the purposes of the defined benefit pension plans, but long-term incentive earnings are not. Since 2000, the CEO also has participated in the Unum Group Senior Executive Retirement Plan (the SERP) and is the only active employee covered under the SERP. As noted above, during 2013, we amended the terms of our defined benefit pension plans (tax-qualified and non-qualified) and the SERP to freeze the further accrual of retirement benefits provided under those plans as of December 31, 2013. For a more complete description of pension benefits for our NEOs, see page 73.

The workplace benefits we offer include: life, health, dental, vision, voluntary products and disability insurance; dependent and healthcare reimbursement accounts; health savings account; tuition reimbursement; an employee stock purchase plan; paid time off; holidays; and a matching gifts program for charitable contributions.



662017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In April 2000, we purchased corporate owned life insurance (COLI) on all officers who gave their approval. In the event of a covered officer’s death while still employed, we will provide a death benefit to the officer’s beneficiary in the amount of $200,000. OfMr. McGarry is the NEOs, Messrs. McKenney, Hornonly NEO who was an officer at the company at such time, and Simonds and Ms. Farrell are notis covered under a COLI policy either because they were not employees of the company or not officers at that time.

policy.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

We provide a limited number of perquisites to our employees, including all NEOs, which are described below:

One of our largest employee locations is in Tennessee, which has no state income tax. Due to the frequency of travel between our corporate offices and other locations, employees often incurnon-resident state taxes in multiple states. Therefore, when any employee travels to other company locations outside of his or her primary state of employment and incurs state income tax based on another state’s law, we provide a tax gross-up for the non-resident state taxes.

While corporate policy would have entitled Mr. Watjen to a company-paid benefit of up to 40 hours of personal use of the corporate aircraft, he has voluntarily elected to discontinue this company-paid benefit. In addition, he has entered into a time-sharing agreement under which he reimburses the company for the costs of personal use of the aircraft. During 2014, he made payments to the company of $35,978 for 15.5 hours of personal usage. This amount has not been included in the Summary Compensation Table because there is no incremental cost to the company of such benefit.

As part of the transition in leadership, the Committee decided that it will no longer offer the 40 hours of personal use of the corporate aircraft. However, the frequency of travel between our corporate offices and other locations, employees often incur non-resident state taxes in multiple states. Therefore, when any employee travels to other company locations outside of his or her primary state of employment and incurs state income tax based on another state’s law, we provide a tax gross-up for the non-resident state taxes.
The company has entered into an aircraft time-sharing agreement with Mr. McKenney dated effective as of May 21, 2015, pursuant to which he agrees to reimburse the company for the costs of his personal use of the corporate aircraft.

582015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

A tax gross-up is provided to employees who incur income on company-sponsored events where attendance is expected, including a limited number of events we host each year to recognize the contributions of various employees. These functions serve specific business purposes, and in some cases the attendance of an NEO and his or her spouse or guest is expected. If so, we attribute income to the NEO for these costs when required under Internal Revenue Service regulations. For more information, see the All Other Compensation table on page 66.

Compensation Contracts and Agreements

We have the following compensation contracts and agreements with NEOs.

Employment Agreements

Mr. Watjen is the only NEO covered under an employment agreement. Although the agreement currently extends through December 30, 2016, it will terminate upon Mr. Watjen’s retirement in May 2015. Under the agreement, Mr. Watjen is entitled to the following compensation:

Base salary of at least $1,122,000;

Target annual incentive of no less than 150% of his base salary, excluding any special or supplemental bonuses that may be awarded;

Eligibility for annual equity grants and/or cash-based awards as determined by the Committee;

Participation in all savings, retirement, health and welfare benefit programs generally available to our other senior executive officers;

A minimum annual retirement benefit equal to 2.5% of Mr. Watjen’s final average earnings, defined as the average of the highest 5 years’ earnings in the 10 years of employment prior to the date the plan was frozen on December 31, 2013, multiplied by his years of service, which benefit was frozen as to further accruals as of December 31, 2013; and

Post-retirement welfare benefit coverage for a period of three years following the date of termination in the event of termination by the company without cause or by Mr. Watjen for good reason within certain change in control periods, and for a period of two years if such terminations occur outside of these change in control periods.

The agreement further stipulates that Mr. Watjen would be prohibited from using or divulging confidential information and from competing with us or soliciting any officer at the level of vice president or above for a period of 18 months after his termination. These non-competition and non-solicitation covenants would be terminated upon a change in control.

Mr. Watjen also entered into an aircraft time-sharing agreement with Mr. McKenney dated effective as of May 21, 2015, pursuant to which he agrees to reimburse the company for the costs of his personal use of the corporate aircraft. Mr. McKenney did not use this benefit during 2016.

A tax gross-up is provided to employees who incur income on company-sponsored events where attendance is expected, including a limited number of events we host each year to recognize the contributions of various employees. These functions serve specific business purposes, and in 2007. This agreement will terminate upon Mr. Watjen’s retirement in May 2015. Details about that agreement can be found insome cases the Perquisitesattendance of an NEO and his or her spouse or guest is expected. If so, we attribute income to the NEO for these costs when required under Internal Revenue Service regulations. For more information, see the All Other Personal Benefits section beginningCompensation table on page 58.

73.

Severance and Change in Control Arrangements
We have the following severance and change in control contracts and plans covering the NEOs.
Severance Benefits

The company provides severance benefits to all employees in the event of involuntary termination, other than for death, disability or cause. Mr. Watjen’s severance benefits are provided under his employment agreement and are outlined beginning on page 78.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  59


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Mr. McKenney’s severance benefits are provided under a severance agreement dated effective as of April 1, 2015. This agreement replaced his prior change in control severance agreement (described below) and provides comparable severance benefits in the event of his termination of employment within two years after a change in control, except that if termination is by the company other than for cause, death or disability or is a resignation by Mr. McKenney for good reason, the severance payment is three times salary plus bonus, and medical and other benefits will continue for three years after termination. The agreement also eliminated the golden parachute excise tax gross-up provided under his prior agreement and instead provides for “best"best net after-tax”after-tax" provisions that cut back payments to avoid potential excise taxes, but only if the after-tax value is greater than providing full payments (which would be subject to excise tax that would be borne by Mr. McKenney). The agreement also provides for severance when termination of employment occurs outside the two-year period followingis not related to a change in control, and in such circumstances the severance


2017 PROXY STATEMENT67


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

payment is two times salary and bonus, and medical and other benefits will continue for two years after termination.

The remaining NEOs are covered under our Separation Pay Plan for Executive Vice Presidents. In general, we provide severance in order to give our employees competitive benefits with respect to the possibility of an involuntary termination of their employment.

When termination of employment is accompanied by severance payments, the former executive is required to release all claims he or she may have against us. The release contains restrictions on the former executive with respect to confidentiality, solicitation of company employees, competition, and disparagement. We also agree to indemnify the former executive for certain actions taken on the company’s behalf during his or her employment.

Change in Control Severance Agreements

Each of the NEOs,NEO, other than Messrs. Watjen andMr. McKenney, areis covered by a change in control severance agreement with the company. These agreements provide an enhanced severance benefit in the event of a termination following a change in control. This ensures that shareholders have the benefit of our NEOs’ focused attention during the critical times before and after a major corporate transaction regardless of any uncertainty with respect to their future employment. Details about these agreements can be found in the “Terminations"Terminations Related to a Change in Control”Control" section beginning on page 78.

While some82.

None of these agreements include a modifiedthe NEOs have an excise tax gross-up provision the company decided in May 2010 not to enter into any new or materially amended agreements with executive officers that include excise tax gross-up provisions with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control. For this reason, Mr. Simonds and Ms. Farrell, who became executive officers after May 2010, do not have an excise gross-up provision in their agreements.

Change

As described above, change in control benefits are available to Mr. Watjen under the terms of his employment agreement and to Mr. McKenney under his severance agreement as described above, but neither of the agreements provide for excise tax gross-ups.

Other Contracts

In 2014, the company entered into an agreement with Mr. McCarthy to provide consulting services to the company following his retirement until the end of the year. Under the agreement, Mr. McCarthy advised the company on business projects where his knowledge and expertise would be needed and add value. In return for his services, he received a consulting fee of $300 per hour. Mr. McCarthy worked a total of 78 hours and was paid $23,400 pursuant to this agreement.

602015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Compensation Policies and Practices

Equity Grant Practices

Equity grants awarded under the long-term incentive program are approved at the February meeting of the Committee, which typically occurs two to three weeks after the company’s annual earnings are released to the public. The date of approval iswas the grant date of the awards.awards in 2016. The closing stock price on the grant date is used to determine the number of units awarded.

Stock Ownership and Retention Requirements

Ensuring that senior officers have a significant ownership stake in the company aligns the long-term interests of management and shareholders and promotes a culture of ownership. We require certain senior officers, including each NEO, to:

Hold a multiple of the officer’s base salary in Unum shares (including unvested restricted stock units) throughout employment; and
Retain a fixed percentage of the net shares (shares after the payment of taxes and the costs of exercise and commissions) received as compensation for a specified period of time. These holding period requirements apply to shares acquired upon the exercise of options and the vesting of PBRSUs and PSUs even if the stock ownership requirements have been met. Exceptions to this requirement may be made only by the Board.


 68Hold a multiple of the officer’s base salary in Unum shares (including unvested restricted stock units) throughout employment; and2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Retain a fixed percentage of the net shares (shares after the payment of taxes and the costs of exercise and commissions) received as compensation for a specified period of time. These retention requirements apply to shares acquired upon the exercise of options and the vesting of PBRSUs and PSUs. Exceptions to this requirement may be made only by the Board of Directors.





COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following table presents the stock ownership and retention requirements for our NEOs. Newly promoted or newly hired senior officers have five years to achieve the ownership requirement. Not meeting the requirements may impact future equity grants. All of our then employed NEOs with the exception of Mr. Simonds, who became an Executive Vice President July 1, 2013, exceeded the requirements as of December 31, 2014.

STOCK OWNERSHIP AND RETENTION REQUIREMENTS(*)(as of December 31, 2014)

Executive

Common
Stock(1)

 Restricted
Stock Units(2)
 

Total Current
Ownership

 Ownership
as % of Salary
 Retention
Requirements
 
Owned Required Retention
%(3)
 Holding
Period(4)
 
        

Mr. Watjen

$14,086,811  $4,300,530  $18,387,341   16.0x   6x   75 3 years  
     

Mr. McKenney

 3,168,360   3,004,563   6,172,923   8.6x   3x   60 1 year  
     

Ms. Farrell

 843,468   967,536   1,811,004   4.2x   3x   60 1 year  
     

Mr. Simonds

 555,324   977,756   1,533,080   2.9x   3x   60 1 year  
     

Mr. Horn

 2,588,724   949,050   3,537,774   6.9x   3x   60 1 year  

* Mr. McCarthy was excluded from this table because of his March 31, 2014 retirement.

2016.
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND RETENTION REQUIREMENTS (as of December 31, 2016)
    
Ownership
as % of Salary
Retention
Requirements
Executive
Common
Stock(1)
Restricted
Stock Units(2)
Total Current
Ownership
OwnedRequired
Retention
%(3)
Holding
Period(4)
Mr. McKenney$6,036,641$6,040,990$12,077,63112.1x6x75%3 years
Mr. McGarry1,739,2771,155,3152,894,5924.8x3x60%1 year
Mr. Simonds1,703,6051,390,2093,093,8145.2x3x60%1 year
Ms. Iglesias391,6801,546,8191,938,4993.9x3x60%1 year
Ms. Farrell1,914,997705,2522,620,2495.8x3x60%1 year
(1)Amount includes shares held in certificate form, brokerage accounts, and 401(k) Plan accounts. Shares were valued using a closing stock price of $34.88$43.93 on December 31, 2014,30, 2016, the last trading day of the year.
(2)
Shares/units were valued using a closing stock price of $34.88$43.93 on December 31, 2014,30, 2016, the last trading day of the year. Performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs) vest over three years (see the Vesting Schedule for Unvested Restricted Stock Units table on page 71)77).
(3)Retention percentage is the net percentage of shares to be held after the payment of taxes and the costs of exercise and commissions. Retention requirements apply to shares acquired upon the exercise of options and the vesting of PBRSUs and PSUs.
(4)After this holding period, the officer would then be able to sell the shares as long as his or her ownership requirement is met or would be reached in the time period allotted.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  61


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Hedging, Pledging and Insider Trading Policies

We have a policy that no director or executive officer, which includes our NEOs, may purchase or sell options, puts, calls, straddles, equity swaps or other derivatives that are directly linked to our stock.

In addition, our insider trading policy prohibits directors, executive officers (including NEOs) and employees from buying or selling our stock while in possession of material nonpublic information about the company and from conveying any such information to others. Under this policy, additional trading restrictions apply to the NEOs and other “corporate"corporate insiders," who are generally permitted to buy or sell our stock only during predetermined window periods following earnings announcements, and only after they have pre-cleared the transactions with our general counsel or designee. Also under this policy, no corporate insider may make “short sales”"short sales" of our stock, and no director or executive officer may pledge our stock as security for a loan.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT69


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Recoupment Policy

If the company makes a material restatement of its financial results, then the Board will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, seek recoupment of performance-based compensation paid to certain senior officers if it determines that:

The senior officer has committed or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct that resulted, either directly or indirectly, in the need to make such restatement; and

Such performance-based compensation paid or awarded to the senior officer would have been a lesser amount if calculated using the restated financial results.

The senior officer has committed or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct that resulted, either directly or indirectly, in the need to make such restatement; and
Such performance-based compensation paid or awarded to the senior officer would have been a lesser amount if calculated using the restated financial results.
The amount of performance-based compensation to be recouped will be determined by the Board after taking into account the relevant facts and circumstances. Performance-based compensation includes annual cash incentive awards, bonuses and all forms of equity compensation. The company’s right to recoup compensation is in addition to other remedies that may be available to us under applicable law.

The Dodd-Frank Act, which contemplates an expansion of the reach of recoupment policies, was enacted into law in July 2010. OnceOn July 1, 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission providesissued a proposal related to compensation clawbacks but final rules have not yet been issued. Once the rules and administrative guidance on requirements of this legislation are final, the Committee will implement any necessary changes to our current recoupment policy at that time.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally places a limit of $1 million per year on the amount of deductible compensation paid to all named executive officers other than the CFO, unless the compensation satisfies the “qualified"qualified performance-based compensation”compensation" exception to Section 162(m).

The current annual incentive payout and long-term incentive grants are intended to be deductible under Section 162(m). From time to time, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, pay compensation that is not deductible under Section 162(m) if it determines that paying such compensation is needed in order to attract, retain or provide incentive to our NEOs, or is otherwise desirable, and it is possible that compensation intended to qualify for the “qualified"qualified performance-based compensation”compensation" exception does not so qualify.

We account for stock-based payments under the requirements of ASC Topic 718. A complete discussion of the assumptions made as well as the financial impact of this type of compensation can be found in Notes 1 and 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of our 20142016 Form 10-K. Each year, the company provides a report to the Committee of the expense for stock-based payments. Additionally, in the event the Committee is considering new equity-based compensation programs or changes to existing programs, the accounting implications of the program or change are presented and discussed as part of the decision process.



627020152017 PROXY STATEMENT





REPORT OF THE HUMAN CAPITAL COMMITTEE


REPORT OF THE HUMAN CAPITAL COMMITTEE

The Human Capital Committee1 has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this proxy statement. Based on such review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference into the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

2016.

2016 Human Capital Committee:
Kevin T. Kabat, Chair

Thomas Kinser

A.S. (Pat) MacMillan,

Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.

Cynthia L. Egan
Edward J. Muhl

1

Ronald P. O’Hanley did not join the Committee until February 26, 2015, and, therefore, did not participate in Committee actions with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this proxy statement.



20152017 PROXY STATEMENT7163



COMPENSATION TABLES


COMPENSATION TABLES

2014
2016 Summary Compensation Table

    Name and

    Principal

    Position

YearSalary
($)
 Bonus
($)
 Stock
Awards
($)(5)
 Option
Awards
($)
 Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation
($)
 Change in
Pension Value
& Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
 All Other
Compen-
sation
($)
 TOTAL
($)
  Total
Without
Change in
Pension
Value ($)*
 
Thomas R. Watjen 
Chief Executive Officer,
and a Director(1)
 2014 $1,145,154   $ –   $5,985,384  (6)  $ –   $2,359,017  (9)  $3,227,000  (10)  $598,034  (11)  $13,314,589   $10,087,589  

 

 2013

 

 

 

1,118,277

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

5,609,489

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

2,141,221

 

  

 

 

 

144,000

 

  

 

 

 

99,933

 

  

 

 

 

9,112,920

 

  

 

 

 

8,968,920

 

  

 

 2012

 

 

 

 

 

1,100,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

5,250,014

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

1,750,004

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

1,489,125

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

4,133,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

89,164

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

13,811,307

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

9,678,307

 

 

  

 

Richard P. McKenney                            
President, and a Director(2) 2014 712,404      1,692,153  (7)     880,531  (9)  175,000  (10)  226,237  (11)  3,686,325   3,511,325  

 

 2013

 

 

 

696,869

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,165,358

 

  

 

 

 

388,455

 

  

 

 

 

889,553

 

  

 

 

 

26,000

 

  

 

 

 

51,413

 

  

 

 

 

3,217,648

 

  

 3,191,648  

 

 2012

 

 

 

 

 

678,771

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

1,005,474

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

335,161

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

709,316

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

177,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

74,658

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

2,980,380

 

 

  

 

 

 

2,803,380

 

  

 

Breege A. Farrell                            
Executive Vice President
and Chief Investment
Officer
 2014 433,786      449,470  (7)     520,543  (9)  79,000  (10)  90,526  (11)  1,573,325   1,494,325  

 

 2013

 

 

 

 

 

417,131

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

424,278

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

560,922

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

234,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

17,242

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

1,653,573

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,419,573

 

  

 

Michael Q. Simonds                            
Executive Vice President,
President and Chief
Executive Officer,
Unum US
 2014 512,019      611,877  (7)     545,838  (9)  344,000  (10)  93,728  (11)  2,107,462   1,763,462  
Randall C. Horn                            
Retired Executive
Vice President,
Chief Executive Officer,
Colonial Life(3)
(retired March 31, 2015)
 2014 512,404      1,103,382  (7)(8)  274,935  (7)  525,112  (9)  225,000  (10)  212,888  (11)  2,853,721   2,628,721  

 

 2013

 

 

 

498,731

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

315,808

 

  

 

 

 

105,272

 

  

 

 

 

467,411

 

  

 

 

 

53,000

 

  

 

 

 

68,180

 

  

 

 

 

1,508,402

 

  

 1,455,402  

 

 2012

 

 

 

 

 

491,260

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

387,026

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

129,008

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

336,022

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

224,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

45,935

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

1,613,251

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

1,389,251

 

 

  

 

Kevin P. McCarthy                            
Retired Executive
Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
 2014 159,923  (4)     1,586,394  (7)     205,901  (9)  1,935,857  (10)  182,250  (11)  4,070,325   2,134,468  

 

 2013

 

 

 

627,462

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,095,470

 

  

 

 

 

365,154

 

   

 

 

 

870,604

 

  

 

 

 

4,023

 

  

 

 

 

33,332

 

  

 

 

 

2,996,045

 

  

 2,992,022  

 

 2012

 

 

 

 

 

615,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

921,368

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

307,121

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

738,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

1,604,312

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

23,626

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

4,209,427

 

 

  

 

 

 

2,605,115

 

  

 

* The year-over-year change in pension value had a significant impact on 2014 total compensation, as determined under applicable SEC rules. To illustrate the impact, we have included a separate column to show total compensation excluding the change in pension value. The Total Without Change in Pension Value represents total compensation, as determined under applicable SEC rules, minus the change in pension value reported in the Change in Pension Value and Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column (but including the non-qualified deferred compensation earnings reported in that column, which are only applicable to Mr. McCarthy).

The amounts reported in the Total Without Change in Pension Value column are not a replacement for Total compensation, but rather an alternative measure which may be useful to our shareholders. We do not believe a year-over-year change in pension value is the most helpful measure in evaluating compensation since it is subject to actuarial assumptions and other external factors that are beyond our control.

The change in actuarial present value of accumulated pension benefits for 2014 was significantly greater than the change in 2013 for most of our NEOs primarily due to a lower discount rate and the adoption of a revised mortality table. The discount rate was lower due to the historically low interest rate environment, and the updated mortality assumptions include mortality improvements published by the Society of Actuaries in 2014. Of the $3.2 million increase in the pension value for Mr. Watjen, approximately $2.1 million of the increase (66%) was due solely to the reduction in the assumed discount rate and $0.7 million was attributable to the change in mortality assumption.

  SalaryBonus
Stock
Awards
 
Option
Awards
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compen-
sation
 
Change in
Pension
Value
& Non-qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
 
All Other
Compen-
sation
 TOTAL
Name and Principal Position(1)
Year($)($)
($)(2)
 ($)($) ($) ($) ($)
Richard P. McKenney             
President and
Chief Executive Officer,
and a Director
2016994,231

5,176,835
(3 
) 

2,100,937
(4 
) 
84,000
(5 
) 
315,316
(6 
) 
8,671,319
2015905,000

3,051,050
 
1,527,033
 
 247,931
 5,731,014
2014712,404

1,692,153
 
880,531
 175,000
 226,237
 3,686,325
John F. McGarry  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice
President
and Chief Financial
Officer
2016588,461

912,245
(3 
) 

744,404
(4 
) 
273,000
(5 
) 
196,724
(6 
) 
2,714,834
2015517,860

629,287
 
509,513
 
 221,024
 1,877,684
Michael Q. Simonds  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice
President,
President and Chief
Executive Officer,
Unum US
2016594,231

953,678
(3 
) 

676,532
(4 
) 
168,000
(5 
) 
127,479
(6 
) 
2,519,920
2015566,346

961,052
 
564,888
 
 113,967
 2,206,253
2014512,019

611,877
 
545,838
 344,000
 93,728
 2,107,462
Lisa G. Iglesias  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice
President,
General Counsel
2016492,692

639,854
(3 
) 

424,946
(4 
) 

(5 
) 
91,033
(6 
) 
1,648,525
2015470,077

1,149,997
 
381,291
 
 40,410
 2,041,775
Breege A. Farrell  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice
President
and Chief Investment
Officer
2016451,500

448,816
(3 
) 

598,689
(4 
) 
38,000
(5 
) 
99,493
(6 
) 
1,636,498
2015444,618

443,024
 
557,551
 
 109,762
 1,554,955
2014433,786

449,470
 
520,543
 79,000
 90,526
 1,573,325
642015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION TABLES

Shareholders interested in the pension benefits provided to our NEOs may find the present value of pension benefits in the Current Value of Pension Benefits table on page 76 a more useful calculation.

(1)Mr. WatjenMcKenney was named President in April 2015 and subsequently assumed the role of CEO following Mr. Watjen's retirement in May 2015. Before that, he served as Unum's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. McGarry, who had previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Unum Group untilthe Closed Block Operations, succeeded Mr. McKenney as Chief Financial Officer in April 1, 2015. As a result of these promotions, the Committee approved adjustments to their compensation packages to reflect their new responsibilities. Their compensation for 2016 reflects their first full year of compensation in their current positions, whereas the compensation for 2015 reflects pro-ration of payments based on the portion of the year that they held their current and prior positions.
(2)Mr. McKenney previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Unum Group until April 1, 2015, when he was appointed to the role of President.
(3)Mr. Horn previously served as Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer of Colonial Life until July 1, 2014. He continued to serve as CEO, Colonial Life through December 31, 2014, and became Executive Vice President, Colonial Life on January 1, 2015.
(4)This amount"Stock Awards" consists of Mr. McCarthy’s salary earned prior to his retirement on March 31, 2014.
(5)performance share units (PSUs) and performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs). The number of shares payable under thesethe PSU awards will be based on the actual results as compared to pre-established performance, conditionsmodified (+/- 20%) based on relative total shareholder return, and can range from 0-180%may result in the ultimate award of 40-180% of the target award. Performance share units assuming the highest possible outcomesinitial number of performance conditions (180%) to which 2014PSUs issued, with


722017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION TABLES

the potential for no award if company performance goals are not achieved during the three-year period. PSUs assuming the highest possible outcomes of performance conditions (180%) to which 2016 awards are subject, determined based on the award amount at the time of grant and thus excluding dividend equivalent units that accrue during the performance period, would be: $4,635,020 for Mr. McKenney; $816,757 for Mr. McGarry; $853,863 for Mr. Simonds; $572,875 for Ms. Iglesias; and $401,848 for Ms. Farrell.
(3)These awards are subject, determined based on the award amount and share price at the time of grant and thus excluding dividend equivalent units that accrue during the performance period, would be: $5,309,973 for Mr. Watjen; $755,999 for Mr. McKenney; $200,824 for Ms. Farrell; $273,352 for Mr. Simonds; $247,510 for Mr. Horn; and $708,764 for Mr. McCarthy. Performance share units assuming the highest possible outcomes of performance conditions to which the 2013 award is subject, determined based on the award amount at the time of grant, and thus excluding dividend equivalent units that accrue during the performance period, would in total be $4,916,271 for Mr. Watjen. No other NEOs were awarded performance share units in 2013. Performance share units were not granted in 2012.
(6)The award was comprised of 50% performance share unitsPSUs and 50% performance-based restricted stock unitsPBRSUs granted to Mr. WatjenMessrs. McKenney, McGarry, and Simonds, and Mses. Farrell and Iglesias on February 25, 201423, 2016 for histheir performance in 2013.2015. The grant date fair value of stock awards for the performance share unitsPSUs was calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 – Compensation – Stock Compensation (ASC 718) as the number of units multiplied by the Monte Carlo simulation value of $34.84$28.14 on the grant date. The grant date fair value of stock awards for the performance-based restricted stock unitsPBRSUs was calculated in accordance with ASC 718 as the number of units multiplied by the closing market price of $33.86 on the grant date. Mr. Watjen’s performance-based restricted stock units will be 50% stock settled and 50% cash settled upon vesting.
(7)The award was comprised of 75% performance-based restricted stock units and 25% performance share units granted to Messrs. McKenney, Simonds, Horn and McCarthy and Ms. Farrell on February 25, 2014 for their performance in 2013. The grant date fair value of stock awards for performance-based restricted stock units on February 25, 2014 was calculated in accordance with ASC 718 as the number of units multiplied by the value of $33.86 on the grant date. The grant date fair value of stock awards for the performance share units was also calculated in accordance with ASC 718 as the number of units multiplied by the Monte Carlo simulation value of $34.84$27.85 on the grant date.
(8)On February 25, 2014 Mr. Horn was awarded a long-term incentive grant consisting of 75% performance-based restricted stock and 25% performance share units for his 2013 performance. On May 19, 2014, the Committee approved Mr. Horn’s retirement status allowing him to vest in all of his unvested equity awards. The acceleration was treated as a modification for accounting purposes and the company recognized an additional $261,815 in additional expense. Based on SEC staff guidance, these have been reported in the Summary Compensation Table by adding the grant date fair value of all modified awards as of May 19, 2014, to the grant date fair value of the February 25, 2014 equity grant.
(9)(4)
Amounts reflect the annual incentive awards grantedpaid in February 20152017 for performance in 2014.2016. These are discussed in further detail beginning on page 5360 under the Annual Incentive Awards heading.
(10)
(5)
The amounts shown reflect the increase in the actuarial present value sinceincreases from December 31, 2013 of the named executive officer’s benefits under all pension plans established by the company.2015 through December 31, 2016. Pension values may fluctuate from year-to-year depending on a number of factors, including age at benefit commencement and the assumptions used to determine the present value, such as the discount rate and mortality rate. The assumptions used by the company in calculating the change in pension value are described beginning on page 7680 and are consistent with those set forth in Note 9 of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on2016 Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2014, except as otherwise provided in footnotes to the Pension Benefits table on page 76.80.
(11)The amount reported for Mr. McCarthy also includes the amount of above-market interest that exceeds 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate prescribed under section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. During 2014, that amount was $2,857. “All
(6)"All Other Compensation”Compensation" amounts are included within the following table.

2016 ALL OTHER COMPENSATION
 
Mr.
McKenney
Mr.
McGarry
Mr.
Simonds
Ms.
Iglesias
Ms.
Farrell
Employee and Spouse/Guest Attendance at Company Business Functions(a)
31,684

9,522


Aircraft Shuttle(b)

14,908



Total Perquisites
$31,684

$14,908

$9,522

$—

$—
Matching Gifts Program(c)
10,000
200
550
10,000
1,500
Company Matching Contributions Under our Qualified and Nonqualified Defined Contribution Retirement Plan(d)
126,063
54,899
57,956
40,147
50,452
Non-Resident State Taxes(e)
19,830
1,332
1,471
2,340
2,084
Company Contributions to the Qualified and Nonqualified Defined Contribution Retirement Plan(f)
113,457
123,817
52,160
38,490
45,407
Tax Reimbursement Payments(g)
14,282
68
5,820
56
50
Foreign Assignment(h)

1,500



Total All Other Compensation
$315,316

$196,724

$127,479

$91,033

$99,493
2015 PROXY STATEMENT  65


COMPENSATION TABLES

2014 ALL OTHER COMPENSATION

    Mr.
Watjen
   Mr.
McKenney
   Ms.
Farrell
   Mr.
Simonds
   Mr.
Horn
   Mr.
McCarthy
 
Employee and Spouse/Guest Attendance at Company Business Functions(a)   $44,260     $58,064     $ -     $12,437     $52,036     $96  

Total Perquisites

   $44,260     $58,064     $0     $12,437     $52,036     $96  
Matching Gifts Program(b)   $ -     $7,500     $5,500     $210     $575     $7,500  
Matching Contributions Under our Qualified and Nonqualified 401(k) Retirement Plan(c)   87,300     52,451     35,999     37,380     -     24,994  
Non-Resident State Taxes(d)   62,267     11,363     4,165     321     182     4,149  
Consulting Fees(e)   -     -     -     -     -     23,400  
Company Contributions to the Defined Contribution and Transition Plans(f)   381,433     72,088     44,762     39,691     110,229     122,011  
Tax Reimbursement Payments(g)   22,774     24,771     100     3,689     49,866     100  

Total All Other Compensation

   $598,034     $226,237     $90,526     $93,728     $212,888     $182,250  
(a)Spouses or guests sometimes accompany the named executive officerNEO at company business functions. When their attendance is expected, a tax gross up payment is provided. Where applicable, these payments have been included under “Tax"Tax Reimbursement Payments." Additionally, when these trips included travel on the corporate aircraft, the incremental cost was calculated to determine amounts to be included.reported. For purposes of compensation disclosure, the use of company aircraft is valued using an incremental cost that takes into account fuel costs, landing fees, parking, weather monitoring and maintenance fees per hour of flight. Crew travel expenses are included based on the actual amount incurred for a particular trip. Fixed costs that do not change based on usage, such as pilot salaries and depreciation of the aircraft, are excluded. Amounts represent the imputed income each NEO incurred for such attendance plus the incremental cost of the aircraft when the aircraft was used.
(b)We provide business flights to our various locations. For part of 2016, Mr. McGarry continued his primary residence in Portland, Maine while maintaining his secondary residence in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He periodically commuted to Portland using our aircraft shuttle that was already making the flights for business purposes until October of 2016 when Mr. McGarry gave up his


2017 PROXY STATEMENT73


COMPENSATION TABLES

secondary residence in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We have calculated the incremental costs of these flights using the methodology outlined in footnote (a) and imputed income according to Internal Revenue Service guidelines.
(c)Amounts represent those provided through our Matching Gifts Program, available to all full-time employees and non-employee directors. During 2014,2016, the company matched eligible gifts from a minimum of $50 to an aggregate maximum gift of $7,500$10,000 per employee/non-employee director, per calendar year. Amounts listed only represent company matching gifts made to qualified non-profit organizations and educational institutions on behalf of the named executive officers,NEOs, and do not represent total charitable contributions made by them during the year.
(c)
(d)
Amounts represent the aggregate matching contributions into our qualified 401(k) Retirement Plan as well as matching contributions into our non-qualified 401(k) RetirementNon-Qualified Plan. Matching contributions under our qualified 401(k) Retirement Plan are provided to all eligible employees participating in the plan as described beginning on page 5766 in the Retirement and Workplace Benefits section. The company matched contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of eligible earnings in 2014.2016. Matching contributions under our non-qualified 401(k) RetirementNon-Qualified Plan are provided to eligible officers participating in the plan as described beginning on page 5766 in the Retirement and Workplace Benefits section. The company matched contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of eligible earnings in 2014.2016.
(d)
(e)Many of our employees are required to travel to other company locations outside of their primary state of employment. While working in a state other than their primary state of employment, employees may become subject to state income taxes in that state if days worked or earnings accrued exceed an amount specified inunder state law. When this happens, we pay the state income tax on behalf of those employees (including our executives)NEOs) and gross up the income amount for FICA and Medicare taxes (gross ups on these amounts are in row g)"Tax Reimbursement Payments"). The employee remains responsible for any taxes they would have incurred had they worked only in their primary state of employment.
(e)This amount represents consulting fees paid to Mr. McCarthy in 2014 following his retirement.
(f)
These amounts represent the aggregate of Defined Contribution Plan (DC Plan)company and Transition Plantransition contributions under our 401(k) and Non-Qualified Plans as described beginning on page 5766 in the Retirement and Workplace Benefits section. Full-time employees with one year of service with the company receive 4.5% of their salary and annual incentive contributed into their 401(k) through the DC Plan. Full-time employees who, as of December 31, 2013, had either: (a) reached a minimum of 60 points (age plus service) and at least 15 years of service or (b) reached the age of 50 with 10 years of service with the company, as of December 31, 2013 (when the defined benefit pension plan was frozen) receive an additional contribution into their DC Plan401(k) and Non-Qualified Plans through the Transition Plan,transition contributions, as disclosed above in the Retirement and Workplace Benefits section.
(g)The amounts shown in this row represent tax payments made by us on behalf of each named executive officerNEO relating to other items in this table.

(h)We provide all expatriate employees (including executives) foreign tax preparation services while they are on assignment outside their home countries and for the three-year period after they return. Mr. McGarry was the only NEO to receive this benefit in 2016.


667420152017 PROXY STATEMENT





COMPENSATION TABLES

2014


2016 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

Grant

Date

 

Estimated Future

Payouts Under

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Awards ($)(1)

 

Estimated Future

Payouts Under

Equity Incentive

Plan Awards (#)(3)

 

All Other

Stock

Awards

(Number

of Shares

of Stock

or Units)

 

All Other
Option

Awards

(Number of

Securities

Underlying

Options)

 

Exercise
or Base
Price of

Option

Awards

 

Grant

Date Fair

Value of

Stock and

Option

Awards

 
 Threshold Target Max Threshold Target Max (#)(4)(5) (#) ($)/SH ($) 

Mr. Watjen(2)

          

 572,577 2,290,308 4,580,616           

02/25/14

         87,124      2,950,019              

02/25/14

       34,849 87,123 156,821        3,035,365  (18)         

Mr. McKenney

          

 178,101 712,404 1,424,808           

02/25/14

         37,212      1,259,998              

02/25/14

       4,962 12,404 22,327        432,155  (18)         

Ms. Farrell

          

 130,136 520,543 1,041,086           

02/25/14

         9,884      334,672              

02/25/14

       1,318 3,295 5,931        114,798  (18)         

Mr. Simonds

          

 115,204 460,817 921,634           

02/25/14

         13,456      455,620              

02/25/14

       1,794 4,485 8,073        156,257  (18)       

Mr. Horn

          

 102,481 409,923 819,846           

02/25/14

         12,183      412,516              

02/25/14

     1,624 4,061 7,310        141,485  (18)       

05/19/14

         8,158      268,398  (19)       

05/19/14

     1,632 4,079 7,342        134,281  (20)       

05/19/14

         4,459      146,701  (21)       

05/19/14

           10,775(6) 24.25(12)  116,706  (22)(23)  

05/19/14

           13,191(7) 23.35(13)  99,645  (22)(24)  

05/19/14

           11,035(8) 26.29(14)  37,000  (22)(24)  

05/19/14

           15,895(9) 20.78(15)  13,527  (22)(24)  

05/19/14

           33,624(10) 11.37(16)  0  (22)(24)  

05/19/14

               29,623(11) 23.74(17)  8,057  (22)(24)  

Mr. McCarthy(2)

          

 39,981 159,923 319,846           

02/25/14

         34,886      1,181,240              

02/25/14

       4,652 11,629 20,932        405,154  (18)       

Grant
Date
Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards ($)(1)
Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards (#)(3)
All Other
Stock
Awards
(Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units)
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
 
ThresholdTargetMaxThresholdTargetMax
(#)(4)
($) 
Mr. McKenney         
434,9761,739,9043,262,320      
2/23/2016      92,4602,575,011
(5) 
2/23/2016   36,98492,460166,428 2,601,824
(6) 
Mr. McGarry (2)
         
147,115588,4611,103,364      
2/23/2016      16,293453,760
(5) 
2/23/2016   6,51716,29329,327 458,485
(6) 
Mr. Simonds         
133,702534,8081,002,765      
2/23/2016      17,033474,369
(5) 
2/23/2016   6,81317,03330,659 479,309
(6) 
Ms. Iglesias         
92,380369,519692,848      
2/23/2016      11,428318,270
(5) 
2/23/2016   4,57111,42820,570 321,584
(6) 
Ms. Farrell         
135,450541,8001,015,875      
2/23/2016      8,016223,246
(5) 
2/23/2016   3,2068,01614,429 225,570
(6) 
2015 PROXY STATEMENT  67


COMPENSATION TABLES

(1)These amounts reflect the threshold, target, and maximum award under the annual incentive plan. The threshold is the minimum level, which is 25% of the amount shown in the Target column. Target amounts are based on the individuals’ earnings for 20142016 and their annual incentive target. The maximum award is 200%187.5% of such target.target (150% plan maximum multiplied by 125% individual maximum).
(2)
Mr. Watjen’sMcGarry’s performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) are no longer subject to risk of forfeiture because he met the age and years of service requirements for retirement eligibility under the plans from which the awards were granted. His PBRSUs will continue to vest ratably over the three year vesting period on each anniversary of the grant date. Mr. McCarthy’s unvested PBRSUs vested immediately upon his retirementThe actual amount of PSUs that will vest will be determined based on March 31, 2014 and were distributed six months later in accordance with Section 409Athe achievement of the Code.three-year performance goals, modified by relative TSR, as described in further detail in the Long-term Incentive Targets section beginning on page 56.
(3)
The vesting of performance share units (PSUs)PSUs ranges from 40% to 180% of target based on the performance and market conditions noted, beginning on page 50.56. The grant date fair value of each PSU was calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718 using a Monte Carlo simulation based on historical volatility, risk-free rates of interest, and pairwise correlation coefficients. On May 19, 2014, the Committee approved Mr. Horn’s retirement status under the plans, effective upon his retirement on March 31, 2015. This means that Mr. Horn will be eligible to earn the full grant, including dividend equivalents. The actual amount that will vestbe issued will be determined based on the achievement of the three-year performance goals (2014-2016)(2016-2018), modified by relative TSR, as described in further detail in the Long-termLong-Term Incentive Targets section beginning on page 50.56.
(4)This
The grant of PBRSUs made on February 25, 201423, 2016 for Messrs. Watjen, McKenney, McGarry, and Simonds Hornas well as Mses. Farrell and McCarthy and Ms. Farrell wasIglesias were based on the achievement of a threshold of statutory after-tax operating earnings and individual performance for 20132015 and vests ratably over three years. These awards were granted under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Details are provided in the Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2014 table2016 Table and related footnotes beginning on page 56. For Mr. Watjen, 50% of these shares will be stock settled and 50% will be cash settled upon vesting. On May 19, 2014, the Committee approved Mr. Horn’s retirement status allowing him to vest in all of his unvested PBRSUs upon his retirement on March 31, 2015.63.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT75


COMPENSATION TABLES

(5)The grant date fair value of stock awards for performance-based restricted stock unitsthe PBRSUs granted on February 25, 201423, 2016 was calculated as the number of units multiplied by the closing market price of $33.86$27.85 on the grant date.
(6)This award consists of 3,591 options representing the unvested options held by Mr. Horn from the February 20, 2013 grant that accelerated vesting as of the May 19, 2014 modification date, and 7,184 options held by Mr. Horn from the February 20, 2013 grant that were modified on May 19, 2014 due to an extension in the exercise term. The fair value of the options that accelerated vesting and the incremental fair value of the options with an extended exercise term were $16.231 and $8.132, respectively. These fair values on the modification date were estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value the modified grant:
(a)Expected volatility of 51%, based on our historical daily stock prices;
(b)Expected life of 5.9 years, which equals the maximum term;
(c)Expected dividend yield of 1.76%, based on the dividend rate at the date of modification; and
(d)Risk-free rate of 1.79%, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of modification.
(7)The incremental fair value of options granted on February 21, 2012, which were modified on May 19, 2014, was $7.554. The incremental fair value on the modification date was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value the modified grant:
(a)Expected volatility of 51%, based on our historical daily stock prices;
(b)Expected life of 5.8 years, which equals the maximum term;
(c)Expected dividend yield of 1.76%, based on the dividend rate at the date of modification; and
(d)Risk-free rate of 1.76%, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of modification.
(8)The incremental fair value of options granted on February 22, 2011, which were modified on May 19, 2014, was $3.353. The incremental fair value on the modification date was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value the modified grant:
(a)Expected volatility of 28%, based on our historical daily stock prices;
(b)Expected life of 4.8 years, which equals the maximum term;
(c)Expected dividend yield of 1.76%, based on the dividend rate at the date of modification; and
(d)Risk-free rate of 1.47%, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of modification.
(9)The incremental fair value of options granted on February 25, 2010, which were modified on May 19, 2014, was $0.851. The incremental fair value on the modification date was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value the modified grant:
(a)Expected volatility of 26%, based on our historical daily stock prices;
(b)Expected life of 3.8 years, which equals the maximum term;
(c)Expected dividend yield of 1.76%, based on the dividend rate at the date of modification; and

682015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION TABLES

(d)Risk-free rate of 1.09%, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of modification.
(10)The incremental fair value of options granted on February 24, 2009, which were modified on May 19, 2014, was $0.000. The incremental fair value on the modification date was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value the modified grant:
(a)Expected volatility of 25%, based on our historical daily stock prices;
(b)Expected life of 2.8 years, which equals the maximum term;
(c)Expected dividend yield of 1.76%, based on the dividend rate at the date of modification; and
(d)Risk-free rate of 0.69%, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of modification.
(11)The incremental fair value of options granted on February 21, 2008, which were modified on May 19, 2014, was $0.272. The incremental fair value on the modification date was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used to value the modified grant:
(a)Expected volatility of 21%, based on our historical daily stock prices;
(b)Expected life of 1.8 years, which equals the maximum term;
(c)Expected dividend yield of 1.76%, based on the dividend rate at the date of modification; and
(d)Risk-free rate of 0.30%, based on the yield of treasury bonds at the date of modification.
(12)The amount shown is the closing market price on February 20, 2013, the day the options were originally granted. The award was modified on May 19, 2014 in connection with Mr. Horn’s retirement as described on page 56 in the 2015 Compensation Decisions section. The closing price on that date was $32.90.
(13)The amount shown is the closing market price on February 21, 2012, the day the options were originally granted. The award was modified on May 19, 2014 in connection with Mr. Horn’s retirement as described on page 56 in the 2015 Compensation Decisions section. The closing price on that date was $32.90.
(14)The amount shown is the closing market price on February 22, 2011, the day the options were originally granted. The award was modified on May 19, 2014 in connection with Mr. Horn’s retirement as described on page 56 in the 2015 Compensation Decisions section. The closing price on that date was $32.90.
(15)The amount shown is the closing market price on February 25, 2010, the day the options were originally granted. The award was modified on May 19, 2014 in connection with Mr. Horn’s retirement as described on page 56 in the 2015 Compensation Decisions section. The closing price on that date was $32.90.
(16)The amount shown is the closing market price on February 24, 2009, the day the options were originally granted. The award was modified on May 19, 2014 in connection with Mr. Horn’s retirement as described on page 56 in the 2015 Compensation Decisions section. The closing price on that date was $32.90.
(17)The amount shown is the closing market price on February 21, 2008, the day the options were originally granted. The award was modified on May 19, 2014 in connection with Mr. Horn’s retirement as described on page 56 in the 2015 Compensation Decisions section. The closing price on that date was $32.90.
(18)(6)As noted above, the grant date fair value of performance share units (PSUs)PSUs granted on February 25, 2014, which23, 2016 was calculated in accordance with ASC 718 using a Monte Carlo simulation based on historical volatility, risk-free rates of interest, and pairwise correlation coefficients as of February 25, 2014.23, 2016. The Monte Carlo valuation per share was $34.84.$28.14.
(19)The amount shown represents the unvested restricted stock units held by Mr. Horn from the February 25, 2014 grant that accelerated vesting as of the May 19, 2014 modification date. These units were valued using a share price of $32.90, the closing price on May 19, 2014.
(20)The grant date fair value of the PSUs that were modified on May 19, 2014 in connection with Mr. Horn’s retirement were calculated in accordance with ASC 718 using a Monte Carlo simulation based on historical volatility, risk-free rates of interest and pairwise correlation coefficients as of May 19, 2014. The Monte Carlo valuation per share was $32.92.
(21)The amount shown represents the unvested restricted stock units held by Mr. Horn from the February 20, 2013 grant that were modified on May 19, 2014. These units were valued at $32.90, the closing price on May 19, 2014.
(22)The incremental fair value was determined by taking the difference between the fair value of the options immediately prior to the modification and the fair value of the modified award. The post-modification assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model were outlined in footnotes (6) through (11) above. The following assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes valuation model to calculate the fair value of each of these options immediately prior to the modification:
(a)Expected volatility of 21%, based on our historical daily stock prices;
(b)Expected life of 1.1 years, which equals the maximum term;
(c)Expected dividend yield of 1.78%, based on the dividend rate; and
(d)Risk-free rate of 0.12%, based on the yield of treasury bonds.
(23)These amounts represent Mr. Horn’s outstanding options as of the modification date multiplied by the fair value or incremental fair value associated with the grant modification, as disclosed in footnote (6) above.
(24)These amounts represent Mr. Horn’s outstanding options as of the modification date multiplied by the incremental fair value associated with the grant modification, as disclosed in the footnotes above.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  69


COMPENSATION TABLES

2014
2016 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

Option Awards   Stock Awards 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

  

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

  

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned

Options

   

Option

Exercise

Price

   

Option

Expiration

Date

   

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

   Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested(4)
   

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other

Rights That

Have Not

Vested(5)

   

Equity
Incentive

Plan Awards:

Market or

Payout

Value of
Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other

Rights

That Have

Not Vested(6)

 
(# Exercisable)  (# Unexercisable)  (#)   ($)        (#)   ($)   (#)   ($) 

Mr. Watjen

                

-

   -    -     -     -     246,590     8,601,059     206,021     7,186,012  

239,796

   -    -     11.370     2/24/17     -     -     -     -  

153,927

   -    -     20.780     2/25/18     -     -     -     -  

123,682

   -    -     26.290     2/22/19     -     -     -     -  

119,291

   59,646(1)        23.350     2/21/20     -     -     -     -  

Mr. McKenney

                

-

   -    -     -     -     86,139     3,004,528     12,579     438,756  

26,048

   -    -     26.290     2/22/19     -     -     -     -  

22,846

   11,424(1)   -     23.350     2/21/20     -     -     -     -  

13,253

   26,507(2)   -     24.250     2/20/21     -     -     -     -  

Ms. Farrell

                

-

   -    -     -     -     27,739     967,536     3,342     116,569  

-

   -    -     -     -     -     -     -     -  

-

   -    -     -     -     -     -     -     -  

-

   -    -     -     -     -     -     -     -  

Mr. Simonds

                

-

   -    -     -     -     28,030     977,686     4,548     158,634  

-

   -    -     -     -     -     -     -     -  

-

   -    -     -     -     -     -     -     -  

-

   -    -     -     -     -     -     -     -  

Mr. Horn

                

-

   -    -     -     -     27,208     949,015     4,118     143,636  

29,623

   -    -     23.740     2/21/16     -     -     -     -  

33,624

   -    -     11.370     2/24/17     -     -     -     -  

15,895

   -    -     20.780     2/25/18     -     -     -     -  

11,035

   -    -     26.290     2/22/19     -     -     -     -  

8,794

   4,397(1)   -     23.350     2/21/20     -     -     -     -  

3,591

   7,184(3)   -     24.250     3/31/20     -     -     -     -  

Mr. McCarthy

                

-

   -    -     -     -     -     -     11,793     411,340  

10,468

   -    -     23.350     3/31/19     -     -     -     -  

24,917

   -    -     24.250     3/31/19     -     -     -     -  

Option AwardsStock Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
Option
Exercise
Price
Option
Expiration
Date
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested(1)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested(2)
Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested(3)
(# Exercisable)(# Unexercisable)(#)($)  (#)($)(#)($)
Mr. McKenney       




137,514
6,040,990
251,320
11,040,488
26,048

26.29
2/22/2019




34,270

23.35
2/23/2019




39,760

24.25
2/24/2019




Mr. McGarry       




26,299
1,155,315
46,758
2,054,079
Mr. Simonds        




31,646
1,390,209
57,056
2,506,470
Ms. Iglesias        




35,211
1,546,819
20,895
917,917
Ms. Farrell       




16,054
705,252
26,602
1,168,626
702015 PROXY STATEMENT


COMPENSATION TABLES

(1)These options vested on February 21, 2015.
(2)These options will vest on February 20, 2016.
(3)These options vested on March 31, 2015, Mr. Horn’s retirement date.
(4)The amounts in this column represent the aggregate value of performance-based restricted stock units (including(PBRSUs), including dividend equivalents)equivalents, shown in the “Number"Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested”Vested" column based on the closing price of $34.88$43.93 on December 31, 2014,30, 2016, the last trading day of the year.
(5)
(2)This column reflects the outstanding number of PSUs that would be received by each NEO at target for the 2013 and 2014 grants. These PSU awards that were granted on February 21, 2013 (to Mr. Watjen only)24, 2015 and February 25, 2014 (all NEOs), respectively.23, 2016 (to Messrs. McKenney, McGarry, and Simonds as well as Mses. Farrell and Iglesias). They vest onat the third anniversaryend of the grant date,respective performance period, subject to the level of achievement with respect to theon applicable performance targets. In accordance with Instruction 3 to Regulation S-K Item 402(f)(2), the values for this award in the “Equity"Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested”Vested" and the “Equity"Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested”Vested" columns are reported at targetmaximum levels assince the company’s ranked average performance for 2013 and 2014 relative to the applicable peer group exceed the threshold. The company’s ranked average performancetotal shareholder return for 2015 (forand 2016 awards exceeded the 2013 grant)target. Actual shares to be issued under PSUs granted in connection with the 2015-2017 and for 2016 (for the 2013 grant and the 2014 grant) relative to the applicable index was not determinable as of the date of filing of this proxy statement. The ultimate payout under this PSU award is based on a final determination of performance during the complete 2013-2015 and 2014-20162016-2018 performance periods respectively, which isare not yet determinable and which may differ from the performance level required to be disclosed in this table. The PSUs that were granted in 2014 (for the 2014-2016 performance period) vested on December 31, 2016 and are shown in the "2016 Option Exercises and Stock Vested" table.
(6)
(3)The amounts in this column represent the aggregate value of PSUs (including dividend equivalents) shown in the “Equity"Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested”Vested" column based on the closing price of $34.88$43.93 on December 31, 2014,30, 2016, the last trading day of the year.



762017 PROXY STATEMENT




COMPENSATION TABLES

Vesting Schedule for Unvested Restricted Stock Units

   Number of Restricted Shares/Units Vesting(1)
  Vesting DateGrant
Date
 

Mr.

Watjen(2)

 

Mr.

McKenney

 

Ms.

Farrell

 

Mr.

Simonds

 

Mr.

Horn(3)

 

Mr.

McCarthy(4)

  

February 20, 2015

 2/20/13   -     16,542     6,022     4,755     4,483    -
  

February 21, 2015

 2/21/12   79,623     15,247     5,644     4,853     5,869    -
  

February 21, 2015

 2/21/13   39,307     -     -       -       -      -
  

February 25, 2015

 2/25/14   29,448     12,579     3,341     4,548     4,118    -
  

February 20, 2016

 2/20/13   -       16,613     6,048     4,777     4,502    -
  

February 21, 2016

 2/21/13   39,305     -       -       -       -      -
  

February 25, 2016

 2/25/14   29,448     12,579     3,342     4,548     4,118    -
  

February 25, 2017

 

 

 

2/25/14

 

  

 

 

 

29,459  

 

  

 

 

 

12,579  

 

  

 

 

 

3,342  

 

  

 

 

 

4,549  

 

  

 

 

 

4,118  

 

  

 

-

   Total

 

    

 

246,590  

 

  

 

 

 

86,139  

 

  

 

 

 

27,739  

 

  

 

 

 

28,030  

 

  

 

 

 

27,208  

 

  

 

-

  
Number of Restricted Shares/Units Vesting(1)
Vesting Date
Grant
Date
Mr.
McKenney
Mr.
McGarry(2)
Mr.
Simonds
Ms.
Iglesias
Ms.
Farrell
January 8, 20171/8/2015


8,754

February 23, 20172/23/201630,993
5,461
5,709
3,831
2,687
February 24, 20172/24/201515,234
3,142
4,798
3,046
2,212
February 25, 20172/25/201413,125
3,464
4,747

3,487
January 8, 20181/8/2015


8,754

February 23, 20182/23/201630,994
5,462
5,710
3,831
2,687
February 24, 20182/24/201515,235
3,143
4,799
3,048
2,213
February 23, 20192/23/201631,934
5,628
5,884
3,947
2,769
   Total  137,515
26,300
31,647
35,211
16,055
(1)These performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs) include dividend equivalents earned through December 31, 2014.2016.
(2)Mr. Watjen’s performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs)McGarry’s PBRSUs are no longer subject to the risk of forfeiture because he meets the age and years of service requirement for retirement eligibility.
(3)On May 19, 2014 the Committee determined that Mr. Horn’s retirement on March 31, 2015 would be a qualifying retirement for purposes of his outstanding PBRSUs. In accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 402(f)(2), the vesting pattern shown in this table is as of December 31, 2014. However, as a result of Mr. Horn’s retirement on March 31, 2015, all of the PBRSUs shown in this table vested as of that date and will be distributed to him in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.
(4)Mr. McCarthy’s performance-based restricted stock unit grants are no longer subject to the risk of forfeiture because he met the age and years of service requirement for retirement eligibility on March 31, 2014, the date of his retirement. These grants vested immediately upon his retirement. His performance-based restricted stock units were distributed to him in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  71


COMPENSATION TABLES

2014
2016 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

   Option Awards  Stock Awards(3) 

  Name

  Number of Shares

Acquired

on Exercise(1)

(#)

  Value Realized

on Exercise(2)

($)

   

 

 

 

Number of Shares

Acquired

on Vesting(4)

(#)

  

  

  

  

   

 

 

Value Realized

on Vesting(5)

($)

  

  

  

  

  Mr. Watjen

  331,519  3,231,449   174,915             $5,868,400          
  

  Mr. McKenney

  26,963  352,054   43,482             1,459,139          
  

  Ms. Farrell

  -  -   17,338             577,772          
  

  Mr. Simonds

  -  -   12,018             403,304          
  

  Mr. Horn

  -  -   15,365             515,585          
  

  Mr. McCarthy(6)

 

  31,130

 

  295,768

 

   

 

120,710        

 

  

 

   

 

4,116,627        

 

  

 

 Option Awards
Stock Awards(3)
Name
Number of Shares
Acquired
on Exercise(1)
(#)
Value Realized
on Exercise(2)
($)
Number of Shares
Acquired
on Vesting(4)
(#)
Value Realized
on Vesting(5)
($)
Mr. McKenney

58,928
1,863,446
Mr. McGarry16,983
281,534
13,495
434,953
Mr. Simonds

19,339
619,433
Ms. Iglesias

11,559
343,689
Ms. Farrell

15,535
491,287
(1)A portion of the underlying shares were withheld to cover taxes due upon exercise.
(2)The amount is calculated as the number of shares acquired multiplied by the market price at the pointtime of exercise less the option exercise/strike price.
(3)Reflects the performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) that vested during 2014.2016.
(4)Includes the total number of unrestricted shares acquired upon the vesting of performance-based restricted stock units.PBRSUs and PSUs. A portion of these shares were withheld to cover taxes due upon vesting.
(5)The amount is calculated includes performance-based restricted stock units acquiredas the number of vested PBRSUs and PSUs multiplied by the closing price on the vesting date.
(6)Mr. McCarthy’s vesting includes both normal, ratable, vesting Included in Februarythe amounts for Messrs. McKenney, McGarry, and Simonds as well as accelerated vesting as a resultMs. Farrell are PSUs that vested during 2016. The PSUs which were granted in 2014 (for the 2014-2016 performance period) vested on December 31, 2016 and were distributed on February 21, 2017 at the value of his retirement.$48.56 per share.




2017 PROXY STATEMENT
7277 2015 PROXY STATEMENT



POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Pension Benefits

The Unum Group Pension Plan and the Unum Group Supplemental Pension Plan and the Unum Group Senior Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)(the Excess Plan) were frozen on December 31, 2013. Benefits earned under these plans have been determined based on service and eligible earnings through December 31, 2013. NEOs hired prior to this date participated in both the Unum Group Pension and Supplemental Pension Plans, and Mr. Watjen also participated in the Unum Group SERP. Any benefitsPlans. Benefits earned before the freeze will be paid to executives under the terms of the plans as the employees terminate employment or retire.

FROZEN DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS
Unum Group Pension Plan (Qualified Plan)
Provides funded, tax-qualified benefits up to the limits on compensation and benefits under the Internal Revenue Code. The Qualified Plan was designed to provide tax-qualified pension benefits for most employees. On June 12, 2013, the Human Capital Committee approved a change to the terms of the Qualified Plan to freeze the further accrual of retirement benefits provided to employees on December 31, 2013.

Unum Group Supplemental Pension Plan (Excess Plan)
Provides unfunded, non-qualified benefits for compensation that exceeds the Code limits in the Qualified Plan. On June 12, 2013, the Human Capital Committee approved a change to the terms of the Excess Plan to freeze the further accrual of retirement benefits provided to employees on December 31, 2013.
Unum Group Senior Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)

Mr. Watjen is the only active employee in the Senior Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). This plan provides unfunded, non-qualified benefits that are offset by benefits under the Qualified Plan and the Excess Plan. The SERP supplements the pension benefits that are provided under Qualified and Excess Plans (as outlined above), and in connection with the freezing of those plans, Mr. Watjen requested similar changes to his retirement benefit under the Unum Group SERP. On December 12, 2013 the Human Capital Committee approved amendments to Mr. Watjen’s employment agreement, including freezing the further accrual of his retirement benefit under the SERP on December 31, 2013.


Plan Descriptions

Following are details of how each of the frozen plan benefits are calculated. These formulas incorporate base pay received in each plan year during which the employee accrued credited service through December 31, 2013 and payments received from the regular annual incentive plan and any field or sales compensation plans through that date. Not included are other bonuses, long-term incentive awards, commissions, prizes, awards, or allowances for incidentals.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  73


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Qualified Plan

In calculating the basic pension benefits in our Qualified Plan, three criteria are used:

FROZEN QUALIFIED PLAN CRITERIA
Credited service
Credited service
A measureMeasures of the time individuals are employed at the company. One year of credited service is granted for each plan year in which 1,000 hours of employment are completed. No additional credited service will accrue to any participant after December 31, 2013.
Highest average earnings
The average of the highest 5 years of compensation (whether or not consecutive) during the earlier of the last 10 years of employment or as of the date the plan was frozen on December 31, 2013.

Social Security covered compensation

The average of the taxable wage bases in effect for each calendar year during the 35-year period ending when the plan was frozen on the last day of the calendar 2013 year.

December 31, 2013.



782017 PROXY STATEMENT




POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

The basic benefit is provided as an annual single life annuity and is calculated as follows:

LOGO

 qualifiedbenefit.jpg
(1)Can range from 3%, if the sum of an employee’s age and years of credited service is less than 30, to 8%, if the sum equals or exceeds 95.
(2)Equal to 9.0 for retirement at age 65 and increased by 0.2 for each whole year retirement occurs prior to age 65.

All frozen pension benefits are indexed on the first day of each plan year (January 1st) following December 31, 2013 using the National Average Wage rate of increase published by the Social Security Administration in the preceding year (minimum of 2.75% and maximum of 5%).

As of January 2017, the retirement benefits will be indexed using the Internal Revenue Service regulations in Section 8.02.

Benefits provided under the frozen Qualified Plan are based on pensionable earnings through December 31, 2013 up to the 2013 compensation limit of $255,000 under the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, benefits may not exceed $210,000$215,000 (payable as a single life annuity beginning at any age from 62 through Social Security Normal Retirement Age) under the Internal Revenue Code.

Excess Plan

As described above in the Frozen Defined Benefits Table,Benefit Plans table, the Excess Plan disregards the annual benefit limit under Section 415 of the Code. The Excess Plan takes into account pension benefits outside of the current Qualified Plan and is calculated as follows:

LOGO

742015 PROXY STATEMENT


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

SERP

The SERP is provided as a single life annuity beginning on the first day of the month following retirement. The benefit is calculated as follows:

LOGO

Mr. Watjen is the only NEO covered under the SERP.

excessbenefit.jpg
Retirement Age

Participants in the pension plans outlined above are eligible to retire as early as age 55. Under the Qualified and Excess Plans, participants may retire early at age 55 with 5 years of vesting service. However, if a participant begins receiving a benefit prior to the normal retirement age of 65, the normal retirement benefit will be reduced based on the applicable early reduction factors defined in the plan.

Under The benefit formula is shown under the SERP,Qualified and Excess plans beginning on page 78. Mr. WatjenMcGarry is the only NEO eligible for early retirement under the Qualified an unreduced pension at age 60, his current age, and the amount of his unreduced pension is shown in the Pension Benefits table on the following page.

Excess plans.


20152017 PROXY STATEMENT7975



POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION


Current Value of Pension Benefits

Pension benefits payable to each NEO are summarized in the following table:

PENSION BENEFITS

    Name  Plan Name  

Number of Years of
Credited Service

(#)

  

Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefits

($)(2)(3)

  

Payments During Last
Fiscal Year

($)

    Mr. Watjen(1)

  Qualified  19.50               665,000          $  –
 
   

Excess

  19.50               8,678,000            –
 
   

SERP

  19.50               12,271,000            –
 

    Mr. McKenney

  Qualified  4.42               87,000            –
 
   

Excess

  4.42               474,000            –
 

    Ms. Farrell

  Qualified  3.00               91,000            –
 
   

Excess

  3.00               222,000            –
 

    Mr. Simonds

  Qualified  16.25               424,000            –
 
   

Excess

  16.25               563,000            –
 

    Mr. Horn

  Qualified  10.00               341,000            –
 
   

Excess

  10.00               939,000            –
 

    Mr. McCarthy

  Qualified  35.00               1,405,000          61,252           
 
   

Excess

  35.00               6,783,000          307,104           

PENSION BENEFITS
NamePlan Name
Number of 
Years of
Credited Service
Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefits(2)
Payments 
During Last
Fiscal Year
    (#)($)($)
Mr. McKenneyQualified4.42
94,000

Excess4.42
514,000

Mr. McGarryQualified28.00
1,073,000

Excess28.00
1,583,000

Mr. SimondsQualified16.25
460,000

Excess16.25
611,000

Ms. Iglesias(1)
Qualified


Excess


Ms. FarrellQualified3.00
98,000

Excess3.00
241,000

(1)Assumes retirement at unreduced retirement age of 65No amounts are shown for Ms. Iglesias because the Qualified and Excess plans and age 60 for Mr. Watjen under the SERP.were frozen to further accruals on December 31, 2013, before her employment began.

(2)The “Present"Present Value of Accumulated Benefits”Benefits" is based upon a measurement date of December 31, 2014,2016, which is the same measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes for the Company’scompany’s audited financial statements as found in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report oncompany’s 2016 Form 10-K.

(3)The “Present Value of Accumulated Benefits” is based upon a measurement date of December 31, 2014. Accordingly, all All calculations utilize credited service and Pensionable Earningspensionable earnings as of the samepension freeze date, December 31, 2013, in addition to the following assumptions:

Retirement AgeAge: Assumes age 65 except where noted for Mr. Watjen in footnote (1).65.
Discount RateRate: 4.4%
Salary Increase RateRate: Not Applicableapplicable.
Social Security Indexing RateRate: 3.5% to index the Qualified and Excess Plan benefits from the measurement date to commencement date.
Pension Increase RateRate: Not Applicableapplicable.
Pre-Retirement DecrementsNoneDecrements: None.
Post-Retirement Mortality TableTable: RP-2014 Mortality Tables projected using fully generational two-dimensional mortality table projected 5 years past the measurement date with Projection Scale BB.BB from 2006.

Lump

Effective with employees who terminate on or after January 1, 2017, lump sum distributions are available under the plan onlyQualified Plan to vested employees who have a present value of future pension benefits of $10,000$100,000 or less. None ofMr. McKenney and Ms. Farrell are the only NEOs arethat would be eligible for a lump sum distributions fromdistribution in the event of termination since the current present value of their future benefits in the Qualified or Excess Plans, orPlan is less than $100,000, as shown in the SERP. Based on current benefit levels, pensionpreceding table. Pension payouts for all other NEOs will be paid in the form of a monthly annuity.



768020152017 PROXY STATEMENT





POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION


Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

We have a nonqualifiedone active non-qualified defined contribution plan (Non-Qualified Plan) that allows for deferrals of compensation by our NEOs. TheWe also maintain one other two nonqualified plansplan that allowed for deferrals of compensation areand is an inactive plansplan originally maintained by a predecessor company and in which Mr. McCarthyMcGarry is the only NEO participant. The last year that compensation deferrals occurred under thesethis inactive plansplan was 2000.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

    NamePlan

Executive

Contributions
in Last FY

$(3)

Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY

$(4)

Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY

$(5)

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
$(0)

Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE

$(6)

 

    Mr. Watjen

Nonqualified DC742,999428,28343,9121,215,193 
 

    Mr. McKenney

Nonqualified DC39,45199,8395,502144,792 
 

    Ms. Farrell

Nonqualified DC32,19956,0613,51091,769 
 

    Mr. Simonds

 

Nonqualified DC24,38052,3711,24777,998 
 

    Mr. Horn

Nonqualified DC82,7792,59285,371 
 

    Mr. McCarthy(1)  

Inactive NQ Plans7,970182,963 
 
Equity(2)2,803,519-48,724-2,754,795— 
 
 Nonqualified DC11,994106,5553,621-23,33698,833 

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
NamePlan
Executive
Contributions
in Last FY(2)
Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY(3)
Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY(4)
Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE(5)
    $$$$$
Mr. McKenneyNonqualified DC112,813
214,345
97,726

779,878
Mr. McGarry(1)
Inactive NQ Plan

9,204

35,540
 Nonqualified DC83,298
143,716
62,880

582,712
Mr. SimondsNonqualified DC44,706
84,941
68,540

396,419
Ms. IglesiasNonqualified DC55,659
55,234
5,635

116,528
Ms. FarrellNonqualified DC52,084
70,685
21,529

351,964
(1)Mr. McCarthyMcGarry has balancesa balance under twoone inactive deferred compensation plans. The first inactive plan (the former UNUM Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan) earned interest at a rate of 6.5%. The interest rate for thisplan. This plan is set once each year at the rate which is equivalent to the interest rate Unum receives on the Unum America Consolidated Portfolio (consisting of bonds, commercial mortgage loansa non-qualified defined contribution plan and preferred stocks). The amount of above-market interest that exceeds 120% of the rate prescribed under section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code has been included in the Change in Pension Value & Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 64. The second inactive plan (a non-qualified 401(k) plan) includes 100% Unum stock to be paid out in cash. The change in market value and dividends earned is included in the Aggregate"Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year (FY)FY" amount. The value of the balance is included in the Aggregate"Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year End (FYE) amounts.FYE" column.

(2)These amounts represent Mr. McCarthy’s unvested RSUs at his March 31, 2014 retirement date, which were subject to Code Section 409A’s settlement restrictions, and the value of the unvested RSUs as of September 30, 2014, the conclusion of the 409A restricted period. The balance is subject to earnings (losses) through the movement of our stock, as well as dividends provided, during that period. These amounts are not reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

(3)(2)These amounts are included in the Summary Compensation Table in the “Salary”"Salary" and “Non-Equity"Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation”Compensation" columns for 20142016 for each NEO.

(4)
(3)
These amounts represent nonqualified company contributions through our DCNon-Qualified Plan, as described in the Retirement and Transition Plans.Workplace Benefits section beginning on page 66. The amounts are included in the “All"All Other Compensation”Compensation" column of the Summary Compensation Table for 20142016 for each NEO.

(5)
(4)These amounts were not included in the Summary Compensation Table because investment earnings were not preferential or above market. The investment options under the nonqualified retirement plans are the same choices available to all employees that are eligible to participate in the qualified plan and NEOs do not receive preferential earnings on their investments.

(6)As 2014 is the first year of the DC and Transition Plans, none of these
(5)This column includes amounts that were includedreported in theprior year’s Summary Compensation Table in prior years.the "Salary," "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation," or "All Other Compensation" columns, as applicable, to the extent that the NEO was an NEO at the time. These amounts are as follows: $359,767 for Mr. McKenney; $176,366 for Mr. McGarry; $203,787 for Ms. Farrell; and $199,592 for Mr. Simonds. Ms. Iglesias did not participate in our Non-Qualified Plan until 2016.



20152017 PROXY STATEMENT8177



POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION


Other Post-Employment Payments

The discussion below outlines estimated benefits payable to our NEOs under various termination scenarios as of December 31, 2014.

Some benefits changed in early 2015 based on the transition of leadership. Post-employment benefits after December 31, 2014 are described in the Compensation Contracts and Agreements section beginning on page 59.

2016.

The following terminology will be used throughout the discussion of the various termination scenarios:

TERMINATION DEFINITIONS
TERMINATION DEFINITIONS
Termination with cause
One or more of the following factors is present: the failure to substantially perform duties; the willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct harmful to the company; or the conviction of a felony (or plea of “guilty”"guilty" or “no contest”"no contest").

Termination without cause
One or more of the following factors is present: poor performance, other than for misconduct or cause (as defined above); job elimination; job requalification; or the decision to fill the position with a different resource consistent with the direction of the company.

Resignation for good reason
One or more of the following events have preceded the resignation of the named executive officer:NEO: assignment to a position inconsistent with his or her existing position or any other action that diminishes such position; reduction of his base salary or annual incentive target; failure to continue any material employee benefit or compensation plan in which he or she participates; or relocation to an office more than 50 miles from his or her location, with the exception of Mr. Watjen whose contract stipulates more than 35 miles.location.

Change in control

A change in control occurs when one of the following situations exists: (a) the incumbent directors cease to be a majority for two years; (b) an entity acquires 20% of our voting stock (30% in some instances); (c) we consummate certain transactions such as a merger or disposition of substantially all of our assets; or (d) shareholders approve a plan of liquidation or distribution.

In the event of any termination of employment, all named executive officers would receive benefits to which they are entitled, including unpaid base salary through the date of termination, accrued vacation, and accrued benefits under the retirement plan.

Terminations Related to a Change in Control

As outlined in the Compensation ContractsSeverance and AgreementsChange in Control Arrangements section beginning on page 59,67, Mr. WatjenMcKenney has an employmenta severance agreement that specifically addresses post-employment payments, including in the event of a termination of employment in connection with a change in control. The remaining NEOs are covered by change- inchange-in control severance agreements. In the event of termination uponwithin two years following the occurrence of a change in control, NEOs would receive the following benefits:

Three times the sum of his annual base salary and the average annual incentive paid to him in the three years prior to the date of termination for Mr. McKenney; two times the sum of annual base salary and annual incentive (the greater of the current year target or the prior year annual incentive paid) for the remaining NEOs;


Three times the sum of his annual base salary and the average annual incentive paid to him in the three years prior to the date of termination for Mr. Watjen; two times base salary and annual incentive (the greater of the current year target or the prior year annual incentive paid) for the remaining NEOs;

Prorated annual incentive through the date of termination of employment;

Health and welfare benefits for up to three years for Mr. Watjen and up to two years for the remaining NEOs;

Payment of all deferred compensation;

Outplacement services (20% of base salary, maximum of $50,000);

Vesting of equity awards as follows:

788220152017 PROXY STATEMENT





POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

¡Grants of performance-based restricted stock units and stock option awards made before December 14, 2011 would vest upon the occurrence of a change in control. A change in control would not trigger the vesting of grants made on or after this date unless a termination of employment for death, disability, involuntary (without cause), or good reason were to occur within two years of the change in control. Upon termination, the stock options would remain exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date or the 90th day after termination of employment. For Messrs. Watjen and McCarthy, who are retirement eligible under the plan, the options would remain exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date or the fifth anniversary of such termination;

Grants of performance share units would be deemed earned at target performance and be settled at the earlier of the end of the performance period or a termination of employment due to death, disability, or retirement, by the company without cause or by the executive for good reason within two years after the change in control; and

In the event of a change in control and termination, NEOs other than Messrs. Watjen and Simonds and Ms. Farrell may receive a reimbursement for any excise tax owed. If a reduction in the payments by no more than 10% would result in no excise tax being owed, the reduction will occur.

¡For Messrs. Watjen and Simonds and Ms. Farrell, the change in control payments would be reduced if such reduction would result in greater after-tax proceeds to the executive absent such a reduction. Otherwise, the executive officer receives payment of all change in control benefits and is responsible for paying any excise tax imposed on the payment.


Prorated annual incentive through the date of termination of employment;
Health and welfare benefits for up to three years for Mr. McKenney and up to two years for the remaining NEOs;
Payment of all deferred compensation;
Outplacement services (20% of base salary, maximum of $50,000);
Vesting of equity awards as follows: A change in control would not trigger the vesting of grants unless a termination of employment for death, disability, involuntary (without cause), or good reason were to occur within two years of the change in control. Upon termination, the stock options would remain exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date or the 90th day after termination of employment;
Grants of performance share units would be deemed earned at target performance and be settled at the earlier of the end of the performance period or a termination of employment due to death, disability, or retirement, by the company without cause or by the executive for good reason within two years after the change in control; and
In the event of a change in control and termination, the change in control payments would be reduced if such reduction would result in greater after-tax proceeds to the executive absent such a reduction. Otherwise, the executive officer receives payment of all change in control benefits and is responsible for paying any excise tax imposed on the payment.
Terminations Not Related to a Change in Control

There are instances in which an NEO’s employment may be terminated that do not involve a change in control. The company may terminate for cause or without cause. Additionally, termination of employment may occur upon an NEO’s voluntary resignation, retirement, death, or becoming disabled.

In the event of the death, disability or retirement (if eligible) of an NEO, all of the NEO’s unvested performance-based restricted stock unitsPBRSUs and stock options would vest and the stock options would remain exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date or, as applicable, the third anniversary of the date of death or the fifth anniversary of the date of retirement. At December 31, 2014, Mr. Watjen’s unvested performance share units would vest on a prorated basis based upon the actual performance at the end of the three-year performance cycle. Mr. Watjen was eligible for retirement under the terms of the Stock Incentive Plans of 2007 and 2012 and his award agreements. However, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of penalty taxes under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, stock would not be distributed until at least six months after the date of termination.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT83


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

NEOs receive additional benefits depending upon the termination scenario as outlined in the table below:

following table:
2015 PROXY STATEMENT  79


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

TERMINATION BENEFITS RECEIVED BY CEO AND NEOs UNDER NON-CHANGE IN CONTROL SCENARIOS

    Benefits ReceivedTermination
for Cause or
Voluntary
Resignation
Termination
Without Cause
or Resignation
with Good
Reason*
DisabilityDeathRetirement

    Severance(1)

CEO, NEOs

    Prorated Annual Incentive(2)

TERMINATION BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO CEO AND OTHER NEOs UNDER NON-CHANGE IN CONTROL SCENARIOS
Benefits Received
Termination
for Cause or
Voluntary
Resignation
Termination
Without Cause
or Resignation
with Good
Reason*
DisabilityCEODeathRetirement
Severance (1)
CEO, NEOs
Prorated Annual Incentive (2)
CEOCEO, NEOsCEO, NEOs

    Early Vesting of Equity(3)

CEOCEO, NEOsCEO, NEOsIf Retirement Eligible
Early Vesting of Equity (3)

    Benefit Continuation(4)

CEO

    Outplacement Services(5)

CEO, NEOsCEO, NEOsIf Retirement Eligible
Benefit Continuation (4)
CEO

    Disability Benefits

Outplacement Services (6)(5)

CEO, NEOs
Disability Benefits (6)
CEO, NEOs

Group Life Ins. Benefits(7)

CEO, NEOs

Corporate Owned Life Ins.(7)

  CEO, NEOsNEO 

 * Mr. McKenney is the only NEO entitled to benefits in the event of a resignation for good reason absent a change in control.
*Mr. Watjen is the only NEO entitled to benefits in the event of a resignation for good reason absent a change in control.

(1)If Mr. WatjenMcKenney is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason, he will receive severance of two times the sum of his annual base salary and the average annual incentive paid to him in the twothree years prior to the date of termination.termination, or if applicable, such lesser number of calendar years ending after April 1, 2015, with the bonus for the first calendar year annualized. Other NEOs who are terminated without cause will receive eighteen months of base salary. See the following table for termination benefits related to a change in control.

(2)Annual incentive will be prorated based on the date of termination of employment. For all NEOs other than Mr. Watjen,McKenney, the NEO will be eligible for prorated annual incentive in the event of death, disability, or retirement only if such termination occurs on or after the last business daypay period in March.

(3)If Mr. WatjenMcKenney is terminated without cause, or resigns with good reason,a prorated portion of his unvested equity awards, with the exception of his performance share units (PSUs) will accelerate vesting due to his eligibility for retirement under the terms of the award agreements. In the event of his death, disability, or retirement or if he is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, Mr. WatjenMcKenney would be eligible to receive a prorated portion of the performance share unitsPSUs based on actual performance at the end of the three-year performance cycle. For the remaining NEOs, absent a change in control their unvested equity will accelerate only in the event of death, disability, or retirement (if eligible).

(4)If Mr. WatjenMcKenney is terminated without cause or resigns with good reason, he will receive health and welfare benefits for up to 2 years.

(5)Outplacement services are equal to 20% of base salary (maximum of $50,000).

(6)Monthly benefits from the company’s long-term disability plan until the earlier of age 65 or death.

(7)Group life insurance benefits are $50,000 for each full-time employee; Corporate owned life insurance benefits as applicable (if Mr. WatjenMcGarry is an active employee on the date of his death, his beneficiaries as defined in the policy will receive $200,000).

Termination Payments

Termination payments are provided to NEOs as outlined in the following table and vary with the circumstances under which the termination occurs. In the event of termination as a result of death, payments will be made to the named executive officer’s beneficiary.



842017 PROXY STATEMENT




POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Consistent with SEC requirements, all termination scenarios in the table assume a termination date of December 31, 2014.2016. Accordingly, all calculations in the table on the following pagetable were made using the closing market price of our common stock as of that dateDecember 30, 2016 ($34.8843.93 per share). Mr. McCarthy, who retired during 2014, has beenWe have excluded from the table because he retired prior to December 31, 2014. Other exclusions are amounts received as an annuity under our retirement plans and the “in-the-money”"in-the-money" value of vested unexercised stock options held by NEOs since these amounts are not impacted by a termination. The amounts shown in the table also do not include distributions of plan balances under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Those amounts are shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table on page 14.

802015 PROXY STATEMENT


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

81.

The amounts in the following table are hypothetical based on the rules of the SEC. Actual payments depend on the circumstances and timing of any termination. The information provided in this table constitutes forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Litigation Securities Reform Act of 1995.

TERMINATION TABLE

    Termination Scenario

Mr.

Watjen

 Mr.
McKenney
 Ms.
Farrell
 Mr.
Simonds
 Mr.
Horn(7)
 

    Termination for Cause or Voluntary Resignation

  

    Total

$-        $-        $-        $-           

    Termination Without Cause or Resignation with Good Reason (CEO)

  

Severance

$6,053,564  $1,072,500  $653,438  $787,500  

Prorated Annual Incentive

 1,876,782   -         -         -        

Early Vesting of Equity(1)

 9,288,812   -         -         -        

Benefit Continuation

 72,031   -         -         -        

Outplacement Services

 50,000   50,000   50,000   50,000  

DC Enhancement

 -         -         -         -           

    Total

$17,341,189  $1,122,500  $703,438  $837,500  

    Disability

  

Prorated Annual Incentive

$1,876,782  $880,531  $520,543  $545,838  

Early Vesting of Equity(1)(2)

 9,288,812   3,418,050   967,501   977,721  

Disability Benefits

 124,070   387,331   246,725   447,848     

    Total

$11,289,664  $4,685,912  $1,734,769  $1,971,407  

    Death

  

Prorated Annual Incentive

$1,876,782  $880,531  $520,543  $545,838  

Early Vesting of Equity(1)(2)

 9,288,812   3,418,050   967,501   977,721  

Group Life Ins. Benefits

 50,000   50,000   50,000   50,000  

Corporate Owned Life Ins.

 200,000   -         -         -           

    Total

$11,415,594  $4,348,581  $1,538,044  $1,573,559  

    Termination Related to a Change in Control

  

Severance

$9,080,346  $3,209,106  $1,993,094  $1,995,000  

Prorated Annual Incentive

 1,876,782   715,000   522,750   472,500  

Early Vesting of Equity

 16,474,823   3,856,817   1,084,056   1,136,369  

Benefit Continuation

 108,046   68,750   53,116   74,035  

Outplacement Services

 50,000   50,000   50,000   50,000  

DC Enhancement(3)

 -         144,000   90,000   79,000  

Estimated Tax Gross Up(4)

 -         -         -         -           

    Total

$27,589,997  $8,043,673  $3,793,016  $3,806,904  

    Retirement

  

Prorated Annual Incentive(5)

$1,876,782   -         -         -        $525,112  

Early Vesting of Equity(1)(2)(6)

 9,288,812   -         -         -         1,076,113  

    Total

$11,165,594  $0  $0  $0  $1,601,225  



2017 PROXY STATEMENT85


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

TERMINATION TABLE
Termination Scenario
Mr.
McKenney
Mr.
McGarry
Mr.
Simonds
Ms.
Iglesias
Ms.
Farrell
 ($)($)($)($)($)
Termination for Cause or Voluntary Resignation
 




Total$
$
$
$
$
Termination Without Cause or Resignation with Good Reason (CEO)
Severance5,620,322
900,000
900,000
742,500
679,500
Prorated Annual Incentive(1)
1,810,161




Early Vesting of Equity(2)
12,847,851




Benefit Continuation77,006




Outplacement Services50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
Total$20,405,340
$950,000
$950,000
$792,500
$729,500
Disability
Prorated Annual Incentive(1)
1,810,161
744,404
676,532
424,946
598,689
Early Vesting of Equity(2)(3)
12,847,851
2,474,125
3,026,134
2,056,762
1,533,305
Disability Benefits359,384
162,118
425,344
306,295
206,133
Total$15,017,396
$3,380,647
$4,128,010
$2,788,003
$2,338,127
Death
Prorated Annual Incentive(1)
1,810,161
744,404
676,532
424,946
598,689
Early Vesting of Equity(2)(3)
12,847,851
2,474,125
3,026,134
2,056,762
1,533,305
Group Life Ins. Benefits50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
Corporate Owned Life Ins.
200,000



Total$14,708,012
$3,468,529
$3,752,666
$2,531,708
$2,181,994
Termination Related to a Change in Control
Severance8,430,483
2,400,000
2,329,776
1,752,582
2,021,102
Prorated Annual Incentive(1)
1,810,161
600,000
540,000
371,250
543,600
Early Vesting of Equity12,847,851
2,474,125
3,026,134
2,056,762
1,533,305
Benefit Continuation115,510
68,744
83,264
81,593
61,503
Outplacement Services50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
DC Enhancement(4)
227,000
248,000
104,000

91,000
Total$23,481,005
$5,840,869
$6,133,174
$4,312,187
$4,300,510
Retirement
Prorated Annual Incentive(5)

744,404


598,689
Early Vesting of Equity(2)(3)(6)

2,474,125



Total$
$3,218,529
$
$
$598,689
2015 PROXY STATEMENT  (1)In these scenarios, per the terms of Mr. McKenney’s severance agreement, he would be entitled to a prorated annual incentive. The amount is to be calculated using the average annual bonuses paid for the three most-recent calendar years, or if applicable, such lesser number of calendar years ending after his promotion, with such bonus for the first calendar year annualized. The amount shown is the first calendar year bonus annualized.
81


POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

(1)(2)In the event of job elimination, the prorated early vesting of equity awards would be as follows: Mr. McKenney $2,055,618,$3,658,666, Mr. Simonds $904,299, Ms. Iglesias $631,450 and Ms. Farrell $656,093 and Mr. Simonds $685,392.$474,488. These NEOs would also be eligible to receive a prorated portion of their unvested PSUs based in the event of job elimination. The prorated amount would be calculated based on their termination date and the vesting of those units would be based on achievement of the prospective 3 yearthree-year goals, modified by relative total shareholder return. Assuming a job elimination date of December 31, 2014,2016, the prorated number of units that each NEO would be eligible to receive would be as follows: Mr. McKenney 4,193.11,61,774.62, Mr. Simonds 15,364.41, Ms. Iglesias 3,869.52, and Ms. Farrell 1,113.867,138.24. Mr. McGarry is eligible for retirement status under the terms of the Stock Incentive


862017 PROXY STATEMENT




POST-EMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Plan of 2012. Therefore, he would receive full vesting of his unvested PBRSUs, as noted in the Retirement section of this table. He would also be eligible to earn the full amount of PSUs based on his retirement status. The PSUs would vest based on the achievement of the prospective three-year goals, modified by relative total shareholder return.
(3)The amounts reported include PBRSUs and Mr. Simonds 1,516.13.

(2)PSUs that would accelerate vesting in the event of disability, death or retirement. The PSUs granted in 2013 (Mr. Watjen only) would be prorated2015 and the PSUs granted in 2014 (all NEOs)2016 may be fully earned, in the event of disability, death or retirement, in each case as specified in the respective grant agreements based on the satisfaction of the performance goals. In each of these scenarios the awards would not be payable until the end of the applicable performance period and therefore, have not been included inperiod. In accordance with Regulation S-K, Item 402(j), the amountsPSUs reported in connection with the terminationPSU awards granted in 2015 and 2016 are reported at target levels since the company’s performance and relative shareholder return to date for these awards is not yet determinable.  Actual shares to be issued under PSUs granted in connection with the 2015 and 2016 awards are not yet determinable and may differ from the performance level required to be disclosed in this table.

(3)
(4)Defined Contribution (DC) enhancement is a lump sum payment representing the amount resulting from multiplying the Company’s core DC and transition contribution, if eligible, ratescompany’s non-contributory retirement plan contributions times two additional years of eligible earnings for Messrs.Mr. McKenney, Mr. McGarry, Mr. Simonds, and Ms. Farrell.

(4)In the event of termination following a change in control, Messrs. McKenney and Horn are eligible for a gross-up payment for any excise taxes due under sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. For Messrs. Watjen and Simonds
(5)Mr. McGarry and Ms. Farrell in the event that a change in control payments trigger an excise tax, the payments would be reduced to avoid such excise tax if such reduction would result in greater after-tax proceeds to the executive absent such a reduction. Otherwise, the executive officer receives payment of all change in control benefits and is responsible for paying any excise tax imposed on the payment.

(5)Messrs. Watjen and Horn are eligible for retirement status under the terms of Mr. Watjen’s employment agreement and the Annual Incentive Plan. Therefore, they would be eligible for a prorated annual incentive in the event of retirement. Messrs.Mr. McKenney, Mr. Simonds and Simonds as well as Ms. FarrellIglesias do not meet the eligibility criteria for retirement as of December 31, 2014.2016.

(6)Mr. WatjenMcGarry has the age and service to be eligible for retirement under the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 and the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 and therefore would be entitled to the accelerated vesting of equity in the event of retirement. As described in our May 20, 2014 8-K filing, the Committee considered Mr. Horn’s contributions to the company and granted him retirement status, therefore was entitled to the accelerated vesting of equity at the time of his retirement, which occurred in the first quarter of 2015. Messrs. McKenney, andMr. Simonds, Ms. Farrell and Ms. FarrellIglesias did not meet the eligibility criteria as of December 31, 2014.2016. The amounts shown in the table represent the value of the shares at a market price of $34.88,$43.93, the closing price of our stock on the last trading day of the year.



(7)We are only including the retirement amounts for Mr. Horn due to his retirement on March 31, 2015. As previously noted the amounts in the table are as of December 31, 2014. As such, the actual early vesting of Mr. Horn’s equity at retirement differed from the amounts shown above.

2017 PROXY STATEMENT87


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table gives information as of December 31, 2016 about the common stock that may be issued under all of our existing equity compensation plans.
82EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
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(5)
(c)
Number of securities
remaining available 
for future 
issuance under
equity compensation 
plans (excluding securities reflect-ed in column (a))
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders(1)
2,686,736(3)
$23.97
14,178,486(6)(8)
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders(2)
55,432(4)
N/A
23,428(7)(8)
Total2,742,168N/A
14,201,914(8)
(1)Our shareholders have approved the following plans: (a) Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, (b) Unum Group Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (c) Unum European Holding Company Limited Savings-Related Share Option Scheme 2011, (d) Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 and (e) Unum European Holding Company Limited Savings - Related Share Option Scheme 2016.
(2)Our shareholders have not approved the Unum Group Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan of 2004.
(3)Includes 516,791 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, 1,066,264 performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs), 31,128 deferred share rights issuable pursuant to outstanding awards (including dividend equivalents accrued thereon), and 1,072,553 performance share units (PSUs) assuming maximum achievement. The awards shown are issuable under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2007 and our Stock Incentive Plan of 2012.
(4)Consists of deferred share rights (each representing the right to one share of common stock), including dividend equivalents accrued thereon, granted to non-employee directors under the Unum Group Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan of 2004 in accordance with the deferral elections of such directors in respect of cash retainers and meeting fees payable to them.
(5)RSUs, PSUs, and deferred share rights are not included in determining the weighted average exercise price in column (b) because they have no exercise price.
(6)Includes 79,820 shares available for future issuance as dividend equivalents in respect of outstanding awards under the Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, which was otherwise replaced by the Stock Incentive Plan of 2012 effective May 24, 2012 for purposes of granting new awards. As of December 31, 2016, our Stock incentive Plan of 2012 had 13.3 million shares remaining available for future issuance. Each full-value award is counted as 1.76 shares. We currently grant a majority of awards as PSUs and RSUs, which are full-value awards.
(7)Represents number of shares available for future issuance as dividend equivalents in respect of outstanding awards under the Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan of 2004.
(8)
In accordance with SEC rules, the table above shows the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance under our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2016. For information about the shares remaining available for future issuance under our existing equity compensation plans as of March 15, 2017, please refer to the description of our proposed Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017, beginning on page 96.


2015
882017 PROXY STATEMENT





EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

Below is a brief description of the equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders.
Unum Group Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan of 2004
This plan provided for the payment of annual retainers and meeting fees (discontinued in May 2011) to the non-employee directors who served on our Board of Directors. Under the plan, directors made an irrevocable election each year to receive all or a portion of their retainers and meeting fees in either cash or deferred share rights. A deferred share right is a right to receive one share of common stock on the earlier of (i) the director’s separation from service as a director of the company, or (ii) another designated date at least three years after the date of the deferral election. The number of deferred share rights granted is calculated as the number of whole shares equal to (i) the dollar amount of the annual retainer and/or fees that the director elects to have paid in deferred share rights, divided by (ii) the fair market value per share on the grant date. The aggregate number of shares which can be issued under the plan is 500,000. This plan terminated in May 2010 with respect to new awards, though dividend equivalents remain available for future issuance in respect of awards that were outstanding at that time. The plan is administered by the Human Capital Committee. The plan includes provisions restricting the transferability of the deferred share rights, provisions for adjustments to the number of shares available for grants, and the number of shares subject to outstanding grants in the event of recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, or other similar corporate transaction.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT89



OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES


OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES

The following table shows the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned as of March 15, 2015, by each directorof our directors and each named executive officerofficers and by all directors and executive officers as a group.group, as of March 15, 2017. The table and related footnotes also include information about stock options, deferred share rights and restricted stock units (RSUs) credited to the accounts of directors and executive officers under various compensation and benefit plans. Based upon the representations made by each director and executive officer, we do not believe that any shares held by them are pledged as security. Except as otherwise indicated below, the beneficial owners have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK (as of March 15, 2017)
Name
Shares  of
Common
Stock(1)
Shares Subject
to  Exercisable
Options(2)
Shares Subject
to Settleable
Rights or
Units(3)(4)(5)
Total Shares
Beneficially
Owned
Percent of    
Class
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.1610,67510,691*
E. Michael Caulfield5,01732,16337,180*
Joseph J. Echevarria4,2414,241*
Cynthia L. Egan2792,4622,741*
Pamela H. Godwin24,12913,46637,595*
Kevin T. Kabat21,03814,26335,301*
Timothy F. Keaney13,6209,81423,434*
Gloria C. Larson2,46065,63768,097*
Edward J. Muhl38,4104,18642,596*
Ronald P. O'Hanley5,1613,5218,682*
Francis J. Shammo753,2003,275*
Thomas R. Watjen164,596302,6194,186471,400*
Richard P. McKenney199,32339,760239,083*
John F. McGarry49,72149,721*
Breege A. Farrell52,33352,333*
Michael Q. Simonds43,10543,105*
Lisa G. Iglesias20,25420,254*
All directors and executive
officers as a group 
20 persons)
697,104342,379167,8131,207,297*
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK(as of March 15, 2015)

      NameShares  of
Common
Stock(1)
 Shares Subject
to Exercisable
Options(2)
 Shares Subject
to Settleable
Rights or
Units(3)(4)(5)
 Total Shares
Beneficially
Owned
 

Percent of    

Class

Theodore H. Bunting, Jr.

 16   -   1,932   1,949  *
 

E. Michael Caulfield

 13,767   -   31,151   44,918  *
 

Cynthia L. Egan

 -   -   -   -  *
 

Pamela H. Godwin

 17,056   -   12,445   29,051  *
 

Ronald E. Goldsberry

 9,010   -   7,557   16,567  *
 

Kevin T. Kabat

 21,038   -   5,678   26,717  *
 

Timothy F. Keaney

 271   -   12,319   12,591  *
 

Thomas Kinser

 -   -   49,792   49,792  *
 

Gloria C. Larson

 589   -   63,256   63,845  *
 

A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr.

 2,832   -   15,100   17,932  *
 

Edward J. Muhl

 29,975   -   4,319   34,294  *
 

Ronald P. O’Hanley

 -   -   672   672  *
 

William J. Ryan

 28,134   -   17,599   45,733  *
 

Thomas R. Watjen

 302,047   696,342   93,358   1,091,748  *
 

Richard P. McKenney

 105,971   86,824   -   192,795  *
 

Breege A. Farrell

 35,054   -   -   35,054  *
 

Michael Q. Simonds

 25,565   -   -   25,565  *
 

Randall C. Horn

 71,707   114,143   12,822   198,673  *
 

Kevin P. McCarthy

 140,822   35,385   -   176,207  *

All directors and executive

officers as a group (23 persons)

 

 736,852   948,832   332,858   1,904,399  *

(1)Includes shares credited to the accounts of certain current and former executive officers, including Mr. Watjen – 13,62014,117 shares and Mr. McGarry – 3,043 shares, under the company’s 401(k) plan.Plan. Does not include shares credited to the accounts of certain executive officers under an inactive non-qualified 401(k)defined contribution plan because, though measured in share value, they will be settled only in cash. For Mr. Muhl, all 29,975 shares are held by a family trust for which he shares voting and investment power.



902017 PROXY STATEMENT




OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES

will be settled only in cash. For Mr. Muhl, 38,410 shares are held by a family trust for which he shares voting and investment power.
(2)Represents the number of shares underlying stock options that may be exercised within 60 days after March 15, 2015.2017. For Mr. WatjenMcGarry the amount includes shares underlying unvested stock options that would vest upon retirement because he meets certain age and years of service requirements.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  83


OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES

(3)Represents the number of shares underlying deferred share rights and restricted stock unitsRSUs payable solely in shares (including dividend equivalent rights accrued on such rights or units) that may be settled within 60 days after March 15, 2015,2017, including deferred share rights and restricted stock unitsRSUs that may be settled upon the termination of a director’s service on the Board. For each non-employee director other than Ms. Egan and Messrs. Bunting, KeaneyEchevarria, O’Hanley and O’Hanley,Shammo, the amount includes shares underlying unvested restricted stock unitsRSUs that would vest upon retirement because the director meets a certainthe years of service requirement. Does not include 9,280 shares credited to the account of Dr. Goldsberry in respect of deferred share rights under the UNUM Corporation Director Deferred Compensation Plan because, though measured in share value, they will be settled only in cash. Also does not include shares underlying restricted stock unitsRSUs (including dividend equivalent rights accrued thereon) that will not vest or cannot be settled within 60 days after March 15, 2015 or that are payable only in cash.2017.

(4)As of March 15, 2015,2017, the total number of shares underlying deferred share rights (including dividend equivalent rights accrued thereon) held by our non-employee directors, including those rights which cannot be settled in shares or within 60 days after March 15, 20152017 and thus are not deemed to be beneficially owned for purposes of this table, was as follows:

Mr. Bunting

  -  Dr. Goldsberry(a)  12,518   Ms. Larson  38,284  

Mr. Caulfield

  13,508  Mr. Kabat  9,296   Mr. MacMillan  -  

Ms. Egan

  -  Mr. Keaney  3,238   Mr. Muhl  -  

Ms. Godwin

  13,804  Mr. Kinser  24,409   Mr. O’Hanley  672  
         Mr. Ryan  9,928  

Mr. Bunting 
 Mr. Keaney 3,376
Mr. Caulfield 14,190
 Ms. Larson 39,918
Mr. Echevarria 3,543
 Mr. Muhl 
Ms. Egan 
 Mr. O'Hanley 3,521
Ms. Godwin 11,120
 Mr. Shammo 
Mr. Kabat 9,692
    
(a)Includes 9,280 shares credited to the account of Dr. Goldsberry in respect of cash-settled deferred share rights, as described in footnote (3) above.

(5)As of March 15, 2015,2017, the total number of shares underlying restricted stock unitsRSUs (including dividend equivalent rights accrued thereon) held by our directors and executive officers, including those units which will not vest, or be settleable in shares, within 60 days after March 15, 20152017 and thus are not deemed to be beneficially owned for purposes of this table, was as follows:

Mr. Bunting

  6,251  Mr. Keaney  13,400   Mr. Watjen(a)  186,717  

Mr. Caulfield

  17,543  Mr. Kinser  28,324   Mr. McKenney  86,069  

Ms. Egan

  3,378  Ms. Larson  24,972   Ms. Farrell  19,214  

Ms. Godwin

  22,224  Mr. MacMillan  15,100   Mr. Simonds  27,829  

Dr. Goldsberry

  4,319  Mr. Muhl  4,319   Mr. Horn  12,822  

Mr. Kabat

  15,100  Mr. O’Hanley  1,041   Mr. McCarthy  -  
    Mr. Ryan  7,671   All directors and executive officers as a group(a)  588,183  
(a)Includes 123,295 shares underlying unvested cash-settled restricted stock units (including dividend equivalent rights accrued thereon) that have been granted to Mr. Watjen.

842015 PROXY STATEMENT


OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES

Mr. Bunting14,860
 Mr. Keaney8,689
 Mr. McKenney133,639
Mr. Caulfield17,973
 Ms. Larson25,719
 Mr. McGarry24,319
Mr. Echevarria4,884
 Mr. Muhl4,186
 Ms. Farrell12,470
Ms. Egan11,575
 Mr. O'Hanley4,186
 Ms. Iglesias25,865
Ms. Godwin17,334
 Mr. Shammo7,385
 Mr. Simonds26,488
Mr. Kabat24,086
 Mr. Watjen4,186
 All directors and executive officers as a group403,431
Security Ownership of Certain Shareholders

Detailed information about the shareholders known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock can be found in the table below, including beneficial ownership based on sole and/or shared voting power and investment (dispositive) power. Information is given as of the dates noted in the footnotes below.

  BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

    Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  Amount of Beneficial
Ownership
Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding

    FMR LLC(1)

    245 Summer Street

    Boston, MA 02210

 22,653,8838.99%

    The Vanguard Group, Inc.(2)

    100 Vanguard Blvd.

    Malvern, PA 19355

 18,753,9817.44%

    BlackRock, Inc.(3)

    55 East 52nd Street

    New York, NY 10022

 14,749,0265.90%

    Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC(4)

    725 S. Figueroa Street 39th Floor

    Los Angeles, CA 90017

 13,227,9685.25%

    State Street Corporation(5)

    State Street Financial Center

    One Lincoln Street

    Boston, MA 02111

 12,719,4995.00%

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP   
Name of Beneficial Owner
Address of Beneficial
Owner
Amount of Beneficial
Ownership
Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding
    The Vanguard Group, Inc.(1)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
23,337,44410.05%
    FMR LLC(2)
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
20,866,5788.99%
    BlackRock, Inc.(3)
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
16,905,4177.30%


2017 PROXY STATEMENT91



OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES

(1)This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by The Vanguard Group, Inc. on February 10, 2017, which reflects beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2016. The Vanguard Group, Inc. reported that, in its capacity as investment adviser, it had sole voting power with respect 379,500 shares of our common stock, shared voting power with respect to 44,441 shares of our common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 22,929,244 shares of our common stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to 408,200 shares of our common stock.
(2)This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by FMR LLC on February 13, 2015,14, 2017, which reflects beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014.2016. FMR LLC reported that, in its capacity as a parent holding company, it had sole voting power with respect to 779,7552,204,417 shares of our common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 22,653,88320,866,578 shares of our common stock, and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to none of our shares. The Schedule 13G/A includes shares beneficially owned by subsidiaries controlled by or through FMR LLC, Edward C.Abigail P. Johnson, 3d,Director, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FMR LLC, and/or members of the family of Edward C. Johnson 3d.Abigail P. Johnson.

(2)This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by The Vanguard Group, Inc. on February 11, 2015, which reflects beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014. The Vanguard Group, Inc. reported that, in its capacity as investment adviser, it had sole voting power with respect to 441,293 shares of our common stock, shared voting power with respect to none of our shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 18,337,288 shares of our common stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to 416,693 shares of our common stock.

(3)This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by BlackRock, Inc. on February 6, 2015,January 27, 2017, which reflects beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014.2016. BlackRock, Inc. reported that, in its capacity as the parent holding company or control person of the subsidiaries listed therein, it had sole voting power with respect to 12,404,08114,658,111 shares of our common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 14,749,02616,905,417 shares of our common stock, and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to none of our shares.

(4)This information is based on the Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC on February 13, 2015, which reflects beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014. Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC reported that, in its capacity as an investment adviser, it had sole voting power with respect to 8,711,492 shares of our common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 13,227,968 shares of our common stock, and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to none of our shares.

(5)This information is based on the Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by State Street Corporation on February 12, 2015, which reflects beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014. State Street Corporation reported that, in its capacity as the parent holding company or control person of the subsidiaries listed therein, it had shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 12,719,499 shares of our common stock, and sole voting and dispositive power with respect to none of our shares.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  85


OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES

Section 16(a) — Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, our directors, executive officers, and beneficial holders of more than 10% of our common stock are required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission certain forms reporting their beneficial ownership of and transactions in our common stock. Based solely upon a review of those forms provided to us and any written representations that no other reports were required, we believe each of our directors and executive officers and 10% beneficial owners filed all required reports on a timely basis during the last fiscal year. Two transactions relatingyear, except that due to an administrative error by the giftcompany one Form 4, containing one transaction, was not filed timely on behalf of shares by Edward J. Muhl to a family trustPeter G. O'Donnell. Therefore, on September 5, 2014 were not timely reported on Form 5 and were subsequently reported onFebruary 14, 2017, a Form 4 was filed to report Mr. O'Donnell's grant of stock options on February 24, 2015.

March 9, 2016.


869220152017 PROXY STATEMENT





ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON


ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON

Election of Directors

(Item 1 on the Proxy Card)

Our Board of Directors currently has 1513 members. Two current members, equally divided among three classes. Prior to 2014, we had a classified Board with the directors in each class standing for election every third year for three-year terms of office. In 2013, our shareholders approved a proposal to declassify the Board over a three-year period beginning in 2014, without changing the terms of office of current directors. At the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, when the three-year terms of the Class III directors ended, four Class III nominees were elected to one-year terms of office. At this year’s Annual Meeting, five Class I nomineesThomas R. Watjen and five Class III nominees will stand for election to one-year terms of office and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal from office. All directors will stand for annual election beginning with the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders. Before the Board is fully declassified in 2016 (see the table below), directors appointed or elected to fill newly created directorships or vacancies in a class will hold office for a term that coincides with the remaining term of that class. Pursuant to the company’s director retirement policy, Ronald E. GoldsberryEdward J. Muhl, will retire from the Board effective at the 2017 Annual Meeting. Accordingly, the Board has reduced the number of Board members to 1411 effective as of the 2017 Annual Meeting.

DIRECTORS STANDING FOR ELECTION TO ONE-YEAR TERMS

  2015 Annual Meeting

  Class I

  Class III      

Cynthia L. Egan, Pamela H. Godwin, Thomas Kinser, A.S. MacMillan, Jr., Edward J. Muhl

Timothy F. Keaney, Gloria C. Larson, Richard P. McKenney, William J. Ryan, Thomas R. Watjen

  2016 Annual Meeting

  Class I, Class II and Class III – All directors

All nominees will stand for election to one-year terms of office.

Upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has nominated Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., E. Michael Caulfield, Joseph J. Echevarria, Cynthia L. Egan, Pamela H. Godwin, Kevin T. Kabat, Timothy F. Keaney, Thomas Kinser, Gloria C. Larson, A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr., Richard P. McKenney, EdwardRonald P. O’Hanley and Francis J. Muhl, William J. Ryan and Thomas R. WatjenShammo for election to one-year terms expiring at the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders.2018 Annual Meeting. Each nominee currently serves on the Board and has agreed to continue to serve if elected. Ms. Egan was recommended for the Governance Committee’s consideration by its third-party search firm. The Board has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve if elected. However, if any nominee becomes unable or unwilling to serve before the 2017 Annual Meeting, proxies may be voted for another person nominated as a substitute by the Board, or the Board may reduce the number of directors. Information concerning these nominees is provided under the section titled “Nominees for Election as Directors with Terms Expiring in 2016”"Director Nominees" beginning on page 12.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you voteFOR the election of each of the nominees for director: Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., E. Michael Caulfield, Joseph J. Echevarria, Cynthia L. Egan, Pamela H. Godwin, Kevin T. Kabat, Timothy F. Keaney, Thomas Kinser, Gloria C. Larson, A.S. (Pat) MacMillan, Jr., Richard P. McKenney, EdwardRonald P. O’Hanley and Francis J. Muhl, William J. Ryan and Thomas R. Watjen.

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  87


ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON

Shammo.

Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

("Say-on-Pay")

(Item 2 on the Proxy Card)

As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), we are asking you to approve an advisory resolution on the compensation of our named executive officers as described in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay”"Say-on-Pay" proposal, gives you the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our 20142016 executive compensation programs and policies for the named executive officers through the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K in the company’s proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting2017 Annual Meeting of shareholders,Shareholders, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and related narrative discussion.

For additional detail concerning the compensation of our named executive officers, please refer to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 35.

38 and the compensation tables that follow.

Although your vote is not binding on the Board of Directors or the Human Capital Committee, the Human Capital Committee will review the voting results and seek to understand the factors that influenced the vote. As it did last year, the Human Capital Committee will consider constructive feedback obtained through this process in making future decisions about our executive compensation programs and policies.



932017 PROXY STATEMENT




ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON

We currently hold a say on paySay-on-Pay vote every year. Therefore, shareholders will next have an opportunity to cast a say-on-paySay-on-Pay vote in 2016.

2018, unless the Board of Directors determines otherwise after considering the outcome of the shareholder vote in Item 3 below. The Board's decision on the frequency of future Say-on-Pay votes will be disclosed on Form 8-K, or an amendment thereto, following the Annual Meeting.

The Board unanimously recommends that you voteFOR approval of named executive officer compensation, as provided in the resolution above.

Ratification
Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Appointment

of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Future Advisory Votes to Approve Executive Compensation ("Say-on-Frequency")

(Item 3 on the Proxy Card)

As required under Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are providing shareholders with a Say-on-Frequency vote to determine how often they believe we should hold future advisory votes to approve executive compensation. The frequency options are to hold the advisory vote to approve executive compensation every one year, every two years, or every three years. When the Say-on-Frequency vote was last held in 2011, shareholders indicated a preference to hold the advisory vote to approve executive compensation every year and the Board has implemented that standard.
The proxy card provides shareholders with four choices on this voting item (one year, two years, three years, or abstain). Shareholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board's recommendation. You should vote based on your preference as to the frequency with which future advisory votes to approve executive compensation should be held. If you have no preference, you may abstain.
We currently hold advisory votes to approve executive compensation every one year. Based upon the recommendation of the Human Capital Committee, the Board of Directors continues to believe that holding an annual shareholder advisory vote to approve executive compensation is appropriate and therefore recommends that you vote in favor of "one year" for the frequency in which to hold future advisory votes to approve executive compensation.
This Say-on-Frequency vote is not a binding on the company. However, the Board of Directors and the Human Capital Committee value shareholder input and will carefully consider the results of the vote when making decisions regarding the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation. The Board's decision on the frequency of holding future advisory votes to approve executive compensation will be disclosed on Form 8-K, or an amendment thereto, following the 2017 Annual Meeting.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote in favor of ONE YEAR for the frequency in which to hold future advisory votes to approve executive compensation.
Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(Item 4 on the Proxy Card)
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm (independent auditor) retained to audit our financial statements. The Audit Committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm (independent auditor)auditor for 2015. 2017. The members of the Audit Committee and the Board believe that the


942017 PROXY STATEMENT




ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON

continued retention of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent auditor is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.
The Board is seeking shareholder ratification of the appointment even though it is not legally required, as a matter of good corporate governance. If the appointment is not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider the shareholders’ views in the future selection of the company’s independent auditor.

Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the 2017 Annual Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Board unanimously recommends that you voteFOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2015.

882015 PROXY STATEMENT


ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON

2017.

Independent Auditor Fees

The Audit Committee is responsible for the audit fee negotiations associated with the company’s retention of Ernst & Young LLP. Aggregate fees billed for audit and other services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for our fiscal years ended December 31, 20142016 and 20132015 are presented in the table below.

  Types of Fees2014   2013   

Audit Fees

$  8,936,000  $  9,506,000 *  

Audit-Related Fees

 524,000   446,000    

Tax Fees

 -   35,000    

All Other Fees

 -    -    

Total

$9,460,000   $9,987,000    

*Includes $250,000 in audit fees for 2013 services that were billed after the filing of our 2014 proxy statement.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FEES
Types of Fees20162015
Audit Fees$7,694,000$7,610,000
Audit-Related Fees424,000926,000
Tax Fees127,000155,000
All Other Fees
Total$8,245,000$8,691,000
Audit Fees. This category includes fees associated with the audit of our annual financial statements, the review of financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the audit of internal control over financial reporting, and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

Audit-Related Fees.Fees. This category consists of fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements or internal control over financial reporting. These services principally include accounting consultations, control reviews, and audit-related services for our employee benefit plans.

Tax Fees.Fees. This category consists of fees for tax compliance and advisory services.

All Other Fees.Fees. This category consists of fees for services not included in any of the above categories.

Policy for Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services

The Audit Committee has a policy requiring advance approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent auditor. Under this policy, the Audit Committee sets pre-approved limits for specifically defined audit and non-audit services. The Committee considers whether such services are consistent with SEC rules on auditor independence. Specific approval by the Committee is required if fees for any particular service or aggregate fees for services of a similar nature exceed the pre-approvedpre-


2017 PROXY STATEMENT95


ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON

approved limits. The Committee has delegated to its chair the authority to approve permitted services, and the chair must report any such decisions to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Approval of the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017
(Item 5 on the Proxy Card)
We ask that our shareholders vote to approve the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017 (the "2017 Plan"). The 2017 Plan was adopted by the Human Capital Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") on March 17, 2017, subject to approval by our shareholders. If approved by shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting, the 2017 Plan will become effective on that date (the "Effective Date").
As part of the Committee’s decision to approve the 2017 Plan, including the total number of shares available for issuance under the plan, the Committee analyzed the company’s historical burn rate, anticipated future equity award needs, and the dilutive impact of the 2017 Plan’s share reserve. In particular, the Committee considered:
Shares Remaining Available Under the 2012 Plan: As of March 15, 2017, a total of 12,555,081 shares remained available for issuance under the 2012 Plan. If our shareholders approve the 2017 Plan, 12,300,000 of the shares remaining available for issuance under the 2012 Plan on the Effective Date will be added to the shares available for issuance under the 2017 Plan and, with the exception of dividend equivalents issued or credited under the 2012 Plan in respect of awards granted under the 2012 Plan which are outstanding as of the Effective Date, no new awards will be made under the 2012 Plan.
Outstanding Awards Under the 2012 Plan: If our shareholders approve the 2017 Plan, awards previously granted and outstanding under the 2012 Plan will remain in full force and effect under the 2012 Plan according to their terms, and to the extent that any such award is subsequently forfeited, terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised or is settled for cash, shares of our common stock subject to such award that are not delivered as a result will become available for future awards under the 2017 Plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information: As of March 15, 2017, the shares to be issued upon the exercise or the settlement of outstanding awards under our existing equity compensation plans were as follows:
429,432 shares underlying outstanding options, with a weighted average exercise price of $24.3254 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.5599 years; and
2,111,318 outstanding full-value awards (consisting of 992,144 performance share units assuming maximum achievement, 1,024,515 restricted stock units and 94,659 deferred share rights).
Also as of March 15, 2017, an additional 1,108,638 shares were available for future issuance under our existing equity compensation plans as follows:
357,670 shares pursuant to dividend equivalents issued or credited in respect of the above outstanding awards; and
750,968 shares pursuant to stock purchase plans for our employees in the U.S. and U.K.


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The above amounts exclude the 12,300,000 shares to be transferred from the 2012 Plan to the 2017 Plan on the Effective Date if approved by shareholders.
Historical Burn Rate: Our equity plan share usage over 2014, 2015, and 2016 represented a three-year average burn rate of .40% of our weighted average common shares outstanding for each such year. This rate assumes that our PSU awards are settled at maximum. This rate is below the .80% median three-year average burn rate for Fortune 500 companies (report prepared by the Human Capital Committee's independent consultant).
Dilution: Dilution is commonly measured by "overhang," which generally refers to the amount of potential dilution to current shareholders that could result from the future issuance of the shares reserved under an equity compensation plan. Overhang is typically expressed as a percentage (equal to a fraction where the numerator is the sum of the number of shares reserved but not issued under equity compensation plans plus the number of shares subject to outstanding awards and the denominator is the sum of the numerator plus the total number of shares outstanding). If the 2017 Plan is approved, our voting power dilution will be approximately 6.25% as of March 15, 2017. This rate assumes that PSU awards are settled at maximum. This rate is below the 8.7% median overhang of Fortune 500 companies (report prepared by Human Capital Committee's independent consultant).
Approval of the 2017 Plan also serves as approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the 2017 Plan, which is intended to satisfy the conditions so that awards may qualify as performance-based compensation not subject to the $1 million annual limit on a company’s tax deduction for compensation paid to certain covered individuals under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 162(m)"). For purposes of Section 162(m), the material terms of the performance goals requiring shareholder approval include: (1) the employees eligible to receive awards under the 2017 Plan; (2) the business criteria used as the basis for the performance goals; and (3) the limits on the maximum amount of compensation payable to any employee in a given time period.
A summary of the 2017 Plan, including each of these material terms, and a summary of the key differences between the 2017 Plan and the 2012 Plan, are set forth below. The summary of the 2017 Plan is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2017 Plan, which is included in this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
Summary of Material Differences Between the 2017 Plan and the 2012 Plan
Annual Limits on Director Compensation
The 2017 Plan includes a new $500,000 limitation on the total value of equity-based awards (based on grant date value) and cash compensation that may be granted or paid to our non-employee directors, whether under the 2017 Plan or otherwise, in any single calendar year. This limitation is increased to $1,000,000 for the calendar year in which a non-employee director first joints the Board or is designated as Board Chairman or Lead Independent Director.
Fungible Share Counting Provisions
A maximum of 4,700,000 shares of our common stock, plus (A) 12,300,000 of the shares remaining available for grant under the 2012 Plan on the Effective Date and (B) the number of shares subject to any award outstanding under the 2012 Plan as of the Effective Date that after the Effective Date is not issued


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because such award is forfeited, terminates, expires or otherwise lapses without being exercised, or is settled for cash, may be issued pursuant to awards under the 2017 Plan. Awards of stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) will count against this limit as one share for every one share subject to the award while full-value awards (i.e., awards other than a stock option or SAR) will count against this limit as 1.76 shares for every one share subject to such award. These same share counting provisions will apply in determining the number of shares not subject to the minimum vesting provisions described below.
Minimum Vesting
The 2017 Plan incorporates a minimum vesting period or performance period of one year on all award types other than in the case of death, disability, retirement or a change in control, and except with regard to up to five percent of the aggregate share reserve, which may be granted or accelerated without regard to these minimum vesting provisions.
Dividend and Dividend Equivalent Rights
The 2017 Plan provides that payments in respect of dividends and dividend equivalents will not be paid or distributed unless and until, and only to the extent that, the underlying award actually vests.
Tax Withholding
The 2012 Plan provided that tax withholding obligations on awards could be satisfied by withholding shares with a fair market value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld for tax purposes upon vesting or settlement of the award. In accordance with a change in accounting treatment for such amounts, the 2017 Plan provides that shares with a fair market value no greater than the maximum amount permitted by applicable tax rules to be withheld (rounded up to the nearest whole share) may be withheld in satisfaction of such tax obligations.
Clawback
The 2017 Plan makes clear that any compensation recovery requirements under applicable law or any policy adopted by the company, including the Unum Recoupment Policy for Performance-Based Compensation, apply to awards granted under the plan.
Restrictive Covenant Agreements
The right to receive and retain amounts under awards granted under the 2017 Plan will be subject to compliance with any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement or confidentiality covenants included in the relevant award agreement or a separate agreement with the company.
Summary of the 2017 Plan
Purpose and Design
The 2017 Plan is intended to allow the company to attract, retain and motivate officers, employees, directors and/or consultants and to provide the company with a long-term incentive plan providing incentives directly linked to shareholder value. Awards under the 2017 Plan may be in the form of stock options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and other stock-based awards.


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Administration
The Committee is the plan administrator and has sole discretion, among other things, to select eligible individuals to receive awards, to determine the terms and conditions of awards, to interpret the provisions of the 2017 Plan and any awards under the plan, to adopt and amend subplans, to make and vary such regulations for the implementation and administration of the 2017 Plan, and to take all other actions not inconsistent with the terms of the 2017 Plan as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to administer the 2017 Plan.
Shares Available and Share Counting
The aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under the 2017 Plan cannot exceed 4,700,000, plus (A) 12,300,000 of the shares remaining available for grant under the 2012 Plan on the Effective Date, and (B) the number of shares subject to any award outstanding under the 2012 Plan as of the Effective Date that after the Effective Date is not issued because such award is forfeited, terminates, expires or otherwise lapses without being exercised, or is settled for cash (with each full-value award counted as 1.76 shares as is currently the case under the 2012 Plan) subject to adjustment in certain circumstances to prevent dilution or enlargement. For purposes of this limit, each full-value award will be counted as 1.76 shares. The maximum number of shares that may be granted pursuant to incentive stock options is 1,000,000.
As described above, if the 2017 Plan is approved by our shareholders, 12,300,000 of the shares remaining available for grant under the 2012 Plan will be added to the shares available for issuance under the 2017 Plan and, with the exception of dividend equivalents issued or credited under the 2012 Plan in respect of awards granted under the 2012 Plan which are outstanding as of the Effective Date, no new awards may be granted under the 2012 Plan.
Shares underlying awards under the 2017 Plan that expire or are forfeited or terminated without being exercised or settled for cash will again be available for the grant of additional awards within the limits provided by the 2017 Plan. Shares withheld by or delivered to us to satisfy the exercise price of options or SARs or tax withholding obligations with respect to any award granted under the 2017 Plan will nonetheless be deemed to have been issued under the 2017 Plan.
Eligibility
Awards may be made to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the company and its affiliates, and prospective employees and consultants who have accepted offers of employment or consultancy from the company or one of its affiliates, except that incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of the company and its subsidiaries. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, there were 13 directors and approximately 517 officers and employees eligible to participate in the 2017 Plan. Our current executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 72 and each of our directors are among the individuals eligible to receive awards under the 2017 Plan.
Limitations on Awards
No participant may be granted, during any calendar year, performance-based awards intended to qualify under Section 162(m) (other than stock options and SARs) covering in excess of 1,200,000 shares or stock options and SARs covering in excess of 800,000 shares. In addition, the maximum value of the property that may be paid to a participant pursuant to a grant of performance units in any year is $5,000,000.


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Furthermore, as mentioned above, the 2017 Plan includes a $500,000 limitation on the total value of equity-based awards (based on grant date value) and cash compensation that may be granted or paid to our non-employee directors, whether under the 2017 Plan or otherwise, in any single calendar year. This limitation is increased to $1,000,000 for the calendar year in which a non-employee director first joints the Board or is designated as Board Chairman or Lead Independent Director.
Minimum Vesting Provisions
Subject to a carve out for up to five percent of the maximum number of shares that may be granted under the 2017 Plan, and except in the case of death, disability, retirement or a change in control, all awards under the plan may not vest prior to the first anniversary of the grant date or, for any award the vesting of which is subject to the achievement of performance goals, may not contain a performance period of less than one year.
Stock Options
Subject to the terms and provisions of the 2017 Plan, options to purchase shares of our common stock may be granted to eligible individuals at any time and from time to time as determined by the Committee. Options may be granted as incentive stock options, which are intended to qualify for favorable treatment to the recipient under U.S. Federal tax law, or as nonqualified stock options, which do not qualify for this favorable tax treatment. Subject to the limits provided in the 2017 Plan, the Committee determines the number of options granted to each recipient. Each option grant will be evidenced by a stock option agreement that specifies the option exercise price, whether the options are intended to be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, the duration of the options, the number of shares to which the options pertain and such additional limitations, terms and conditions as the Committee may determine.
The Committee determines the exercise price for each option granted, except that the option exercise price may not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. As of March 15, 2017, the fair market value (i.e., the closing price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange) of a share of our common stock was $48.17. All options granted under the 2017 Plan will expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. The method of exercising an option granted under the 2017 Plan is set forth in the 2017 Plan as are the general provisions regarding the exercisability of incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options following certain terminations of employment. Stock options are nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or, in the case of nonqualified stock options, as otherwise expressly permitted by the Committee. The granting of an option does not accord the recipient the rights of a shareholder, and such rights accrue only after the exercise of an option and the registration of shares of our common stock in the recipient’s name.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Committee in its discretion may grant SARs under the 2017 Plan. SARs may be "tandem SARs," which are granted in conjunction with an option, or "free-standing SARs," which are not granted in conjunction with an option. A SAR entitles the holder to receive from us upon exercise an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the aggregate fair market value of a specified number of shares of our common stock to which such SAR pertains over the aggregate exercise price for the underlying shares. The exercise price of a Free-Standing SAR will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant.


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A tandem SAR may be granted at the grant date of the related option. A tandem SAR will be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the related option is exercisable and will have the same exercise price as the related option. A tandem SAR will terminate or be forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the related option, and the related option will terminate or be forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the tandem SAR.
Each SAR will be evidenced by an award agreement that specifies the base price, the number of shares to which the SAR pertains and such additional limitations, terms and conditions as the Committee may determine in accordance with the 2017 Plan. We may make payment of the amount to which the participant exercising the SAR is entitled by delivering shares of our common stock, cash or a combination of stock and cash as set forth in the award agreement relating to the SAR. The method of exercising a SAR granted under the 2017 Plan is set forth in the 2017 Plan as are the general provisions regarding the exercisability of SARs following terminations of employment. SARs are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, with respect to SARs that are not granted in "tandem" with an option, as expressly permitted by the Committee.
Restricted Stock
The 2017 Plan provides for the award of shares of our common stock that are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transferability as set forth in the 2017 Plan and as may be otherwise determined by the Committee. Except for these restrictions and any others imposed by the Committee, upon the grant of restricted stock, the recipient will have rights of a shareholder with respect to the restricted stock, including the right to vote the restricted stock; however, any dividends on awards of restricted stock will be automatically deferred (and, with regard to cash dividends, reinvested in additional shares of restricted stock), subject to vesting of the underlying award. During the restriction period set by the Committee, the recipient may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange or otherwise encumber the restricted stock.
Restricted Stock Units
The 2017 Plan authorizes the Committee to grant restricted stock units and deferred share rights. Restricted stock units and deferred share rights are not shares of our common stock and do not entitle the recipients to the rights of a shareholder. Restricted stock units granted under the 2017 Plan may or may not be subject to performance conditions. The recipient may not sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber restricted stock units granted under the 2017 Plan prior to their vesting. Restricted stock units will be settled in cash or shares of our common stock, in an amount based on the fair market value of our common stock on the settlement date. Any dividend equivalent rights with respect to restricted stock units will not be paid to the applicable participant unless and until, and only to the extent that the underlying award actually vests.
Performance Units
The 2017 Plan provides for the award of performance units that are valued by reference to a designated amount of cash or other property other than shares of our common stock. The payment of the value of a performance unit is conditioned upon the achievement of performance goals set by the Committee in granting the performance unit and may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock, other property or a combination thereof. The performance period for a performance unit must be at least one year. As noted above, the maximum value of the property that may be paid to a participant pursuant to a grant of performance units in any year is $5,000,000.


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Other Stock-Based Awards
The 2017 Plan also provides for the award of shares of our common stock and other awards that are valued by reference to our common stock, including unrestricted stock, dividend equivalents and convertible debentures. Awards of unrestricted stock may be granted only in lieu of compensation that would otherwise be payable to the participant and will count against the five percent pool referenced under "Minimum Vesting Provisions" above.
Performance Goals
The 2017 Plan provides that performance goals may be established by the Committee in connection with the grant of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units or other stock-based awards. In the case of an award intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception of Section 162(m): (i) such goals will be based on the attainment of objective, specified levels of one or more of the following measures: overall or selected premium or sales growth, expense efficiency ratios (ratio of expenses to premium income), market share, customer service measures or indices, underwriting efficiency and/or quality, persistency factors, return on net assets, economic value added (or an equivalent metric), shareholder value added, embedded value added, combined ratio, expense ratio, loss ratio, premiums, risk based capital, revenues, revenue growth, earnings (including earnings before taxes, earnings before interest and taxes or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), earnings per share, operating income (including non-pension operating income), pre- or after-tax income, net income, cash flow (before or after dividends), cash flow per share (before or after dividends), gross margin, return on equity, return on capital (including return on total capital or return on invested capital), cash flow return on investment, return on assets or operating assets, stock price appreciation, total stockholder return (measured in terms of stock price appreciation and dividend growth), cost control, gross profit, operating profit, cash generation, unit volume, stock price, market share, sales, asset quality, cost saving levels, marketing-spending efficiency, core non-interest income, or change in working capital with respect to the company or any one or more subsidiaries, divisions, business units or business segments of the company either in absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more other companies or an index covering multiple companies; and (ii) such performance goals will be set by the Committee within the time period and other requirements prescribed by Section 162(m) and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The Committee may adjust the performance goals applicable to any awards to reflect any events or circumstances that are unusual in nature or infrequently occurring, any impact of charges for restructurings, any discontinued operations, and the cumulative effects of accounting or tax changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles or as identified in the company’s financial statements, notes to the financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis or the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided that such adjustment does not violate Section 162(m)
Change in Control
Unless provided otherwise in the applicable award agreement, in the event of a "change in control" of the company (as defined in the 2017 Plan):
if equivalent replacement awards are not substituted for awards outstanding under the 2017 Plan at the time of such change in control, outstanding options and SARs will become fully vested and exercisable and all full-value awards will vest in full (with performance-based award deemed earned in a pro-rata amount based on the portion of the performance period completed and the


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greater of (x) the applicable target level of achievement of the performance goals and (y) the level of actual achievement of the performance goals for the award as determined by the Committee taking into account performance through the latest date preceding the change in control as to which performance can, as a practical matter, be determined); and
if equivalent replacement awards are substituted for awards outstanding under the 2017 Plan at the time of such change in control, then upon the termination of employment of a participant during the two-year period following the change in control by reason of death, disability, termination without cause, or resignation for good reason, (i) all such replacement awards held by such participant will vest in full; and (ii) any option or SAR held by the participant as of the date of the change in control that remains outstanding as of the date of such termination of employment may thereafter be exercised until (A) in the case of incentive stock options, the last date on which such options would otherwise be exercisable, and (B) in the case of nonqualified options and SARs, the later of (1) the last date on which such option or SAR would otherwise be exercisable and (2) the earlier of (y) the third anniversary of the change in control and (z) the expiration of the option’s or SAR’s term.
Amendment
Our Board of Directors or the Committee may amend, alter or discontinue the 2017 Plan, but no amendment, alteration or discontinuation shall be made which would materially impair the rights of the participant with respect to a previously granted award without such participant’s consent, except such an amendment made to comply with applicable law, including without limitation Section 409A of the Code, stock exchange rules or accounting rules. In addition, no such amendment shall be made without the approval of our shareholders (a) to the extent such approval is required (1) by applicable law or the listing standards of the applicable stock exchange as in effect as of the date hereof or (2) under applicable law or the listing standards of the applicable stock exchange as may be required after the date hereof, (b) to the extent such amendment would materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 2017 Plan, (c) to the extent such amendment would materially increase the number of securities which may be issued under the 2017 Plan, (d) to the extent such amendment would materially modify the requirements for participation in the 2017 Plan, or (e) to eliminate the requirements that shareholders approve any repricing of options or SARs under the 2017 Plan.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of certain United Stated federal income tax consequences of awards made under the 2017 Plan based upon the laws in effect on the date hereof. The discussion is general in nature and does not take into account a number of considerations which may apply in light of the circumstances of a particular participant under the 2017 Plan. The income tax consequences under applicable foreign, state and local tax laws may not be the same as under United Stated federal income tax laws.
Nonqualified Stock Options
A participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of grant of a nonqualified stock option, and the company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at such time. A participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding in respect of an employee) upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option equal to the excess of the fair market value of the


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shares purchased over their exercise price, and the company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction.
Incentive Stock Options
A participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of grant of an incentive stock option. A participant will not recognize taxable income (except for purposes of the alternative minimum tax) upon exercise of an incentive stock option. If the shares acquired by exercise of an incentive stock option are held for the longer of two years from the date the option was granted and one year from the date the shares were transferred, any gain or loss arising from a subsequent disposition of such shares will be taxed as long-term capital gain or loss, and the company will not be entitled to any deduction. If, however, such shares are disposed of within such two- or one-year periods, then in the year of such disposition the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income equal to the excess of the lesser of the amount realized upon such disposition and the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price, and the company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction. The excess of the amount realized through the disposition date over the fair market value of the stock on the exercise date will be treated as capital gain.
Stock Appreciation Rights
A participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of grant of a SAR, and the company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at such time. Upon exercise, a participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding in respect of an employee) equal to the fair market value of any shares delivered and the amount of cash paid by us, and the company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction.
Restricted Stock
A participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of grant of shares of restricted stock, and the company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at such time, unless the participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at such time. If such election is made, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding in respect of an employee) at the time of the grant equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares. If such election is not made, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding in respect of an employee) at the time the restrictions lapse in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at such time over the amount, if any, paid for such shares. The company is entitled to a corresponding deduction at the time the ordinary income is recognized by the participant, except to the extent the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply. In addition, a participant receiving dividends with respect to restricted stock for which the above-described election has not been made and prior to the time the restrictions lapse will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding in respect of an employee), rather than dividend income. We will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, except to the extent the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply.
Restricted Stock Units
A participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of grant of a restricted stock unit, and the company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at such time. A participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding in respect of an employee) at the time


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of settlement of the award equal to the fair market value of any shares delivered and the amount of cash paid by the company, and the company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, except to the extent the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply.
Performance Units
A participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of grant of performance units, and the company will not be entitled to a tax deduction at such time. A participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income (and subject to income tax withholding in respect of an employee) at the time of settlement of the award equal to the fair market value of any shares or property delivered and the amount of cash paid by the company, and the company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, except to the extent the deduction limits of Section 162(m) apply.
Section 162(m) Limitations
Section 162(m) generally places a $1 million annual limit on a company’s tax deduction for compensation paid to certain senior executives, other than compensation that satisfies the applicable requirements of an exception, such as the performance-based compensation exception. The 2017 Plan is designed so that options and SARs can qualify for this exemption, and it also permits the Committee to grant other awards designed to qualify for this exception. However, the Committee reserves the right to grant awards that do not qualify for this exception, and, in some cases, the exception may cease to be available for some or all awards that otherwise so qualify. Thus, it is possible that Section 162(m) may disallow compensation deductions that would otherwise be available to the company.
The foregoing general tax discussion is intended for the information of shareholders considering how to vote with respect to this proposal and not as tax guidance to participants in the 2017 Plan. Participants are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences to them of participating in the 2017 Plan.
New Plan Benefits
Any awards that an individual may receive under the 2017 Plan will be at the discretion of the Committee and therefore cannot be determined in advance, with the exception of a grant of restricted stock units with a value of $150,000 which will be paid as an annual retainer to each individual who will serve as a non-employee director after the 2017 Annual Meeting. The grant under the 2017 Plan will be contingent on and effective with the approval of the 2017 Plan by shareholders upon the Effective Date. If the 2017 Plan is not approved, the grant to the non-employee directors will be made under the 2012 Plan.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017.


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ABOUT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING


ABOUT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

Proxies

We are soliciting proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting. This means we are asking you to sign a proxy designating individuals (known as proxies) to vote on your behalf at the 2017 Annual Meeting and at any later meeting to which the Annual Meetingmeeting may be adjourned or postponed. By use of a proxy, you can vote whether or not you attend the 2017 Annual Meeting.

Because we are soliciting your proxy, we are required to send you either our proxy materials or a Notice of Internet Availability of proxy materials (described in the next section). Our proxy materials include this proxy statement and our annual report to shareholders, which contains audited consolidated financial statements for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.2016. If you received a printed copy of our proxy materials by mail, you also received a proxy card or voting instruction form for the 2017 Annual Meeting.

Internet availability of proxy materials

We are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily over the Internet. In most cases, we are mailing only a brief Notice of Internet Availability of proxy materials, rather than a full set of printed materials. The Notice of Internet Availability contains instructions on how to access our proxy materials and vote online. It also includes instructions on how to request paper or email delivery of our proxy materials. If you previously chose to receive our proxy materials electronically, you will continue to receive access to these materials via email until you elect otherwise. Our proxy materials may also be viewed on our investor relations website under the “SEC Filings” header"SEC Filings" heading atwww.investors.unum.com.

www.investors.unum.com.

Attending the 2017 Annual Meeting in person

If you attend the 2017 Annual Meeting in person, you must present valid, government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, and an admission ticket or proof of ownership of our shares as of the close of business on March 26, 2015,27, 2017, the record date. If you are a shareholder of record, your Notice of Internet Availability or the top half of your proxy card is your admission ticket. If you are a beneficial owner, you will need proof of ownership to enter the meeting. Examples of proof of ownership include your Notice of Internet Availability, or a recent brokerage statement or letter from the holder of record (your broker, bank or other nominee) confirming your beneficial ownership on the record date. For your safety and that of other shareholders, we reserve the right to inspect all personal items prior to admission. If you arrive at the 2017 Annual Meeting without proper documentation or refuse to comply with our security procedures, you may not be admitted. Each shareholder may appoint only one proxy holder or representative to attend the 2017 Annual Meeting on his or her behalf and we reserve the right to restrict admission to a single individual representing a shareholder.

You are a “shareholder"shareholder of record”record" if your shares are registered directly in your name with our registrar and transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

You are a “beneficial owner”"beneficial owner" if your shares are held through a broker, bank or other nominee (i.e., held in street name). In this case, the broker, bank or nominee is the shareholder of record.



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ABOUT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

Directions

Directions to the location of the 2017 Annual Meeting in Chattanooga, Tennessee are provided inAppendix BC and are also available on our website at www.unum.com/directions.

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directions.

Webcast

A live webcast of the 2017 Annual Meeting will be available on our investor relations website atwww.investors.unum.com. www.investors.unum.com. To register, access the webcast on the website and provide the information requested. The webcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, May 21, 2015,25, 2017, and will be archived on the website through June 4, 2015.

8, 2017.

Persons entitled to vote at the 2017 Annual Meeting

Shareholders of record as of the close of business on the March 26, 201527, 2017, the record date, are entitled to vote their shares at the 2017 Annual Meeting. There were approximately 249,481,644228,194,535 shares of our common stock outstanding on the record date. Each of those shares is entitled to one vote on each item of business to be voted on at the 2017 Annual Meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner, you are not entitled to vote in person at the 2017 Annual Meeting without a legal proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee that is the shareholder of record of your shares. You must ask your broker, bank or other nominee to furnish you with the legal proxy before the 2017 Annual Meeting. You must then bring that document with you to the 2017 Annual Meeting and submit it with a signed ballot that will be provided to you there.

Voting items and Board recommendations; Vote required; Abstentions and broker non-votes

You may either vote for, against or abstain on each of the voting items to be acted on at the 2017 Annual Meeting.Meeting, except that for Item 3 you may choose whether we should hold an advisory vote to approve executive compensation every one year, every two years, or every three years, or abstain from voting. The table below summarizes, for each voting item, the voting recommendation of the Board of Directors, the vote threshold required for approval, and the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e., shares held in street name that cannot be voted on certain matters by the shareholder of record becauseif the beneficial owner has not provided voting instructions).

VOTING ITEMS



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VOTING ITEMS

Items to be Voted on

Board Voting

Recommendation

Vote Required
for Approval

Effect of
Abstention
Abstentions

Effect of Broker

Non-Votes

Non-Vote
Item 1: Election for 10of 11 directors for terms expiring in 2016
2018FOR each nomineeMajority of votes
cast with respect
to the nominee
No effect because
not counted as
vote cast
Not voted/
No effect because
not counted as
vote cast
Item 2: Advisory vote to approve executive compensation
FOR
Majority of 
shares represented and entitled to vote
Same effect as
AGAINST because
is entitled to vote
No effect because
not entitled to
vote
Item 3: Advisory vote to approve the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation
For holding future advisory votes every ONE YEARMajority of shares
represented and
entitled to vote
Counted as entitled to vote, but not in favor of any alternativeSame effect as
AGAINST
Not voted/
No effect because not entitled to vote
Item 4: Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2015
2017FOR
Majority of shares
represented and
entitled to vote
Same effect as
AGAINST because
is entitled to vote
Not applicable; may be discretionarily voted
by broker
Item 5: Approval of the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017
Discretionary
FOR
Majority of shares
represented and
entitled to vote by
broker
Same effect as
AGAINST because
is entitled to vote
No effect because
not entitled to
vote

Majority voting standard for election of directors

Our bylaws provide that, in an election of directors where the number of nominees does not exceed the number of directors to be elected (an “uncontested election”"uncontested election"), each nominee must receive a majority of the votes cast with respect to that nominee to be elected as a director.director (i.e., the number of shares voted "for" a nominee must exceed the number voted "against" that nominee). If an incumbent director is not re-elected under this majority voting standard, the director must submit an irrevocable letter of resignation to the Board of Directors, which shall become effective upon acceptance by the Board. The Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be

2015 PROXY STATEMENT  91


ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

taken. If the director submitting the resignation is a member of the Governance Committee, that director will not participate in the Governance Committee’s recommendation to the Board. The Board will act on the Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and rationale within 90 days from the date of the certification of the election results.

Voting your shares

If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your shares using any of the following methods:

In person – Attend the 2017 Annual Meeting and vote in person.
Mail – If you received a paper copy of our proxy materials, mark, date and sign the proxy card and mail it to Proxy Services, c/o Computershare Investor Services, P.O. Box 43126, Providence, Rhode


 108In person – Attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person.2017 PROXY STATEMENT

Mail – If you received a paper copy of our proxy materials, mark, date and sign the proxy card and mail it to Proxy Services, c/o Computershare Investor Services, P.O. Box 43126, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-5138, using the accompanying pre-addressed, stamped envelope, so that it is received no later than the close of business on May 20, 2015.

Internet or telephone – Visit www.envisionreports.com/unm to vote over the Internet or call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) to vote using a touchtone telephone, in either case no later than 2:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 21, 2015. You will need the control number found on the Notice of Internet Availability or the proxy card.





ABOUT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

Island 02940-5138, using the accompanying pre-addressed, stamped envelope, so that it is received no later than the close of business on May 24, 2017.
Internet or telephone – Visit www.envisionreports.com/unm to vote over the Internet or call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) to vote using a touchtone telephone, in either case no later than 2:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 25, 2017. You will need the control number found on the Notice of Internet Availability or the proxy card.
For shareholders of record, votes submitted by mail, over the Internet or by telephone will be voted at the 2017 Annual Meeting by the proxies named in the proxy card in the manner you indicate. If you sign and return a proxy card without marking specific voting instructions, the proxies will vote your shares FOR each director nominee and FOR each other voting item, as recommended by the Board of Directors.

If you are a beneficial owner, please refer to the Notice of Internet Availability or voting instruction form provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee for details on how to provide voting instructions to such person. If your broker, bank or other nominee does not receive voting instructions from you, whether your shares can be voted by such person depends on the type of item being considered for vote. The only item of business at the 2017 Annual Meeting for which your broker, bank or other nominee has discretion to vote your shares without your voting instructions is the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (Item 3)4). Unless it receives your voting instructions, your broker, bank or other nominee will not have discretion to vote your shares (a “broker non-vote”(resulting in a "broker non-vote") on any other item of business at the 2017 Annual Meeting (Items 1, 2, 3 and 2)5), including the election of directors. To ensure that your shares are voted on each of the important matters being voted on at the 2017 Annual Meeting, we encourage you to provide instructions to your broker, bank or nominee on how to vote your shares. As noted above, beneficial owners may vote in person at the 2017 Annual Meeting only if they bring a legal proxy obtained from their broker, bank or other nominee.

Changing your vote and revoking your proxy

If you are a shareholder of record and wish to change your vote after submitting a proxy, you may revoke that proxy by submitting a new proxy (either by mailing a new proxy card or by providing new voting instructions over the Internet or by telephone, in each case by the deadlines under “Voting"Voting your shares”shares" above), by giving written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary, or by attending the 2017 Annual Meeting and voting in person.

If you are a beneficial owner, you may revoke a previously submitted proxy by submitting new voting instructions in the manner specified by your broker, bank or other nominee. If you obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee, you may also revoke a previously submitted proxy by voting in person at the 2017 Annual Meeting and submitting it with a signed ballot that will be provided to you there.

922015 PROXY STATEMENT


ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

Quorum

A quorum is required to transact business at the 2017 Annual Meeting and is reached if the holders of a majority of the shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting are present in person or represented by proxies. Abstentions, broker non-votes and signed but unmarked proxy cards will count for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the 2017 Annual Meeting.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT109


ABOUT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

Inspectors of election

Representatives of our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., will tabulate the votes and act as inspectors of the election.

Other business

We are not aware of any business to be conducted at the 2017 Annual Meeting, other than as described in this proxy statement. If you submit a proxy, the individuals named on the proxy card will use their own judgment to determine how to vote your shares on any business not described in this proxy statement that is properly brought before the 2017 Annual Meeting.

Voting results

We will report the final voting results of the 2017 Annual Meeting on a Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.meeting. The Form 8-K will be available on our investor relations website under the “SEC Filings” header"SEC Filings" heading atwww.investors.unum.com or on the SEC’s website atwww.sec.gov.

www.sec.gov. In addition, we will announce the Board's decision on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation on a Form 8-K that we will file with the SEC within 150 days after the 2017 Annual Meeting.


110
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT93





ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Cost of proxy solicitation

We pay the cost of soliciting proxies from our shareholders. Proxies are solicited by mail, and may also be solicited personally, electronically or by telephone by our directors, officers or employees, though none will receive additional compensation for doing this. We have retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the 2017 Annual Meeting. We will pay Innisfree a fee of $20,000 and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for its services. We also reimburse brokers, banks and other nominees for their expenses in sending proxy materials to their customers who are beneficial owners and obtaining their voting instructions.

Shareholder proposals and nominations for our 2016 annual meeting

2018 Annual Meeting

If you intend to submit a proposal for inclusion in the proxy statement for our 2016 annual meeting2018 Annual Meeting pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8, it must be received by the Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices (at the address provided below) no later than the close of business on December 11, 2015.14, 2017. Submitting a shareholder proposal does not guarantee that we will include it in our proxy statement if the proposal does not satisfy the requirements of SEC Rule 14a-8.

We recently amended our bylaws to adopt a proxy access right permitting a shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, who has maintained continuous qualifying ownership of at least 3% of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors for at least three years to nominate and include in our proxy materials director nominees constituting up to the greater of 20% of the Board or two directors, provided that the shareholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements in our bylaws. Notice of proxy access director nominees must be received by the Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices (at the address provided below) no earlier than the close of business on November 14, 2017 and no later than the close of business on December 14, 2017. However, in the event that that the 2018 Annual Meeting is to be held on a date that is more than 30 days before or after May 25, 2018 (the anniversary date of the 2017 Annual Meeting), then such notice must be received no later than the close of business on the 180th day prior to the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting is first made.
Our bylaws also establish advance notice procedures with respect to proposals and director nominations submitted by a shareholder for presentation directly at an annual meeting,Annual Meeting, rather than for inclusion in our proxy statement. To be properly brought before our 2016 annual meeting,2018 Annual Meeting, a notice of the business matterproposal or nomination the shareholder wishes to present at the meeting other than pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8 must be received by the Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices (at the address provided below) no earlier than the close of business on January 22, 201626, 2018 and no later than the close of business on February 21, 2016.25, 2018. However, in the event that that the 2016 annual meeting2018 Annual Meeting is to be held on a date that is more than 30 days before or more than 70 days after May 21, 201625, 2018 (the anniversary date of this year’s Annual Meeting), then such notice must be received notno earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the date of the 2016 annual meeting2018 Annual Meeting and notno later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the date of the 2016 annual meeting2018 Annual Meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2016 annual meeting2018 Annual Meeting is first made.


2017 PROXY STATEMENT111


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All such proposals and director nominations must satisfy the requirements set forth in our bylaws, a copy of which is available on our investor relations website under the “Corporate Governance” header"Corporate Governance" heading atwww.investors.unum.com and may also be obtained at no cost from the Office of the Corporate Secretary. The chairman of the meeting may refuse to acknowledge or introduce any shareholder proposal or nomination if notice thereof is not received within the applicable deadlines or does not comply with the bylaws. If a shareholder fails to meet these deadlines, or fails to satisfy the requirements of SEC Rule 14a-8, the persons named as proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary voting authority to vote on any such proposal or nomination as they determine appropriate if and when the matter is raised at the Annual Meeting.

Communications with the Board of Directors

Shareholders and interested parties may communicate with our Chairman of the Board, Lead Independent Director, or any other director by contacting the Office of the Corporate Secretary as described on the following page.

below.

In accordance with a process approved by our Board of Directors, the Corporate Secretary reviews all correspondence received by the company and addressed to non-management directors. A log and copies of the correspondence are provided to the Chairman or Lead Independent Director, who determines whether further distribution is appropriate and to whom it should be sent. Any director may at any time review this log and request copies of correspondence. Concerns relating to accounting, internal controls or auditing matters are promptly brought to the attention of our internal auditors and handled in accordance with procedures established by the Audit Committee. Copies of correspondence relating to corporate governance matters are also provided to the chair of the Governance Committee.

942015 PROXY STATEMENT


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Board has instructed that certain items unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board be excluded from the process, including mass mailings, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations or advertisements, and matters related to claims or employment.

Eliminating duplicate proxy materials

A single proxy statement and annual report to shareholders, along with individual proxy cards, or individual Notices of Internet Availability will be delivered in one envelope to multiple shareholders having the same last name and address and to shareholders with multiple accounts registered at our transfer agent with the same address, unless contrary instructions have been received from an affected shareholder. This is known as “householding”"householding" and it enables us to reduce the costs and environmental impact of the 2017 Annual Meeting. We will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the proxy statement, annual report to shareholders or Notice of Internet Availability to any shareholder residing at a shared address to which only one copy was delivered. If you are a shareholder of record and would like to receive separate copies of our proxy materials, whether for this year or future years, please contact Computershare Investor Services by calling toll-free 800-446-2617 or by writing to them at P.O. Box 43069, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3069. The same phone number and address may be used to request delivery of a single copy of our proxy materials if you share an address with another shareholder and are receiving multiple copies. If you are a beneficial owner, you should contact your broker, bank or other nominee.





1122017 PROXY STATEMENT




ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contacting the Office of the Corporate Secretary

You may contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary by calling toll-free 800-718-8824 or by writing to:

Office of the Corporate Secretary

Unum Group

1 Fountain Square

Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

Principal executive offices

Our principal executive offices are located at 1 Fountain Square, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402. Our main telephone number is 423-294-1011.

Annual Report on Form 10-K

Upon request, we will provide to you by mail a free copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (including financial statements and financial statement schedules) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

2016. Please direct your request to the Office of the Secretary at the address provided above. The Annual Report on Form 10-K may also be accessed on our investor relations website under the “SEC Filings” header"SEC Filings" heading at

www.investors.unum.com or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Incorporation by reference

To the extent that this proxy statement has been or will be specifically incorporated by reference into any of our other filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the sections of this proxy statement entitled “Report"Report of the Audit Committee”Committee" (to the extent permitted by the rules of the SEC) and “Report"Report of the Human Capital Committee”Committee" shall not be deemed to be so incorporated, unless specifically provided otherwise in such filing.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT113


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A
Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017
2015Section 1.Purpose; Definitions
The purpose of this Plan is to allow the Company to attract, retain and motivate officers, employees, directors and/or consultants and to provide the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates with a long-term incentive plan providing incentives directly linked to stockholder value. Certain terms used herein have definitions given to them in the first place in which they are used. In addition, for purposes of this Plan, the following terms are defined as set forth below:
(a)
"Affiliate" means a corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company or a corporation or other entity that is otherwise closely connected to the Company, as determined by the Committee.
(b)
"Applicable Exchange" means the New York Stock Exchange or such other securities exchange as may at the applicable time be the principal market for the Common Stock.
(c)
"Award" means an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit or Other Stock-Based Award granted pursuant to the terms of this Plan.
(d)
"Award Agreement" means a written or electronic document or agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of a specific Award.
(e)
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(f)
"Cause" means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, (i) "Cause" as defined in any Individual Agreement to which the applicable Participant is a party, or (ii) if there is no such Individual Agreement or if it does not define "Cause": (A) conviction of the Participant for committing, or a guilty or nolo contendre plea to, a felony under federal law or the law of the state or other jurisdiction in which such action occurred, (B) dishonesty or illegal conduct in the course of fulfilling the Participant’s employment duties, (C) failure on the part of the Participant to perform substantially such Participant’s employment duties in any material respect, (D) a material violation of the Company’s ethics and compliance program, or (E) before a Change in Control, such other events as shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in a Participant’s Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the general rule of Section 2(c), following a Change in Control, any determination by the Committee as to whether "Cause" exists shall be subject to de novo review.
(g)
"Change in Control" has the meaning set forth in Section 10(e).
(h)
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto, the Treasury Regulations thereunder and other relevant interpretive guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service or the Treasury Department. Reference to any specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include such regulations and guidance, as well as any successor provision of the Code.


1142017 PROXY STATEMENT




APPENDIX A

(i)
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency.
(j)
"Committee" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
(k)
"Common Stock" means common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Company.
(l)
"Company" means Unum Group, a Delaware corporation.
(m)
"Disability" means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, (i) "Disability" as defined in any Individual Agreement to which the Participant is a party, (ii) if there is no such Individual Agreement or it does not define "Disability," disability of a Participant means the Participant is (A) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (B) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company. The Committee may require such medical or other evidence as it deems necessary to judge the nature and duration of the Participant’s condition. Notwithstanding the above, with respect to an Incentive Stock Option, Disability shall mean Permanent and Total Disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
(n)
"Disaffiliation" means a Subsidiary’s or Affiliate’s ceasing to be a Subsidiary or Affiliate for any reason (including, without limitation, as a result of a public offering, or a spinoff or sale by the Company, of the stock of the Subsidiary or Affiliate) or a sale of a division of the Company and its Affiliates.
(o)
"Eligible Individuals" means directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and prospective employees and consultants who have accepted offers of employment or consultancy from the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; provided, however, that only consultants whom qualify for registration of Awards under Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto, may be Eligible Individuals.
(p)
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.
(q)
"Fair Market Value" means the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the Applicable Exchange on the date of measurement, or if Shares were not traded on the Applicable Exchange on such measurement date, then on the next preceding date on which Shares were traded, all as reported by such source as the Committee may select. If the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee in its good faith discretion using a reasonable valuation method which shall include consideration of the following factors, as applicable: (i) the value of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets; (ii) the present value of the Company’s future cash-flows; (iii) the market value of stock or equity interests in similar corporations and other entities engaged in substantially similar trades or businesses, the value of which can be readily determined objectively (such as through trading prices on an established securities market or an amount paid in an arm’s-length private transaction); (iv) control premiums or discounts for lack of


95
2017 PROXY STATEMENT115



APPENDIX A



marketability; (v) recent arm’s-length transactions involving the sale or transfer of such stock or equity interests; and (vi) other relevant factors.
(r)
"Free-Standing SAR" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(b).
(s)
"Full-Value Award" means any Award other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right.
(t)
"Good Reason" has the meaning set forth in Section 10(e).
(u)
"Grant Date" means (i) the date on which the Committee by resolution selects an Eligible Individual to receive a grant of an Award and determines the number of Shares to be subject to such Award, or (ii) such later date as the Committee shall provide in such resolution.
(v)
"Incentive Stock Option" means any Option that is designated in the applicable Award Agreement as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, and that in fact so qualifies.
(w)
"Individual Agreement" means an employment, consulting or similar agreement between a Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.
(x)
"Nonqualified Option" means any Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
(y)
"Option" means an Award granted under Section 5.
(z)
"Other Stock-Based Award" means an Award of Common Stock or other Award that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based upon, Common Stock, including (without limitation) unrestricted stock, dividend equivalents, and convertible debentures.
(aa)
"Participant" means an Eligible Individual to whom an Award is or has been granted.
(ab)
"Performance Goals" means the performance goals established by the Committee in connection with the grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Other Stock-Based Awards. In the case of Qualified Performance-Based Awards, (i) such goals shall be based on the attainment of objective, specified levels of one or more of the following measures: overall or selected premium or sales growth, expense efficiency ratios (ratio of expenses to premium income), market share, customer service measures or indices, underwriting efficiency and/or quality, persistency factors, return on net assets, economic value added (or an equivalent metric), shareholder value added, embedded value added, combined ratio, expense ratio, loss ratio, premiums, risk based capital, revenues, revenue growth, earnings (including earnings before taxes, earnings before interest and taxes or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), earnings per share, operating income (including non-pension operating income), pre- or after-tax income, net income, cash flow (before or after dividends), cash flow per share (before or after dividends), gross margin, return on equity, return on capital (including return on total capital or return on invested capital), cash flow return on investment, return on assets or operating assets, stock price appreciation, total stockholder return (measured in terms of stock price appreciation and dividend growth), cost control, gross profit, operating profit, cash generation, unit volume, stock price, market share, sales, asset quality, cost saving levels, marketing-spending efficiency, core non-interest income, or change in working capital with respect to the Company or any one or more Subsidiaries, divisions, business units or business segments of the Company either in absolute terms or


1162017 PROXY STATEMENT




APPENDIX A

relative to the performance of one or more other companies or an index covering multiple companies and (ii) such Performance Goals shall be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee may adjust the Performance Goals applicable to any Awards to reflect any events or circumstances that are unusual in nature or infrequently occurring, any impact of charges for restructurings, any discontinued operations, and the cumulative effects of accounting or tax changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles or as identified in the Company’s financial statements, notes to the financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis or the Company’s SEC filings, provided that in the case of Performance Goals applicable to any Qualified Performance-Based Awards, such adjustment does not violate Section 162(m) of the Code.
(ac)
"Performance Period" means that period established by the Committee at the time any Performance Unit is granted or at any time thereafter during which any Performance Goals specified by the Committee with respect to such Award are to be measured.
(ad)
"Performance Unit" means any Award granted under Section 8 of a unit valued by reference to a designated amount of cash or other property other than Shares, which value may be paid to the Participant by delivery of such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, or any combination thereof, upon achievement of such Performance Goals during the Performance Period as the Committee shall establish at the time of such grant or thereafter.
(ae)
"Plan" means this Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017, as set forth herein and as hereafter amended from time to time.
(af)
"Prior Plan" means the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, as amended.
(ag)
"Qualified Performance-Based Award" means an Award intended to qualify for the Section 162(m) Exemption, as provided in Section 11.
(ah)
"Replaced Award" has the meaning set forth in Section 10(b).
(ai)
"Replacement Award" has the meaning set forth in Section 10(b).
(aj)
"Restricted Stock" means an Award granted under Section 6.
(ak)
"Restricted Stock Unit" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.
(al)
"Retirement" means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the Participant’s Termination of Employment after the attainment of age 65 or the attainment of age 60 with at least 15 years of service.
(am)
"Section 162(m) Exemption" means the exemption from the limitation on deductibility imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code that is set forth in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code.
(an)
"Share" means a share of Common Stock.
(ao)
"Stock Appreciation Right" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(b).


2017 PROXY STATEMENT117


APPENDIX A


(ap)
"Subsidiary" means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity during any period in which at least a majority of the voting or profits interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any successor to the Company.
(aq)
"Tandem SAR" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(b).
(ar)
"Term" means the maximum period during which an Option or Stock Appreciation Right may remain outstanding, subject to earlier termination upon Termination of Employment or otherwise, as specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
(as)
"Termination of Employment" means the termination of the applicable Participant’s employment with, or performance of services for, the Company and any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, (i) if a Participant’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates terminates but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be deemed a Termination of Employment and (ii) a Participant employed by, or performing services for, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate or a division of the Company and its Affiliates shall be deemed to incur a Termination of Employment if, as a result of a Disaffiliation, such Subsidiary, Affiliate, or division ceases to be a Subsidiary, Affiliate or division, as the case may be, and the Participant does not immediately thereafter become an employee of, or service provider for, the Company or another Subsidiary or Affiliate. Temporary absences from employment because of illness, vacation or leave of absence and transfers among the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall not be considered Terminations of Employment.
Section 2.Administration
(a)
Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Human Capital Committee of the Board or such other committee of the Board as the Board may from time to time designate (the "Committee"), which shall be composed of not less than two directors, and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Committee shall, subject to Section 11, have plenary authority to grant Awards pursuant to the terms of the Plan to Eligible Individuals. Among other things, the Committee shall have the authority, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan:
(i)to select the Eligible Individuals to whom Awards may from time to time be granted;
(ii)to determine when, whether and to what extent Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Other Stock-Based Awards, or any combination thereof, are to be granted hereunder;
(iii)to determine the number of Shares or the other amount of consideration to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv)to determine the terms and conditions of each Award granted hereunder, based on such factors as the Committee shall determine;
(v)subject to Section 5(d) and Section 12, to modify, amend or adjust the terms and conditions of any Award;


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(vi)to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall from time to time deem advisable;
(vii)to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award issued under the Plan (and any agreement relating thereto);
(viii)to correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement;
(ix)subject to Section 12, to accelerate the vesting or lapse of restrictions of any outstanding Award, based in each case on such considerations as the Committee in its sole discretion determines;
(x)to decide all other matters that must be determined in connection with an Award;
(xi)to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares and other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under this Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant;
(xii)to establish any "blackout" period that the Committee in its sole discretion deems necessary or advisable;
(xiii)to establish additional terms, conditions, rules or procedures to accommodate the rules or laws of applicable non-U.S. jurisdictions and to afford Participants favorable treatment under such rules or laws; and
(xiv)to take such other action, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan.
(b)Procedures.
(i)The Committee may act only by a majority of its members then in office, except that the Committee may, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law or the listing standards of the Applicable Exchange and subject to Section 11, allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it.
(ii)Subject to Section 11(c), any authority granted to the Committee may also be exercised by the full Board. To the extent that any permitted action taken by the Board conflicts with action taken by the Committee, the Board action shall control.
(c)
Discretion of Committee. Subject to Section 1(f), any determination made by the Committee or by an appropriately delegated person pursuant to delegated authority under the provisions of the Plan with respect to any Award shall be made in the sole discretion of the Committee or such delegate at the time of the grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of the Plan, at any time thereafter. All decisions made by the Committee or any appropriately delegated person pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons, including the Company, Participants, and Eligible Individuals.


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APPENDIX A


(d)
Cancellation or Suspension. Subject to Section 5(d), the Committee shall have full power and authority to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances any Award shall be canceled or suspended.
(e)
Award Agreements. The terms and conditions of each Award, as determined by the Committee, shall be set forth in a written (or electronic) Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant receiving such Award upon, or as promptly as is reasonably practicable following, the grant of such Award. The effectiveness of an Award shall be subject to the Award Agreement’s being signed by the Company and the Participant receiving the Award unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. Award Agreements may be amended only in accordance with Section 12 hereof.
Section 3.Common Stock Subject to Plan
(a)
Plan Maximums. Subject to section 3(d), the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan shall be 4,700,000 plus (A) 12,300,000 of the Shares remaining available for grant under the Prior Plan on the Effective Date, and (B) the number of Shares subject to any award outstanding under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date that after the Effective Date is not issued because such award is forfeited, terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised (to the extent applicable), or is settled for cash. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Options intended to be Incentive Stock Options shall be 1,000,000 Shares. Shares subject to an Award under the Plan may be authorized and unissued or reacquired Shares. On and after the Effective Date (as defined in Section 12(a)), no new awards may be granted under the Prior Plan, it being understood that awards outstanding under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date shall remain in full force and effect under such plan according to their respective terms; provided, however, that dividend equivalents may continue to be issued or credited under the Prior Plan in respect of awards granted under such plan which are outstanding as of the Effective Date. Any Shares that are to be added to the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards under this Plan pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be added to this Plan as one (1) Share, if such Shares were subject to options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Prior Plan, or as 1.76 Shares if such Shares were subject to awards other than options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Prior Plan.
(b)
Individual Limits. No Participant may be granted Qualified Performance-Based Awards (other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights) covering in excess of 1,200,000 Shares during any calendar year. No Participant may be granted Options and Stock Appreciation Rights covering in excess of 800,000 Shares during any calendar year.
(c)
Rules for Calculating Shares Delivered. For purposes of the limits set forth in Section 3(a) and determining the number of Shares not subject to minimum vesting provisions under the terms of this Plan, each Full-Value Award shall be counted as 1.76 Shares. To the extent that any Award is forfeited, or any Option and the related Tandem SAR (if any) or Free-Standing SAR terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised, or any Award is settled for cash, the Shares subject to such Awards not delivered as a result thereof shall again be available for Awards under the Plan. Any Shares that again become available for issuance pursuant to this section shall be added back as one (1) Share, if such Shares were subject to Options or Stock


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Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan, and as 1.76 Shares if such Shares were subject to Full-Value Awards granted under the Plan. If the exercise price of any Option or stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right and/or the tax obligations relating to any Award are satisfied by delivering Shares (either actually or through attestation) or withholding Shares relating to such Award, the gross number of Shares subject to the Award shall nonetheless be deemed to have been issued for purposes of the first sentence of Section 3(a).
(d)
Adjustment Provision. In the event of a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or shares, stock rights offering, liquidation, disposition for consideration of the Company’s direct or indirect ownership of a Subsidiary or Affiliate (including by reason of a Disaffiliation), or similar event affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a "Corporate Transaction"), the Committee or the Board may in its discretion make such substitutions or adjustments as it deems appropriate and equitable to (A) the aggregate number and kind of Shares or other securities reserved for issuance and delivery under the Plan, (B) the various maximum limitations set forth in Sections 3(a) and 3(b) upon certain types of Awards and upon the grants to individuals of certain types of Awards, (C) the number and kind of Shares or other securities subject to outstanding Awards; and (D) the exercise price of outstanding Awards. In the event of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, share combination, or recapitalization or similar event affecting the capital structure of the Company, or a Disaffiliation, separation or spinoff, in each case without consideration, or other extraordinary dividend of cash or other property to the Company’s shareholders (each, a "Share Change"), the Committee or the Board shall make such substitutions or adjustments as it deems appropriate and equitable to (A) the aggregate number and kind of Shares or other securities reserved for issuance and delivery under the Plan, (B) the various maximum limitations set forth in Sections 3(a) and 3(b) upon certain types of Awards and upon the grants to individuals of certain types of Awards, (C) the number and kind of Shares or other securities subject to outstanding Awards; and (D) the exercise price of outstanding Awards. In the case of Corporate Transactions, such adjustments may include, without limitation, (1) the cancellation of outstanding Awards in exchange for payments of cash, property or a combination thereof having an aggregate value equal to the intrinsic value of such Awards, as determined by the Committee or the Board in its sole discretion (it being understood that in the case of a Corporate Transaction with respect to which stockholders of the Company receive consideration other than publicly traded equity securities of the ultimate surviving entity, any such determination by the Committee that the value of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall for this purpose be deemed to equal the excess, if any, of the value of the consideration being paid for each Share pursuant to such Corporate Transaction over the exercise price of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall conclusively be deemed valid); (2) the substitution of other property (including, without limitation, cash or other securities of the Company and securities of entities other than the Company) for the Shares subject to outstanding Awards; and (3) in connection with any Disaffiliation, arranging for the assumption of Awards, or replacement of Awards with new awards based on other property or other securities (including, without limitation, other securities of the Company and securities of entities other than the Company), by the affected Subsidiary, Affiliate, or division or by the entity that controls such Subsidiary, Affiliate, or division following such Disaffiliation (as well as any corresponding adjustments to Awards that remain based upon Company securities).


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(e)
Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) any adjustments made pursuant to Section 3(d) to Awards that are considered "deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; and (ii) any adjustments made pursuant to Section 3(d) to Awards that are not considered "deferred compensation" subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustments, either (A) the Awards continue not to be subject to Section 409A of the Code or (B) there does not result in the imposition of any penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code in respect of such Awards.
Section 4.Eligibility
(a)Awards may be granted under the Plan to Eligible Individuals; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries or parent corporation (within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code).
(b)The aggregate dollar value of equity-based (based on the grant date Fair Market Value of equity-based Awards) and cash compensation granted under the Plan or otherwise during any calendar year to any non-employee director of the Company shall not exceed $500,000; provided, however, that in the calendar year in which a non-employee director first joins the Board or in any calendar year in which a non-employee director is designated as Board Chairman or Lead Independent Director, the maximum aggregate dollar value of equity-based and cash compensation granted to such non-employee director may be up to two hundred percent (200%) of the foregoing limit.
Section 5.Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
(a)
Types of Options. Options may be of two types: Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Options. The Award Agreement for an Option shall indicate whether the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Option.
(b)
Types and Nature of Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock Appreciation Rights may be "Tandem SARs," which are granted in conjunction with an Option, or "Free-Standing SARs," which are not granted in conjunction with an Option. Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Participant shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash, Shares, or both, in value equal to the product of (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one Share over the exercise price of the applicable Stock Appreciation Right, multiplied by (ii) the number of Shares in respect of which the Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. The applicable Award Agreement shall specify whether such payment is to be made in cash or Shares or both, or shall reserve to the Committee or the Participant the right to make that determination prior to or upon the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right.
(c)
Tandem SARs. A Tandem SAR may be granted at the Grant Date of the related Option. A Tandem SAR shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the related Option is exercisable in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5, and shall have the same exercise price as the related Option. A Tandem SAR shall terminate or be forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the related Option, and the related Option shall terminate or be forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the Tandem SAR.


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(d)
Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share subject to an Option or Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, and shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the applicable Grant Date. In no event may any Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted under this Plan be amended, other than pursuant to Section 3(d), to decrease the exercise price thereof, be canceled in conjunction with the grant of any new Option or Free-Standing SAR with a lower exercise price, or be canceled in exchange for any payment of cash or other property, in each case at a time when the exercise price per Share subject to the Option or Free-Standing SAR is less than the Fair Market Value of a Share, or otherwise be subject to any action that would be treated, under the Applicable Exchange listing standards or for accounting purposes, as a "repricing" of such Option or Free-Standing SAR, unless such amendment, cancellation, or action is approved by the Company’s stockholders.
(e)
Term. The Term of each Option and each Free-Standing SAR shall be fixed by the Committee, but shall not exceed ten years from the Grant Date.
(f)
Vesting and Exercisability. Except as otherwise provided herein, Options and Free-Standing SARs shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except in the case of death, Disability, Retirement or a Change in Control, in no event shall the vesting schedule of an Option or Free-Standing SAR provide that any portion of such Option or Free-Standing SAR vest prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant; provided that up to an aggregate of five percent of the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards under this Plan may be granted without regard to the foregoing requirements, or the minimum vesting periods set forth in Sections 6(b), 7(b), 8 or 9, and the Committee may accelerate the vesting with respect to any such Option or Free-Standing SAR.
(g)
Method of Exercise. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, Options and Free-Standing SARs may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time during the applicable term by giving written notice of exercise to the Company in the form determined by the Company specifying the number of shares of Common Stock as to which the Option or Free-Standing SAR is being exercised. In the case of the exercise of an Option, such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price (which shall equal the product of such number of shares multiplied by the applicable exercise price) by certified or bank check or such other instrument as the Company may accept or, if approved by the Committee, payment, in full or in part, may also be made as follows:
(i)Payments may be made in the form of unrestricted shares of Common Stock (by delivery of such shares or by attestation) of the same class as the Common Stock subject to the Option already owned by the Participant (based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date the Option is exercised).
(ii)To the extent permitted by applicable law, payment may be made by delivering a properly executed exercise notice to the Company, together with a copy of irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and, if requested, the amount of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes. To facilitate the foregoing, the Company


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may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, enter into agreements for coordinated procedures with one or more brokerage firms. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may also provide for Company loans to be made for purposes of the exercise of Options.
(iii)Payment may be made by instructing the Company to withhold a number of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date the applicable Option is exercised) equal to the product of (A) the exercise price multiplied by (B) the number of shares of Common Stock in respect of which the Option shall have been exercised.
(h)
Delivery; Rights of Stockholders. No Shares shall be delivered pursuant to the exercise of an Option until the exercise price therefor has been fully paid and applicable taxes have been withheld. The applicable Participant shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the class or series of Common Stock that is subject to the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (including, if applicable, the right to vote the applicable Shares and the right to receive dividends) only when the Participant becomes the holder of record of such Shares.
(i)
Nontransferability of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. No Option or Free-Standing SAR shall be transferable by a Participant other than, for no value or consideration, (i) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or (ii) in the case of a Nonqualified Option or Free-Standing SAR, as otherwise expressly permitted by the Committee including, if so permitted, pursuant to a transfer to the Participant’s family members, whether directly or indirectly or by means of a trust or partnership or otherwise (for purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, "family member" shall have the meaning given to such term in General Instructions A.1(a)(5) to Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto). A Tandem SAR shall be transferable only with the related Option as permitted by the preceding sentence. Any Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable, subject to the terms of this Plan, only by the applicable Participant, the guardian or legal representative of such Participant, or any person to whom such Option or Stock Appreciation Right is permissibly transferred pursuant to this Section 5(i), it being understood that the term "Participant" includes such guardian, legal representative and other transferee; provided, however, that the term "Termination of Employment" shall continue to refer to the Termination of Employment of the original Participant.
(j)
Termination of Employment. A Participant’s Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be forfeited upon his or her Termination of Employment, except as set forth below:
(i)Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment for any reason other than death, Disability, Retirement or Cause, any Option or Stock Appreciation Right held by the Participant that was exercisable immediately before the Termination of Employment may be exercised at any time until the earlier of (A) the 90th day following such Termination of Employment and (B) expiration of the Term thereof.
(ii)Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of the Participant’s death, any Option or Stock Appreciation Right held by the Participant shall vest and be exercisable at any time until the earlier of (A) the third anniversary of the date of such death and (B) the expiration of the Term thereof.


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(iii)Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of Disability, any Option or Stock Appreciation Right held by the Participant shall vest and be exercisable at any time until (A) in the case of Nonqualified Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the expiration of the Term thereof, and (B) in the case of Incentive Stock Options, the earlier of (x) the first anniversary of the date of such Termination of Employment and (y) the expiration of the Term thereof.
(iv)Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment for Retirement, any Option or Stock Appreciation Right held by the Participant shall vest and be exercisable at any time until the earlier of (A) in the case of Nonqualified Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, (x) the fifth anniversary of such Termination of Employment and (y) the expiration of the Term thereof, and (B) in the case of Incentive Stock Options, (x) the 90th day following such Termination of Employment and (y) the expiration of the Term thereof.
(k)Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Section 5(f), the Committee shall have the power, in its discretion, to apply different rules concerning the consequences of a Termination of Employment, provided, that if such rules are less favorable to the Participant than those set forth above, such rules are set forth in the applicable Award Agreement
Section 6.Restricted Stock
(a)
Nature of Awards and Certificates. Shares of Restricted Stock are actual Shares issued to a Participant and shall be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration or issuance of one or more stock certificates. Any certificate issued in respect of Shares of Restricted Stock shall be registered in the name of the applicable Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Award, substantially in the following form:
"The transferability of this certificate and the shares of stock represented hereby are subject to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture) of the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017 and an Award Agreement. Copies of such Plan and Agreement are on file at the offices of Unum Group, 1 Fountain Square, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402."
The Committee may require that the certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody by the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed and that, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock, the applicable Participant shall have delivered a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Common Stock covered by such Award.
(b)
Terms and Conditions. Shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(i)The Committee shall, prior to or at the time of grant, condition (A) the vesting of an Award of Restricted Stock upon the continued service of the applicable Participant, or (B) the grant or vesting of an Award of Restricted Stock upon the attainment of Performance Goals or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant. In the event that the Committee conditions the grant or vesting of an Award of Restricted Stock upon the attainment of Performance Goals or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant,


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the Committee may, prior to or at the time of grant, designate an Award of Restricted Stock as a Qualified Performance-Based Award. The conditions for grant or vesting and the other provisions of Restricted Stock Awards (including without limitation any applicable Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each recipient.
(ii)
Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, during the period, if any, set by the Committee, commencing with the date of such Restricted Stock Award for which such vesting restrictions apply (the "Restriction Period"), and until the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber Shares of Restricted Stock. Except in the case of death, Disability, Retirement or a Change in Control, any Award of Restricted Stock shall be subject to a Restriction Period of at least one year following the date of grant or a performance period of at least one year for any award the vesting of which is subject to the achievement of Performance Goals, provided that up to an aggregate of five percent of the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards under this Plan may be granted without regard to the foregoing requirements or the minimum vesting periods set forth in Sections 5(f), 7(b), 8 or 9, and the Committee may accelerate the vesting and lapse of any restrictions with respect to any such Restricted Stock Awards.
(iii)Except as provided in this Section 6 and in the applicable Award Agreement, the applicable Participant shall have, with respect to the Shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the class or series of Common Stock that is the subject of the Restricted Stock, including, if applicable, the right to vote the Shares and the right to receive any cash dividends. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 14(e), (A) cash dividends on the class or series of Common Stock that is the subject of the Restricted Stock Award shall be automatically deferred and reinvested in additional Restricted Stock, held subject to the vesting of the underlying Restricted Stock, and (B) subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 3(d), dividends payable in Common Stock shall be paid in the form of Restricted Stock of the same class as the Common Stock with which such dividend was paid, held subject to the vesting of the underlying Restricted Stock.
(iv)If and when any applicable Performance Goals are satisfied and the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Shares of Restricted Stock for which legended certificates have been issued, unlegended certificates for such Shares shall be delivered to the Participant upon surrender of the legended certificates.
Section 7.Restricted Stock Units
(a)
Nature of Awards. Restricted stock units and deferred share rights (together, "Restricted Stock Units") are Awards denominated in Shares that will be settled, subject to the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Units, in an amount in cash, Shares, or both, based upon the Fair Market Value of a specified number of Shares.
(b)
Terms and Conditions. Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:


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(i)The Committee shall, prior to or at the time of grant, condition (A) the vesting of Restricted Stock Units upon the continued service of the applicable Participant, or (B) the grant or vesting of Restricted Stock Units upon the attainment of Performance Goals or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant. In the event that the Committee conditions the grant or vesting of Restricted Stock Units upon the attainment of Performance Goals or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant, the Committee may, prior to or at the time of grant, designate the Restricted Stock Units as a Qualified Performance-Based Awards. The conditions for grant or vesting and the other provisions of Restricted Stock Units (including without limitation any applicable Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each recipient. An Award of Restricted Stock Units shall be settled as and when the Restricted Stock Units vest, at a later time specified by the Committee or in the applicable Award Agreement, or, if the Committee so permits, in accordance with an election of the Participant.
(ii)
Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, during the period, if any, set by the Committee, commencing with the date of such Restricted Stock Units for which such vesting restrictions apply (the "Restriction Period"), and until the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber Restricted Stock Units. Except in the case of death, Disability, Retirement or a Change in Control, any Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to a Restriction Period of at least one year following the date of grant or a performance period of at least one year for any award the vesting of which is subject to the achievement of Performance Goals, provided that up to an aggregate of five percent of the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards under this Plan may be granted without regard to the foregoing requirements or the minimum vesting periods set forth in Sections 5(f), 6(b), 8 or 9 and the Committee may accelerate the vesting and lapse any restrictions with respect to any such Restricted Stock Units.
(iii)
The Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Units shall specify whether, to what extent and on what terms and conditions the applicable Participant shall be entitled to receive payments of cash, Common Stock or other property corresponding to the dividends payable on the Common Stock (subject to Section 14(e) below); provided that such payments of cash, Common Stock or other property shall not be paid or distributed to the applicable Participant unless and until, and only to the extent that, the underlying Restricted Stock Units actually vest.
Section 8.Performance Units
Performance Units may be issued hereunder to Eligible Individuals, for no cash consideration or for such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law, either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan. The Performance Goals to be achieved during any Performance Period and the length of the Performance Period shall be determined by the Committee upon the grant of each Performance Unit, provided that the Performance Period shall be no less than one year. The Committee may, in connection with the grant of Performance Units, designate them as Qualified Performance-Based Awards. The conditions for grant or vesting and the other provisions of Performance Units (including


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without limitation any applicable Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each recipient. Performance Units may be paid in cash, Shares, other property or any combination thereof, in the sole discretion of the Committee as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. The maximum value of the property, including cash, that may be paid or distributed to any Participant pursuant to a grant of Performance Units made in any one calendar year shall be five million dollars ($5,000,000).
Section 9.Other Stock-Based Awards
Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted under the Plan, provided that any Other Stock-Based Awards that are Awards of Common Stock that are unrestricted shall only be granted in lieu of other compensation due and payable to the Participant and shall count against the five percent limitation referenced below. Except in the case of death, Disability, Retirement or a Change in Control, any Other Stock-Based Award shall be subject to a Restriction Period of at least one year following the date of grant or a performance period of at least one year for any award the vesting of which is subject to the achievement of Performance Goals, provided that up to an aggregate of five percent of the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards under this Plan may be granted without regard to the foregoing requirements or the minimum vesting periods set forth in Sections 5(f), 6(b), 7(b) or 8 and the Committee may accelerate the vesting and lapse of any restrictions with respect to any such Other Stock-Based Awards.
Section 10.Change in Control Provisions
(a)
General. The provisions of this Section 10 shall, subject to Section 3(d) and Section 10(f), apply notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, except to the extent the Committee specifically provides otherwise in an Award Agreement.
(b)
Impact of Change in Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement: (i) all then-outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall become fully vested and exercisable, and all Full-Value Awards (other than performance-based Awards) shall vest in full, be free of restrictions, and be deemed to be earned and payable in an amount equal to the full value of such Award, except in each case to the extent that another Award meeting the requirements of Section 10(c) (any award meeting the requirements of Section 10(c), a "Replacement Award") is provided to the Participant pursuant to Section 3(d) to replace such Award (any award intended to be replaced by a Replacement Award, a "Replaced Award"), and (ii) any performance-based Award that is not replaced by a Replacement Award shall be deemed to be earned and payable in an amount equal to the full value of such performance-based Award (with all applicable Performance Goals deemed achieved at the greater of (x) the applicable target level and (y) the level of achievement of the Performance Goals for the Award as determined by the Committee not later than the date of the Change in Control, taking into account performance through the latest date preceding the Change in Control as to which performance can, as a practical matter, be determined (but not later than the end of the applicable Performance Period)) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the applicable Performance Period before the date of the Change in Control, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the applicable Performance Period; provided, however, that such fraction shall be equal to one in the event that the applicable Performance Goals in respect of such performance-based Awards have been fully achieved as of the date of such Change in Control.


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(c)
Replacement Awards. An Award shall meet the conditions of this Section 10(c) (and hence qualify as a Replacement Award) if: (i) it is of the same type as the Replaced Award; (ii) it has a value equal to the value of the Replaced Award as of the date of the Change in Control; (iii) if the underlying Replaced Award was an equity-based award, it relates to publicly traded equity securities of the Company or the entity surviving the Company following the Change in Control; (iv) it contains terms relating to vesting (including with respect to a Termination of Employment) that are substantially identical to those of the Replaced Award; and (v) its other terms and conditions are not less favorable to the Participant than the terms and conditions of the Replaced Award (including the provisions that would apply in the event of a subsequent Change in Control) as of the date of the Change in Control. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Replacement Award may take the form of a continuation of the applicable Replaced Award if the requirements of the preceding sentence are satisfied. If a Replacement Award is granted, the Replaced Award shall not vest upon the Change in Control. The determination whether the conditions of this Section 10(c) are satisfied shall be made by the Committee, as constituted immediately before the Change in Control, in its sole discretion.
(d)
Termination of Employment. Upon a Termination of Employment of a Participant occurring upon or during the two years immediately following the date of a Change in Control by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, by the Company without Cause, or by the Participant for "Good Reason" (as defined in Section 10(e)), (i) all Replacement Awards held by such Participant shall vest in full, be free of restrictions, and be deemed to be earned in an amount equal to the full value of such Replacement Award, and (ii) unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, any Option or Stock Appreciation Right held by the Participant as of the date of the Change in Control that remains outstanding as of the date of such Termination of Employment may thereafter be exercised, until (A) in the case of Incentive Stock Options, the last date on which such Incentive Stock Options would be exercisable in the absence of this Section 10(d), and (B) in the case of Nonqualified Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the later of (x) the last date on which such Nonqualified Option or Stock Appreciation Right would be exercisable in the absence of this Section 10(d) and (y) the earlier of (1) the third anniversary of such Change in Control and (y) expiration of the Term of such Nonqualified Option or Stock Appreciation Right.
(e)
Definition of Change in Control. For purposes of the Plan:
(i)"Change in Control" shall mean any of the following events:
(I)
during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning or such period, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director and whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Act) ("Election Contest") or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents


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by or on behalf of any "person" (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Act) other than the Board ("Proxy Contest"), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election or Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be deemed an Incumbent Director;
(II)
any person is or becomes a "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% (30% with respect to deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the "Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the event described in this paragraph (II) shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control of the Company by virtue of any of the following acquisitions: (A) by the Company or any Subsidiary, (B) by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (C) by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, (D) pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in paragraph (III), or (E) a transaction (other than one described in (III) below) in which Company Voting Securities are acquired from the Company, if a majority of the Incumbent Directors approve a resolution providing expressly that the acquisition pursuant to this clause (E) does not constitute a Change in Control of the Company under this paragraph (II);
(III)the consummation of a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that requires the approval of the Company’s stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a "Reorganization"), or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity that is not an Affiliate (a "Sale"), unless immediately following such Reorganization or Sale: (A) more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Reorganization or the corporation which has acquired all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (in either case, the "Surviving Corporation"), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the "Parent Corporation"), is represented by the Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Reorganization or Sale (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which such Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Reorganization or Sale), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Reorganization or Sale, (B) no person (other than any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 20% (30% with respect to deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code) or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) and (C) at least a majority of the


1302017 PROXY STATEMENT




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members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Reorganization or Sale were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Reorganization or Sale (any Reorganization or Sale which satisfies all of the criteria specified in (A), (B) and (C) above shall be deemed to be a "Non-Qualifying Transaction"); or
(IV)the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 20% (30% with respect to deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code) of the Company Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of Company Voting Securities by the Company which reduces the number of Company Voting Securities outstanding; provided, that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Company Voting Securities that increases the percentage of outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control of the Company shall then occur.
(ii)"Good Reason" shall mean (A) a material adverse change in the Participant’s authority, powers, functions, duties or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; (B) a material reduction in the Participant’s base salary or annual bonus opportunity, in each case as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; or (C) the reassignment of the Participant’s place of employment to an office location more than 50 miles from the Participant’s then-current place of employment.
(f)Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, this Section 10 shall be applicable only to the extent specifically provided in the Award Agreement and permitted pursuant to Section 11(e). Nothing in this Section 10 shall preclude the Company from settling upon a Change in Control an Award if it is not replaced by a Replacement Award, to the extent effectuated in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix).
Section 11.Qualified Performance-Based Awards; Section 16(b); Section 409A
(a)The provisions of this Plan are intended to allow any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted hereunder to any Participant who is or may be a "covered employee" (within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code) in the tax year in which such Option or Stock Appreciation Right is expected to be deductible to the Company to qualify for the Section 162(m) Exemption. When issuing any Award other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, the Committee may designate such Award as a Qualified Performance-Based Award, based upon a determination that (i) the recipient is or may be a "covered employee" (within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code) with respect to such Award, (ii) the Committee wishes such Award to qualify for the Section 162(m) Exemption, and (iii) the terms of any such Award (and of the grant thereof) are intended to be consistent with such designation (including, without limitation, that all such Awards be granted by a committee composed solely of members who


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satisfy the requirements for being "outside directors" for purposes of the Section 162(m) Exemption). To the extent required to comply with the Section 162(m) Exemption, within 90 days after the commencement of a Performance Period or, if earlier, by the expiration of 25% of a Performance Period, the Committee will designate one or more Performance Periods, determine the Participants for the Performance Periods and establish the Performance Goals for the Performance Periods.
(b)Each Qualified Performance-Based Award (other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right) shall be earned, vested and/or payable (as applicable) upon the achievement of one or more Performance Goals, together with the satisfaction of any other conditions, such as continued employment, as the Committee may determine to be appropriate.
(c)The full Board shall not be permitted to exercise authority granted to the Committee to the extent that the grant or exercise of such authority would cause an Award designated as a Qualified Performance-Based Award not to qualify for, or to cease to qualify for, the Section 162(m) Exemption.
(d)The provisions of this Plan are intended to allow any transaction under the Plan that is or may be subject to (and not exempt from) the short-swing recovery rules of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act ("Section 16(b)") to qualify for the exemptions provided under rules promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(e)The Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or an exemption or exclusion therefrom and, with respect to amounts that are subject to Section 409A of the Code, it is intended that the Plan be administered in all respects in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Each payment under any Award shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. In no event may a Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under any Award. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, in the event that a Participant is a "specified employee" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (as determined in accordance with the methodology established by the Company), amounts that constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately following a Participant’s "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code ("Separation from Service") shall instead be paid or provided on the first business day after the date that is six months following the Participant’s Separation from Service. If the Participant dies following the Separation from Service and prior to the payment of any amounts delayed on account of Section 409A of the Code, such amounts shall be paid to the personal representative of the Participant’s estate within 30 days after the date of the Participant’s death. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company, the Board and the Committee shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an Award that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant.
Section 12.Term, Amendment and Termination
(a)
Effectiveness. The Plan was approved by the Human Capital Committee of the Board on March 17, 2017, subject to and contingent upon approval by at least a majority of the outstanding


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APPENDIX A

shares of the Company. The Plan will be effective as of the date of such approval by the Company’s stockholders (the "Effective Date").
(b)
Termination. The Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Awards outstanding as of such date shall not be affected or impaired by the termination of the Plan.
(c)
Amendment of Plan. The Board or the Committee may amend, alter, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration or discontinuation shall be made which would materially impair the rights of the Participant with respect to a previously granted Award without such Participant’s consent, except such an amendment made to comply with applicable law, including without limitation Section 409A of the Code, Applicable Exchange listing standards or accounting rules. In addition, no amendment shall be made without the approval of the Company’s stockholders (a) to the extent such approval is required (1) by applicable law or the listing standards of the Applicable Exchange as in effect as of the date hereof or (2) under applicable law or the listing standards of the Applicable Exchange as may be required after the date hereof, (b) to the extent such amendment would materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, (c) to the extent such amendment would materially increase the number of securities which may be issued under the Plan, (d) to the extent such amendment would materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan, (e) that would accelerate the vesting of any Award under the Plan except as otherwise provided in the Plan, or (f) to eliminate the stockholder approval requirements under Section 5(d) of the Plan .
(d)
Amendment of Awards. Subject to Section 5(d), the Committee may unilaterally amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, but no such amendment shall cause a Qualified Performance-Based Award to cease to qualify for the Section 162(m) Exemption or without the Participant’s consent materially impair the rights of any Participant with respect to an Award, except such an amendment made to cause the Plan or Award to comply with applicable law, Applicable Exchange listing standards or accounting rules.
Section 13.Unfunded Status of Plan
It is presently intended that the Plan constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive and deferred compensation. The Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver Common Stock or make payments; provided, however, that unless the Committee otherwise determines, the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the "unfunded" status of the Plan.
Section 14.General Provisions
(a)
Conditions for Issuance. The Committee may require each person purchasing or receiving Shares pursuant to an Award to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the Shares without a view to the distribution thereof. The certificates for such Shares may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or agreements made pursuant thereto, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for Shares under the Plan prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (i) listing or approval for listing upon notice of issuance, of such Shares on the Applicable


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Exchange; (ii) any registration or other qualification of such Shares of the Company under any state or federal law or regulation, or the maintaining in effect of any such registration or other qualification which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion upon the advice of counsel, deem necessary or advisable; and (iii) obtaining any other consent, approval, or permit from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion after receiving the advice of counsel, determine to be necessary or advisable.
(b)
Additional Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements for its employees.
(c)
No Contract of Employment. The Plan shall not constitute a contract of employment, and adoption of the Plan shall not confer upon any employee any right to continued employment, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate the employment of any employee at any time.
(d)
Required Taxes. No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includible in the gross income of a Participant for federal, state, local or foreign income or employment or other tax purposes with respect to any Award under the Plan, such Participant shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such amount. Unless otherwise determined by the Company, withholding obligations may be settled with a number of shares of Common Stock, including Common Stock that is part of the Award that gives rise to the withholding requirement, having a Fair Market Value on the date of withholding no greater than the maximum amount permitted to be withheld for tax purposes (rounded up to the nearest Share), all in accordance with such procedures as the Committee establishes. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional on such payment or arrangements, and the Company and its Affiliates shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment otherwise due to such Participant. The Committee may establish such procedures as it deems appropriate, including making irrevocable elections, for the settlement of withholding obligations with Common Stock.
(e)
Limitation on Dividend Reinvestment and Dividend Equivalents. Reinvestment of dividends in additional Restricted Stock at the time of any dividend payment, and the payment of Shares with respect to dividends to Participants holding Awards of Restricted Stock Units, shall only be permissible if sufficient Shares are available under Section 3 for such reinvestment or payment (taking into account then-outstanding Awards). In the event that sufficient Shares are not available for such reinvestment or payment, such reinvestment or payment shall be made in the form of a grant of Restricted Stock Units equal in number to the Shares that would have been obtained by such payment or reinvestment, the terms of which Restricted Stock Units shall provide for settlement in cash and for dividend equivalent reinvestment in further Restricted Stock Units on the terms contemplated by this Section 14(e). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, with respect to any Award that is subject to Performance Goals and/or vesting conditions, dividends or dividend equivalents shall only be paid or settled if and to the extent that the Performance Goals and any vesting conditions associated with such underlying Award are satisfied.


1342017 PROXY STATEMENT




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(f)
Designation of Death Beneficiary. The Committee shall establish such procedures as it deems appropriate for a Participant to designate a beneficiary to whom any amounts payable in the event of such Participant’s death are to be paid or by whom any rights of such eligible Individual, after such Participant’s death, may be exercised.
(g)
Subsidiary Employees. In the case of a grant of an Award to any employee of a Subsidiary, the Company may, if the Committee so directs, issue or transfer the Shares, if any, covered by the Award to the Subsidiary, for such lawful consideration as the Committee may specify, upon the condition or understanding that the Subsidiary will transfer the Shares to the employee in accordance with the terms of the Award specified by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. All Shares underlying Awards that are forfeited or canceled should revert to the Company.
(h)
Governing Law and Interpretation. The Plan and all Awards made and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Plan are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.
(i)
Non-Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5(i) or by the Committee, Awards under the Plan are not transferable except by will or by laws of descent and distribution.
(j)
Foreign Employees and Foreign Law Considerations. The Committee may grant Awards to Eligible Individuals who are foreign nationals, who are located outside the United States or who are not compensated from a payroll maintained in the United States, or who are otherwise subject to (or could cause the Company to be subject to) legal or regulatory provisions of countries or jurisdictions outside the United States, on such terms and conditions different from those specified in the Plan as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of the Plan, and, in furtherance of such purposes, the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, or subplans as may be necessary or advisable to comply with such legal or regulatory provisions. As of the Effective Date, the Committee has adopted the Unum Group Stock Incentive Plan of 2017 Sub-Plan for U.K. and Republic of Ireland.
(k)Deferrals. The Committee shall be authorized to establish procedures pursuant to which the payment of any Award may be deferred. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and any Award Agreement, the recipient of an Award (including, without limitation, any deferred Award) may, if so determined by the Committee, be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, interest or dividends, or interest or (except with respect to Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights) dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares covered by the Award, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and the Committee may provide that such amounts (if any) shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Shares or otherwise reinvested. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends and dividend equivalents with respect to performance-based Awards may not be paid until vesting (if any) of such Awards, and the Committee shall not take or omit to take any action that would result in the imposition of penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code.
(l)
Clawback. Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, any performance based compensation, or any other amount, paid to a Participant pursuant to an Award, which is


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subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement, or any policy adopted by the Company will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement, or policy adopted by the Company.
(m)
Restrictive Covenant Agreements. Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the right to receive and retain any benefit under an Award shall be conditioned upon the Participant’s execution of and compliance with any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement or confidentiality covenants included in any applicable Award Agreement or in any form provided by the Company. The foregoing requirement may be expressly waived by the Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise in a writing signed by a representative or delegate of the Committee.
(n)
Disclosures. Nothing in this Plan, any Award Agreement or any restrictive covenant agreement referenced in section 14(m) hereof shall be construed to restrict a Participant’s ability to make a confidential disclosure of any trade secret or other confidential information to a government official or an attorney for the sole purpose of reporting or assisting in the investigation of a suspected violation of law and no Participant shall be held liable under this Plan, any Award Agreement or any such restrictive covenant agreement or under any federal or state trade secret law for any such disclosure.



1362017 PROXY STATEMENT




APPENDIX A: RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

B


APPENDIX B
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We analyze our performance using non-GAAP financial measures which exclude or include amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe the following non-GAAP financial measures are better performance measures and better indicators of the revenue and profitability and underlying trends in our business:

Operating revenue, which excludes realized investment gains or losses;

Before-tax operating income or loss, which excludes realized investment gains or losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, income tax, and certain other items which are discussed in “Executive Summary” in Part II Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as applicable, and after-tax operating income or loss which includes income tax;

Operating return on equity, which is calculated using after-tax operating income or loss and excludes from equity the unrealized gain or loss on securities and net gain on cash flow hedges; and

Book value per common share, which is calculated excluding AOCI.

After-tax operating income or loss and operating earnings per share, which excludes realized investment gains or losses, non-operating retirement-related gains or losses, and certain other items, which are discussed in "Executive Summary" in Part II Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the respective years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, as applicable;
Operating return on equity, calculated using after-tax operating income or loss and excludes from equity the unrealized gain or loss on securities and net gain on cash flow hedges; and
Book value per common share, which is calculated excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI).
Realized investment gains or losses; non-operating retirement-related gains or losses; unrealized gains or losses on securities and net gains on cash flow hedges depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying business of our company. Book value per common share excluding certain components of AOCI, certain of which tend to fluctuate depending on market conditions and general economic trends, are important measures. We also exclude certain other items from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in order to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur and does not replace the comparable GAAP measures in the determination of overall profitability. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures to these non-GAAP financial measures, refer to this Appendix.

         Year Ended December 31           
 2014 2013 
 (in millions)  

Before-tax Operating Income (Loss)

Unum US

  $856.3      $859.0    

Unum UK

 147.8     132.0    

Colonial Life

 300.2     284.9    

Closed Block

 122.6     109.4    

Corporate

 (134.4)     (143.5)    
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 1,292.5     1,241.8    

Net Realized Investment Gain

 16.1     6.8    

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss

 (70.0)     (32.9)    

Costs Related to Early Retirement of Debt

 (13.2)     -      

Long-term Care Reserve Increase

 (698.2)     -      

Unclaimed Death Benefits Reserve Increase

 -       (95.5)    

Group Life Waiver of Premium Benefit Reserve Reduction

 -       85.0    

Income Tax

 (113.8)     (347.1)    
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

  $            413.4      $            858.1    
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  After-Tax Operating Income (Loss)
 Average Allocated Equity(1)
Operating
Return on Equity
 
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2016   
 Unum US$598.3
$3,992.2
15.0%
 Unum UK113.8
610.6
18.6%
 Colonial Life204.9
1,173.9
17.4%
 Core Operating Segments917.0
5,776.7
15.9%
 Closed Block87.0
3,055.1
 
 Corporate(77.8)(691.0) 
 Total$926.2
$8,140.8
11.4%
     
 Year Ended December 31, 2015$901.0
$7,961.1
11.3%
 Year Ended December 31, 2014$899.1
$7,974.3
11.3%
(1) Excludes unrealized gain on securities and net gain on cash flow hedges and is calculated using the stockholders' equity balances presented below. We updated our internal allocation formula used to determine allocated stockholders' equity for certain of our product lines within our operating segments, and, as a result, we are computing the average allocated equity for 2016 using internally allocated equity which was updated effective January 1, 2016. As a result, average equity for the year ended December 31, 2016 for certain of our segments will not compute using the historical allocated equity at December 31, 2015. There was no impact on total allocated equity or total average allocated equity.


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APPENDIX B

 12/31/2016 12/31/2015 12/31/2014 12/31/2013
Total Stockholders' Equity, As Reported$8,968.0
 $8,663.9
 $8,521.9
 $8,639.9
Excluding:       
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities440.6
 204.3
 290.3
 135.7
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges327.5
 378.0
 391.0
 396.3
Total Stockholders' Equity, As Adjusted$8,199.9
 $8,081.6
 $7,840.6
 $8,107.9
        
 Twelve Months Ended Twelve Months Ended Twelve Months Ended  
 12/31/2016 12/31/2015 12/31/2014  
Average Stockholders' Equity Excluding Net Unrealized Gain on Securities and Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges$8,140.8
 $7,961.1
 $7,974.3
 
  Year Ended December 31
  2016 2015 2014
  (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share *
Net Income $931.4
 $3.95
 $867.1
 $3.50
 $402.1
 $1.57
Excluding:            
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) (net of tax expense (benefit) of $8.4; $(17.7); $3.3) 15.8
 0.07
 (26.1) (0.11) 12.8
 0.05
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss (net of tax benefit of $5.7; $4.1; $24.4) (10.6) (0.04) (7.8) (0.03) (45.6) (0.18)
Costs Related to Early Retirement of Debt (net of tax benefit of $-; $-; $2.8) 
 
 
 
 (10.4) (0.04)
Reserve Charges for Closed Block (net of tax benefit of $-; $-; $244.4) 
 
 
 
 (453.8) (1.77)
After-tax Operating Income $926.2
 $3.92
 $901.0
 $3.64
 $899.1
 $3.51
             
  Year Ended December 31
  2013 2012 2011
  (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share *
Net Income $847.0
 $3.19
 $888.1
 $3.15
 $283.6
 $0.94
Excluding:            
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) (net of tax expense (benefit) of $2.9; $19.1; $(1.3)) 3.9
 0.02
 37.1
 0.13
 (3.6) (0.01)
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss (net of tax benefit of $11.5; $16.2; $11.2) (21.4) (0.08) (30.2) (0.11) (20.7) (0.07)
Unclaimed Death Benefits Reserve Increase (net of tax benefit of $33.4; $-; $-) (62.1) (0.24) 
 
 
 
Group Life Waiver of Premium Benefit Reserve Reduction (net of tax expense of $29.8; $-; $-) 55.2
 0.21
 
 
 
 
Reserve Charges for Closed Block (net of tax benefit of $-; $-; $265.0) 
 
 
 
 (492.1) (1.62)
Deferred Acquisition Costs for Closed Block (net of tax benefit of $-; $-; $68.5) 
 
 
 
 (127.5) (0.42)
Special Tax Items 
 
 
 
 22.7
 0.08
After-tax Operating Income $871.4
 $3.28
 $881.2
 $3.13
 $904.8
 $2.98
*Assuming Dilution.


9613820152017 PROXY STATEMENT





APPENDIX A

 Year Ended December 31  
  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
  (in millions)  

After-tax Operating Income

   $910.4       $882.5       $887.5       $905.4       $894.3    

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Net of Tax

  12.8      3.9      37.1      (3.6)      15.7    

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss, Net of Tax

  (45.6)      (21.4)      (30.2)      (20.7)      (21.1)    

Costs Related to Early Retirement of Debt, Net of Tax

  (10.4)      -        -        -        -      

Long-term Care Reserve Increase, Net of Tax

  (453.8)      -        -        -        -      

Unclaimed Death Benefits Reserve Increase, Net of Tax

  -        (62.1)      -        -        -      

Group Life Waiver of Premium Benefit Reserve Reduction, Net of Tax

  -        55.2      -        -        -      

Deferred Acquisition Costs Impairment and Reserve Charges for Long-term Care Closed Block, Net of Tax

  -        -        -        (500.3)      -      

Reserve Charge for Individual Disability Closed Block, Net of Tax

  -        -        -        (119.3)      -      

Tax Reduction from IRS Settlement

  -        -        -        41.3      -      

Tax Related to U.K. Repatriation

  -        -        -        (18.6)      -      

Tax Related to Healthcare Reform Legislation

  -        -        -        -        (10.2)    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   $    413.4       $    858.1       $    894.4       $    284.2       $    878.7    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  Year Ended
December 31
             
  2014      
 

 

 

     
  (in millions)      
 

 

 

     

Total Operating Revenue

 $10,493.6      

Net Realized Investment Gain

  16.1      
 

 

 

     

Total Revenue

 $10,509.7      
 

 

 

     

 Year Ended December 31  
    2014      2013      2012      2011      2010      2009      2008      2007*      2006*      2005*   
  (per diluted common share)  

After-tax Operating Income

   $    3.55       $    3.32       $    3.15       $    2.98       $    2.73       $    2.64       $    2.54       $    2.25       $    1.85       $    1.69  

Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss), Net of Tax

  0.05      0.02      0.13      (0.01)      0.05      -        (0.89)      (0.12)      0.01      (0.02)  

Non-operating Retirement-related Loss, Net of Tax

  (0.18)      (0.08)      (0.11)      (0.07)      (0.06)      (0.09)      (0.03)      (0.04)      (0.05)      (0.05)  

Costs Related to Early Retirement of Debt, Net of Tax

  (0.04)      -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -      

Long-term Care Reserve Increase, Net of Tax

  (1.77)      -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -      

Unclaimed Death Benefits Reserve Increase, Net of Tax

  -        (0.24)      -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -      

Group Life Waiver of Premium Benefit Reserve Reduction, Net of Tax

  -        0.21      -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -      

Deferred Acquisition Costs Impairment and Reserve Charges for Long-term Care Closed Block, Net of Tax

  -        -        -        (1.65)      -        -        -        -        -        -      

Reserve Charge for Individual Disability Closed Block, Net of Tax

  -        -        -        (0.39)      -        -        -        -        -        -      

Regulatory Reassessment Charges, Net of Tax

  -        -        -        -        -        -        -        (0.10)      (0.79)    (0.16)  

Special Tax Items and Debt Extinguishment Costs

  -        -        -        0.08      (0.03)      -        -        (0.10)      0.23    0.14  

Other, Net of Tax

  -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        (0.04)    0.01  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations

 1.61     3.23     3.17     0.94     2.69     2.55     1.62     1.89     1.21   1.61  

Income from Discontinued Operations

 -       -       -       -       -       -       -       0.02     0.02   0.03  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

 $1.61     $3.23     $3.17     $0.94     $2.69     $2.55     $1.62     $1.91     $1.23   $1.64  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

B


  Year Ended December 31
  2010 2009 2008
  (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share *
Net Income $877.6
 $2.69
 $847.3
 $2.55
 $553.4
 $1.62
Excluding:            
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) (net of tax expense (benefit) of $9.0; $11.5; $(161.8)) 15.7
 0.05
 0.2
 
 (304.1) (0.89)
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss (net of tax benefit of $11.3; $15.2; $5.7) (21.1) (0.06) (28.3) (0.09) (10.5) (0.03)
Special Tax Items (10.2) (0.03) 
 
 
 
After-tax Operating Income $893.2
 $2.73
 $875.4
 $2.64
 $868.0
 $2.54
             
  Year Ended December 31
  2007** 2006** 2005**
  (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share * (in millions) per share *
Net Income $679.3
 $1.91
 $411.0
 $1.23
 $513.6
 $1.64
Excluding:            
Income from Discontinued Operations 6.9
 0.02
 7.4
 0.02
 9.6
 0.03
Net Realized Investment Gain (Loss) (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(22.0); $0.7; $(2.4)) (43.2) (0.12) 1.5
 0.01
 (4.3) (0.02)
Non-operating Retirement-related Loss (net of tax benefit of $7.9; $8.5; $7.4) (14.6) (0.04) (16.2) (0.05) (14.4) (0.05)
Regulatory Reassessment Charges (net of tax benefit of $31.3; $129.0; $1.1) (34.5) (0.10) (267.4) (0.79) (51.6) (0.16)
Debt Extinguishment Costs (net of tax benefit of $20.5; $8.9, $-) (38.3) (0.11) (16.9) (0.05) 
 
Other (net of tax expense (benefit) of $-; $(5.8); $1.7) 
 
 (12.7) (0.04) 4.0
 0.01
Special Tax Items 2.2
 0.01
 95.8
 0.28
 42.8
 0.14
After-tax Operating Income $800.8
 $2.25
 $619.5
 $1.85
 $527.5
 $1.69
*Assuming Dilution.
**Does not reflect the impact of ASU 2010-26.



2017 PROXY STATEMENT139


APPENDIX B

 12/31/2016 12/31/2015 12/31/2014
 (in millions) per share (in millions) per share (in millions) per share
Total Stockholders' Equity (Book Value)$8,968.0
 $39.02
 $8,663.9
 $35.96
 $8,521.9
 $33.78
Excluding:           
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities440.6
 1.92
 204.3
 0.84
 290.3
 1.15
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges327.5
 1.42
 378.0
 1.57
 391.0
 1.55
Subtotal8,199.9
 35.68
 8,081.6
 33.55
 7,840.6
 31.08
Excluding:           
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment(354.0) (1.54) (173.6) (0.72) (113.4) (0.45)
Subtotal8,553.9
 37.22
 8,255.2
 34.27
 7,954.0
 31.53
Excluding:           
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs(465.1) (2.02) (392.6) (1.63) (401.5) (1.59)
Total Stockholders' Equity, Excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$9,019.0
 $39.24
 $8,647.8
 $35.90
 $8,355.5
 $33.12
 12/31/2013 12/31/2012 12/31/2011
 (in millions) per share (in millions) per share (in millions) per share
Total Stockholders' Equity (Book Value)$8,639.9
 $33.23
 $8,604.6
 $31.84
 $8,168.0
 $27.91
Excluding:           
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities135.7
 0.52
 873.5
 3.23
 614.8
 2.11
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges396.3
 1.52
 401.6
 1.48
 408.7
 1.39
Subtotal8,107.9
 31.19
 7,329.5
 27.13
 7,144.5
 24.41
Excluding:           
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment(47.1) (0.18) (72.6) (0.26) (117.6) (0.41)
Subtotal8,155.0
 31.37
 7,402.1
 27.39
 7,262.1
 24.82
Excluding:           
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs(229.9) (0.88) (574.5) (2.13) (444.1) (1.51)
Total Stockholders' Equity, Excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$8,384.9
 $32.25
 $7,976.6
 $29.52
 $7,706.2
 $26.33


2015 PROXY STATEMENT  97


APPENDIX A

   After-tax
Operating
Income (Loss)
   Average
Allocated
Equity
   Operating
Return
on Equity
 
   (in millions)   

Year Ended December 31, 2014

      

Unum US

   $    562.3     $    4,157.4     13.5%  

Unum UK

   116.4     635.3     18.3%  

Colonial Life

   195.2     1,163.1     16.8%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Primary Operating Businesses

   873.9     5,955.8     14.7%  

Closed Block

   80.9     2,756.3    

Corporate

   (44.4)     (713.0)    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

   $910.4     $7,999.1     11.4%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
   After-tax
Operating
Income
   Average
Allocated
Equity
   Operating
Return
On Equity
 
   (in millions)   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

   $882.5     $7,732.3     11.4%  

Year Ended December 31, 2012

   887.5     7,241.8     12.3%  

Year Ended December 31, 2011

   905.4     7,427.0     12.2%  

Year Ended December 31, 2010

   894.3     7,499.7     11.9%  

   December 31    
   2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009    
   (in millions)    

Total Stockholders’ Equity, As Reported

    $    8,552.4    $    8,659.1    $    8,612.6    $    8,169.7    $    8,484.9    $    8,045.0   

Net Unrealized Gain on Securities

   290.3    135.7    873.5    614.8    416.1    382.7   

Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges

   391.0    396.3    401.6    408.7    361.0    370.8   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total Stockholders’ Equity, As Adjusted

 $7,871.1   $8,127.1   $7,337.5   $7,146.2   $7,707.8   $7,291.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Average Equity, As Adjusted

 $7,999.1   $7,732.3   $7,241.8   $7,427.0   $7,499.7  
   December 31 
   2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008 
   (per share) 

Total Stockholders’ Equity (Book Value)

   $33.90    $33.30    $31.87    $27.91    $26.80    $24.25    $17.94  

Net Unrealized Gain on Securities

   1.15    0.52    3.23    2.11    1.31    1.16    (2.53

Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges

   1.55    1.52    1.48    1.39    1.14    1.12    1.38  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal

 31.20   31.26   27.16   24.41   24.35   21.97   19.09  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

 (0.45 (0.18 (0.26 (0.41 (0.34 (0.23 (0.52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Subtotal

 31.65   31.44   27.42   24.82   24.69   22.20   19.61  

Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs

 (1.59 (0.88 (2.13 (1.51 (1.00 (1.00 (1.23
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity, Excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 $33.24   $32.32   $29.55   $26.33   $25.69   $23.20   $20.84  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

1402017 PROXY STATEMENT




APPENDIX B

 12/31/2010 12/31/2009 12/31/2008
 (in millions) per share (in millions) per share (in millions) per share
Total Stockholders' Equity (Book Value)$8,483.9
 $26.80
 $8,045.0
 $24.25
 $5,941.5
 $17.94
Excluding:           
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities416.1
 1.31
 382.7
 1.16
 (837.4) (2.53)
Net Gain on Cash Flow Hedges361.0
 1.14
 370.8
 1.12
 458.5
 1.38
Subtotal7,706.8
 24.35
 7,291.5
 21.97
 6,320.4
 19.09
Excluding:           
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment(107.1) (0.34) (75.3) (0.23) (172.8) (0.52)
Subtotal7,813.9
 24.69
 7,366.8
 22.20
 6,493.2
 19.61
Excluding:           
Unrecognized Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs(318.6) (1.00) (330.7) (1.00) (406.5) (1.23)
Total Stockholders' Equity, Excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$8,132.5
 $25.69
 $7,697.5
 $23.20
 $6,899.7
 $20.84



9820152017 PROXY STATEMENT141



APPENDIX B

C


APPENDIX C
APPENDIX B: DIRECTIONS TO THE ANNUAL MEETING

This year’s

Directions to the 2017 Annual Meeting
The 2017 Annual Meeting will be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at Unum Group’s headquarters, located at 1 Fountain Square downtown.

LOGO

chattanoogamap.jpg

Directions from the Chattanooga Airport

Take Highway 153 South from the airport and then travel south on I-75.to I-75 South. At the intersection with I-24, take I-24 West. As you approach the city, bear right and merge onto US-27 North to downtown. Take the Fourth Street exit and turn right at the fifthon Walnut Street (fifth traffic light onto Walnut Street.light). Follow the posted signs to visitor parking and the meeting location.

Directions from Atlanta and Knoxville

Travel on I-75 to Chattanooga. At the intersection with I-24, take I-24 West. As you approach the city, bear right and merge onto US-27 North to downtown. Take the Fourth Street exit and turn right at the fifth traffic light onto Walnut Street.Street (fifth traffic light). Follow the posted signs to visitor parking and the meeting location.

Directions from Birmingham

Travel on I-59 North, toward Chattanooga. At the intersection with I-24, takethen I-24 East. As you approach the city, bear right and merge onto US-27 North to downtown. Take the Fourth Street exit and turn right at the fifth traffic light onto Walnut Street.Street (fifth traffic light). Follow the posted signs to visitor parking and the meeting location.

Directions from Nashville

Travel on I-24 East to Chattanooga. As you approach the city, bear right and merge onto US-27 North to downtown. Take the Fourth Street exit and turn right at the fifth traffic light onto Walnut Street.Street (fifth traffic light). Follow the posted signs to visitor parking and the meeting location.



142
20152017 PROXY STATEMENT99




LOGO


LOGO

LOGO

Electronic Voting Instructions

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy.

VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR.

Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 2:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on May 21, 2015.

LOGO     Vote by Internet

• Go towww.envisionreports.com/unm

• Or scan the QR code with your smartphone

• Follow the steps outlined on the secure website

Vote by telephone

• Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US

 territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone

• Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message

Using ablack inkpen, mark your votes with anX as shown in

this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.

x

LOGO

q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 A 

  Proposals — You must sign the card on the reverse side for your vote to be counted.

+

The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR each of the nominees listed.
1.   Election of Directors:For

Against

AbstainForAgainstAbstainForAgainstAbstain
      01 - Cynthia L. Egan¨¨¨02 - Pamela H. Godwin¨¨¨03 - Timothy F. Keaney¨¨¨
      04 - Thomas Kinser¨¨¨05 - Gloria C. Larson¨¨¨06 - A.S. MacMillan, Jr.¨¨¨
      07 - Richard P. McKenney¨¨¨08 - Edward J. Muhl¨¨¨09 - William J. Ryan¨¨¨
      10 - Thomas R. Watjen¨¨¨

The Board of Directors recommends a voteFOR Proposals 2 and 3.

ForAgainstAbstainForAgainstAbstain
2.To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the company’s named executive officers.¨¨¨

3.  To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2015.

¨¨¨

 B Non-Voting Items
Change of Address— Please print new address below.

IF VOTING BY MAIL, YOUMUST COMPLETE SECTIONS A - C ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS CARD.

LOGO


Admission Ticket

UNUM GROUP

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

May 21, 2015

10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

1 Fountain Square

Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

This admission ticket admits only the named shareholder.

If you plan on attending the Annual Meeting in person, please bring this Admission Ticket or proof of ownership of the company’s common stockand valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport).

If your shares are held beneficially in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record and you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, a recent brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker is an example of proof of ownership. If you arrive at the Annual Meeting without an admission ticket, we will admit you only if we are able to verify that you are a company shareholder.

For your safety, we reserve the right to inspect all personal items prior to admission to the Annual Meeting.

Your compliance is appreciated.

q IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Proxy — Unum Group

+

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

May 21, 2015

10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time

1 Fountain Square, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF UNUM GROUP

The undersigned hereby appoints John F. McGarry and Lisa J. Iglesias, or either of them, proxies, each with full power of substitution, acting jointly or by either of them if only one be present and acting, to vote and act with respect to all of the shares of common stock of the undersigned in Unum Group, at the Annual Meeting, upon all matters that may properly come before the meeting, including the matters described in the Proxy Statement furnished herewith, subject to the directions indicated on the reverse side of this card or through the telephone or Internet proxy procedures, and at the discretion of the proxies on any other matters that may properly come before the meeting.If specific voting instructions are not given with respect to the matters to be acted upon and the signed card is returned, the proxies will vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations provided on the reverse side of this card, and at their discretion on any other matters that may properly come before the meeting.

This proxy card, when signed and returned, will also constitute voting instructions to the trustee for shares held in the Unum Group 401(k) Retirement Plan or to the broker-dealer for shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. If voting instructions representing shares in the foregoing employee benefit plans are not received, those shares will not be voted.

THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” PROPOSALS 1, 2, and 3. IF OTHER BUSINESS IS PROPERLY BROUGHT BEFORE THE MEETING, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR BEST JUDGMENT.

 C Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign
Below

PLEASE SIGN THIS PROXY EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME OR NAMES APPEARS HEREON. IF STOCK IS HELD JOINTLY, SIGNATURES SHOULD APPEAR FOR BOTH NAMES. WHEN SIGNING AS AN ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE, GUARDIAN OR CUSTODIAN, PLEASE INDICATE THE CAPACITY IN WHICH YOU ARE ACTING.

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below.

Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box.Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.

//

n

IF VOTING BY MAIL, YOUMUST COMPLETE SECTIONS A - C ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS CARD.+



unumproxycard001.jpg



unumproxycard002.jpg