UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE14A-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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    Soliciting Material Pursuant to  §240.14a-12    

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

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LOGO

LOGO


Generating

Long-Term

Shareholder

Value

BlackRock’s missionpurpose is to help our clients build bettermore and more people experience financial futures.well-being. Our framework for creating long-term shareholder value is directly aligned with that mission. purpose.

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) is a global asset management and technology services firm. We have strategicallyconsistently and systematically invested in our business over time to create a globally diverse investment platform with index and alphaactive funds, across equities, fixed income, multi-asset class and alternatives, as well as cash strategies ranging from ETFs to alternatives, industry-leading portfolio construction and risk management technology, and deep global capital markets expertise. The diversity of BlackRock’s platform, across asset class,classes, investment stylestyles and region,regions, positions us to serve client needs holistically andclients through market cycles.cycles and deliver whole-portfolio solutions to meet their evolving needs. It also enables us to generate more consistent growth and financial results for shareholders. We believe the stability of our financial results and our approach to continuously and deliberately invest in our business enhances BlackRock’s ability to:

 

                 
  

  Generate

  differentiated

  organic growth

   

Leverage our

scale for the

benefit of clients

and shareholders

 

   

Return capital

to shareholders

on a consistent and

predictable basis

  
                 

Over the long term, BlackRock has delivered on each of these tenets.objectives. We have generated differentiated organic growth and delivered operating margin expansion. We have prioritized investment in our business to first drive growth and then return “excess”excess cash flow to shareholders. Our capital return strategy has been balanced between dividends, where we target a40-50% payout ratio, and a consistent share repurchase program.

Our framework for generating long-term shareholder value was developed in close collaboration with our Board of Directors (the “Board”), and the Board actively oversees our broader strategy and measures our ability to successfully execute it.

In 2019,2020, we will continue to strategically and efficiently invest in BlackRock to optimize future growth. We will focus on areas we believe have high growth potential such as ETFs and illiquid alternatives, the shift from product selection to portfolio construction, and longer-term opportunities in technology, retirement and high growth markets – so we can deliver better outcomes for clients, opportunities for employees and long-term value for shareholders. We will focus on investing in areas we believe have high growth potential such as ETFs, illiquid alternatives and technology, and reinforce our leadership position as a whole portfolio advisor to our clients, while focusing on the long-term sustainability of BlackRock for all of our stakeholders.


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Our focus onIn this environment, our investments in business continuity planning, agile use of technology and strong culture truly differentiate BlackRock, and we remain committed to growing and investing in the long-termbusiness. Throughout the firm’s history, it has been times like these when BlackRock has most distinguished itself with both clients and commitment to adapting and innovating ahead of change helps us stay ahead of clients’ most pressing investment challenges and provide the solutions they need.shareholders.

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, New York, 10055

April 12, 20199, 2020

To Our Shareholders:

Thank you for your confidence in BlackRock. It is my pleasureBlackRock, especially through these unprecedented times. First and foremost, on behalf of BlackRock and our Board of Directors, we hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe during this tragic pandemic. In consideration of health concerns relating to inviteCOVID-19, we are holding BlackRock’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually. We welcome you to our 2019 Annual Meeting, to be heldjoin on May 23, 201921, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. EDT at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020. You may vote your shares via the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.Internet and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020. As we do each year, we will review our business and financial results for the year, address the voting items in thethis year’s Proxy Statement and take your questions. WhetherRegardless of whether you plan to attendjoin the meeting, or not, your vote is important, and we encourage you to review the enclosed materials and submit your proxy.

The benefitsIn my role as Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, I am focused on how our clients, employees and shareholders are impacted by what is happening in the investmentsworld. We are clearly facing unprecedented territory with COVID-19, and during this time, our people and our clients’well-being is our greatest concern. BlackRock’s biggest responsibility – now more than ever – is to help our clients navigate this market environment and stay focused on long-term returns.

Despite the severe market downdraft, the strong and resilient business foundation that BlackRock has madebuilt remains solid. Indeed, we believe we are better positioned than any firm to buildweather shocks like these and help our clients do the most diversified global asset managementsame. In this environment, our investments in business continuity planning, agile use of technology and technology services companystrong culture truly differentiate BlackRock, and we remain committed to growing and investing in the world are clearer today than at any point inbusiness. Throughout the firm’s history, it has been times like these when BlackRock has most distinguished itself with both clients and shareholders.

Our 2019 results better position BlackRock to deliver for clients during this volatile period. In 2019, our history. Our focus on theserving our clients’ long-term and commitment to adapting and innovating ahead of change helps us stay ahead of clients’ most pressing investment challenges and provide the solutions they need. Only by fulfilling our fiduciary duty to clients can BlackRock deliver long-term value to our shareholders.

In 2018, we delivered on each component of our framework for creating long-term shareholder value, while investing in our business for future growth. Weneeds generated $124a record $429 billion of net inflowsinflows. For the fifth time in 2018, including record fourth quarter iShares flows, despite heightened uncertaintythe last seven years, we achieved our aspirational organic growth target, with 7% organic asset growth and volatility in global markets. We increased revenue, driven by5% organic base fee growth in base fees2019. We led the industry in high growth areas, including fixed income ETFs, factor-based investing and sustainable investing, and generated record annualflows and commitments in our illiquid alternatives business. Continued momentum in ourAladdin business drove record technology services revenue growth, as we neared $1 billion in annual revenue. We executed on our shareholder value framework by delivering revenue and expanded our full-year operating margin, while simultaneouslyearnings growth, despite a challenging start to the year as a result of significant market volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018. After investing in our highest growthfor future opportunities, including retirement, illiquid alternatives, ETFs, factors and technology. And we returned approximately $3.6$3.8 billion of cash to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases, a more than 30% increase from 2017.repurchases.

DespiteThe strength of BlackRock’s results, our differentiation, BlackRock was not immuneresilience and our strategy are directly linked to sentiment on the asset management sector last year. As a significant owner of BlackRock shares myself, I share your deep disappointmentour diverse and engaged Board, and strong corporate governance and sustainability frameworks. BlackRock’s Board plays an integral role in our stock’s 2018 performance.

BlackRock’s Board of Directorsgovernance, strategy, growth and I both believe that the performance of our stock price should be a factor in determining the compensation of our senior executives. And this year, driven by the Board and Compensation Committee’s commitment to aligning executive compensation with performance, the Board lowered my 2018 compensation by 14% relative to 2017 - a decision I support. We are all committed to doing better for our clients and for our shareholders.

success. It has always been important that BlackRock’sour Board of Directors functions as a key strategic and governing body that constantly challenges our leadership team to be betterevolve and more innovative. BlackRock’s Board continues to play an integral role in our governance, our strategy, our growth and our success. A strongguide BlackRock into the future. It is also critical that we have a robust corporate governance framework is critical forto ensure we are executing on our strategy, fulfilling our fiduciary responsibilities to clients and ensuringserving all of our stakeholders over the long-term.

As I have articulated in the past, a company’s prospects for growth are inextricably linked to its ability to operate sustainably and serve its full range of stakeholders. As an asset management firm that invests in other companies on our clients’ behalf, we act as a fiduciaryunderstand the need for clients. Wethe oversight, management and disclosure of corporate sustainability initiatives and progress. This includes providing you, our shareholders, with increased transparency regarding how we are also focused onmanaging sustainability-related questions and engaging with you our shareholders, to better understand and address issues that are important to you. This year, we have included additional information in our Proxy Statement related to BlackRock’s approach to sustainability and the role of our Board.

To supportAs I wrote in my Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders this year, I have always believed in a long-term view. I have advocated for it in letter after letter. And I believe long-term thinking has never been more critical than it is today. Companies and investors with a strong sense of purpose and a long-term approach will be better able to navigate this crisis and its aftermath. At BlackRock, we take a long-term view of markets, and we take a long-term view in the way we run our mission of helping people build better financial futures, wecompany. The world will get through this crisis. The economy will recover. And for those investors who keep their eyes not on the shaky ground at our feet, but on the horizon ahead, there are vocal advocates for the adoption of sound corporate governance policies. This includes strong Board leadership, thoughtful strategic deliberations and prudent management practices, including awareness of how environmental and social risks may impacttremendous opportunities to be had in today’s markets.

BlackRock’s commitment is to continue to generate sustainable long-term value creation. We believe that BlackRock has implemented such a setfor all of principles, guidelines and practices that support sustainable financial growth and long-term value creation for shareholders and hope thatour stakeholders, including you, will agree as you read our Proxy Statement.dedicated shareholders.

Thank you again for your continued commitment to BlackRock. Our Board of DirectorsBlackRock and I look forward to seeing you on May 23, 2019 in New York City.please stay safe.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 


Notice of 20192020 Annual

Meeting of Shareholders

 

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Date and Time

Thursday, May 23, 201921, 2020

8:00 ama.m. EDT

 

PlaceLocation

Lotte New York Palace HotelVirtual Meeting:

455 Madison Avenue,

New York, 10022www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020

  

Record Date

Monday, March 25, 201923, 2020

 

 

Voting Matters

 

At or before ourthe 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Annual Meeting”), we ask that you vote on the following items:

 

 

Item 1Election of Directors

 

 

Item 2Approval, in aNon-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for Named Executive Officers

 

 

Item 3Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

Item 4Shareholder Proposal – Production of an Annuala Report on Certain Trade Association and Lobbying Expenditures

Item 5Shareholder Proposal – Simple Majority Vote Requirement

the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Thursday, May 23, 2019:21, 2020: our Proxy Statement and 20182019 Annual Report are available free of charge on our website athttp://ir.blackrock.com/ www.blackrock.com/corporate/en-us/investor-relations

How to vote: Your vote is important

 

        

 

LOGOLOGO

 

Internet

        

 

LOGOLOGO

Mail

Visit the website listed on your proxy card. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy card when you access the web page.

 

Complete and sign the proxy card and return it in the enclosed postagepre-paid envelope.

 

LOGOLOGO

 

Telephone

 

 

LOGOLOGO

 

In PersonDuring the Meeting

 

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee: follow the telephone voting instructions, if any, provided on your voting instruction card. If your shares are registered in your name: call1-800-690-6903 and follow the telephone voting instructions. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy.proxy card.You may attend

This year’s meeting will be virtual. For details on voting your shares during the meeting, see “Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and vote by ballot. Your admission ticket to the Annual Meeting is either attached to your proxy card or is in the email by which you received your Proxy Statement.Voting.”

 

Please note that we are furnishing proxy materials and access to our Proxy Statement to our shareholders via our website instead of mailing printed copies to each shareholder.of our shareholders. By doing so, we save costs and reduce our impact on the environment.

 

Beginning on April 12, 2019,9, 2020, we will mail or otherwise make available to each of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, which contains instructions on how to access our proxy materials and vote online. If you attend the Annual Meeting virtually, you may withdraw your proxy and vote in person,online during the Annual Meeting if you so choose.

 

Your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly whether or not you plan to attend the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BlackRock, Inc.Meeting.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

LOGO

R. Andrew Dickson, III

Corporate Secretary

April 12, 20199, 2020

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street,

New York, New York 10055


 

Contents

 


    


Item 2Approval, in aNon-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for Named Executive Officers   5154 
Management Development & Compensation Committee Report   5255 
Executive Compensation   5356 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis (see separate table of contents)   5356 
Executive Compensation Tables   7780 
Item 3Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   8589 
Fees Incurred by BlackRock for Deloitte LLP   8690 
Audit CommitteePre-Approval Policy   8690 
Audit Committee Report   8791 
Item 4Shareholder Proposal – Production of an Annuala Report on Certain Trade Association and Lobbying Expendituresthe “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”   88
Item 5Shareholder Proposal – Simple Majority VoteRequirement9192 
Annual Meeting Information   9395 
Questions and Answers aboutAbout the Annual Meeting and Voting   9395 
Important Additional Information   9597 
Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders   9698 
Other Matters   9798 
Annex ANon-GAAP Reconciliation   A-1 

 


      

 

Index of Frequently
Requested Information

 

 

 

    

 

BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management

 

  

 

 

3436

 

 

 

 

BlackRock’s Approach to Sustainability

IBC

 

Board and Committee Membership

 

  

 

 

2829

 

 

 

 
 

Board Diversity

 

  

 

 

11

 

 

 

 
 

CEO Pay Ratio

 

  

 

 

8387

 

 

 

 
 

Clawback Policy

 

  

 

 

7578

 

 

 

 
 

Director Independence

 

  

 

 

3310

 

 

 

 
 

Hedging and Pledging Policy

 

  

 

 

7578

 

 

 

 

Number of Board Meetings

28

 

Peer Group

 

  

 

 

6467

 

 

 

 
 

Public Policy Engagement

 

  

 

 

3539

 

 

 

 

Related Persons Transactions

48

Stock Ownership Guidelines

75

 

Shareholder Outreach

 

  

 

 

3640

 

 

 

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors

41

Stock Ownership Guidelines for NEOs

78

Sustainability at BlackRock

35

          
 

 


 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    



 

 

 

Helpful Resources

 

Where You Can Find

More Information

Annual Meeting

 

Proxy Statement:

www.blackrock.com/corporate/en-us/investor-relationshttp://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Annual Report:

www.blackrock.com/corporate/en-us/investor-relationshttp://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Voting Your Proxy via the Internet:

www.proxyvote.com

Meeting Registration via Internet:Internet Before the Annual Meeting:

www.proxyvote.com

Board of Directors

 

http://ir.blackrock.com/board-of-directors

Communications with the Board

 

www.blackrock.com/corporatehttp://ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview under the headings “Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Governance Overview / Contactheading “Contact Our Board of Directors”

Governance Documents

 

www.blackrock.com/corporate under the headings “Investor Relations http:/ Corporate Governance”/ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview

 

Lead IndependentCategorical Standards of Director GuidelinesIndependence

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

Committee Charters

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers

Lead Independent Director Guidelines

Investor Relations

 

www.ir.blackrock.comhttp://ir.blackrock.com

Sustainability

www.blackrock.com/corporate/sustainability

Other

 

Public Policy “Insights”:

www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/public-policy

Lobbying Disclosure Act:

www.senate.gov/legislative/lobbyinglobbyingdisc.htm

Federal Election Commission:

www.fec.govwww.fec.gov/data/reports/pac-party

Definition of Certain Terms

or Abbreviations

 

CEO

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

CFO

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

Committees

 

The Audit, Management Development & Compensation, Nominating & Governance, Risk and Executive Committees

 

Compensation Committee

 

Management Development & Compensation Committee

 

COO

 

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

Deloitte

 

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

GAAP

 

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States

 

GEC

 

Global Executive Committee

 

Governance

Committee

 

 

Nominating & Governance Committee

NEO

 

 

Named Executive Officer

 

Net Revenue

Revenue used for operating margin measurement

Non-core

Items such as deal-, tax- and Brexit-related professional fees, contingent consideration fair value adjustments, and product launch costs

NTM

 

 

Next Twelve Months

 

NYSE

 

 

New York Stock Exchange

 

PAC

 

 

Political Action Committee

 

PNC

 

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

RS

Restricted Stock

RSU

 

 

Restricted Stock Unit

 

SEC

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Traditional LC

Peers

 

Traditional Large Cap Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., Franklin Resources, Inc., Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price

 

 

      BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT



 

Proxy Summary


This summary provides an overview of selected information in this year’s Proxy Statement. We encourage you to read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

 

Date & Time:

 

 

Thursday, May 23, 2019

21, 2020 at 8:00 AMa.m. EDT

Location:

 

 

Place:www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020

Record Date:

 

 

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

455 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Monday, March 23, 2020

 

Record Date:

 

March 25, 2019            

Voting Matters

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the following matters at the Annual Meeting:

 

   

Board

Recommendation

  

Page

Reference

 

ITEM 1.Election of Directors

 

The Board believes that each of the director nominees havehas the knowledge, experience, skills
and
backgrounds background necessary to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board.

  

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VoteFOR each
director nominee

   9 
           

ITEM 2.Approval, in aNon-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for
Named Executive Officers

 

BlackRock seeks anon-binding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve the
compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed and discussed in this Proxy Statement.
Statement. The Board values the opinions of our shareholders and will take into accountconsideration the
outcome of the advisory vote when considering future executive compensation decisions.

  LOGO VoteFOR   5154 
           

ITEM 3.Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

 

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte LLP to serve as BlackRock’s independent
registered public accounting firm for the 20192020 calendar year and this appointment is being
submitted to our shareholders for ratification. The Audit Committee and the Board believe
that the continued retention of Deloitte LLP to serve as BlackRock’s independent auditors is
in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

  LOGO VoteFOR   8589 
           

ITEM 4.Shareholder Proposal – Production of an Annuala Report on Certain Trade Association and Lobbying Expendituresthe “Statement on the
Purpose of a Corporation”

 

The Board believes that the actions requested by the proponentproponents are unnecessary and
not in the best interest of our shareholders.

  VoteAGAINST88

ITEM 5.Shareholder Proposal – Simple Majority Vote Requirement

The Board believes that the actions requested by the proponent are unnecessary and not in the best interest of our shareholders.

LOGO VoteAGAINST   9192 
           

 


 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    1

 


 


 

 

Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

 

What’s New?

This year, we have expanded

We continually review our discussion of BlackRock’sapproach to corporate governance, culture, sustainability and compensation practices.to make certain that BlackRock is in a position to consistently deliver on its commitment to sustaining a culture of high performance, collaboration, innovation and fiduciary responsibility. We believe providing a broader understanding of our perspectives on these items will be beneficial to you as you consider this year’s voting matters. This year’s updated items include:

 

  Formalizing Board-level oversight of environmental, social and other sustainability matters – see “Board refreshment through the nomination of a new director (see “Director Candidate SearchCommittees” on page 12)29

 

 Enhanced disclosure on BlackRock’s approach to sustainability – see “Sustainability at BlackRock” on page 35
 BoardEnhanced disclosure on our Board’s commitment to engagement with employees (see– see“Our Board and Culture” andBeyond the Boardroom” on page 24)pages 23 and 25, respectively

 

  Enhanced disclosure on Human Capital Management (see– see“BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management” on page 34)36
Enhanced disclosure on our Board and BlackRock’s culture (see“Our Board is deeply engaged in understanding the culture at BlackRock” on page 23 and“Beyond the Boardroom” on page 24)

Enhanced disclosure on our NEO compensation decisions framework (see “Our Compensation Framework” on page 56)

BlackRock’s Approach to Sustainability
 

Governance Highlights

Board Composition

(1817 director nominees)

The Board believes that its size, albeit larger than the average public company board, is imperative to achieving the diversity of thought, experience and geographical expertise necessary to oversee our large and complex global business. The range of insights and experience produced by our large and diverse Board supports the broad scope and multifaceted nature of BlackRock’s business and strategic growth areas, which include our index funds, illiquid alternatives, retirement solutions and technology services.

The Governance Committee regularly reviews the overall composition of the Board and its Committees to assess whether they reflectit reflects the appropriate mix of skills, experience, backgrounds and qualifications that are relevant to BlackRock’s current and future global strategybusiness and business. The Governance Committee identified a new candidate with strong senior executive, international and financial services experience for nomination to the Board this year.strategy.

Board Tenure

The Board considers length of tenure when reviewing nominees in order to maintain an overall balance of experience, continuity and fresh perspective.

 

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7LOGO

8 years: Average tenure of all director nominees 56 years: Average tenure of independent director nominees

Board Profile

The partnership and oversight of a diverse board with proven leadership experience is essential to creating long-term shareholder value.

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Current & Former CEOs 11 of [18] 61.1 Non-U.S. or Dual Citizens [6] of [18] 33.3 Women 5 of [18] 27.77

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Board Independence and Leadership

Each year the Board reviews and evaluates our Board leadership structure. The Board has appointed Laurence D. Fink as its Chairman and Murry S. Gerber as its Lead Independent Director.

 

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15 of BlackRock's 18 director nominees are independent

 

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2    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT


 


 

 

Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

 

Board Refreshment

Thoughtful consideration is continuously given to the composition of our Board in order to maintain an appropriate mix of experience and qualifications, introduce fresh perspectives, and broaden and diversify the views and experience represented on the Board.

Over the past 5 years:

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Our Director Nominees

 

 

Age at

Record

Date

 

  

Committee Memberships (effective May 23, 2019)

 

 

Age at   

Record

Date

  Committee Memberships (effective May 21, 2020)

Nominee

 

Primary Occupation

 

 

Director

since

 

 

Audit

 

 

Compensation

 

 

Governance

 

 

Risk

 

 

Executive  

 

 Primary Occupation 

Director

since

 Audit Compensation Governance Risk Executive  

Bader M. Alsaad

 61 Former Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority N/A      62 Former Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority 2019      
  

Mathis Cabiallavetta

 74 Former Chairman of UBS, Vice Chairman of
Swiss Re Ltd. and of Marsh & MacLennan Companies, Inc.
 2007      75 Former Chairman of UBS and former Vice Chairman of Swiss Re Ltd. and of Marsh & MacLennan Companies, Inc. 2007      
  

Pamela Daley

 66 Former Senior Vice President of General Electric Company Corporate Business Development and Senior Advisor to Chairman 2014      67 Former Senior Vice President of General Electric Company, Corporate Business Development and former Senior Advisor to Chairman 2014      
  

William S. Demchak

 56 Chairman, CEO and President of PNC 2003      57 Chairman, CEO and President of PNC 2003      
  

Jessica P. Einhorn

 71 Former Dean of Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at The Johns Hopkins University and former Managing Director,
World Bank
 2012      72 Former Dean of Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University 2012      
  

Laurence D. Fink

 66 Chairman and CEO of BlackRock 1999      67 Chairman and CEO of BlackRock 1999      
  

William E. Ford

 57 CEO of General Atlantic 2018      58 CEO of General Atlantic 2018      
  

Fabrizio Freda

 61 President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. 2012      62 President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies Inc. 2012      
  

Murry S. Gerber

Lead Independent Director

 66 Former Executive Chairman, Chairman,
President and CEO of EQT Corporation
 2000      67 Former Executive Chairman, Chairman, President and CEO of EQT Corporation 2000      
  

Margaret L. Johnson

 57 Executive Vice President of Business Development of Microsoft Corporation 2018      58 Executive Vice President of Business Development of Microsoft Corporation 2018      
  

Robert S. Kapito

 62 President of BlackRock 2006      63 President of BlackRock 2006      
  

Cheryl D. Mills

 54 Founder and CEO of BlackIvy Group and former Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 2013      55 Founder and CEO of BlackIvy Group and former Chief of Staff to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 2013      
  

Gordon M. Nixon

 62 Former President, CEO and Director of Royal Bank of Canada 2015      63 Former President, CEO and Director of Royal Bank of Canada 2015      
  

Charles H. Robbins

 53 Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2017      54 Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2017      
  

Ivan G. Seidenberg

 72 

Former Chairman and CEO of Verizon

Communications Inc.

 2011     
 

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 50 Chairman of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. 2011      51 Chairman of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. 2011      
  

Susan L. Wagner

 57 Former Vice Chairman of BlackRock 2012      58 Former Vice Chairman of BlackRock 2012      
  

Mark Wilson

 52 Former CEO of Aviva plc and former President and CEO of AIA 2018      53 Former CEO of Aviva plc and former President and CEO of AIA 2018      
          

Number of Committee Meetings Held in 2019:

Number of Committee Meetings Held in 2019:

   13 8 6 6 0
 

(1)

Ivan G. Seidenberg will not be standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

· Chairperson

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    3


 


 

 

Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

 

Governance Practices

We are vocal advocates for the adoption of sound corporate governance policies that include strong Board leadership and strategic deliberation, and prudent management practices and transparency.

Highlights of our governance practices include:

 

Annual election of directors

 

Majority voting for directors in uncontested elections

 

Lead Independent directorDirector may call special meetings of directors without management present

 

Executive sessions of independent directors

 

Annual Board and Committee evaluations

 

Risk oversight by Board and Committees

 

Strong investor outreach program

RobustMeaningful stock ownership requirements for directors and executives

Annual advisory vote on executive compensation

 

Adoption of proxyProxy access for shareholders

 

Annual review of Committee charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

Human capital management oversight by Board and Committees

Governance Committee oversight of corporate political activities, corporate and investment stewardship-related policies and programs relating to social, environmental and other sustainability matters and BlackRock’s philanthropy program and strategy
 

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our stock ownership guidelines require the Company’s GEC

Our stock ownership guidelines require the Company’s GEC

members to own shares with a target value of:

 

  $10 million for the CEO;

 

  $5 million for the President; and

 

  $2 million for all other GEC members.

  

As of December 31, 2018,2019, all NEOs exceeded our stock ownership guidelines.

 


Shareholder Engagement and Outreach

Shareholder engagement is essential to our ongoing review of our corporate governance and executive compensation programs and practices. Executive management, Investor Relations and the Corporate Secretary engage with shareholders on a regular basis to understand their perspectives on a variety of corporate governance matters, including executive compensation, corporate governance policies and corporate sustainability practices. Our directors also have engaged directly with shareholders during the last two years.

We also communicate with shareholders through a number of routine forums, including quarterlyincluding:

Quarterly earnings presentations, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, the Annual Report and Proxy Statement, the annual shareholder meeting, investor meetings and conferences and web communications. presentations;

  SEC filings;

  The Annual Report and Proxy Statement;

  The annual shareholders meeting; and

  Investor meetings, conferences and web communications.

In 2019, we contacted stewardship officers at our top 28 shareholders, representing 43% of our shares outstanding, excluding shares owned by PNC.

We relay shareholder feedback and trends on corporate governance and sustainability developments to our Board and its standing Committees and work with them to both enhance our practices and improve our disclosures. Additionally, four of our independent directors attended our 2018 Investor Day presentation.

 

4    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT


 


 

 

Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

Compensation Policies and Practices

Our commitment to designing an executive compensation program that is consistent with responsible financial and risk management is reflected in the following policies and practices:

 

  LOGO  

  

 

What We Do

What We Don’t Do

LOGO   Review pay and performance alignment;

 

LOGO   Balance short- and long-term incentives, cash and equity and fixed and variable pay elements;

 

LOGO   Maintain a clawback policy;

 

LOGO   Requireone-year minimum vesting for awards granted under the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”);

 

LOGO   Maintain robustmeaningful stock ownership and retention guidelines;

 

LOGO   Prohibit hedging, pledging or short selling of BlackRock securities by Section 16 officers and directors;

 

LOGO   Limit perquisites;

 

LOGO   Assess and mitigate compensation risk;

 

LOGO   Solicit an annual advisory vote on executive compensation; and

 

LOGO   Annually review the independence of the compensation consultant retained by the Compensation Committee.

 

 

  LOGO  

  

 

What We Don’t Do

LOGO    No ongoing employment agreements or guaranteed compensation arrangements for NEOs;

 

LOGO    No automatic single trigger vesting of equity awards or transaction bonus payments upon achange-in-control;

 

LOGO    No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned restricted stock, restricted stock units,RSUs, stock options or stock appreciation rights;

 

LOGO    No repricing of stock options;

 

LOGO    No cash buyouts of underwater stock options;

 

LOGO    No tax reimbursements for perquisites;

 

LOGO    No taxgross-ups for excise taxes;

 

LOGO    No supplemental retirement benefits for NEOs; and

 

LOGO    No supplemental severance benefits for NEOs beyond standard severance benefits under BlackRock’s Severance Pay Plan.Plan (the “Severance Plan’’).

 

 

Incentive Program –Pay-for-Performance Highlights

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance, as highlighted in the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis sections:

    What to Look forWhere to Find it

LOGO

Compensation program objectives“Our Compensation Program” beginning on page 62

LOGO

Performance assessments for NEOs based on weighted,
pre-set objectives

“How We Determine Total Incentive Amounts for NEOs” on page 7

LOGO

Assessments include financials as the highest

weighted input, including relative and

year-over-year performance

“2019 Financial Performance” on page 6

“2019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” beginning on page 69

LOGO

Total incentive outcomes tied to formulaic percentage ranges

“Pay and Performance Alignment for NEOs – Total Incentive Award Determination” on page 59

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary” on page 8

LOGO

Actual performance of historical incentive
awards

“2016 BPIP Award: Actual Performance and Payout” on page 64

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    5


 


 

 

Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

 

20182019 Financial Performance(1),(2)

BlackRock’s 20182019 results reflect the strength of our global, diverse investment and technology platform and the benefit of the investments we have made over time to leverage our scale and optimize our strategic positioning. We generated $124a record $429 billion of total net inflows for the full year, representing 2%7% organic asset growth, delivered revenue and earnings growth expanded our operating margin and returned $3.6$3.8 billion to shareholders while continuing to invest for growth. However, BlackRock’s strategic decision to continue investing responsibly despite meaningful headwindsa more challenging revenue capture environment created by market volatility in the asset management industry.fourth quarter of 2018 resulted in an as adjusted operating margin decline of 60 basis points year-over-year. Long-term investment performance results across our alpha-seeking and index strategies as of December 31, 20182019 remain strong and are detailed in Part I, Item 1Business of our 20182019 Form10-K.

 

Differentiated Organic Growth

 

  

Operating LeverageContinued Revenue Growth

 

 

OrganicBlackRock generated record organic assetgrowth of 2%7% and record technology services revenue in 2018 contributed to continued revenue growth2019

 

  

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted,BlackRockgrew revenueby 2% in 2019, including technology services revenuegrowth of 44.3% wasup 20 bps24% from 2017

 

 

LOGOLOGO

  

 

 

LOGOLOGO

 

  

Consistent Capital Return

 

  

Earnings Per Share Growth

 

 

BlackRock returned$3.63.8 billionreturned to shareholders in 2018 through a combination of dividends and$1.7 billion of share repurchases2019

  

 

DilutedBlackRock grew diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, of $26.93byincreased 20% 6% versus 2017, reflecting execution of shareholder value framework and the impact of a lower effective tax rate, to $28.48, in 2019

 

 

 

LOGO      LOGO

LOGO

LOGO

 

(1)

Amounts in this section, where noted, are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

 

(2)

Results for 2016 and 2017 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2,Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form10-K.

 

(3)

Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

 

6    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT


 


 

 

Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

 

How We Pay NEOs

Each of BlackRock’s NEOs, through their various roles and responsibilities, contributes to the firm-wide objectives summarized below. The Compensation Committee uses the associated weightings to assess each NEO. The Compensation Committee’s performance assessment is directly related to each NEO’s total incentive outcome, which includes all variable pay (annualpay: annual discretionary cash award,award; annual discretionary deferred equity award and long-term equity awards).awards.

For each NEO’s performance assessment, please refer to the section “20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” on page 66.69.

How We Determine Total Incentive Amounts for NEOs

 

    

BlackRock Performance

% of Award Opportunity

  

Measures

 

 

Indicative BlackRock Performance Metrics

 

 

Measures

 

 

Indicative BlackRock Performance Metrics

 

   

 

2017                                

 

 

 

2018                    

 

   

 

2018                                                           

 

 

 

2019                    

 

 

Financial

Performance

LOGO

  

 

Net New Business ($bn)

 

 

 

$367

 

 

 

td24

 

   

 

Net New Business ($ billion)

 

 

 

td24

 

 

 

$429

 

  

 

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

 

 

7%

 

 

 

2%

 

  

 

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

 

 

2%

 

 

 

5%

 

  

 

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($m)

 

 

 

$5,269

 

 

 

$5,531

 

  

 

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

 

 

$5,531

 

 

 

$5,551

 

  

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+13%

 

 

 

+5%

 

  

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+5%

 

 

 

+0%

 

  

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

44.1%

 

 

 

44.3%

 

  

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

44.3%

 

 

 

43.7%

 

  

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+30bps

 

 

 

+20bps

 

  

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+ 20bps

 

 

 

- 60bps

 

  

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

td2.49

 

 

 

td6.93

 

  

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

td6.93

 

 

 

td8.48

 

  

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+17%

 

 

 

+20%

 

 

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+ 20%

 

 

 

+ 6%

 

 
  Share Price Data BLK 

 

Traditional LC Peers(2)

 

 

Share Price Data

 

BLK

 

Traditional LC Peers(2)

  

 

NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

 

 

14.2x

 

 

 

9.3x

 

   

 

NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

 

 

16.5x

 

 

 

10.0x

 

  
  

 

Annual appreciation/depreciation

 

 

 

- 24%

 

 

 

- 31%

 

   

 

Annual appreciation/depreciation

 

 

 

+ 28%

 

 

 

+ 14%

 

  

Business

Strength

LOGO

  

 

Deliver superior client experience through competitive investment performance across global product groups

 

 

Long-term performance remains strong over the 3- yr and 5-yr period, although 1-year performance was pressured in a difficult market environment.

 

Maintained #1 global share in our ETF business and gained market share in our global Retail and Institutional client businesses.

 

 

 

Solve for clients’ evolving needs

 

 

 

Achieved 7% annual organic asset growth, exceeding 5% target, with $429 billion of net inflows. Inflows demonstrate a record for BlackRock and significant differentiation relative to peers.

 

Drove strong long-term investment performance across active strategies, with 86%, 76% and 84% of Taxable Fixed Income, Fundamental Equity and Systematic Equity assets, respectively, above benchmark or peer median for the trailing three-year period. Performance, combined with the breadth of BlackRock’s active platform, attracted td10 billion of active net inflows, while the overall industry experienced outflows.

 

Provided clients with comprehensive whole portfolio solutions, including illiquid alternatives andiShares, both areas of highest demand.

 

Generated $974 million in annual technology services revenue, through strategic acquisition of eFront and continued momentum inAladdin, representing 24% overall growth in technology services revenue.

 

 

Drive organization discipline through execution of our strategic initiatives

 

 

Demonstrated successful execution across most of our Strategic Initiatives, highlighted by illiquid alternatives and private credit.

 

 

Sharpen execution and accountability

 

 

 

Simplified BlackRock’s operating model through a firm re- organization and the regionalization of institutional client businesses.

 

 

Lead in a changing world

 

 

Sustained progress on key long-term growth drivers, particularly in Technology, with related revenue up 19% year-over-year.

 

 

Lead in a changing world

 

 

 

 

 

Continued investments in key growth areas, includingiShares and illiquid alternatives, generating td26 billion and td4 billion in net inflows, respectively.

 

Aligned leaders cross-functionally to accelerate the firm’s focus on sustainable investing at the core of risk management, portfolio construction, product design and company engagement. Generated td2 billion in inflows across theiShares Sustainable ETF lineup, ending the year with td2 billion of assets under management.

 

Organizational

Strength

LOGO

  

 

Drive high performance

 

 

Launched Growing More Great Investors initiative and continued to build out the BlackRock Academies, aimed to build mastery in key subject areas amongst employees.

 

 

 

Attract and inspire talent

 

 

 

 

Took key steps to prepare the next generation of leaders through a firmwide reorganization that provided expanded opportunities for multiple leaders across the firm.

 

Enhanced succession planning through Talent Bench Reviews, which enables more diverse and complete succession plans, provides deeper insights into potential successors and builds accountability for leadership planning.

 

 

 

Build a more diverse and inclusive culture

 

 

Expanded representation of female and ethnically diverse employees at the managing director and director levels.

 

 

Develop a more diverse and inclusive culture

 

 

 

Continued to focus on Inclusion & Diversity progress, achieving growth in female representation at senior levels.

 

Increased the firm’s focus on culture and enablement following leadership challenges in 2019.

 

Develop great managers and leaders

 

 

Strengthened the firm’s leadership bench by refreshing succession plans for more than 100 key roles through a robust, peer-reviewed process.

 

 

(1)

Amounts are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

 

(2)

Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

 

(3)

Next Twelve Months (“NTM”)NTM P/E multiple refers to the Company’s share price as of December 31, 20182019, divided by the consensus estimate of the Company’s expected earnings over the next 12 months. Sourced from Factset.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    7


 


 

 

Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

 

NEO TotalChairman and Chief Executive Officer


Notice of 2020 Annual

Meeting of Shareholders

    Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Date and Time

Thursday, May 21, 2020

8:00 a.m. EDT

Location

Virtual Meeting:

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020

Record Date

Monday, March 23, 2020

Voting Matters

At or before the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Annual Meeting”), we ask that you vote on the following items:

Item 1Election of Directors

Item 2Approval, in aNon-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for Named Executive Officers

Item 3Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Item 4Shareholder Proposal – Production of a Report on the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020: our Proxy Statement and 2019 Annual Report are available free of charge on our website athttp://ir.blackrock.com/

How to vote: Your vote is important

LOGO

Internet

LOGO

Mail

Visit the website listed on your proxy card. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy card when you access the web page.

Complete and sign the proxy card and return it in the enclosed postagepre-paid envelope.

LOGO

Telephone

LOGO

During the Meeting

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee: follow the telephone voting instructions, if any, provided on your voting instruction card. If your shares are registered in your name: call1-800-690-6903 and follow the telephone voting instructions. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy card.

This year’s meeting will be virtual. For details on voting your shares during the meeting, see “Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting.”

Please note that we are furnishing proxy materials and access to our Proxy Statement to our shareholders via our website instead of mailing printed copies to each of our shareholders. By doing so, we save costs and reduce our impact on the environment.

Beginning on April 9, 2020, we will mail or otherwise make available to each of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, which contains instructions on how to access our proxy materials and vote online. If you attend the Annual Meeting virtually, you may withdraw your proxy and vote online during the Annual Meeting if you so choose.

Your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

R. Andrew Dickson, III

Corporate Secretary

April 9, 2020

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street,

New York, New York 10055


Contents




BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    



Helpful Resources

Where You Can Find

More Information

Annual Meeting

Proxy Statement:

http://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Annual Report:

http://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Voting Your Proxy via the Internet Before the Annual Meeting:

www.proxyvote.com

Board of Directors

http://ir.blackrock.com/board-of-directors

Communications with the Board

http://ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview under the heading “Contact Our Board of Directors”

Governance Documents

http://ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview

Categorical Standards of Director Independence

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Committee Charters

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers

Lead Independent Director Guidelines

Investor Relations

http://ir.blackrock.com

Sustainability

www.blackrock.com/corporate/sustainability

Other

Public Policy “Insights”:

www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/public-policy

Lobbying Disclosure Act:

www.senate.gov/legislative/lobbyingdisc.htm

Federal Election Commission:

www.fec.gov/data/reports/pac-party

Definition of Certain Terms

or Abbreviations

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

CFO

Chief Financial Officer

Committees

The Audit, Management Development & Compensation, Nominating & Governance, Risk and Executive Committees

Compensation Committee

Management Development & Compensation Committee

COO

Chief Operating Officer

Deloitte

Deloitte & Touche LLP

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States

GEC

Global Executive Committee

Governance

Committee

Nominating & Governance Committee

NEO

Named Executive Officer

NTM

Next Twelve Months

NYSE

New York Stock Exchange

PAC

Political Action Committee

PNC

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

RSU

Restricted Stock Unit

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

Traditional LC

Peers

Traditional Large Cap Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., Franklin Resources, Inc., Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary

Following


This summary provides an overview of selected information in this year’s Proxy Statement. We encourage you to read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Date & Time:

Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. EDT

Location:

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020

Record Date:

Monday, March 23, 2020

Voting Matters

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the following matters at the Annual Meeting:

Board

Recommendation

Page

Reference

ITEM 1.Election of Directors

The Board believes that each of the director nominees has the knowledge, experience, skills
and background necessary to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board.

LOGO

Vote FOR each
director nominee
9

ITEM 2.Approval, in aNon-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for
Named Executive Officers

BlackRock seeks anon-binding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve the
compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
The Board values the opinions of our shareholders and will take into consideration the
outcome of the advisory vote when considering future executive compensation decisions.

LOGOVoteFOR54

ITEM 3.Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent
registered public accounting firm for the 2020 calendar year and this appointment is being
submitted to our shareholders for ratification. The Audit Committee and the Board believe
that the continued retention of Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent auditors is
in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

LOGOVoteFOR89

ITEM 4.Shareholder Proposal – Production of a Report on the “Statement on the
Purpose of a Corporation”

The Board believes that the actions requested by the proponents are unnecessary and
not in the best interest of our shareholders.

LOGOVoteAGAINST92


BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    1



Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

What’s New?

We continually review our approach to corporate governance, culture, sustainability and compensation to make certain that BlackRock is in a position to consistently deliver on its commitment to sustaining a culture of high performance, collaboration, innovation and fiduciary responsibility. We believe providing a broader understanding of our perspectives on these items will be beneficial to you as you consider this year’s voting matters. This year’s updated items include:

Formalizing Board-level oversight of environmental, social and other sustainability matters – see “Board Committees” on page 29

Enhanced disclosure on BlackRock’s approach to sustainability – see “Sustainability at BlackRock” on page 35
Enhanced disclosure on our Board’s commitment to engagement with employees – see“Our Board and Culture” and “Beyond the Boardroom” on pages 23 and 25, respectively

Enhanced disclosure on Human Capital Management – see“BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management” on page 36

Governance Highlights

Board Composition

(17 director nominees)

The Board believes that its size, albeit larger than the average public company board, is imperative to achieving the diversity of thought, experience and geographical expertise necessary to oversee our large and complex global business. The range of insights and experience produced by our large and diverse Board supports the broad scope and multifaceted nature of BlackRock’s business and strategic growth areas, which include our index funds, illiquid alternatives, retirement solutions and technology services.

The Governance Committee regularly reviews the overall composition of the Board and its Committees to assess whether it reflects the appropriate mix of skills, experience, backgrounds and qualifications that are relevant to BlackRock’s current and future global business and strategy.

Board Tenure

The Board considers length of tenure when reviewing nominees in order to maintain an overall balance of experience, continuity and fresh perspective.

LOGO

8 years: Average tenure of all director nominees 6 years: Average tenure of independent director nominees

Board Profile

The partnership and oversight of a diverse board with proven leadership experience is essential to creating long-term shareholder value.

LOGO

Board Independence and Leadership

Each year the Board reviews and evaluates our Board leadership structure. The Board has appointed Laurence D. Fink as its Chairman and Murry S. Gerber as its Lead Independent Director.

LOGO

2BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

Board Refreshment

Thoughtful consideration is continuously given to the composition of our Board in order to maintain an appropriate mix of experience and qualifications, introduce fresh perspectives, and broaden and diversify the views and experience represented on the Board.

Over the past 5 years:

LOGO

Our Director Nominees

  

Age at   

Record

Date

       Committee Memberships (effective May 21, 2020)

Nominee

 Primary Occupation 

Director

since

   Audit Compensation Governance Risk Executive  

Bader M. Alsaad

 62 Former Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority 2019      
                   

Mathis Cabiallavetta

 75 Former Chairman of UBS and former Vice Chairman of Swiss Re Ltd. and of Marsh & MacLennan Companies, Inc. 2007      
                   

Pamela Daley

 67 Former Senior Vice President of General Electric Company, Corporate Business Development and former Senior Advisor to Chairman 2014      
                   

William S. Demchak

 57 Chairman, CEO and President of PNC 2003      
                   

Jessica P. Einhorn

 72 Former Dean of Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University 2012      
                   

Laurence D. Fink

 67 Chairman and CEO of BlackRock 1999      
                   

William E. Ford

 58 CEO of General Atlantic 2018      
                   

Fabrizio Freda

 62 President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies Inc. 2012      
                   

Murry S. Gerber

 Lead Independent Director

 67 Former Executive Chairman, Chairman, President and CEO of EQT Corporation 2000      
                   

Margaret L. Johnson

 58 Executive Vice President of Business Development of Microsoft Corporation 2018      
                   

Robert S. Kapito

 63 President of BlackRock 2006      
                   

Cheryl D. Mills

 55 Founder and CEO of BlackIvy Group and former Chief of Staff to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 2013      
                   

Gordon M. Nixon

 63 Former President, CEO and Director of Royal Bank of Canada 2015      
                   

Charles H. Robbins

 54 Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2017      
                   

Marco Antonio

Slim Domit

 51 Chairman of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. 2011      
                   

Susan L. Wagner

 58 Former Vice Chairman of BlackRock 2012      
                   

Mark Wilson

 53 Former CEO of Aviva plc and former President and CEO of AIA 2018      
         

Number of Committee Meetings Held in 2019:

   13 8 6 6 0
                   

(1)

Ivan G. Seidenberg will not be standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

· Chairperson

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    3



Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

Governance Practices

We are vocal advocates for the adoption of sound corporate governance policies that include strong Board leadership and strategic deliberation, prudent management practices and transparency.

Highlights of our governance practices include:

Annual election of directors

Majority voting for directors in uncontested elections

Lead Independent Director may call special meetings of directors without management present

Executive sessions of independent directors

Annual Board and Committee evaluations

Risk oversight by Board and Committees

Strong investor outreach program

Meaningful stock ownership requirements for directors and executives
Annual advisory vote on executive compensation

Proxy access for shareholders

Annual review of full-year businessCommittee charters and individual NEO performance,Corporate Governance Guidelines

Human capital management oversight by Board and Committees

Governance Committee oversight of corporate political activities, corporate and investment stewardship-related policies and programs relating to social, environmental and other sustainability matters and BlackRock’s philanthropy program and strategy

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our stock ownership guidelines require the Company’s GEC

members to own shares with a target value of:

  $10 million for the CEO;

  $5 million for the President; and

  $2 million for all other GEC members.

As of December 31, 2019, all NEOs exceeded our stock ownership guidelines.

Shareholder Engagement and Outreach

Shareholder engagement is essential to our ongoing review of our corporate governance and executive compensation programs and practices. Executive management, Investor Relations and the Corporate Secretary engage with shareholders on a regular basis to understand their perspectives on a variety of corporate governance matters, including executive compensation, corporate governance policies and corporate sustainability practices.

We also communicate with shareholders through a number of routine forums, including:

Quarterly earnings presentations;

  SEC filings;

  The Annual Report and Proxy Statement;

  The annual shareholders meeting; and

  Investor meetings, conferences and web communications.

In 2019, we contacted stewardship officers at our top 28 shareholders, representing 43% of our shares outstanding, excluding shares owned by PNC.

We relay shareholder feedback and trends on corporate governance and sustainability developments to our Board and its standing Committees and work with them to enhance our practices and improve our disclosures.

4BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Committee determined 2018 total annualDiscussion and Analysis Highlights

Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

Compensation Policies and Practices

Our commitment to designing an executive compensation outcomes for each NEO, as outlinedprogram that is consistent with responsible financial and risk management is reflected in the table below.following policies and practices:

 

 
       

2018 Total Incentive Award

 

         
      

Name

 

  

Base Salary

 

   

Cash

 

   

Deferred

Equity

 

   

Long-Term

Incentive Award

(“BPIP”)

 

   

Total Annual

Compensation

(“TAC”)

 

   

% change in

TAC vs. 2017

 

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$7,750,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$4,250,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$10,500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$24,000,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(14%)

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Kapito

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,250,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$6,250,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$3,500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$  8,000,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$19,000,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(14%)

 

 

 

 

 

Robert L. Goldstein

 

  

 

 

 

 

$   500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$2,950,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$2,000,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$  2,400,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$  7,850,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(4%)

 

 

 

 

 

J. Richard Kushel

 

  

 

 

 

 

$   500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$2,712,500

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,762,500

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$  1,700,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$  6,675,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(5%)

 

 

 

 

 

Gary S. Shedlin

 

  

 

 

 

 

$   500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$2,475,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$1,525,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$  1,950,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

$  6,450,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(5%)

 

 

 

 

The amounts listed above as “2018 Annual Incentive Award: Deferred Equity” and “Long-Term Incentive Award (“BPIP”)” were granted in January 2019 in the form of equity and are separate from the cash award amounts listed above as “2018 Annual Incentive Award: Cash.” In conformance with SEC requirements, the2018 Summary Compensation Table on page 77 reports equity in the year granted but cash in the year earned.

What We Do

What We Don’t Do

LOGO   Review pay and performance alignment;

LOGO   Balance short- and long-term incentives, cash and equity and fixed and variable pay elements;

LOGO   Maintain a clawback policy;

LOGO   Requireone-year minimum vesting for awards granted under the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”);

LOGO   Maintain meaningful stock ownership and retention guidelines;

LOGO   Prohibit hedging, pledging or short selling of BlackRock securities by Section 16 officers and directors;

LOGO   Limit perquisites;

LOGO   Assess and mitigate compensation risk;

LOGO   Solicit an annual advisory vote on executive compensation; and

LOGO   Annually review the independence of the compensation consultant retained by the Compensation Committee.

LOGO    No ongoing employment agreements or guaranteed compensation arrangements for NEOs;

LOGO    No automatic single trigger vesting of equity awards or transaction bonus payments upon achange-in-control;

LOGO    No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned RSUs, stock options or stock appreciation rights;

LOGO    No repricing of stock options;

LOGO    No cash buyouts of underwater stock options;

LOGO    No tax reimbursements for perquisites;

LOGO    No taxgross-ups for excise taxes;

LOGO    No supplemental retirement benefits for NEOs; and

LOGO    No supplemental severance benefits for NEOs beyond standard severance benefits under BlackRock’s Severance Pay Plan (the “Severance Plan’’).

Incentive Program –Pay-for-Performance Compensation Structure for NEOsHighlights

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. More than 90% of our regular annual executive compensation is performance, basedas highlighted in the following Compensation Discussion and “at risk.” Compensation mix percentages shown below are based on 2018year-end compensation decisions for individual NEOs by the Compensation Committee.

LOGOAnalysis sections:

 

(1)
    What to Look forWhere to Find it

LOGO

Compensation program objectives“Our Compensation Program” beginning on page 62

LOGO

All grantsPerformance assessments for NEOs based on weighted,
pre-set objectives

“How We Determine Total Incentive Amounts for NEOs” on page 7

LOGO

Assessments include financials as the highest

weighted input, including relative and

year-over-year performance

“2019 Financial Performance” on page 6

“2019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” beginning on page 69

LOGO

Total incentive outcomes tied to formulaic percentage ranges

“Pay and Performance Alignment for NEOs – Total Incentive Award Determination” on page 59

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary” on page 8

LOGO

Actual performance of BlackRock equity (including the portion of the annualhistorical incentive
awards granted in Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)

“2016 BPIP Award: Actual Performance and the portion granted under the BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (“BPIP Awards”), our long-term incentive plan) are approved by the Compensation Committee under the Stock Plan, which has been previously approved by shareholders. The Stock Plan allows multiple types of awards to be granted.Payout” on page 64

 

(2)

The value of the 2018 long-term incentive BPIP Awards and the value of the equity portion of the bonus for 2018 annual incentive awards were converted into RSUs by dividing the award value by $410.315, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 17, 2019.

(3)

For NEOs other than the CEO and President, higher annual incentive awards are subject to higher deferral percentages, in accordance with the Company’s deferral policy, as detailed on page 59.

8BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT5


 


 

Item 1:Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

 


2019 Financial Performance(1),(2)

BlackRock’s 2019 results reflect the strength of our global, diverse investment and technology platform and the benefit of the investments we have made to optimize our strategic positioning. We generated a record $429 billion of total net inflows for the full year, representing 7% organic asset growth, delivered revenue and earnings growth and returned $3.8 billion to shareholders while continuing to invest for growth. However, BlackRock’s strategic decision to continue investing responsibly despite a more challenging revenue capture environment created by market volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018 resulted in an as adjusted operating margin decline of 60 basis points year-over-year. Long-term investment performance results across our alpha-seeking and index strategies as of December 31, 2019 remain strong and are detailed in Part I, Item 1 –Business of our 2019 Form 10-K.

 

Election ofDifferentiated Organic Growth

DirectorsContinued Revenue Growth

BlackRock generated record organic assetgrowth of 7% in 2019

BlackRockgrew revenueby 2% in 2019, including technology services revenuegrowth of 24%

LOGO

LOGO

Consistent Capital Return

Earnings Per Share Growth

BlackRock returned$3.8 billionto shareholders in 2019

BlackRock grew diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, by 6%, to $28.48, in 2019

 

 

 

“It has always been important
that BlackRock’s Board of Directors functions as a key strategic and governing body that challenges our leadership team to be better and more innovative.”LOGO

 

Laurence D. Fink

LOGO

(1)

Amounts in this section, where noted, are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

(2)

Results for 2017 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2,Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form10-K.

(3)

Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

6BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

How We Pay NEOs

Each of BlackRock’s NEOs, through their various roles and responsibilities, contributes to the firm-wide objectives summarized below. The Compensation Committee uses the associated weightings to assess each NEO. The Compensation Committee’s performance assessment is directly related to each NEO’s total incentive outcome, which includes all variable pay: annual discretionary cash award; annual discretionary deferred equity award and long-term equity awards.

For each NEO’s performance assessment, please refer to the section “2019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” on page 69.

How We Determine Total Incentive Amounts for NEOs

  

BlackRock Performance

% of Award Opportunity

 

 

Measures

 

 

Indicative BlackRock Performance Metrics

 

  

 

2018                                                           

 

 

 

2019                    

 

 

  Financial

  Performance

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Net New Business ($ billion)

 

 

 

$124

 

 

 

$429

 

  
 

 

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

 

 

2%

 

 

 

5%

 

  
 

 

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

 

 

$5,531

 

 

 

$5,551

 

  
 

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+5%

 

 

 

+0%

 

  
 

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

44.3%

 

 

 

43.7%

 

  
 

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+ 20bps

 

 

 

- 60bps

 

  
 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

$26.93

 

 

 

$28.48

 

  
 

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+ 20%

 

 

 

+ 6%

 

 
 

Share Price Data

 

BLK

 

Traditional LC Peers(2)

 

 

NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

 

 

16.5x

 

 

 

10.0x

 

  
  

 

Annual appreciation/depreciation

 

 

 

+ 28%

 

 

 

+ 14%

 

  

 

  Business

  Strength

 

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Solve for clients’ evolving needs

 

 

 

Achieved 7% annual organic asset growth, exceeding 5% target, with $429 billion of net inflows. Inflows demonstrate a record for BlackRock and significant differentiation relative to peers.

 

Drove strong long-term investment performance across active strategies, with 86%, 76% and 84% of Taxable Fixed Income, Fundamental Equity and Systematic Equity assets, respectively, above benchmark or peer median for the trailing three-year period. Performance, combined with the breadth of BlackRock’s active platform, attracted $110 billion of active net inflows, while the overall industry experienced outflows.

 

Provided clients with comprehensive whole portfolio solutions, including illiquid alternatives andiShares, both areas of highest demand.

 

Generated $974 million in annual technology services revenue, through strategic acquisition of eFront and continued momentum inAladdin, representing 24% overall growth in technology services revenue.

 

 

 

Sharpen execution and accountability

 

 

 

Simplified BlackRock’s operating model through a firm re- organization and the regionalization of institutional client businesses.

 

 

 

Lead in a changing world

 

 

 

 

 

Continued investments in key growth areas, includingiShares and illiquid alternatives, generating $226 billion and $14 billion in net inflows, respectively.

 

Aligned leaders cross-functionally to accelerate the firm’s focus on sustainable investing at the core of risk management, portfolio construction, product design and company engagement. Generated $12 billion in inflows across theiShares Sustainable ETF lineup, ending the year with $22 billion of assets under management.

 

 

  Organizational

  Strength

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Attract and inspire talent

 

 

 

 

Took key steps to prepare the next generation of leaders through a firmwide reorganization that provided expanded opportunities for multiple leaders across the firm.

 

Enhanced succession planning through Talent Bench Reviews, which enables more diverse and complete succession plans, provides deeper insights into potential successors and builds accountability for leadership planning.

 

 

 

 

Develop a more diverse and inclusive culture

 

 

 

Continued to focus on Inclusion & Diversity progress, achieving growth in female representation at senior levels.

 

Increased the firm’s focus on culture and enablement following leadership challenges in 2019.

(1)

Amounts are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

(2)

Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

(3)

NTM P/E multiple refers to the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2019, divided by the consensus estimate of the Company’s expected earnings over the next 12 months. Sourced from Factset.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    7



Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Notice of 2020 Annual

Meeting of Shareholders

    Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Date and Time

Thursday, May 21, 2020

8:00 a.m. EDT

Location

Virtual Meeting:

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020

Record Date

Monday, March 23, 2020

Voting Matters

At or before the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Annual Meeting”), we ask that you vote on the following items:

Item 1Election of Directors

Item 2Approval, in aNon-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for Named Executive Officers

Item 3Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Item 4Shareholder Proposal – Production of a Report on the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020: our Proxy Statement and 2019 Annual Report are available free of charge on our website athttp://ir.blackrock.com/

How to vote: Your vote is important

LOGO

Internet

LOGO

Mail

Visit the website listed on your proxy card. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy card when you access the web page.

Complete and sign the proxy card and return it in the enclosed postagepre-paid envelope.

LOGO

Telephone

LOGO

During the Meeting

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee: follow the telephone voting instructions, if any, provided on your voting instruction card. If your shares are registered in your name: call1-800-690-6903 and follow the telephone voting instructions. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy card.

This year’s meeting will be virtual. For details on voting your shares during the meeting, see “Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting.”

Please note that we are furnishing proxy materials and access to our Proxy Statement to our shareholders via our website instead of mailing printed copies to each of our shareholders. By doing so, we save costs and reduce our impact on the environment.

Beginning on April 9, 2020, we will mail or otherwise make available to each of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, which contains instructions on how to access our proxy materials and vote online. If you attend the Annual Meeting virtually, you may withdraw your proxy and vote online during the Annual Meeting if you so choose.

Your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

R. Andrew Dickson, III

Corporate Secretary

April 9, 2020

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street,

New York, New York 10055


Contents




BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    



Helpful Resources

Where You Can Find

More Information

Annual Meeting

Proxy Statement:

http://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Annual Report:

http://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Voting Your Proxy via the Internet Before the Annual Meeting:

www.proxyvote.com

Board of Directors

http://ir.blackrock.com/board-of-directors

Communications with the Board

http://ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview under the heading “Contact Our Board of Directors”

Governance Documents

http://ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview

Categorical Standards of Director Independence

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Committee Charters

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers

Lead Independent Director Guidelines

Investor Relations

http://ir.blackrock.com

Sustainability

www.blackrock.com/corporate/sustainability

Other

Public Policy “Insights”:

www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/public-policy

Lobbying Disclosure Act:

www.senate.gov/legislative/lobbyingdisc.htm

Federal Election Commission:

www.fec.gov/data/reports/pac-party

Definition of Certain Terms

or Abbreviations

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

CFO

Chief Financial Officer

Committees

The Audit, Management Development & Compensation, Nominating & Governance, Risk and Executive Committees

Compensation Committee

Management Development & Compensation Committee

COO

Chief Operating Officer

Deloitte

Deloitte & Touche LLP

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States

GEC

Global Executive Committee

Governance

Committee

Nominating & Governance Committee

NEO

Named Executive Officer

NTM

Next Twelve Months

NYSE

New York Stock Exchange

PAC

Political Action Committee

PNC

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

RSU

Restricted Stock Unit

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

Traditional LC

Peers

Traditional Large Cap Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., Franklin Resources, Inc., Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary


This summary provides an overview of selected information in this year’s Proxy Statement. We encourage you to read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Date & Time:

Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. EDT

Location:

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020

Record Date:

Monday, March 23, 2020

Voting Matters

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the following matters at the Annual Meeting:

Board

Recommendation

Page

Reference

ITEM 1.Election of Directors

The Board believes that each of the director nominees has the knowledge, experience, skills
and background necessary to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board.

LOGO

Vote FOR each
director nominee
9

ITEM 2.Approval, in aNon-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for
Named Executive Officers

BlackRock seeks anon-binding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve the
compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
The Board values the opinions of our shareholders and will take into consideration the
outcome of the advisory vote when considering future executive compensation decisions.

LOGOVoteFOR54

ITEM 3.Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent
registered public accounting firm for the 2020 calendar year and this appointment is being
submitted to our shareholders for ratification. The Audit Committee and the Board believe
that the continued retention of Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent auditors is
in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

LOGOVoteFOR89

ITEM 4.Shareholder Proposal – Production of a Report on the “Statement on the
Purpose of a Corporation”

The Board believes that the actions requested by the proponents are unnecessary and
not in the best interest of our shareholders.

LOGOVoteAGAINST92


BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    1



Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

What’s New?

We continually review our approach to corporate governance, culture, sustainability and compensation to make certain that BlackRock is in a position to consistently deliver on its commitment to sustaining a culture of high performance, collaboration, innovation and fiduciary responsibility. We believe providing a broader understanding of our perspectives on these items will be beneficial to you as you consider this year’s voting matters. This year’s updated items include:

Formalizing Board-level oversight of environmental, social and other sustainability matters – see “Board Committees” on page 29

Enhanced disclosure on BlackRock’s approach to sustainability – see “Sustainability at BlackRock” on page 35
Enhanced disclosure on our Board’s commitment to engagement with employees – see“Our Board and Culture” and “Beyond the Boardroom” on pages 23 and 25, respectively

Enhanced disclosure on Human Capital Management – see“BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management” on page 36

Governance Highlights

Board Composition

(17 director nominees)

The Board believes that its size, albeit larger than the average public company board, is imperative to achieving the diversity of thought, experience and geographical expertise necessary to oversee our large and complex global business. The range of insights and experience produced by our large and diverse Board supports the broad scope and multifaceted nature of BlackRock’s business and strategic growth areas, which include our index funds, illiquid alternatives, retirement solutions and technology services.

The Governance Committee regularly reviews the overall composition of the Board and its Committees to assess whether it reflects the appropriate mix of skills, experience, backgrounds and qualifications that are relevant to BlackRock’s current and future global business and strategy.

Board Tenure

The Board considers length of tenure when reviewing nominees in order to maintain an overall balance of experience, continuity and fresh perspective.

LOGO

8 years: Average tenure of all director nominees 6 years: Average tenure of independent director nominees

Board Profile

The partnership and oversight of a diverse board with proven leadership experience is essential to creating long-term shareholder value.

LOGO

Board Independence and Leadership

Each year the Board reviews and evaluates our Board leadership structure. The Board has appointed Laurence D. Fink as its Chairman and Murry S. Gerber as its Lead Independent Director.

LOGO

2BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

Board Refreshment

Thoughtful consideration is continuously given to the composition of our Board in order to maintain an appropriate mix of experience and qualifications, introduce fresh perspectives, and broaden and diversify the views and experience represented on the Board.

Over the past 5 years:

LOGO

Our Director Nominees

  

Age at   

Record

Date

       Committee Memberships (effective May 21, 2020)

Nominee

 Primary Occupation 

Director

since

   Audit Compensation Governance Risk Executive  

Bader M. Alsaad

 62 Former Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority 2019      
                   

Mathis Cabiallavetta

 75 Former Chairman of UBS and former Vice Chairman of Swiss Re Ltd. and of Marsh & MacLennan Companies, Inc. 2007      
                   

Pamela Daley

 67 Former Senior Vice President of General Electric Company, Corporate Business Development and former Senior Advisor to Chairman 2014      
                   

William S. Demchak

 57 Chairman, CEO and President of PNC 2003      
                   

Jessica P. Einhorn

 72 Former Dean of Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University 2012      
                   

Laurence D. Fink

 67 Chairman and CEO of BlackRock 1999      
                   

William E. Ford

 58 CEO of General Atlantic 2018      
                   

Fabrizio Freda

 62 President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies Inc. 2012      
                   

Murry S. Gerber

 Lead Independent Director

 67 Former Executive Chairman, Chairman, President and CEO of EQT Corporation 2000      
                   

Margaret L. Johnson

 58 Executive Vice President of Business Development of Microsoft Corporation 2018      
                   

Robert S. Kapito

 63 President of BlackRock 2006      
                   

Cheryl D. Mills

 55 Founder and CEO of BlackIvy Group and former Chief of Staff to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 2013      
                   

Gordon M. Nixon

 63 Former President, CEO and Director of Royal Bank of Canada 2015      
                   

Charles H. Robbins

 54 Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc. 2017      
                   

Marco Antonio

Slim Domit

 51 Chairman of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. 2011      
                   

Susan L. Wagner

 58 Former Vice Chairman of BlackRock 2012      
                   

Mark Wilson

 53 Former CEO of Aviva plc and former President and CEO of AIA 2018      
         

Number of Committee Meetings Held in 2019:

   13 8 6 6 0
                   

(1)

Ivan G. Seidenberg will not be standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

· Chairperson

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    3



Proxy Summary    |    Governance Highlights

Governance Practices

We are vocal advocates for the adoption of sound corporate governance policies that include strong Board leadership and strategic deliberation, prudent management practices and transparency.

Highlights of our governance practices include:

Annual election of directors

Majority voting for directors in uncontested elections

Lead Independent Director may call special meetings of directors without management present

Executive sessions of independent directors

Annual Board and Committee evaluations

Risk oversight by Board and Committees

Strong investor outreach program

Meaningful stock ownership requirements for directors and executives
Annual advisory vote on executive compensation

Proxy access for shareholders

Annual review of Committee charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

Human capital management oversight by Board and Committees

Governance Committee oversight of corporate political activities, corporate and investment stewardship-related policies and programs relating to social, environmental and other sustainability matters and BlackRock’s philanthropy program and strategy

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our stock ownership guidelines require the Company’s GEC

members to own shares with a target value of:

  $10 million for the CEO;

  $5 million for the President; and

  $2 million for all other GEC members.

As of December 31, 2019, all NEOs exceeded our stock ownership guidelines.

Shareholder Engagement and Outreach

Shareholder engagement is essential to our ongoing review of our corporate governance and executive compensation programs and practices. Executive management, Investor Relations and the Corporate Secretary engage with shareholders on a regular basis to understand their perspectives on a variety of corporate governance matters, including executive compensation, corporate governance policies and corporate sustainability practices.

We also communicate with shareholders through a number of routine forums, including:

Quarterly earnings presentations;

  SEC filings;

  The Annual Report and Proxy Statement;

  The annual shareholders meeting; and

  Investor meetings, conferences and web communications.

In 2019, we contacted stewardship officers at our top 28 shareholders, representing 43% of our shares outstanding, excluding shares owned by PNC.

We relay shareholder feedback and trends on corporate governance and sustainability developments to our Board and its standing Committees and work with them to enhance our practices and improve our disclosures.

4BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

Compensation Policies and Practices

Our commitment to designing an executive compensation program that is consistent with responsible financial and risk management is reflected in the following policies and practices:

What We Do

What We Don’t Do

LOGO   Review pay and performance alignment;

LOGO   Balance short- and long-term incentives, cash and equity and fixed and variable pay elements;

LOGO   Maintain a clawback policy;

LOGO   Requireone-year minimum vesting for awards granted under the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”);

LOGO   Maintain meaningful stock ownership and retention guidelines;

LOGO   Prohibit hedging, pledging or short selling of BlackRock securities by Section 16 officers and directors;

LOGO   Limit perquisites;

LOGO   Assess and mitigate compensation risk;

LOGO   Solicit an annual advisory vote on executive compensation; and

LOGO   Annually review the independence of the compensation consultant retained by the Compensation Committee.

 

    

 

LOGO    No ongoing employment agreements or guaranteed compensation arrangements for NEOs;

LOGO    No automatic single trigger vesting of equity awards or transaction bonus payments upon achange-in-control;

LOGO    No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned RSUs, stock options or stock appreciation rights;

LOGO    No repricing of stock options;

LOGO    No cash buyouts of underwater stock options;

LOGO    No tax reimbursements for perquisites;

LOGO    No taxgross-ups for excise taxes;

LOGO    No supplemental retirement benefits for NEOs; and

LOGO    No supplemental severance benefits for NEOs beyond standard severance benefits under BlackRock’s Severance Pay Plan (the “Severance Plan’’).

Incentive Program –Pay-for-Performance Highlights

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance, as highlighted in the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis sections:

    What to Look forWhere to Find it

LOGO

Compensation program objectives“Our Compensation Program” beginning on page 62

LOGO

Performance assessments for NEOs based on weighted,
pre-set objectives

“How We Determine Total Incentive Amounts for NEOs” on page 7

LOGO

Assessments include financials as the highest

weighted input, including relative and

year-over-year performance

“2019 Financial Performance” on page 6

“2019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” beginning on page 69

LOGO

Total incentive outcomes tied to formulaic percentage ranges

“Pay and Performance Alignment for NEOs – Total Incentive Award Determination” on page 59

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary” on page 8

LOGO

Actual performance of historical incentive
awards

“2016 BPIP Award: Actual Performance and Payout” on page 64

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    5



Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

2019 Financial Performance(1),(2)

BlackRock’s 2019 results reflect the strength of our global, diverse investment and technology platform and the benefit of the investments we have made to optimize our strategic positioning. We generated a record $429 billion of total net inflows for the full year, representing 7% organic asset growth, delivered revenue and earnings growth and returned $3.8 billion to shareholders while continuing to invest for growth. However, BlackRock’s strategic decision to continue investing responsibly despite a more challenging revenue capture environment created by market volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018 resulted in an as adjusted operating margin decline of 60 basis points year-over-year. Long-term investment performance results across our alpha-seeking and index strategies as of December 31, 2019 remain strong and are detailed in Part I, Item 1 –Business of our 2019 Form 10-K.

Differentiated Organic Growth

Continued Revenue Growth

BlackRock generated record organic assetgrowth of 7% in 2019

BlackRockgrew revenueby 2% in 2019, including technology services revenuegrowth of 24%

LOGO

LOGO

Consistent Capital Return

Earnings Per Share Growth

BlackRock returned$3.8 billionto shareholders in 2019

BlackRock grew diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, by 6%, to $28.48, in 2019

LOGO

LOGO

(1)

Amounts in this section, where noted, are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

(2)

Results for 2017 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2,Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form10-K.

(3)

Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

6BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

How We Pay NEOs

Each of BlackRock’s NEOs, through their various roles and responsibilities, contributes to the firm-wide objectives summarized below. The Compensation Committee uses the associated weightings to assess each NEO. The Compensation Committee’s performance assessment is directly related to each NEO’s total incentive outcome, which includes all variable pay: annual discretionary cash award; annual discretionary deferred equity award and long-term equity awards.

For each NEO’s performance assessment, please refer to the section “2019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” on page 69.

How We Determine Total Incentive Amounts for NEOs

  

BlackRock Performance

% of Award Opportunity

 

 

Measures

 

 

Indicative BlackRock Performance Metrics

 

  

 

2018                                                           

 

 

 

2019                    

 

 

  Financial

  Performance

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Net New Business ($ billion)

 

 

 

$124

 

 

 

$429

 

  
 

 

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

 

 

2%

 

 

 

5%

 

  
 

 

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

 

 

$5,531

 

 

 

$5,551

 

  
 

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+5%

 

 

 

+0%

 

  
 

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

44.3%

 

 

 

43.7%

 

  
 

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+ 20bps

 

 

 

- 60bps

 

  
 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

 

 

$26.93

 

 

 

$28.48

 

  
 

 

Year-over-year change

 

 

 

+ 20%

 

 

 

+ 6%

 

 
 

Share Price Data

 

BLK

 

Traditional LC Peers(2)

 

 

NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

 

 

16.5x

 

 

 

10.0x

 

  
  

 

Annual appreciation/depreciation

 

 

 

+ 28%

 

 

 

+ 14%

 

  

 

  Business

  Strength

 

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Solve for clients’ evolving needs

 

 

 

Achieved 7% annual organic asset growth, exceeding 5% target, with $429 billion of net inflows. Inflows demonstrate a record for BlackRock and significant differentiation relative to peers.

 

Drove strong long-term investment performance across active strategies, with 86%, 76% and 84% of Taxable Fixed Income, Fundamental Equity and Systematic Equity assets, respectively, above benchmark or peer median for the trailing three-year period. Performance, combined with the breadth of BlackRock’s active platform, attracted $110 billion of active net inflows, while the overall industry experienced outflows.

 

Provided clients with comprehensive whole portfolio solutions, including illiquid alternatives andiShares, both areas of highest demand.

 

Generated $974 million in annual technology services revenue, through strategic acquisition of eFront and continued momentum inAladdin, representing 24% overall growth in technology services revenue.

 

 

 

Sharpen execution and accountability

 

 

 

Simplified BlackRock’s operating model through a firm re- organization and the regionalization of institutional client businesses.

 

 

 

Lead in a changing world

 

 

 

 

 

Continued investments in key growth areas, includingiShares and illiquid alternatives, generating $226 billion and $14 billion in net inflows, respectively.

 

Aligned leaders cross-functionally to accelerate the firm’s focus on sustainable investing at the core of risk management, portfolio construction, product design and company engagement. Generated $12 billion in inflows across theiShares Sustainable ETF lineup, ending the year with $22 billion of assets under management.

 

 

  Organizational

  Strength

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Attract and inspire talent

 

 

 

 

Took key steps to prepare the next generation of leaders through a firmwide reorganization that provided expanded opportunities for multiple leaders across the firm.

 

Enhanced succession planning through Talent Bench Reviews, which enables more diverse and complete succession plans, provides deeper insights into potential successors and builds accountability for leadership planning.

 

 

 

 

Develop a more diverse and inclusive culture

 

 

 

Continued to focus on Inclusion & Diversity progress, achieving growth in female representation at senior levels.

 

Increased the firm’s focus on culture and enablement following leadership challenges in 2019.

(1)

Amounts are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

(2)

Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

(3)

NTM P/E multiple refers to the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2019, divided by the consensus estimate of the Company’s expected earnings over the next 12 months. Sourced from Factset.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    7



Proxy Summary    |    Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary

Following a review of full-year business and individual NEO performance, the Compensation Committee determined 2019 total annual compensation outcomes for each NEO, as outlined in the table below.

 
       

 

2019 Total Incentive Award

 

         
      

Name

 

  

Base Salary

 

   

Cash

 

   

Deferred

Equity

 

   

 

Long-Term

Incentive Award

(BPIP)

 

   

Total Annual

Compensation

(“TAC”)

 

   

% change in

TAC vs. 2018

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

   $1,500,000    $7,750,000   $4,250,000   $11,750,000   $25,250,000    5% 

Robert S. Kapito

   $1,250,000    $6,250,000   $3,500,000   $8,950,000   $19,950,000    5% 

Robert L. Goldstein

   $   500,000    $2,950,000   $2,000,000   $4,400,000   $9,850,000    25% 

J. Richard Kushel

   $   500,000    $2,612,500   $1,662,500   $2,900,000   $7,675,000    15% 

Gary S. Shedlin

   $   500,000    $2,475,000   $1,525,000   $2,700,000   $7,200,000    12% 

The amounts listed above as “2019 Total Incentive Award: Deferred Equity” and “2019 Total Incentive Award: Long-Term Incentive Award (BPIP)” were granted in January 2020 in the form of equity and are separate from the cash award amounts listed above as “2019 Total Incentive Award: Cash.” In conformance with SEC requirements, the “2019 Summary Compensation Table” on page 80 reports equity in the year granted but cash in the year earned.

This table excludes awards under a newly adopted carried interest program. For more information about the program, see “Leadership Retention Carry Plan” on page 65.

Pay-for-Performance Compensation Structure for NEOs

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. More than 90% of our regular annual executive compensation is performance based and “at risk.” Compensation mix percentages shown below are based on 2019year-end compensation decisions for individual NEOs by the Compensation Committee.

LOGO

(1)

All grants of BlackRock equity, including the portion of the annual incentive awards granted in RSUs and the portion granted under the BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (“BPIP Awards”), our long-term incentive plan, are approved by the Compensation Committee under the Stock Plan, which has been previously approved by shareholders. The Stock Plan allows for multiple types of awards to be granted.

(2)

The value of the 2019 long-term incentive BPIP Awards and the value of the equity portion of the bonus for 2019 annual incentive awards were converted into RSUs by dividing the award value by $533.58, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 16, 2020.

(3)

For NEOs other than the CEO and President, higher annual incentive awards are subject to higher deferral percentages, in accordance with the Company’s deferral policy, as detailed on page 62.

8BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Item 1:


Election of

Directors

“BlackRock’sBoard plays an integral role in our governance, strategy, growth and success. It has always been important that our Board functions as a key strategic governing body that constantly challenges our leadership team to evolve and guide BlackRock into the future.”

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Director Nominees

Our Board has nominated 17 directors for election at this year’s Annual Meeting on the recommendation of our Governance Committee. Each director will serve until our next annual meeting and until his or her successor has been duly elected, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or retirement.

We expect each director nominee to be able to serve if elected. If a nominee is unable to serve, proxies will be voted in favor of the remainder of those directors nominated and may be voted for substitute nominees, unless the Board decides to reduce its total size.

If all 17 director nominees are elected, our Board will consist of 17 directors, 14 of whom, representing approximately 82% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.

Stockholder Agreement with PNC

BlackRock’s stockholder agreement with PNC (the “PNC Stockholder Agreement”) provides, subject to the waiver provisions of the PNC Stockholder Agreement, that BlackRock will use its best efforts to cause the election at each annual meeting of shareholders so that the Board will consist of:

  No more than 19 directors;

  Not less than two nor more than four directors who will be members of BlackRock management;

  Two directors who will be designated by PNC; and

  The remaining directors being independent for purposes of the rules of the NYSE and not designated by or on behalf of PNC or any of its affiliates.

Laurence D. Fink and Robert S. Kapito are members of BlackRock’s management team and are currently members of the Board. PNC has designated one director to the Board, William S. Demchak, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PNC. PNC has notified BlackRock that for the time being it will not designate a second director to the Board, although it retains the right to do so at any time in accordance with the PNC Stockholder Agreement. PNC has additionally been permitted to invite an observer to attend meetings of the Board as anon-voting guest. The PNC observer is Gregory B. Jordan, the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of PNC. For additional detail on the PNC Stockholder Agreement, see“Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – PNC and its Subsidiaries – PNC Stockholder Agreement” on page 49.


BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    9



ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominees

Majority Vote Standard for Election of Directors

Directors are elected by receiving a majority of the votes cast in uncontested elections, which means the number of shares voted “for” a director nominee must exceed the number of shares voted “against” that director nominee. In a contested election, directors are elected by receiving a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. A contested election is a situation in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected. Whether an election is contested is determined seven days in advance of when we file our definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC.

Director Resignation Policy

Under the Board’s Director Resignation Policy, any incumbent director who fails to receive a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board. The Governance Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board about whether to accept or reject the resignation or take other action. The Board will act on the Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and rationale within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. The director who tenders his or her resignation under the Director Resignation Policy will not participate in the Board’s decision.

Director NomineesNomination Process

OurThe Governance Committee oversees the director nomination process. The Governance Committee leads the Board’s annual review of Board has nominated 18 directorsperformance and reviews and recommends to the Board BlackRock’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, which includes the minimum criteria for Board membership. The Governance Committee also assists the Board in identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommends to the Board a slate of candidates, which may include both incumbent and new director nominees, to nominate for election at this year’s Annual Meeting oneach annual meeting of shareholders. The Governance Committee also may recommend that the recommendation of our Governance Committee. Each director willBoard elect new members to the Board to serve until ourthe next annual meeting of shareholders.

Identifying and until his or her successor has been duly elected, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or retirement.Evaluating Candidates for Director

The Governance Committee seeks advice from current directors when identifying and evaluating new candidates for director. The Governance Committee also may engage third-party firms that specialize in identifying director candidates to assist with its search. Shareholders can recommend a candidate for election to the Board by submitting director recommendations to the Governance Committee. For information on the requirements governing shareholder nominations for the election of directors, please see “Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders”on page 98.

We expectThe Governance Committee then reviews publicly available information regarding each potential director nomineecandidate to assess whether the candidate should be considered further. If the Governance Committee determines that the candidate warrants further consideration, then the Chairperson (or a person designated by the Governance Committee) will contact the candidate. If the candidate expresses a willingness to be ableconsidered and to serve if elected. Ifon the Board, then the Governance Committee typically requests information from the candidate and reviews the candidate’s accomplishments and qualifications against the criteria described below.

The Governance Committee’s evaluation process does not vary based on whether a nomineecandidate is unable to serve, proxies will be votedrecommended by a shareholder, although the Governance Committee may consider the number of shares held by the recommending shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been held.

Criteria for Board Membership

Director Independence

The Board determines annually the independence of directors in favor of the remainder of those directors nominatedaccordance with NYSE listing standards and may be voted for substitute nominees,applicable SEC rules. No director is considered independent unless the Board decideshas determined that he or she has no material relationship with BlackRock.

The Board has adopted the Categorical Standards of Director Independence (the “Categorical Standards”) to reducehelp determine whether certain relationships between the members of the Board and BlackRock or its total size.affiliates and subsidiaries (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with BlackRock) are material relationships for purposes of NYSE listing standards. The Categorical Standards provide that the following relationships are not material for such purposes:

 

IfRelationships arising in the ordinary course of business, such as asset management, acting as trustee, lending, deposit, banking or other financial service relationships or other relationships involving the provision of products or services, so long as the products and services are being provided in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and conditions, including price, as would be available to similarly situated customers;

Relationships with companies of which a director is a shareholder or partnerships of which a director is a partner, provided the director is not a principal shareholder of the company or a principal partner of the partnership;

10BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Criteria for Board Membership

Contributions made or pledged to charitable organizations of which a director or an immediate family member of the director is an executive officer, director or trustee if (i) within the preceding three years, the aggregate amount of such contributions during any single fiscal year of the charitable organization did not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of the charitable organization’s consolidated gross revenues for that fiscal year and (ii) the charitable organization is not a family foundation created by the director or an immediate family member of the director; and

Relationships involving a director’s relative unless the relative is an immediate family member of the director.

As part of its determination, the Board also considers the relationships described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” on page 48.

In March 2020, the Governance Committee made a recommendation to the Board regarding the independence of our directors based on its annual review. In making its independence determinations, the Governance Committee and the Board considered various transactions and relationships between BlackRock and the directors as well as between BlackRock and entities affiliated with a director, including the relationships described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” on page 48. The Governance Committee also considered that Ms. Johnson and Mr. Robbins are employed by organizations that do business with BlackRock, where each of such transactional relationships was for the purchase or sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of BlackRock’s business, and the amount received by BlackRock or such company in each of the previous three years did not exceed the greater of $1 million or 1% of either BlackRock’s or such organization’s consolidated gross revenues. As a result of this review, the Board determined that Mses. Daley, Einhorn, Johnson, Mills and Wagner and Messrs. Alsaad, Cabiallavetta, Ford, Freda, Gerber, Nixon, Robbins, Slim and Wilson are “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and that none of the relationships between these directors and BlackRock are material under the NYSE listing standards. In addition, the Board had previously determined that Sir Deryck Maughan, who retired from the Board effective May 23, 2019, and Ivan G. Seidenberg, who was a director for all 18 director nomineesof 2019 and is not standing forre-election, were “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.

Following the Annual Meeting, assuming all of the nominated directors are elected, ourBlackRock’s Board willis expected to consist of 1817 directors, 1514 of whom, representing approximately 83%82% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”)NYSE listing standards.

Director Qualifications and Attributes

The Governance Committee and the Board take into consideration a number of factors and criteria when reviewing candidates for nomination to the Board. The Board believes that, at a minimum, a director nominee must demonstrate, by significant accomplishment in his or her field, an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Board’s oversight of the business and affairs of BlackRock. Equally important, a director nominee must have an impeccable record and reputation for honest and ethical conduct in his or her professional and personal activities.

In addition, nominees for director are selected on the basis of experience, diversity, knowledge, skills, expertise, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, understanding of BlackRock’s business environment and a willingness to devote adequate time and effort to the responsibilities of the Board.

Stockholder AgreementBoard Diversity

BlackRock and its Board believe diversity in the boardroom is critical to the success of the Company and its ability to create long-term value for our shareholders. The Board has and will continue to make diversity in gender, ethnicity, age, career experience and nationality – as well as diversity of mind – a priority when considering director candidates. The diverse backgrounds of our individual directors help the Board better evaluate BlackRock’s management and operations and assess risk and opportunities for the Company’s business model from a variety of perspectives. BlackRock’s commitment to Board diversity enhances the Board’s involvement in our Company’s multi-faceted long-term strategy and inspires deeper engagement with management, employees and clients around the world.

Our Board has nominated 17 candidates for election, 14 of whom are independent. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.slate of director nominees includes 5 women, 1 of whom is African American, and 6non-U.S. or dual citizens. Several of our nominees live and work overseas in countries and regions that are key areas of growth and investment for BlackRock, including Canada, Mexico, the Middle East and Continental Europe.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    11



ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Criteria for Board Membership

 

As BlackRock’s stockholder agreementbusiness has evolved, so has its Board. Our slate of director nominees consists of senior leaders, including 12 current or former company CEOs, with PNC (the “PNC Stockholder Agreement”) provides, subject to the waiver provisionssubstantial experience in financial services, consumer products, manufacturing, technology, banking and energy, as well as several director nominees who have held senior policy and government positions. Core qualifications and areas of the PNC Stockholder Agreement, that BlackRock will use its best efforts to cause the election at each annual meeting of shareholders so that theexpertise represented on our Board will consist of:include:

Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

  no more than 19 directors,

  not less than two nor more than four directors who will be members of BlackRock management,

  two directors who will be designated by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”), and

  the remaining directors being independent for purposes of the rules of the NYSE and not designated by or on behalf of PNC or any of its affiliates.

Laurence D. Fink and Robert S. Kapito are members of BlackRock’s management team and are currently members of the Board. PNC has designated one member of the Board, William S. Demchak, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PNC. PNC has notified BlackRock that for the time being it will not designate a second director to the Board, although it retains the right to do so at any time in accordance with the PNC Stockholder Agreement. PNC has additionally been permitted to invite an observer to attend meetings of the Board as anon-voting guest. The PNC observer is Gregory B. Jordan, the General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of PNC. For additional detail on the PNC Stockholder Agreement, seeCertain Relationships and Related Transactions – PNC Stockholder Agreement” on page 46.


BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    9


ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominees

Majority Vote Standard for Election of Directors

Directors are elected by receiving a majority of the votes cast in uncontested elections (the number of shares voted “for” a director nominee must exceed the number of shares voted “against” that director nominee). In a contested election (a situation in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), directors are elected by receiving a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Whether an election is contested is determined seven days in advance of when we file our definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC.

Director Resignation Policy and Mandatory Retirement Age

Under the Board’s Director Resignation Policy, any incumbent director who fails to receive a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board. The Governance Committee would then make a recommendation to the Board about whether to accept or reject the resignation or take other action. The Board will act on the Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and rationale within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. The director who tenders his or her resignation under the Director Resignation Policy will not participate in the Board’s decision.

The Board has established a mandatory retirement age of 75 years for directors, as reflected in BlackRock’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Director Nomination Process

The Governance Committee oversees the director nomination process. The Committee leads the Board’s annual review of Board performance and reviews and recommends to the Board BlackRock’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, which includes the minimum criteria for membership on the Board. The Governance Committee also assists the Board in identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommends to the Board a slate of candidates, which may include both incumbent and new director nominees, to submit for election at each annual meeting of shareholders. The Committee also may recommend that the Board elect new members to the Board to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Identifying and Evaluating Candidates for Director

The Governance Committee seeks advice on potential director candidates from current directors when identifying and evaluating new candidates for director. The Governance Committee also may engage third-party firms that specialize in identifying director candidates to assist with its search. Shareholders can recommend a candidate for election to the Board by submitting director recommendations to the Governance Committee. For information on the requirements governing shareholder nominations for the election of directors, please see “Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders”on page 96.

The Governance Committee then reviews publicly available information regarding each potential director candidate to assess whether the candidate should be considered further. If the Governance Committee determines that the candidate warrants further consideration, then the Chairperson (or a person designated by the Governance Committee) will contact the candidate. If the candidate expresses a willingness to be considered and to serve on the Board, then the Governance Committee typically requests information from the candidate and reviews the candidate’s accomplishments and qualifications against the criteria described below.

The Governance Committee’s evaluation process does not vary based on whether a candidate is recommended by a shareholder, although the Governance Committee may consider the number of shares held by the recommending shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been held.

Criteria for Board Membership

Director Qualifications and Attributes

The Governance Committee and the Board take into consideration a number of factors and criteria when reviewing candidates for nomination to the Board. The Board believes that, at a minimum, a director candidate must demonstrate, by significant accomplishment in his or her field, an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Board’s oversight of the business and affairs of BlackRock. Equally important, a director candidate must have an impeccable record and reputation for honest and ethical conduct in his or her professional and personal activities.

In addition, nominees for director are selected on the basis of experience, diversity, knowledge, skills, expertise, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, understanding of BlackRock’s business environment and a willingness to devote adequate time and effort to the responsibilities of the Board.

10BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Criteria for Board Membership

Board Diversity

BlackRock and its Board believe diversity in the boardroom is critical to the success of the Company and its ability to create long-term value for our shareholders. The Board has and will continue to make diversity in gender, ethnicity, age, career experience and geographic location – as well as diversity of mind – a priority when considering director candidates. The diverse backgrounds of our individual directors help the Board better evaluate BlackRock’s management and operations and assess risk and opportunities for the Company’s business model. BlackRock’s commitment to diversity enhances Board involvement in our Company’s multi-faceted long-term strategy and inspires deeper engagement with management, employees and clients around the world.

Our Board has nominated 18 candidates for election, 15 of whom are independent. The slate of director nominees includes 5 women, 1 of whom is African American, and 6 directors who arenon-U.S. or dual citizens. Several of our nominees live and work overseas in countries and regions that are key areas of growth and investment for BlackRock, including Canada, Mexico, the Middle East and Continental Europe.

As BlackRock’s business has evolved, so has its Board. Our slate of director nominees consists of senior leaders (including 13 current or former company CEOs) with substantial experience in financial services, consumer products, manufacturing, technology, banking and energy, and several directors have held senior policy and government positions. Core qualifications and areas of expertise represented on our Board (including those of our new director nominee) include:

Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

LOGOLOGO

Directors bring valuable senior executive experience on matters relating to corporate governance, management, operations and compensation.

Global Business

 

LOGOLOGO

Directors bring international business strategy, operations and substantive expertise in international matters relevant to BlackRock’s global business.

Risk Management & Compliance

 

LOGOLOGO

Directors have experience in risk management and compliance oversight relevant to exercising corporate and fiduciary responsibilities.

Financial Services

 

LOGOLOGO

Directors possessin-depth knowledge of the financial services industry or asset management and provide valuable perspectives on issues faced by BlackRock.

Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

LOGOLOGO

Directors have experience in the oversight of internal controls and reporting of public company financial and operating results.

Public Policy & Government/Regulatory Affairs

 

LOGOLOGO

Directors possess insight and expertise in managing governmental and regulatory affairs relevant to BlackRock’s business operationsoperations.

Branding & Marketing

 

LOGOLOGO

Directors bring expertise in brand development, marketing and sales in local markets at a global scale relevant to BlackRock’s global business.

Technology

Technology

LOGO

Directors possess experience in the development and embracing

LOGO

Directors possess experience in the development and adoption of new technology as well as leading innovation initiatives at companies.

 

Board Tenure, Retirement Age and Size

Board Tenure. To ensure the Board has an appropriate balance of experience, continuity and fresh perspective, the Board considers, among other factors, length of tenure when reviewing nominees. The average tenure of BlackRock’s director nominees is approximately seveneight years and the average tenure forof independent director nominees is approximately six years.

Following the 2019 Annual Meeting, of Shareholders, assuming all of the nominated directors are elected, there will be six directors, comprising 33%35% of the Board, who have joined the Board within the past five years and bring fresh perspective to Board deliberations. SevenSix directors, comprising 39%35% of the Board, have served between 5five and 10 years. Five directors, comprising 28%30% of the Board, have served more than 10 years and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge concerning BlackRock.

Retirement Age. The Board has established a retirement age policy of 75 years for directors, as reflected in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board believes that it is important to monitor its composition, skills and needs in the context of the Company’s long-term strategic goals, and, therefore, may elect to waive the policy as it deems appropriate. The Board believes it is important to balance refreshment with the need to retain directors who have developed, over time, significant insight into the Company and its operations and who continue to make valuable contributions to the Company that benefit our shareholders.

The Board and Governance Committee recognized that Mr. Cabiallavetta will reach the age of retirement under our Corporate Governance Guidelines this year and would not be eligible to be nominated forre-election to the Board at the Annual Meeting absent a waiver of the age limit by the Board. The Board considered Mr. Cabiallavetta’s global and financial expertise, extensive experience with the Company and the benefit his continued service on the Board would provide, particularly with respect to oversight of BlackRock’s European operations and his knowledge of European financial markets. Additionally, the Board considered its ongoing refreshment of directors, noting that, since 2015, six new directors have been added to the Board and seven longer-tenured directors have, or will have by the date of the Annual Meeting, either retired in accordance with BlackRock’s retirement age policy or earlier. After considering these facts and circumstances and upon the recommendation of our Governance Committee, our Board determined that it is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to waive the retirement age limit for Mr. Cabiallavetta this year to allow for his nomination for election at the Annual Meeting.

12BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Criteria for Board Membership

Board Size. The Board has not adopted a policy that sets a target for Board size and believes the current size and diverse composition of the Board is best suited to evaluate management’s performance and oversee BlackRock’s global strategy and risk management. The range of insights and experience produced by our large and diverse Board supports the broad scope and multifaceted nature of BlackRock’s business and strategic growth areas, which include our index funds, illiquid alternatives, retirement solutions and technology services.

As described in“Board Evaluation Process” on page 26,27, the Governance Committee and the Board evaluate Board and Committee performance and effectiveness on at least an annual basis and, as part of that process, ask each director to consider whether the size of the Board and its standing Committees are appropriate.

BLACKROCK, INC. In response to the 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    11


ITEM 1: ElectionBoard and Committee evaluations, our directors commented that, while the size of Directors    |    Criteria forthe Board Membership

is above average, its members were deeply engaged and the composition of the Board reflected diverse experiences, which added richness to Board discussions. Additionally, it was noted that thoughtful consideration has been given to the refreshment of Board members and that there is an appropriate mix of new and more experienced board members.

Compliance with Regulatory and Independence Requirements

The Governance Committee takes into consideration regulatory requirements, including competitive restrictions and financial institution interlocks, independence requirements under the NYSE listing standards and our Corporate Governance Guidelines in its review of director candidates for the Board and its Committees. The Governance Committee also considers a director candidate’s current and past positions held, including past and present board and committee memberships, as part of its evaluation.

Service on Other Public Company Boards

Each of our directors must have the time and ability to make a constructive contribution to the Board as well as a clear commitment to fulfilling the fiduciary duties required of directors and serving the interests of the Company’s shareholders. Neither BlackRock’s CEO does notnor President currently serve on the board of directors of any other public company, and none of our current directors serve on more than four public company boards, including BlackRock’s Board.

Director Candidate Search

Consistent with BlackRock’sage-based retirement policy, at least three of BlackRock’s current directors will retire within the next six years. In order to maintain a Board with an appropriate mix of experience and qualifications, the Governance Committee, with the help of management and an outside consultant, engages in a year-round process to identify and evaluate new director candidates in conjunction with its recurring review of Board and Committee composition. Consistent with our long-term strategic goals and the qualifications and attributes described above, search criteria include significant experience in financial services, the technology sector and consumer branding, as well as international experience. Particular emphasis is also placed on diverse candidates currently serving in leadership positions.

In March of this year,2019, the Governance Committee identified Bader M. Alsaad as a candidate with significant leadership skills and experience in international business, the Middle East region and the financial sector, and recommended him to the Board for consideration. Mr. Alsaad was recommended for consideration to the Governance Committee by our CEO. On March 14, 2019, theThe Board voted unanimously to nominate himMr. Alsaad for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. On May 23, 2019, our shareholders elected Mr. Alsaad to join our Board.

Board Recommendation

For this year’s election, the Board has nominated 1817 director candidates. The Board believes these director nominees provide BlackRock with the combined depth and breadth of skills, experience and qualities required to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board. The composition of the current Board reflects a diverse range of skills, qualifications and professional experience that is relevant to our global strategy, business and governance.

The following biographical information about each director nominee highlights the particular experience, qualifications, attributes and skills possessed by eachsuch director nominee that led the Board to determine that he or she should serve as Director.director. All director nominee biographical information is as of March 25, 2019.23, 2020.

 

LOGO

LOGO

The Board of Directors recommends shareholders vote "FOR" the elections of each of the following 17 director nominees.

 

12BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT13



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGO

Age                          Tenure

62                             0 Years

 

  

 

 

Bader M. Alsaad

 

Mr. Alsaad has served as a member of the Executive Committeeboard of the Board of Directorsdirectors of the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) since 2003. He was Managing Director of the KIA from December 2003 until April 2017. Prior to his appointment at KIA, Mr. Alsaad served as the Chief Executive Officer of one of the leading investment companies in Kuwait, The Kuwait Financial Center. Mr. Alsaad is currently a member of the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG, a member of the Global Advisory Council of Bank of America, and a member of the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development.Development and a member of the supervisory board of Daimler AG. He is a founding memberalso served as the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and served as its Chairman and Deputy Chairman from its inception in 2009 until October 2015.

 

Qualifications

 

Mr. AIsaad’s extensive experience in the strategically important Middle East region and over 35 years of experience in investments and the financial sector provides the Board with an experienced outlook on international business strategy and global capital markets.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Daimler AG (2017 – present)

 

Age

61

 

Tenure

0 Years

Committees

• NoneNominating & Governance

• Risk

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate              Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Policy & Government/Regulatory Affairs

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 
   

 

LOGO

 

  

 

 

Mathis Cabiallavetta

 

Mr. Cabiallavetta has served as a member of the board of directors of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Swiss Re) sincefrom 2008 to 2016 and as the Vice Chairman of its board between 2009 and 2015. Mr. Cabiallavetta retired as Vice Chairman, Office of the Chief Executive Officer of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and as Chairman of Marsh & McLennan Companies International in 2008. Prior to joining Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. in 1999, Mr. Cabiallavetta was Chairman of the board of directors of Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS A.G.).

 

Qualifications

 

As a former leader of Swiss Re and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. as well as UBS A.G., Mr. Cabiallavetta brings executive experience from these large and complex multinational businesses and provides substantial expertise in global capital markets, and as a result he offers unique insights to the Board’s oversight of BlackRock’s global operations and risk management.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Swiss Re Ltd. (2008 – present)2016) (Vice Chairman from 2009 – 2015)

  Philip Morris International Inc. (2002 – 2014)

Age

7475

 

 

Tenure

1112 Years

 

Committees

• Audit

 

• Nominating & Governance

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 

 

14BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT13



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGO

 

      

 

 

Pamela Daley

 

Ms. Daley retired from General Electric Company (GE) in January 2014, having most recently served as a Senior Advisor to its Chairman from April 2013 to January 2014. Prior to this role, Ms. Daley served as GE’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Business Development from 2004 to 2013 and as Vice President and Senior Counsel for Transactions from 1991 to 2004. As Senior Vice President, Ms. Daley was responsible for GE’s mergers, acquisitions and divestiture activities worldwide. Ms. Daley joined GE in 1989 as Tax Counsel. Previously, Ms. Daley was a Partner of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, a large USU.S. law firm, where she specialized in domestic and cross-bordertax-oriented financings and commercial transactions.

 

Qualifications

 

With over 35 years of transactional experience and more than 20 years as an executive at GE, one of the world’s leading multinational corporations, Ms. Daley brings significant experience and strategic insight to the Board in the areas of leadership development, international operations, transactions, business development and strategy.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  BP p.l.c. (2018 – present)

  SecureWorks Corp. (2016 – present)

  Patheon N.V. (2016 – 2017)

  BG Group p.l.c. (2014 – 2016)

Age

6667

 

 

Tenure

56 Years

 

Committees

• Audit (Chair)

 

• Executive

 

• Risk

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 
   

 

LOGO

 

  

 

 

William S. Demchak

 

Mr. Demchak has served as Chairman of the board of directors of PNC since April 2014, as Chief Executive Officer since April 2013 and as President since April 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Demchak held a number of supervisory positions at PNC, including Senior Vice Chairman, Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking and Chief Financial Officer. Before joining PNC in 2002, Mr. Demchak served as the Global Head of Structured Finance and Credit Portfolio for J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and additionally held key leadership roles at J.P. Morgan prior to its merger with Chase Manhattan Corporation in 2000.

 

Qualifications

 

As the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PNC, a large, national, diversified financial services company providing traditional banking and asset management services, Mr. Demchak brings substantial expertise in financial services, risk management and corporate governance to bear as a member of the Board. Mr. Demchak was designated to serve on the Board by PNC pursuant to the PNC Stockholder Agreement.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  PNC (2013 – present) (Chairman from 2014 – present)

Age

5657

 

 

Tenure

1617 Years

 

Committees

• Executive

 

• Risk

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Branding & Marketing

 

• Financial Services

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 

 

14BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT15



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGO

 

      

 

 

Jessica P. Einhorn

 

Ms. Einhorn served as Dean of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at The Johns Hopkins University from 2002 until June 2012. Prior to becoming Dean, she was a consultant at Clark & Weinstock, a strategic consulting firm. Ms. Einhorn also spent nearly 20 years at the World Bank, concluding as a Managing Director in 1998. Between 1998 and 1999, Ms. Einhorn was a Visiting Fellow at the International Monetary Fund. Prior to joining the World Bank in 1978, she held positions at the U.S. Treasury, the U.S. State Department and the International Development Cooperation Agency of the United States. Ms. Einhorn currently serves as a Director of the National Bureau of Economic Research and was formerly a Director of the Peterson Institute for International Economics. As of July 2012, Ms. Einhorn is resident at The Rock Creek Group in Washington, D.C., where she is a Senior Advisor and longstanding member of The Rock Creek Group Advisory Board.

 

Qualifications

 

Ms. Einhorn’s leadership experience in academia and at the World Bank, along with her experience in the U.S. government and at the International Monetary Fund, provides the Board with a unique perspective and anin-depth understanding of international finance, economics and public policy. Through her service with other public companies, Ms. Einhorn also has developed expertise in corporate governance and risk oversight.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Time Warner, Inc. (2005 – June 2018)

Age

7172

 

 

Tenure

67 Years

 

Committees

• Management Development & Compensation

 

• Risk

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 
   

 

LOGO LOGO  

 

  

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

 

Mr. Fink is founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock. He also leads the firm’s Global Executive Committee. He is responsible for senior leadership development and succession planning, defining and reinforcing BlackRock’s vision and culture, and engaging relationships with key strategic clients, industry leaders, regulators and policy makers. Mr. Finkco-founded BlackRock in 1988, and under his leadership, the firm has grown into a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients.

 

Qualifications

 

As one of the founding principals and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock since 1988, Mr. Fink brings exceptional leadership skills andin-depth understanding of BlackRock’s businesses, operations and strategy. His extensive and specific knowledge of BlackRock and its business enable him to keep the Board apprised of the most significant developments impacting the Company and to guide the Board’s discussion and review of the Company’s strategy.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  None

Age

6667

 

 

Tenure

1920 Years

 

Committees

• Executive (Chair)

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 

 

16BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT15



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

 LOGO

 

      

 

 

William E. Ford

 

Mr. Ford ishas served as the Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic a position he has held since 2007. He also serves as Chairman of General Atlantic’s Management Committee and is a member of the firm’s Investment and Portfolio Committees. Mr. Ford is actively involved with a number of educational andnot-for-profit organizations and also serves on the Executive Committee of the Partnership for New York City, the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of the National Committee on United States-China Relations and is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a member of the Steering Committee for the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion initiative. Mr. Ford has formerly served on the boards of First Republic Bank, NYSE Euronext, E*Trade, Priceline, NYMEX Holdings and Computershare.

 

Qualifications

 

Mr. Ford brings to the Board extensive global investment management experience and financial expertise acquired over his 25 years at General Atlantic, one of the world’s leading growth equity firms.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  IHS Markit Ltd. (2016 – present)

Axel Springer (2016 – April 2018)

  IHS Markit Ltd. (July 2016 – present)

Age

5758

 

 

Tenure

1 Year2 Years

 

Committees

• Audit

 

• Management Development & Compensation

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

 
   

 

 LOGO

 

  

 

 

Fabrizio Freda

 

Mr. Freda has served as President, and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (Estée Lauder) since July 2009, and is also a member of its board of directors.2009. Mr. Freda previously served as Estée Lauder’s President and Chief Operating Officer from March 2008 to July 2009. Estée Lauder is a global leader in beauty with more than 25 brands and over 40,000 employees worldwide. Prior to joining Estée Lauder, Mr. Freda held various senior positions at Procter & Gamble Company over the span of 20 years. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Freda directed marketing and strategic planning for Gucci SpA.

 

Qualifications

 

Mr. Freda’s extensive experience in product strategy, innovation and global branding brings valuable insights to the Board. His chief executive experience at Estée Lauder, an established multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige brands, provides the Board with unique perspectives on the Company’s marketing, strategy and innovation initiatives.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (2009 – present)

Age

6162

 

 

Tenure

67 Years

 

Committees

• Nominating & Governance

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Branding & Marketing

 

• Global Business

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

• Technology

 

 

 

16BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT17



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGO

 

      

 

 

Murry S. Gerber

 

Mr. Gerber served as Executive Chairman of EQT Corporation, an integrated energy production company, from 2010 until May 2011, as its Chairman from 2000 to 2010, as its President from 1998 to 2007 and as its Chief Executive Officer from 1998 to 2000. MurryPrior to joining EQT Corporation, Mr. Gerber served as the CEO of Coral Energy (now Shell Trading North America) from 1995 to 1998. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Mr. Gerber currently serves as BlackRock’s Lead Independent Director.

 

Qualifications

 

As a former leader of a large, publicly traded energy production company and as a current or former member of the board of directors of three large, publicly traded companies, Mr. Gerber brings to the Board extensive expertise and insight into corporate operations, management and governance matters, as well as expert knowledge of the energy sector.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  U.S. Steel Corporation (2012 – present)

  Halliburton Company (2012 – present)

Age

6667

 

 

Tenure

1920 Years

 

Committees

• Audit

 

• Executive

 

• Nominating & Governance

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

• Technology

 

 
   

 

LOGO

 

  

 

 

Margaret L. Johnson

 

Ms. Johnson has been an Executive Vice President of Business Development at Microsoft Corporation since September 2014. She is responsible for driving strategic business deals and partnerships across various industries. Ms. Johnson joined Microsoft from Qualcomm Incorporated, where she served in various leadership positions across engineering, sales, marketing and business development. She most recently served as Executive Vice President of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and President of Global Market Development. Ms. Johnson is a Directoran Advisor to Huntington’s Disease Society of PATH and a Trustee of The Paley Center for Media.America, San Diego Chapter.

 

Qualifications

 

Ms. Johnson brings to the Board substantive experience in the field of technology as well as business and strategic development expertise acquired over her 28 years at Microsoft and Qualcomm.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Live Nation Entertainment (2013 – June 2018)

Age

5758

 

 

Tenure

1 Year2 Years

 

Committees

• Audit

 

• Management Development & Compensation

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Branding & Marketing

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

• Technology

 

 

 

18BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT17



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGO

 

  

 

 

Robert S. Kapito

 

Mr. Kapito has been President of BlackRock since 2007 and is a member of BlackRock’s Global Executive Committee and Chairman of the Global Operating Committee. He also serves as a member of the board of directors ofiShares, Inc. Mr. Kapitoco-founded BlackRock in 1988 and is also a director of iShares, Inc.1988. He is responsible for theday-to-day oversight of BlackRock’s key operating units including Investment Strategies, Client Businesses, Technology & Operations and Risk & Quantitative Analysis. Prior to 2007, Mr. Kapito served as Vice Chairman of BlackRock and Head of BlackRock’s Portfolio Management Group.

 

Qualifications

 

As one of our founding principals, Mr. Kapito has served as an executive leader of BlackRock since 1988. He brings to the Board industry and business acumen in additionto in-depth knowledge about BlackRock’s businesses, investment strategies and risk management, as well as extensive experience overseeingday-to-day operations.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  None

Age

6263

 

 

Tenure

1213 Years

 

Committees

• None

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Branding & Marketing

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 
   

 

LOGO

 

  

 

 

Cheryl D. Mills

 

Ms. Mills is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the BlackIvy Group, an investmenta private holding company that grows and builds businesses inSub-Saharan Africa. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Counselor to the U.S. Department of State from 2009 to 2013. Ms. Mills was with New York University from 2002 to 2009, where she served as Senior Vice President for Administration and Operations, and as General Counsel. She also servedCounsel and as Secretary of the University’s Board of Trustees. From 1999 to 2001, Ms. Mills was Senior Vice President for Corporate Policy and Public Programming at Oxygen Media. Prior to joining Oxygen Media, Ms. MillsShe also served as Deputy Counsel to President Clinton and as the White House Associate Counsel. She began her career as an Associate at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Hogan & Hartson. Ms. Mills previously served on the boards of Cendant Corporation (now Avis Budget Group, Inc.), a consumer real estate and travel conglomerate, and Orion Power, an independent electric power generating company.

 

Qualifications

 

Ms. Mills brings to the Board a range of leadership experiences from private equity, government and academia, and through her prior service on the boards of corporations andnon-profits, she provides expertise on issues concerning government relations, public policy, corporate administration and corporate governance.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  None

Age

5455

 

 

Tenure

56 Years

 

Committees

• Management Development & Compensation

 

• Nominating & Governance

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Branding & Marketing

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 

 

18BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT19



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGO

 

      

 

 

Gordon M. Nixon, C.M., O.Ont.

 

Mr. Nixon wasserved as President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) from 2001 to 2014. He first joined RBC Dominion Securities Inc. in 1979, where he held a number of operating positions and from December 1999 to April 2001 was Chief Executive Officer of RBC Capital Markets (the successor company to RBC Dominion Securities Inc.). Mr. Nixon has served on the board of directors of BCE Inc. since 2014 and was named Chairman of the board upon hisre-election in April 2016. He is also on the advisory board of Kingsett Capital.

 

Qualifications

 

With 13 years of experience leading a global financial institution and one of Canada’s largest public companies, Mr. Nixon brings extensive expertise and perspective to the Board on global markets and anin-depth knowledge of the North American market. His experience growing a diversified, global financial services organization in a highly regulated environment also provides the Board with valuable insight into risk management, compensation and corporate governance matters.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  BCE Inc. (2014 – present)

  George Weston Limited (2014 – present)

Age

6263

 

 

Tenure

34 Years

 

Committees

• Executive

 

• Management Development & Compensation

 

• Nominating & Governance
(Chair)

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 
   

 

LOGO

 

  

 

 

Charles H. Robbins

 

Mr. Robbins serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco Systems, Inc. (Cisco). Prior to assuming this role in July 2015, he was Senior Vice President of Cisco’s Worldwide Field Operations and led its Worldwide Sales and Partner Organization where he helped drive and execute many of Cisco’s investment areas and strategy shifts. He serves as Chairman of the U.S.-Japan Business Council, Chair of the IT Governors Steering Committee for the World Economic Forum and is a member of the International Business Council for the World Economic Forum and the Business Roundtable. Mr. Robbins is also on the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors for the Business Roundtable and is also a Trustee for the Ford Foundation.

 

Qualifications

 

Mr. Robbins brings to the Board extensive experience in the fields of technology, global sales and operations acquired over his 20 years at Cisco, one of world’s leading information technology companies.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Cisco Systems, Inc. (2015 – present) (Chairman from 2017 – present)

Age

5354

 

 

Tenure

1 Year2 Years

 

Committees

• Risk

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Branding & Marketing

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

• Technology

 

 

 

20BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT19



 

ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGO

Ivan G. Seidenberg

Mr. Seidenberg retired as the Chairman of the board of Verizon Communications Inc. in December 2011 and previously served as its Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2011. Prior to the creation of Verizon Communications Inc., Mr. Seidenberg was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX Corp. Mr. Seidenberg has been an Advisory Partner of Perella Weinberg Partners, a global independent advisory and asset management firm, since June 2012.

Qualifications

Mr. Seidenberg brings extensive executive leadership, technological, and operational experience to the Board from his tenure at Verizon Communications Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of communications services. Through his extensive experience on the boards of public companies, he has developed anin-depth understanding of business and corporate governance.

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

  Boston Properties, Inc. (2014 – 2016)

Age

72

Tenure

8 Years

Committees

• Executive

• Management Development & Compensation (Chair)

• Nominating & Governance

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

• Branding & Marketing

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

• Technology LOGO  

 

 
 

LOGO

 

 

 

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

Mr. Slim has been Chairman of the board of directors of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. since 1997 and previously served as its Chief Executive Officer from 1997 until April 2012. Mr. Slim is also a member of the board of directors of Grupo Carso, S.A.B. de C.V. and Chairman of The Carlos Slim Health Institute and of Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo en América Latina, S.A.B. de C.V. (IDEAL), an infrastructure company. Mr. Slim was a member of the board of directors of Teléfonos de México, S.A.B. de C.V. from 1995 until April 2014.

 

Qualifications

 

Mr. Slim’s experience at Grupo Financiero Inbursa provides the Board with knowledge and expertise in international finance, and particular insight into emerging and Latin American markets. In addition, as a member of the board of directors of several international companies that invest globally, Mr. Slim brings substantive expertise in developing new businesses in international markets, shareholder rights, business strategy and integration to the Board.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Grupo Carso, S.A.B. de C.V. (1991 – present)

  Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. (Chairman from 1997 – present)

  Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo en América Latina, S.A.B. de C.V.

     (Chairman from 2012 – present)

  Teléfonos de México, S.A.B. de C.V. (1995 – 2014)

Age

5051

 

 

Tenure

78 Years

 

Committees

• Audit

 

• Management Development & Compensation

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

 

20BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 

LOGO

 

    

 

 

Susan L. Wagner

 

Ms. Wagner retired as Vice Chairman of BlackRock after serving in that role from 2006 to 2012. Ms. Wagner also served as a member of BlackRock’s Global Executive Committee and Global Operating Committee. Ms. Wagner previously served as BlackRock’s Chief Operating Officer and as Head of Corporate Strategy. She serves as a member of the board of trustees of Wellesley College. Ms. Wagner also currently serves as a director of Color Genomics (privately-held).

 

Qualifications

 

As one of the founding principals of BlackRock, Ms. Wagner has over 25 years of experience across various positions. Accordingly, she is able to provide the Board with valuable insight and perspective on risk management, operations and strategy, as well as a broad and deep understanding of the asset management industry.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Apple Inc. (2014 – present)

  Swiss Re Ltd. (2014 – present)

Age

5758

 

 

Tenure

67 Years

 

Committees

• Nominating & GovernanceAudit

• Executive

 

• Risk (Chair)

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Risk Management & Compliance

 

• Technology

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    21



ITEM 1: Election of Directors    |    Director Nominee Biographies

 LOGO  

  

LOGO

 

 

 

Mark Wilson

 

Mr. Wilson served as the Chief Executive Officer of Aviva plc (Aviva), a multinational insurance company headquartered in the UK, from January 2013 to October 2018. Prior to joining Aviva, Mr. Wilson worked in Asia for 14 years, including as Chief Executive Officer of AIA Group Limited, a leadingpan-Asian company. Mr. Wilson is recognized for his leadership on sustainability issues and is a member of the UN Business and Sustainable Development Commission. In addition, he is a member of the Development Board of the Royal Foundation for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

 

Qualifications

 

As the former Chief Executive Officer of Aviva, Mr. Wilson brings to the Board extensive experience in Europe and Asia and his operational and executive expertise in the insurance and pensions industry and in international finance provides the Board with an experienced outlook on international business strategy, development and sustainability.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Aviva plc (2013 – October 2018)

Age

5253

 

 

Tenure

1 Year2 Years

 

Committees

• Risk

 

Qualifications

• Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

 

• Financial Services

 

• Global Business

 

• Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

• Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 

 

 

22BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT21



 

 

 

Corporate Governance

BlackRock’s corporate governance framework is a set of principles, guidelines and practices that support consistent financial performance and long-term value creation for our shareholders.

Our commitment to corporate governance is integral to our business and reflects not only regulatory requirements, NYSE listing standards and broadly recognized governance practices, but also effective leadership and oversight by our senior management team and Board.

We regularly meet with our shareholders to solicit feedback on our corporate governance framework. We make an effortstrive to incorporate this feedback through enhanced policies, processes and disclosure.

Our Corporate Governance Framework

Our Board is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance at BlackRock. Our Board is guided by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which provide a framework for the governance of the Company and the responsibilities of our Board. The Corporate Governance Guidelines address director qualifications, director orientation and continuing education, director access to management and independent advisors and Board responsibilities, as well as the annual performance evaluations of the Board and its standing Committees.

Because corporate governance practices evolve over time, our Board reviews and approves our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee charters and other governance policies at least once a year and approves or updates them as necessary and appropriate.

Our Additionally, both the Board is guided byand management recognize that creating long-term value for the Company’s shareholders requires consideration of the concerns of our other stakeholders and interested parties including clients, employees and the communities in which BlackRock operates, as covered in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which address director responsibilities, director access to management, director orientation and continuing education, director retirement, and the annual performance evaluations of the Board and Committees. The Corporate Governance Guidelines also directs that the Governance Committee consider the periodic rotation of Committee members and Committee Chairs as a means of introducing fresh perspectives and broadening and diversifying the views and experience represented on Committees.Guidelines.

 

The full versions of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other corporate governance policies are available on our website atwww.blackrock.com under the headings “Our Company and Sites / Our FirmAbout BlackRock / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Governance Overview.”

 

Our Board and Culture

BlackRock’s culture is vital to our success

BlackRock’s culture is a key differentiator of our strategy and helps to drive our results and long-term growth. Our culture embraces our fiduciary commitment to serve clients and stay ahead of their needs. Our culture unifies the firm and helps to reinforce ethical behavior at all levels.

Our approach to instilling, reinforcing and enhancing our culture is deliberate and intentional. To learn more, please visit our websitewww.blackrock.com.

“It is more important than ever that our culture helps us maximize performance and drive excellence every day.”

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

22

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT23



 

Corporate Governance    |    Our Corporate Governance Framework

BlackRock’s culture is vital to our successBoard and Culture

 

BlackRock’s culture is a key differentiator of our strategy and helps to drive our results and long-term growth. Our culture embraces our fiduciary commitment to serve clients and stay ahead of their needs. Our culture unifies the firm and helps to reinforce ethical behavior at all levels.

Our approach to instilling, reinforcing and enhancing our culture is deliberate and intentional. You can listen to Jeff Smith, our Global Head of Human Resources, talk about our approach during BlackRock’s 2018 Investor Day atwww.ir.blackrock.com.

Our Board is deeply engaged in understanding the culture at BlackRock

We believe our Board should have a strong understanding of BlackRock’s culture, because thatit is the foundation for our Company’s strategic plans.

We believe our Board should be deeply engaged, provide informed and honest guidance and feedback and maintain an open dialogue with management based on a clear understanding of our strategic plans.

Our Board plays an integral oversight role in our growth and success. At each Board meeting, we review components of our long-term strategy with our directors and engage in constructive dialogue, which our leadership team embraces. These discussions are not without disagreement – and those honest conversations push us to make the difficult decisions required to build a better BlackRock.

Our directors have full and free access to all BlackRock officers and employees at any time to address questions, comments or concerns. Our directors may arrange these meetings independently and without the presence of senior management. Additionally, the Board and Committees have the power to hire independent legal, financial or other advisors without approval from, or consultation with, BlackRock management.

Our Board plays an active part in our talent development as well, dedicating at least one meeting per year to talent review, evaluating whether we have the right people in the right places to execute our long-term strategy, reviewing the results of Employee Opinion Surveys, and making certain we are developing others to fill key roles in the future. Building a generation of future leaders, open to both Board and external

ideas, is vital to BlackRock’s long-term success. For more information, please refer to“BlackRock’s Approach to HumanCapital Management” on page 34.

Twice a year, Board and Committee meetings are held outside of New York, including at least one set of meetings outside of the United States. These off-site meetings provide our directors with an opportunity to focus on reviewing of regional strategies, to meet with employees and management based outside of our New York corporate headquarters, and to engage with local clients and government officials. These meetings provide our directors with firsthand exposure to BlackRock’s corporate culture and how employees globally demonstrate BlackRock’s principles and purpose. In 2018, the Board travelled to Boston, Massachusetts and Tokyo, Japan.

Our Board also takes an active role in ensuring we embrace “best practices” in corporate governance. Members of the Governance Committee are briefed on significant trends and developments in corporate governance and regulatory issues, including briefings from BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship and Global Public Policy teams as well as feedback from shareholders. In 2018, we incorporated feedback from shareholders to enhance disclosure on how the Board oversees our Company’s corporate culture.

The partnership and oversight of a strong, experienced and multi-faceted Board with diverse perspectives in finance, industry, academia, technology and government is essential to creating long-term shareholder value.

 

Oversight of Growth Strategy

Our Board plays an integral oversight role in our growth and success. At each Board meeting, we review components of our long-term strategy with our directors and engage in constructive dialogue, which our leadership team embraces. These discussions are not without disagreement – and those honest conversations push us to make the difficult decisions required to build a better BlackRock.

A Global Perspective

Twice a year, Board and standing Committee meetings are held outside of New York, including one set of meetings held outside of the United States. Theseoff-site meetings provide our directors with an opportunity to meet with employees and management based outside of our New York corporate headquarters, focus on reviewing regional strategies and engage with local clients and government officials. These meetings provide our directors with firsthand exposure to BlackRock’s corporate culture and how employees globally demonstrate BlackRock’s principles and purpose. In 2019, the Board traveled to Seattle, Washington and Milan, Italy foroff-site Board meetings.

Role in Talent Development

Building a generation of future leaders is vital to BlackRock’s long-term success. Accordingly, our Board plays an active part in our talent development and dedicates at least one meeting per year to talent review. As part of its review, the Board evaluates whether we have the right people in the right places to execute our long-term strategy, examines the results of Employee Opinion Surveys and provides oversight of management to ensure that we are developing people to fill key roles in the future. For more information, please refer to“BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management” on page 36.

Employee Engagement & Additional Resources

Our directors have full and free access to all BlackRock officers and employees at any time to address questions, comments or concerns. Our directors may arrange these meetings independently and without the presence of senior management. Additionally, the Board and its Committees have the power to hire independent legal, financial or other advisors without approval from, or consultation with, BlackRock management.

Embracing Best Practices

Our Board also takes an active role in ensuring we embrace “best practices” in corporate governance. Members of the Governance Committee are briefed on significant trends and developments in corporate governance and regulatory issues, including briefings from BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship and Global Public Policy teams, as well as feedback from shareholders. In 2019, we acted on feedback from our shareholders to enhance disclosure on how the Board approaches its composition and refreshment as well as Board size. For more information, see “Governance Highlights,” “Board Refreshment,”“Board Tenure, Retirement Age and Size” and “Board Refreshment Process” on pages 2, 3, 12 and 28, respectively.

24BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT23



 

Corporate Governance    |    Our Corporate Governance FrameworkBoard and Culture

 

Beyond the Boardroom

 
       

 

On-site Visits to

BlackRock Offices and

     BlackRock’s Technology

     Showcase

 

In addition to Board and Committee off-site meetings, members of our Board are encouraged to make on-site visits to other BlackRock offices. In 2018, the Audit Committee Chair visited with members of BlackRock’s Asia-Pacific audit and financial control groups in Tokyo, Japan.

 

AlsoDuring 2019, our newest Board member, Bader M. Alsaad, participated in 2018, BlackRock inaugurated itsBlackRock’sMeet the Board” program – a series of globally broadcast, “fire-side” chats and town halls designed to give directors an opportunity to engage with employees directly and affordallow employees an opportunity to ask questions and get to know members of BlackRock’sthe Board. This

In the same year, fiveour directors participated in the program. Additionally, several of our independent directors attended our 2018 Investor Day presentation and nearly the entire Board attended our 30th Anniversary celebrations in the Spring of 2018, where they engaged directly with, employees and members of the investor community, and heard first-hand how BlackRock is developing its brand and strategy in keeping with its core culture and principles. Finally, in November 2018, two of our independent directors visited our Palo Alto artificial intelligence laboratory to meet with local management and employees, tour our facilities, and expand their knowledge of BlackRock’s use of, and research relating to, artificial intelligence.

Our directors also attended a technology showcase led by BlackRock employees of all levels who specialize in technology development as part of the Company’s tech2020tech 2025 strategy, and experienced first-hand our technology and where it is leading us.

 

Our Investment Stewardship team (“BIS”) hosts an annual Director Dialogue Day, where employees, members of management and independent directors of other companies engage on topics such as BIS’s engagement priorities, emerging trends in U.S. corporate governance and compensation and public policy affecting long-term investments. BlackRock’s directors are invited to, and have attended this event in the past.

       

     Director Orientation

 

Director Orientation

 

Under the oversight of management and the Board, BlackRock provides each new director with an orientation program conducted over the course of the first three months of their tenure. OrientationThe orientation program includes the opportunity to rotate through each of the Board’s standing Committees and participate in presentations by senior management to familiarize our new directors with BlackRock’s:

 

 Financial position and strategic plans;

 

 Significant financial, accounting and risk management issues;policies;

 Compliance programs, conflict policies, codeCode of ethicsBusiness Conduct and Ethics and other controls; and

Our principalPrincipal officers and internal and independent auditors.

 

 

Directors also have full and free access to all BlackRock officers and employees and are encouraged to meet with members of management to further enhance their familiarity with BlackRock’s business and strategy.

 Continuing Education

 

Continuing Education

 

All directors are encouraged to attend continuing educational programs offered by BlackRock or sponsored by universities, stock exchanges or other organizations related to fulfilling their duties as Board or Committee members. For example, members of our Audit Committee have participated in conferences and symposiums hosted by Deloitte and Ernst & Young.our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte.

 

Every week our directors receive summaries and copies of press coverage, analyst reports and current events relating to our business.

 

 

 

Individual Discussions

and Mentoring Management

     Management

 

Outside of regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings, our directors may have discussions with each other and our CEO at their discretion. Directors have access to management at any time and are encouraged to have small group or individual meetings, as necessary.

 

All directors are encouraged to meet with management outside of Board and Committee meetings and several directors have established informal mentoring relationships with key members of senior management.

 

 
    

 

24BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT25



 

Corporate Governance    |    Our Board Leadership Structure

 

Our Board Leadership Structure

Why our Board leadership structure is right for BlackRock

Our Board and Governance Committee regularly review and evaluate the Board’s leadership structure. Mr. Fink serves as both BlackRock’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, which the Board has determined is the most appropriate and effective leadership structure for the Board and the Company at this time. Mr. Fink has served in this capacity since founding BlackRock in 1988 and, as such, brings over 30 years of strategic leadership experience and an unparalleled knowledge of BlackRock’s business, operations and risks to his role as Chairman of the Board.

The Board does not have a policy on whether the roles of the Chairman and CEO should be separated but believes the current combination of the two roles provides BlackRock with, among other things, a clear and effective leadership structure to communicate the Company’s business and long-term strategy to its clients, shareholders and the public. The combinedChairman-CEOIn addition, the Board believes that this structure also providesallows for robust and frequent communication between the Board’s independent directors and the management of the Company.

To further facilitate coordination with the independent directors and to ensure the exercise of independent judgment byenables the Board to better understand the independent directors annually select one of the independent membersCompany and work with management to serve as the Lead Independent Director.enhance shareholder value.

Under our Lead Independent Director Guidelines, when the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board are combined or the Chairman is not independent, the independent directors will appoint a Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director will then be electedappointed annually by BlackRock’s independent directors and serve until a successor is elected.duly appointed and qualified, his or her removal or resignation, or he or she is no longer an independent member of the Board. Although electedappointed annually, we generally expect the Lead Independent Director to serve for more than one year.

The Board believes the role and responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director help to ensure the exercise of independent judgment by the Board and further facilitate coordination with the independent directors.

 

 

 

LOGO

 

Our Lead Independent

Director: Murry S. Gerber

 

Serving Sincesince 2017

  

The Role of the Lead Independent Director

 

Our Lead Independent Director has significant authority and responsibilities to provide for an effective and independent Board. In this role, Mr. Gerber:

 

  In consultation with the Chairman and Committee Chairs, developsDevelops and approves the agenda for Board meetings, in consultation with the Chairman and leads executive sessions.Committee Chairs.

 

  At eachLeads executive session,sessions and facilitates discussion of the Company’s strategy, key governance issues (including succession planning), and the performance of BlackRock senior executives.executives at each executive session.

 

  Serves as liaison between independent directors and the Chairman.

 

  Focuses on Board effectiveness, performance and composition with input from the Governance Committee.

 

  Oversees and reports on annual Board and Committee performance self-evaluations,evaluations, in consultation with the Governance Committee.

 

  Serves as the primary Board contact for shareholder engagement.

Mr. Gerber has substantial experience with corporate governance and public company management, as well as deep knowledge of the Company and its governance practices. The Board believes Mr. Gerber’s long tenure as a director enables him to provide a valuable perspective on BlackRock’s growing business and risk management, as well as enhances his ability to challenge members of senior management.

The Board, as reflected in responses to the 2019 Board and Committee evaluations, particularly commended Mr. Gerber’s effectiveness as Lead Independent Director, highlighting his leadership of executive sessions and encouragement of candid feedback on the performance and effectiveness of the Board.

 

Executive Sessions

Executive sessions ofnon-management directors are held at most regularly scheduled Board meetings, and six executive sessions were held in 2018.2019. Each session is chaired by the Lead Independent Director, who facilitates discussion of the Company’s strategy, key governance issues, succession planning and the performance of senior executives. Anynon-management director may request that an additional executive session be scheduled. At least once a year, an executive session is held for only those directors determined to be “independent,” within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.

 

The full versions of our Lead Independent Director Guidelines Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other corporate governance policies are available on our website atwww.blackrock.comhttp://ir.blackrock.com under the headings “Our Company and SitesGovernance / Our Firm / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance Overview..

 

26BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT25



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Evaluation Process

 

Board Evaluation Process

The effectiveness of the Board and its Committees is critical to BlackRock’s success and to the protection of our shareholders’ long-term interests. To ensure their effectiveness, the Board and each standing Committee annually conduct comprehensive annual self-evaluationsevaluations to identify and assess areas for improvements.

The evaluation process includes the following steps:

 

LOGO

1 Questionnaires Tailored assessments are reviewed and updated by the Governance Committee Chair, the Lead Independent Director and Committee Chairs. These assessments focus on: Board and Committee performance, effectiveness and contributions to BlackRock: Board composition, Board processes, meeting dynamics and agendas: and access to resources and senior management. 2 Governance Committee Review The Governance Committee Chair, Lead Independent Director and Chairman review each directors responses to the questionnaires. They also share the results of the Committee evaluations with each of the respective Chairpersons of the Audit. MDCC and Risk Committees. 3 Individual Director Interviews The Chairman and/or the Lead Independent Director meet with each independent director on an individual basis to discuss Board, Committee and individual director performance and effectiveness. 4 Board Summary And Feedback The Chair of the Governance Committee along with the Chairman of the Board and Lead Independent Director provide the Board with a summary of the questionnaires and additional feedback received from individual directors annually in the fall or winter. 2018 Board Follow Up Actions Based on responses from the most recent self-assessment, senior management has increased the types of and time allocated to the Companys strategic topics presented to the Board.LOGO

 

26BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT27



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Refreshment Process

 

Board Refreshment Process

The Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential director candidates, reviewing Board and Committee composition and making recommendations to the full Board. This ongoing process includes:

 

 

LOGOLOGO

Director Recruitment In order to maintain a Board with an appropriate mix of experience and qualifications, the Governance Committee, with the help of management and an outside consultant, engages in a year-round process to identify and evaluate new Directordirector candidates in conjunction with its recurring review of Board and Committee composition. Director Onboarding All new Directorsdirectors participate in an extensive orientation program, enabling new directorshim or her to quickly enhance their strategic value to our board. Board Committee Rotation The Governance Committee also considers the periodic rotation of Committee members and Committee Chairs to introduce fresh perspectives and to broaden and diversify the views and experience represented on Board Committeesthe Boards standing Committees. Board and Committee Evaluations Annual Board and Committee assessmentsevaluations help Identifyidentify director skills that would enhance Board effectivenesseffectiveness. The Governance Committee actively engages in Board succession planning to anticipate the future needs of the Board and its standing Committees. Director Tenure, and Mandatory Retirement Age Policy To ensure the Board has an appropriate balance of experience, continuity and fresh perspective, the Board considers length of tenure when reviewing nominees. The average tenure of BlackRock'sBlackRocks director nominees is approximately 7eight years, while the average tenure for independent director nominees is approximately 5six years. The Board has established a mandatory retirement age of 75 years for Directorsdirectors. Our tenure and age-based retirement practices help the Board to anticipate future Board turnover. The Board Directors Unanimously recommends you vote FOR the approval of the compensation of our NEOs.

 

28BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT27



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Committees

 

Board Committees

Each Committee is governed by a Board-approved Charter.

Board Committee Meetings and Members

The Board has five committees:Committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance Committee, the Risk Committee and the Executive Committee. Below is a summary of our current Committee structure and membership information.

 

  

Member

  

Audit         

 

 

  

Compensation         

 

 

  

Governance         

 

 

  

Risk       

 

 

  

Executive     

 

 

  

         Audit          

 

  

Compensation     

 

  

Governance   

 

  

       Risk         

 

  

Executive     

 

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

                    
               

Bader M. Alsaad

      

  

  
                              

Mathis Cabiallavetta

  

    

      

●   

    

    
                              

Pamela Daley

  

      

  

  

●   

      

  

                              

Jessica P. Einhorn

    

    

      

    

  
                              

William E. Ford

  

  

        

●   

  

      
                              

Fabrizio Freda

      

          

    
                              

Murry S. Gerber

(Lead Independent Director)

  

    

    

  

●   

    

    

                              

Margaret L. Johnson

  

  

        

●   

  

      
               

Sir Deryck Maughan

  

      

  

                              

Cheryl D. Mills

    

  

        

  

    
                              

Gordon M. Nixon

    

  

    

    

  

    

                              

Charles H. Robbins

        

          

  
                              

Ivan G. Seidenberg

    

  

    

    

  

    

                              

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

  

  

        

●   

  

      
                              

Susan L. Wagner

      

  

    

●   

      

  

                              

Mark Wilson

        

          

  
                              

NON-INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

                    
                              

Laurence D. Fink

          

          

                              

Robert S. Kapito

                    
                              

William S. Demchak

        

  

        

  

                              

Number of Meetings Held in 2018

  

14

 

  

9

 

  

7

 

  

6

 

  

0

 

Number of Meetings Held in 2019

  

13   

 

  

8

 

  

6

 

  

6

 

  

0

 

Chairperson

The Board met seveneight times during 2018.2019. In 2018,2019, each of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of meetings of the Board held during the period for which such director was a member of the Board and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all Committees of the Board on which such director served, if any, during the period served by such director. Directors are encouraged to and do attend the annual meetings of BlackRock shareholders. EighteenAll 17 directors who were serving on the Board last yearand nominated for re-election in 2019 attended the 20182019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Sir Deryck Maughan is retiring from the Board andIvan G. Seidenberg will not be standing forre-election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Meeting.

 

28BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT29



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Committees

 

Board Committee Refreshment

The Governance Committee considers the periodic rotation of Committee members and Committee Chairs to introduce fresh perspectives and to broaden and diversify the views and experience represented on Committees. On March 15, 2018, the Board appointed Mr. Ford and Ms. Johnson to serve on the Audit and Compensation Committees. Mr. Ford brings CEO, global business and financial services expertise. Ms. Johnson brings business development, technology, investment and talent management expertise. On March 15, 2018, the Board also appointed Mr. Wilson to serve as a member of the Risk Committee. He brings expertise in global business, public policy and regulatory affairs as well as experience as a former CEO.

On March 14, 2019, the Board appointed Ms. Wagner to serve as Chair of the Risk Committee and as a member of each of the Audit and Executive Committees, each appointment effective May 23, 2019. Ms. Wagner brings risk management, operations and strategy experience, as well as a deep understanding of the asset management industry as one of the founding principals of the Company.

On November 20, 2019, the Board appointed Mr. Alsaad to serve as a member of the Risk Committee and a member of the Governance Committee, each appointment effective January 28, 2020. Mr. Alsaad brings expertise in international business strategy and global capital markets as well as experience in investments and the financial sector.

On March 18, 2020, the Board appointed Mr. Ford to serve as Chair of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee, each appointment effective May 21, 2020. Mr. Ford brings extensive management expertise and a valuable perspective on international finance from his experience as Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic, one of the world’s leading growth equity firms.

Outlined below are the Company’sBoard’s Committees with brief descriptions of each Committee’s membership, roles and responsibilities as of the date of this Proxy Statement.

 

 

Audit Committee

 

 

Chair

 

 

Pamela Daley

 

 

Members(1)

  

 

Mathis Cabiallavetta

William E. Ford

 

 

 

Murry S. Gerber

Margaret L. Johnson

  

 

Sir Deryck Maughan

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

Susan L. Wagner

 

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities include oversight of the integrity of BlackRock’s financial statements and public filings, the independent auditor’sregistered public accounting firm’s qualifications, performance and independence, the performance of BlackRock’s internal audit function and independent auditor, and BlackRock’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

 

The Audit Committee receives reports on:

 

 

   The progress and results of the internal audit program, regularly, as provided by BlackRock’s Head of Internal Audit, and approves BlackRock’s internal audit plan;

 

   External audit findings, regularly, as provided by BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte LLP (“Deloitte”);Deloitte;

 

   Financial controls regarding compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, annually, as prepared by the Head of Financial Controls and presented by management;

 

   The Company’s Risk Management program, on an annual basis, as provided by BlackRock’s Chief Risk Officer;

  

   Financial updates, regularly, as provided by the Chief Financial Officer;

 

   Cybersecurity updates, as provided by the Chief Information Security Officer;

 

   Compliance updates, as provided by the Chief Compliance Officer;

 

   Litigation, regulatory and material ethics matters, regularly, as provided by BlackRock’s Chief Legal Officer; and

 

   Risk matters addressed at the Risk Committee, as provided by the Chair of the Risk Committee.

 

 

Additionally, as part of the Audit Committee’s responsibility for oversight of the Company’s major financial risk exposures, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management the Company’s approach to assessing and managing risk in coordination with the Risk Committee.

The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm retained to audit BlackRock’s financial statements. The Audit Committee approves all audit engagement fees and terms associated with the retention of Deloitte. In addition to ensuring the regular rotation of the lead audit partner, as required by law, the Audit Committee selects, reviews and evaluates the lead audit partner and determines whether there should be periodic rotation of the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Audit Committee regularly holds separate sessions with BlackRock’s management, internal auditors and Deloitte.

 

The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules, is “financially literate,” and has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards. All members of the Audit Committee, with the exception of Margaret L. Johnson, qualify as “audit committee financial experts” under applicable SEC rules.

 

 

 

(1)

Ivan G. Seidenberg served as a member of the Audit Committee until June 30, 2018.

30BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT29



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Committees

 

 

Management Development & Compensation Committee

 

 

Chair

 

 

Ivan G. Seidenberg

  

 

Members(1)

  

 

Jessica P. Einhorn

William E. Ford

    

 

Margaret L. Johnson

Cheryl D. Mills

 

  

 

Gordon M. Nixon

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

Role and Responsibilities

Role and Responsibilities

   Reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation, evaluating the CEO’s performance in light of those goals and objectives and determining and approving the CEO’s overall compensation levels based on this evaluation;

   Reviewing BlackRock’s executive compensation program and establishing the compensation framework of BlackRock’s executive officers;

   Periodically reviewing and approving director compensation;

   Reviewing, approving, recommending to the Board, or delegating to management the oversight of, BlackRock’s benefits plans;

   Considering and discussing the results of the advisory“say-on-pay” vote;

   Providing oversight of BlackRock’s executive compensation program and determining whether our program remains effective to attract, motivate and retain senior officers capable of making significant contributions to BlackRock’s long-term success;

   Reviewing, assessing and making reports and recommendations to the Board on BlackRock’s talent development and succession planning, with an emphasis on performance and succession at the highest management levels; and

   Appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any compensation consultant, legal counsel or other advisor retained by the Compensation Committee.

 

Reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation, evaluating the CEO’s performance in light of those goals and objectives and determining and approving the CEO’s overall compensation levels based on this evaluation;

Reviewing BlackRock’s executive compensation program and establishing the compensation framework of BlackRock’s executive officers;

Periodically reviewing and approving director compensation;

Reviewing, approving, recommending to the Board, or delegating to management, BlackRock’s benefits plans;
Providing oversight of BlackRock’s executive compensation program, and determining whether our program remains effective to attract, motivate and retain senior officers capable of making significant contributions to BlackRock’s long-term success;

Reviewing, assessing, and making reports and recommendations to the Board on BlackRock’s talent development and succession planning, with an emphasis on performance and succession at the highest management levels; and

Appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any compensation consultant, legal counsel or other advisor retained by the Compensation Committee.

The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee is “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules, qualifies as a“non-employee director” under applicable SEC rules and is an “outside director” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code.

Additional information on the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration of NEO compensation is addressed in the “Management Development &Compensation Committee Report” on page 5255 and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 53.56.

 

(1)

Sir Deryck Maughan and Murry S. Gerber served as members of the Compensation Committee until March 13, 2018 and June 30, 2018, respectively.

 

 

Nominating & Governance Committee

 

Chair

Gordon M. Nixon

Members

Mathis Cabiallavetta

Fabrizio Freda

Murry S. Gerber

Cheryl D. Mills

Ivan G. Seidenberg

Susan L. Wagner

Chair

Gordon M. Nixon

Members(1)

Bader M. Alsaad

Mathis Cabiallavetta

Fabrizio Freda

Murry S. Gerber

Cheryl D. Mills

Ivan G. Seidenberg

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

Recommending to the Board criteria for the selection of new directors to serve on the Board;

 

Identifying candidatesindividuals qualified to become members of the Board;

 

Recommending to the Board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders;

shareholders or candidates to fill vacancies or newly created directorships that may occur between annual meetings;

 

Recommending to the Board members for each Committee;

 

Leading the Board in its annual review of the Board’s performance;

Evaluating and recommending to the Board corporate governance policies, practices, and guidelines applicable to the Company;

   Evaluating and recommending to the Board corporate governance policies, practices and guidelines applicable to the Company;

 

Overseeing BlackRock’s Related Persons Transaction Policy;

 

Reviewing the Company’s engagement with shareholders on governance matters and considering shareholder proposals and proposed responses;
and

 

Periodically reviewing corporate governance trends, best practices and regulations applicable to the corporate governance of the Company.

This year, the Board formalized the review of corporate and investment stewardship-related policies and programs and significant publications relating to environmental (including climate change), social and other sustainability matters at the Governance Committee.

Additionally, in furtherance of BlackRock’s overarching purpose, the Governance Committee also took on responsibility for periodic reviews of the Company’s philanthropic programs and related strategy, as well as the Company’s public policy and advocacy activities, including lobbying priorities, political contributions and memberships in trade associations.

 

The Board has determined that each member of the Governance Committee is “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules.

 

(1)

Susan L. Wagner served as a member of the Governance Committee until May 23, 2019.

30BLACKROCK, INC. 2019

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT31



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Committees

 

 

Risk Committee

 

 

Chair

Sir Deryck Maughan

Members(1)

Pamela Daley

William S. Demchak

Jessica P. Einhorn

Charles H. Robbins

 

 

Susan L. Wagner

Members

Bader M. Alsaad

Pamela Daley

William S. Demchak

Jessica P. Einhorn

Charles H. Robbins

Mark Wilson

 

Role and Responsibilities

The Risk Committee assists the Board with its oversight of the Company’s levels of risk, risk assessment, risk management and related policies and processes in connection with the following types of risk and related areas:

 

Enterprise Risks

 

Market risks from volatility in financial markets;

Contractually indemnified risks;

Operational risks from failed or inadequate processes relating to investment management processes, new products and services, third party relationships, model risk and change;

Risks related to regulatory trends and public policy developments;

Technology and cybersecurity risks relating to information security, business continuity/resiliency and system capacity; and

The impact of firm-wide risk assessments, including the quantification and analysis of requirements (liquidity, insurance, capital or other risk mitigation) associated with BlackRock’s key risks.

 

Contractually indemnified risks;

Credit risk of default by indemnified securities lending counterparties;

Operational risks from failed or inadequate processes relating to investment management processes, new products and services, third party relationships, model risk, and change;

The impact of firm-wide risk assessments including the quantification and analysis of requirements (liquidity, insurance, capital or other risk mitigation) associated with our key risks;

Risks related to regulatory reform; and

Technology and cybersecurity risks relating to information security, business continuity/resiliency and system capacity.

Fiduciary Risks

 

Investment risks being taken on behalf of clients in their portfolios or
accounts;

 

Risks of default by client counterparties; and

 

Pricing and valuation risk that BlackRock’s counterparties misprice assets in client portfolios or accounts.

Other

 

Reputational riskrisk; and any

Any other areas of risk delegated to the Risk Committee by the Board.

The Committee regularly reviews a detailed risk profile report prepared by the Chief Risk Officer which covers a wide range of topics and potential issues that could impact BlackRock.

The Risk Committee also reviewed and discussed with management the Risk Factors included in the 2018

The Committee regularly reviews a detailed risk profile report prepared by the Chief Risk Officer which covers a wide range of topics and potential issues that could impact BlackRock.

The Risk Committee also reviewed and discussed with management the Risk Factors included in the 2019 Form10-K and received reports from members of management responsible for identifying and monitoring these risks.

(1)

Mathis Cabiallavetta and Gordon M. Nixon served as members of the Risk Committee until June 30, 2018.

 

 

Executive Committee

Chair

Laurence D. Fink

Members

Pamela Daley

William S. Demchak

Murry S. Gerber

Gordon M. Nixon

Ivan G. Seidenberg

Susan L. Wagner

 

 

Chair

Laurence D. Fink

Members

Pamela Daley

William S. Demchak

Murry S. Gerber

Sir Deryck Maughan

Gordon M. Nixon

Ivan G. Seidenberg

Role and Responsibilities

The Executive Committee has all the powers of the Board, except as prohibited by applicable law, the PNC Stockholder Agreement and BlackRock’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”), and except to the extent another Committee has been accorded authority over the matter. The Executive Committee may meet to exercise such powers between meetings of the Board.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019

Role and Responsibilities

The Executive Committee has all the powers of the Board, except as prohibited by applicable law, the PNC Stockholder Agreement and BlackRock’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”), and except to the extent another Committee has been accorded authority over the matter. The Executive Committee may meet to exercise such powers between meetings of the Board.

32BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT31



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Committees

 

Board and Committee Oversight of Strategy

The Board of Directors actively engages with senior management by providing guidance on the formation and implementation of strategic initiatives. On an annual basis, our Global Head of Corporate Strategy previews the Board’s agenda with the Governance Committee, focusing on business reviews and the strategic topics for the coming year, with the Governance Committee and receives its feedback and input. Based on this agenda, members of senior management and business leads will brief directors on the strategic opportunities, priorities and implementation of strategy for their respective lines of business. These presentations serve as the basis for an active, ongoing dialogue between the Board and senior management about strategic risks and opportunities facing BlackRock and its lines of business.

Board and Committee Oversight of Risk Management

 

                

Full Board

 

The Board has ultimate responsibility for oversight of BlackRock’s risk management activities.

The Risk, Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees assist the Board in fulfilling this important role.

 

The Board’s standing Committees report to the full Board at least 6 times a year with updates on their areas of designated risk oversight responsibilities. These Committees work together and with the full Board to help ensure that the Committees and the Board have received all information necessary to permit them to fulfill their duties and responsibilities with respect to oversight of risk management activities.

                

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

     

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

     

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

     

 

LOGO

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Risk

Committee

 

Responsible for assessing and overseeing BlackRock’s levels of risk and risk management and related policies and processes in connection with fiduciary and enterprise risks, including an increased focus on cybersecurity risks, and other areas of risk determined by the Board. Reflecting the increased importance of information security, the Risk Committee included cybersecurity as a recurring topic at each meeting during 2018.

 

   

Audit

Committee

 

OverseesResponsible for overseeing the integrity of BlackRock’s financial statements and other disclosures, the effectiveness of the internal control environment, the internal audit function and the external auditors and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

   

Compensation

Committee

 

Responsible for overseeing risks associated with BlackRock’s executive and employee compensation practices and the effective management of executive succession.

   

Governance

Committee

 

OverseesResponsible for overseeing risks related to Board and Committee succession and other corporate governance policies and practices.

 

32BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT33



 

Corporate Governance    |    Board Committees

 

Our Board and Committee Oversight of Cybersecurity

Our Board is actively engaged in the oversight of BlackRock’s cybersecurity and information security programs. Our Risk Committee receives reports on the Company’s cybersecurity program and developments in information security at each meeting from our Chief Information Security Officer. Additionally, on an annual basis, senior members of BlackRock’s technology, risk and information security teams provide a comprehensive overview of BlackRock’s cyber risk and information security program to a joint session of the Risk and Audit Committees.

Our global information security team, in collaboration with our technology risk team and independent third parties, assesses both risks and changes in the cyber environment and adjusts our cybersecurity program as needed.

Cybersecurity Highlights:

 

LOGO

Our Board is actively engaged in the oversight of BlackRock’s cybersecurity and information security programs. Our Risk Committee receives reports on the Company’s cybersecurity program and developments in information security at each meeting from our Chief Information Security Officer. Additionally, on an annual basis, senior members of BlackRock’s technology, risk and information security teams provide a comprehensive overview of BlackRock’s cyber risk and information security program to a joint session of the Risk and Audit Committees.

Our global information security team, in collaboration with our technology risk team and independent third parties, assesses both risks and changes in the cyber environment and adjusts our cybersecurity program as needed.

 

Cybersecurity Governance Highlights:

BlackRock employs an in-depth, multi-layermulti-layered strategy of control programs, including monitoring external and internal threats and events, managing access, facilitating use of appropriate authentication options, validating controls and programs by internal teams and independent third parties and testing various compromise scenarios that are overseen by a global information security team.

 

LOGO

BlackRock invests in threat intelligence and participates in financial services industry and government forums to improve both internal and sector cybersecurity defense.

 

LOGO

BlackRock routinely performs penetration tests.

 

LOGO

BlackRock’s cyber risk program incorporates external expertise.

Board and Committee Oversight of Sustainability

BlackRock’s Board has overall responsibility for oversight of BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship and Corporate Sustainability activities. Additionally, the Governance Committee is directly responsible for overseeing:

LOGO

Investment Stewardship Social Impact Corporate Sustainability

With respect to Investment Stewardship, the Governance Committee periodically reviews the group’s policies, programs and significant publications relating to environmental (including climate change), social and other sustainability matters in coordination with the other standing Committees of the Board.

In addition, the duties of the Governance Committee include reviews of BlackRock’s philanthropic program (“Social Impact”) and its strategy, which is focused on efforts to support a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Finally, BlackRock is deeply committed to sustainability as an organization and we have implemented a wide range of sustainability initiatives over the last several years that help BlackRock deliver value to all stakeholders over the long-term.

The oversight of the Governance Committee provides an additional layer of accountability to assist in BlackRock’s progress on these important initiatives for the benefit of all stakeholders. As appropriate, the Committee makes recommendations on these matters to be reviewed by the full Board.

34BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Corporate Governance    |    Sustainability at BlackRock

Sustainability at BlackRock

As an asset manager, we believe that a company’s ability to integrate sustainable business practices into its strategy and operations is integral to delivering long-term value. We also recognize the importance of leading by example, both through the transparency we provide to stakeholders on material and relevant sustainability issues and undertaking sustainable business practices.

              In our day-to-day operationsIn our business activities                     

LOGO

Operating a sustainable corporation We recognize the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of our firm to deliver the best outcomes for clients and shareholders. Human capital is central to BlackRocks long-term sustainability. We strive to offer best-in-class benefits and develop our people through strategic training and leadership programs. We seek to advance diversity and inclusion in all forms across the organization. We manage our environmental impact of our operations by pursuing a strategy that seeks to decouple company growth from our impact on the environment. Making Sustainable Investing Our Standard Over the past few years, more and more of our clients have focused on the impact of sustainability on their portfolios. Because sustainable investment options have the potential to offer clients better outcomes, we are making sustainability integral to the way BlackRock manages risk, constructs portfolios, designs products, and engages with companies. We are deepening the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into risk management and active investment processes across BlackRock. We are putting ESG analysis at the center of our technology platform by integrating measurement tools that deepen our understanding of material ESG risks into Aladdin. Making a Positive Social Impact In February 2020, BlackRock made a charitable contribution of 15.6 million shares of PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. with a market value of $589 million to fund the firms social impact efforts to advance a more inclusive and sustainable economy. BlackRocks Social Impact team identifies, funds and partners with high-potential organizations to test and build evidence for innovative solutions with potential long-term impact, strong leadership and measurable outcomes. The team also supports and empowers BlackRocks employees to give back to their communities. Responsible Stewards of Our Clients Assets Investment stewardship is an essential component of our fiduciary responsibility. BlackRocks Investment Stewardship team engages with companies to understand how they are managing and disclosing sustainability-related risks. The Investment Stewardship team uses its voice as an investor to encourage companies to adopt business practices consistent with delivering sustainable long-term financial returns. The team performs independent research and analysis, carefully arriving at proxy vote decisions that are consistent with its voting guidelines and that it believes are in the best long-term economic interest of our clients. The team is increasing transparency in its stewardship practices and intensifying engagement with companies on sustainability-related matters. The first phase of work has focused on tackling financial insecurity. In 2019, BlackRock committed $50 million to launch a new Emergency Savings Initiative to build, test and pilot custom short-term savings tools and strategies for people living on low incomes. We are committed to cultivating diversity in all forms as well as building a strong culture one in which inclusion and belonging are paramount. we believe that sustainability-integrated portfolios can provide better risk-adjusted returns to investor holding boards accountable where the team believes there are shortfalls.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    35



Corporate Governance    |    Sustainability at BlackRock

Recent Milestones

BlackRock is committed to providing transparency on meaningful sustainability-related information to stakeholders. We made significant progress in 2019 and we are working to further enhance our corporate sustainability strategy and disclosure in the years ahead.

LOGO

  Centralized function for corporate sustainability disclosure and accelerated corporate sustainability strategy.

  Evolved grass roots employee-driven Green Teams into an official BlackRock Employee Network. The Green Team Network’s mission is to provide a forum for colleagues to connect around their shared passion for improving BlackRock’s sustainability as a firm, to create and lead sustainability initiatives within our offices and to steward conservation efforts within the communities in which we operate.

  Launched Emergency Savings Initiative, a $50 million philanthropic commitment to help people living on low-to moderate-incomes gain access to and increase usage of savings strategies and tools to help them establish an important safety net.

  BlackRock actively participated in the Vatican’s second dialogue on “The Energy Transition & Care for Our Common Home,” where we signed two statements calling for improved climate risk disclosure and underscoring the need for an effective carbon pricing regime.

  Launched The BlackRock Foundation and a philanthropic commitment of $589 million to promote an inclusive and sustainable economy.

  JoinedClimate Action 100+, an investor-led initiative to encourage the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters to take necessary action on climate change.

  Published firstSASB-aligned disclosure, which includes information regarding our workforce diversity, risk management and incorporation of ESG factors in our investment management processes.

  Published disclosure around thecarbon footprint of our operations.

  Announced acceleration of sustainable investing efforts, makingsustainability our new standard for investing.

BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management

As a human capital-intensive business, our long-term sustainability depends on our people. And as BlackRock grows, the importance of our talent strategy has only intensified. For those reasons, we are committed to taking a differentiated approach to talent and culture.

Culture, Inclusion and Diversity

At BlackRock, we are committed to cultivating and advancing diversity in all forms as well as building a strong culture – one in which inclusion and belonging are paramount, where all BlackRock citizens strive to be open and inclusive leaders and teammates. Our culture is what unifies our employees across our diverse business model, ensures we are best positioned to serve our diverse clients globally and propels BlackRock’s continuous evolution. Our culture is rooted in our guiding principles, which you can read more about on our website atwww.blackrock.com.

Talent Vision and Strategy

Our people and culture are critical to BlackRock’s long-term success. As such, our talent vision and strategy focus on:

Enabling high-performing teams that generate career opportunities for our people, create future leaders of the firm and thought leaders in the industry.

Creating an environment of inclusion, belonging and diversity, where we work with purpose and everyone feels seen, heard and known.

Promoting emotional ownership and entrepreneurship throughout BlackRock.

36BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Corporate Governance    |    BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management

Our talent vision and strategy must be implemented in the context of an evolving BlackRock business – we continue to be one of the world’s largest and most diversified asset managers in a rapidly evolving industry. In order to reflect the ongoing transformation in our industry, we are focused on:

Reinforcing our culture and diversity as a source of competitive advantage.

Delivering a consistent, fair and high-quality experience for our people.

Designing an organizational model that supports a diversified asset management and growing technology business.

Developing a scalable technology platform to effectively manage our human capital operations and processes.

Talent Development

We believe a critical driver of our firm’s future growth is our ability to grow leaders. We are committed to identifying and developing talent to help those employees accelerate their growth and achieve their career goals.

Employee Career Development

We provide developmental opportunities for our employees through a robust set of formal and informal programs.

BlackRock Academiesfocus on enabling employees to build skills and thought leadership in specific facets of our business.

 These educational experiences and resources include topics such as client relationships, technology, investments, compliance, leadership and management, and professional development.

Knowing BlackRock Coreis a set of resources and immersive experiences built around a series of Harvard Business School case studies about the Company.

 Resources and experiences that are designed to help employees explore our history and engage in shaping our future.

Leadership programs,such as the Women’s Leadership Forum, Enterprise Leadership Acceleration at BlackRock, and Leadership Excellence and Development,make a differentiated investment in our high potential, strong performing employees as we strive to deepen, enhance and diversify our leadership bench.

 These programs are intense, year-long experiences that include structured learning, assessments, external coaching, sponsorship andhands-on work, and provide a blend of full cohort, small group and individually tailored development.

Employee Feedback

We value continuous dialogue with our employees about their experiences. We have several employee feedback mechanisms including:

Our annual Employee Opinion Survey, which has a more than 90% participation rate annually and provides us with actionable feedback for each team and for BlackRock as a whole; and

Our annual People Manager assessment, which provides managers with upward feedback on how they are progressing against their expectations as managers.

2019 Employee Opinion Survey highlights

89%  are proud to work at BlackRock

88%  believe we are living our mission of creating a better financial future for our clients

Each year, we directly address employee feedback received through these mechanisms. We believe the high participation rates reflect conviction among employees that their responses will lead to action by management.

Employee Networks

We provide additional forums and opportunities for employees with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to connect with one another and shape our culture through our Employee Networks. These networks are sponsored by senior leaders and are designed by employees, for employees.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    37



Corporate Governance    |    BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management

In 2020, we launched the Green Team Network. Its mission is to provide a forum for colleagues to connect around their shared passion for improving BlackRock’s sustainability as a firm, to create and lead sustainability initiatives within our offices and to steward conservation efforts within the communities in which we operate. Climate change is not just important to driving investment outcomes; it is something about which BlackRock employees are personally passionate.

LOGO

Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are critical to informing and improving our recruiting and development practices as we seek to continually create a more inclusive and diverse workforce. We track and monitor voluntarily disclosed diversity data to review hiring, promotion and attrition at the firm, regional and functional levels. We also review performance data and promotion and compensation information to ensure fair and objective decision-making. During the firm’s Quarterly Business Reviews of each business unit, senior management engages in focused conversations with each business about their plans and progress with respect to diversity and inclusion.

We deliberately align employee incentives with the risk and performance frameworks of the firm. BlackRock’spay-for-performance philosophy connects individual, business and company results to employee compensation, providing employees with opportunities to share in the firm’s growth and success.

Board Oversight of Human Capital Management

Our Board plays a critical role in the oversight of talent and culture at BlackRock and devotes one full meeting annually to anin-depth review of BlackRock’s culture, talent development, retention and recruiting initiatives, inclusion and diversity strategy, leadership and succession planning and employee feedback. Employee feedback and metrics on talent and diversity initiatives are shared with and reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. Moreover, senior leaders are held accountable for progress on diversity through bonus pool allocations and individual compensation decisions.

The Board and Compensation Committee routinely engage with senior leadership on talent and culture. The Compensation Committee oversees our GEC’s compensation and bonus pools, which are determined, in part, by how members of the GEC deliver against annual organizational strength objectives. For a discussion on how organizational strength objectives, such as attracting and inspiring talent and developing a more diverse and inclusive culture, are factored into performance assessments of BlackRock’s NEOs, see “2019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” beginning on page 69.

38BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Corporate Governance    |    Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Director Independence

The Board determines annually the independence of directors in accordance with NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules. No director is considered independent unless the Board has determined that he or she has no material relationship with BlackRock. The Board has adopted categorical standards to help determine whether certain relationships between the members of the Board and BlackRock or its affiliates and subsidiaries (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with BlackRock) are material relationships for purposes of NYSE listing standards. The categorical standards provide that the following relationships are not material for such purposes:

Relationships arising in the ordinary course of business, such as asset management, acting as trustee, lending, deposit, banking or other financial service relationships or other relationships involving the provision of products or services, so long as the products and services are being provided in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and conditions, including price, as would be available to similarly situated customers;

Relationships with companies of which a director is a shareholder or partnerships of which a director is a partner, provided the director is not a principal shareholder of the company or a principal partner of the partnership;

Contributions made or pledged to charitable organizations of which a director or an immediate family member of the director is an executive officer, director or trustee if (i) within the preceding three years, the aggregate amount of such contributions during any single fiscal year of the charitable organization did not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of the charitable organization’s consolidated gross revenues for that fiscal year, and (ii) the charitable organization is not a family foundation created by the director or an immediate family member of the director; and

Relationships involving a director’s relative unless the relative is an immediate family member of the director.

As part of its determination, the Board also considered the relationships described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.” Following its review, the Board has determined that Mses. Daley, Einhorn, Johnson, Mills and Wagner and Messrs. Alsaad, Cabiallavetta, Ford, Freda, Gerber, Nixon, Robbins, Seidenberg, Slim and Wilson are “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and that none of the relationships between these directors and BlackRock are material under the NYSE listing standards. The Board had also previously determined that Sir Deryck Maughan, who was a director for all of 2018 and is not standing forre-election, was “independent.” Following the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, assuming all of the nominated directors are elected, BlackRock’s Board is expected to consist of 18 directors, 15 of whom, representing approximately 83% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.

Management Succession Planning

Our Board plays an integral oversight role in talent development and recognizes the importance of succession planning for the CEO and other key executives at BlackRock. The Board, in consultation with the Compensation Committee, dedicates at least one full meeting per year to talent development review to ensure BlackRock has the right people in place to execute our long-term strategic plans and appropriate succession for key individuals. The Board also works with the Compensation Committee to consider potential successors to the CEO in the event of an emergency or the CEO’s retirement. Our CEO recommends and evaluates potential successors for BlackRock’s top

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    33


Corporate Governance    |    Corporate Governance Practices and PoliciesDURING THESE REVIEWS, THE BOARD DISCUSSES:

 

Our succession process and pipeline, including diversity, inclusion and Company culture goals for building future senior leaders;

Potential successors to the CEO in the event of an emergency or the CEO’s retirement; and

CEO recommendations and evaluations of potential successors for BlackRock’s top executives, along with a review of any development plans for these individuals.

Retaining Key Leaders. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we granted long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. We do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation. For more information about these awards, see“Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 62.

BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management65.

BlackRock’s purpose to help our clients build better financial futures is fulfilled by our people. This is what informs our differentiated approach to talent and culture.

Each year, we set corporate objectives specifically related to talent and culture. We achieve these objectives through our commitment to fostering a unifying culture and encouraging innovation, ensuring that we are developing, retaining and recruiting the best talent, and incorporating inclusion and diversity into all levels of our organization.

Our Board plays a critical role in the oversight of talent and culture at BlackRock and devotes one full meeting annually to an in-depth review of the Company’s culture, talent development, retention and recruiting initiatives, inclusion and diversity strategy, leadership and succession planning, and employee feedback.

BlackRock’s talent initiatives are executed by our Human Capital Committee, which is comprised of fifty senior leaders who help design, drive, and sponsor everything we do around talent and culture in partnership with Human Resources.

Culture

As BlackRock transformed from an organization of 8 founders to more than 14,900 employees, a focus on autonomy and inclusion has helped foster a culture of emotional ownership and innovation among BlackRock employees around the world. Our culture is what unifies our employees across our diverse business model, ensures we are best positioned to serve our diverse clients globally and propels BlackRock’s continuous evolution. Our culture is rooted in four guiding principles, which you can read about on the back cover of this Proxy Statement.

Talent Development

It is the capabilities of our employees and our leaders that enable us to deliver for our clients, and we are focused on career development and total rewards programs that meet our employees’ needs. As we continue to grow, and our clients’ challenges become more complex, this focus becomes even more important.

We provide developmental opportunities for our employees through a robust set of formal and informal programs.The BlackRock Academies, for example, focus on enabling employees to build skills and thought leadership in specific facets of our business including client relationships, technology, investments, leadership and management and professional development.Knowing BlackRock Core is a set of resources and immersive experiences built around a series of Harvard Business School case studies about the Company that is designed to help employees explore our history and engage in shaping our future. Ourleadership programs make a differentiated investment in our high potential, strong performing employees as we strive to deepen, enhance and diversify our leadership bench. These programs are intense, year-long experiences that include structured learning, assessments, external coaching, sponsorship, and hands-on work and provide a blend of full cohort, small group and individually tailored development.

We deliberately align employee incentives with the risk and performance frameworks of the firm. BlackRock’s Pay for Performance philosophy connects individual, business and company results to employee compensation, providing employees with opportunities to share in the firm’s growth and success. We offer employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package that meets the varying needs of our talent across the firm, including health and wellness, financial, educational and life management benefits. Also, we support employees in making an impact in their local communities and globally through environmental and social efforts that are meaningful to them.

Inclusion & Diversity

BlackRock is committed to cultivating and advancing diversity in all forms because we believe a wide range of perspectives is crucial to creating a richer culture for our employees and better results for our diversified global client base. We hold our businesses accountable for progress in inclusion and diversity. During our Quarterly Business Reviews, we have focused conversations with each business about its plans and progress and we report our progress against our inclusion and diversity initiatives regularly to our Board.

34BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


Corporate Governance    |    Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Employee Feedback

We value continuous dialogue with our employees about their experiences. We have several employee feedback mechanisms including our annual Employee Opinion Survey which has a more than 90% participation rate annually and provides us with actionable feedback for each team and for BlackRock as a whole, an annual People Manager Insights Survey which provides managers with upward feedback on how they are progressing against their expectations as managers and theBlackRock Jam, a 3-day online conversation with employees around the world. Our employees describe our culture in a way that aligns with our principles and we believe the high participation in the mechanisms reflects their belief that their responses will lead to action by management. We continue to build training programs and tools to help managers better understand metrics on talent and culture and create more diverse and inclusive teams. Our businesses use these metrics to make the day-to-day decisions that drive our talent and culture initiatives across the organization.

Accountability

Employee feedback and metrics on talent and diversity initiatives are shared with and reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. Moreover, senior leaders are held accountable for progress on diversity through bonus pool allocations and individual compensation decisions.

The Board and Compensation Committee routinely engage with senior leadership on talent and culture. Talent and culture is included in the Organizational Strength component of our NEO (and broader senior leadership) compensation. For more information on organizational strength, see “2018 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” beginning on page 66. Talent and culture are integral to BlackRock’s success and its mission to generate long-term shareholder value. As such, BlackRock is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, and our Board works with management to provide oversight on culture, succession planning, employee development, recruiting and diversity and inclusion.

BlackRock Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies

As part of our responsibilities to our shareholders and clients, BlackRock advocates for public policies that we believe are in our shareholders’ and clients’ long-term best interests. We support the creation of regulatory regimes that increase financial market transparency, protect investors and facilitate responsible growth of capital markets, while preserving consumer choice and properly balancing benefits versus implementation costs. BlackRock comments on public policy topics through, among other things, our published ViewPoints, which examine public policy issues and assess their implications for investors, and through comment letters and consultation responses that we submit to policy makers. We believe in the value of open dialogue and transparency on these important issues; our position papers and letters are available on the “Insights – Public Policy” section of our website.

Governance of Public Policy Engagement

BlackRock believes that responsible corporate citizenship requires active engagement in legislative and regulatory processes. Our engagement with policy makers and advocacy on public policy issues is coordinated by our Global Public Policy Group. Members of the Global Public Policy Group work closely with BlackRock’s business and legal teams to identify legislative and regulatory priorities, both regionally and globally, that will protect investors, increase shareholder value and facilitate responsible economic growth.

The head of the Global Public Policy Group is a member of BlackRock’s Global Executive and Operating Committees and regularly briefs these committees on our public policy priorities and related advocacy efforts. BlackRock’s Chief Legal Officer and the head of the Global Public Policy Group regularly brief both the Board’s Risk and Governance Committees to keep directors apprised of, and engaged in, BlackRock’s legislative and regulatory priorities and advocacy initiatives. The Global Public Policy Group and executive leadership regularly meet with and exchange views on legislation and regulatory priorities with public officials and policy makers, regionally and globally, and provide such individuals with educational materials to help inform their decisions.

Trade Associations

As part of BlackRock’s engagement in the public policy process, BlackRock participates in a number of trade organizations and industry groups. The principal trade associations that we belongadvocate for and shape public policy positions that are important to are the Investment Company Institute, the Asset Management Group of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the European Fund and Asset Management Associationasset management industry and the Investment Association.global business community. Trade associations also provide educational, training and professional networking opportunities for their members. BlackRock makes paymentsparticipates in these associations for such opportunities and to help build consensus on issues that we believe will serve investors, increase shareholder value and facilitate responsible economic growth. Our membership and participation in these organizations including membership fees and/or dues. However, BlackRock doesis not controlan endorsement of all the activities and positions of these entities and may not always be aware of the entities’ activities. We recognize that these organizations and groups represent numerous other companies andorganizations. Accordingly, there may be instances where their positions on certain issues diverge from those of BlackRock.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    39



Corporate Governance    |    Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

As an asset manager, BlackRock focuses on issues that impact the asset management industry and the clients for whom we act as agent in managing assets. In general, BlackRock’s efforts are focused at the national or regional level, rather than at a state-specific level.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    35


Corporate Governance    |    Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Political Participation

Our ability to engage policy makers and participate in the public policy arena is subject to extensive laws and regulations at the international, federal, state and local levels. Under United States federal law, BlackRock may not contribute corporate funds or makein-kind contributions to candidates for federal office or to national party committees. In addition to federal limits on corporate political action, our political contributions at the state and local level in the United States are governed by Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board RuleG-37, SEC Rule206(4)-5 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and CFTC Rule 23.451, as well as applicable state and local law. Accordingly, BlackRock does not contribute corporate funds to candidates, political party committees, political action committees or any political organization exempt from federal income taxes under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. Although permitted under federal law, BlackRock has voluntarily elected not to spend corporate funds directly on independent expenditures, including electioneering communications, and does not currently engage in “grassroots lobbying” or support or oppose ballot initiatives. Information about BlackRock’s lobbying activities, including contributions required to be disclosed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, is publicly available athttps: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/lobbying.

BlackRock maintains a federal political action committee (“PAC”)PAC that is funded in accordance with applicable federal law on a voluntary basis by U.S.-based employees of the Company. The PAC makes contributions at the federal level on abi-partisan basis consistent with the Company’s contribution policies and public policy goals and without regard to the private political preferences of management. As required by law, all political contributions by the PAC are reported to the Federal Election Commission and are publicly disclosed atwww.fec.gov. www.fec.gov.

BlackRock maintains compliance processes designed to ensure that its activities are conducted in accordance with this policyour Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies and all relevant laws governing political contributions in the United States. All employees are required to annually review and acknowledge their compliance responsibilities regarding political contributions and must submit all of their proposed personal political contributions to our Legal and Compliance Department to determine if such contributions are consistent with applicable legal restrictions.

Shareholder Engagement and Outreach

Our Shareholder Engagement Process

We conduct shareholder outreach throughout the year to engage with shareholders on issues that are important to them. We report back to our Board on this engagement as well as specific issues that need to be addressed.

LOGO

ENGAGEMENT Executive management, Investor Relations and the Corporate Secretary engage on a regular basis with shareholders to solicit feedback on a variety of corporate governance matters, including but not limited to executive compensation, corporate governance policies and corporate sustainability practices. Our directors have also engaged directly with shareholders during the last two years. COMMUNICATION BlackRock also routinely interacts and communicates with shareholders through a number of other forums, including quarterly earnings presentations, SEC filings, the Annual Report and Proxy Statement, the annual shareholder meeting, investor meetings and conferences and web communications. FEEDBACK We share our shareholder feedback and trends and developments about corporate governance matters with our Board and its Committees as we seek to enhance our governance and sustainability practices and improve our disclosures. Additionally, 4 of our independent directors attended our 2018 Investor Day presentation.+ +

Also see “Compensation Discussion and Analysisbeginning on page 5356 for a discussion of our compensation related shareholder engagement initiatives and our historicalsay-on-pay vote results.

40BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Corporate Governance    |    Communications with the Board

Communications with the Board

Shareholders and other interested parties may contact any member (or all members) of the Board, any Committee or any Chair of any such Committee by mail or electronically.

Correspondence may be sent by:

 

 

LOGOLOGO   

 

 

 

Mail:

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Attn: Board of Directors

c/o Corporate Secretary

40 East 52nd Street

New York, New York 10022

 

 

         

 

 

LOGOLOGO   

 

 

Online:

 

Go to the BlackRock website atwww.blackrock.com. Under the headings“Our Company and Sites / About BlackRock / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Governance Overview / Contact Our Board of Directors”Directors, you will find a link that may be used for writing an electronic message to the Board, the Lead Independent Director, any individual director or any group or committee of directors.

  

36BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


Corporate Governance    |    Communications with the Board

BlackRock’s Corporate Communications, Investor Relations and Legal and Compliance Departments will review all communications received to determine whether the contents represent a message or matter for our directors’ review. Requests for a meeting with any member of the Board will also be reviewed accordingly and, if appropriate, arranged by Investor Relations and the Corporate Secretary. Concerns relating to accounting, internal controls or auditing matters are brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and handled in accordance with procedures established for reporting certain matters to the Audit Committee.

Shareholders are encouraged to visit the “Our Firm / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Governance Overview” page of the BlackRock website atwww.blackrock.comhttp://ir.blackrock.com to see the Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers and additional information about BlackRock’s Board and its Committees and corporate governance policies.

The charters for each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance Committee, the Risk Committee and the Executive Committee can be found at the same website address. In addition, BlackRock intends to satisfy any disclosure requirements regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on its corporate website.

BlackRock will provide a copy of these documents without charge to each shareholder upon written request. Requests for copies should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary, BlackRock, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022.

20182019 Director Compensation

Directors receive compensation, including retainers and reimbursements of expenses, for their service and dedication to our Company. We recognize the substantial time and effort required to serve as a director of a large global investment firm. The goal of our director compensation program is to help attract, motivate and retain directors capable of making significant contributions to the long-term success of our Company. In order to align the interest of our directors with the interests of our shareholders, our independent directors are required to own a minimum target number of shares, having a value equivalent to $375,000 (over four times the annual board retainer) within five years of being elected to the Board.as described below.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing director compensation periodically and making recommendations to the Board. The Compensation Committee also reviews the director compensation practices of peer corporations. For more information on these peer groups, please refer to“Role of the Compensation Consultant” on page 64.67.

How Our Director Compensation Program Aligns with Long-Term Shareholder Interests

 

 

FOCUS ON EQUITY COMPENSATION

 

  

 

STOCK/EQUITY OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENT

 

The largest portion of independent director compensation is the annual equity grant, payable in deferred stock units.

 

 

 

All independent directors are required to own shares valued at a minimum of $375,000 (over four times the annual board retainer) within five years of being elected to the Board. All directors have met or are on track to meet this requirement.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    41



Corporate Governance    |    2019 Director Compensation – Changes for 2018

The

In 2018, the Compensation Committee engaged its independent compensation consulting firm, Semler Brossy, to conduct a competitive market study of itsour director compensation program for 2018.program. Based on the study’s findings, and in light of increasing demands and engagement from our Board, the Compensation Committee determined that it was appropriate to simplify and modify itsour director compensation program effective as of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The compensation program changes included:

IncreasingCompensation Committee determined that the Annual Retainer to $85,000, while no longer requiring a portion be receivedmodifications made in common stock;

Increasing the Annual Equity Grant of deferred stock units to $240,000 (beginning with the 2019 Annual Equity Grant);

Increasing the annual fee for service as Lead Independent Director to $100,000;

Eliminating fees paid for attendance at Board and Committee meetings; and

Adjusting the payments awarded for Committee service. The Committee Annual Retainers for 2018 were approved as follows:

$40,000 for the Chair and $25,000 for the members of the Audit Committee; and

$30,000 for the Chairs and $15,000 for the members of Compensation, Governance and Risk Committees.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    37


Corporate Governance    |    2018 Director Compensation

The modifications to total director compensation preserve our program’s emphasis on deferred equity compensation, which aligns the interests of our directors with the performance of the firm in addition to promoting long-term shareholder interests.interests, and that no changes to our director compensation program were necessary for 2019.

20182019 Elements of Director Compensation

For services provided in 2018 prior to the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,2019, each independent director received an Annual Retainer paid quarterly in arrears at an annualized rate of $75,000, as well as Committee Annual Retainers paid quarterly in arrears at the following annualized rates: $30,000 for Chair, and $15,000 for members, of the Audit Committee; $20,000 for Chair, and $10,000 for members, of the Compensation Committee; and $15,000 for Chairs, and $5,000 for members, of the Governance and Risk Committees. Our Lead Independent Director received an additional Annual Retainer paid quarterly in arrears at an annualized rate of $40,000. Each independent director also received Board and Committee Meeting Fees of $1,500 and $1,000 respectively, paid quarterly in arrears. At least one-third ($25,000 at the annualized rate) of the Annual Retainer for services provided through the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was required to be paid in the form of BlackRock common stock. In addition, each independent director had the right to elect to receive BlackRock common stock valued at an equivalent fair market value in lieu of all or a portion of his or her Annual Retainer and Committee Annual Retainers in excess of such amount.

For services provided in 2018 on and after the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholder, each independent director received an Annual Retainerannual retainer paid quarterly in arrears at an annualized rate of $85,000, as well as Committee Annual Retainersannual retainers paid quarterly in arrears at the following annualized rates: $40,000 for Chair, and $25,000 for members of, the Audit Committee; and $30,000 for Chairs, and $15,000 for members of, the Compensation, Governance and Risk Committees. Our Lead Independent directorDirector received an additional Annual Retainerannual retainer paid quarterly in arrears at an annualized rate of $100,000. In addition, each independent Directordirector had the right to elect to receive BlackRock common stock valued at an equivalent fair market value in lieu of all or a portion of his or her Annual Retainerannual retainer and Committee Annual Retainers.annual retainers.

In addition, each independent director received an annual equity grant, awarded in deferred stock units valued at $175,000 were$240,000 and granted on the last business day of the first quarter of 2018. Beginning with the 2019 Annual Equity Grant, the deferred stock units will be valued at $240,000.2019. These deferred stock units are fully vested on the date of grant and are generally settled in shares of BlackRock common stock on the earlier of the third anniversary of the date of grant and the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board. Directors also have a right to elect, no later than December of the prior calendar year, to receive their annual retainers or annual equity grant in the form of deferred stock units that are fully vested on the date of grant, and areto elect for such deferred stock units, as well as deferred stock units granted as part of the annual equity grant, to be settled in shares of BlackRock common stock in a lump sum on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board or in five equal installments beginning on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board and continuing on each of the next four anniversaries of such date. Dividend equivalents accrue with respect to deferred stock units and are paid in the form of cash on the settlement date.

The following table shows the elements of director compensation provided by BlackRock for services on and after the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.in 2019.

 

    

Director Compensation Element1

  

Payment or Value of Equity

 

    

Director Compensation Element

  

Payment or Value of Equity

 

    

Board Service(2)(1)

     

 

Board Service Annual Payments

Cash/Equity

 

LOGO

 

     

 

Board Service Annual Payments

Cash/Equity

 

LOGO

 

Annual Retainer(3)(2)

   $  85,000     $  85,000  

Annual Equity Grant(4)(3)

   td40,000   deferred stock units    td40,000   deferred stock units 
      

Lead Independent Director

  

 

 

 

td00,000

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

td00,000

 

 

 

 

 
      

Committee Service(2)

      

Committee Annual Retainers

        Chair           Member         Chair           Member 

Audit Committee

   $  40,000           $     25,000    $  40,000           $     25,000 

Compensation Committee

   $  30,000           $     15,000    $  30,000           $     15,000 

Governance Committee

   $  30,000           $     15,000    $  30,000           $     15,000 

Risk Committee

   $  30,000           $     15,000    $  30,000           $     15,000 
            

 

(1)

Director Compensation elements reflect the changes to the compensation program effective as of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, provided that the requirement to receive one-third ($25,000 at the annual rate) of the annual retainer in stock continued through the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

(2)

Directors have the right to elect to receive their annual retainers in the form of BlackRock common stock. Directors also have a right to elect, no later than December of the prior calendar year, to receive their annual retainers or annual equity grant in the form of deferred stock units that are fully vested on the date of grant, and areto elect for such deferred stock units, as well as deferred stock units granted as part of the annual equity grant, to be settled in shares of BlackRock common stock in a lump sum on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board or in five equal installments beginning on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board and continuing on each of the next four anniversaries of such date.

 

(3)(2)

Retainers are paid in January, April, July and October, based on service during the prior quarter. New Board members rotating through the standing Committees receive one general Committee retainer. From time to time, the Company also makes available, as an accommodation to all of its directors upon request, basic office space at its existing locations and administrative support, as needed.

 

38BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


Corporate Governance    |    2018 Director Compensation

(4)(3)

Annual award granted on the last business day of the first quarter of each year to all directors serving on that date and delivered on the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the date of grant and (ii) the date sucha director ceases to be a member of the Board. The 20182019 award was valued at $175,000, as it$240,000 and was granted prior to the changes effective as of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Beginning with the award granted on the last business day of the first quarter in 2019, the annual equity grant will be valued at $240,000.2019.

422018BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Corporate Governance    |    2019 Director Compensation

2019 Total Director Compensation

Directors in 20182019 who were also employees of BlackRock or designees of PNCPNC’s designee are not listed in the table below table because they did not receive compensation for serving as directors or Committee members. In 2018,2019, directors who were not employees of BlackRock or PNC each received the amounts set forth in the below table and were also reimbursed for reasonable travel and related expenses. Each director who received compensation had the right to elect to receive BlackRock common stock valued at an equivalent fair market value in lieu of all or a portion of his or her annual retainer.retainers. In addition, each director who received compensation had the right to elect to receive their annual retainer or annual equity grantretainers in the form of deferred stock units, that settleand to elect for such deferred stock units, as well as deferred stock units granted as part of the annual equity grant, to be settled in shares of BlackRock common stock in a lump sum on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board or in five equal installments beginning on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board and continuing on each of the next four anniversaries of such date.

20182019 Total Director Compensation Table

 

  

Name

  

 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
(1)

   

Stock Awards
($)
(2)(3)

   

Total

($)

   

 

Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
(1)

 

   

Stock Awards
($)
(2)

 

   

Total

($)

 

 

Abdlatif Y. Al-Hamad(4)

  

 

29,325

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

216,747

 

Bader M. Alsaad(3)

  

 

70,607

 

  

 

0

 

  

 

70,607

 

                  

Mathis Cabiallavetta

  

 

120,174

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

307,596

 

  

 

124,223

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

363,978

 

                  

Pamela Daley

  

 

129,556

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

316,978

 

  

 

138,791

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

378,546

 

                  

Jessica P. Einhorn

  

 

105,021

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

292,443

 

  

 

115,361

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

355,116

 

                  

William E. Ford(5)

  

 

90,092

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

277,514

 

  

 

124,534

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

364,289

 

                  

Fabrizio Freda

  

 

86,676

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

274,098

 

  

 

99,249

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

339,004

 

                  

Murry S. Gerber

  

 

195,133

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

382,555

 

  

 

225,000

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

464,755

 

                  

James Grosfeld(4)

  

 

33,859

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

221,281

 

Margaret L. Johnson

  

 

124,223

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

363,978

 

                  

Margaret Johnson(5)

  

 

93,863

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

281,285

 

         

Deryck Maughan

  

 

130,916

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

318,338

 

Sir Deryck Maughan(4)

  

 

70,223

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

309,978

 

                  

Cheryl D. Mills

  

 

105,624

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

293,046

 

  

 

114,436

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

354,191

 

                  

Gordon M. Nixon

  

 

125,034

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

312,456

 

  

 

129,121

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

368,876

 

                  

Charles H. Robbins

  

 

87,175

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

274,597

 

  

 

99,249

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

339,004

 

                  

Ivan G. Seidenberg

  

 

133,274

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

320,696

 

  

 

129,121

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

368,876

 

                  

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

  

 

118,278

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

305,700

 

  

 

123,936

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

363,691

 

                  

Susan L. Wagner

  

 

94,483

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

281,905

 

  

 

136,893

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

376,648

 

                  

Mark Wilson(5)

  

 

81,287

 

  

 

187,422

 

  

 

268,709

 

Mark Wilson

  

 

98,833

 

  

 

239,755

 

  

 

338,588

 

                  

 

(1)

Includes fees paid in cash and shares of common stock granted on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively, based on closing market prices on such dates of $541.72, $499.04, $471.33$427.37, $469.30, $445.64 and $392.82,$502.70, respectively, awarded at the election of the director in lieu of all or a portion of his or her board annual retainer.retainers. Each of the following directors elected to receive common stock in lieu of the following amounts: Mr. Al-HamadAlsaad$29,325;$23,104; Mr. Cabiallavetta – $31,967;$40,885; Ms. Daley – $129,556;$138,791; Ms. Einhorn – $19,353;$0; Mr. Ford – $90,092;$124,534; Mr. Freda – $86,676;$99,249; Mr. GrosfeldGerber$33,859;$0; Ms. Johnson – $20,975; Mr. Maughan$40,885; Sir Deryck$130,916;$0; Ms. Mills – $114,436; Mr. Nixon – $125,034;$129,121; Mr. Robbins – $87,175;$99,249; Mr. Seidenberg – $133,274;$129,121; Mr. Slim – $118,278;$82,273; Ms. Wagner – $19,353;$45,222; and Mr. Wilson – $16,733.$32,163.

 

(2)

Includes the annual grants to eachnon-employee director of 323561 deferred stock units of BlackRock with a grant date fair value of $175,000$240,000 pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see Note 1418 to the consolidated financial statements in our 20182019 Form10-K. As of December 31, 2018,2019, eachnon-employee director held the following outstanding deferred stock units: 1,4431,876 deferred stock units for Ms. Daley; 1,865 deferred stock units for Mr. Seidenberg; 1,4311,637 deferred stock units for Ms. Daley; 1,359Mr. Nixon; 1,536 deferred stock units for Mr. Slim; 1,3331,365 deferred stock units for Mr. Nixon; 1,244 deferred stock units for Mr. Gerber;1,219 1,340 deferred stock units for each of Messrs. Cabiallavetta, Freda Maughan, Ms.and Mses. Einhorn, Ms. Mills and Ms. Wagner; 4661,316 deferred stock units for Mr. Ford; 344957 deferred stock units for Mr. Wilson; and 323953 deferred stock units for Ms. Johnson and 884 deferred stock units for Mr. Robbins. Messrs. Al-Hamad and GrosfeldMr. Alsaad did not have any deferred stock units outstanding as theirhe joined the Board on May 23, 2019. Sir Deryck did not have any deferred stock units outstanding as his units were settled upon retirement from the Board.Board on May 23, 2019.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    39


Corporate Governance    |    2018 Director Compensation

 

(3)

Prior toMr. Alsaad joined the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, all directors were required to receive $25,000 of their annual retainer in the form of common stock. This includes the fees granted in shares of common stock on March 31 and June 30, 2018 based on closing market prices on such dates of $541.72 and $499.04, respectively, awarded in respect of the requirement. The entire expense for these awards was recorded on the date of grant. For retainers paid on and after the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. there is no requirement for a portion to be delivered in common stock.Board effective May 23, 2019.

 

(4)

Messrs. Al-Hamad and GrosfeldSir Deryck retired from the Board effective May 23, 2018.2019.

 

(5)

Messrs. Ford and Wilson and Ms. Johnson joined the Board effective March 15, 2018.

40BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT43



 

Corporate Governance    |    Other Executive Officers

 

Other Executive Officers

In addition to Messrs. Fink and Kapito, whose biographical information is included on pages 1516 and 18,19, respectively, the following is a list of individuals serving as executive officers of BlackRock as of the date of this Proxy Statement, each of whom also serves on BlackRock’s GEC. All of BlackRock’s executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board and CEO.

 

 

Geraldine Buckingham

age 4142

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Head of Asia Pacific since February 2019. In this role, Ms. Buckingham is responsible for all business activities in the region, which includes Greater China, Japan, Australia, Singapore, India and Korea. From 2014 to 2019, Ms. Buckingham served as Global Head of Corporate Strategy. In this role, Ms. Buckingham was responsible for helping BlackRock develop and implement long-term goals, and respond to the competitive financial services landscape. Prior to joining BlackRock in 2014, Ms. Buckingham was a partner with McKinsey & Company’s financial services practice based in New York.

    

 

Robert L. Goldstein

age 4546

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Chief Operating Officer since 2014 and has been the Head ofBlackRock Solutions,, which leverages the Company’s unique risk analytics capabilities and capital markets insights to deliver unbiased advice and expertise to other institutions, since 2009. Mr. GoldsteinHe led BlackRock’s Institutional Client Business from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Goldstein has spent his entire career at BlackRock, beginning in 1994 as an analyst in the Company’s Portfolio Analytics Group.

    

 

J. Richard Kushel

age 5253

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Global Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Global Fixed Income since 2018. Mr. Kushel was the Head of Multi-Asset Strategies from 2016 to 2018, the Chief Product Officer and Head of Strategic Product Management from 2014 to 2016, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock from 2012 to 2014, the Head of the Portfolio Management Group of BlackRock from 2010 to 2012 and the Chairman of BlackRock’s International platform from 2009 to 2010. Mr. Kushel has been with BlackRock since 1991.

    

 

Rachel Lord

age 5354

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Head of EMEA since 2017. Ms. Lord also chairs the EMEA Executive Committee and is the Global Executive Sponsor of the Women’s Initiative Network. From 2013 to 2017, she was EMEA Head ofiShares and Head of Global Clients, ETF and Index Investments. Ms. Lord joined BlackRock in November 2013 from Citigroup where she was the Global Head of Corporate Equity Derivatives.

    

 

Mark S. McCombe

age 5354

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Head of AmericasChief Client Officer since 2017.2019. Previously, he served as Head of Americas from 2017 to 2019, Global Head and Chairman of BlackRock Alternative Investors. Mr. McCombe served as theInvestors from 2015 to 2017, Global Head of BlackRock’s Institutional Client Business from 2014 to 2016 and as the Chairman of BlackRock Alternative Investors from 2014 to 2017. He was the ChairmanHead of BlackRock’s Asia Pacific region from 2012 to 2014. Before joining BlackRock, Mr. McCombe served as Chief Executive Officer in Hong Kong for HSBC from 2010 to 2012.

    

 

Christopher J. Meade

age 5051

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Chief Legal Officer of BlackRock since 2016 and General Counsel since 2015. Before joining BlackRock in 2015, Mr. Meade was the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Previously, he was a partner with the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. Earlier in his career, Mr. Meade served as a law clerk to Justice John Paul Stevens on the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

    

 

Manish Mehta

age 49

Senior Managing Director, has been Global Head of Human Resources since 2019. Prior to this, Mr. Mehta was Global Head of Markets & Investments for ETF and Index Investments from 2016 to 2019, Head of Product & Markets foriShares from 2015 to 2016 and Chief Operating Officer foriShares from 2011 to 2015. Mr. Mehta joined BlackRock in 2009 as part of the acquisition of Barclays Global Investors, where he was Head of Strategy and Corporate Development and Chief of Staff to the CEO.

Gary S. Shedlin

age 5556

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Chief Financial Officer of BlackRock since 2013. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Shedlin was Vice Chairman, Investment Banking and a Managing Director in the Financial Institutions Group at Morgan Stanley from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Shedlin worked at Citigroup from 2004 to 2010, where he most recently served as Chairman of the Financial Institutions Group. Previously, Mr. Shedlin served as theCo-Head of the Financial Institutions Group at Lazard Ltd.

    

 

Jeffrey A. Smith, Ph.D.

age 48

Senior Managing Director, has been Global Head of Human Resources of BlackRock since 2009. In this capacity, Mr. Smith supports and advises the business, and the Board, on all aspects of its investment in people and culture and the management of organizational change. Mr. Smith’s service with the firm dates back to 2006, including his years with Barclays Global Investors (“BGI”), which merged with BlackRock in 2009. At BGI, Mr. Smith was Global Head of Human Resources.

Mark Wiedman

age 4849

  

 

Senior Managing Director, has been Head of International and of Corporate Strategy since January 2019. From 2011 to 2019, Mr. Wiedman served as Global Head ofiShares and Index Investments. Mr. Wiedman joined BlackRock in 2004 to help start what became the Financial Markets Advisory Group. Prior to joining BlackRock, he was Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the U.S. Treasury and a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.

    

 

44BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT41



 

Ownership of BlackRock

Common and Preferred Stock

Common Stock

The following table includes certain information about the beneficial ownership of BlackRock’s voting securities as of March 31, 20192020, by:

 

Each person who is known by BlackRock to own beneficially more than 5% of any class of outstanding voting securities of BlackRock;

 

Each of BlackRock’s directors and nominees;

 

Each of the executive officers named in the 20182019 Summary Compensation Table; and

 

All of BlackRock’s executive officers and directors as a group.

Except as otherwise noted, each individual exercises sole voting power or investment power over the shares of voting securities shown. The number of shares of voting securities shown in the following Security Ownership Table as beneficially owned by each director and executive officer is determined under the rules of the SEC. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. For purposes of the Security Ownership Table, beneficial ownership includes any shares of voting securities as to which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares of common stock which the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 31, 2019,2020, through the exercise of any option, warrant or right. All fractional shares have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

 

42BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT45



 

Ownership of BlackRock Common and Preferred Stock     |     Common Stock

 

As of March 31, 2019,2020, there were 154,500,315154,262,618 shares of BlackRock’s common stock outstanding.

 

  
  

 

Amount of beneficial

ownership
of common stock
(1)

 

  

Percent of

common stock
outstanding

 

  

Deferred/

Restricted Stock

Units(2)

 

   

Total

 

   

 

Amount of beneficial

ownership
of common stock
(1)

 

  

Percent of

common stock
outstanding

 

  

Deferred/

Restricted Stock

Units(2)

 

   

Total

 

 

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and affiliates

  

 

34,047,710

(3) 

 21.59     

 

34,047,710

(3) 

  

 

34,042,326

(3) 

 21.94     

 

34,042,326

(3) 

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

            
            

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

  

 

8,888,309

(4) 

 5.63     

 

8,888,309

(4) 

  

 

8,998,815

(4) 

 5.82     

 

8,998,815

(4) 

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

            
      

Capital World Investors (U.S.)

  

 

8,053,967

(5) 

 5.10     

 

8,053,967

(5) 

333 South Hope Street

55th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

      
            

Bader M. Alsaad

     *           48  *  0    48 
            

Mathis Cabiallavetta(6)

   6,297  *  1,337    7,634 

Mathis Cabiallavetta(5)

   6,674  *  884    7,558 
            

Pamela Daley

   3,068  *  1,337    4,405    3,823  *  884    4,707 
            

William S. Demchak

   1,200  *  0    1,200    1,200  *  0    1,200 
            

Jessica P. Einhorn

   2,415  *  1,337    3,752    2,868  *  884    3,752 
            

Laurence D. Fink

   987,046  *  19,459    1,006,505    819,439  *  17,578    837,017 
            

William E. Ford

   9,299  *  881    10,180    9,565  *  884    10,449 
            

Fabrizio Freda

   3,716  *  1,337    5,053    4,384  *  884    5,268 
            

Murry S. Gerber

   39,604  *  1,337    40,941    40,057  *  884    40,941 
            

Robert L. Goldstein

   34,184  *  9,299    43,483    33,491  *  8,367    41,858 
            

Margaret L. Johnson

   100  *  881    981    186  *  884    1,070 
            

Robert S. Kapito(6)

   369,823  *  15,517    385,340 

Robert S. Kapito(5)

   384,760  *  14,314    399,074 
            

J. Richard Kushel(6)

   163,157  *  8,017    171,174 
      

Sir Deryck Maughan

   15,177  *  1,337    16,514 

J. Richard Kushel(5)

   155,881  *  7,157    163,038 
            

Cheryl D. Mills

   2,252  *  1,337    3,589    2,887  *  884    3,771 
            

Gordon M. Nixon

   825  *  1,337    2,162    1,193  *  884    2,077 
            

Charles H. Robbins

   418  *  881    1,299    630  *  884    1,514 
            

Ivan G. Seidenberg

   12,817  *  1,337    14,154    13,550  *  884    14,434 
            

Gary S. Shedlin

   17,497  *  7,021    24,518    10,525  *  6,366    16,891 
            

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

   3,520  *  1,337    4,857    3,958  *  884    4,842 
            

Susan L. Wagner

   476,765  *  1,337    478,102    476,220  *  884    477,104 
            

Mark Wilson

   59  *  881    940    104  *  884    988 
            

All directors and executive officers as a group (28 persons)(6)

   2,196,318  1.42 110,836    2,307,154 

All directors and executive officers as a group (27 persons)(5)

   2,025,321  1.31 91,963    2,117,284 
            

 

*

The number of shares of common stock held by such individual is less than 1.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock.

 

(1)

Does not include unvested/unsettled RSUs and unvested stock options.

 

(2)

Does not include BPIP awards.Awards.

 

(3)

Based on the Schedule 13G of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and affiliates filed on February 1, 2019.7, 2020.

 

(4)

Based on the Schedule 13G of The Vanguard Group, Inc. filed on February 11, 2019.12, 2020.

 

(5)

Based on the Schedule 13G of Capital World Investors filed on February 13, 2019.

(6)

Includes shares of BlackRock common stock held jointly, indirectly and/or in trust (other than shares the beneficial ownership of which has been disclaimed).

Preferred Stock

As of March 31, 2019,2020, there were 823,188 shares of BlackRock’s Series Bnon-voting convertible participating preferred stock issued and outstanding, which has a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”). As of March 31, 2019,2020, PNC owned all issued and outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock.

 

46BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT43



 

Delinquent Section 16(a) BeneficialReports

Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires our directors, Section 16 officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of BlackRock’s equity securities to file reports of holdings of, and transactions in, BlackRock shares with the SEC and the NYSE. To the best of BlackRock’s knowledge, based on copies of such reports and representations from these reporting persons, we believe that in 2018,2019, our directors, Section 16 officers and 10% holders met all applicable SEC filing requirements.requirements, except for one late Form 4 filing made on behalf of Cheryl D. Mills reporting a transaction on December 31, 2019 due to a technical error that occurred when the Company attempted to timely file the Form 4 report.

 

44BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT47



 

Certain Relationships and

Related Transactions

PNC and its Subsidiaries

As of March 31, 2019,2020, PNC beneficially owned approximately 22.0% of BlackRock’s common stock outstanding and 22.4% of BlackRock’s capital stock, which includes outstanding common stock andnon-voting preferred stock.

William S. Demchak, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PNC, serves as a director of BlackRock. Although PNC has a right to, and reserves the right to do so under the PNC Stockholder Agreement, PNC has elected not to appoint a second director to the Board at this time. In addition, PNC has been permitted to invite anon-voting observer to attend Board meetings. Gregory B. Jordan, General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer of PNC, is the PNC observer.

BlackRock provides investment advisory and administration services to certain PNC subsidiaries and separate accounts for a fee based on assets under management. The amount of investment advisory and administration fees earned from PNC and its affiliates in relation to these services in 20182019 totaled $2.1$1.9 million.

BlackRock provides risk management advisory and technology services to PNC’s corporate and line of business asset/liability management committees, for which it received an annual fee of $9.2$8.5 million for 2018.2019. BlackRock also recorded revenue of $2.7$2.8 million related tonon-discretionary trading services.

BlackRock incurred expenses of $1.6$2.1 million to PNC affiliates in 20182019 for service fees related to certain retail and institutional clients.

Transactions between BlackRock Funds and Client Accounts and PNC and its Subsidiaries

From time to time in the ordinary course of our business, acting predominantly as agent for its clients, BlackRock effects transactions in securities and other financial assets with PNC and its subsidiaries. The amount of compensation or other value received by PNC in connection with those transactions is dependent on the capacity in which it participates in each of them, as principal or agent for other principals, and the type of security or financial asset involved. PNC may also act as the underwriter of securities purchased by BlackRock-managed funds and accounts. We principally engage in fixed income transactions with PNC. PNC (including its subsidiaries) was among one of BlackRock’s many fixed income trading counterparties in 2018.2019. Fixed income transactions are typically not traded on a commission basis and, accordingly, the amounts earned by PNC and its subsidiaries on such transactions cannot be determined.

PNC may, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, make loans to funds or separately managed accounts or commit to make future loans on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans to third parties and may enter into caps, hedges or swaps in connection with these loans. BlackRock may be an investor in orco-investor alongside these funds and accounts. BlackRock products and client accounts also enter into a variety of other arrangements with PNC and its subsidiaries on an arm’s length basis in the ordinary course of business. Such arrangements include, but are not limited to, serving as custodian or transfer agent or providing principal protection warranties as well as book value protection andco-administration,sub-administration, fund accounting, networking, leases of office space to PNC or its subsidiaries, bank account arrangements, derivative transactions, letters of credit, securities lending, loan servicing and other administrative services for BlackRock-managed funds and accounts. In certain instances, the fees that may be incurred by BlackRock funds or other products are capped at a fixed amount. In these cases, BlackRock may be responsible for payment of fees incurred in excess of these caps and amounts would be reflected in the fees for administrative services described above. Additionally, PNC or its subsidiaries or affiliates may invest in BlackRock funds or other products or buy or sell assets to or from BlackRock funds and separate accounts.

 

48BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT45



 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    |     PNC and its Subsidiaries

 

PNC Stockholder Agreement

BlackRock is a party to the PNC Stockholder Agreement, which governs PNC’s ownership interests in and relationship with BlackRock. BlackRock and PNC are also parties to a registration rights agreement. The following table describes certain key provisions of the PNC Stockholder Agreement as amended and restated.

 

Share Ownership

  

The PNC Stockholder Agreement provides for a limit on the percentage of BlackRock capital stock that may be owned by PNC at any time (the “PNC ownership cap”). Due to the PNC ownership cap, PNC is generally not permitted to acquire any additional capital stock of BlackRock if, after such acquisition, it would hold greater than 49.9% of the total voting power of the capital stock of BlackRock issued and outstanding at such time or 38% of the sum of the total voting securities and participating preferred stock of BlackRock issued and outstanding at such time and issuable upon the exercise of any options or other rights outstanding at that time.

 

In addition, PNC may not acquire any shares of BlackRock from any person other than BlackRock or a person that owns 20% or more of the total voting power of the capital stock of BlackRock (other than itself) if, after such acquisition, it would hold capital stock of BlackRock representing more than 90% of the PNC voting ownership cap.

    

Prohibited

Prohibited

Actions

  

PNC is prohibited from taking part in, soliciting, negotiating with, providing information to or making any statement or proposal to any person, or making any public announcement, with respect to:

 

   An acquisition which would result in PNC holding more than the PNC ownership cap, or holding any equity securities of any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

 

   Any business combination or extraordinary transaction involving BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock, including a merger, tender or exchange offer or sale of any substantial portion of the assets of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

 

   Any restructuring, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

 

   Any purchase of the assets of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock, other than in the ordinary course of its business;

 

   Being a member of a “group”, as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of any shares of capital stock of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

 

   Selling any BlackRock capital stock in an unsolicited tender offer that is opposed by the BlackRock Board;

 

   Any proposal to seek representation on the Board of BlackRock except as contemplated by the PNC Stockholder Agreement;

 

   Any proposal to seek to control or influence the management, Board or policies of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock except as contemplated by the PNC Stockholder Agreement; or

 

   Any action to encourage or act in concert with any third party to do any of the foregoing.

    

Additional

AdditionalPurchase

Purchase

of Voting

Securities

  

The PNC Stockholder Agreement gives PNC the right, in any issuance of BlackRock voting stock, (1) to purchase an amount of such stock or, at PNC’s option, Series B Preferred Stock, upon such issuance that would result in PNC holding the lesser of (a) the PNC ownership cap or (b) an ownership percentage in BlackRock equal to what it held prior to the issuance and (2) if as a result of such stock issuance PNC’s beneficial ownership of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock decreases to less than 38%, to exchange such number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock for shares of common stock on aone-for-one basis such that following the stock issuance, PNC will beneficially own shares of voting securities representing not more than 38% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock, unless such issuance constitutes a public offering and would not, together with any stock issuance constituting a public offering since September 29, 2006, after taking into account any share repurchases by BlackRock since September 29, 2006 and transfers by PNC, decrease PNC’s total voting power to 90% or less of the PNC ownership cap.

    

Share Repurchase

  

If BlackRock engages in a share repurchase, BlackRock may require PNC to sell an amount of securities to BlackRock that will cause its beneficial ownership of BlackRock capital stock not to exceed its total ownership cap or voting ownership cap.

    

 

46BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT49



 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    |     PNC and its Subsidiaries

 

Transfer

Transfer

Restrictions

  

PNC may not transfer any capital stock of BlackRock beneficially owned by it, except for transfers to its respective affiliates and transfers in certain other specified categories of transactions, which would result in the beneficial ownership, by any person, of more than 10% of the total voting power of issued and outstanding BlackRock capital stock with respect to transfers to persons who would be eligible to report their holdings of BlackRock capital stock on Schedule 13G or of more than 5% of the total voting power of issued and outstanding capital stock with respect to any other persons.

    

Right of Last

Refusal

  

PNC must notify BlackRock if it proposes to sell shares of BlackRock capital stock in a privately negotiated transaction. Upon receipt of such notice, BlackRock will have the right to purchase all of the stock being offered, at the price and terms described in the notice. These notification requirements and purchase rights do not apply in the case oftax-free transfers to charitable organizations or foundations andtax-deferred transfers.

    

Corporate

Corporate

Governance

  

Board Designation: The PNC Stockholder Agreement provides that BlackRock will use its best efforts to cause the election at each annual meeting of shareholders such that the Board will consist of no more than 19 directors:

 

   Not less than two nor more than four directors who will be members of BlackRock management;

 

   Two directors who will be designated by PNC, provided, however, that if for any period greater than 90 consecutive days PNC and its affiliates shall beneficially own less than 10% of the BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding, PNC shall promptly cause one of such PNC designees to resign and the number of PNC designees shall be reduced to one; and provided further, that, if for any period greater than 90 consecutive days PNC and its affiliates shall beneficially own less than 5% of the BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding, PNC shall promptly cause the second PNC designee to resign and the number of PNC designees shall be reduced to zero; and

 

   The remaining directors who will be independent for purposes of the rules of the NYSE and will not be designated by or on behalf of PNC or any of its affiliates.

 

Of the current directors, William S. Demchak was designated by PNC. PNC has elected not to appoint a second director to the Board at this time, though it reserves the right to do so. In addition, PNC has been permitted to invite anon-voting observer to attend Board meetings. Gregory B. Jordan, General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer of PNC, is the PNC observer.

 

Voting Agreement:PNC has agreed to vote all of its voting shares in accordance with the recommendation of the Board on all matters to the extent consistent with the provisions of the PNC Stockholder Agreement, including the election of directors.

 

Approvals: Under the PNC Stockholder Agreement, the following may not be done without prior approval of all of the independent directors, or at leasttwo-thirds of the directors, then in office:

 

   Appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock;

 

   Any merger, issuance of shares or similar transaction in which beneficial ownership of a majority of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock would be held by persons different from those currently holding such majority of the total voting power, or any sale of all or substantially all assets of BlackRock;

 

   Any acquisition of any person or business that has a consolidated net income after taxes for its preceding fiscal year that equals or exceeds 20% of BlackRock’s consolidated net income after taxes for its preceding fiscal year if such acquisition involves the current or potential issuance of BlackRock capital stock constituting more than 10% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding immediately after completion of such acquisition;

 

   Any acquisition of any person or business constituting a line of business that is materially different from the lines of business BlackRock and its controlled affiliates are engaged in at that time if such acquisition involves consideration in excess of 10% of the total assets of BlackRock on a consolidated basis;

 

   Except for repurchases otherwise permitted under their respective stockholder agreements, any repurchase by BlackRock or any subsidiary of shares of BlackRock capital stock such that, after giving effect to such repurchase, BlackRock and its subsidiaries shall have repurchased more than 10% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock within the12-month period ending on the date of such repurchase;

   Any amendment to BlackRock’s certificate of incorporation or Bylaws;

 

50BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT47



 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    |     PNC and its Subsidiaries

 

   

   Any amendment to BlackRock’s certificate of incorporation or Bylaws;

 

   Any matter requiring shareholder approval pursuant to the rules of the NYSE; or

 

   Any amendment, modification or waiver of any restriction or prohibition on any significant shareholder (other than PNC or its affiliates) provided for under its stockholder agreement.

 

Committees: Consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance Committee are to be composed solely of independent directors. The Risk Committee and Executive Committee are not subject to any similar laws, rules or regulations, and as such, are composed of a mix of independent andnon-independent directors. The PNC Stockholder Agreement provides that the Executive Committee will consist of not less than five members, of which one must be designated by PNC.

    

Significant

Significant

Stockholder Transactions

  

The PNC Stockholder Agreement prohibits BlackRock or its affiliates from entering into any transaction with PNC or its affiliates, unless such transaction was in effect as of September 29, 2006, is in the ordinary course of business of BlackRock or has been approved by a majority of the directors of BlackRock, excluding those appointed by the party wishing to enter into the transaction.

    

Termination of the PNC Stockholder Agreement

  

The PNC Stockholder Agreement will terminate on the first day on which PNC and its affiliates own less than 5% of the capital stock of BlackRock, unless PNC sends a notice indicating its intent to increase its beneficial ownership above such threshold within 10 business days after it has fallen below such threshold, and PNC buys sufficient capital stock of BlackRock within 20 business days after PNC has sent notice that it has fallen below 5% of BlackRock capital stock such that it continues to own greater than 5% of BlackRock capital stock.

Transactions with BlackRock Directors, Executive Officers and Other

Related Parties

From time to time, certain directors, their family members and related charitable foundations may have investments in various BlackRock investment vehicles or accounts. For certain types of products and services offered by BlackRock’s subsidiaries, BlackRock directors may receive discounts that are available to our employees generally. In addition, certain of the companies or affiliates of the companies that employ BlackRock’s independent directors may have investments in various BlackRock investment vehicles or accounts or may receive advisory, technology and risk management services. These investments and services are entered into in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with similarly situated customers and eligible employees.

How We Review, Approve or Ratify Transactions with Related Persons

On February 27, 2007, the Board adopted a written policy regarding related person transactions, which governs and establishes procedures for approving and ratifying related person transactions.

 

The policy defines a related person transaction as any transaction or arrangement in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, where BlackRock or any of its subsidiaries is a participant and a related person has a direct or indirect material interest. For purposes of the policy, a “related person” is any person who is, or was during the last fiscal year, a BlackRock director or executive officer, or a director nominee, or any person who is a beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of BlackRock’s voting securities, or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons.

Related person transactions must be approved or ratified by a majority of the uninterested members of the Governance Committee or the Board. In the event it is not practicable for BlackRock to wait for approval until the next meeting of the Governance Committee or the Board, the Chairperson of the Governance Committee may approve the transaction. In reviewing any related person transaction, all of the relevant facts and circumstances must be considered, including:

 

The related person’s relationship to BlackRock and his or her interest in the transaction;

 

The benefits to BlackRock;

 

The impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director or an entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder or executive officer;

 

The availability of comparable products or services that would avoid the need for a related person transaction; and

 

The terms of the transaction and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally.

 

48BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT51



 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     |    Transactions with BlackRock Directors, Executive Officers and Other Related Parties

 

PNC Approval Process

The policy provides that transactions (other than transactions in the ordinary course of business) with PNC are governed by the special approval procedures detailed in the PNC Stockholder Agreement. Those approval procedures prohibit BlackRock or its affiliates from entering into any transaction (other than any transaction in the ordinary course of business) with PNC or its affiliates unless such transaction was in effect as of September 29, 2006 or has been approved by a majority of the directors of BlackRock, excluding those designated for appointment by the party wishing to enter into the transaction. Of the current directors, William S. Demchak was designated by PNC.

Prior to the adoption of this policy, related person transactions, including certain of the transactions described above under“— PNC and its Subsidiaries” and“— PNC Stockholder Agreement”Agreement, were reviewed with the Board at the time of entering into such transactions.

 

52BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT49



 

 

 

Management Development &

& Compensation Committee

Interlocks and Insider

Participation

The members of the Compensation Committee during 20182019 were Mses. Einhorn, Johnson and Mills and Messrs. Ford, Gerber (until June 30, 2018), Grosfeld (until May 23, 2018), Maughan, Nixon, Seidenberg (Chairperson) and Slim. No member of the Compensation Committee was, during the fiscal year, an officer or employee, or formerly an officer or employee, involved in any related person transactions requiring disclosure in this Proxy Statement.

No executive officer of BlackRock served as a:

 

Member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of BlackRock;

 

Director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of BlackRock; or

 

Member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of BlackRock.

 

50BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT53



 

Item 2:

 


Approval, in aNon-Binding

Advisory Vote, of the Compensation

for Named Executive Officers

We are asking our shareholders to approve the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.

While this vote is advisory, and not binding on the Company, it will provide information to us regarding investor sentiment about our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices. We value the opinions of our shareholders and, to the extent there is any significant vote against the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, we will consider our shareholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

 

Before You Vote

In considering your vote, we encourage shareholders to review the information on BlackRock’s compensation policies and decisions regarding our NEOs presented in the summary of our executive compensation practices on page 74,77, as well as our “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 53.56.

Ourpay-for-performance compensation philosophy is structured to align management’s interests with our shareholders’ interests. A significant portion of total compensation for executives is closely linked to BlackRock’s financial and operational performance as well as BlackRock’s common stock price performance. BlackRock has adopted strong governance practices for its employment and compensation programs. Compensation programs are reviewed annually to ensure that they do not promote excessive risk taking.

Board Recommendation

 

 

LOGOLOGO

The Board of Directors Unanimously recommends you vote "FOR"FOR the approval of the compensation of our NEOs.

 


 

54BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT51



 

 

 

Management Development &

& Compensation Committee

Committee Report

Management Development & Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation for Fiscal Year 20182019

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of RegulationS-K with management and has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Ivan G. Seidenberg, Chair

Jessica P. Einhorn

William E. Ford

Margaret L. Johnson

Cheryl D. Mills

Gordon M. Nixon

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

52BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT55



 

Executive Compensation

 


Compensation Discussion and Analysis

BlackRock’s executive compensation program is designed to align management incentives with the long-term interests of our shareholders. Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) provides shareholders with information about BlackRock’s business and 20182019 financial performance, our disciplined compensation approach and 20182019 compensation decisions for our NEOs, listed below.

 

       

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and Chief

Executive Officer

  

Robert S. Kapito

President

 

Robert L. Goldstein

Chief Operating Officer

  

J. Richard Kushel

Global Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Global Fixed Income

  

Gary S. Shedlin

Chief Financial Officer

       

Table of Contents

 

3. Compensation Determination Process  
Compensation Timeline and Process   6366 
Competitive Pay Positioning—Positioning - Market Data   6467 
Role of the Compensation Consultant   6467 
Risk Assessment of Compensation Plans   6568 
4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries  
Linking Pay and Performance   6669 
5. Compensation Policies and Practices  
Summary of Executive Compensation Practices   7477 
Executive Compensation Tables
2019 Summary Compensation Table   7780 
CEO Pay Ratio for 20182019   8387 
Equity Compensation Plan Information   8488 
 

 


 

56BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT53


 


 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    1. Introduction

 

1.

Introduction

Shareholder Engagement on Executive Compensation

Our Board recognizes the importance of executive compensation decisions to our shareholders. The annualsay-on-pay advisory vote provides our shareholders with the opportunity to:

 

Evaluate our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices;

 

Evaluate the alignment of the compensation of BlackRock’s NEOs with BlackRock’s results; and

 

Cast an advisory vote to approve the compensation of BlackRock’s NEOs.

At the 20182019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, thesay-on-pay advisory vote received majority support, with 89%approximately 96% of the votes cast in favor of our executive compensation policies, practices and determinations. Our Board encourages an open and constructive dialogue with shareholders on compensation to ensure alignment on policies and practices.

As in prior years, we engagedinvite all shareholders into provide feedback to us on our compensation programs. In advance of this year’s annual meetingAnnual Meeting, we extended engagement requests to shareholders representing 43% of outstanding shares (excluding shares owned by PNC) to incorporate their views as we continue to enhance our compensation programs. Shareholders who provided feedback generally reported that executive compensation at BlackRock was reasonable and well-aligned to performance. No consistent or prevalent concerns were raised from our engagements.

BlackRock Shareholder Value Framework

BlackRock is committed to delivering long-term shareholder value. While our financial results can be affected by global capital market conditions that are beyond our control, management has the ability to influence key drivers of shareholder value.

 

As described below, BlackRock’s framework for long-term value creation is based on our ability to:

 

Generate differentiated organic growth;

 

Leverage our scale for the benefit of clients and shareholders; and

 

Return capital to shareholders on a consistent and predictable basis.

 

 

LOGO

Organic Growth Operating Leverage Capital Management EPS Growth

LOGO

BlackRock’s commitment to delivering shareholder value is aligned with the way we manage our business. By putting clients’ interests first and delivering investment, portfolio construction and technology solutions to help meet their objectives, we are able to buildgrow our business by adding new assets under

management (“AUM”) and increasing technology offerings,services revenue, resulting inOrganic Revenue growth.(1)

BlackRock’s scale is one of the firm’s key strategic advantages and is an important driver ofoperating leverage that benefits clients and shareholders. We take advantage of scale in numerous areas of our business including through our index-based investment strategies, brand spend, technology platform, including ourAladdin business, and our external vendor relationships.

InvestingIn addition to leveraging our scale, investing for the long-term is a key element of our strategy. Our diversified platform, in terms of styles, products, client types and geographies, enables us to generatestable cash flow through market cycles, positioning and positions BlackRock to consistently invest for future growth and consistently return capital to our shareholders. For more details, refer to“Business Outlook” on page34page 35 of our 2018 2019Form10-K.

During 2018,2019,we returned $3.6$3.8 billion to our shareholdersthrough a combination of share repurchases and dividends.dividends.

 

 

(1)

Organic Revenue growth is a measure of the expected annual revenue impact of BlackRock’s total net new business in a given year, including net newAladdin technology services revenue, excluding the effect of market appreciation/(depreciation) and foreign exchange. Organic Revenue is not directly correlated with the actual revenue earned in sucha given year.

 

54BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT57



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    BlackRock 20182019 Performance

 

BlackRock 20182019 Performance(1),(2)

BlackRock’s 20182019 results reflect the strength of our global, diverse investment and technology platform and the benefit of the investments we have made over time to leverage our scale and optimize our strategic positioning. We generated $124a record $429 billion of total net inflows for the full year, representing 2%7% organic asset growth, delivered revenue and earnings growth expanded our operating margin and returned $3.6$3.8 billion to shareholders while continuing to invest for growth. However, BlackRock’s strategic decision to continue investing responsibly despite meaningful headwindsa more challenging revenue capture environment created by market volatility in the asset management industry.fourth quarter of 2018 resulted in an as adjusted operating margin decline of 60 basis points year-over-year. Long-term investment performance results across our alpha-seeking and index strategies as of December 31, 20182019 remain strong and are detailed in Part I, Item 1 Business of our 20182019 Form10-K.

 

Differentiated Organic Growth

OrganicBlackRock generated record organic asset growth of 2% and record technology services revenue7% in 2018 contributed to continued revenue growth2019

 

Total net inflows of $124$429 billion, despite meaningful headwinds for thepositive across all client channels, asset management industry. Long-term net inflows of $123 billion reflected 2%classes and regions, represented organic asset growth of 7%, compared to large cap asset management peersTraditional LC Peers who sawgenerated, on average, -1% organic asset decay; and

Base fees grew 2% in 2019, to $11.8 billion, despite the impact of significant global equity market declines in the fourth quarter of 2018, which reduced BlackRock’s 2019 entry rate of AUM.

LOGO

Continued Revenue Growth

BlackRock grew revenue 2% in 2019, including record technology services revenue growth of 24%

Total revenue increased 2% from 2018, to $14.5 billion, despite the impact of significant global equity market declines in the fourth quarter of 2018; and

 

 Technology services revenue grew19%grew 24% year-over-year, to a record $785$974 million, led byreflecting the impact of the eFront acquisition and continued momentumgrowth inAladdin and our digital wealth technology; and.

Total revenue increased 4% from 2017 to $14,198 million.

 

 

LOGO

2018 Organic Asset Growth Revenue ($M)

Operating Leverage

We continued to strategically invest in our business, targeting areas where we see the highest future growth potential, while simultaneously expanding our Operating Margin by 20 bps

Operating income, as adjusted, of $5,531 million was up 5% versus 2017, reflecting our commitment to optimize organic growth in the most efficient way possible; and

Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted, as a percent of net revenue was 34.4%, representing a decrease of 110 bps from 2017, while G&A expense increased 13% year-over-year, reflecting higher planned levels of technology, data, and marketing spend as well as“non-core” items detailed on page 46 of our 2018 Form10-K.

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Operating Income ($M) (as adjusted) Operating Margin (as adjusted)

Consistent Capital Return

$3.6BlackRock returned $3.8 billion returned to shareholders in 2018, up 30% from 20172019

 

Annual dividend of $12.02$13.20 per share reflected an increase of 20%10% from $10.00$12.02 in 2017;2018; and

 

$1.7 billion of outstanding shares were repurchased during 2019, resulting in 2018, driving a net reduction in net share count of 3.54.0 million shares.

 

 

Share Buyback ($M) Cash Dividend per share ($)LOGO

Earnings Per Share Growth

DilutedBlackRock grew diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, of $26.93 increased 20% versus 2017by 6%, to $28.48, in 2019

 

Execution of our shareholder value framework—differentiated organic growth, Operating Margin expansionframework and consistent repurchases—in 2018, and a lower effective tax rate,highernon-operating results drove a 20%6% increase in earnings per share.

 

Net Income (as adjusted) ($M) Earnings per share (as adjusted) ($M)
LOGO

 

LOGO       LOGO

 

(1)

Amounts in this section, where noted, are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

 

(2)

Results for 2016 and 2017 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2,Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form10-K.

 

(3)

Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

 

58BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT55



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Our Compensation Framework

 

Our Compensation Framework

Our annual total compensation program for NEOs includes base salary, annual incentive awards (cash and deferred equity), and long-term performance-based incentive awards.

Pay and Performance Alignment for NEOs – Total Incentive Award Determination

In 2018,Under the Compensation Committee extended ourNEO total compensationincentive award determination framework, that in previous years applied only to our CEO and President, to cover all NEOs. Under this program, the Compensation Committee assesses each NEO’s performance individually, based on the three categories outlined below. Each category is assigned a weighting factor, with 50% of the award opportunity dependent on BlackRock’s financial performance, 30% dependent on BlackRock’s business strengths and 20% dependent on BlackRock’s organizational strengths.

At the beginning of the year, the Compensation Committee and management engagedengages in a rigorous review and approval of objectives for the CEO, President and other NEOs. The objectives deliver onreinforce BlackRock’s shareholder value framework and commitment to serving client needs holistically and through market cycles. Throughout the year, the Compensation Committee receivedreceives updates on the Company’s performance against these goals and objectives. At the end of the year, the Compensation Committee assesses each NEO’s performance against thethese objectives, while considering internal performance measures and peer group comparisons.

The Compensation Committee’s performance assessment is directly related toimpacts each NEO’s total incentive outcome, which includes all variable pay (annual discretionary cash award, annual discretionary deferred equity award and long-term equity awards). Based on the Compensation Committee’s performance assessment, total incentive awards can range from 0% to 125% of the prior year’s total incentive pay.

Once the total incentive award is determined, the Compensation Committee determines the appropriate mix between cash, deferred equity and long-term equity. For all NEOs, at least half of their total incentive award is delivered through equity. Additionally, for Messrs. Fink and Kapito, at least half of their equity awards are delivered through the BPIP Awards, which are contingent on future financial or other business performance requirements in addition to share price performance.rather than time-based vesting.

Each NEO, through their various roles and responsibilities, contributes to the firm-wide objectives summarized below. For the NEO performance assessments, please refer to the section20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries”on page 66.69.

 

Financial Performance                          

Business Strength                           

Organizational Strength               

LOGO                           LOGO                                        LOGO                           

  Net New Business

  Net New Base Fees

  Organic Revenue Growth

  Operating Income, as adjusted(1)

  Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

  Diluted EPS, as adjusted(1)

  Total Shareholder Return and P/E Multiple

  Deliver Superior Client Experience

  Drive Organization Discipline

  Lead in a Changing World

  Drive High Performance

  Build a More Diverse and Inclusive Culture

  Develop Great Managers and Leaders

 

Performance

LOGO

Assessment

Total Incentive Percentage   
Outcome
(2),(3)

Far Exceeds

110%-125%

Meets/Exceeds

90%-110%

Partially Meets

60%-90%

Does Not Achieve

0%-60%

 

(1)

For reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

 

(2)

Total incentive includes the NEO’s annual discretionary cash award, annual discretionary deferred equity award and long-term equity award.

 

(3)

20182019 total incentive compensation is calculated using 20172018 total incentive outcome multiplied by performance incentive percentage.

 

56BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT59



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary

 

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary

Following a review of full-year business and individual NEO performance, the Compensation Committee determined 20182019 total annual compensation outcomes for each NEO, as outlined in the table below.

 

 

      
      

 

2018 Total Incentive Award

 

                 

 

2019 Total Incentive Award

 

          
    

Name

  

Base

Salary

 

   

Cash

 

   

Deferred

Equity

 

   

 

Long-Term
Incentive Award
(BPIP)

 

   

Total Annual
Compensation
(TAC)

 

   

% change in  
TAC vs. 2017  

 

  

Performance  

Assessment  

 

  

Base

Salary

 

   

Cash

 

   

Deferred

Equity

 

   

 

Long-Term
Incentive Award
(BPIP)

 

   

Total Annual
Compensation
(TAC)

 

   

% change in  
TAC vs. 2018  

 

 

Performance  

Assessment  

 

Laurence D. Fink

  

 

$1,500,000

 

  

 

$7,750,000

 

  

 

$4,250,000

 

  

 

$10,500,000

 

  

 

$24,000,000

 

  

 

(14%)

 

  

 

Partially Meets

 

  

$

1,500,000

 

  

$

7,750,000

 

  

$

4,250,000

 

  

$

11,750,000

 

  

$

25,250,000

 

  

 

5

 

 

Meets/Exceeds

 

                                       

Robert S. Kapito

  

 

$1,250,000

 

  

 

$6,250,000

 

  

 

$3,500,000

 

  

 

$  8,000,000

 

  

 

$19,000,000

 

  

 

(14%)

 

  

 

Partially Meets

 

  

$

1,250,000

 

  

$

6,250,000

 

  

$

3,500,000

 

  

$

8,950,000

 

  

$

19,950,000

 

  

 

5

 

 

Meets/Exceeds

 

                                       

Robert L. Goldstein

  

 

$   500,000

 

  

 

$2,950,000

 

  

 

$2,000,000

 

  

 

$  2,400,000

 

  

 

$  7,850,000

 

  

 

(4%)

 

  

 

Meets/Exceeds

 

  

$

500,000

 

  

$

2,950,000

 

  

$

2,000,000

 

  

$

4,400,000

 

  

$

9,850,000

 

  

 

25

 

 

Far Exceeds

 

                                       

J. Richard Kushel

  

 

$   500,000

 

  

 

$2,712,500

 

  

 

$1,762,500

 

  

 

$  1,700,000

 

  

 

$  6,675,000

 

  

 

(5%)

 

  

 

Meets/Exceeds

 

  

$

500,000

 

  $2,612,500   $1,662,500   $2,900,000   $7,675,000    15 

 

Far Exceeds

 

                                       

Gary S. Shedlin

  

 

$   500,000

 

  

 

$2,475,000

 

  

 

$1,525,000

 

  

 

$  1,950,000

 

  

 

$  6,450,000

 

  

 

(5%)

 

  

 

Meets/Exceeds

 

  

$

500,000

 

  

$

2,475,000

 

  

$

1,525,000

 

  

$

2,700,000

 

  

$

7,200,000

 

  

 

12

 

 

Far Exceeds

 

                                       

The amounts listed above as “2018 Annual2019 Total Incentive Award: Deferred Equity” and “2019 Total Incentive Award: Long-Term Incentive Award (BPIP)” were granted in January 20192020 in the form of equity and are separate from the cash award amounts listed above as “2018 Annual2019 Total Incentive Award: Cash.” In conformance with SEC requirements, the20182019 Summary Compensation Table on page 7780 reports equity in the year granted, but cash in the year earned.

This table excludes awards under a newly-adopted carried interest program. For more information about the program, see “Leadership Retention Carry Plan” on page 65.

Pay-for-Performance Compensation Structure for NEOs

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. More than 90% of our regular annual executive compensation is performance based and “at risk.” Compensation mix percentages shown below are based on 20182019year-end compensation decisions for individual NEOs by the Compensation Committee.

 

LOGOLOGO

 

(1)

All grants of BlackRock equity, (includingincluding the portion of the annual incentive awards granted in RSUs and the portion granted under the BPIP Awards)Awards, are approved by the Compensation Committee under the Stock Plan, which has been previously approved by shareholders. The Stock Plan allows for multiple types of awards to be granted.

 

(2)

The value of the 20182019 long-term incentive BPIP Awards and the value of the equity portion of the bonus for 20182019 annual incentive awards was converted into RSUs by dividing the award value by $410.315,$533.58, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 17, 2019.16, 2020.

 

(3)

For NEOs other than the CEO and President, higher annual incentive awards are subject to higher deferral percentages, in accordance with the Company-wide deferral policy, as detailed on page 59.62.

 

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Pay-for-Performance - Chairman and CEO

 

Pay-for-Performance - – Chairman and CEO

The graph below reflects BlackRock’s financial growth as well as CEO total compensation decisions during the period from 20092010 to 2018.2019. We strive to keep pay decisions aligned with performance.

 

 

LOGOLOGO

Pay-for-Performance – Other NEOs

We strive to keep pay decisions aligned with performance. Our rigorous assessment and pay determination process has resulted in disciplined pay levels that have been outpaced by financial and market value growth over time, as demonstrated by CEO pay in the chart above. The average year-over-year total compensation growth for the CEO and the President was 0% and +2%, respectively, since 2010. The average year-over-year total compensation growth for the other NEOs (excluding the CEO and the President) was +2% since 2010. The year-to-year decisions have been made to align compensation with annual performance and our talent strategy.

 

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    2. Our Compensation Program

 

2.

Our Compensation Program

Compensation Program Objectives

Our compensation program is designed to:

 

Appropriately allocate BlackRock’s profitability between shareholders and employees;

 

Determine overall compensation based on a combination of firm, business area and individual employee performance;

 

Align the interests of our senior-level employees, including NEOs, with those of shareholders through the use of long-term performance-based equity awards and accumulation of meaningful share ownership positions;

 

Discourage excessive risk-taking; and

 

Attract, motivate and retain high-performing employees.

Compensation Elements

 

  

 

Element/How it is Paid

 

 

 

Purpose

 

 

 

Description

 

 

Base Salary

 

Cash

 

 

To provide competitive fixed compensation based on knowledge, skills, experience and responsibilities.

 

 

Base salary is a relatively small portion of total annual compensation for NEOs and other senior-level employees; this approach allows BlackRock to effectively manage its fixed expenses.

 

Base salary levels are reviewed periodically in light of market practices and changes in responsibilities. In 2018, with the assistance of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, Semler Brossy, a competitive review of our CEO and President base salaries was completed. It was determined that the base salary amounts, as part of total compensation, were low compared to peers and large financial services firms. As a result, Mr. Fink’s base salary was increased to $1,500,000 and Mr. Kapito’s base salary was increased to $1,250,000. These adjusted salaries make up less than 10% of their 2018 total compensation.

 

     

 

Annual Incentive Award

 

Cash and Deferred Equity

 

(Time-vested RSUs)

 

Terms:

 

The deferred equity portion of the annual incentive award is converted into a fixed number of RSUs using a conversion price.(1)

 

The deferred equity portion of the annual incentive award vests in equal installments over the three years following grant.

 

Dividend equivalents accumulate during the vesting period and are paid following delivery of shares.

 

Expense is recognized over the
vesting period.

 

 

 

To reward achievement of goals and objectives.

 

Aligns with Company-wide performance and business
unit / function performance.

 


Deferred equity component aligns compensation with
multi-year shareholder outcomes.

 

 

Annual incentive award determinations do not rely on a specific formula. A variety of factors are considered to determine the size of the CEO, President and other NEOs’ annual incentive awards. The Compensation Committee considers absolute and/or relative performance outcomes against Company, business and individual NEO goals and objectives, as well as the context in which they were achieved. These goals and objectives are set in the first quarter of each year and performance against them is assessed atyear-end. See “Compensation Determination Process” beginning on page 63.66.

 

For Messrs. Fink and Kapito, the Compensation Committee determines the appropriate pay mix between cash and equity for their annual incentive awards. For the other NEOs, annual incentive awards are subject to deferral percentages, in accordance with the Company-wide deferral policy. Deferral amounts follow a step-function approach, starting at 15% of the total award and increasing to 70% of the total award for the portion of the bonus in excess of $10 million.

 

(1)

For 20182019 deferred equity, the award value was converted into a number of RSUs by dividing the award value by $410.315,$533.58, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 17, 2019.16, 2020.

 

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Compensation Elements

 

  

 

Element/How it is Paid

 

 

 

Purpose

 

 

 

Description

 

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

 

BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (BPIP)

 

(Performance-Based RSUs)

 

Terms:

 

The target BPIP Award value is converted into a base number of RSUs using a conversion price.(1)

 

The final number of RSUs delivered at settlement is variable based on certain financial metrics achieved over a three-year performance period.

 

Dividend equivalents accumulate during the vesting period and are paid in cash after the performance period with respect to the number of shares that are delivered in settlement of the award.

 

Expense, based on the expected number of awards to be delivered, is recognized over the vesting period.

 

 

 

To recognize the scope of an individual employee’s role, business expertise and leadership skills.

 

To recognize prior year performance and anticipate continued performance and long-term focus over a multi-year period.

 

Aligns the interests of senior-level employees with those of shareholders by aligning compensation with long-term drivers of shareholder value.

 

 

While no specific formulas or weights are used to determine the size of long-term incentive awards, theThe Compensation Committee considers the role and influence of the NEO on setting long-term strategy and in executing long-term objectives in determining individual award amounts.amounts, although no specific formulas or weights are used to determine the size of a long-term incentive award. See “Compensation Determination Process” beginning on page 63.66.

 

The performance-based RSUs are settled in a number of shares of common stock that is determined based on the level of attainment ofpre-established Organic Revenue growth and operating margin,Operating Margin, as adjusted, targets over a three-year performance period.

 

The maximum number of shares that may be earned under the program is equal to 165% of the base number of RSUs granted. No shares will be earned in the event of negative Organic Revenue growth and operating margin,Operating Margin, as adjusted, below a threshold level of performance over a three-year performance period. More details on the 2019 BPIP Awards are provided below.

 

(1)

For 20182019 BPIP Awards, the award value was converted into a base number of RSUs by dividing the award value by $410.315,$533.58, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of BlackRock common stock on January 17, 2019.16, 2020.

BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (BPIP)

BlackRock believes in aligning the interests of our senior-level employees, including our NEOs, with those of our shareholders and in closely aligning compensation with long-term performance. BPIP was designed to further align compensation with BlackRock’s framework for long-term shareholder value creation. A portion of each NEO’s incentive compensation for 2019 was provided in the form of a BPIP Award granted in January 2020. In addition to recognizing an NEO’s performance in the prior year, the BPIP Awards are intended to incent continued performance and focus over a multi-year period. BlackRock is focused on balancing investment to drive future Organic Revenue growth and the impact those investments have on Operating Margin, as adjusted.

In January 2015,Each year, the Compensation Committee approvedapproves the BPIP Awards and Award Determination Matrix, following a comprehensive review of future performance goals and expectations, potential pay outcomes for employees, shareholder input and market trends. BPIP was designed to further align compensation with management’s long-term creation of shareholder value.

Each NEO was granted a BPIP Award in January 2016, 2017 and 2018 as part of the individual’s incentive compensation for their 2015, 2016 and 2017 performance, respectively. Similarly, a portion of each NEO’s incentive compensation for 2018 was in the form of a BPIP Award granted in January 2019. In addition to recognizing an NEO’s performance in the prior year, the BPIP Awards are intended to incentivize continued performance and long-term focus over a multi-year period. The January 2019 BPIP grants (for 2018 performance) are described in further detail below. BlackRock is focused on achieving the right balance of investing to drive future growth in Organic Revenue, and the impact those investments have on our expense base and operating margin, as adjusted.

BPIP Awards are granted in the form of RSUs that vest after three years. The number of shares vesting under BPIP is based on the attainment of specified levels of Organic Revenue growth and operating margin,Operating Margin, as adjusted, over athe three-year performance period. Awards are settled in the form of common stock.

The 2019 BPIP Award Determination Matrix (performance period beginning January 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2022) is outlined below. Additionally, we have included the actual performance and payout for the 2016 BPIP Award, which vested on January 31, 2020 (performance period began January 1, 2017, and ended on December 31, 2019).

 

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (BPIP)

 

 

 

BPIP Financial Metrics

 

BPIP is tied to two key drivers of shareholder value – Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, over a three-year performance period – that are directly influenced by BlackRock’s senior-level employees across market cycles.

 

   Organic Revenue growth is a measure of the expected annual revenue impact of BlackRock’s total net new business in a given year, including net newAladdin revenue,newtechnology servicesrevenue, excluding the effect of market appreciation/(depreciation) and foreign exchange. Organic Revenue is not directly correlated with the actual revenue earned in sucha given year.

 

   Operating Margin, as adjusted, is a measure of BlackRock’s ability to efficiently manage our expense base in the context of the revenue we generate.

 

Similar to previous2019 BPIP Awards,Award Determination Matrix

Performance Period (2020-2022)

For the January 2019 BPIP Awards have a three-year performance period that commenced ongranted in January 1, 2019 and end on December 31, 2021. Each BPIP Award consists of a “base” number of RSUs granted to the recipient. Distributions will be in the form of common stock.

BPIP Award Determination

For the January 2019 BPIP Awards,2020, the number of shares that a recipient ultimately receives upon settlement will be equal to the base number of RSUs granted, multiplied by a percentage determined in accordance with the January 2019 BPIP Award Determination Matrix below. The percentage will be determined by BlackRock’s average annual average Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, during the performance period; performance between two adjacent points on the matrix will be extrapolated.interpolated.

A summary version of the matrix for the January 2019 BPIP Awards granted in January 2020 is set forthshown below.

2018 BPIP Award Determination Matrix

  
     

 

3-yr Average Organic Revenue ($M)

 

     
      

3-yr Average 

Op Margin, as Adjusted 

 

    

<=0

 

     

250

 

     

450

 

     

650

 

     

>=850

 

     

 

>=49.0%

    

 

100%

 

    

 

118%

 

    

 

133%

 

    

 

149%

 

    

 

165%

 

  
                                      

 

47%

    

 

83%

 

    

 

107%

 

    

 

122%

 

    

 

138%

 

    

 

154%

 

  
                                      

 

45.0%

    

 

67%

 

    

 

94%

 

    

 

111%

 

    

 

127%

 

    

 

143%

 

  
                                      

 

43.0%

    

 

50%

 

    

 

78%

 

    

 

100%

 

    

 

116%

 

    

 

133%

 

   Target Level 
                                      

 

41.0%

    

 

33%

 

    

 

61%

 

    

 

83%

 

    

 

105%

 

    

 

122%

 

  
                                      

 

39.0%

    

 

17%

 

    

 

44%

 

    

 

67%

 

    

 

92%

 

    

 

111%

 

  
                                      

 

<=37.0%

    

 

0%

 

    

 

28%

 

    

 

50%

 

    

 

75%

 

    

 

100%

 

  
                                      
  
     

 

3-yr Average Organic Revenue growth ($ million)

 

     
      

3-yr Average 

Operating Margin, as Adjusted 

 

    

<=0

 

     

400

 

     

600

 

     

800

 

     

>=1,000

 

     

 

>=50.5%

    

 

100%

 

    

 

122%

 

    

 

133%

 

    

 

149%

 

    

 

165%

 

  
                                      

 

48.5%

    

 

83%

 

    

 

111%

 

    

 

122%

 

    

 

138%

 

    

 

154%

 

  
                                      

 

46.5%

    

 

67%

 

    

 

100%

 

    

 

111%

 

    

 

127%

 

    

 

143%

 

  
                                      

 

44.5%

    

 

50%

 

    

 

83%

 

    

 

100%

 

    

 

116%

 

    

 

133%

 

   Target Level 
                                      

 

42.5%

    

 

33%

 

    

 

67%

 

    

 

83%

 

    

 

105%

 

    

 

122%

 

  
                                      

 

40.5%

    

 

17%

 

    

 

50%

 

    

 

67%

 

    

 

92%

 

    

 

111%

 

  
                                      

 

<=38.5%

    

 

0%

 

    

 

33%

 

    

 

50%

 

    

 

75%

 

    

 

100%

 

  
                                      

If target levelTarget Level performance is achieved (i.e., during the three-year performance period, BlackRock has average annual Organic Revenue equal to $450growth equals $600 million and average annual Operating Margin, as adjusted, equal to 43.0%equals 44.5%), then a participant will receive a number of shares equal to 100% of the base number of units granted to the participant.

If during the three-year performance period, BlackRock has zero or negative average annual Organic Revenue growth and average annual Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 37.0%38.5% or less, then the participant will not be entitled to a distribution of any shares under his or her 20192020 BPIP Award.

If maximum level performance is achieved, then a participant will receive the maximum number of shares (meaning that during the three-year performance period, BlackRock were to deliverdelivered average annual Organic Revenue growth equal to or greater than $1 billion and an average annual Operating Margin, as adjusted, equal to or greater than 50.5%). The maximum number of $550shares a participant may receive under BPIP is equal to 165% of the base number of units.

2016 BPIP Award: Actual Performance and Payout

Performance Period (2017-2019)

For the 2016 BPIP Awards granted in January 2017 as part of 2016 NEO incentive compensation, the number of shares that a recipient received upon settlement was equal to the base number of RSUs granted, multiplied by 110.9%, which was determined in accordance with the 2016 BPIP Award Determination Matrix. The percentage was determined by BlackRock’s average annual Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, during the January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 performance period.

BlackRock achieved above Target Level results in the 2017-2019 performance cycle, with three-year average annual Organic Revenue growth of $466 million and average Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 43.0%, then a participant receiving a BPIP Award valued44.0%. This resulted in the recipients’ award units settling at $2 million in January 2019 would receive a distribution of 5,264 shares, or 108%110.9% of the base number of RSUsunits granted. Outlined below is an example of how this above-target level achievement would be calculated.

 

64BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT61



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (BPIP)

 

January 2019 BPIP Grant:Actual Payout – Example

 

  

BPIP Award Value

  

 

$2,000,0002 million 

 

For Performance Year 20182016 and in anticipation of continued performance and long-term focus over a multi-year period

  
      

Conversion Price

  

 

$410.315375.22 

 

The average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 17, 20192017 (the grant date)

  
      

Base number of units granted

  

 

4,8745,330 

 

Determined by dividing the dollar value of the recipient’s award by the conversion price

  

 

($2,000,000 / $410.315)$375.22) 

 

      

HypotheticalActual Performance Results(1)

  

 

$550M466 million 

 

Jan 1, 20192017 to Dec 31, 20212019(3-year)(three-year) average Organic Revenue growth

  

 

(i.e., above target)Target Level of $400 million) 

 

Jan 1, 20192017 to Dec 31, 20212019(3-year)(three-year) average Operating Margin, as adjusted

   

43.0%44.0% 

(i.e., at target)above Target Level of 43%) 

 

 

      

Resulting Award Payout (%)

Based on Award Determination Matrix

  

 

108%110.9% 

 

      

Resulting Award Payout (Number of units)

  

 

5,2645,911 

 

Base number of units granted x Award Payout (%)

  

 

(4,8745,330 x 108%110.9%

 

      

(1)

For further details on the 2016 BPIP Awards granted in January 2017, including the full Award Determination Matrix, please refer to page 53 of BlackRock’s 2017 Proxy Statement.

If maximum level performance is achievedLeadership Retention Carry Plan

In 2019, BlackRock adopted a carried interest incentive program, referred to as the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan, pursuant to which senior-level employees (excluding the CEO), thenas may be determined by the Compensation Committee from time to time, are eligible to receive grants of percentage points entitling them to receive a participant will receiveportion of the maximum numbertotal carried interest distributions payable to BlackRock, Inc. from participating BlackRock carry funds. Participating carry funds consist of shares (meaningBlackRock carry vehicles that had an initial close during the performance period BlackRock delivered average Organic Revenue equal to or greater than $850 million and average Operating Margin, as adjusted, equal to or greater than 49.0%).The maximum numbercommencing in the year of shares a participant may receive under BPIP is equal to 165%grant of the base numberpercentage points and ending on the date of units.the participant’s termination of employment. In 2019, Mr. Kapito received an award of percentage points under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan in order to promote his long-term retention and drive future growth.

Carried interests generally represent the right to receive distributions only if distributions are made to investors in the participating carry funds following the realization of an investment and a specified return is achieved with respect to such investments. Consequently, the actual amount of any potential carried interest distributions received by BlackRock, Inc., and therefore any participant in the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan, is solely a function of the performance of the eligible carry fund and the realization of its underlying investments. For these reasons, the Compensation Committee believes that participation in the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan aligns the interests of participants with those of our shareholders by closely aligning compensation with the long-term performance of our business.

Recognizing the long-term nature of private investment funds, the cash distributions, if any, with respect to any percentage points granted under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan will only be paid over a multi-year period beginning after the participant has terminated his or her employment due to qualified retirement (or by virtue of death or disability), subject to his or her execution of a release of claims and continued compliance with any applicable restrictive covenant obligations following such qualifying termination. Participants will not receive any cash distributions in the event of a termination of employment for any other reason. Any payments received under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan will be treated as ordinary income and not long-term capital gains.

Performance-Based Stock Options

BlackRock has a robust leadership plan that is reviewed regularly by the Compensation Committee and the full Board, including ongoing succession planning and development initiatives for the senior leadership team. In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic partcomponent of our long-term management succession plansplan by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. We did not grant performance-based stock options to any of our NEOs in 20182019 and we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations.

 

62BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT65



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    3. Compensation Determination Process

 

3.

Compensation

Determination Process

Compensation Timeline and Process

The Compensation Committee structures the timing and process for determining individual NEO compensation so that compensation is appropriately aligned with the financial performance of BlackRock. This also ensures recognition of individual NEO leadership and operating contributions toward achieving our overall strategic priorities.

 

 

LOGO

January-March Review annual budget and operating goals Set annual CEO goals and objectives Determine BPIP award determination matrix for new three-year performance cycle March-December Receive and review Management's reporting of year-to-date financial performance relative to peers, goals and market context Receive and review Management's reporting of progress toward business and organizational objectives Review market compensation trends and other intelligence, including Consultant reports Receive the CEO's performance reviews for all individual NEOs against business goals and objectives January of following year Review Company year-end financial and operating performance, with reference to goals, peers, and market context Determine final total incentive award amounts for the CEO, President and NEOs based on financial performance, business strength and organizational strength, supported by performance measures. Determine equity awards with consideration of full-year NEO performance assessments Ensure compensation outcomes that reflect commitment to aligning pay with performance, and to awarding pay packages that are more than 90% performance-based and "at risk" January March Review annual budget and operating goals. Engage with management in a rigorous review and approval of annual objectives for the CEO, President and other NEOs, which include nancial performance objectives, business strengths objectives and organizational strength objectives. Determine BPIP award determination matrix for new three-year performance cycle. REVIEW Compensation Committees Pay Determination Processes (aligning performance and pay decisions) APPROVE January of following year Review Company year-end nancial and operating performance, with reference to goals, peers, and market context. Determine and approve total incentive award amounts (0-125% of total incentive from the previous year) for the CEO, President and other NEOs based on performance assessment. Ensure compensation outcomes reflect a commitment to aligning pay with performance, and to awarding pay packages that are performance-based and at risk. EVALUATE March December Review Managements reporting of YTD financial performance relative to peers, goals and market context. Review Managements reporting of progress toward business and organizational objectives. Review market compensation trends and other intelligence, including Compensation Consultant reports. Assess CEO, President and other NEOs performance based on nancial performance (50%), business strengths (30%) and organizational strengths (20%).LOGO

 

66BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT63



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Competitive Pay Positioning – Market Data

 

Competitive Pay Positioning – Market Data

ManagementBlackRock engages McLagan Partners (“McLagan”), a compensation consultant that specializes in conducting proprietary compensation surveys and interpreting compensation trends. ManagementThe Company used McLagan surveys to evaluate BlackRock’sits competitive position overall, as well asincluding by functional business and by title, and make comparisons on an individual NEO basis, where survey data was available and appropriate.

Survey results were analyzed to account for differences in the scale and scope between BlackRock and other survey participants.

Survey participants include both stand-alone, publicly traded asset management companies as well as a broader set of privately held or subsidiary asset management organizations for which publicly available compensation data is not available. Confidentiality obligations to McLagan and to its survey participants prevent BlackRock from disclosing the companies included in the surveys.

The Compensation Committee reviews market data to understand compensation practices and trends in the broader marketplace. Individual NEO compensation decisions are primarily based on assessments of individual NEO and Company performance.

Role of the Compensation Consultant

In 2018,2019, the Compensation Committee continued to engage Semler Brossy for objective advice on compensation practices and the competitive landscape for the compensation of BlackRock’s executive officers.

Semler Brossy reports directly to the Compensation Committee and interacts with BlackRock management when necessary and appropriate. Semler Brossy provides services only to the Compensation Committee as an independent consultant and does not have any other consulting engagements with, or provide any other services to, BlackRock. The independence of Semler Brossy has been assessed according to factors stipulated by the SEC and the Compensation Committee concluded that no conflict of interest exists that would prevent Semler Brossy from independently advising the Compensation Committee.

A representative from Semler Brossy met with the Compensation Committee in formal Committee meetings and at key points throughout the year to provide objective advice to the Compensation Committee on existing and emerging compensation practices among financial services companies, as well as companies in the asset management sector. The representative from Semler Brossy also meets with the Compensation Committee in executive sessions throughout the year to discuss compensation practices and industry pay trends.

Peer Group Composition

The Compensation Committee, with assistance from Semler Brossy, reviews the composition of our peer group to ensure the group continues to serve as an appropriate market reference for executive compensation purposes. In considering the composition of our peer group, the Compensation Committee considers companies that are in our industry or have similar lines of business, are competitors for our executive talent, are large, complex organizations with global reach and/or are similarly sized from a revenue and market cap perspective. Our peer group reflects our current scale, business and strategic priorities.

20182019 PEER GROUP

 

 

Affiliated Managers Group

 

Ameriprise Financial

 

Bank of New York Mellon

 

Charles Schwab

 

  

 

Franklin Resources

 

Goldman Sachs

 

Invesco

 

Morgan Stanley

  

 

Northern Trust

 

State Street

 

T. Rowe Price Group

As previously noted, the McLagan analyses, which include both publicly traded companies as well as private companies in a variety of industries and sectors, offer additional comparisons through which BlackRock can understand the competitiveness of its executive compensation programs overall, by functional business and by title/individual. Semler Brossy independently reviewed the results and the companies included in the McLagan analyses. BlackRock does not engage in formal benchmarking in setting executive compensation levels.

 

64BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT67



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Risk Assessment of Compensation Plans

 

Risk Assessment of Compensation Plans

Our employee compensation program isprograms are structured to discourage excessive and unnecessary risk taking. The Board recognizes that potential risks to BlackRock may be inherent in employee compensation programs. The BoardCompensation Committee periodically reviews BlackRock’s executiveemployee compensation program annuallyprograms to ensure that it isthey are structured so as not to unintentionally promote excessive risk taking. As a result of this annual review,these periodic reviews, we believe that theour employee compensation plansprograms are appropriately structured and do not pose risks that couldare reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on BlackRock.

The Compensation Committee considers the following when evaluating whether employee compensation plans and policiesprograms encourage BlackRock employees to take unreasonable risks:

 

Performance goals that are reasonable in light of past performance and market conditions;

 

Longer-term expectations for earnings and growth;

 

The base salary component of compensation does not encourage risk taking because it is a fixed amount;

 

A greater portion of annual compensation is deferred at higher annual incentive award levels; and

 

Deferred compensation is delivered in the form of equity, vests over time, and the value is therefore dependent on the future performance of BlackRock.BlackRock; and

BlackRock’s Clawback Policy and stock ownership guidelines.

Essential to the success of BlackRock’s business model is the ability to both understand and manage risk. These fundamentals are inherent in the design of our employee compensation programs, which reward employees for strong performance in their management of client assets and in managing risk within the risk profiles appropriate to each BlackRock client. As such, employees are not rewarded for engaging in high-risk transactions outside of established parameters.

Our compensation practices reinforce the fundamentals of BlackRock’s business model in that they:

 

Do not provide undue incentives for short-term planning or action toward short-term financial rewards;

 

Do not reward unreasonable risk-taking; and

 

Provide a reasonable balance between the risks that are inherent in the business of investment management, risk management and advisory services.

The Company’s operating income, as adjusted, on which compensation is primarily based, does not include net investment income or gains/losses on BlackRock’s seed orco-investments. While BlackRock may make seed orco-investments in its various funds alongside clients, it does not engage in proprietary trading.

 

68BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT65



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

4.

20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

Linking Pay and Performance

Here we provide the 20182019 NEO performance assessments and total incentive award decisions

As outlined in “Our Compensation Framework” on page 56,59, the Compensation Committee extended the total compensation framework, that in previous years applied to only our CEO and President, to include all NEOs for 2018. Under this revised framework,assesses each NEO is assessed against financial performance objectives (50%), business strength objectives (30%) and organizational strength objectives (20%). The performance assessments have a direct link to the total incentive outcome (annual discretionary cash award, annual discretionary deferred equity award, and long-term equity awards) for each NEO.

 

66BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT69



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

Laurence D.

Fink

 

Chairman and CEO

  

 

2018 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

Mr. Fink develops and guides BlackRock’s long-term strategic direction to deliver value for clients and shareholders.

 

He is responsible for senior leadership development and succession planning, defining and reinforcing BlackRock’s mission and culture, and engaging with key strategic clients, industry leaders, regulators and policy makers.

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   

Base Salary

  

$

1,500

 

 
   

Annual Incentive Award – Cash

  

$

7,750

 

 
   

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  

$

4,250

 

 
   

Long-Term Incentive Award

  

$

10,500

 
   

Total Annual Compensation

  

$

24,000

 

 
  

    

 

 

   

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Laurence D.

Fink

 

Chairman and CEO

  

 

2019 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

Mr. Fink guides and oversees BlackRock’s long-term strategic direction to deliver value for clients and shareholders.

 

He is responsible for senior leadership development and succession planning, defining and reinforcing BlackRock’s mission and culture, and engaging with key strategic clients, industry leaders, regulators and policy makers.

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   

Base Salary

  

$

1,500

 

 
   

Annual Incentive Award – Cash

  

$

7,750

 

 
   

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  

$

4,250

 

 
   

Long-Term Incentive Award

  

$

11,750

 

 
   

Total Annual Compensation

  

$

25,250

 

 
  

    

 

 

   

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Assessment: Partially MeetsMeets/Exceeds

 

In 2018, BlackRock expanded operating margin, executed on key strategic initiatives, made significant progress towards inclusionMr. Fink led the successful execution of BlackRock’s strategy throughout 2019, which delivered strong financial results, record net inflows and diversity objectives, and outperformed ouroverall outperformance relative to Traditional LC Peers(2). He drove the firm’s focus on delivering differentiated solutions to clients and oversaw continued investments in light of a difficult market environment. Nonetheless, duekey growth areas, includingiShares, illiquid alternatives and technology, to BlackRock’s financial performance relative to expectationsmeet clients’ changing needs. Mr. Fink increased his focus on Organizational Strength, where the firm faced challenges in its leadership and underperformance in alpha-generating products,employee representation. Overall, the Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Fink’s performance resulted in a Partially MeetsMeets/Exceeds determination. Based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Fink’s 20182019 total compensation at $24$25.25 million, down 14%up 5% from 2017.2018.

 

 

Compensation Scorecard

Compensation Scorecard

Compensation Scorecard

  

Performance
Category

 Performance Highlights 

Assessment

 Performance Highlights Assessment
 

Financial

Performance

LOGO

  

 

  Under Mr. Fink’s leadership, BlackRock generated organic growth, increased year-over-year revenue, expanded operating margin and grew EPS in 2018, despite meaningful headwinds in the asset management industry.

 

  Deep client relationships and a solutions-based approach drove long-term organic asset growth of 2% in 2018, compared to large cap asset management peers, which saw organic decay on average.

 

  Under Mr. Fink’s leadership, BlackRock was able to generate consistent growth and financial results despite market volatility, once again resulting in a 50% P/E multiple premium versus large cap asset management peers at 2018 year end.

 

 

 

Partially Meets

  

 

   Achieved record-high revenue and earnings growth in 2019, despite entering the year with lower AUM as a result of significant fourth quarter 2018 market volatility.

 

   Generated record annual net inflows of $429 billion, representing 7% organic asset growth and 5% organic base fee growth.

 

   Continued to generate differentiated organic growth and financial results, leading to stock price outperformance and a 50% P/E multiple premium versus Traditional LC Peers at 2019 year-end.

 

 

 

Meets/Exceeds

   Measures 

 

BlackRock Performance

 

     Measures 

 

BlackRock Performance

 

 
 

 

2017                

 

 

 

2018        

 

   

 

2018                

 

 

 

2019        

 

 
 

 

  Net New Base Fee Growth

 

 

7%

 

 

2%

   

 

  Net New Base Fee Growth

 

 

2%

 

 

5%

 
 

  Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($m)

 

$5,269

 

$5,531

   

  Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

$5,531

 

$5,551

 
 

  Year-over-year change

 

+13%

 

+5%

   

  Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

44.3%

 

43.7%

 
 

  Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

44.1%

 

44.3%

   

  Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

td6.93

 

td8.48

 
  

  Year-over-year change

 

+30bps

 

+20bps

      Share Price Data 

 

BlackRock

 

Traditional LC

Peers(2) Average 

  
  

  Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

$22.49

 

$26.93

    

  NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

16.5x

 

10.0x

  
  

  Year-over-year change

 

+17%

 

+20%

    

  % Change in Share Price vs. Prior Year

 

+28%

 

+14%

  
  

  Share Price Data

 

 

BlackRock

 

Traditional LC

Peers(2) Average 

        
  

  NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

14.2x

 

9.3x

  
  

  Annual appreciation/depreciation

 

-24%

 

-31%

  
      

 

(1)

 Amounts are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

(3)

 Next Twelve Months (“NTM”) P/E multiple refers to the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2018 divided by the consensus estimate of the Company’s expected  earnings over the next 12 months. Sourced from Factset.

(2)

 Traditional LC Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Eaton Vance, Invesco, Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

(3)

 NTM P/E multiple refers to the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2019, divided by the consensus estimate of the Company’s expected earnings over the next 12 months. Sourced from Factset.

 

70BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT67



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

   

 

Performance
Category

 

 

Performance Highlights

 

 

Assessment

 

 

Business

Strength

 

LOGO

  LOGO

 

 

Deliver Superior Client Experience

  Long-term performance remains strong over the 3-yr and 5-yr period, although there were 1-year performance pressures across the alpha-seeking investments platform.Solve for clients’ evolving needs

 

   In a difficult market environment,partnership with Mr. Fink ledKapito, drove strong long-term investment performance across BlackRock’s increased focus on providing holistic, client-centric solutions through innovative portfolio construction across its diverse platform.active platform, with 86%, 76% and 84% of Taxable Fixed Income, Fundamental Equity and Systematic Equity products, respectively, above benchmark or peer median for the trailing three-year period.

 

   Mr. Fink met with over 300 strategic clients, sharing insights from his engagementsOversaw the acquisition of eFront, strengthening BlackRock’s ability to take a whole portfolio approach in managing assets and enhancingAladdin’salternative investment capabilities for clients.

   Engaged in more than 400 client meetings and external events with institutions, governments and central banks around the world. He oversawworld bringing relevant perspectives back to the progress against strategic initiatives, through both organicbusiness and inorganic investments,increasing BlackRock’s ability to position BlackRock for long-term growth. He continuesrespond to serve BlackRockclient needs.

   Continued to deepen client partnerships and its clientsserve as a key thought leader in the broader financial services industry.for BlackRock’s clients and shareholders.

  

 

Partially MeetsFar Exceeds

       
 

 

Drive Organization DisciplineSharpen execution and accountability

 

   Mr. Fink oversaw progressSimplified BlackRock’s operating model through a firm re-organization and the regionalization of our strategic initiatives, through both organic and inorganic investment, that support BlackRock’s long-terminstitutional client businesses. These changes allowed BlackRock to allocate resources to the highest growth drivers and innovative investment solutions, includingareas, while ensuring the acquisitionsconsistent delivery of Citibanamex Asset Management and Tennenbaum Capital Partners.the entire platform.

 

   With Mr. Fink’s engagement,Recognizing shifts in client demand, drove BlackRock Global iShares generated 10% organic growthto leverage its scale and expertise to deliver outsourced Chief Investment Officer (“OCIO”) solutions and cash management solutions for 2018clients, resulting in 2019 net inflows of $16 billion and maintained the #1 market share of ETF AUM and net flows globally.$93 billion, respectively.

 

  
  

 

Lead in a Changing Worldchanging world

 

   In partnership with Mr. Goldstein, Mr. Fink advanced BlackRock’s tech2020 strategyContinued to oversee investments in three future growth areas, includingiShares, illiquid alternatives and delivered a 19% increase in technology services revenue year-over-year.technology.

 

   He oversaw the expansionOversaw significant momentum in illiquid alternatives, generating $14 billion of BlackRock’s technology portfolio with minority investments in Acornsnet inflows, driven by demand for infrastructure, real estate, Long Term Private Capital (“LTPC”) and Envestnet and continued investment in Aladdin Wealth and digital distribution tools like Advisor Center, iRetire and Cachematrix.private credit.

 

   Mr. Fink continuedGuided Mark Wiedman, Head of International and of Corporate Strategy, in the formation of a task force to exemplify strong executionaccelerate BlackRock’s focus on sustainable investing at the core of long-term strategyrisk management, portfolio construction, product design and sustainability standards, overseeing the expansion of the BlackRock Investment Stewardship team to adapt to a variety of political, economic, and regulatory changes shaping the financial services industry on behalf of our clients.company engagement.

 

    

Organizational

  Organizational   Strength

 

LOGO

  LOGO

 

 

Drive High PerformanceAttract and inspire talent

 

   As ChairmanElevated leaders into key roles, including naming Mark Wiedman Head of International and CEO, Mr. Fink drove performance excellence through the Global Executive Committee, emphasizing the importance of differentiationCorporate Strategy, Mark McCombe Chief Client Officer and meritocracy.Salim Ramji Head of ETF and Index Investments.

 

   Mr. Fink ledDirectly involved in improving succession planning efforts through the ongoing build outcreation of the BlackRock Academies, a suiteTalent Bench Reviews, which provide deeper insights into potential leadership successors and increased ownership of tailored learning platforms designed to build mastery of key subject areas amongsuccession plans.

   Created an environment and mechanisms that enable employees to improve talent development,provide feedback. As measured by BlackRock’s 2019 Employee Opinion Survey, employee engagement remains high with over 90% participation and better serve clients.70% of employees showing positive scores in engagement.

 

  

 

Meets/ExceedsPartially Meets

 

 

 

BuildDevelop a More Diversemore diverse and Inclusive Cultureinclusive culture

 

   Mr. Fink fostered a collaborativeContinued to emphasize the importance of inclusion and inclusive culturediversity through employee engagementmultiple firmwide initiatives such asfocused on increasing diverse representation at the firm’s Knowing BlackRock program and diverse range of affinity networks.firm.

 

   He drove expandedExpanded female representation at the senior level from 28.4% to 28.9% at the firm. However, missed the publicly-stated goal of 30% of female and ethnically diverse employees across BlackRockrepresentation in 2018.senior roles by 2020.

 

   UnderIn partnership with Mr. Fink’s leadership, as measured byKapito, exited two executives for personal conduct violations. These departures were necessary to uphold BlackRock’s 2018 Employee Opinion Survey, employee engagement remains strong, with strong positive scores in engagement (83%), enablement (71%), and satisfaction (79%).

Develop Great Managers and Leaders

  Mr. Fink continued to drive the Company’s succession planning, refreshing succession plans for more than 100 key roles through a robust, peer-reviewed process and further deepened focus on executive development.principles.

 

  

 

68BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT71



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

Robert S.

Kapito

 

President

  

 

 

2018 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

Mr. Kapito is responsible for executing BlackRock’s strategic plans and overseeing the global business operations of the Company.

 

He ensures connectivity and coordination of operating processes across all groups in the organization, in part through his leadership, along with Mr. Goldstein, of the Global Operating Committee.

 

He is also responsible for spearheading initiatives to drive investment performance and the results within each of BlackRock’s businesses.

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   

 

Base Salary

  

$

1,250

 

 
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Cash

  

$

6,250

 

 
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  

$

3,500

 

 
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  

$

8,000

 
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  

$

19,000

 

 
  

    

   

 

Robert S.

Kapito

 

President

  

 

 

2019 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

Mr. Kapito is responsible for executing BlackRock’s strategic plans and overseeing the global business operations of the Company.

 

He ensures connectivity and coordination of operating processes across all groups in the organization, in part through his leadership, along with Mr. Goldstein, of the Global Operating Committee.

 

He is also responsible for spearheading initiatives to drive investment performance and the results within each of BlackRock’s businesses.

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   

 

Base Salary

  

$

1,250

 

 
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Cash

  

$

6,250

 

 
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  

$

3,500

 

 
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  

$

8,950

 

 
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  

$

19,950

 

 
  

    

   

 

Overall Assessment: Partially MeetsMeets/Exceeds

 

In 2019, Mr. Kapito’s assessment reflects the same positive overall firm performance as Mr. Fink’s with the additional emphasis on operational processes across the firm, as well asKapito fostered key client relationships and led strong long-term investment performance across BlackRock’s businesses. He played a critical role in several firmwide strategic initiatives, including the realignment of BlackRock’s global institutional client segments. Mr. Kapito led a renewed focus on Organizational Strength and diversity objectives. Nonetheless, due to BlackRock’s financial performance relative to expectations and underperformance in alpha-generating products,culture at the firm. Overall, the Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Kapito’s performance resulted in a Partially MeetsMeets/Exceeds determination. Based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Kapito’s 20182019 total compensation at $19$19.95 million, down 14%up 5% from 2017.2018.

 

 

Compensation Scorecard

Compensation Scorecard

Compensation Scorecard

  
Performance
Category

 

Performance Highlights

 

           

Assessment                    

 

 

Performance Highlights

 

           

Assessment                    

 

Financial

Performance

LOGO

       

 

Partially Meets

       

 

Meets/Exceeds

 

 

  Mr. Kapito’s operational responsibility for BlackRock’s distribution channels and client-facing businesses contributed to BlackRock’s positive organic growth. His day-to-day oversight of the firm was instrumental in expanding BlackRock’s Operating Margin.

 

  Mr. Kapito’s operational responsibility for BlackRock’s distribution channels and client-facing businesses contributed to BlackRock’s positive organic asset growth of 2%.

 

  His day-to-day oversight of the firm was instrumental in expanding BlackRock’s operating margin.

 

   

 

   Mr. Kapito’s operational responsibility for BlackRock’s distribution channels and client-facing businesses, including maintaining relationships with key intermediary partners, contributed to 7% organic asset growth and 5% organic base fee growth.

 

   Guided robust and efficient processes and leadership for the oversight and management of record AUM of $7.43 trillion, including nearly td trillion in active, nearly $5 trillion iniShares ETFs & Index and nearly $550 billion in cash management strategies.

 

   Led industry growth and adoption of key ETF categories, resulting in BlackRock’s record td12 billion of net inflows in fixed income ETFs, while also capturing the #1 share in industry factor and sustainable ETF flows.

 

   Delivered on day-to-day oversight of the firm’s business operations, partnering with Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Shedlin to manage an Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 43.7%, down 60 basis points from 2018. The decrease reflected BlackRock’s strategic decision to continue investing responsibly in 2019, despite the growth challenges of entering 2019 with headwinds created by market volatility and declines in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

 
 Measures   

 

2017                

 

 

 

2018                    

 

   Measures   

 

2018                

 

 

 

2019                    

 

 
 

 

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($m)

 

   

 

$5,269

 

 

 

$5,531

 

   

 

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

   

 

$5,531

 

 

 

$5,551

 

 
 

 

    Year-over-year change

 

   

 

+13%

 

 

 

+5%

 

   

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

   

 

44.3%

 

 

 

43.7%

 

 
 

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

   

 

44.1%

 

 

 

44.3%

 

   

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

   

 

td6.93

 

 

 

td8.48

 
 

 

    Year-over-year change

 

   

 

+30bps

 

 

 

+20bps

 

       
  

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

   

 

$22.49

 

 

 

$26.93

  
  

 

    Year-over-year change

 

   

 

+17%

 

 

 

+20%

 

  
        

Business
Strength

LOGO

  

 

Deliver Superior Client Experience

 

   Mr. Kapito continued to oversee initiatives to drive investment performance. Despite more recent underperformance in the alpha-generating platform, delivered strong long-term performance over the 3-yr and 5-yr period.

 

   Mr. Kapito’s deep relationships with intermediary partners resulted in several strategic alliances with distribution partners to expand investment offerings to clients.

 

     

 

Partially Meets

  

 

Solve for clients’ evolving needs

 

   Led strong long-term investment performance across active products, achieving td10 billion of active net inflows while the industry experienced overall active outflows.

 

     

 

Far Exceeds

 

 

  Actively managed AUM above benchmark or peer median

 

 

 

    1-Yr            

 

 

 

    3-Yr            

 

 

 

   5-Yr            

 

 

 

  Actively managed AUM above benchmark or peer median

 

 

 

    1-Yr            

 

 

 

    3-Yr            

 

 

 

   5-Yr            

 

  

 

Taxable Fixed Income

 

 

  48%

 

 

  69%

 

 

  82%

 

Taxable Fixed Income

 

 

  87%

 

 

  86%

 

 

  89%

 

  

 

Tax-Exempt Fixed Income

 

 

  47%

 

 

  71%

 

 

  76%

 

Tax-Exempt Fixed Income

 

 

  61%

 

 

  79%

 

 

  77%

 

  

 

Fundamental Equity

 

 

  50%

 

 

  67%

 

 

  78%

 

Fundamental Equity

 

 

  71%

 

 

  76%

 

 

  82%

 

 

Systematic Equity

   32%   83%   93%  

Systematic Equity

   54%   84%   82%
     
  

 

 

Drive Organization Discipline

   Mr. Kapito, in partnership with Mr. Kushel, created the Client Portfolio Solutions group to deliver holistic investment outcomes for clients.

 

   Mr. Kapito played a pivotal role in driving BlackRock’s investment growth strategy, including the acquisition of Tennenbaum Capital Partners to enhance BlackRock’s private credit capabilities.

 

    

 

   Oversaw the td.4 billion close of the BlackRock Science & Technology Trust II, BlackRock’s largest closed-end fund launch in the last seven years and the industry’s largest in the last five years.

 

   Continued to play an integral role in expanding client relationships, sponsoring multiple “client summits” across business lines globally.

 

  
   

 

Lead in a Changing World

   Mr. Kapito emphasized the importance of leveraging data and analytics to develop differentiated solutions across BlackRock’s alpha-seeking and index strategies. He led the focus on developing differentiated sustainable investment solutions, with BlackRock now managing approximately $500bn of AUM and positioned as the largest provider of sustainable ETFs.

  

(1)

 Amounts

are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

 

72BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT69



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

Performance
Category

 

 

Performance Highlights

 

 

Assessment

 

Sharpen execution and accountability

 

Organizational   Realigned global institutional client segments and restructured its leadership to drive growth across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

   Streamlined the firm’s product governance structure with more robust product management roles and oversight across asset classes.

Lead in a changing world

   Guided BlackRock’s alternatives business into its next phase of growth, through the full integration of Tennenbaum Capital Partners, the close of its Global Credit Opportunities fund and three successful fundraising closes of its LTPC vehicle.

  Organizational  

Strength

 

LOGO  LOGO

 

 

Drive High PerformanceAttract and inspire talent

 

   Mr. Kapito exemplified BlackRock’s high performance culture by emphasizingContinued to lead key programs and committees to engage key talent across the importance of differentiation through performance assessmentsfirm, which proved to be crucial after a firm reorganization early in the year.

   Elevated key leaders across the investment businesses and appropriately rewarding individuals for their impact.drove progress in developing deep and diverse succession plans.

 

   

 

Meets/ExceedsPartially Meets

 

 

BuildDevelop a More Diversemore diverse and Inclusive Cultureinclusive culture

 

   Mr. Kapito helped driveContinued to increase BlackRock’s focus on inclusion and diversity, particularly across the increased representation of female and ethnically diverse employees across BlackRock, launching a firm-wide initiative to broadeninvestment teams through the talent pool of diverse investors, build inclusive teams, and grow world class investment professionals.

DevelopGrowing More Great Managers and LeadersInvestors initiative.

 

   While exemplifying our culture and principles internally, partnered with Mr. Kapito drove a strongFink to exit and diverse pipelinemanage the unplanned departures of BlackRock leaders, launching new cohorts of Enterprise Leadership Acceleration at BlackRock and the Women’s Leadership Forum, internal development programs designed to build a strong and diverse pipeline of BlackRock leaders.two executives for personal conduct violations.

 

  

 

70BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT73



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

Robert L.

Goldstein

 

COO

  

 

2018 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

As COO, Mr. Goldstein is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s investment, client, risk analytics, technology and operating functions have the necessary connectivity, coordination and scalable processes in place to succeed.

 

Mr. Goldstein also leads theBlackRock Solutions business, delivering investment and risk analytics technology to clients.

 

Along with Mr. Kapito, Mr. Goldsteinco-chairs the BlackRock Global Operating Committee. With Mr. Shedlin, he alsoco-chairs the Planning, Budgeting and Alignment Committee, which is responsible for developing the Company’s budget, evaluating new initiatives aimed at driving growth and achieving strategic objectives of the firm.

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   Base Salary  $500  
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Cash

  $2,950  
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  $2,000  
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  $2,400 
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  $7,850  
  

 

        

 

   
     
       

 

Robert L.

Goldstein

 

COO

  

 

2019 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

As COO, Mr. Goldstein is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s investment, client, risk analytics, technology and operating functions have the necessary connectivity, coordination and scalable processes in place to succeed.

 

Mr. Goldstein also leads the BlackRock Solutions (“BRS”) business, delivering investment and risk analytics technology to clients.

 

Mr. Goldstein co-chairs, along with Mr. Kapito, the BlackRock Global Operating Committee. He also co-chairs, along with Mr. Shedlin, the Planning, Budgeting and Alignment (“PBA”) Committee, which is responsible for developing the Company’s budget, evaluating new initiatives aimed at driving growth and achieving strategic objectives of the firm.

   

(Thousands)

 

 

      
   Base Salary  $500  
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Cash

  $2,950  
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  $2,000  
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  $4,400  
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  $9,850  
  

 

        

 

   
     
       

 

 

OverallAssessment: Meets/ Assessment: Far Exceeds

 

In 2019, Mr. Goldstein played a critical role in driving BlackRock’s financial results in 2018. As COO, heGoldstein’s leadership significantly contributed to BlackRock’s overall financial growth and advancement of key technology initiatives. He led the expansionacquisition and integration of BlackRock’s operating margin by 20 basis points,eFront and as Head ofBlackRock Solutions, drove recorda 24% year-over-year increase in technology services revenue. TheHis involvement in key strategic and organizational initiatives had a measurable impact on BlackRock’s success. Overall, the Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Goldstein’s performance resulted in a Meets/Far Exceeds determination, and based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee setdetermination. In light of Mr. Goldstein’s expanding responsibilities and the substantial growth of the businesses he oversees, the Committee approved incentive compensation to recognize his high performance for the year and to also acknowledge his larger role. To that end, Mr. Goldstein’s 2019 total compensation was set at $7.85$9.85 million, down 4% from 2017.including incentive pay at 127% of goal, reflecting both a “Far Exceeds” performance determination as well as market movement in his total pay.

 

 

  

 

  Performance

  Category

 

 

Performance Highlights

 

 

Assessment

 

 

Financial

Performance

 

LOGOLOGO

 

 

   In his role as COO,Under Mr. Goldstein’s leadership, BlackRock generated a record $974 million of 2019 technology services revenue and 24% year-over-year growth. Mr. Goldstein playedenhanced BlackRock’s range of technology capabilities by enhancing and expandingAladdin to support the entire asset management value chain. He drove the acquisition of eFront and developed a pivotal role in expanding BlackRock’s operating margin by 20 basis points, while continuingpartnership with BNY Mellon to invest in strategic growth areas.deliver integrated technology and servicing capabilities across the investment lifecycle.

 

   He continuedDelivered on day-to-day oversight of the firm’s business operations, partnering with Mr. Kapito and Mr. Shedlin to lead and streamlinemanage an Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 43.7%, down 60 basis points from 2018. The decrease reflected BlackRock’s strategic decision to continue investing responsibly in 2019, despite a more challenging overall revenue capture environment created by market volatility in the business review and budgeting processes, while reducing organizational tax and driving connectivity.

  As the Headfourth quarter ofBlackRock Solutions, Mr. Goldstein’s leadership resulted in full-year technology services revenue of $785 million, representing a 19% increase year-over-year.

  He continued to invest in expanding technology solutions, positioning BlackRock as the most comprehensive partner to wealth managers.

  Mr. Goldstein established multiple strategic partnerships to explore innovative technology and retirement solutions. 2018.

 

 

Meets/Far Exceeds

     
 

Business

Strength

 

LOGOLOGO

 

   As COO, Mr. Goldstein playedwas involved in a pivotal rolevariety of key firm-wide initiatives, including evolving the client experience, managing a firmwide re-organization and opening BlackRock’s Atlanta office.

   Increased risk management protocols, enhancing connectivity of risk management groups across the firm and streamlining the firm’s ability to respond to issues effectively and efficiently.

   Led the PBA Committee, with co-chair Mr. Shedlin, in several firm-wide strategic initiatives, driving efficiencies through improvementsestablishing a reallocation framework to our Data platform, Alternatives platform, and internalizing research.direct resources into high-growth areas.

 

   As the Head ofBlackRock Solutions,, oversaw strategic partnerships and multiple implementations across BRS, involving the delivery of technology solutions and servicing tools. Mr. Goldstein drove material progress through tech2020 projects,the successful acquisition of eFront, which elevated the capabilities of BlackRock’s technology platform. He was critical to the integration of eFront employees and oversaw development efforts on a joint offering to clients.Aladdin and eFront are now being used by over 900 clients in 68 countries, including the establishment16 wealth managers that have 35,000 financial advisors serving millions of Data Science Core and the Lab for Artificial Intelligence.

  He continued to make significant investments in digital wealth and distribution technologies, including the launch ofAladdin:Next focused on re-architectingAladdin’s foundation and core platform.

  In partnership with Mr. Fink, Mr. Goldstein led the expansion of our technology portfolio with minority investments in Acorns, the country’s fastest growing micro investing tool, and Envestnet, a leading provider of technology-enabled, web-based investment solutions and services to financial advisors.end investors.

 Meets/Far Exceeds
     
 

Organizational

Strength

 

LOGOLOGO

 

   Mr. Goldstein successfully drove inclusionShared key insights with business leaders on the future of the firm through its talent initiatives and diversitycommittees, most notably during the roll-out of Talent Bench Reviews in theBlackRock Solutions business, exceeding the female representation target for 2018 through new hires and promotions.2019.

 

   Upgraded leadership across technology teams, hiring a Head of theAladdin Product Group and providing stretch opportunities for key leaders inAladdin Wealth. He upgradedalso provided strategic direction to ensure the firm’sright leadership was in place in the technology talent through several key senior hires to oversee the long-term focus on Digital Wealth, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.operations group.

 

   Mr. Goldstein continued to elevate the technology platform through organizational changes and development of key talent, re-organizingAladdin toGoldstein’s focus on Platforminclusion and Product Engineering.diversity progress has led to an increase in female representation across technology services groups. He has personally sponsored stretch roles for senior leaders in technology groups and across the firm.

 Meets/Far Exceeds  
     

 

74BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT71



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 20182019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

J. Richard

Kushel

 

Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Global Fixed Income

   

 

2018 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

As Global Head of Multi-Asset Strategies (“MAS”) and Global Fixed Income (“GFI”), Mr. Kushel is responsible for the firm’s multi-asset and global fixed income products, asset allocation, and client portfolio solutions capabilities.

 

As Global Head of MAS and GFI, Mr. Kushel oversees management of a variety of balanced funds and bespoke mandates for a diversified client base that leverages broad investment expertise in global equities, bonds, currencies and commodities and BlackRock’s extensive risk management capabilities.

 

He was previously Chief Product Officer and Global Head of Strategic Product Management from 2012 to 2016.

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   Base Salary  $500  
          
   Annual Incentive Award – Cash  $2,713  
          
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  $1,763  
          
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  $1,700  
          
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  $6,675  
          
      
      
      
      

 

J. Richard

Kushel

 

Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Global Fixed Income

   

 

2019 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

As Global Head of Multi-Asset Strategies (“MAS”) and Global Fixed Income (“GFI”) and with oversight of Client Portfolio Solutions (“CPS”), Mr. Kushel is responsible for the firm’s multi-asset and global fixed income products, asset allocation and client portfolio solutions capabilities.

 

As Global Head of MAS and GFI and with oversight of CPS,

Mr. Kushel oversees management of a variety of balanced funds and bespoke mandates for a diversified client base that leverages broad investment expertise in global equities, bonds, currencies and commodities and BlackRock’s extensive risk management capabilities.

 

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   Base Salary  $500  
          
   Annual Incentive Award – Cash  $2,613  
          
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  $1,663  
          
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  $2,900  
          
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  $7,675  
          
      
      
      

 

 

Overall Assessment: Meets/Far Exceeds

 

In 2019, Mr. Kushel played a critical role in driving BlackRock’s record asset gathering and strong financial results in 2018.performance. Under his leadership, MAS, GFI and CPS generated strong organic growth and delivered improved investment performance relative to benchmarks. Mr. Kushel assumed leadership ofKushel’s focus on strategic and organizational initiatives had a positive impact on the GFI business, in addition to his responsibilities as Global Head of MAS. He improved net new business in each ofinvestment teams’ high-performance culture. Overall, the businesses he led, and in partnership with Mr. Kapito, created the BlackRock Client Portfolio Solutions group. The Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Kushel’s performance resulted in a Meets/Far Exceeds determination, and baseddetermination. Based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Kushel’s 2019 total compensation at $6.68$7.675 million, down 5%up 15% from 2017.2018.

 

 

  

  Performance

  Category

 

 

Performance Highlights

 

 

Assessment

 

 

Financial

Performance

 

LOGOLOGO

 

 

   Under Mr. Kushel successfully led theKushel’s leadership, MAS and GFI businesses, improvinggenerated $19 billion in net new business versus large cap asset management peers, particularly in Municipal Bonds, Unconstrained Funds, and Factor Investing.had strong investment performance across the portfolio, driven by macro factor, global tactical allocation and income strategies.

 

   He continued to drive strong growth for GFI and MAS, with each business generating $79bn and $17bngenerated $264 billion in net new business, respectively (representing 4% organic growth in each).

   He oversawreflecting strength across active, index andiShares strategies. GFI continued to deliver strong long-term investment performance, in fixed income, with 82%87%, 86% and 76%89% of taxable and tax-exempt assets, respectively,Taxable Fixed Income products above benchmark or peer median for the 5-year period.

Meets/Exceeds  

Business

Strength

LOGO

   Mr. Kushel continued to develop a vision for the MAStrailing one-, three- and GFI businesses, focusing on institutional opportunities and expanded product offerings.five-year period, respectively.

 

   Mr. Kushel grew the Multi-Asset income franchise, particularlyGrowth in the Global Tactical Asset Allocation strategies business, where BlackRock tactically allocatesCPS continued to accelerate, with strong flows across global marketsboth institutional and asset classes while deploying risk to thematic insights.

   Upon assuming leadership of the GFI team, Mr. Kushel simplified the organizational structure along four core business lines - Fundamental Fixed Income, Systematic Fixed Income, Municipal Fixed Income,wealth clients and CorePM / Index.

   In partnership with Mr. Kapito and Mark McCombe, Head of Americas, Mr. Kushel led the creation of BlackRock’s Client Portfolio Solutions group to bring together BlackRock’s full platform and expertise to construct holistic portfolios for clients.

   Mr. Kushel oversaw progress in Factor-Based investments, a strategic focus area for BlackRock, and deepened the integration across the investments platform.

Meets/Exceeds  

Organizational

Strength

LOGO

   Mr. Kushel successfully enhanced the organizational and leadership structure, while continuing to focus on making progress in inclusion and diversity across the groups. He continues to play a leadership role in advancing BlackRock’s culture and diversity agenda through small-group roundtables and sponsoring the Black Professionals Network.

   Mr. Kushel drove a high performance culture, and upgraded talent across MAS, GFI, and the newly formed Client Portfolio Solutions groups.

Meets/Exceeds  

72BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 2018 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

Gary S.

Shedlin

 

CFO

   

 

2018 Compensation

(Thousands)

 

 

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

As CFO, Mr. Shedlin is responsible for managing BlackRock’s overall financial condition, including resource and capital allocation, and expense discipline.

 

He is also responsible for overseeing all corporate finance functions, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, finance operations and controls, tax, treasury, investor relations, and corporate development.

 

Mr. Shedlin alsoco-chairs, along with Mr. Goldstein, the Planning, Budgeting and Alignment Committee, which is responsible for developing the Company’s budget, evaluating new initiatives aimed at driving growth, and achieving strategic objectives of the Company.

 

   

 

Base Salary

  

$

500

 

 
          
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Cash

  

$

2,475

 

 
          
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  

$

1,525

 

 
          
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  

$

1,950

 

 
          
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  

$

6,450

 

 
          
      
      
      
      

Overall Assessment: Meets/Exceeds

Mr. Shedlin played a critical role in driving BlackRock’s financial results in 2018. As CFO, he contributed to the expansion of BlackRock’s operating margin by 20 basis points and executed several targeted transactions to drive future growth. The Compensation Committee’s assessment resulted in a Meets/Exceeds determination, and based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Shedlin’s total compensation at $6.45 million, down 5% from 2017.

Performance

Category

Performance Highlights

Assessment  

Financial

Performance

    LOGO

   Mr. Shedlin played a pivotal role in strategic and financial planning that resulted in expansion of BlackRock’s operating margin, while simultaneously investing for future growth.

   He drove BlackRock’s capital management strategy, including returning approximately $3.6 billion of cash to shareholders in 2018, an increase of over 30% relative to 2017.

   Mr. Shedlin oversaw the allocation of balance sheet capital to position BlackRock for future growth. BlackRock allocated $1.2 billion of new seed or co-investment capital to products in 2018, resulting in a net increase to the total portfolio of approximately $500 million.

   Mr. Shedlin oversaw the successful adoption of three new accounting standards, including a new revenue recognition standard which resulted in a $1 billion gross up to revenue and expenses.

Meets/Exceeds

Business

Strength

    LOGO

   Mr. Shedlin executed several targeted transactions to drive future growth, including the completion of the Citibanamex Asset Management and Tennenbaum Capital Partners acquisitions, selling BlackRock’s minority interest in the DSP businesses, and executing minority investments in Acorns and Envestnet.

   He successfully partnered with enterprise leaders to drive strategic initiatives and optimize resource allocation across the firm.

   Mr. Shedlin optimized a variety of treasury and tax management projects, including the repatriation of non-US cash, Brexit planning, and the annual share repurchase program.

   Mr. Shedlin led BlackRock’s outreach to key investors and financing partners, including hosting BlackRock’s 2018 Investor Day, with nearly 200 in-person attendees (covering 43% of total shares outstanding); and 250+ shareholders and other external constituents via webcast.strong investment performance.

 

 

Meets/Exceeds

     

 

OrganizationalBusiness

Strength

 

    LOGOLOGO

 

 

   Mr. Shedlin continuedDirectly engaged with and fostered key long-term client relationships that are expected to raisedrive future growth for the bar for performance and emphasized inclusion across the Finance organization.firm.

 

   In partnership with Mr. Shedlin continued to strengthen theKapito, re-structured and assigned new leadership bench and provide growth opportunities for high potential talent.in certain investment teams, resulting in tangible performance improvement.

 

   He improved enablementPositioned CPS to address increased client demand for outsourced mandates, model portfolios and OCIO capabilities by unifying BlackRock’s capabilities in CPS andAladdin, enabling BlackRock to reach and serve more clients than ever before.

Far Exceeds

Organizational

Strength

LOGO

   Drove the talent agenda across his groups and rolled-out performance excellence and skill-building initiatives, including the Finance organization, emphasizing the importance for increased recognition and feedback from managers.“Citizen Coder” initiative to increase programming skills.

 

   Mr. Shedlin expandedLed progress in gender representation, growing the female investor population in MAS and elevating senior female investors in GFI.

   Continued to develop a more inclusive investment culture across his groups, highlighted by the roll-out of femalecareer aspiration sessions and ethnically diverse employees within the Finance function, and drove gender diversity of the Finance leadership team through upward mobility and key hires.mentorship programs.

 

 

Meets/Exceeds

     

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    7375



Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    4. 2019 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

Gary S.

Shedlin

 

CFO

   

 

2019 Compensation

     

 

Responsibilities:

 

As CFO, Mr. Shedlin is responsible for managing BlackRock’s overall financial condition, including resource and capital allocation, and expense discipline.

 

He is also responsible for overseeing all corporate finance functions, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, finance operations and controls, tax, treasury, investor relations, corporate development and corporate sustainability.

 

Mr. Shedlin also co-chairs, along with Mr. Goldstein, the PBA Committee, which makes recommendations regarding the Company’s budget, evaluating new initiatives aimed at driving growth, and achieving strategic objectives.

 

   

(Thousands)

 

      
   Base Salary  $500  
          
   Annual Incentive Award – Cash  $2,475  
          
   

 

Annual Incentive Award – Equity

  $1,525  
          
   

 

Long-Term Incentive Award

  $2,700  
          
   

 

Total Annual Compensation

  $7,200  
          
      
      
      
      

Overall Assessment: Far Exceeds

In 2019, Mr. Shedlin meaningfully contributed to BlackRock’s success through prudent resource and capital allocation, while providing insights across a variety of strategic initiatives. He drove progress in Organizational Strength across the Finance function and at the firm more broadly. The Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Shedlin’s performance resulted in a Far Exceeds determination, and based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Shedlin’s total compensation at $7.2 million, up 12% from 2018.

  Performance

  Category

Performance Highlights

Assessment 

Financial

Performance

LOGO

   Drove BlackRock’s capital management strategy, returning $3.8 billion to shareholders in 2019, highlighted by a strategic $1.3 billion share repurchase in March 2019. He also oversaw the allocation of over $750 million of new seed and co-investment capital to support growth, leading to BlackRock’s investment portfolio exceeding $3 billion for the first time.

   Delivered savings through cost-effective resource allocation across the firm.

   Delivered day-to-day oversight of the firm’s business operations, partnering with Mr. Kapito and Mr. Goldstein to manage an Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 43.7%, down 60 basis points from 2018. The decrease reflected BlackRock’s strategic decision to continue investing responsibly in 2019, despite a more challenging overall revenue capture environment created by market volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Meets/Exceeds

Business

Strength

LOGO

   Oversaw and executed several key strategic investments and acquisitions for the firm, highlighted by the successful $1.3 billion acquisition and related financing of eFront.

   Led the PBA Committee, with co-chair Mr. Goldstein, in establishing a reallocation framework to direct resources into growth areas.

 �� In partnership with enterprise leaders, engaged on multiple market entry options in strategic geographies and across businesses.

   Oversaw the Finance functions’ support of the firm’s businesses through enhanced quarterly reviews and increased automation using BlackRock’s technology capabilities.

   Played a critical role in the formation of BlackRock’s Corporate Sustainability function, helping the firm establish a cohesive vision, strategy and corporate reporting framework across the firm, including publishing BlackRock’s first SASB-aligned disclosure.

Far Exceeds

Organizational

Strength

LOGO

   Strengthened the Finance leadership bench, led succession planning and continued to provide stretch opportunities for high performers.

   Continued to develop the Finance Talent Development committee, which focuses on the development of employees, people managers, inclusion and diversity, and overall satisfaction across the function.

   Led year-over-year improvement in gender diversity across the Finance function, driven by strong hiring. Continued to drive an increased focus on ethnic representation, particularly at the more senior levels.

Meets/Exceeds  

76BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    5. Compensation Policies and Practices

 

5.

Compensation Policies

and Practices

Summary of Executive Compensation Practices

Our compensation program reflects our commitment to responsible financial and risk management and is exemplified by the following policies and practices:

 

 

What We Do

 

 

 

What We Don’t Do

LOGOLOGO

 

Review pay and performance alignment;

 

  

LOGOLOGO   No employment agreements or guaranteed compensation arrangements with our NEOs;

 

LOGOLOGO   No arrangements with our NEOs providing for automatic
single trigger vesting of equity awards upon a change-in-control or transaction bonus payments upon a change-in-control;

 

LOGOLOGO   No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned Restricted Stock (“RS”) or RSUs;

 

LOGOLOGO   No dividend equivalents on stock options or stock
appreciation rights;

 

LOGOLOGO   No repricing of stock options;

 

LOGOLOGO   No cash buyouts of underwater stock options;

 

LOGOLOGO   No tax reimbursements for perquisites or tax gross-ups for excise taxes incurred due to the application of Section 280G
of the Internal Revenue Code;

 

LOGOLOGO   No supplemental retirement benefit arrangements with our NEOs; and

 

LOGOLOGO   No supplemental severance benefit arrangements with our NEOs outside of the standard severance benefits under BlackRock’s SeverancePay Plan (the “Severance Plan’’).Severance Plan.

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Balance short- and long-term incentives, cash and equity and fixed and variable pay elements;

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Maintain a clawback policy that allows for the recoupment of annual and long-term performance-based compensation in the event that financial results require a significant restatement due to the actions of an employee;

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Require a one-year minimum vesting for awards granted under our Stock Plan, subject to limited exceptions;

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Maintain robustmeaningful stock ownership and retention guidelines for GEC members;

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Maintain trading policies that:

 
 

 

  Prohibit all employees from short selling BlackRock securities;

 

  Prohibit Section 16 officers and directors from pledging BlackRock securities as collateral for a loan (among other items);

 

  Prohibit Section 16 officers and directors from engaging in any transactions that have the effect of hedging the economic risks and rewards of BlackRock securities;

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Limit perquisites;

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Assess and mitigate risk in compensation plans, as described in“RiskAssessment of Compensation Plans”on page 65;68;

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Solicit an annual advisory vote on executive compensation in order to provide shareholders with a frequent opportunity to give feedback on compensation programs; and

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

Annually review the independence of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant.

 

 

 

 

74

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT77



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    5. Compensation Policies and Practices

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our stock ownership guidelines require the Company’s GEC members to own a target number of shares (i.e., shares owned outright, not including unvested shares or unexercised stock options), the dollar amount of which is set out below. Until these stock ownership guidelines are met, GEC members must retain 50% of the net(after-tax) shares delivered from BlackRock equity awards. The Compensation Committee monitors the progress made by our GEC in achieving their stock ownership guidelines and, if circumstances warrant, may modify the guidelines and/or time frames for one or more members of our GEC.

 

$10 million for the CEO;

 

$5 million for the President; and

 

$2 million for all other GEC members.

As of December 31, 2018,2019, all of our NEOs exceeded the stock ownership guidelines.

Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging BlackRock Securities

BlackRock has a policy that prohibits the hedging or pledging of BlackRock securities by BlackRock’s Section 16 officers and Directors.directors. Pursuant to this policy, BlackRock’s Section 16 officers and directors are prohibited from:

 

Using BlackRock securities as collateral in a margin account;

 

Pledging BlackRock securities as collateral; or

 

Engaging in any transactions that have the effect of hedging the economic risks and rewards of BlackRock securities held by such Section 16 officer or director.

Clawback Policy

All performance-based compensation (including annual and long-term incentive awards and all equity compensation) is subject to BlackRock’s Clawback Policy and is subject to recoupment if an employee is found to have engaged in fraud or willful misconduct that caused the need for a significant restatement of BlackRock’s financial statements.

Benefits

BlackRock provides medical, dental, life and disability benefits and retirement savings vehicles in which all eligible employees may participate. Our NEOs also have the option to participate in a comprehensive health exam offered to our executives. BlackRock makes contributions to 401(k) accounts of our NEOs on a basis consistent with other employees. None of our NEOs participate in any Company-sponsored defined benefit pension program.

Other benefits include voluntary deferrals of all or a portion of the cash element of our NEOs’ annual incentive awards pursuant to the Amended and Restated BlackRock, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (the “VDCP”).

Severance

Our NEOs are eligible for standard severance benefits under the Severance Plan in the event of involuntary termination of employment without cause (as defined under the Severance Plan) by BlackRock. The Severance Plan provides a lump sum cash payment equal to two weeks of salary per year of service, with a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 54 weeks, to all U.S.-based employees who are involuntarily terminated without cause in conjunction with a reduction in force or position elimination.

Perquisites

PerquisitesThe Compensation Committee considers perquisites and other benefits available to our NEOs, such as financial planning, investment opportunitiesofferings and personal use of travel services are consideredto be a reasonable part of the executive compensation program. In approving these, the Committee considers their purpose and alignment to BlackRock’s compensation philosophy, as well as external market practices.

A financial planning perquisite is offered to our NEOs. In addition, investment offerings may be provided without charging management or performance fees consistent with the terms offered to other employees who meet the same applicable legal requirements.

Transportation services are provided by BlackRock and/or third-party suppliers and are made available to our NEOs for business and personal use. Messrs. Fink and Kapito are required by the Board to utilize private airplane services for all business and personal travel in the interest of protecting their personal security. OurBlackRock incurs incremental costs to provide these services, though these costs are capped below a level the Compensation Committee considers reasonable. NEOs must reimburse BlackRock for a portion of the cost of personal airplane services.

Transportation services are provided by BlackRock and/or third-party suppliersbeyond the cap, and are made available to our NEOs for business and personal use.Mr. Fink did so in 2019. The compensation attributed to each of our NEOs for 20182019 for perquisites is described in footnote (4) to the20182019 Summary Compensation Table” on page 77.80.

 

78BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT75



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    5. Compensation Policies and Practices

 

Tax Reimbursements

BlackRock did not provide tax reimbursements for any perquisites or other compensation paid to our NEOs.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally limits the tax deductibility of compensation paid to any executive officers subject to Section 162(m) (the “Covered Employees”) to $1 million during any fiscal year unless such compensation qualifies as “performance-based” (although this exception was severely limited beginning in 2018, as described below). Historically, the Company administered its incentive compensation arrangements in a manner that would comply with these tax rules. However, the Compensation Committee maintainedmaintains the flexibility to paynon-deductible incentive compensation if it determines it is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, substantially modified Section 162(m) and, among other things, eliminated the performance-based exception to the $1 million deduction limit effective as of January 1, 2018. As a result, beginning in 2018, compensation paid to Covered Employees in excess of $1 million is generally nondeductible, whether or not it is performance-based. In addition, beginning in 2018, the Covered Employees include any individual who served as the CEO or CFO at any time during the taxable year and the three other most highly compensated officers (other than the CEO and CFO) for the taxable year. Once an individual becomes a Covered Employee for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2016, that individual will remain a Covered Employee for all future years, including following any termination of employment.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a transition relief rule under which the changes to Section 162(m) described above will not apply to compensation payable pursuant to a written binding contract that was in effect on November 2, 2017 and is not materially modified after that date. To the extent applicable to our existing contracts and awards, the Company may avail itself of this transition relief rule. To maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, the Compensation Committee does not limit its actions with respect to executive compensation to preserve deductibility under Section 162(m) if the Compensation Committee determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

 

76BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT79



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

 

Executive Compensation Tables

The following 20182019 Summary Compensation Table contains information concerning compensation provided by BlackRock for the years indicated to the NEOs. Pursuant to SEC rules, the compensation table below includes only those equity-based awards granted in a particular year and not any awards granted afteryear-end, even if awarded for services in that year. It additionally discloses any cash compensation earned in a particular year, even if such payments are made afteryear-end.

20182019 Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal Position

  

Year

 

   

Salary

($)

 

   

Bonus

($)(1)

 

   

Stock Awards

(Fair Value of
Awards)

($)(2)

 

   

 

Performance-Based
Option Awards
(Fair Value  Awards)
($)
(3)

 

   

All Other
Compensation
($)
(4)

 

   

Total

($)

 

   

Year

 

   

Salary

($)

 

   

Bonus

($)(1)

 

   

Stock Awards

(Fair Value of
Awards)

($)(2)

 

   

 

Performance-Based
Option Awards
(Fair Value Awards)
($)
(3)

 

   

All Other
Compensation
($)
(4)

 

   

Total

($)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,750,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

17,049,844

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

243,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

26,543,344

 

 

  

 

 

 

2019

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,750,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

14,750,004

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

308,250

 

 

  

 

$

 

24,308,254

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

900,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

10,000,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

16,599,733

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

243,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

27,743,233

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,750,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

17,049,844

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

243,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

26,543,344

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

  

 

$

 

900,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

8,000,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

16,379,581

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

193,250

 

 

  

 

$

 

25,472,831

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

900,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

10,000,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

16,599,733

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

243,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

27,743,233

 

 

                                          

Robert S. Kapito

President

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,250,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,250,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

13,140,275

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

201,694

 

 

  

 

$

 

20,841,969

 

 

  

 

 

 

2019

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,250,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,250,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

11,499,899

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

257,151

 

 

  

 

$

 

19,257,050

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

750,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

8,125,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

12,834,775

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

274,675

 

 

  

 

$

 

21,984,450

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,250,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,250,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

13,140,275

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

201,694

 

 

  

 

$

 

20,841,969

 

 

  

 

 

 

2016

 

 

  

 

$

 

750,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

12,149,508

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

224,425

 

 

  

 

$

 

19,623,933

 

 

Robert S. Kapito

President

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

750,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

8,125,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

12,834,775

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

274,675

 

 

  

 

$

 

21,984,450

 

 

                                          
  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,950,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

4,425,029

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

55,280

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,930,309

 

 

  

 

 

 

2019

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,950,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

4,399,808

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

46,125

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,895,933

 

 

Robert L. Goldstein

Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,275,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,999,470

 

 

  

 

$

 

10,460,528

 

 

  

 

$

 

 54,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

18,289,498

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,950,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

4,425,029

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

55,280

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,930,309

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,850,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,899,900

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 49,425

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,299,325

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,275,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,999,470

 

 

  

 

$

 

10,460,528

 

 

  

 

$

 

54,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

18,289,498

 

 

                                          

J. Richard Kushel

Global Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Global Fixed Income

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,712,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,600,293

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

50,455

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,863,248

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,950,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,509,763

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,845,347

 

 

  

 

$

 

 49,425

 

 

  

 

$

 

14,854,535

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,490,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,429,662

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 49,425

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,469,087

 

 

                   

J. Richard Kushel

Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Global Fixed Income

  

 

 

 

2019

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,612,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,462,238

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

46,125

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,620,863

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,712,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,600,293

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

50,455

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,863,248

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,950,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,509,763

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,845,347

 

 

  

 

$

 

49,425

 

 

  

 

$

 

14,854,535

 

 

                     

Gary S. Shedlin

Senior Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer

  

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,475,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,599,726

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

18,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,593,226

 

 

  

 

 

 

2019

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,475,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,474,958

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

13,250

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,463,208

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,700,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,249,781

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,845,347

 

 

  

 

$

 

 18,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

14,313,628

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

  

 

$

 

500,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,475,000

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,599,726

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

18,500

 

 

  

 

$

 

6,593,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

2,350,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

3,149,532

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

 18,250

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

6,017,782

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

2,700,000

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

3,249,781

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

7,845,347

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

18,500

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

 

14,313,628

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Bonus Column.Bonus.These amounts represent the cash portion of discretionary annual bonuses for the respective periods awarded pursuant to BlackRock’s annual incentive compensation program. The amount of incentive compensation awarded to each NEO in January 20192020 (for fiscal year 2018)2019) was based on subjective criteria, as more fully described on pages 6770 to 7376 of theCompensation Discussion and Analysis.

 

    

As described on page 5760 of the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,, on January 17, 2019,16, 2020, Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, Kushel and Shedlin were awarded RSUs as part of their discretionary annual bonuses for the 20182019 fiscal year. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, these awards had grant date values of $4,250,000, $3,500,000, $2,000,000, $1,762,500$1,662,500 and $1,525,000, respectively, based on the average of the high and low prices per share of BlackRock common stock on January 17, 2019,16, 2020, which was calculated to be $410.315.$533.58. Additionally, Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, Kushel and Shedlin received discretionary BPIP Awards consisting of performance-based RSU awards with grant date values of $10,500,000, $8,000,000, $2,400,000, $1,700,000$11,750,000, $8,950,000, $4,400,000, $2,900,000 and $1,950,000,$2,700,000, respectively. The base number of units granted pursuant to BPIP Awards was determined by dividing the individual’s award value by the average of the high and low prices per share of BlackRock common stock on January 17, 2019.16, 2020.

 

(2)

Stock Awards Column.Awards. Reflects the grant date fair value of awards made during each calendar year as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see Note 1618 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2019 Form10-K10-K. filed on February 28, 2019. The amount included with respect to the BPIP Awards granted in January 20182019 is based on the grant date fair value assuming target level of performance. If maximum level of performance had been assumed, the grant date fair value of the BPIP Awards would have been (i) $20,541,947$17,325,141 for Mr. Fink, (ii) $15,882,978$13,199,834 for Mr. Kapito, (iii) $3,464,347$3,959,950 for Mr. Goldstein, (iv) $2,640,177$2,804,913 for Mr. Kushel and (v) $3,051,979$3,217,280 for Mr. Shedlin. The percentage points granted to Mr. Kapito under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan had no grant date fair value as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718 and therefore are not reflected in this table.

 

(3)

2017 Performance BasedPerformance-Based Option Awards.In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plansplan by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Amounts reflect the grant date fair value of performance-based option awards made during the calendar year as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see Note (16)18 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2019 Form10-K10-K. filed on February 28, 2019.

 

(4)

All Other Compensation. For each of the NEOs, $18,500$13,250 was attributable to contributions made by BlackRock under itstax-qualified defined contribution (401(k)) plan in 2018. In 2018, $4,825 was attributable to an executive health benefit used by Mr. Goldstein.2019. For Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, Kushel and Shedlin, $0, $31,955, $31,955, $31,955$32,875, $32,875, $32,875 and $0, respectively, was attributable to financial planning services. In 2018,2019, for Messrs. Fink and Kapito, $225,000$295,000 and $151,239,$211,026, respectively, was attributable to personal use of the company-provided aircraft services. These amounts reflect the incremental cost to BlackRock to provide the aircraft services. Aircraft incremental cost is based on, as applicable, (i) variable operating cost per flight hour for the BlackRock corporate aircraft (including fuel and variable maintenance expenses) plus any trip-specific incremental costs (such as crew expenses, catering expenses and fees associated with landing, parking and flight planning) or (ii) actual charter cost, in each case, less reimbursement received from the NEO. Messrs. Fink and Kapito are required by the Board to utilize these airplane services for all business and personal travel in the interest of protecting their personal security. For more information regarding perquisites, see “Perquisites.” on page 75.78. No nonqualified deferred compensation earnings were determined to be above-market. None of the NEOs participate in any BlackRock-sponsored defined benefit pension plans.

 

80BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT77



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

 

20182019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information concerning equity incentive plan-based compensation provided by BlackRock in 20182019 to our NEOs.

 

          

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards

 

                   

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards

 

         

Name

  

Grant Date(1)

 

   

Date of
Committee
Action

 

   

Threshold
(#)

 

   

Target
(#)

 

   

Maximum
(#)

 

   

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

 

   

Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock
and Option
Awards($)
(4)

 

   

Grant Date(1)

 

   

Date of
Committee
Action

 

   

Threshold
(#)

 

   

Target
(#)

 

   

Maximum
(#)

 

   

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

 

   

Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock
and Option
Awards($)
(4)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(2) 

        

 

 

 

8,121

 

 

  

 

$

 

4,600,059

 

 

   1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(2) 

         10,358   $4,250,043 
   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(3) 

       21,979    36,265     $12,449,785    1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(3) 

       25,590    42,224     $10,499,961 
                     
                     

Robert S. Kapito

   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(2) 

         6,204   $3,514,194    1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(2) 

         8,530   $3,499,987 
   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(3) 

       16,994    28,040     $9,626,081 
   1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(3) 

       19,497    32,170     $7,999,912 
                                          

Robert L. Goldstein

   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(2) 

         4,105   $2,325,236    1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(2) 

         4,874   $1,999,875 
   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(3) 

       3,707    6,117     $2,099,793    1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(3) 

       5,849    9,651     $2,399,932 
                     
                     

J. Richard Kushel

   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(2) 

         3,531   $2,000,100    1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(2) 

         4,295   $1,762,303 
   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(3) 

       2,825    4,661     $1,600,193 
   1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(3) 

       4,143    6,836     $1,699,935 
                                          

Gary S. Shedlin

   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(2) 

         3,089   $1,749,733    1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(2) 

         3,717   $1,525,141 
   1/16/2018   

 

1/10/2018

(3) 

       3,266    5,389     $1,849,993    1/17/2019   

 

1/14/2019

(3) 

       4,752    7,841     $1,949,817 
                                          

 

(1)

Grant Date. Grant date is the date on which approved award values were converted to a number of RSUs based on the average of the high and low prices of BlackRock common stock on that date.

 

(2)

These January 16, 201817, 2019 awards represent grants of RSUs awarded to Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, Kushel and Shedlin as part of their 20172018 bonus awards and represent the stock portion of such annual bonuses. These awards vestone-third on each of the first three anniversaries beginning on January 31, 2019.2020. At the time of vesting, the NEOs are entitled to payment of accrued dividends with respect to the shares underlying the vested RSUs.

 

(3)

These January 16, 201817, 2019 awards represent BPIP Awards granted to Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, Kushel and Shedlin in respect of services performed in 2017.2018. To determine the base number of RSUs comprising each BPIP Award, the award value was divided by the grant price ($566.44)410.315). The grant price represents an average of the high and low price of BlackRock common stock on January 16, 201817, 2019 (two trading days following the release of earnings for the fourth quarter of 2017)2018). The BPIP Awards will be eligible to vest on January 31, 2021,2022, subject to the Company’s attainment of the applicable financial targets during the three-year performance period commencing on January 1, 20182019 and ending on December 31, 2020.2021. The number of shares of common stock each NEO will receive upon settlement of the award will be equal to the base number of RSUs, multiplied by a percentage determined by application of the award determination matrix set forth in the NEO’s award agreement. The percentage multiplier is determined by the Company’s average annual Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, and Organic Revenue during the performance period. If performance is below the minimum thresholds set forth on the award determination matrix for both performance metrics, the award payout will be zero. If the Company attains the maximum (or greater) level of performance for both performance metrics, the award payout will be equal to 165% of the base number. Performance at target would result in the NEO receiving 100% of the base number.

 

(4)

Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards. Reflects the grant date fair value of awards as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see Note 1618 to the consolidated financial statements in our 20182019 Form10-K. The amount included with respect to the BPIP Awards is based on the grant date fair value assuming target level of performance.

 

78BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT81



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

 

20182019 Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End

 

      

 

Performance-Based Option Awards

 

   

 

Stock Awards

 

       

 

Performance-Based Option Awards

 

   

 

Stock Awards

 

 

Name

  

Grant Date

 

   

 

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)

 

   

Grant Date

 

   

 

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)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

   1/19/2016               

 

4,610

(2) 

  $1,810,900    1/17/2017               

 

3,687

(2) 

  $1,853,455 
   1/19/2016               

 

41,734

(3) 

  $16,393,950 
   1/17/2017               

 

7,374

(2) 

  $2,896,655    1/17/2017               

 

36,796

(3) 

  $18,497,349 
   1/17/2017               

 

36,962

(3) 

  $14,519,413    1/16/2018               

 

5,414

(2) 

  $2,721,618 
   1/16/2018               

 

8,121

(2) 

  $3,190,091    1/16/2018               

 

18,462

(3) 

  $9,280,847 
   1/16/2018               

 

19,957

(3) 

  $7,839,509    1/17/2019               

 

10,358

(2) 

  $5,206,967 
   1/17/2019               

 

26,460

(3) 

  $13,301,442 
                                    

Robert S. Kapito

   1/19/2016               

 

3,419

(2) 

  $1,343,052    1/17/2017               

 

2,851

(2) 

  $1,433,198 
   1/19/2016               

 

30,956

(3) 

  $12,160,136    1/17/2017               

 

28,450

(3) 

  $14,301,815 
   1/17/2017               

 

5,702

(2) 

  $2,239,860    1/16/2018               

 

4,136

(2) 

  $2,079,167 
   1/17/2017               

 

28,578

(3) 

  $11,226,010    1/16/2018               

 

14,275

(3) 

  $7,176,043 
   1/16/2018               

 

6,204

(2) 

  $2,437,055    1/17/2019               

 

8,530

(2) 

  $4,288,031 
   1/16/2018               

 

15,431

(3) 

  $6,061,605    1/17/2019               

 

20,160

(3) 

  $10,134,432 
                  
                  

Robert L. Goldstein

   1/19/2016               

 

2,139

(2) 

  $840,242    1/17/2017               

 

1,688

(2) 

  $848,558 
   1/19/2016               

 

6,794

(3) 

  $2,668,819 
   1/17/2017               

 

3,376

(2) 

  $1,326,160    1/17/2017               

 

6,205

(3) 

  $3,119,254 
   1/17/2017               

 

6,233

(3) 

  $2,448,447    12/4/2017    108,190    513.5    12/4/2026(4)   

 

 

    
   12/4/2017    108,190    513.5   

 

12/4/2026

(4) 

      $    1/16/2018               

 

2,737

(2) 

  $1,375,890 
   1/16/2018               

 

4,105

(2) 

  $1,612,526    1/16/2018           

 

 

   3,114(3)   $1,565,408 
   1/16/2018               

 

3,366

(3) 

  $1,322,232    1/17/2019               

 

4,874

(2) 

  $2,450,160 
   1/17/2019               

 

6,048

(3) 

  $3,040,330 
                                    

J. Richard Kushel

   1/19/2016               

 

1,734

(2) 

  $681,150    1/17/2017               

 

1,368

(2) 

  $687,694 
   1/19/2016               

 

6,420

(3) 

  $2,521,904    1/17/2017               

 

5,822

(3) 

  $2,926,719 
   1/17/2017               

 

2,736

(2) 

  $1,074,756    12/4/2017    81,142    513.5    12/4/2026(4)   

 

 

    
   1/17/2017               

 

5,848

(3) 

  $2,297,211    1/16/2018               

 

2,354

(2) 

  $1,183,356 
   12/4/2017    81,142    513.5   

 

12/4/2026

(4) 

      $    1/16/2018           

 

 

   2,373(3)   $1,192,907 
   1/16/2018               

 

3,531

(2) 

  $1,387,047    1/17/2019               

 

4,295

(2) 

  $2,159,097 
   1/16/2018               

 

2,825

(3) 

  $1,109,717    1/17/2019               

 

4,284

(3) 

  $2,153,567 
                  
                  

Gary S. Shedlin

   1/19/2016               

 

1,576

(2) 

  $619,084    1/17/2017               

 

1,244

(2) 

  $625,359 
   1/19/2016               

 

5,944

(3) 

  $2,334,922    1/17/2017               

 

5,467

(3) 

  $2,748,261 
   1/17/2017               

 

2,488

(2) 

  $977,336    12/4/2017    81,142    513.5    12/4/2026(4)   

 

 

    
   1/17/2017               

 

5,492

(3) 

  $2,157,367    1/16/2018               

 

2,060

(2) 

  $1,035,562 
   12/4/2017    81,142    513.5   

 

12/4/2026

(4) 

      $    1/16/2018           

 

 

   2,743(3)   $1,378,906 
   1/16/2018               

 

3,089

(2) 

  $1,213,421    1/17/2019               

 

3,717

(2) 

  $1,868,536 
   1/16/2018               

 

2,966

(3) 

  $1,165,104    1/17/2019               

 

4,914

(3) 

  $2,470,268 
                                    

 

(1)

Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that have not vested.That Have Not Vested.Amounts reflect theyear-end value of RS, RSUs and BPIP Awards, based on the closing price of $392.82$502.70 per share of BlackRock common stock on December 31, 2018.2019. With respect to the BPIP Awards, the value shown is based on the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award assuming actual performance through December 31, 20182019 and 100% of target for the remainder of the performance period.

 

(2)

One-third of these RS/RSUs vest on each of the first three anniversaries after the year in which the grant date occurs (beginning on January 31 following the year of grant).

 

(3)

These BPIP Awards vest subject to the Company’s attainment of certain financial targets during the three-year performance period commencing with the year of grant. The number of units shown reflects the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 20182019 and target-level performance for the remainder of the performance period (which equals 100.6% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 19, 2016, 111%110.9% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 17, 2017, and 91%84% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 16, 2018)2018, and 103.4% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 17, 2019). See “Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” on page 8286 for additional details regarding these awards.

 

(4)

In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plansplan by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. These awards represent performance-based option awards granted to Messrs. Goldstein, Kushel and Shedlin in connection with the strategic initiative.One-third of these performance-based stock options will vest on each of the fifth, sixth and seventh anniversaries of the date of grant, provided a stock price hurdle of at least 25% growth from the strike price of $513.50 (the closing stock price on the date of grant) is met and maintained for 20 consecutive trading days within five years of grant and positive Organic Revenue growth during the performance period is achieved. The term of the stock options is nine years. Consistent with the intent of these grants, if a participant voluntarily terminates employment for any reason, including retirement, all unvested awards are forfeited.

 

82BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT79



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

 

20182019 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information concerning the number of shares acquired and the value realized by our NEOs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 20182019 on the exercise of options or the vesting and/or settlement of RS and RSUs.

 

  

 

Option Awards

 

   

 

Stock Awards

 

   

 

Option Awards

 

   

 

Stock Awards

 

 

Name

  

 

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)

 

   

Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)
(1)

 

   

 

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)

 

   

Value Realized on
Vesting ($)
(1)

 

   

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)

 

   

Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)
(1)

 

   

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)

 

   

Value Realized on
Vesting ($)
(1)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

74,655

 

 

  

 

$

 

41,977,760

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

52,738

 

 

  

 

$

 

21,534,508

 

 

            
            

Robert S. Kapito

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

57,774

 

 

  

 

$

 

32,485,742

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

39,294

 

 

  

 

$

 

16,044,919

 

 

                        

Robert L. Goldstein

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

21,117

 

 

  

 

$

 

11,873,878

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

11,989

 

 

  

 

$

 

4,895,468

 

 

            
            

J. Richard Kushel

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

19,444

 

 

  

 

$

 

10,933,167

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

10,699

 

 

  

 

$

 

4,368,723

 

 

                        

Gary S. Shedlin

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

17,612

 

 

  

 

$

 

9,903,051

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

9,793

 

 

  $3,998,776 
                        

 

(1)

Value realized reflects (i) the closing price per share of BlackRock common stock on the day prior to the vesting date, multiplied by (ii) the number of RS or RSUs that vested.

20182019 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

Name

  

Executive
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year ($)

 

   

 

Registrant
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year
($)

 

   

Aggregate
Earnings (Losses)
in Last
Fiscal Year ($)
(1)

 

   

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

 

   

Aggregate
Balance at Last
Fiscal Year End
($)

 

   

Executive
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year ($)

 

   

 

Registrant
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year
($)

 

   

Aggregate
Earnings (Losses)
in Last
Fiscal Year ($)
(1)

 

   

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

 

   

Aggregate
Balance at Last
Fiscal Year-End
($)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

(139,259

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,306,976

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

688,474

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,995,450

 

 

               
               

Robert S. Kapito

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

1,474

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

222,873

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

15,335

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

238,208

 

 

                              

Robert L. Goldstein

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

(1,838,054

 

  

 

$

 

1,726,878

 

 

  

 

$

 

9,909,028

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

(2,726,297

 

  

 

$

 

3,262,560

 

 

  

 

$

 

7,182,731

 

 

               
               

J. Richard Kushel

  

 

$

 

295,000(2)

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

(74,266

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

2,159,973

 

 

  

 

$

 

542,500(2)

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

346,802

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

$

 

3,049,275

 

 

                              

Gary S. Shedlin

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

                              

 

(1)

Represents earnings on balances in the VDCP (as defineddescribed below), none of which were determined to be above-market.

 

(2)

The amount of Mr. Kushel’s contribution to the VDCP is included in the $2,950,000$2,712,500 shown for 20172018 for Mr. Kushel in the Bonus column of the 20182019 Summary Compensation Table.

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan

BlackRock maintains the VDCP, which allows participants to elect to defer between 1% and 100% of the cash element of their annual incentive compensation that is not mandatorily deferred under another arrangement. The participants must specify a deferral period of up to 10 years and distributions may be in up to 10 installments. The benchmark investments available for the NEOs are the same as those for all other participants. Deferred amounts and any benchmark returns are vested at the time of deferral or crediting, as applicable, under the VDCP.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

As described previously, the NEOs do not have individual employment, severance or change in control agreements with BlackRock.

Pursuant to the terms of the applicable equity award agreements, an NEO whose employment is terminated may be entitled to accelerated vesting and payment (or continued eligibility for vesting and payment) with respect to such NEO’s outstanding awards. In addition, upon a termination of employment by the Company without cause, an NEO may be eligible to receive severance benefits under the Severance Plan. The applicable terms and estimated payment amounts with respect to the foregoing are set forth in the tables on pages 8184 and 82,86, in each case assuming a termination of employment of the NEO on December 31, 2018.

Upon a change in control of BlackRock or a termination (with respect to deferrals prior to the 2016 plan year) of an NEO’s employment for any reason, such NEO’s VDCP balance would be paid out. Upon a termination of an NEO’s employment for any reason with respect to deferrals for the 2016 plan year and beyond, such NEO’s VDCP balance would be paid in accordance with their deferral election. All outstanding VDCP balances were fully vested as of December 31, 2018. Accordingly, no amounts have been included in the table on page 82 with respect to VDCP balances. For additional information, please refer to the“2018 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table above.2019.

 

80BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT83



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

 

Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control

Type of Award

 

 

 

Voluntary

Resignation

 

  

 

Termination

For Cause

 

  

 

Involuntary Termination 

Without Cause(1) 

 

 

 

Qualified

Retirement / Disability

 

  

Death

 

 

 

RS/RSUs Granted

as Part of Annual

Incentive Awards(“Year-End Awards”)

 

 

 

 

Unvested
awards are
forfeited.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Unvested
awards are
forfeited.

 

 
 
 

 

 

Awards will continue to vest in accordance with their schedule following termination. Any portion of the award that remains unvested on theone-year anniversary of termination will become fully vested on that date. For awards granted after 2016, if termination occurs within theone-year period following a change in control of BlackRock, the awards will vest at the time of termination.

 

 

 









 

Awards will continue to
to vest in accordance with
with their schedule following
following termination.
Any portion
of the
award that
remains
unvested on
the
one-year
anniversary of
of termination will become
become fully vested
on that date.

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Immediate vesting

and settlement.

 

 

 

                   

 

RSUs Granted as BPIP Awards

 

 

 

 

Unvested
awards are
forfeited.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Unvested
awards are
forfeited.

 

 
 
 

 

 

Awards granted in January 2016 and January 2017 will be eligible to vest on a pro rata basis (based on length of service during the performance period), subject to attainment of the applicable performance targets. If termination occurs within the12-month period following a change in control, awards granted will fully vest at target level.

 

Awards granted after January 2017 will continue to be eligible to fully vest following the end of the performance period, subject to attainment of the applicable performance targets andnon-engagement in any Competitive Activity prior to the vesting date. If termination occurs within the12-month period following a change in control, awards granted will fully vest at target level.

 

 

 










 

Awards will continue to
to be eligible to fully vest
vest following the end
of the performance
period, subject to
attainment of the
performance period,
subject to attainment of
the applicable
performance targets
andnon-engagement in
in any Competitive Activity
Activity prior to the
vesting date.

 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Awards will continue

to be eligible to

fully vest following

the end of the

performance

period, subject to

attainment of the

applicable

performance

targets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

 

Performance-Based Option Awards

 

 











Unvested
awards are
forfeited;
vested but
unexercised
awards
remain
exercisable
for a
90-day
period
following
separation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 





Unvested
awards are
forfeited;
vested and
unexercised
awards are
cancelled.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Awards will vest on a pro rata basis with respect to each tranche (based on length of service during the vesting period), plus aone-year service credit, and will remain exercisable through the full term, subject to achievement of the applicable performance conditions. If such termination occurs within the12-month period following a change in control, awards will fully vest and remain exercisable through the full term.

 








 











Qualified Retirement:

Unvested awards are
forfeited; vested but
unexercised awards
remain exercisable for a
a90-day period following
following separation.

 

Disability:Awards will
continue to be eligible to
to fully vest on each
vesting date, subject to
to achievement of the
applicable
performance
conditions. Any vested
options will remain
exercisable through the
the full term.


 
 
 
 
 
 

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


Awards will continue


to be eligible to

fully vest on each

vesting date,

subject to

achievement of the

applicable

performance

conditions. Any

vested options will

remain exercisable

through the full

term.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

 

(1)

Treatment described in the event of a termination without cause following a change in control applies if outstanding awards are assumed or substituted by the acquirer. If outstanding awards are not assumed or substituted, such awards would become vested at the time of the change in control (at target level for performance-based awards).

 

84BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan:Upon a change in control of BlackRock, Inc. or a termination (with respect to deferrals prior to the 2016 plan year) of an NEO’s employment for any reason, such NEO’s VDCP balance would be paid out. Upon a termination of an NEO’s employment for any reason with respect to deferrals for the 2016 plan year and beyond, such NEO’s VDCP balance would be paid in accordance with their deferral election. All outstanding VDCP balances were fully vested as of December 31, 2019. Accordingly, no amounts have been included in the table on page 86 with respect to VDCP balances. For additional information, please refer to the“2019 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table on page 83.

Leadership Retention Carry Plan:Percentage points granted under the Leadership Retention Carry Plan in 2019 had no grant date fair value as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. In the event of a termination of employment due to voluntary resignation, termination for cause or involuntary termination without cause, all percentage points granted are forfeited. In the event of a termination of employment due to qualified retirement, death or disability, each recipient would begin receiving cash distributions in accordance with the schedule described below, with respect to his or her percentage points granted under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan, subject to the execution of a release of claims and compliance with restrictive covenant obligations. An initial distribution would be made on the first payroll date following June 30th of the calendar year immediately following the year in which the qualifying termination occurs, with additional distributions occurring on the first payroll dates following the dates that are 48 and 108 months, respectively, following the initial distribution date. In each case, the distributions would be based on the actual carried interest distributions to BlackRock, Inc. from the participating BlackRock carry funds as of the applicable measurement date; provided that, each of first two distributions will be limited to 80% of the distributions calculated as of the applicable measurement date. For purposes of each distribution, the measurement date will be December 31st preceding the year in which the distribution is made. For additional information, please refer to “Leadership Retention Carry Plan” on page 65.

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    8185



 

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control

The amounts in the table below reflect an assumed termination of employment on December 31, 20182019 and are based on the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 31, 2018,2019, which was $392.82.$502.70. Any amounts payable upon or due to an NEO’s termination by BlackRock other than for cause, due to the NEO’s disability or upon a qualified retirement (as such terms are defined in the applicable award agreements) are subject to the NEO’s (i) execution of a release of claims against BlackRock and (ii) continued compliance with covenants restricting the NEO’s solicitation of clients or employees of BlackRock for theone-year period following termination.

 

     

Name

  

Involuntary

Termination

Without Cause

   

Involuntary Termination

Without Cause Following

a Change in Control

   Death /Disability   Qualified Retirement   

Voluntary

Resignation /

Termination for

Cause

 

Laurence D. Fink

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $7,897,646   $7,897,646   $7,897,646   $ 7,897,646     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  $33,913,067   $38,061,508   $38,752,871   $ 38,752,871     

Severance(9)

  $1,557,692   $ 1,557,692             
                          

Total(10)

  

$

43,368,405

 

  

$

47,516,846

 

  

$

46,650,518

 

  

$

 46,650,518

 

  

 

 

                          

Robert S. Kapito

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $6,019,967   $ 6,019,967   $6,019,967   $6,019,967     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  $25,705,748   $28,913,123   $29,447,751   $ 29,447,751     

Severance(9)

  $1,298,077   $1,298,077             
                          

Total(10)

  

$

33,023,791

 

  

$

36,231,167

 

  

$

35,467,718

 

  

$

 35,467,718

 

  

 

 

                          

Robert L. Goldstein

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $3,778,928   $ 3,778,928   $3,778,928   $3,778,928     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  $4,301,117   $ 6,323,224   $6,439,498   $ 6,439,498     

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

                    

Severance(9)

  $480,769   $480,769             
                          

Total(10)

  

$

8,560,815

 

  

$

10,582,921

 

  

$

10,218,427

 

  

$

 10,218,427

 

  

 

 

                          

J. Richard Kushel

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $3,142,953   $3,142,953   $3,142,953   $3,142,953     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  $4,053,379   $5,693,926   $5,826,699   $5,826,699     

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

                    

Severance(9)

  $519,231   $519,231             
                          

Total(10)

  

$

7,715,562

 

  

$

9,356,110

 

  

$

8,969,652

 

  

$

 8,969,652

 

  

 

 

                          

Gary S. Shedlin

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $2,809,841   $ 2,809,841   $2,809,841   $2,809,841     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  $3,773,167   $ 5,554,475   $5,657,394   $5,657,394     

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

                    

Severance(9)

  $115,385   $ 115,385             
                          

Total(10)

  

$

6,698,394

 

  

$

8,479,701

 

  

$

8,467,235

 

  

$

8,467,235

 

  

 

 

                          

    

Name

  

Involuntary

Termination

Without Cause

   

Involuntary Termination

Without Cause Following

a Change in Control

   

Qualified

Retirement /
Disability / Death

   

Voluntary

Resignation /

Termination for

Cause

 

Laurence D. Fink

        

Year-End Awards(1)

      $9,782,039                     $9,782,039                   $9,782,039     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

      $41,079,639                     $42,410,286                   $41,079,639     

Severance(9)

      $1,557,692                     $1,557,692         
                     

Total(11)

  

    $

52,419,370

 

  

                  $

53,750,017

 

  

                $

50,861,678

 

  

 

 

                     

Robert S. Kapito

        

Year-End Awards(1)

      $7,800,396                     $7,800,396                   $7,800,396     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

      $31,612,290                     $32,645,841                   $31,612,290     

Severance(9)

      $1,298,077                     $1,298,077         
                     

Total(10), (11)

  

    $

40,710,762

 

  

                  $

41,744,314

 

  

                $

39,412,685

 

  

 

 

                     

Robert L. Goldstein

        

Year-End Awards(1)

      $4,674,607                     $4,674,607                   $4,674,607     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

      $7,724,991                     $7,923,055                   $7,724,991     

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

                

Severance(9)

      $500,000                     $500,000         
                     

Total(11)

  

    $

12,899,598

 

  

                  $

13,097,662

 

  

                $

12,399,598

 

  

 

 

                     

J. Richard Kushel

        

Year-End Awards(1)

      $4,030,146                     $4,030,146                   $4,030,146     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

      $6,273,193                     $6,429,533                   $6,273,193     

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

                

Severance(9)

      $519,231                     $519,231         
                     

Total(11)

  

    $

10,822,570

 

  

                  $

10,978,910

 

  

                $

10,303,339

 

  

 

 

                     

Gary S. Shedlin

        

Year-End Awards(1)

      $3,529,457                     $3,529,457                   $3,529,457     

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

      $6,597,435                     $6,778,910                   $6,597,435     

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

                

Severance(9)

      $134,615                     $134,615         
                     

Total(11)

  

    $

10,261,507

 

  

                  $

10,442,981

 

  

                $

10,126,892

 

  

 

 

                     
        
(1)

This reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of unvested RS/RSUs awarded asYear-End Awards outstanding as of December 31, 2018,2019, multiplied by (ii) $392.82$502.70 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 31, 2018)2019). For additional detail on theYear-End Awards, please refer to the “20182019 Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End” table on page 7982 and theTreatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” table on page 81.84.

 

(2)

BPIP Awards upon an involuntary termination without cause (other than following a change in control):This row reflects For the sum of the value attributable to the January 2016 BPIP Awards, January 2017 BPIP Awards, and January 2018 BPIP Awards. For the January 2016 BPIP Awards, the value shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 20182019 multiplied by (ii) $392.82$502.70 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 31, 2018)2019). For both January 20172018 BPIP Awards and January 2019 BPIP Awards, the value reflects an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the

82BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

performance targets through December 31, 2018 and target-level performance for the remainder of the applicable performance period, multiplied by $392.82, and (ii), a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of completed months of service during the performance period as of December 31, 2018, and the denominator of which is the total number of months during the performance period. For January 2018 BPIP Awards, the valueshown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance

86BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT



Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

relative to the performance targets through December 31, 20182019 and target-level performance for the remainder of the applicable performance period, multiplied by (ii) $392.82.$502.70. The actual number of shares that an NEO would receive following the end of the three-year performance period will be based on the Company’s actual performance over the duration of the performance period. For additional detail on the BPIP awards,Awards, please refer to the “20182019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table on page 78,81, the “20182019 Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End” table on page 7982 and the “Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” table on page 81.84.

 

(3)

BPIP Awards upon an involuntary termination without cause within 12 months following a change in control: This row reflectsFor the sum of the value attributable to the January 2016 BPIP Awards, January 2017 BPIP Awards, and January 2018 BPIP Awards. For the January 2016 BPIP Awards, the tablevalue shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 20182019 multiplied by (ii) $392.82$502.70 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 31, 2018)2019). For theboth January 20172018 BPIP Awards and 20182019 BPIP Awards, the table reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award at target-level performance during the performance period, multiplied by (ii) $392.82.$502.70. Under the terms of the Stock Plan, any outstanding awards that are not assumed by the acquirer in the event of a change in control would become fully vested (at target level for performance-based awards).

 

(4)

BPIP Awards upon a termination due to death, disability or qualified retirement: For January 20162017 BPIP Awards, the value shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance through December 31, 2019 multiplied by (ii) $502.70 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 31, 2019). For both January 2018 and January 2019 BPIP Awards, the value shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 2018 multiplied by (ii) $392.82 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 31, 2018). For both January 2017 BPIP Awards2019 and January 2018 BPIP Awards, the value shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming (A) actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 2018 and (B) target-level performance for the remainder of the applicable performance period, multiplied by (ii) $392.82.$502.70. The actual number of shares that an NEO would receive following the end of the three-year performance period will be based on the Company’s actual performance over the duration of the performance period.

 

(5)

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plansplan by creating equity incentive grants of performance-based stock options for a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. These awards were part of a strategic initiative and we do not consider them to be part of our regular annual compensation.

 

(6)

Option Awards upon an involuntary termination without cause: Assuming a termination date of December 31, 2018,2019, the closing price of BlackRock common stock was $392.82$502.70 as of such date and, therefore, the stock price hurdle would not have been met. The amounts shown represent the value of a pro rata portion of unvested options as of December 31, 2018,2019, at the closing price on that date. The pro rata portion (with respect to each tranche) which can be earned based on, and subject to, the achievement of the performance conditions is determined by multiplying the unvested options at termination of employment by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full months, rounded down, the executive was employed from the date of grant through the termination date plus 12 months, and the denominator of which is the number of full months elapsed from the grant date through the applicable vesting date.

 

(7)

Option Awards upon a termination without cause within 12 months following a change in control or due to death or disability: Assuming a termination date of December 31, 2018,2019, the closing price of BlackRock common stock was $392.82$502.70 as of such date and, therefore, the stock price hurdle would not have been met. The amounts shown represent the value of unvested options as of December 31, 2018.2019.

 

(8)

Option Awards upon qualified retirement: all unvested options will be forfeited.

 

(9)

Reflects the amount that would have been payable to the NEO in a lump sum pursuant to the Severance Plan, assuming the NEO’s termination of employment by BlackRock other than for cause on December 31, 2018.2019.

 

(10)

ValuesTotal value for Mr. Kapito includes an award of percentage points under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan in order to promote his long-term retention and drive future growth. The award has a reasonable estimated value of $0, assuming a termination date of December 31, 2019 and initial distribution date of June 30, 2020.

(11)

Total values forYear-End Awards, BPIP Awards, Option Awards and Severance are rounded to the nearest whole number and, as a result of such rounding, the sum of such amounts may differ slightly from the amounts set forth in the line item titled Total“Total”.

CEO Pay Ratio for 20182019

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our CEO:

For 2018,2019, our last completed fiscal year:

 

The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of our Company (other than our CEO) was $136,313;$133,644; and

 

The annual total compensation of our CEO, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement, was $26,543,344.$24,308,254.

Based on this information, the ratio of our CEO’s annual total compensation to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees was 195:182:1. This result is broadly consistent with our historical pay practices.

2018BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    87



Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    CEO Pay Ratio for 2019

2019 CEO Pay Ratio = 195:182:1

Methodology

To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our median employee and our CEO, we took the following steps:

 

1.

Selection of Determination Date. We determined that, as of December 31, 2018,2019, our employee population consisted of approximately 14,90016,200 employees globally (as reported in Item 1,Business, in our Annual Report on2019 Form10-K10-K). filed on February 28, 2019 (our “Annual Report”)). This population included all of our full-time and part-time employees.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    83


Compensation Discussion and Analysis    |    Executive Compensation Tables

 

2.

Identification of Median Employee.To identify the “median employee” from our employee population, we reviewed the 20182019 total compensation of our employees. Total compensation includes base salary, overtime, 20182019 annual incentive award, direct incentives, commission payments and long-term equity incentive grants as reflected in the 20182019 annual compensation statements provided to each employee as part of theyear-end compensation process.

 

    

We identified our median employee using this compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all our employees included in the calculation.We did not make anycost-of-living adjustments in identifying the “median employee.”

 

3.

Calculation of Annual Total Compensation.Once we identified our median employee, we combined all the elements of such employee’s compensation for 20182019 in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of RegulationS-K, resulting in annual total compensation of $136,313.$133,644. The difference between such employee’s total compensation and the reported amount for the ratio calculation is the contributions made by BlackRock under its tax qualified defined contribution (401(k)) plan for 20182019 to such employee, which totaled $6,313.$7,744.

 

    

For our CEO’s annual total compensation, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column (column (j)) of our20182019 Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement on page 77.80.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2018,2019, relating to BlackRock equity compensation plans pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock, restricted stock unitsRSUs or other rights to acquire shares of BlackRock common stock may be granted from time to time.

 

  

Plan Category

  

Number of

securities to be

issued upon exercise

of outstanding

options, warrants

and rights

   

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

   

Number of securities

available for
issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in first column)

   

Number of

securities to be

issued upon exercise

of outstanding

options, warrants

and rights

   

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

   

Number of securities

available for
issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in first column)

 

Approved

            

BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan

  

 

5,081,038

(1) 

  

$

513.50

(2) 

   8,434,420   

 

4,920,515

(1) 

  

                    $

513.50

(2) 

   7,197,212 

Amended and Restated BlackRock, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan

       N/A   

 

512,215

(3) 

       N/A   

 

472,529

(3) 

                  

Total Approved by Shareholders

   5,081,038      8,946,635    4,920,515      7,669,741 
                  

Not Approved

            

None

       N/A            N/A     
                  

Total Not Approved by Shareholders

       N/A            N/A     
                  

Total

   5,081,038      8,946,635    4,920,515      7,669,741 
                  

 

(1)

Includes 2,974,5562,979,370 shares subject to RSUs (including RSUs which are settled in cash) and BPIP Awards (assuming payout at target levels) and 2,106,4821,941,145 stock options. On December 31, 2018, 143,4582019, no shares were available for contribution by PNC pursuant to the Share Surrender Agreement between BlackRock and PNC to settle awards outstanding under the Stock Plan and for future BlackRock stock grants under any other plan in accordance with the terms of the Share Surrender Agreement. Since February 2009, these shares were held by PNC as Series C Preferred stock. In January 2019, 143,458 shares were surrendered. As of February 28, 2019, no shares remain available for contribution by PNC. Pursuant to SEC guidance, unvested shares of RS that were issued and outstanding on December 31, 2018 are not included in the first or third column of this table.

 

(2)

Represents the weighted-average exercise price of stock options only.

 

(3)

Includes 512,215472,529 shares remaining available for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of which 10,6297,753 were subject to purchase during the open offering period that included December 31, 2018.2019.

 

8488    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT



 

Item 3:

 


Ratification of the Appointment

of the Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm retained to audit BlackRock’s financial statements. The Audit Committee conducts a comprehensive annual evaluation of the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, performance and independence.independence, and takes into account the insight provided to the Audit Committee and the quality of information provided on accounting issues, auditing issues and regulatory developments. The Audit Committee also considers whether, in order to ensure continuing auditor independence, there should be periodic rotation of the independent registered public accounting firm, taking into consideration the advisability and potential costs and impact of selecting a different firm.

At its meeting on March 13, 2019,17, 2020, the Audit Committee appointed Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192020 fiscal year. Deloitte or its predecessors have served as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2002.

The Audit Committee exercises sole authority to approve all audit engagement fees and terms associated with the retention of Deloitte. In addition to ensuring the regular rotation of the lead audit partner as required by law, the Audit Committee is involved in the selection of, and reviews and evaluates, the lead audit partner.

The Audit Committee evaluated Deloitte’s institutional knowledge and experience, quality of service, sufficiency of resources and quality of the Board believeteam’s communications and interactions as well as the team’s objectivity and professionalism. As a result, the Audit Committee believes that the continued retention of Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, andshareholders. Accordingly, we are asking shareholders to ratify the appointment of Deloitte.

Although ratification is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the appointment of Deloitte to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on this appointment and as a matter of good corporate governance. In the event that shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, it will be considered a recommendation to the Board and the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its discretion select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Representatives of Deloitte are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they so desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 


 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    8589



 

Item 3: Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    |    Fees Incurred by BlackRock for Deloitte

 

Fees Incurred by BlackRock for Deloitte

Aggregate fees incurred by BlackRock for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, for BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, and their respective affiliates, are set forth below.

 

  
  2018   2017   2019   2018 

Audit Fees(1)

  $17,930,000   $13,922,000   $18,362,000   $17,930,000 
            

Audit-Related Fees(2)

  $3,766,000   $4,315,000   $3,892,000   $3,766,000 
            

Tax Fees(3)

  $948,000   $1,277,000   $1,432,000   $948,000 
            

All Other Fees(4)

  $829,000   $1,041,000   $765,000   $829,000 
            

Total

  $23,473,000   $20,555,000   $24,451,000   $23,473,000 
            

 

(1)

Audit Fees consisted of fees for the audits of the consolidated financial statements and reviews of the condensed consolidated financial statements filed with the SEC onForms10-K and10-Q, respectively, as well as work generally only the independent registered public accounting firm can be reasonably expected to provide, such as statutory audits and review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit fees also included fees for the audit opinion rendered regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and audits of certain sponsored funds.

 

(2)

Audit-Related Fees consisted principally of assurance and related services pursuant to Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 18 and International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402, fees for employee benefit plan audits, attestation services for Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) verification and other assurance engagements.

 

(3)

Tax Fees consisted of fees for all services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm’s tax personnel, except those services specifically related to the audit and review of the financial statements, and consisted principally of tax compliance and reviews of tax returns for certain sponsored investment funds.

 

(4)

All Other Fees consisted of fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm other than audit, audit-related or tax services. All Other Fees included services related to regulatory advice, technology subscriptions and translation services.

Deloitte also provides audit, audit-related and tax services directly to certain of our affiliated investment companies, unit trusts and partnerships. Fees paid to Deloitte directly by these funds for services were $22,800,000$25,000,000 and $22,500,000$22,800,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. Such fees do not include any fees paid to Deloitte by registered investment companies.

Audit CommitteePre-Approval Policy

In accordance with BlackRock’s Audit CommitteePre-Approval Policy (the“Pre-Approval Policy”), all services performed for BlackRock by BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firmDeloitte werepre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee which concluded that the provision of such services by Deloitte was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The responsibility forpre-approval of audit and permittednon-audit services includespre-approval of the fees for such services. Periodically, the Audit Committee reviews andpre-approves all audit, audit-related, tax and other services that are performed by BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for BlackRock. In the intervals between the scheduled meetings of the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee delegatespre-approval authority under thePre-Approval Policy to the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Chair or designee must report anypre-approval decisions under thePre-Approval Policy to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Board Recommendation

 

 

LOGO LOGO

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" the ratification of Deloitte LLP as BlackRock's independent registered public accountingaccount firm for the fiscal year 2019.2020.

 

8690    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT



 

 

 

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities are to assist the Board with oversight of the integrity of BlackRock’s financial statements and public filings, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, the performance of BlackRock’s internal audit function and independent auditor and BlackRock’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. For more information about our Audit Committee’s responsibilities, see “Board Committees – The Audit Committee” under “Item 1 – Election of Directors” and our Audit Committee Charter.

It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to prepare BlackRock’s financial statements, to plan or conduct audits or to determine that BlackRock’s financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with GAAP in the United States. BlackRock’s management is responsible for preparing BlackRock’s financial statements and for maintaining internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing theBlackRock’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, expressing an opinion as to whether those audited financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of BlackRock in conformity with GAAP in the United States.States and expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In performing our oversight role, we have reviewed and discussed BlackRock’s audited financial statements with management and with Deloitte, BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2018.2019.

We have further discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed under the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) standards.and the SEC.

We have received from Deloitte the written disclosures required by applicable PCAOB rules regarding Deloitte’s independence, discussed with Deloitte its independence and considered whether thenon-audit services provided by Deloitte are compatible with maintaining its independence.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, we recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, inclusion of the audited financial statements in BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 for filing with the SEC.

MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Pamela Daley, Chair

Mathis Cabiallavetta

William E. Ford

Murry S. Gerber

Margaret L. Johnson

Sir Deryck Maughan

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

Susan L. Wagner

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    8791



 

Item 4:

 


Shareholder Proposal –

Production of an Annuala Report on the

“Statement on Certain Trade Associationthe Purpose of a

and Lobbying ExpendituresCorporation”

The Unitarian Universalist Association (“UUA”), 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210-1409,Trio Foundation, the holder of 1222 shares of common stock and represented by As You Sow, 2150 Kittredge Street, Suite 450, Berkeley, California 94704, has advised us that it intends to introduce the following resolution, which isco-sponsored by Reynders McVeigh Capital Management / Fresh Pond Capital, Center for Community ChangeChela Blitt TTEE Chela Blitt Trust DTD 04/10/1998 and School Sisters of Notre Dame Cooperative Investment Fund:James McRitchie Roth IRA:

Whereas, our Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Larry Fink, in August 2019, signed a Business Roundtable (BRT) “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation,” (Statement) committing our Company to serveall stakeholders including employees, customers, supply chain, communities where we believeoperate, and shareholders.

The CEO has also made other remarks implying the importance of a company’s public purpose. In his 2018 annual letter to CEOs Larry Fink wrote:

Stakeholders are demanding that companies exercise leadership on a broader range of issues. And they are right to: a company’s ability to manage environmental, social, and governance matters demonstrates the leadership and good governance that is so essential to sustainable growth, which is why we are increasingly integrating these issues into our investment process.

Existing governance documents evolved in fullan environment of shareholder primacy, but the Statement articulates a new purpose, moves away from shareholder primacy, and includes commitment to all stakeholders. The Statement may be beneficial to associate with our brand, however, the Statement, as company policy, may conflict with Delaware law unless integrated into Company governance documents, including bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and/or Committee Charters.

Company actions should also become integrated with the Statement. The Company currently engages in various actions that seem to contradict the Statement. As an example related to climate:

Data show that BlackRock holds companies with reserves in fossil fuels amounting to a staggering 9.5 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions – or 30 percent of total energy-related carbon emissions from 2017. BlackRock has the highest ratio of coal investments compared to overall size among the ten largest fund managers. A report from German NGO Urgewald showed that Blackrock is the largest investor in companies building new coal power capacity across the world with a total investment of over $11 billion USD.

BlackRock’s 2019 publicly reported proxy voting record reveals consistent votes against virtually all climate-related resolutions (having voted for only 6 of 52 such resolutions), including requests for enhanced disclosure or adoption of BlackRock’s directgreenhouse gas reduction goals, even where independent experts advance a strong business and indirect lobbying activities and expenditureseconomic case for support.

Although the Statement of Purpose implies accountability to assess whether our company’s lobbying is consistent with its expressed goalsstakeholders, without clear mechanisms in place to implement the Purpose, this broadened standard couldreduce accountability to shareholders and in the best interests of stockholders.effect, ensure accountabilityto none.

Resolved,: Shareholders request our Board prepare a report based on a review of the stockholdersBRT Statement of BlackRock request the preparationPurpose of a report, updated annually, disclosing:

1.

Company policy and procedures governing lobbying, both direct and indirect, and grassroots lobbying communications.

2.

Payments by BlackRock used for (a) direct or indirect lobbying or (b) grassroots lobbying communications, in each case including the amount of the payment and the recipient.

3.

BlackRock’s membership in and payments to anytax-exempt organization that writes and endorses model legislation.

4.

Description of management’s and the Board’s decision making process and oversight for making payments described in sections 2 and 3 above.

For purposesCorporation, signed by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and provide the board’s perspective regarding how our Company’s governance and management systems should be altered to fully implement the Statement of this proposal, a “grassroots lobbying communication” is a communication directed to the general public that (a) refers to specific legislation or regulation, (b) reflects a view on the legislation or regulation and (c) encourages the recipient of the communication to take action with respect to the legislation or regulation. “Indirect lobbying” is lobbying engaged in by a trade association or other organization of which BlackRock is a member.

Both “direct and indirect lobbying” and “grassroots lobbying communications” include efforts at the local, state and federal levels.

The report shall be presented to the Audit Committee or other relevant oversight committees and posted on BlackRock’s website.Purpose.

Supporting Statement

We encourage transparencyImplementation may include, at Board discretion, actions including amending the bylaws or articles of incorporation to integrate the new “Purpose,” establishing new goals or metrics linked to executive or board compensation, providing for representation of stakeholders in BlackRock’s usegovernance of corporate fundsour Company, and making recommendations to lobby. BlackRock spent $18,570,000 from 2010 – 2017 on federal lobbying. This figure does not include state lobbying expenditures, where BlackRock also lobbies but disclosure is uneven or absent. For example, BlackRock spent $938,394 on lobbying in California from 2011 – 2017. And BlackRock CEO Laurence Fink stated that “lobbying is really good because it is maximizing shareholder value” (“Unusual Debate at Davos: Lobbying, Maximizing Shareholder Value and the Duty of CEO’s,”ProMarket,April 1, 2016).

BlackRock lists memberships in the Investment Company Institute and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, which together spent over $25,434,947 on lobbying in 2016 and 2017. BlackRock is reportedly a member of the Chamber of Commerce (“Is the Most Powerful Lobbyist in Washington Losing Its Grip?”Washington Post, July 14, 2017), which spent more than $1.4 billion in lobbying since 1998, and belongs to the Business Roundtable, which is lobbying against the right of shareholders to file resolutions. BlackRock does not comprehensively disclose its memberships in, or payments to, trade associations, nor the amounts usedregarding logistics for lobbying.

We are concerned that BlackRock’s lack of disclosure presents reputational risks when its lobbying contradicts company public positions. For example, BlackRock believes climate change risk is an investment issue, yet the Chamber undermined the Paris climate accord (“Paris Pullout Pits Chamber against Some of Its Biggest Members,”Bloomberg, June 9, 2017). We believe that companies should ensure there is alignment between their own positions and their lobbying, including through trade associations.implementation.

 


 

8892    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT



 

Item 4: Shareholder Proposal – Production of an Annuala Report on Certain Trade Association andthe “Statement on the Purpose

Lobbying Expendituresof a Corporation”    |    The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

 

 

 

The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

 

The Board of Directorshas carefully considered the proposal and believes that the actions requestedCompany already operates in accordance with principles and commitments consistent with the Business Roundtable’s “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation” (the “BRT Statement”), and that no changes to the Company’s existing governance and management systems are required.

As noted in BlackRock’s public statements and reports, our leadership has long believed that embracing purpose is central to achieving a company’s full potential. This was highlighted in Mr. Fink’s letter to public company CEOs in 2018, where he noted that “[w]ithout a sense of purpose, . . . [a company] will ultimately lose the license to operate from key stakeholders.” Mr. Fink reemphasized these thoughts in his 2020 letter, where he stressed purpose as the “engine of long-term profitability.”

Moreover, in 2016, the BlackRock Board amended the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines to better reflect our commitment to our purpose by specifically acknowledging that long-term value creation for shareholders requires consideration of the Proponent are unnecessary and not in the best interestsconcerns of our shareholders.other stakeholders and interested parties, including clients, employees and the communities in which we operate.

We believe our corporate governance and management frameworks are designed to help us achieve our purpose, which is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. We also recently launched a Corporate Sustainability website that advocating for public policies that increase financial transparency, protect investors and facilitate responsible growth of capital markets is an important part of our responsibilities to our shareholders and clients. We provide on our website extensive disclosure of our public policy engagement efforts, political activities and the decision-making and oversight associated with these efforts and activities.

We reviewfurther enhances our public disclosure onand the transparency of our public policy engagements and political activities at least annually to ensure it accurately reflectspractices. Our Corporate Sustainability website highlights the many ways that we serve our activities and policies and providesclients, deliver value for our shareholders, support and develop our employees and give back to our communities.

Consistent with a clear understanding of our priorities. As part of our process, we consider feedback from our shareholderspublicly stated principles and other stakeholders.

We received a nearly identical proposal last year from the same proponent. Similar to last year, we engagedcommitments, BlackRock’s operations are carried out with the proponentoversight and this year’sco-filers onguidance of the issues raisedBoard. The Board has reviewed the BRT Statement, as well as the proposal, and determined that no alteration of the Company’s governance and management systems, including its Bylaws or certificate of incorporation, are necessary in light of the fact that the Company – with the oversight of the Board and consistent with its fiduciary duties – already operates in accordance with the principles set forth in the proposal. FollowingBRT Statement. In reaching this discussion, we enhanced our disclosuresdetermination, the Board considered the Company’s public statements, actions and commitments with regard to address someeach of the concerns raised bytopics addressed in the proponent. These enhancements included clarifying that BlackRock does not engage in “grassroots lobbying” and updating the link to the government website reporting the federal political contributions made by BlackRock’s political action committee so that readers are taken directly to BlackRock’s report. Similar to last year, we engaged extensively with this proponent to explain our approach to public policy engagement and took steps to address items where the proponent thought additional clarification and facilitation would be helpfulBRT Statement as described below.

1. Delivering value to our shareholders.customers.

We believeAt BlackRock’s core are principles that guide us in our current disclosures offer the appropriate amount of detail and background onmission to create better financial futures for our engagement on public policy issues. A report beyond what has beenclients. Our principles are published on our corporate website and required in our public filings would impose administrative burdens on the Company but provide only minimal additional informationdistributed to BlackRock’s shareholders. As a result,all employees. These principles define who we believe that adoption of the proposal is unnecessaryare and not in the best interest of BlackRock or our shareholders.

As detailed in our statement of Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies on our website, BlackRock is committed to:

Full Transparency of Positions:how we operate:

 

  

The comment letters we file, policy papers published through our ViewPoints series and our Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies can all be found on our website athttps://www.blackrock.com/corporate/en-us/insights/public-policy/public-policy-engagement-and- political-activities-policies. We are also compliant with all lobbyinga fiduciary to our clients. Our clients’ goals are our goals. We represent clients’ voices, needs and political contribution disclosure rules and regulations.

Effective Oversight and Governance:

BlackRock’s Chief Legal Officer and the head of BlackRock’s Global Public Policy Group brief the Board’s Risk and Nominating and Governance Committees to keep our Directors apprised of, and engagedinvestment goals in the Company’s legislative and regulatory priorities and advocacy initiatives.every decision we make.

 

 

  

The Global Public Policy Group works closely withWe are passionate about performance. We take emotional ownership of every aspect of the Company’s businesswork we do, prizing strong subject matter expertise and legal teamsan insatiable appetite to identify legislative and regulatory priorities that will protect investors, increase shareholder value and facilitate responsible economic growth.learn.

 

 

  

As an asset manager,We are One BlackRock focuses. We know that working in silos is not conducive to our best work. We pride ourselves on issuesour solutions that impactresult from the asset management industry and the clients for whom we act as agent in managing assets.constant collaboration between our diverse teams.

 

 

  

As partWe are innovators. We are proud of BlackRock’s engagement inour long history of innovation, driving continuous change to help investors achieve their goals. This culture of innovation has been, and continues to be, the public policy process, the Company participates in a numberfoundation of trade organizations and industry groups, and we publicly disclose our principal trade associations.success.

 

2. Investing in our employees.

As an asset manager, our firm is heavily dependent on our people. On our Corporate Sustainability website, as well as in this Proxy Statement under “BlackRock’s Approach to Human Capital Management,” we disclose how we invest in our employees and retain and develop talent; our focus on diversity and inclusion; and our approach to unifying culture and encouraging innovation.

3. Dealing fairly and ethically with our suppliers.

Our Supplier Code of Conduct & Ethics (“Supplier Code”), which is publicly disclosed, outlines the minimum expectations and standards that we have for our suppliers in relation to human rights, inclusion and diversity, environmental sustainability and integrity and ethics in management practices. Moreover, as stated in the Supplier Code, BlackRock is committed to seeking out qualified diverse businesses from historically underrepresented groups, including companies owned and operated by minorities, women, military veterans, disabled veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBT+ community. Through our Global Supplier Diversity Program, we aim to achieve a diverse slate of suppliers that reflects all the markets, clients and communities we serve.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    8993



 

Item 4: Shareholder Proposal – Production of an Annuala Report on Certain Trade Association andthe “Statement on the Purpose

Lobbying Expendituresof a Corporation”    |    The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

 

4. Supporting the communities in which we work.

Our philanthropic efforts date back many years and have consistently focused on furthering our purpose to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Most recently, we created The BlackRock Foundation and contributed 15.6 million shares of PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. with a market value of $589 million, to fund social impact efforts focused on advancing a more inclusive and sustainable economy. We believe this charitable contribution – in line with our purpose as a firm – will support our commitment to creating greater financial well-being and advancing sustainability in our communities.

5. Generating long-term value for shareholders.

Since BlackRock’s founding, we have worked to anticipate our clients’ needs and to help clients manage risk and achieve their investment goals. In January, we announced that, consistent with our principles, we are accelerating our efforts to integrate ESG insights into our investment processes. This was driven by our belief that sustainability-related factors can affect economic growth, asset values and financial markets and is consistent with BlackRock’s responsibility as a fiduciary dedicated to overseeing and growing the value of our clients’ assets over the long-term. By focusing on our clients’ needs, we generate long-term value for our shareholders.

Moreover, we note that the proponents’ supporting statement is particularly focused on the voting practices of our Investment Stewardship team as it relates to climate-related proposals. While our Investment Stewardship team has engaged with companies for some time on climate change issues, as noted in our public announcements in January, the team is intensifying its focus and engagement with companies on sustainability-related risks. The Investment Stewardship team also has committed to enhancing the transparency of its stewardship practices, including with respect to votes and engagements with companies on these topics. We believe that investment stewardship is an essential component of our fiduciary responsibility and that this enhanced transparency to our clients and broader set of stakeholders will further align the Company with the BRT Statement.

Accordingly, the Board does not believe that a report based on a review of the BRT Statement is necessary because the Company actions and disclosures already embody the commitments included in the BRT Statement.

 

Full Compliance with Restrictions on Political Contributions and Filing and Disclosure Obligations:

In compliance with federal regulations, as well as applicable state and local law, BlackRock does not contribute corporate funds to federal, state or local candidates, political party committees, political action committees or any political organization exempt from federal income taxes under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Although permitted under federal law, BlackRock does not spend corporate funds directly on independent expenditures, including electioneering communications and ballot initiatives, and does not engage in “grassroots lobbying”.

BlackRock’s political action committee is funded voluntarily by employees and its contributions are publicly disclosed to the Federal Election Commission.

BlackRock publicly discloses quarterly all U.S. federal lobbying costs and the issues to which our lobbying efforts relate, as required under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. BlackRock also makes such disclosures at the state or local level to the extent required to do so under applicable lobbying laws.

Board Recommendation

 

 

LOGO LOGO

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote "AGAINST" this proposal.

 

9094    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT


Item 5:

 


Shareholder Proposal – Simple Majority Vote Requirement

James McRitchie, 9295 Yorkship Court, Elk Grove, CA 95758, the holder of 25 shares of common stock, has advised us that he intends to introduce the following resolution:

Resolved, BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or “Company”) shareholders request that our board take each step necessary so that each voting requirement in our charter and bylaws that calls for a greater than simple majority vote be eliminated, and replaced by a requirement for a majority of the votes cast for and against applicable proposals, or a simple majority in compliance with applicable laws. This means the closest standard to a majority of the votes cast for and against such proposals consistent with applicable laws. It is also important that our company take each step necessary to avoid a failed vote on this proposal topic.

Supporting Statement

Shareowners are willing to pay a premium for shares of companies that have excellent corporate governance. Supermajority voting requirements have been found to be one of the six entrenching mechanisms that are negatively related to company performance according to “What Matters in Corporate Governance” by Lucien Bebchuk, Alma Cohen and Allen Ferrell of the Harvard Law School (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=593423).

Large funds, such as BlackRock, SSgA and Northern Trust generally support the elimination of supermajority requirements, since most view them as an entrenchment device for management. BlackRock’s Proxy Voting Guidelines for U.S. Securities (http://www/blackrock.com/corporate/literature/fact-sheet/blk-responsible-investment-guidelines-us.pdf) reads as follows:

We generally favor a simple majority voting requirement to pass proposals. Therefore, we will support the reduction or the elimination of supermajority voting requirements to the extent that we determine shareholders’ ability to protect their economic interest is improved. Nonetheless, in situations where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder, supermajority voting may be protective of public shareholder interests and we may support supermajority requirements in those situations.

This proposal topic won from 59.2% to 90.1% of the vote at Kaman, DuPont, Salesforce.com and Ryder System in early 2018. Prior to that it won 74% to 99% support at Weyerhaeuser, Alcoa, Waste Management, Goldman Sachs, FirstEnergy, McGraw-Hill, Macy’s, Ferro Arconic, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.

Currently a 1% special interest minority of shares can frustrate the will of shareholders casting 79% of shares in favor. In other words a 1% special interest minority could have the power to prevent shareholders from improving our cooperate governance.

Please vote again to enhance shareholder value: Simple Majority Vote – Proposal 5


BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    91


Item 5: Shareholder Proposal – Simple Majority Vote Requirement    |    The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

The Board of Directors has carefully considered the proposal and believes that the three existing supermajority provisions in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) are protective of stockholders and appropriate given the significant ownership stake of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) in BlackRock.

BlackRock’s Bylaws and Charter apply a majority voting standard consistent with Delaware law to almost all corporate matters to be voted on by our stockholders. Article Thirteen of our Charter includes three limited circumstances where a supermajority standard is required:

1.  A supermajority vote of the holders of 75% of the stock entitled to vote is needed to alter, amend or repeal, or adopt a provision inconsistent with, the Charter provision in Article Thirteen stating that the Charter may be amended with approval by BlackRock’s Board and at least a majority of the stock entitled to vote. In other words, this supermajority provision benefits stockholders byprotecting the majority voting standard generally applicable for amending the Company’s Charter.

2.  A supermajority vote of the holders of 80% of the stock entitled to vote is needed to amend the Charter provision in Article Twelve requiring that the Company’s Bylaws may be altered or repealed only by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of (x) the members of the Board or (y) the stock entitled to vote. In other words, this supermajority threshold benefits stockholders byprotecting the majority voting standard for amending the Company’s Bylaws.

3.  Finally, a supermajority vote of the holders of 80% of the stock entitled to vote is required to amend Article Nine of the Charter, which regulates and defines the conduct of certain business and affairs between BlackRock and any “Significant Stockholder” of the Company (generally defined as a person who beneficially owns greater than 20% of the issued and outstanding voting stock of the Company). Currently, PNC qualifies as a Significant Stockholder in light of its approximately 21% ownership of the Company’s voting stock. Article Nine is important as a legal matter in that it establishes certain norms for the course of conduct between the Company and a Significant Stockholder in areas such as ordinary course business relationships and corporate opportunities. In sum, this supermajority provisionprotects the interests of our public stockholders (as well as Significant Stockholders) by requiring that any amendments to Article Nine receive broader stockholder support than the majority required for other Charter amendments, therebypreserving clarity in the relationships between BlackRock and any of its Significant Stockholders.

BlackRock shares a number of the proponent’s concerns regarding the inclusion of supermajority provisions in charters and bylaws designed to entrench management. However, supermajority provisions can serve a legitimate purpose and receive investor support when the ownership structure includes a significant stockholder, as is the case here. For example, BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship team typically favors a simple majority voting requirement but may support supermajority provisions that serve to protect public stockholder interests where there is a substantial stockholder. We also note that for the past five years, votes cast at BlackRock’s annual stockholder meeting have exceeded 88% of the outstanding stock of the Company, signifying that the supermajority voting thresholds in the Charter are achievable votes where stockholder support for an action is widespread.

We believe that the supermajority provisions in BlackRock’s Charter do not serve to entrench management, are protective of the majority voting standards of our Charter and Bylaws and are appropriate in light of PNC’s status as a Significant Stockholder.

Board Recommendation

LOGO The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote "AGAINST" this proposal.

92BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


 

 

 

Annual Meeting Information

Questions and Answers aboutAbout the Annual Meeting and Voting

Who is entitled to vote?

Holders of record of BlackRock common stock at the close of business on March 25, 201923, 2020 are entitled to receive notice and to vote their shares of BlackRock common stock at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Meeting. As of March 25, 2019, 154,500,13323, 2020, 154,261,305 shares of BlackRock’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding. Holders are entitled to one vote per share.

A list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available at the Annual Meeting. It can also be made available beginning 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting, between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, at our principal executive offices at 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055, by writing to the Corporate Secretary of BlackRock at: c/o Corporate Secretary, BlackRock, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022. The list will also be accessible during the Annual Meeting by visitingwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020 and entering the control number provided on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

How docan I attend and vote at the Annual Meeting?

In consideration of recent public health concerns relating to COVID-19, the Annual Meeting will be held virtually; you will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

You are entitled to participate in the Annual Meeting if you were a shareholder as of the close of business on the record date, March 23, 2020, or hold a legal proxy provided by your bank, broker or nominee for the Annual Meeting.

Attending the Annual Meeting:To attend the Annual Meeting, visitwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020. You will be asked to enter the control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

Voting During the Annual Meeting:If you were a shareholder as of the record date, or you hold a legal proxy provided by your bank, broker or nominee for the Annual Meeting, you may vote during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions available on the meeting website during the meeting.

TechnologySupportfor the Annual Meeting:If you have difficulty accessing the Annual Meeting, please call 1-800-586-1548 (U.S.) or 1-303-562-9288 (international) on the day of the meeting. Technicians will be available to assist you.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote and submit your proxy in advance of the meeting. For information on how to vote prior to the Annual Meeting, see“How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting and what are the voting deadlines?”

How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting and what are the voting deadlines?

You may submit a proxy by telephone, via the Internet or by mail.

 

LOGOLOGO

 

Submitting a Proxy by Telephone: You can submit a proxy for your shares by telephone until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 201920, 2020 by calling the toll-free telephone number on the attached proxy card,1-800-690-6903. Telephone proxy submission is available 24 hours a day.Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to submit a proxy for your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. Our telephoneTelephone proxy submission procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders by using individual control numbers.

 

LOGOLOGO

 

Submitting a Proxy via the Internet: You can submit a proxy via the internet until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 201920, 2020 by accessing the website listed on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials andor your proxy card,www.proxyvote.com,, and by following the instructions on the website. Internet proxy submission is available 24 hours a day. As with the telephone proxy submission, you will be given the opportunity to confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded.

 

LOGOLOGO

 Submitting a Proxy by Mail: Mark your proxy card, date, sign and return it to Broadridge Financial Solutions in the postage-paid envelope provided (if you received your proxy materials by mail) or return it to BlackRock, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Proxy cards returned by mail must be received no later than the close of business on May 22, 2019.20, 2020.

By casting your vote in any of the three ways listed above, you are authorizing the individuals listed onnamed in the proxy to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. You may also attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. See “What is required to attend the Annual Meeting?

What is required to attend the Annual Meeting?

You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting only if you were, or you hold a valid legal proxy naming you to act as a representative for, a holder of BlackRock common stock at the close of business on March 25, 2019. Shareholders, or their valid legal proxies, planning to attend the Annual Meeting in person must request an admission ticket in advance of the Annual Meeting by visiting www.proxyvote.com and following the instructions provided. You will need the 16-digit “control” number included on your proxy card, voter instruction or form of notice. Tickets will be issued to registered and beneficial owners. Requests for admission tickets will be processed in the order they are received and must be requested no later than May 22, 2019. Please note that seating is limited and requests for tickets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to your admission ticket, please bring a form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card or passport, to gain entry to the Annual Meeting. If you were the beneficial owner of shares held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you or your representative must also bring proof of your stock ownership as of the close of business on March 25, 2019, such as an account statement or similar evidence of ownership.

The use of electronic devices, including but not limited to mobile phones, photographic equipment, audio or video recording devices, sound amplifying devices, laptops, tablets and/or other computer devices is not permitted at the Annual Meeting.

Meeting attendees will be limited in the number and size of objects they are allowed to bring into the meeting and will only be allowed to sit in designated seating areas. The possession of weapons or other dangerous items is prohibited, and all attendees will be subject to electronic and / or manual security screening. Failure to comply with the direction of security staff may result in ejection from the meeting.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    93


Annual Meeting Information    |    Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting

If you are unable to provide valid photo identification or if we are unable to validate that you were a shareholder (or that you are authorized to act as a legal proxy for a shareholder) or you cannot comply with the other procedures outlined above for attending the Annual Meeting in person, we will not be able to admit you to the Annual Meeting. In the event you submit your proxy and you attend the Annual Meeting, you may revoke your proxy and cast your vote personally at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record, to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.

All shares that have been properly voted, and not revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting. If you sign and return your proxy card but do not give voting instructions, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted as recommended by the Board.

If you were a shareholder as of the record date, or you hold a legal proxy provided by your bank, broker or nominee for the Annual Meeting, you can also vote via the Internet during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions atwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    95



Annual Meeting Information    |    Questions and Answers About the Annual Meeting and Voting

Will I be able to participate in the virtual Annual Meeting in the same way that I would be able to participate in an in-person annual meeting?

We have taken steps to ensure that the format of the virtual Annual Meeting affords shareholders the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting. We have also determined to enhance shareholder access, participation and communication by providing shareholders the ability to submit questions in advance of the meeting.

You may submit a question in advance of the meeting atwww.proxyvote.com after logging in with your control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Questions may also be submitted during the Annual Meeting throughwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020. Questions will be limited to one per shareholder.

How will voting on any other business be conducted?

If any other business is properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the persons named in the proxy will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, went to press, we did not know of any other business to be raised at the Annual Meeting.

May I revoke my vote?

Proxies may be revoked at any time before they are exercised by:

 

Written notice to the Corporate Secretary of BlackRock;

 

Submitting a proxy on a later date by telephone or Internet (only your last telephone or Internet proxy will be counted) before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 2019;20, 2020;

 

Timely delivery of a valid, later-dated proxy; or

 

Voting by ballotAttending the Annual Meeting virtually and voting. Attendance at the meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request.

For shares held beneficially in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your bank, broker or nominee following the instructions it has provided, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your bank, broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the Annual Meeting.Meeting via the Internet and voting.

What is a quorum?

A quorum is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. Virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting constitutes presence in person for purpose of a quorum at the meeting.

What is the effect of a brokernon-vote or abstention?

Abstentions and brokernon-votes”,non-votes,” if any, are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker“non-vote” occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for that particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. If a nominee has not received instructions from the beneficial owner, the nominee may vote these shares only on matters deemed “routine” by the NYSE. The election of directors, approval of NEO compensation and the shareholder proposalsproposal are not deemed “routine” by the NYSE and nominees have no discretionary voting power for these matters. The ratification of the appointment of an independent registered accounting firm is deemed a “routine” matter on which nominees have discretionary voting power.

What vote is required in order to approve each of the proposals?

Each share of our common stock outstanding on the record date will be entitled to one vote on each of the 1817 director nominees and one vote on each other matter. Directors receiving a majority of votes cast (number of shares voted “for” a director must exceed the number of shares voted “against” that director) will be elected as a director. Abstentions and broker“non-votes” will be disregarded and have no effect on the outcome of the Item 1 vote to elect directors. A majority of the votes of shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for Item 2, the approval of NEO compensation, Item 3, the ratification of Deloitte as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192020 fiscal year, and ItemsItem 4, and 5, the approval of the shareholder proposals.proposal. Abstentions will be treated as a vote “against” and “brokernon-votes” will have no effect on such matters.

Who will count the votes and how can I find the results of the Annual Meeting?

Broadridge Financial Solutions, our independent tabulating agent, will count the votes. We will publish the voting results in aForm 8-K filed within four business days of the Annual Meeting.

 

9496    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT



 

Annual Meeting Information    |    Important Additional Information

 

Important Additional Information

Cost of Proxy Solicitation

We will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited in person or by mail, telephone and electronic transmission on our behalf by directors, officers or employees of BlackRock or its subsidiaries, without additional compensation. We will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries that are requested to forward soliciting materials to the beneficial owners of the stock held of record by such persons.

Multiple Shareholders Sharing the Same Mailing Address or “Householding”

In order to reduce printing and postage costs, we try to deliver only one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, if applicable, one Annual Report and one Proxy Statement to multiple shareholders sharing a mailing address. This delivery method, called “householding”,“householding,” will not be used if we receive contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders sharing a mailing address. If your household has received only one copy, we will promptly deliver promptly a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, if applicable, the Annual Report and the Proxy Statement to any shareholder who sends a written request to the Corporate Secretary at the address provided in the Notice of 20192020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

You may also notify us if you would like to receive separate copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, if applicable, BlackRock’s Annual Report and Proxy Statement in the future by writing to the Corporate Secretary. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy cards. If you are submitting a proxy by mail, each proxy card should be marked, signed, dated and returned in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

If your household has received multiple copies of BlackRock’s Annual Report and Proxy Statement, you can request the delivery of single copies in the future by marking the designated box on the attached proxy card.

If you own shares of common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee and receive more than one Annual Report and Proxy Statement, contact the holder of record to eliminate duplicate mailings.

Confidentiality of Voting

BlackRock keeps all proxies, ballots and voting tabulations confidential as a matter of practice. BlackRock allows only Broadridge Financial Solutions to examine these documents. Occasionally, shareholders provide written comments on their proxy cards, which are then forwarded to BlackRock management by Broadridge Financial Solutions.

Available Information

BlackRock makes available free of charge through its website atwww.blackrock.comhttp://ir.blackrock.com, under the headings “Our FirmFinancials / Investor Relations / SECFilings,, its Annual Reports to Shareholders, Annual Reports on Form10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q, Current Reports on Form8-K, Proxy Statements and form of proxy and all amendments to these reports no later than the day on which such materials are first sent to security holders or made public.

BlackRock will provide, without charge to each shareholder upon written request, a copy of BlackRock’s Annual Reports to Shareholders, Annual Reports on Form10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q, Current Reports on Form8-K, Proxy Statements and form of proxy and all amendments to those reports.

Written requests for copies can be made by:

 

LOGOLOGO 

Mail: Corporate Secretary of BlackRock, 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022

 

 

LOGOLOGO

 

Telephone:(212) 810-5300

 

 

LOGOLOGO

 

Email:invrel@blackrock.com

 

Copies may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC homepage on the Internet atwww.sec.gov. The Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 is not part of the proxy solicitation materials.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT    9597



 

Annual Meeting Information    |    Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders

 

Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders

Proposals to be Considered for Inclusion in BlackRock’s Proxy Materials

Shareholders who wish to present proposals for inclusion in the proxy materials to be distributed by us in connection with our 20202021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must submit their proposals to BlackRock’s Corporate Secretary on or before December 14, 2019.10, 2020.

Director Nominations for Inclusion in BlackRock’s Proxy Materials (Proxy Access)

A shareholder (or a group of up to 20 shareholders) who has owned at least 3% of our shares continuously for at least three years and has complied with the other requirements in our Bylaws may nominate and include in BlackRock’s proxy materials director nominees constituting up to 25% of our Board. Notice of a proxy access nomination for consideration at our 20202021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received no later than December 14, 201910, 2020 and no earlier than November 14, 2019.10, 2020.

Other Proposals and Nominations

Apart from Exchange Act Rule14a-8 and our proxy access bylaw that address the inclusion of shareholder proposals or shareholder nominees in our proxy materials, under our Bylaws, certain procedures must be followed for a shareholder to nominate persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at an annual meeting of shareholders.

We must receive the notice of your intention to introduce a nomination or proposed item of business at our 20202021 Annual Meeting:Meeting of Shareholders:

 

Not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the anniversary of the mailing date of BlackRock’s proxy materials for the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders; or

 

Not later than 10 days following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed to shareholders or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever comes first, in the event that next year’s annual meeting is not held within 25 days before or after the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting.

Assuming that our 20202021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is held within 25 days of the anniversary of the 2019 Annual Meeting, we must receive notice of your intention to introduce a nomination or other item of business at the 20202021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders by December 14, 201910, 2020 and no earlier than November 14, 2019.10, 2020.

Additional Requirements

Under our Bylaws, any notice of proposed business must include a description of the business and the reasons for bringing the proposed business to the meeting, any material interest of the shareholder in the business and certain other information about the shareholder. Any notice of a nomination or a proxy access nomination for director nominees must provide information about the shareholder and the nominee, as well as the written consent of the proposed nominee to being named in the proxy statement and to serve as a director if elected.

BlackRock’s Bylaws specifying the advance notice requirements for proposing business or nominations, and for proposing proxy access nominations, are available atwww.sec.gov.

Address to Submit Proposals and Nominations

In each case, proxyProxy proposals, proxy access nominations and nominations for director nominees and/or an item of business to be introduced at an annual meeting of shareholders must be submitted in writing to the Corporate Secretary, of BlackRock, 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New YorkNY 10022.

96BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


Annual Meeting Information    |    Other Matters

Other Matters

The Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the meeting. If, however, any other business should properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, it is intended that the proxy will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the persons named in the proxy.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

LOGO

R. Andrew Dickson, III

Corporate Secretary

 

98BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT97



 

Annex A:

 


Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

BlackRock reports its financial results in accordance with GAAPgenerally accepted accounting principles in the United States;States (“GAAP”); however, management believes evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results may be enhanced if investors have additionalnon-GAAP financial measures. Management reviewsnon-GAAP financial measures to assess ongoing operations and considers them to be helpful, for both management and investors, in evaluating BlackRock’s financial performance over time. Management also usesnon-GAAP financial measures as a benchmark to compare its performance with other companies and to enhance the comparability of this information for the reporting periods presented.Non-GAAP measures may pose limitations because they do not include all of BlackRock’s revenue and expense. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider suchnon-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.Non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Management uses both GAAP andnon-GAAP financial measures in evaluating BlackRock’s financial performance. Adjustments to GAAP financial measures(“non-GAAP adjustments”) include certain items management deems nonrecurring or that occur infrequently, transactions that ultimately will not impact BlackRock’s book value or certain tax items that do not impact cash flow.

Computations for all periods are derived from the consolidated statements of income as follows:

(1) Operating income, as adjusted, and Operating Margin,operating margin, as adjusted:

Management believes operating income, as adjusted, and Operating Margin,operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of BlackRock’s financial performance over time and, therefore, provide useful disclosure to investors. Management believes that operating margin, as adjusted, reflects the Company’s long-term ability to manage ongoing costs in relation to its revenues. The Company uses operating margin, as adjusted, to assess the Company’s financial performance and to determine the long-term and annual compensation of the Company’s senior-level employees. Furthermore, this metric is used to evaluate the Company’s relative performance against industry peers, as it eliminates margin variability arising from the accounting of revenues and expenses related to distributing different product structures in multiple distribution channels utilized by asset managers.

 

  

(in millions)

  2018  

2017(1)

  

2016(1)

   2019  

2018

  

2017(1)

 

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $5,457  $5,254  $4,565   $5,551  $5,457  $5,254 

Non-GAAP expense adjustments:

        

Restructuring charge

   60  –    76    —    60   —   

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   14  15  28    —    14  15 
      

Operating income, as adjusted

   5,531  5,269  4,669    5,551  5,531  5,269 

Product launch costs and commissions

   13  –     –      61  13  —   
      

Operating income used for operating margin measurement

  $5,544  $5,269  $4,669   $5,612  $5,544 $5,269 
      

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $14,198  $13,600  $12,261   $14,539  $14,198 $13,600 

Non-GAAP adjustment:

    

Distribution and servicing costs

   (1,675 (1,663 (1,608

Non-GAAP adjustments:

    

Distribution fees

   (1,069 (1,155 (1,183

Investment advisory fees

   (616 (520 (480
      

Revenue used for operating margin measurement

  $12,523  $11,937  $10,653   $12,854  $12,523 $11,937 
      

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   38.4 38.6 37.2   38.2 38.4% 38.6
      

Operating margin, as adjusted

   44.3 44.1 43.8   43.7 44.3 44.1
      

(1)

Results for 2017 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2,Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form10-K.


BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 PROXY STATEMENT    A-1



Annex A:Non-GAAP Reconciliation    |    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Operating income, as adjusted,includesnon-GAAP expense adjustments. In 2018, and 2016, a restructuring charge, primarily comprised of severance and accelerated amortization expense of previously granted deferred compensation awards, has been excluded to provide more meaningful analysis of BlackRock’s ongoing operations and to ensure comparability among periods presented. TheIn 2018 and 2017, the portion of compensation expense associated with certain long-term incentive plans (“LTIP”) funded, or to be funded, through share distributions to participants of BlackRock stock held by PNC has been excluded because it ultimately does not impact BlackRock’s book value.

 

(1)

Results for 2017 and 2016 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form 10-K.

A-1BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT


Annex A:Non-GAAP Reconciliation    |    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Operating income used for measuring operating margin, as adjusted, is equal to operating income, as adjusted, excluding the impact of product launch costs (e.g., closed-end fund launch costs) and related commissions. Management believes the exclusion of such costs and related commissions is useful because these costs can fluctuate considerably and revenue associated with the expenditure of these costs will not fully impact BlackRock’s results until future periods.

 

Revenue used for calculating operating margin, as adjusted, excludesis reduced to exclude all of the Company’s distribution fees, which are recorded as a separate line item on the consolidated statements of income, as well as a portion of investment advisory fees received that is used to pay distribution and servicing costs paidcosts. For certain products, based on distinct arrangements, distribution fees are collected by the Company and then passed-through to third parties. Management believes such costs representthird-party client intermediaries. For other products, investment advisory fees are collected by the Company and a benchmarkportion is passed-through to third-party client intermediaries. However, in both structures, the third-party client intermediary similarly owns the relationship with the retail client and is responsible for distributing the product and servicing the client. The amount of revenue passed through to external parties who distribute the Company’s products. BlackRock excludes from revenue used for operating margin, as adjusted, the costs related to distribution and servicing costs asinvestment advisory fees fluctuates each period primarily based on a proxy for such offsetting revenue.predetermined percentage of the value of AUM during the period. These fees also vary based on the type of investment product sold and the geographic location where it is sold. In addition, the Company may waive fees on certain products that could result in the reduction of payments to the third-party intermediaries.

(2) Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio,Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted:

 

   

(in millions)

  2018  

2017(1)

  

2016(1)

 

Employee compensation and benefits, GAAP basis

  $4,320  $4,253  $3,878 

LessNon-GAAP expense adjustment:

    

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   14   15   28 
              

Employee compensation and benefits, as adjusted

  $4,306  $4,238  $3,850 
              

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $14,198  $13,600  $12,261 

Non-GAAP adjustment:

    

Distribution and servicing costs

   (1,675  (1,663  (1,608
              

Revenue used for operating margin measurement

  $12,523  $11,937  $10,653 
              

Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio, GAAP basis

   30.4  31.3  31.6
              

Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio, as adjusted

   34.4  35.5  36.1
              
   

(in millions, except per share data)

  2019   

2018

   

2017(1)

 

Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., GAAP basis

  $4,476   $4,305   $4,952 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Restructuring charge, net of tax

       47     

PNC LTIP funding obligation, net of tax

       12    11 

The 2017 Tax Act:

      

Deferred tax revaluation (noncash)

           (1,758

Deemed repatriation tax

           477 

Other income tax matters

   8    (3   16 
                

Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted

  $4,484   $4,361   $3,698 
                

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding(2)

   157.5    161.9    164.4 

Diluted earnings per common share, GAAP basis(2)

  $28.43   $26.58   $30.12 

Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted(2)

  $28.48   $26.93   $22.49 
                

 

(1)

Results for 2017 and 2016 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2,Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form10-K.

Employee compensation and benefits, as adjusted,includesnon-GAAP expense adjustment. The portion of compensation expense associated with certain LTIP funded, or to be funded, through share distributions to participants of BlackRock stock held by PNC has been excluded because it ultimately does not impact BlackRock’s book value.

Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio, as adjusted, is equal to Employee compensation and benefits, as adjusted, divided by revenue used for operating margin measurement.

(3) Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted:

   

(in millions, except per share data)

  2018   

2017(1)

   

2016(1)

 

Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., GAAP basis

  $4,305   $4,952   $3,168 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Restructuring charge, net of tax

   47        53 

PNC LTIP funding obligation, net of tax

   12    11    19 

The 2017 Tax Act:

      

Deferred tax revaluation (noncash)

       (1,758    

Deemed repatriation tax

       477     

Other income tax matters

   (3   16    (30
                

Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted

  $4,361   $3,698   $3,210 
                

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding(2)

   161.9    164.4    166.6 

Diluted earnings per common share, GAAP basis(2)

  $26.58   $30.12   $19.02 

Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted(2)

  $26.93   $22.49   $19.27 
                

(1)

Results for 2017 and 2016 were recast to reflect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard. For further information, refer to Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, in the consolidated financial statements in our 2018 Form 10-K.

(2)

Non-votingNonvoting participating preferred stock is considered to be a common stock equivalent for purposes of determining basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2019 PROXY STATEMENT    A-2


Annex A:Non-GAAP Reconciliation    |    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management believes net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted, and diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, are useful measures of BlackRock’s profitability and financial performance. Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted, equals net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., on a GAAP basis, adjusted for significant nonrecurring items, charges that ultimately will not impact BlackRock’s book value or certain tax items that do not impact cash flow.

See aforementioned discussion regarding operating income, as adjusted, and operating margin, as adjusted, for information on the PNC LTIP funding obligation and restructuring charge.

For each period presented, thenon-GAAP adjustment related to the restructuring charge and PNC LTIP funding obligation was tax effected at the respective blended rates applicable to the adjustments. The 2017 noncash deferred tax revaluation benefit of $1,758 million and the other income tax matters were primarily associated with the revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities related to intangible assets and goodwill. Amounts have been excluded from the as adjusted results as these items will not have a cash flow impact and to ensure comparability among periods presented. A deemed repatriation tax expense of $477 million has been excluded from the 2017 as adjusted results due to theone-time nature and to ensure comparability among periods presented.

Per share amounts reflect net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted, divided by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

 

A-3A-2    BLACKROCK, INC. 20192020 PROXY STATEMENT



BlackRock’s Approach

toMission Statement on Sustainability

Making Sustainability the Standard for Investing at BlackRock

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary, BlackRock believes environmental, socialis deeply committed to helping our clients build resilient and governance issueswell-constructed portfolios that are critical to achieving their long-term goals. Because sustainable investment options have real financial impacts over the long-term. Aspotential to offer clients better outcomes, we workare making sustainability integral to create better financial futures for clients, we strive to be a leader in the way we incorporate sustainability into our:BlackRock manages risk, constructs portfolios, designs products and engages with companies.

 

 

LOGO

Investment Processes Investment Stewardship Sustainable Solutions Business Operations Integrating sustainability-related insights and data into BlackRock's investment processes across asset classes and investment styles Engaging companies in index and alpha-seeking portfolios alike on sustainability-related issues that impact long-term performance Delivering sustainable investment solutions that help empower clients to achieve their financial objectives Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our own firm in order to deliver the best outcomes for clients and shareholders

LOGO

 

Investment Processes

From BlackRock’s perspective, business-relevant sustainability issues can contribute to a company’s long-term financial performance, and thus further incorporating these considerations into the investment research, portfolio construction, and stewardship process can enhance long-term risk adjusted returns.

Investment Stewardship

We undertake all investment stewardship engagements and proxy voting with the goal of protecting and enhancing the long-term value of our clients’ assets. In our experience, sustainable financial performance and value creation are enhanced by sound governance practices, including risk management oversight and board accountability. BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship team engages with portfolio companies to encourage them to adopt corporate governance and business practices aligned with long-term financial performance.

Sustainable Solutions

We define sustainable investing as the combination of traditional investment approaches with ESG insights to mitigate risk and enhance long-term return. With this in mind, many of our clients turn to BlackRock for sustainable investment solutions. Leveraging BlackRock’s investment expertise and research, we help clients understand the various risks and opportunities associated with sustainability factors and provide them with a range of products and solutions that seek to deliver targeted financial and sustainability outcomes.

Business Operations

To deliver the best long-term outcomes for clients and shareholders, we operate and invest in our business with a focus on the long-term. This requires taking into account environmental, social and governance issues that have real and quantifiable impacts over the long-term for our firm, our people, and the communities in which we operate.


LOGO

BlackRock. We are a fiduciary to our clients. We are passionate about performance. Our Principles We are innovators. We are one BlackRock. BlackRocks mission is to create a better financial future for our clients. As we pursue this mission, we are guided by BlackRocks Principles that is, our shared understanding of who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves each and every day. BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055 blackrock.com


LOGO

    BLACKROCK, INC.

    55 EAST 52ND STREET

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10055

    LOGO

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by BlackRock, Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receive all future Proxy Statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access shareholder materials electronically in future years.

VOTE BY PHONE -1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided (if you received your proxy materials by mail) or return it to BlackRock, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

If you vote your proxy by Internet or telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card. To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

SHAREHOLDER MEETING REGISTRATION

To request an admission ticket to attend the meeting, visit the “Register for Meeting” link at www.proxyvote.com and provide the 16-digit control number located on your proxy card.You must have an admission ticket to attend the meeting. You must request an admission ticket by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 2019.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK:

E40399-P05894                KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED, DATED AND RETURNED.

BLACKROCK, INC.

A.  The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Item 2 and FOR Item 3.

1.Election of Directors  For    Against    Abstain  
Nominees:

1a.      Bader M. Alsaad

1b.      Mathis Cabiallavetta

1c.      Pamela Daley

1d.      William S. Demchak

1e.      Jessica P. Einhorn

1f.       Laurence D. Fink

1g.      William E. Ford

1h.      Fabrizio Freda

1i.       Murry S. Gerber

1j.       Margaret L. Johnson

1k.      Robert S. Kapito

1l.       Cheryl D. Mills

1m.      Gordon M. Nixon

1n.      Charles H. Robbins

1o.      Ivan G. Seidenberg

1p.      Marco Antonio Slim Domit

1q.      Susan L. Wagner

1r.       Mark Wilson

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

 

Investment Integration

We are integrating sustainability considerations
into our active investments and
risk management processes.

      

Sustainable Solutions

We are
democratizing
access to
sustainable

investing.

      

Research & Insights

We are developing research and
insights into
environmental,
social and
governance factors
affecting long-term financial performance of companies.

      

Data and Analytics

We are making more data and analytics available to all investors and our clients, powered byAladdin.

      

Investment Stewardship

We are incorporating sustainability into

our investment stewardship with companies we

invest in on behalf

of clients.

 

 
ForAgainstAbstain
2.Approval, in

Corporate Sustainability

We are leading
by example to
promote a non-binding advisory vote, of the compensation for named executive officers.

3.Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2019.
B.Shareholder Proposals - The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Items 4 and 5.ForAgainstAbstain
4.Shareholder Proposal - Production of an Annual Report on Certain Trade Association and Lobbying Expenditures.
5.Shareholder Proposal - Simple Majority Vote Requirement.
more
sustainable world.

 

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.

All shares will be voted as instructed above. In the absence of instructions, all shares will be voted with respect to registered shareholders that return a signed proxy card, FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Item 2 and FOR Item 3 and AGAINST Item 4 and Item 5, and with respect to participants in the BlackRock, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, in the manner required or permitted by the governing plan documents.

LOGO                 

A+

for Strategy & Governance in the Principles for Responsible Investment (“PRI”) Assessment Report.

 Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date        

A-

by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), compared to the financial services sector average of C.

  

#1

in the Financial industry in the inaugural U.S. Transparency Awards

 Signature (Joint Owners) Date        

Best Investor Engagement

Award by the Chartered Governance Institute (formerly known as the Institute of Corporate Secretaries and Administrators)


LOGO


LOGO

SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE -1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided (if you received your proxy materials by mail) or return it to BlackRock, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. If you vote your proxy by Internet or telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: E95661-P34391 THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY BLACKROCK, INC. A. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Item 2 and FOR Item 3. 1. Election of Directors Nominees: 1a. Bader M. Alsaad 1b. Mathis Cabiallavetta 1c. Pamela Daley 1d. William S. Demchak 1e. Jessica P. Einhorn 1f. Laurence D. Fink 1g. William E. Ford 1h. Fabrizio Freda 1i. Murry S. Gerber 1j. Margaret L. Johnson 1k. Robert S. Kapito 1l. Cheryl D. Mills 1m. Gordon M. Nixon 1n. Charles H. Robbins 1o. Marco Antonio Slim Domit 1p. Susan L. Wagner 1q. Mark Wilson For Against Abstain Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. For Against Abstain 2. Approval, in anon-binding advisory vote, of the compensation for named executive officers. 3. Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2020. B. Shareholder Proposal - The Board of Directors recommends a vote For Against Abstain AGAINST Item 4. 4. Shareholder Proposal - Production of a Report on the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation.” For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated. All shares will be voted as instructed above. In the absence of instructions, all shares will be voted with respect to registered shareholders that return a signed proxy card, FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Item 2, FOR Item 3 and AGAINST Item 4, and with respect to participants in the BlackRock, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, in the manner required or permitted by the governing plan documents. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date BLACKROCK, INC. NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10055

2019


LOGO

BLACKROCK, INC. 2020 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

May 23, 2019

21, 2020 8:00 AM, EDT

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

455 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING.

BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.

Internet and telephone voting are available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 22, 2019.

Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote the shares in the same manner

as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020 Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

E40400-P05894

E95662-P34391 PROXY

FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

BLACKROCK, INC.

SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned appoints Gary S. Shedlin and R. Andrew Dickson, III, and each of them, as proxies, each with full power of substitution, and authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this form, all shares of common stock of BlackRock, Inc. held of record by the undersigned as of March 25, 2019,23, 2020, at the 20192020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 23, 2019,21, 2020, beginning at 8:00 AM, EDT, at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022,www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2020, and in their discretion, upon any business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting, in accordance with their best judgment.

If no other indication is made on the reverse side of this form, the proxies shall vote FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR ItemItems 2 and FOR Item 3 and AGAINST Items 4 and 5.

Item 4.    This proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the time voting is declared closed by giving the Corporate Secretary of BlackRock, Inc. written notice of revocation or a subsequently dated proxy, or by casting a ballot at the meeting.

If the undersigned is a participant in the BlackRock, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (the “RSP”), then the undersigned hereby directs Bank of America, N.A., FSB, as Trustee of the RSP to vote all the shares of BlackRock common stock credited to the undersigned’s account as indicated on the reverse side at the meeting and at any adjournment(s) thereof.

Address Changes/Comments:    

(If Address Changes/Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

Continued and to be signed on reverse side