UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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

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¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement
  
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x Definitive Proxy Statement
  
¨ Definitive Additional Materials
  
¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
e.l.f. Beauty, 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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2020 proxy statement
&
notice of annual meeting of stockholders




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May 21, 2019


August 27, 2020
8:30 a.m., localPacific time
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
570 10th Street, 3rd Floor
Oakland, California 94607Virtual Meeting



table of contents
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 page
  page
Letter from our Chairman and CEO
 

 Other Business for Consideration
e.l.f. at a Glance
 No Incorporation by Reference

 Annual Report

 Internet Availability of Annual Meeting Materials
Proposal 1: Election of Class III Directors
 Expenses of Solicitation

 Stockholders Sharing the Same Address42
Continuing Directors
 Forward-Looking Statements42
Our Board13
 Questions and Answers
Role and Responsibilities of Our Board14
 Proxy Card
How Our Board is Organized15
   
How Our Directors are Selected and Evaluated18
   
Meeting Attendance21
   
How Our Directors Are Paid21
   
How You Can Communicate With Us23
   
Our Company
   
Our Executive Officers
   
25
   
Corporate Governance Materials Available on Our Website26
   

   
General
   
Named Executive Officers
   
Compensation Setting Process
   
Primary Compensation Components
   
Executive Compensation Tables30
   
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation32
   

   
Our Stockholders
   
Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock
   
Chief Executive Officer Stock Purchases36
   
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance36
   
Stockholder Proposals37
   

   
Proposal 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
Audit Fees and Services
   
Pre-Approval Policy
   
Audit Committee Report
   

i20192020 Proxy Statement
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elflogoblack.jpgtable of contents
April 10, 2019
Dear Stockholders,
On behalf of management and our Board of Directors, we cordially invite you to attend the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. The 2019 annual meeting will be held on May 21, 2019, at 8:30 a.m., local time, at e.l.f. Beauty’s offices located at 570 10th Street, 3rd Floor, Oakland, California 94607. The matters expected to be acted upon at the 2019 annual meeting are described in detail in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and proxy statement.
We thank you for your support of e.l.f. Beauty in 2018. The year was challenging for us, with net sales down 1% from 2017. Despite top line weakness, we improved our margin profile and delivered strong operating cash flow. We are keenly focused on five strategic imperatives in 2019:
Drive demand in our brand. e.l.f.'s core advantage is our ability to delight consumers with prestige quality cosmetics and skin care at an extraordinary value. Over the past 18 months, the beauty market has undergone a competitive transformation, with new entrants, beauty influencers, and social networks changing the way consumers interact with brands. We realize we need to meet our consumers wherever they are. To this end, we plan to increase the marketing investment behind digital and social engagement to draw more consumers to our superior brand proposition.
Focus products on first to mass, quality, and value. We continue to be an innovation leader, making prestige quality products accessible to the mass market. Two recent examples are our $8 Poreless Putty Primer that compares to a similar prestige product priced at $52 and our $5 16hr Camo Concealer that compares to a similar prestige product priced at $27. Both products received rave reviews, with consumers declaring our 16hr Camo Concealer “the best concealer ever.” We see the ability to better leverage our unique product advantage through a refreshed marketing approach.
Improve productivity at national retailers. Even with our 2018 trends, e.l.f. is amongst the most productive cosmetic brands at Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, and our other leading national retailers. Earlier this year, we completed the first phase of “Project Unicorn”—a major initiative at shelf to elevate our brand presentation, highlight our category leadership with America’s #1 primers and brushes, and offer more product facings to help drive sales productivity. We also continue to expand our brand footprint, gaining additional shelf space at Ulta Beauty, and gaining additional distribution at Walgreens, Boots, and other leading international retailers.
Double down on digital. As a digitally native brand with a leading mass beauty e-commerce site, on-line has always been the main driver of our engagement model. As more digital brands enter our space, we are increasing both our focus and investment in our digital platform. Examples include important initiatives on mobile, loyalty, personalization, and distribution. We also plan to expand our digital channels internationally.
Generate cost savings to help pay for brand investments. We have built an operations advantage that provides the best combination of cost, quality, and speed in our industry. We are also making choices to help generate the savings to help pay for our brand investments. Earlier this year, we closed our 22 e.l.f. retail stores and identified several automation, manufacturing, and cost savings initiatives that are slated to be complete in 2019. As a brand committed to extraordinary value, cost is always a focus.
We look forward to updating you on progress on these strategic imperatives.
Sincerely,
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Tarang P. Amin
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 page  page
     
Letter from our Chairman and CEO Compensation setting process
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders Compensation program components
Introduction Other compensation information
Our board of directors Compensation Committee report
Proposal 1: Election of three class I directors Executive compensation tables
Nominees Summary compensation table
Continuing directors Grants of plan-based awards
Our board Outstanding awards at fiscal year-end
Membership and key attributes Stock option exercises and stock vested
The role and responsibilities of our board Additional tables
How our board is organized Compensation committee interlocks and insider participation
How our directors are selected Equity compensation plan information
How our directors are evaluated Our stockholders
Meeting attendance Beneficial ownership of common stock
How our directors are paid Stockholder engagement
How you can communicate with us Stockholder proposals
Our company Audit matters
Our executive officers Proposal 4: Ratification of appointment of independent registered public accounting firm
Certain relationships and related party transactions Audit fees and services
Corporate governance materials Pre-approval policy
Executive compensation Audit Committee report
Proposal 2: Advisory vote to approve compensation for our named executive officers Additional information
Proposal 3: Advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation Questions and answers
Compensation discussion and analysis Annex A: GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation tables
Executive summary   
Named executive officers   
Compensation philosophy, objectives, and design   

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20192020 Proxy Statement


1
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2020 Proxy Statement
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elflogoblack.jpgletter from our chairman and CEO
notice of annual meeting of stockholders
Dear Stockholders,
FY 2020 was a great year for e.l.f. Beauty. We saw four quarters of net sales expansion, culminating in a 13% year-over-year increase in net sales in the fourth quarter (16% excluding e.l.f. retail stores).
FY 2020 highlights include:
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Tarang Amin
Chairman and CEO
•    Net sales of $283 million, up 6% versus a year ago (11% versus a year ago, excluding e.l.f. retail stores).
•    Gross margin of 64%, up 300 basis points versus a year ago (and up 1,700 basis points versus FY 2014).
•    Net income of $18 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $63 million, up slightly versus a year ago, even with doubling our marketing and digital investment to 13% of net sales.
•    e.l.f. Cosmetics grew the most market share of the top five color cosmetics brands in the U.S., up 50 basis points.
•    We made our first acquisition of the pioneering clean beauty brand W3LL PEOPLE, bringing to the company 40 EWG VERIFIED™ products and access to this fast-growing beauty segment.
We accomplished these results by investing in our brand recharge and executing on our five strategic imperatives:
1. Drive brand demand. We launched our “e.l.f.ing amazing” campaign to bring e.l.f. Cosmetics’ superpowers of 100% vegan and cruelty-free, holy grail first-to-mass products, premium quality, extraordinary prices, and universal appeal to the forefront of the beauty conversation. We also created a groundbreaking “Eyes. Lips. Face.” hashtag challenge on TikTok, which quickly became the most viral campaign in TikTok U.S. history with over 6 billion views!
2. Major step-up in digital. True to our digitally native roots, we drove double-digit growth in traffic and new consumers to elfcosmetics.com, the #1 mass e-commerce brand site. Our Beauty Squad loyalty program grew to 1.8 million members. Consumption on our retailer.coms and Amazon was up over 50%.
3. Provide first-to-mass prestige-quality products. We strengthened our leading position in primers, brushes, and brow, gaining significant market share in these hero segments. Our Poreless Putty Primer is the best-selling primer in the U.S. and the #1 SKU in the face category. We continue to focus on skin care as a strategically important category, with consumption up 27% in FY 2020.
4. Drive national retailer productivity. We improved our shelf assortment and presentation via Project Unicorn, delivering the highest productivity of any color cosmetics brand at Target and Walmart. Our consumption at ULTA Beauty and other retailers also did well. Given the strength of our innovation and consumer engagement, Walmart and ULTA Beauty plan to expand our space in a subset of their doors in FY 2021.
5. Deliver cost savings tofuel brand investments. We successfully redeployed the $13.7 million of savings from closing our 22 e.l.f. retail stores to our digital and national retailer business. We are particularly pleased with our pricing execution in July 2019 as it was the most significant pricing action that we've taken in our 16-year history, and, along with cost savings and favorable foreign exchange rates, overcame tariffs on China goods.

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12020 Proxy Statement


We're equally excited about our strategic extensions, specifically the acquisition of W3LL PEOPLE and the internal development of an exciting new brand we plan to introduce in FY 2021. We believe strategic extensions are key to our long-term growth as we evolve from a single brand to a multi-brand beauty company and help leverage the investments in our world-class team and capabilities.
The strength of our team can be seen in our response to COVID-19. We were one of the first beauty companies to be fully operational once restrictions were lifted in China. We continue to execute on our strategic imperatives and gain market share on the e.l.f. Cosmetics brand. Our team reflects the diverse beauty enthusiasts we serve with our employee base being 70% women, 55% Millennial, and over 45% diverse.
Our Board of Directors has extensive public company experience, extensive retail, beauty, and consumer products experience, and has been actively engaged in overseeing our strategic imperatives. I am so proud that e.l.f. Beauty is one of only 10 public companies with over 60% women on the board of directors (out of 4,800+ public companies).
Our mission to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip and face is more important than ever. We believe that our fundamental value equation and digital engagement, as well as our world-class team's ability to adapt at “e.l.f. speed”, positions us well to navigate COVID-19 challenges and continue to gain market share in the coming year.
Sincerely,
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when:May 21, 2019,
See Annex A for a reconciliation of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures.

2020 Proxy Statement2
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notice of annual meeting of stockholders
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whenwhererecord date
August 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m., local time.Pacific timeVirtual Meeting
www.meetingcenter.io/285699127
Password: ELF2020
July 6, 2020
items of businessvoting recommendation
1.“FOR” all of the nominees
  
where:2.e.l.f. Beauty, Inc., 570 10th Street, 3rd Floor, Oakland, California 94607“FOR”
  
record date:3.March 25, 2019“1 YEAR”
  
items of business:4.
1. Elect the 3 nominees for Class III director named in the proxy statement.
3.
“FOR”
5.Transact other business that may properly come before the annual meeting.
  
voting recommendation:
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” each nominee and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
  
admission:Proof of stock ownership as of the record date will be required to enter the annual meeting.
proxy materials:We encourage you to carefully read the proxy materials as they contain important information about the Company, the annual meeting, and the items of business to be voted on at the annual meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Scott K. Milsten
Corporate Secretary

Oakland, California
April 10, 2019
By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Scott Milsten, Corporate Secretary
Oakland, California
July 17, 2020
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT! Make your vote count. Your vote is very important. Whether or notEven if you plan to attend the2020 annual meeting in person, please promptlycast your vote over the Internet or by completing, signing, datingas soon as possible. For information about registering, attending, and returning your proxy card or voting instruction form so that your shares will be represented at the annual meeting. Submitting your proxy now will not prevent you from voting your shares at the2020 annual meeting, as yourplease see under the heading “additional information—important information regarding the virtual meeting” on page 70 of the proxy is revocable at your option. Please note that if your shares are held by a broker and you wish to vote at the annual meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from your broker.statement.
 
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on May 21, 2019:August 27, 2020
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card, and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended DecemberMarch 31, 20182020 are available at www.envisionreports.com/www.edocumentview.com/ELF.


22019 Proxy Statement
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e.l.f. at a glance
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.’s (the “Company” or “we”) mission is to make luxurious beauty accessible for all. As one of the most innovative beauty companies, we engage young, diverse beauty enthusiasts by offering high-quality, prestige-inspired cosmetic and skin care products at extraordinary value. From formulation to package design, our products deliver quality and innovation at a fraction of prestige prices, encouraging frequent consumer purchasing and experimentation without the guilt of overspending.
We continue to be an innovation leader in the mass beauty category. Our business model allows us to get “first to mass” products inspired by trends in prestige beauty into our consumers’ hands quickly at accessible prices.
We are proud to be 100% vegan and cruelty-free. All e.l.f. products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and vegan and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. We do not test on animals or endorse such practices, nor do we use ingredients that are tested on animals. Our products are also free from parabens, phthalates, microbeads, and sulfates.
We use a multi-channel distribution model to make our products widely accessible. Consumers can find our products on our leading mass beauty e-commerce site, at national retailers, such as Target, Walmart, and Ulta Beauty, and also internationally, including in the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Germany.
Our team reflects the beauty enthusiasts that we serve. Five of the nine members of the Board of Directors (our “Board”) of the Company are women and three of the nine members of our Board are ethnically diverse. Our employee base is over 35% diverse, over 65% millennial and over 70% women.
Despite a challenging 2018, we believe that our consumers’ interest in high-quality, prestige-inspired cosmetic and skin care products at extraordinary value, coupled with execution on our five strategic imperatives for 2019, has positioned us for success.
proxy statement summary
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all information you should consider. Please read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting. For more complete information regarding the Company’s 2018 performance, please review the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report”).
Our Board is providing these materials to you and soliciting the enclosed proxy in connection with our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which will take place on May 21, 2019. The 2019 annual meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m., local time, at the Company’s headquarters located at 570 10th Street, 3rd Floor, Oakland, California 94607.
You are invited to attend the 2019 annual meeting and are requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement, as well as any other business properly coming before the 2019 annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the 2019 annual meeting.
Directions to the 2019 annual meeting may be found on our website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/ir-resources/contact-us.
Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 25, 2019, the record date for the 2019 annual meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2019 annual meeting or at any adjournments or postponements of the 2019 annual meeting.

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2019 Proxy Statement3

summary 

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vote by internetvote by phonevote by mail*vote by ballot
Access the website indicated on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card, or voting instruction form.Call the number on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card, or voting instruction form.
Sign, date, and return the proxy card or voting instruction form in the postage-paid envelope.
*if you requested paper materials
Attend the 2020 annual meeting and vote your shares using the online ballot.

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32020 Proxy Statement

introboardcompanyexec. comp.equity plansstockholdersauditadd’l. infoq&aannexes

introduction
e.l.f. Beauty at a glance
our company
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE: ELF) (the “Company” or “we”) stands with every eye, lip, face and paw. This deep commitment to inclusive, accessible, cruelty-free beauty has fueled the success of our namesake e.l.f. Cosmetics brand since 2004. With the acquisition of clean-beauty brand W3LL PEOPLE in February 2020, we continue to expand our portfolio with strategic extensions that support our purpose and values.
Our brands are:
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Since 2004, e.l.f. Cosmetics has made the best of stockholdersbeauty accessible to every eye, lip and face. We make high-quality, prestige-inspired cosmetics and skin care products at an extraordinary value and are proud to be 100% vegan and cruelty-free. As one of the first online beauty brands, e.l.f. Cosmetics continues to attract a highly-engaged audience and set benchmarks with new digital platforms.
    
 record datemeeting agenda 
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A clean beauty pioneer with 40 EWG VERIFIED™ products, W3LL PEOPLE has raised the standard for high-performance, plant-powered, cruelty-free cosmetics since 2008. Founded on the principles of purity, artistry and responsibility, we are committed to creating clean products that help people be well, look well, and do well.
our board and our team
diverse and highly experienced team
Our Board of Directors (our “Board”), management, and employees are highly experienced, with proven track records managing and growing brand portfolios. We reflect the diverse consumers we serve.
9
directors

67%
women

33%
diverse

1of10
public companies*
with
>60%
women on
board of directors
   
*out of 4,800+ public companies
(as of March 25, 201931, 2020)
The 2019 annual meeting will cover the proposals listed below under “proposals,” and any other business that may properly come before the 2019 annual meeting.
 date:
220
employees
May 21, 2019
70%
women
55%
millennial
mailing date
45%
diverse
 

time:8:30 a.m., local timeThis proxy statement was first made available to stockholders on or about April 10, 2019.
place:
2020 Proxy Statement4
Company Headquarterselflogonotexta01.jpg

570 10th Street
introboardcompanyexec. comp.equity plansstockholdersauditadd’l. infoq&aannexes

strong, independent, and active board
3rd Floor
89%
Oakland, California 94607independent

votingkey qualification/experiencenumber of directorskey qualification/experiencenumber of directors
 
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Stockholders asConsumer Products
lllllllll
6 out of the record date are entitled to vote. Each share9
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Tech/Digital Media
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5 out of common stock of the Company is entitled to one vote.9
 
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Retail/Beauty
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5 out of 9
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Operations
lllllllll
6 out of 9
 
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Directions to the 2019 annual meeting may be found on our website at
http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/ir-resources/contact-us
Financial/Accounting
lllllllll
5 out of 9
 
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Public Company Boards
lllllllll
6 out of 9
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Corporate Governance
lllllllll
9 out of 9
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Senior Leadership
lllllllll
9 out of 9
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Brand/Marketing
lllllllll
5 out of 9
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M&A/Transactions
lllllllll
6 out of 9
Our Board is actively engaged in overseeing the strategic direction of the Company and is committed to acting in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Our Board recognizes the importance of having the right mix of skills, expertise, and experience, and is committed to continuously reviewing its capabilities, structure, and ongoing member refreshment on behalf of our stockholders. To that end, seven of our independent directors have joined our Board within the last five years.
highlights from 2019T and FY 2020
       
$283million
FY 2020 net sales
64%
FY 2020 gross margin
$18million
FY 2020 net income
$63million
FY 2020 Adjusted EBITDA (2)
+6%
incl. e.l.f.
retail stores
+11%
ex. e.l.f.
retail stores (1)
+300
basis points YoY
$0.35
earnings per share
with~2x
marketing and digital spend

    voting
 vote by internet
4.8%
market share (3)
+50
basis points
e.l.f. Cosmetics grew
the mostmarket share
of the top five
color cosmetics brands
 vote by mail
#4
favorite teen brand (4)
     
 
Record holders. Go to www.envisionreports.com/ELF

Beneficial holders. Go to www.proxyvote.com

    Follow the steps outlined on the website

•    Record holders. Sign, date and return your proxy card

•    Beneficial holders. Sign, date and return your voting instruction form to your broker
 
(1)
See Annex A for a reconciliation of net sales (including the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores) to net sales (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores).
(2)
See Annex A for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.
(3)According to Nielsen xAOC 52 weeks ending March 21, 2020.
(4)According to the Piper Sandler 39th Semi-Annual Taking Stock With Teens® Survey, Spring 2020. Up from #6 a year ago.
strong financial results
The transition period from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019 (“2019T”) and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 (“FY 2020”) was a terrific period for the Company, highlighted by five consecutive quarters of net sales growth.
We reversed declining sales trends at the end of 2018 and achieved $64 million in net sales in 2019T, which represented 3% year-over-year growth (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores). Our disciplined execution fueled a 11% year-over-year net sales growth in FY 2020 (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores) that greatly outpaced the category, which declined in tracked channels in FY 2020 according to Nielsen.

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52020 Proxy Statement

introboardcompanyexec. comp.equity plansstockholdersauditadd’l. infoq&aannexes

We increased investment against our strategic imperatives in FY 2020 (including nearly doubling our marketing investment from the prior year) and delivered $17.9 million of net income and $62.6 million of Adjusted EBITDA in FY 2020.
We successfully navigated a 25% tariff being implemented on the majority of our products and increased gross margin in FY 2020 by 300 basis points compared to the prior year.
We reasserted our multiple areas of competitive advantage, which resulted in e.l.f. Cosmetics growing market share by 50 basis points during FY 2020 according to Nielsen. We entered COVID-19 headwinds with strengths relative to the category and expect to continue to take market share.
strengthening corporate governance
We have continued to strengthen our corporate governance. We appointed Beth Pritchard as our Lead Independent Director in February 2019. We also refreshed the membership of our Board committees twice in 2019T and FY 2020, leveraging the experience sets of our directors.
Additionally, although we are an emerging growth company (as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”)), and are not required by applicable rules to hold a “say-on-pay” vote until March 31, 2022 (unless we meet certain thresholds earlier), we have included at the 2020 annual meeting a say-on-pay vote with respect to compensation paid to our named executive officers for 2019T and FY 2020. We are also asking stockholders to vote for holding our say-on-pay vote annually. We value ongoing stockholder input, which an annual say-on-pay vote will enable.
executing on strategic extensions
We completed the acquisition of W3LL PEOPLE in FY 2020, which was strategically important as clean is one of the fastest growing segments within beauty. We also incubated a new brand expected to launch in FY 2021. Both are key milestones as we evolve from a single brand to multi-brand beauty company.
continued progress against strategic imperatives
We made significant progress in FY 2020 against our strategic imperatives to grow and create long-term value for our stockholders, highlights of which are discussed below:
proposalsstrategic imperativeFY 2020 highlights
1Drive brand demand
Of the top five color cosmetics brands in the U.S., e.l.f. Cosmetics grewthe most market share in FY 2020, up 50 basis points.
Our “e.l.f.ing amazing” campaign brought in new consumers and accelerated brand advocacy within our existing community.
Our “Eyes. Lips. Face.” TikTok hashtag challenge with our original music quickly became the most viralcampaign in TikTok U.S. history with over 5.2 billion views and over 3.5 million user-generated videos.
Our new @elfyeah TikTok channel (launched in mid-March 2020), a destination for Gen Z that delivers premium entertainment for TikTok's rapidly growing audience, amassed over 25,000 followers and over 650,000 likes in 18 days (and it continues to grow).
     
     
 proposalboard recommendationreason for recommendationsee page
Election of three Class III directors
ü For
Each Nominee
Our Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe the three Class III director nominees possess the skills, experience, and diversity to effectively monitor performance, provide oversight, and advise management on the Company’s long-term strategy.
Ratification of appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as independent registered public accounting firm for the 2019 transition period and fiscal year 2020
ü For
Based on the Audit Committee’s assessment of Deloitte’s qualifications and performance, it believes their retention for the 2019 transition period and fiscal year 2020 is in the best interests of the Company. 


420192020 Proxy Statement6
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introsummaryboardcompanyexec. comp.equity plansstockholdersauditadd’l. infoq&aannexes


        director nominees
        
 nameageprimary occupationindependentsee page 
 Tarang P. Amin54Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President  
 Stephen A. Ellis56Managing Partner of TPG Growthü 
 Beth M. Pritchard72Adviser; Former executive of multiple companiesü9 

audit matters      
The Audit Committee has selected Deloitte as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the transition period ended March 31, 2019 and fiscal year 2020. Deloitte was the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2018 and 2017. 
 type of fees2018
 2017
see page 
 Audit Fees$1,023,500
 $1,163,560
 
 Audit-Related Fees$112,432
 $52,835
 
 Tax Fees$18,491
 $59,646
 
 All Other Fees$
 $240,000
 
 TOTAL FEES$1,154,423
 $1,516,041
 
strategic imperativeFY 2020 highlights
2Major step-up in digital
Traffic and new consumers to elfcosmetics.com grew double digits.
Our Beauty Squad loyalty program grew to 1.8 million members.
Consumption on our retailer.coms and Amazon was up over 50%.
3Provide first-to-mass prestige-quality products
Poreless Putty Primer was the best-sellingprimer in the U.S. and the #1 SKU in the face category according to Nielsen.
Skin care consumption up 27% in FY 2020.
4Drive national retailer productivity

We made continued progress on Project Unicorn, our initiative to better display our products and fit more items on shelf.
e.l.f Cosmetics remained the most productive brand in color cosmetics at Target and Walmart.
5
Deliver cost savings to fuel brand investments


We closed all 22 of our e.l.f. retail stores in February 2019 and redeployed $13.7 million in expenses to our digital and national retailer business.
We increased pricing in July 2019 on approximately one-third of our SKUs which helped grow gross margin by 300 basis points.


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201972020 Proxy Statement5

summary

board of
directors
        
 
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One of 41 companies in the Russell 3000 Index whose boards of directors have reached gender parity or are majority women

(Equilar Gender Diversity Index report from March 7, 2019)
 
 
average tenure: 2.7 years

average age: 58 years
 
  
  
  
  
 
Our directors have or exhibit:

 
 
l a proven track record
l personal and professional integrity
l public company board
l experience
 
 
l innovative thinking
l diversity of expertise and experience
l extensive operational
l experience
 
 
l financial and accounting
l expertise
l knowledge of corporate governance
l practices and requirements
l significant retail and
l consumer packaged goods
l experience
 
 nameageindependentcommitteesclassterm endssee page 
 Tarang P. Amin54 NoneIII2019 
 Stephen A. Ellis56üComp (Chair)III2019 
 Lauren Cooks Levitan53üAuditII2021 
 Richelle P. Parham51üNomGovII2021 
 Kirk L. Perry52üCompI202011 
 Beth M. Pritchard72üNomGov (Chair)III20199 
 Sabrina L. Simmons55üAudit (Chair)I202011 
 Maureen C. Watson51üNomGovI202012 
 Richard G. Wolford74üAuditII202112 
    executive officers
    
 nameageposition 
named
executive
officer?
see page 
 Tarang P. Amin54Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director Yes 
 Richard F. Baruch, Jr.51Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer No 
 Jonathan T. Fieldman49Senior Vice President, Operations No 
 Kory A. Marchisotto42Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer No25 
 Scott K. Milsten49Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corp. Sec., and Chief People Officer Yes25 



6intro2019 Proxy Statementboard
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our board of directors
proposal 1:election of three class IIII directors
þ
FOR ALL
Our Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” all of the nominees for Class I director.
Our Board believes we have the right directors to lead the Company. Our nominees, who are all current members of our Board, have strong consumer products, retail, and beauty experience, senior leadership and public company board experience, and a deep understanding of our business.
what am i voting on?
Stockholders are being asked to elect three Class IIII directors, each for a three-year term.
Our Board currently consistswhat is the required vote?
The election of nineClass I directors withwill be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, meaning that the three classes of directors designatednominees receiving the most “For” votes will be elected as Class I directors. “Withhold” votes and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast for this proposal and will have no effect on the election of Class II and Class III. Each Class serves a staggered three-year term. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors ofI directors.
who are the class whose term is expiring will be elected for a term of three years. The Class III directors’ term is expiring at the 2019 annual meeting.nominees?
TheOur Board has nominated the following three individuals for election as Class IIII directors at the 20192020 annual meeting:meeting. All of our nominees are current members of our Board.
nameage
years
on board
independentleadership position / committee membership
Tarang P. Amin
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
545.2 Chairman
Stephen A. Ellis
Managing Partner of TPG Growth
56<1üChair of Compensation Committee
Beth M. Pritchard
Adviser; Former executive of multiple companies
721.4ü
Lead Independent Director
Chair of Nominating and Corp. Gov. Committee

perrya02.jpgKirk Perry
simmonsa04.jpgSabrina Simmons
watsona02.jpgMaureen Watson
•    President, Global Client and Agency Solutions at Google
•    Independent
•    Current Director (since 2016)
•    Compensation Committee chair
•    Retired; Former Executive VP and CFO of The Gap
•    Independent
•    Current Director (since 2016)
•    Audit Committee chair
•    Chief Product Officer of Madison Reed
•    Independent
•    Current Director (since 2015)
•    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee member
Each of the nominees for electionhas consented to being named as a nominee in this proxy statement and to serving as a Class IIII director is presently a member of our Board.if elected.
If elected, the nominees wouldeach nominee will serve until the 20222023 annual meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until such director’shis or her earlier death, resignation, or removal.
If for any reason any of the nominees is unable or unwilling to serve at the time of the 20192020 annual meeting, the persons named as proxies in the proxy card will have the authority to vote for substitute nominees, or vote to allow the vacancy created thereby to remain open until filled by our Board. Our Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or decline to serve as directorsa director if elected.
what are the qualifications of the nominees?
The following pages contain a brief biography as of the date of this proxy statement, of each nominee and each continuing director and a discussiondescription of the relevant experiences, qualifications, attributes, orand skills of each nominee that led the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Board to recommend that person as a nominee for director.
We have carefully evaluated the other forms of service of our nominees and determined that all of our nominees can commit the requisite time and attention to serve our stockholders’ interests. Additionally, none of our nominees are “over-boarded” according to thresholds of certain major institutional investors and proxy advisory firms, according to their respective voting recommendationpolicies.
For additional information about our nominees, please visit FORinvestor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/board-of-directors” the election of each nominee. Our Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe the three Class III director nominees possess the skills, experience, and diversity to effectively monitor performance, provide oversight, and advise management on the Company’s long-term strategy..
required vote
The nominees receiving the most “For” votes will be elected.




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nominees 
 

Tarang P. Aminperrya02.jpgKirk Perry
Age:53
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Age: 54Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
Director Since: 2014•    President, Global Client and Agency Solutions at Google LLC, a technology company, since December 2013.
Committees: None
Current Other Public Company Boards: None
Chairman
Mr. Amin has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Director since January 2014 and has served as our Chairman since August 2015. In addition, Mr. Amin was appointed as our    President, in March 2019. Mr. Amin has more than 25 years of consumer products experience, as well as a demonstrated record of driving profitable growthGlobal Family Care at the companies he leads. Previously, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Schiff Nutrition, a manufacturer of nutritional supplements, from March 2011 to January 2013. Under his leadership, Schiff Nutrition, with leading brands Airborne, MegaRed, Digestive Advantage and Move Free, grew enterprise value from $190 million to $1.5 billion. Prior to that, Mr. Amin worked for The Clorox Company, a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, from December 2002 to March 2011. He served as Vice President, General Manager of The Clorox Company’s $1.7 billion Litter, Food, and Charcoal Strategic Business Units, taking Kingsford, Hidden Valley and Fresh Step to new records. He also served in senior management roles that helped to double the sales of the global Clorox franchise to $1.5 billion. Prior to Clorox, Mr. Amin held management positions at Procter & Gamble Company, a multinational consumer goods company, where he helped grow Pantene’s sales from $50 millionMay 2011 to $2 billion, as well as helped increase sales of Bounty by $300 million.December 2013.
Mr. Amin earned his B.A. in International Policy and M.B.A. from Duke University.
We believe Mr. Amin’s executive leadership skills and considerable experience in consumer products provide him with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.
Stephen A. Ellis
stephenellis.jpg
Age: 56
Director Since: 2019
Committees: Compensation (Chair)
Current Other Public Company Boards: The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW)
Independent
Mr. Ellis has served as a member of our Board since March 2019 and has been nominated to serve as a member of the Board by TPG Growth II Advisors, Inc. (“TPG Growth”). Mr. Ellis is a Managing Partner of TPG Growth, the growth equity and middle market buyout platform of the global alternative asset firm TPG Capital and an affiliate of the Company, and The Rise Fund, a global impact investing fund. Prior to joining TPG Growth in 2015, Mr. Ellis served as Chief Executive Officer of Asurion, the world's leading provider of technology protection services, from 2012 to 2015. Before joining Asurion, Mr. Ellis served as Chief Executive Officer of Bain & Company from 2005 to 2012. Prior to serving as Bain’s Chief Executive Officer, he was the Managing Partner for Bain's west coast offices and played several key leadership roles in Bain’s global Technology, Media and Telecom and Private Equity practices. Mr. Ellis joined Bain in 1993 from a Silicon Valley technology consulting firm he co-founded in 1989. He serves on the boards of directors of The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW), EVERFI, Evolution Media, DreamBox Learning, Affinity Group, and The Bridgespan Group.
Mr. Ellis received a B.A. with honors in Economics and History from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
We believe Mr. Ellis’ executive leadership skills, public company board experience, and investment experience provide him with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.

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our board of directors


nominees

Beth M. Pritchard
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Age: 72
Director Since: 2017
Committees: Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair)
Current Other Public Company Boards: Loblaw Companies Limited (TSE: L)
Independent
Lead Independent Director
Ms. Pritchard has served as a member of our Board since November 2017. She currently serves on the board of directors of Loblaw Companies Limited (TSE: L) and has previously served on numerous public and private company boards. Ms. Pritchard served as Principal and Strategic Advisor of Sunrise Beauty Studio, LLC, a beauty branding company, from February 2009 to October 2017. She served as North American Advisor to M.H. Alshaya Co. from 2008 to 2013. From 2006 to 2009, Ms. Pritchard was the President and Chief Executive Officer and subsequent Vice Chairman of Dean & DeLuca, Inc. Ms. Pritchard was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Organized Living Inc. from 2004 to 2005. Prior to that, from 1991 to 2003, she held executive positions with L Brands, Inc., serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bath & Body Works, Chief Executive Officer of Victoria’s Secret Beauty, and Chief Executive Officer of The White Barn Candle Company.
Ms. Pritchard received her B.A. in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her M.B.A. from Marquette University.
We believe Ms. Pritchard’s experience in general management and the beauty industry, track record of building brands, and considerable experience as a board member for public companies provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.


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2019 Proxy Statement9

our board of directors


continuing directors

Lauren Cooks Levitan
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Age: 53
Director Since: 2016
Term Ends: 2021
Committees: Audit
Current Other Public Company Boards: None
Independent
Ms. Levitan has served as a member of our Board since August 2016. Ms. Levitan currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Fanatics, Inc., a retailer of licensed sports apparel and merchandise, a position she has held since June 2015. Previously, from January 2009 to May 2015, Ms. Levitan was Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Moxie Capital LLC, a private equity firm, where she provided capital investment and advisory services to branded, consumer-facing businesses that operated in wholesale, retail, e-commerce and direct sales. Prior to that, she served as Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst at Cowen & Company, an investment bank, and as Managing Director at Robertson Stephens, an investment bank, and worked in various capacities in the retail industry at Crate & Barrel and the Gymboree Corporation and in equity capital markets and investment banking at Goldman Sachs.
Ms. Levitan received her B.A. in Political Science from Duke University and received her M.B.A. from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
We believe Ms. Levitan’s operational, financial and strategic experience across a variety of retail businesses provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Richelle P. Parham
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Age: 51
Director Since: 2018
Term Ends: 2021
Committees: Nominating and Corporate Governance
Current Other Public Company Boards: Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY), Laboratory Corporation of American Holdings (LabCorp) (NYSE: LH)
Independent
Ms. Parham has served as a member of our Board since March 2018. Ms. Parham is currently a General Partner at Camden Partners Holdings, LLC, a Baltimore-based private equity firm focused on providing growth and seed capital to lower-middle market companies in technology, business services, education and health care. Prior to joining Camden Partners in October 2016, Ms. Parham served as Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of eBay, a multinational e-commerce corporation, from November 2010 to March 2015. At eBay, Ms. Parham was responsible globally for eBay brand strategy and brand marketing, to reach over 108 million active eBay users, Internet marketing, and content resource management. Prior to joining eBay, Ms. Parham served as head of Global Marketing Innovation and Initiatives and head of Global Marketing Services at Visa, Inc. from 2008 to 2010. Her experience also includes 13 years at Digitas, Inc., a leading marketing agency, where she held a variety of senior leadership roles, including Senior Vice President and General Manager of the agency’s Chicago office. Ms. Parham serves on the board of directors of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY), a position she has held since 2018, the board of directors of Laboratory Corporation of American Holdings (LabCorp) (NYSE: LH), a position she has held since 2016, and is a member of the Drexel University Board of Trustees, a position she has held since 2014. Ms. Parham previously served on the board of directors of Scripps Network Interactive Inc. (NYSE: SNI) from 2012 until its acquisition in 2018. Furthermore, as an advocate of empowering female leaders through STEM programs, Ms. Parham is a member of the advisory board for Girls Who Code.
Ms. Parham holds double Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Design Arts from Drexel University.
We believe Ms. Parham’s executive experience and more than 20 years of global strategy and marketing experience, as well as expertise in understanding consumers and the consumer decision journey, provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.

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our board of directors


continuing directors

Kirk L. Perry
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Age: 52
Director Since: 2016
Term Ends: 2020
Committees: Compensation
Other Public Company Boards:    The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM)
Independent
Mr. Perry has served as a member of our Board since September 2016. Mr. Perry currently serves as President, Brand Solutions at Google Inc., a technology company, a position he has held since December 2013, and is responsible for driving Google’s revenue with the world’s largest advertisers and advertising agencies. Prior to this role, Mr. Perry was President, Global Family Care at Procter & Gamble from May 2011 to December 2013. He held numerous positionsbranded food products manufacturer (executive compensation committee).
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    23 years of increasing responsibilityconsumer products experience with Procter & Gamble beginning in 1990 in marketing and general management roles, including General Manager, Northeast Asia Baby & Family Care from 2001 to 2003 (Mr. Perry was based in Korea and Japan from 1997 to 2003), Vice President, North America Baby Care from 2003 to 2008, and Vice President, North America Marketing and U.S. Operations from 2008 to 2011. Mr. Perry has served as a member of the board of directors of The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) since 2017 and he served as a memberGamble.
•    Member of the board of directors of the Hillerich & Bradsby Co. (Louisville Slugger), a sporting goods manufacturer, from September 2013 to August 2017. Other volunteer board affiliations have included Ronald McDonald House, CityLink Foundation, United Way Campaign Cabinet, March
•    Member of Dimes (national and regional), Universitythe boards of Cincinnati Foundation, and Universitydirectors of Cincinnati Bicentennial Commission.several non-profit organizations.
 Mr. Perry graduated with aEducation
    B.B.A. in Marketing and Finance from the University of Cincinnati.
Independent
Director since: 2016
Committees: Comp. (Chair)
Key qualifications:
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Consumer Products
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Corporate Governance
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Brand/Marketing
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Tech/Digital Media
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Operations
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Senior Leadership
We believe Mr. Perry’sPerry's extensive operational experience in marketing and brand management, operations, general management, consumer products, technology and digital media, providesas well as his senior leadership positions with Google and Procter & Gamble and his service on another public company board and compensation committee provide him with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Sabrina L. Simmons
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Age: 55
Director Since: 2016
Term Ends: 2020
Committees: Audit (Chair)
Other Public Company Boards: Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM)
Independent
Ms. Simmons has served as a member of our Board since March 2016. Ms. Simmons served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Gap, Inc., a clothing company, from January 2008 until February 2018. Previously, Ms. Simmons also served in the following positions at Gap: Executive Vice President, Corporate Finance from September 2007 to January 2008, Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance and Treasurer from March 2003 to September 2007, and Vice President and Treasurer from September 2001 to March 2003. Prior to that, Ms. Simmons served as Chief Financial Officer and an executive member of the board of directors of Sygen International PLC, a British genetics company. Prior to that, Ms. Simmons was Assistant Treasurer at Levi Strauss & Co., a clothing company. Ms. Simmons currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), a consumer retail company, where she is a member of the audit and finance committee. Ms. Simmons currently also serves on the Haas School of Business Advisory Board.
Ms. Simmons received her B.S. in Business from the University of California, Berkeley and received her M.B.A. from the Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles. Ms. Simmons is a certified public accountant (inactive status).
We believe Ms. Simmons’ significant financial and accounting experience provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.
 

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continuing directorsnominees

Maureen C. Watsonsimmonsa04.jpgSabrina Simmons
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Age:
57
Age: 51Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
Director Since: 2015•    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Gap, Inc., a specialty apparel retailer, from January 2008 to February 2017.
Term Ends: 2020
Committees: Nominating and Corporate Governance
Other Public Company Boards
•    Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), a consumer retail company (audit and finance committee (chair)).
•    Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq: COLM), an active outdoor products company (nominating and corporate governance committee; and compensation committee).
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    Over 20 years of consumer products, retail, and financial experience.
•    Member of the board of directors of Coursera, an online learning platform.
•    Member of the Haas School of Business Advisory Board.
•    Certified public accountant (inactive status).
Education
•    B.S. in Business from the University of California, Berkeley.
•    M.B.A. from the Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Independent
Director since: : None2016
Independent
Ms. Watson has served as a member of our Board since August 2015. Ms. Watson currently serves as Chief Product Officer of Madison Reed, Inc., a hair care company, a position she has held since August 2015. Previously, she served at Sephora USA, Inc., a cosmetics company, as Committees: Audit (Chair)
Key qualifications:
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Consumer Products
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Retail/Beauty
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Financial/Accounting
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Corporate Governance
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Operations
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Public Company Boards
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Senior Vice President, Merchandising from March 2013 to March 2015. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Merchandising of Lucky Brand Jeans (Lucky Brand, Inc.), a clothing company, from September 2010 to September 2011. Prior to that, Ms. Watson served in various leadership roles at The Gap, Inc.Leadership
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Ms. Watson earned a B.A. in Political Science and French from Middlebury College.
M&A/Transactions
We believe Ms. Watson’sSimmons’ extensive consumer productsexperience in management, strategy, finance, accounting, and cosmetics experiencepublic company governance through her prior role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Gap and her board leadership positions with a number of public company boards and audit committees provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.

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nominees
watsona02.jpgMaureen Watson
Age:52
Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
•    Chief Product Officer of Madison Reed, Inc., a hair care company, since March 2015.
•    Senior Vice President, Merchandising, at Sephora USA, Inc., a cosmetics and personal care products retailer, from March 2013 to March 2015.
•    Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Merchandising of Lucky Brand Jeans, at Lucky Brand, Inc., a clothing company, from September 2010 to September 2011.
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    Over 30 years of retail experience.
•    Member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Aids Foundation.
Education
•    B.A. in Political Science and French from Middlebury College.
Independent
Director since: 2015

Richard G. WolfordCommittees: NomGov
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Age: 74
Director Since: 2014
Term Ends: 2021
Committees: Audit
Other Public Company Boards: None
Independent
Key qualifications:
Mr. Wolford has servedconsumergoods.jpg
Consumer Products
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Retail/Beauty
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Corporate Governance
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Brand/Marketing
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Tech/Digital Media
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Senior Leadership
We believe Ms. Watson’s extensive cosmetics, beauty, and consumer products experience as well as her experience in senior leadership roles at Madison Reed, Sephora, and Lucky Brand Jeans provide her with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.

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continuing directors
amina01.jpgTarang Amin chairman
Age:55
Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
•    Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 2014, Chairman of the Board since August 2015, and President of the Company since March 2019.
•    President and Chief Executive Officer of Schiff Nutrition, Inc. (prior to acquisition, NYSE: SHF), a manufacturer of nutritional supplements, from March 2011 to January 2013 when it was acquired.
•    Vice President, General Manager, Litter, Food, and Charcoal Strategic Business Units, of The Clorox Company, a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, from April 2008 to March 2013.
Other Public Company Boards
•    Schiff Nutrition, Inc. (prior to acquisition, NYSE: SHF) from 2011 to 2013 when it was acquired.
Other Affiliations/Experience
•    Nearly 30 years of experience leading consumer products and retail businesses.
•    Member of the board of directors of Pharmavite LLC, a privately held dietary supplements company.
Education
•    B.A. in International Policy from Duke University.
•    M.B.A. from Duke University.
Director since: 2014
Term ends: 2022
Committees: None
Key qualifications:
consumergoods.jpg
Consumer Products
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Retail/Beauty
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Corporate Governance
brandmarketing.jpg
Brand/Marketing
techdigitalmedia.jpg
Tech/Digital Media
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Operations
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Public Company Boards
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Senior Leadership
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M&A/Transactions

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continuing directors
keith.jpgLori Keith
Age:51
Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
•    Portfolio Manager of the Parnassus Mid Cap Fund at Parnassus Investments since 2008.
•    Senior Research Analyst at Parnassus Investments from 2005 to 2008.
•    Vice President of Investment Banking at Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance from 2001 to 2003.
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    Over 25 years of financial and institutional investment experience, including ESG and sustainable investing experience.
•    Member of the executive committee of Parnassus Investments.
•    Member of the board of trustees of The Athenian School.
Education
•    B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.
•    M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Independent
Director since: 2020
Term ends: 2022
Committees: NomGov
Key qualifications:
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Financial/Accounting
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Corporate Governance
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Senior Leadership
matransactions.jpg
M&A/Transactions

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continuing directors
levitana01.jpgLauren Cooks Levitan
Age:54
Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
•    Chief Financial Officer of Faire Wholesale, Inc., an online wholesale marketplace company, since September 2014. Mr.2019.
•    Chief Financial Officer of Fanatics, Inc., a retailer of licensed sports apparel and merchandise, from June 2015 to September 2019.
•    Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Moxie Capital LLC, a private equity firm, from January 2009 to May 2015.
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    25 years of financial and accounting experience.
•    Member of the board of directors of Crew Knitwear, a privately held women’s and girls’ clothing company.
Education
•    B.A. in Political Science from Duke University.
•    M.B.A. from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Independent
Director since: 2016
Term ends: 2021
Committees: Comp.
Key qualifications:
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Retail/Beauty
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Financial/Accounting
corporategovernance.jpg
Corporate Governance
techdigitalmedia.jpg
Tech/Digital Media
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Operations
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Senior Leadership
matransactions.jpg
M&A/Transactions

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continuing directors
parhama01.jpgRichelle Parham
Age:52
Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
•    Partner of WestRiver Group, an investment manager, since September 2019.
•    General Partner of Camden Partners, a private equity firm, from October 2016 to September 2019.
•    Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, of eBay, Inc., a global payments and commerce company, from November 2010 to March 2015.
•    Head of Global Marketing Innovation and Initiatives and head of Global Marketing Services at Visa, Inc., a financial services company, from 2008 to 2010.
Other Public Boards
•    Best Buy, Inc. (NYSE: BBY), an electronic products retailer (audit committee; and nominating, corporate governance, and public policy committee)
•    Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) (NYSE: LH), a laboratory testing company (audit committee; and nominating and corporate governance committee).
•    Scripps Network Interactive Inc. (prior to acquisition, NYSE: SNI), a content developer for television, the Internet, and emerging platforms, from 2012 to 2018 when it was acquired.
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    Over 25 years of global strategy and marketing experience.
•    Member of the advisory board for Girls Who Code.
•    Member of the board of trustees of Drexel University.
Education
•    Double B.S. in Business Administration and Design Arts from Drexel University.
Independent
Director since: 2018
Term ends: 2021
Committees: Audit
Key qualifications:
financialaccounting.jpg
Financial/Accounting
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Corporate Governance
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Brand/Marketing
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Tech/Digital Media
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Public Company Boards
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Senior Leadership

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continuing directors
pritcharda01.jpgBeth Pritchard lead independent director
Age:73
Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
•    Principal and Strategic Advisor of Sunrise Beauty Studio, LLC, a beauty branding company, from 2009 to October 2017.
•    North American Advisor to M.H. Alshaya Co., a multinational retail franchise operator based in the Middle East, from 2008 to 2013.
•    President and CEO and subsequent Vice Chairman of Dean & DeLuca, Inc., a gourmet and specialty foods retailer, from 2006 to 2009.
•    President and Chief Executive Officer of Organized Living Inc., an organization products company, from 2004 to 2005.
•    Various executive positions with L Brands, Inc., a multinational apparel and retail company, from 1991 to 2003 (President and CEO of Bath & Body Works, CEO of Victoria’s Secret Beauty, and CEO of The White Barn Candle Company).
Other Public Company Boards
•    Loblaw Companies Limited (TSE: L), a food and pharmacy company (governance, employee development, nominating and compensation committee; and risk and compliance committee).
•    Cabela’s Inc. (prior to acquisition, NYSE: CAB), an outdoor products retailer, from 2011 to 2017 when it was acquired.
•    Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (NYSE: VSI) from 2008 to 2018.
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    Over 30 years of experience leading consumer products and retail businesses.
•    Former member of the boards of directors of numerous private companies.
•    2019 National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship 100 Honoree
Education
•    B.A. in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
•    M.B.A. from Marquette University.
Independent
Director since: 2017
Term ends: 2022
Committees: NomGov (Chair)
Key qualifications:
consumergoods.jpg
Consumer Products
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Retail/Beauty
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Corporate Governance
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Brand/Marketing
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Operations
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Public Company Boards
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Senior Leadership
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M&A/Transactions

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continuing directors
wolforda01.jpgRichard Wolford served as interim
Age:75
Current Occupation and Select Prior Experience
•    Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Foods, Inc., an Americana packaged food company, from February 2012 untilto May 2012. Mr. Wolford served as
    Chief Executive Officer and a director of Del Monte Foods Company, a North American food production and distribution company, from April 1997 until March 2011. Heto 2011 when it was elected President of Del Monte in February 1998 and Chairman of the board of directors in May 2000. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. Wolford wasacquired.
    Chief Executive Officer of HK Acquisition Corp., where he developeda food industry investments with venture capital investors. From 1967investment manager, from 1988 to 1987, he held a variety of positions at Dole Foods, a multinational agricultural corporation, including1996.
    President of Dole Packaged Foods, a division of Dole Food Company, Inc., a multinational agricultural company, from 1982 to 1987. Mr. Wolford
Other Public Company Boards
•    Schiff Nutrition, Inc. (prior to acquisition, NYSE: SHF) from 2011 to 2013 when it was a memberacquired.
•    Del Monte Foods Company (prior to acquisition, NYSE: DLM) from 1997 to 2011 when it was acquired (chairman of the board of directors from 2000 to 2011).
Other Affiliations/Experience/Information
•    Over 30 years leading consumer products businesses.
•    Former and current member of Diamond Foods, Inc. from April 2011 until May 2012. Mr. Wolford served on the boardboards of directors of Schiff Nutrition from September 2011 to January 2013. Mr. Wolford served as a member of the board of directors of Pulte Homes, Inc., a homebuilding company, from May 2008 to August 2009. In addition, Mr. Wolford served asnumerous private companies.
    Chairman of the board of directors of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (“GMA”), from January 2010 to March 2011, resigning upon the sale of Del Monte. As ChairmanMonte Foods Company.
•    Member of GMA, Mr. Wolford also served on the board of directors of Consumer Goods Forum, a global association of consumer-packaged goods companies, retailers, and manufacturers. Prior to that, Mr. Wolford servedmanufacturers, during tenure as Chairman of GMA.
    Vice Chairman of GMA from January 2008 to January 2010, and chaired GMA’s Industry Affairs Council from June 2005 to January 2010. In 2011, Mr. Wolford was the recipient of the GMA Hall of Achievement award honoring extraordinary leadership and commitment to the consumer-packaged goods industry.
Mr. Wolford holds aEducation
    B.A. in Economics from Harvard University.
Independent
We believe Mr. Wolford’s extensive public company management, reporting, finance, and corporate governance experience, as well as deep knowledge of the consumer products industry, provide him with the qualifications and skills to serve as a member of our Board.Director since: 2014
Term ends: 2021
Committees: Audit
Key qualifications:
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Consumer Products
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Financial/Accounting
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Corporate Governance
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Operations
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Public Company Boards
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Senior Leadership
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M&A/Transactions


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our board
nameleadership position / committee membershipage
years
on board
Tarang P. AminChairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President545.2
Stephen A. EllisChair of Compensation Committee56<1
Lauren Cooks LevitanMember of Audit Committee532.7
Richelle P. ParhamMember of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee511.1
Kirk L. PerryMember of Compensation Committee522.6
Beth M. PritchardLead Independent Director; Chair of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee721.4
Sabrina L. SimmonsChair of Audit Committee553.0
Maureen C. WatsonMember of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee513.7
Richard G. WolfordMember of Audit Committee744.6
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Our Board currently has nine membersmembership and more than 50% of our directors are womenkey attributes, skills, and 33% of our directors are ethnically diverse (with two of our directors being both women and ethnically diverse). According to the Equilar Gender Diversity Index report from March 7, 2019, the Company is one of 41 companies in the Russell 3000 Index (and one of seven companies in California) whose boards of directors have reached gender parity or are majority women. experiences
      committee memberships
nameindependentage
years
on board
auditcompnomgov
Tarang Amin—Chairman
 556.4   
Lori Keithü51<1  member
Lauren Cooks Levitanü543.9 member 
Richelle Parhamü522.3member  
Kirk Perryü533.8 chair 
Beth Pritchard—Lead Independent Director
ü732.7  chair
Sabrina Simmonsü574.3chair  
Maureen Watsonü524.9  member
Richard Wolfordü755.9member  
We believe that diversity on our Board is important because a variety of points of view improves the quality of dialogue, contributes to a more effective decision-making process, enhances overall culture, and ultimately increases the Company’sour capacity for long-term growth.

Each of our directors has a proven record of success and key qualifications and experience that are important to be represented on our Board as a whole, in light of the Company’s business strategy and expected future business needs.
business characteristickey qualification and experience
The Company’s business is multifaceted and involves complex financial transactions.
Financial / Accounting
Senior Leadership
The Company’s business is global and multicultural, with its products sold around the world and manufactured outside of the United States.
Consumer Goods
Retail / Beauty
Operations
Senior Leadership
The mass beauty market has recently undergone a competitive transformation, with new entrants, beauty influencers, and social media networks changing the way consumers interact with brands.
Retail / Beauty
Brand / Marketing
Tech / Digital Media
Innovation and marketing are key drivers of the Company’s business.
Consumer Goods
Retail / Beauty
Brand / Marketing
Tech / Digital Media
Our Board’s responsibilities include understanding and overseeing the various risks facing the Company and ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to effectively manage risk.
Corporate Governance
Other Public Company Boards
Senior Leadership

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independent

2019 Proxy Statement
67%
women

13
33%
diverse


3.8
average tenure
(years)
our
58
average age

1of10
public companies*
with
>60%
women on
board of directors
 
*out of 4,800+ public companies
(as of March 31, 2020)


Our directors bring a broad set of skills and experiences to our Board. Listed below are certain skills and experiences that we consider important for our directors to possess in light of our current business.
nameConsumer Goodsconsumer productsretail/beautyfinancial/accountingcorporate governance brand/marketing
Retail /tech/
Beautydigital media
operationspublic company boardssenior leadershipm&a/transactions
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Financial /
Accountingretailbeauty.jpg
Corporate Governance Brand / Marketing
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Tech /
Digital Mediacorporategovernance.jpg
Operations
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Other Public Company Boards
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Senior Leadership
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Tarang P. Aminüü üüüüüüü
Stephen A. EllisLori Keith  üü   üü
Lauren Cooks Levitan üüü üü üü
Richelle P. Parham  üüüüüü
Kirk L. Perryü  üüüüüü
Beth M. Pritchardüü üü üüüü
Sabrina L. Simmonsüüüü  üüüü
Maureen C. Watsonüü üüü ü ü
Richard G. Wolfordü üü  üüüü
For more information regarding our directors and their respective experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills, see under the heading “our board of directors—proposal 1: election of class III directors—nominees” and “our board of directors—continuing directors.”
independence
Eight out of the nine directors on our Board are independent under NYSE listing requirements.
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nameIndependent?
Tarang P. Amin2020 Proxy Statement18
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Stephen A. Ellisü
Lauren Cooks Levitanintroü
Richelle P. Parhamboardü
Kirk L. Perrycompanyü
Beth M. Pritchardexec. comp.ü
Sabrina L. Simmonsequity plansü
Maureen C. Watsonstockholdersü
Richard G. Wolfordauditüadd’l. infoq&aannexes




director independence
All of our directors, except our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, are independent under NYSE listing standards, making our Board 89% independent.
Our Board has determined that each of Mr. Ellis, Ms. Keith, Ms. Cooks Levitan, Ms. Parham, Mr. Perry, Ms. Pritchard, Ms. Simmons, Ms. Watson, and Mr. Wolford each qualifies as an independent director.director under NYSE listing standards. Mr. Amin is not considered independent because he is an employee of the Company.
NYSE’s independent director definition includes a series of objective tests, including that the director is not, and has not been within the last three years, one of our employees and that neither the director nor any of his or her family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, as required by NYSE rules,listing standards, our Board has made an affirmative determination as to each independent director that he or she has no material relationship with the Company (either directly or as a partner, stockholder, or officer of an organization that has a relationship with us). In making these determinations, our Board considered ownership of our stock and reviewed and discussed information provided by the directorseach director with regard to eachthat director’s business and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to the Company and our management.
There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
the role and responsibilities of our board
Our Board represents theour stockholders’ interests and is responsible for furthering the long-term success and value of the Company, consistent with its fiduciary duties to theour stockholders. Our Board has responsibility for establishing broad

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our board of directors


corporate policies, setting strategic direction, and overseeing management, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Company.
In fulfilling this role, each director must exercise his or her good faith business judgment in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Company is committed to conducting its business in accordance with ethical business principles. Integrity and ethical behavior are core values of the Company. Our Board will provideprovides the best example of these values and will reinforce their importance at appropriate times.
Our Board oversees the risk management process, while executivethe Company’s management oversees and manages risk on a daily basis. ExecutiveThe Company’s management provides regular reports to our Board on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal, regulatory, and strategic risks. In addition, as part of its review of operational risk, our Board reviews cybersecurity risks facing the Company, including the potential for breaches of our key information technology systems and the potential for breaches of our systems and processes relating to the protection of consumer and employee confidential information.
While our Board is ultimately responsible for risk oversight, each of our Board committees assists in fulfilling these oversight responsibilities. TheTheir specific areas of responsibility are:
the Audit Committee oversees management of risks relating to financial and internal controls by identifying key areas of risk for the Company.controls. The Audit Committee also discusses with managementaids in the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management andreview of cybersecurity risks facing the Company’s significant financial risk exposures and Company;

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the actions management has taken to limit, monitor or control such exposures. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to the compensation of executives and employees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers potentialoversees the management of risks related to the effectiveness of our Board, including succession planning for our Board, and our overall governance and structure. structure; and
the Compensation Committee oversees the management of risks relating to the compensation of executive officers and employees.
To facilitate our Board’s oversight of our risk management process, the relevantchair of each committee reports (or delegates to another committee member or to our General Counsel or other relevant executive officer to report) on its discussionsactivities to theour full Board, at its regular meetings, thereby enablingwhich enables our Board and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight role and keep informed of any developments impacting the Company’s risk profile.
In addition, as part of its review of operational risk, our Board and the Audit Committee review cybersecurity risks facing the Company, including the potential for breach of our key information technology systems and the potential for a breach of our systems and processes relating to the protection of customer and employee confidential information. The Audit Committee reviews key risks, including these risks, at its regular meetings and reviews any significant cybersecurity incidents.
how our board is organized
Our Board currently consists of nine directors, with three classes of directors designated as Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each Classclass of directors serves a staggered three-year term. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors of the class whose term is expiring will beare elected for a term of three years. Our directors are classified as follows.follows:
class Iterm ends class IIterm ends class IIIterm ends
Kirk Perry2020 Lauren Cooks Levitan2021 Tarang Amin2022
Sabrina Simmons2020 Richelle Parham2021 Lori Keith2022
Maureen Watson2020 Richard Wolford2021 Beth Pritchard2022
board leadership
nameclasscurrent term endsposition
Tarang P. AminIII2019
Stephen A. EllisIII2019
Lauren Cooks LevitanII2021
Richelle P. ParhamII2021Chairman
Kirk L. PerryI2020Chair of the Compensation Committee
Beth M. PritchardIII2019Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Sabrina L. SimmonsI2020
Maureen C. WatsonI2020
Richard G. WolfordII2021Chair of the Audit Committee
board leadership
Chairman. OurThe Company’s governance framework provides our Board has not adopted a specific policy on whether the same person should serve as both the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board. Our Board believes it is appropriate to retainwith the discretion and flexibility to make these determinations as needed to provide appropriate leadership for our Board. In making these determinations, our Board considers many factors, including the Company. At this time, we believespecific needs of the most appropriatebusiness and what is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.
Our Board believes that our current Board leadership structure is forprovides an effective balance between strong management leadership and appropriate safeguards and oversight by our independent directors.
Our Board encourages all directors to play an active role in overseeing the Company’s business. The non-management directors meet in executive session without management directors or management present on a regularly scheduled basis. These meetings allow non-management directors to discuss issues of importance to the Company, including the business and affairs of the Company as well as matters concerning management, without any member of management present.
Chairman. Mr. Amin, toour Chief Executive Officer, currently serves as our Chairman. Our Board believes that having Mr. Amin serve as our Chairman.
As our Chairman Mr. Amin setsand Chief Executive Officer is important to the agenda for Board meetings (in consultation with our Lead Independent Director)short- and presides over meetingslong-term success of the full Board. Although our Board has determined that Mr. Amin is not independent pursuantCompany as it

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to NYSE listing standards,provides certain synergies and efficiencies that enhance the functioning of our Board believesand, importantly, allows our Board to most effectively execute its role in overseeing business strategy.
As the director closest to our business, Mr. Amin is best able to identify many of the business issues that require the attention of our Board and, as Chairman, can best focus our directors’ attention on the most critical business matters. Further, in our Board’s experience, leadership,having Mr. Amin serve as the combined role of Chairman and vision he provides as Chief Executive Officer allows for timely and Chairman are important to the short- and long-term success of the Company.unfiltered communication with our Board on these critical business issues.
Lead Independent Director. In 2018, noWhen the roles of Chair of our Board and Chief Executive Officer are combined or the Chair is not an independent director served(as defined under the NYSE listing standards), our independent directors appoint an independent director to serve as a lead or principal independent director.
In early 2019, our Board, on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, established the position of Lead Independent Director, and the independent directors appointedDirector. Ms. Pritchard to servecurrently serves as our Lead Independent Director. The Company
Our Board believes that having a Lead Independent Director helps to ensure sufficient independence in its leadership and provide effective independent functioning of our Board in its oversight and governance responsibilities. The Lead Independent Director performs suchthe functions and duties provided in theour Lead Independent Director Guidelines whichand as otherwise may be requested by our Board. Our Lead Independent Director Guidelines are periodically reviewed and updated by our Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and as otherwise may be requested by our Board. The authorities, duties, and responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director include, among other things, assisting the Chairman and management in developing Board meeting agendas and meeting schedules, presiding at executive sessions of the independent directors, serving as a liaison between the Chairman and management and the independent directors, and providing the Chairman with feedback and counsel concerning the Chairman’s interactions with our Board.
Committee. A copy of our Lead Independent Director Guidelines which detail the authority, responsibility, and duties of our Lead Independent Director is available on our investor relations website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/governance-guidelines.
Committee Chairs. Each of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Compensation Committee is led by a chair that is an independent director.
Below is a summary of the key responsibilities of our Board leadership positions:
rolekey responsibilities
Chairman•    Presides over meetings of our Board.
•    Sets the agenda and schedules for Board meetings in consultation with our Lead Independent Director.
•    Consults and advises our Board and its committees on the business and affairs of the Company.
•    Performs such other duties as may be assigned by our Board.
Chief Executive Officer•    In charge of the daily affairs of the Company, subject to the overall direction and supervision of our Board and its committees and subject to such powers as reserved by our Board.
Lead Independent Director•    Together with the Chairman and management, develops and approves Board meeting agendas and meeting schedules.
•    Provides to our Board supplemental materials or information as advisable.
•    Presides at executive sessions of the independent directors.
•    Facilitates discussion and open dialogue among the independent directors.
•    Serves as a liaison between the Chairman and management and the independent directors.

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rolekey responsibilities
•    Communicates to the Chairman and management, as appropriate, any decisions reached, suggestions, views or concerns expressed by independent directors.
•    In appropriate circumstances and in conjunction with our Board, makes himself or herself available for consultation and communication with the Company’s major stockholders.
•    Provides the Chairman with feedback and counsel concerning the Chairman’s interactions with our Board.
•    Performs such functions and duties set forth in the Lead Independent Director Guidelines.
Committee Chairs•    Preside over committee meetings.
•    Set the agenda and schedules for committee meetings.
•    Regularly report to the full Board on committee activities.
board committees
Our Board currently has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, is led by an independent chair.and the Compensation Committee. The primary responsibilities (and other details) of each committee are described below. These committees play a critical role in our governance and strategy, and each committee has access to management and the authority to retain independent advisers as it deems appropriate.
board committees
Our Board currently has three standing committees:Each committee operates pursuant to a written charter. You may view each committee’s charter on our investor relations website at investor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/board-committees. Each committee reviews and assesses the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The primary responsibilities of each committee and other details about the committees are described below.
Subject to applicable laws and stock exchange regulations, TPG Growth has the right to have oneadequacy of its nominees appointedcharter at least annually and recommends changes to serve on each committee of our Board (other thanto reflect the Audit Committee) as long as TPG Growth has the right to nominate at least one director for election to our Board. For more information on TPG Growth’s nomination rights, see under the heading “our board of directors—how our directors are selected and evaluated—TPG Growth director nominees.”
2018 Committee Membership. The following table provides the membership for 2018evolving role of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.committee.
audit committeecompensation committeenominating
current members:
independent (2):
lll
3out of 3
6 meetings held in 2019T and corporate governance committeeFY 2020.
Sabrina L. Simmons (Chair)
William E. McGlashan, Jr. (Chair) (1)
Maureen Watson (Chair)
Lauren Cooks LevitanRichelle ParhamRichard G. Wolford
financially literate (3):
Lauren Cooks Levitan
lll
3out of 3
Richard G. Wolford
The Audit Committee report is on page 68.
 
     
     
(1)Mr. McGlashan resigned fromDesignated as an “audit committee financial expert” by our Board effective March 13, 2019.
Current Committee Membership. In early 2019, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, our Board approved changes to the membership of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The current membership of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is listed below under each committee’s name.

within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations.
(2)Each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements of SEC regulations and NYSE listing standards.
16(3)2019 Proxy Statement
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Per NYSE’s financial literacy requirements.
our board of directors


audit committee
current members
independent (1)
financially literate (2)
primary responsibilities
Sabrina L. Simmons (Chair) (3)
üü

•    EngagesAppoints, compensates, retains, and evaluates our independent public accounting firm.
•    Assessesoversees the independencework of our independent public accounting firm.
•    Monitors the rotation of the partners assigned to the audit engagement team.
•    Oversees and reviews our financial and accounting controls and processes.
auditors.
•    Oversees and evaluates the scope of the external and internal audit reviews and results.
•    Assesses the qualification and independence of our independent auditors.•    Reviews and discusses with management the Company’s periodic reports and earnings releases.
•    Oversees and reviews our financial and accounting controls and processes.•    As appropriate, initiates inquiries into aspects of our internal accounting controls and financial affairs.
Lauren Cooks Levitanüü

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nominating and corporate governance committee
current members:
independent (1):
lll
3 out of 3
6 meetings held in 2019T and FY 2020.
Beth Pritchard (Chair) 
Richard G. WolfordLori Keithü
üMaureen Watson 
      
      
(1)Each member of the AuditNominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the independence requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regulations and the NYSE listing standards.
primary responsibilities
•    Oversees our corporate governance guidelines.•    Oversees the evaluation of our Board.
 
(2)Per NYSE’s financial literacy requirements.
(3)
Designated as an “audit committee financial expert” by•    Makes recommendations regarding candidates for our Board within the meaning of SEC regulations.

and Board committees.
Number of Meetings in 2018: Four
•    Makes recommendations regarding governance matters.
      
The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter. You can view the charter on our website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/committees. The Audit Committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter at least annually and, when appropriate, recommends changes to our Board to reflect the evolving role of the Audit Committee.

The report of the Audit Committee is on page 39.
compensation committee
compensation committee
current membersmembers:
independent (1):
ll
2out of 2
5 meetings held in 2019T and FY 2020.
 primary responsibilities
Stephen A. EllisKirk Perry (Chair)ü

•    Sets the compensation program and compensation of our executive officers and directors.
•    Reviews and approves all employment, severance and change in control arrangements with our executive officers.
•    Monitors, and acts as the administrator of, our incentive-compensation and equity-based compensation plans.
•    Maintains sole authority to retain, terminate, approve fees and other terms of engagement of compensation consultants and to obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisers.
•    Considers stockholder viewpoints on compensation.


Kirk L. Perryü 
Lauren Cooks Levitan
The Compensation Committee report is on page 54.
     
     
(1)
Each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements of the rules andSEC regulations, of the SEC, the regulations of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and the NYSE listing standards.

primary responsibilities 
Number
•    Reviews and sets the compensation of Meetings in 2018: Threeour executive officers.•    Reviews and makes recommendations to our Board regarding compensation for our directors.
 
    
•    Reviews and approves all employment, severance, and change in control arrangements with our executive officers.•    Reviews and approves our incentive-compensation and equity-based compensation plans.
more information 
•    The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain consultants and advisers as it may deem appropriate in its sole discretion and has the sole authority to approve related fees and other retentionengagement terms. In fulfilling its responsibilities,
•    For additional information regarding the Compensation Committee, see under the heading “executive compensation—compensation discussion and analysis—compensation setting process”.
•    The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate any or all of its responsibilities to a subcommittee.

The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written charter. You can view the charter on our website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/committees. The Compensation Committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter at least annually and, when appropriate, recommends changes to our Board to reflect the evolving role of the Compensation Committee.
 
how our directors are selected
For additional information regarding the Compensation Committee’s process
sources for candidates
è
è
è
in depth review by
nominating and procedures for the considerationcorporate governance committee
è
è
è
nomination/election
DirectorsCandidate qualificationsRecommend slate of nominees
ManagementCurrent Board compositionêêê
StockholdersIndependence and determination of compensation (as well as the role that managementpotential conflictsFull Board review and compensation consultants play), see under the heading “executive compensation—compensation setting process.”approval
Search firmsDiversityêêê
Nomination and election

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our board of directors


nominating and corporate governance committee
current members
independent (1)
primary responsibilities
Beth M. Pritchard (Chair)introüboardcompany

•    Makes recommendations to our Board regarding candidates for directorships and the composition of our Board and Board committees.

•    Oversees our corporate governance policies.

•    Oversees the evaluation of management and our Board.

•    Makes recommendations to our Board concerning governance matters.
Richelle P. Parhamexec. comp.üequity plans
Maureen Watsonstockholdersüaudit
add’l. infoq&a
(1)
Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards.

Number of Meetings in 2018: One
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates pursuant to a written charter. You can view the charter on our website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/committees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter at least annually and, when appropriate, recommends changes to our Board to reflect the evolving role of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
annexes
how our directors are selected and evaluated
nominating and corporate governance committee



board director nomineessuggestions
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing with our full Board, on an annual basis, the appropriate characteristics, skills, and experience required for our Board as a whole and the individual directors. In evaluating the suitability of individual candidates for our Board (both new candidates and current directors), the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in recommending candidates for election, and our Board in approving (and, in the case of vacancies, appointing) such candidates, may take into accountconsider many factors, including but not limited to the following:
•    personal and professional integrity
•    experience in the industries in which we operate
•    ethics and values
•    conflicts of interest
•    experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly held company
•    experience in the industries in which we operate
 
•    experience as a board member or executive officer of another publicly held company
•    practical and mature business judgment•    diversity of expertise and experience in substantive matters pertaining to our business relative to other Board members
•    conflicts of interest
•    practical and mature business judgment
Our Board evaluates each individual in the context of our Board as a whole, with the objective of assembling a group of directors that can best maximize the success of our business and represent our stockholders’ interests through the exercise of sound judgment using its diversity of experiencedepth in these various areas. Our Board does not have a specific diversity policy but fully appreciates the value of diversity.
In March 2018, Boardspan Inc., an independent director search firm engaged by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, completed its efforts in supporting the successful recruitment of Ms. Parham to our Board.
TPG Growth director nominees
Under our Second Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”), TPG Growth has the right to designate a certain number of nominees for election to our Board, depending on the percentage of our outstanding common stock TPG Growth holds (as indicated in the table below). TPG Growth’s ownership percentage, for purposes of its right to designate nominees, is calculated based on the number of shares that TPG Growth holds (as well

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as any of TPG Growth’s affiliates, limited partners, and equityholders to whom TPG Growth transfers its shares (but only to the extent such persons sign a joinder to the Stockholders Agreement)).
percentage of outstanding common stock held by TPG Growthnumber of TPG Growth nominees
30% or greater3
Less than 30% but greater than or equal to 20%2
Less than 20% but greater than or equal to 5%1
Less than 5%0
TPG Growth nominees must be elected to our Board by a vote of our stockholders except in the limited circumstances when a TPG Growth nominee ceases to serve on our Board by reason of death, removal, or resignation and his or her replacement is appointed by our Board to serve such former TPG Growth nominee’s remaining term. If any TPG Growth nominee ceases to finish his or her three-year Board term due to such reasons, except to the extent inconsistent with certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and our other governing documents, TPG Growth has the exclusive right to designate the nominee to fill such vacancy.
Under the Stockholders Agreement, certain affiliates of our founders have agreed to vote their shares of common stock in favor of TPG Growth’s designated nominees. In addition, pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, those affiliates of our founders have granted an irrevocable proxy in respect of all of their shares of common stock to TPG Growth and Mr. Amin and his family trusts have granted an irrevocable proxy to TPG Growth in respect of certain of their shares of common stock, in each case to vote such shares in favor of TPG Growth’s nominees. This proxy terminates when TPG Growth no longer has the right to designate at least one nominee. With respect to Mr. Amin and his family trusts, this proxy also terminates when Mr. Amin is no longer an executive officer, director, or holder of more than 10% of any class of our equity securities.
TPG Growth’s nomination rights under the Stockholders Agreement allow for TPG Growth to unilaterally select its nominees. There are no restrictions on TPG Growth’s ability to nominate individuals that are partners, members, directors, officers, or employees of TPG Growth or its affiliates. Except for Mr. Ellis (and previously Mr. McGlashan), TPG Growth has not nominated or designated individuals who are affiliated as such with TPG Growth or its affiliates. Instead, in order to prevent the size of our Board from becoming too large and to leverage the strengths of our existing directors, TPG Growth has currently and historically designated as its nominees directors who were originally recruited to our Board prior to our initial public offering in 2016.
As of March 25, 2019, TPG Growth held 27.1% of our outstanding common stock and therefore was (and is) entitled to nominate two individuals to our Board. TPG Growth’s designated nominees are currently Mr. Ellis and Ms. Watson.
In early 2019, TPG Growth notified the Company that, pursuant to its rights under the Stockholders Agreement, it had designated Mr. McGlashan to be nominated for election to our Board at the 2019 annual meeting. On March 13, 2019, Mr. McGlashan resigned from our Board and TPG Growth notified us that it had designated Mr. Ellis to be appointed to our Board to fill the vacancy created by Mr. McGlashan’s resignation and that it had designated Mr. Ellis to be nominated for election to our Board at the 2019 annual meeting.
Ms. Watson was first appointed to our Board in 2015 after being recruited to our Board primarily by Mr. Amin and other members of our senior management due to her qualifications, including her experience in the retail and beauty industry, and her expected contributions to our Board. Upon our initial public offering in 2016, in accordance with TPG Growth’s designation rights at that time, TPG Growth designated Ms. Watson as one of its nominees. Ms. Watson, however, is not (and was not when designated by TPG Growth) a partner, member, director, officer, or employee of TPG Growth or its affiliates. Ms. Watson also does not (nor did she when designated by TPG Growth) receive any compensation or remuneration from TPG Growth or its affiliates (other than compensation payable by the Company for service as a non-employee director). Ms. Watson was elected to our Board by a vote of our stockholders at the 2017 annual meeting to serve a three year term until our 2020 annual meeting.
TPG Growth had previously designated Mr. Wolford as its third nominee upon our initial public offering in 2016. At such time, TPG Growth had the right to designate three nominees to our Board. Mr. Wolford was first appointed to our Board in 2014 after being recruited to our Board primarily by Mr. Amin due to Mr. Wolford’s experience and qualifications and expected contributions to our Board. Like Ms. Watson, Mr. Wolford is not (and was not when designated by TPG

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Growth) a partner, member, director, officer, or employee of TPG Growth or its affiliates and does not (nor did he when designated by TPG Growth) receive any compensation or remuneration from TPG Growth or its affiliates (other than compensation payable by the Company for service as a non-employee director). TPG Growth did not designate Mr. Wolford as one of its nominees at the 2018 annual meeting. Our Board, on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, nominated Mr. Wolford for election to our Board at the 2018 annual meeting based on prior contributions to our Board and his experience and qualifications (and not based on his prior designation as a TPG Growth nominee). Mr. Wolford was elected to our Board by a vote of our stockholders at the 2018 annual meeting to serve a three year term until our 2021 annual meeting.
Our Board has determined that each of Mr. Ellis, Ms. Watson, and Mr. Wolford is independent in accordance with the NYSE listing requirements, as discussed above under the heading “our board of directors-our board-independence.”
For more information regarding Mr. Ellis’, Ms. Watson’s, and Mr. Wolford’s respective experience and qualifications, see under the heading “our board of directors—proposal 1: election of class III directors—nominees” and “our board of directors—continuing directors.”
stockholder director suggestions
In addition to candidates identified through its own internal processes, as noted above, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate candidates for director that are suggested by any stockholder.
In order for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider a stockholder suggestion, the stockholder must submit proof of Company stock ownership and submit an explanation of the reasons why the stockholder believes the candidate is qualified for service on our Board. TheTo fully evaluate the candidate, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may request the stockholder provide additional information onregarding the suggested candidate in order for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to fully evaluate the candidate.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee evaluates candidates suggested by stockholders using the same principles and methodologies as it uses to evaluate other candidates.candidates (including candidates identified by our Board or the Company).
There is no set deadline or timing for a stockholder to suggest a candidate for our Board. Stockholder suggestions for nominees for director should be submitted in writing to:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Corporate Secretary
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607

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The procedures described above are meant to establish an additional means by which stockholders can contribute to our process for identifying and evaluating candidates for our Board and isare not meant to replace or limit stockholders’ general nomination rights, as discussed below, in any way.
stockholder director nomination right
Any stockholder may nominate onea candidate or more personscandidates for election to our Board at an annual meeting of stockholders if the stockholder complies with the advance notice, information, and consent provisions contained in our bylaws, which are briefly described as follows. below.
To nominate a candidate, a stockholder must submit a detailed resume of the candidate and an explanation of the reasons why the stockholder believes the candidate is qualified to serve on our Board. The stockholder must also provide such other information about the candidate that would be required by the SEC rules to be included in a proxy statement.
In addition, the stockholder must include the consent of the candidate with respect to the candidate’s electionnomination and commitment to serve if elected, and describe any relationships, arrangements or undertakings between the stockholder and the candidate regarding the nomination or otherwise. The stockholder must also submit a director questionnaire and a representation andan agreement completed by each candidate (forms of which must be requested from the Company), and the stockholder must provide any other information required by our bylaws. The stockholder must also submit proof of Company stock ownership.
As previously disclosed, we changedIf a stockholder wishes to nominate one or more persons for election to our fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31, with our fiscal year 2020 running from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. As such, though we have not yet set a date forBoard at the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders, we know thatmust receive notice of the 2020nomination between April 29, 2021 and May 29, 2021 according to our bylaws. However, if the date of the 2021 annual meeting will be heldof stockholders is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the one-year anniversary of the

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2019 annual meeting. As such, in order toAugust 27, 2021, notice must be considered timely for consideration at the 2020 annual meeting, the Company must receive stockholder director nominationsreceived not later than the 90th day prior to the date of the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders or, if later, the 10th day following the day we first publicly discloseon which public disclosure of the date of the 2020 annual meeting.
The Company has not implemented proxy access so, unless the Company otherwise agrees, stockholder director nominees will not be automatically included in the Company’s proxy materials for the applicable2021 annual meeting of stockholders.stockholders is first made.
Stockholder director nominations must be submitted in writing to:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Corporate Secretary
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607
Other thanMarathon Partners Equity Management, LLC and certain of its affiliates notified the Company on May 28, 2020 that it intended to nominate three nominees for election as noted aboveClass I directors at the 2020 annual meeting. Marathon Partners Equity Management, LLC and its affiliates withdrew their notice of intention to nominate and their nominees on July 1, 2020.
termination of TPG board designation rights and cessation of TPG board representation
In connection with respectTPG’s sale of approximately 3.6 million shares on December 2, 2019, which resulted in TPG being the registered holder of approximately 7.3% of the Company’s outstanding common stock as of that date, and following discussions with the Company and at the Company’s request, TPG, the Company and Mr. Amin (and certain of his family

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trusts) agreed to terminate, effective as of December 4, 2019, the Second Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”), dated as of March 3, 2017, by and among the Company, TPG, Growth’s nomination rights,and certain other additional equity holders of the Company. In addition, on December 3, 2019 (and in connection with TPG’s December 2 sale of common stock), Mr. Ellis, the sole director designee of TPG pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, resigned from our Board.
As a result of the termination of the Stockholders Agreement, any director that was a TPG designated director ceased to have that designation as described underof December 4, 2019 and TPG no longer has the heading “our boardcontractual right to designate any directors or any nominees for election to our Board. No current director is a partner, member, director, officer, or employee of directors—TPG or its affiliates.
how our directors are selected and evaluated—TPG Growth director nominees,” the Company did not receive notice of any director nominations from its stockholders for the 2019 annual meeting.
board and committee evaluationsevaluated
Our Board is committed to continual corporate governance improvement, and annually ourimprovement. Our Board, and each committee, conducts aan annual self-evaluation to review and assess theits overall effectiveness, of our Board and each committee, including with respect to strategic oversight, board structure and operation, interaction with and evaluation of management, governance policies, and committee structure and composition. As appropriate, these assessments may result in updates or changes to our practices as well as commitments to continue existing practices that our directors believe contribute positively to the effective functioning of our Board and its committees.
meeting attendance
Our Board meets at least quarterly each year and special meetings may be held as permitted by our bylaws. Committee meetings are held at such times as the committee may determine, with the goal of meeting at least quarterly each year. Directors are expected to attend and participate in Board meetings and applicable committee meetings, of committees on which they serve, and to spend the time needed and meet as frequently as necessary to properly discharge their responsibilities. Directors are also encouraged to attend the annual meeting of stockholders.
During 2018,2019T and FY 2020, our Board held seven10 meetings. Each director, for the portion of 20182019T and FY 2020 that suchthe director was a member of our Board or a particular committee, as applicable, attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of our Board held during 20182019T and FY 2020 and the total number of meetings held during 20182019T and FY 2020 by all committees of our Board on which that director served.
Although we do not have a policy with regard to directors’ attendance at the annual meetings of stockholders, all of the directors are encouraged to attend the annual meetings. Each director that was on our Board on the date of the 20182019 annual meeting of stockholders attended that meeting.the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders.
how our directors are paid
non-employee director compensation program
We have a Non-Employee Director Compensation Program pursuant to which we compensate our non-employee directors for their service on our Board.Board in accordance with our Non-Employee Director Compensation Program. We also reimburse all directors for their reasonable business expenses incurred in connection with their activities as directors. All of our non-employee directors are eligible to receive compensation for their

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service on our Board except for any non-employee director that is a partner, member, director, officer, or employee of TPG Growth or its affiliates. No partner, member, director, officer or employee of TPG or its affiliates has been a member of our Board since December 3, 2019.
The only non-employee directordirectors that fit that exceptionwere not eligible to receive compensation for their service on our Board in 2018 was2019T and FY 2020 were Mr. McGlashan.Ellis (who resigned from our Board on December 3, 2019) and Mr. McGlashan (who resigned from our Board on March 13, 2019) due to their respective affiliation with TPG.
Our Non-Employee Director Compensation Program in effect for 20182019T and FY 2020 provided for the following compensation to our non-employee directors.

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directors:
retainer
cash (1)

stock award (2)

total
Annual Retainer$45,000
$140,000
$185,000
Audit Committee Chairperson Retainer$15,000
$
$15,000
Audit Committee Member Retainer$7,500
$
$7,500
Compensation Committee Chairperson Retainer$10,000
$
$10,000
Compensation Committee Member Retainer$5,000
$
$5,000
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson Retainer$6,000
$
$6,000
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member Retainer$3,000
$
$3,000
   
      
(1)Prior to January 1 of any year, a non-employee director may elect to receive all of his or her annual cash retainer for the following year in the form of time-vesting restricted stock units (“RSUs”).
(2)Payable in time-vesting RSUs. The actual number of RSUs granted to a director is calculated by dividing the dollar amount of the award by the closing trading price of our common stock on the date of grant, pro-rated for new directors.
The cash portion of the annual retainers is paid on a quarterly basis in arrears. If a director does not serve as a non-employee director for an entire calendar quarter, the cash portion of the annual retainers will be pro-rated based on the portion of such quarter such director actually served as a non-employee director.
The RSU portion of the annual retainer is granted on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders, or for new directors, on the date of appointment, and vests in full on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the grant date or (ii) immediately prior to the next annual meeting of stockholders after the grant date, subject to the director continuing to serve as a non-employee director through the vesting date. If a non-employee director is elected or appointed to our Board on any date other than the date of the annual meeting of stockholders, the RSU portion of the annual retainer will be granted on the date of election or appointment, pro-rated based on the number of days before the next annual meeting of stockholders after the date of election or appointment, and vests in full immediately prior to the next annual meeting of stockholders after the grant date, subject to the director continuing to serve as a non-employee director through the vesting date. All RSUs granted to our non-employee directors pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Compensation Program vest fully immediately prior to the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in our 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan).
We also reimburse all directors for their reasonable business expenses incurred in connection with their activities as directors.
retainer
cash (1)

stock award (2) (3)

total
Annual Retainer$45,000
$175,000
$220,000
Lead Independent Director Retainer$20,000

$20,000
Audit Committee Chairperson Retainer$15,000

$15,000
Audit Committee Member Retainer$7,500

$7,500
Compensation Committee Chairperson Retainer$10,000

$10,000
Compensation Committee Member Retainer$5,000

$5,000
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson Retainer$6,000

$6,000
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member Retainer$3,000

$3,000
   
      
(1)The cash portion is paid on a quarterly basis. If a director does not serve as a non-employee director for the entire period, the cash portion of the annual retainers will be pro-rated based on the portion of the period that director served as a non-employee director. Prior to January 1 of any year, a non-employee director may elect to receive all of his or her annual cash retainer for the following year in the form of time-vesting restricted stock units (“RSUs”).
(2)Payable in time-vesting RSUs. The actual number of RSUs granted to a non-employee director is calculated by dividing the dollar amount of the award by the closing trading price of our common stock on the date of grant. The dollar amount of the award is pro-rated for new non-employee directors. The RSU portion of the annual retainer is granted on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders, or for new non-employee directors, on the date of appointment, and vests in full on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the grant date or (ii) immediately prior to the next annual meeting of stockholders after the grant date, subject to the director continuing to serve as a non-employee director through the vesting date. All RSUs granted to our non-employee directors pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Compensation Program vest fully immediately prior to the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in our 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan).
(3)For the 2019-2020 board term, the value of the stock award was increased by 25% (or $35,000) to account for the extra quarter between the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders (May 2019) and the 2020 annual meeting (August 2020) as a result of the change in our fiscal year-end. The fiscal year-end change resulted in there being five quarters of Board service between annual meetings instead of the normal four. For the 2020-2021 board term and future board terms, the value of the stock award for our non-employee directors will return to $140,000 under our Non-Employee Director Compensation Program.
director compensation table
The following table shows the compensation earned by or paid to our non-employee directors for their service in 2018.2019T and FY 2020. All dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount. No non-employee director elected to defer any compensation earned by, or paid in, 2018.
name  
fees earned
or paid in cash

 
stock award (1)

 total
Lauren Cooks Levitan (2)
$
 $195,500
(3) 
$195,497
William E. McGlashan, Jr. (4)
  $
 $
 $
Richelle P. Parham (5)
  $35,000
 $139,998
 $174,998
Kirk L. Perry (2)
  $17,679
(6) 
$184,982
 $202,655
Beth M. Pritchard  $45,000
 $139,998
 $184,998
Sabrina L. Simmons (2)
  $
 $199,997
(7) 
$199,990
Maureen C. Watson (2)
  $
 $190,984
(8) 
$190,976
Richard G. Wolford (2)
  $
 $197,494
(9) 
$197,485
     
            
2019T and FY 2020.

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name (1)
name (1)
year fees earned or paid in cash
 
stock award (2) (12)

 total
Stephen Ellis (3) (4)
Stephen Ellis (3) (4)
2020 
 
 
2019T 
 
 
Lauren Cooks Levitan (5) (6)
Lauren Cooks Levitan (5) (6)
2020 $44,156
 $174,996
 $219,152
2019T 
 
 
William McGlashan, Jr. (3) (7)
William McGlashan, Jr. (3) (7)
2019T 
 
 
Richelle Parham (8)
Richelle Parham (8)
2020 $49,272
 $174,996
 $224,268
2019T $11,917
 
 $11,917
Kirk Perry (6) (9) (10)
Kirk Perry (6) (9) (10)
2020 $52,338
 $174,996
 $227,334
2019T $1,111
 
 $1,111
Beth Pritchard (11)
Beth Pritchard (11)
2020 $70,690
 $174,996
 $245,687
2019T $15,083
 
 $15,083
Sabrina Simmons (6)
Sabrina Simmons (6)
2020 $51,404
 $174,996
 $226,400
2019T 
 
 
Maureen Watson (6) (9)
Maureen Watson (6) (9)
2020 $47,993
 $174,996
 $222,989
2019T 
 
 
Richard Wolford (6) (9)
Richard Wolford (6) (9)
2020 $52,500
 $174,996
 $227,497
2019T 
 
 
   
      
(1)Represents the grant date fair value of RSUs granted to the director, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions, disregarding the effects of estimated forfeitures. For a discussion of the valuation of these awards, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 12 in the 2018 Annual Report. These amounts do not reflect the amount the director has actually realized or will realize from the awards upon the vesting of the granted RSUs, or the sale of the shares underlying the granted RSUs. The table below shows the number of unexercised stock options and RSUs held by each director as of December 31, 2018.Does not include Ms. Keith as Ms. Keith was appointed to our Board after FY 2020.
(2)Elected to receive RSUs in lieu of cash for the 2018-2019 board term. The RSUs for the 2018-2019 board term were granted on May 22, 2018.Represents the grant date fair value of RSUs granted to the director, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions, disregarding the effects of estimated forfeitures. For a discussion of the valuation of these awards, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 14 in the 2020 Annual Report. These amounts do not reflect the amount the director has actually realized or will realize from the awards upon the vesting of the granted RSUs, or the sale of the shares underlying the granted RSUs.
(3)Includes the Audit Committee member retainer and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee member retainer for the 2018-2019 board term.Mr. McGlashan and Mr. Ellis were not entitled to receive any compensation under our Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy due to their affiliation with TPG.
(4)Mr. McGlashan resigned from our Board effective as of March 13, 2019.Mr. Ellis resigned from our Board on December 3, 2019.
(5)Ms. Parham was appointed to our Board effective as of March 22, 2018.Ms. Levitan was a member of the Audit Committee from January 1, 2019 to December 3, 2019 and was appointed to the Compensation Committee on December 3, 2019.
(6)Represents the cash portion of the annual board retainer for the 2017-2018 board term. As noted above, Mr. Perry elected to receive his director compensation for the 2018-2019 board term in RSUs, which were granted on May 22, 2018.Elected to receive RSUs in lieu of cash for the 2018-2019 board term (May 22, 2018 to May 21, 2019). The RSUs for the 2018-2019 board term were granted on May 22, 2018. The grant date fair value of the RSUs, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions, were reported in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 10, 2019.
(7)Includes the Audit Committee chairperson retainer for the 2018-2019 board term.Mr. McGlashan resigned from our Board on March 13, 2019.
(8)Includes the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee chairperson retainer for the 2018-2019 board term.Ms. Parham was a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee from January 10, 2019 to December 3, 2019 and was appointed to the Audit Committee on December 3, 2019.
(9)Includes the Audit Committee member retainer and the Compensation Committee member retainer for the 2018-2019 board term.Elected to receive RSUs in lieu of cash for the 2019-2020 board term (May 21, 2019 to the date of the 2020 annual meeting). The RSUs for the 2019-2020 board term were granted on May 21, 2019. The grant date fair value of the RSUs, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions based on the assumptions described in footnote 1, is reflected in the “fees earned or paid in cash” column.
The following table shows the number of unexercised stock options and the number of RSUs held by our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2018.
name
unexercised
stock options

 
RSUs (1)

Lauren Cooks Levitan34,500
(2) 
10,000
William E. McGlashan, Jr.
 
Richelle P. Parham
 7,161
Kirk L. Perry13,800
 9,462
Beth M. Pritchard
 7,161
Sabrina L. Simmons34,500
(3) 
10,230
Maureen C. Watson34,500
 9,769
Richard G. Wolford34,500
 10,102
       
(1)      
(1)100% of the RSUs will vest on the date of the 2019 annual meeting.
(2)20,700 of the unexercised stock options are unvested but permit early exercise.
(3)13,800 of the unexercised stock options are unvested but permit early exercise.
(10)Mr. Perry was appointed to the Compensation Committee on January 10, 2019 and appointed as the chair of the Compensation Committee on December 3, 2019. (i) $1,111 in 2019T and approximately $694 in FY 2020 in the “fees earned or paid in cash” column represent the additional compensation that Mr. Perry was entitled to after his appointment to the Compensation Committee and (ii) approximately $1,646 in FY 2020 in the “fees earned or paid in cash” column represents the additional compensation that Mr. Perry was entitled to after his appointment as the chair of the Compensation Committee, which, in each case, was paid in cash rather than RSUs for administrative purposes.
(11)Ms. Pritchard was appointed as the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee on January 10, 2019 and as Lead Independent Director on February 14, 2019.
(12)The following table shows the number of unexercised stock options and RSUs held by our non-employee directors as of March 31, 2020.

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 name
unexercised
stock options

RSUs (*)

 Lauren Cooks Levitan34,500
14,403
 Richelle Parham
14,403
 Kirk Perry13,800
18,518
 Beth Pritchard
14,403
 Sabrina Simmons34,500
14,403
 Maureen Watson34,500
18,353
 Richard Wolford34,500
18,724
      
      
 (*)100% of the RSUs will vest on the date of the 2020 annual meeting, subject to the director’s continued service through such date.
how you can communicate with us
The Company and our Board welcomes open communications with stockholders and appreciates input that advances our goal of enhancing stockholder value. We invite interested persons,engage regularly with our stockholders and encourage anyone, including our stockholders, to contact our Board or individual directors about corporate governance or matters related to our Board or the Company. Interested personsIndividuals may send written communications to our Board, committees of our Board, andor individual directors by mailing those communications to our Corporate Secretary at:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Corporate Secretary
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607
Depending on the subject matter, our Corporate Secretary will: (i) 
forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed; (ii) 
attempt to handle the inquiry directly, for example when the request is for information about the Company or is a stock-related matter; or (iii) 
not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic.
At each Board meeting, a member of management presents a summary of all communications received since the last meeting that were not forwarded to our Board or the director or directors to whom they were addressed, andaddressed. A member of management also makes those communications available to our Board upon request.

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our company
our executive officers
The following is a list of our executive officers and their respective ages, positions, and brief biographies as of the date of this proxy statement.*
amina01.jpgTarang P. Amin
chief executive officer and president
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Age: 55
Current Role
•    Mr. Amin has served as our Chief Executive Officer since January 2014. In addition, Mr. Amin was appointed2014 and as our President insince March 2019.
More Information
•    For more information about Mr. Amin’s biography is set forthAmin, see under the heading “ourour board of directors—proposal 1: election of class III directors—nominees.continuing directors
Age: 54.
  
Richard F. Baruch, Jr.
barucha01.jpgRich Baruch senior vice president and chief commercial officer
image20.jpg
Age: 52
Current Role
•    Mr. Baruch has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer since February 2014. Mr. Baruch most recently served as
Select Prior Experience
    Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Schiff Nutrition (until its acquisition, NYSE: SHF) from July 2012 to January 2013. From December 2010 to June 2012, he2013 when it was acquired.
    Vice President, Category Advisory Services at Coca-Cola Refreshments, a division of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), a leading global beverage company, where he led an initiativefrom December 2010 to build a new organization and bring a new set of capabilities to Coca-Cola’s North American business. From January 2009 to December 2012, Mr. Baruch was President and Chief Operating Officer of Cot 'N Wash, Inc., a laundry products company. Prior to that, Mr. Baruch spent 14June 2012.
•    Over 10 years atsales leadership experience with The Clorox Company in a number of leadership roles, with the most recent as Vice President and General Manager of the Home Care business. He began his career at Procter & Gamble in various sales management roles.Company.
Mr. Baruch holds aEducation
    B.A. in English from University of Pennsylvania.
Age: 51
  
Jonathan T. Fieldman
senior vice president, operations
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Mr. Fieldman has served as our Senior Vice President, Operations since July 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Fieldman served as Senior Vice President, Operations at Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop, a snack food company, from January 2015 to July 2016. From January 2014 to January 2015, Mr. Fieldman served as Chief Supply Officer for Shaklee Corporation, a natural nutrition company. Previously, Mr. Fieldman worked for Schiff Nutrition, where he served as Senior Vice President, Operations from May 2011 to February 2013. Prior to Schiff Nutrition, Mr. Fieldman spent 12 years at The Clorox Company in various supply chain roles, including Planning Director, Sourcing Director and Plant Manager, with the most recent as Vice President, Specialty Supply Chain. Prior to that, Mr. Fieldman worked for General Mills, Inc., a multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods, for eight years in a variety of manufacturing roles. Mr. Fieldman also serves on the board of directors of the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
Mr. Fieldman holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management from Stanford University.
Age: 49
  

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Kory Marchisotto
fieldsa01.jpgMandy Fields senior vice president and chief financial officer
Age: 39
Current Role
•    Ms. Fields has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2019.
Select Prior Experience
•    Chief Financial Officer of BevMo!, a retailer of alcoholic beverages, from June 2016 to March 2019.
•    Vice President of Finance and Analytics at Albertsons Companies, a grocery company, from 2010 to 2016.
Education
•    B.S. in Finance from Indiana University of Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business.
franks.jpgJosh Franks senior vice president, operations
Age: 42
Current Role
•    Mr. Franks has served as our Senior Vice President, Operations since January 2020.
Select Prior Experience
•    Senior Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain, at Lyrical Foods (d/b/a Kite-Hill), a plant-based, dairy-free packaged food manufacturer, from July 2018 to December 2019.
•    Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain, at Raybern Foods, a packaged food manufacturer, from April 2014 to March 2018.
Education
•    B.S. in Business Administration, Operations Management, and Supply Chain Management from North Carolina State University.

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marchisottoa01.jpgKory Marchisotto senior vice president, chief marketing officer
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Age: 44
Current Role
•    Ms. Marchisotto has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer since February 2019. Ms. Marchisotto has more than 20 years of beauty experience, across a diverse portfolio of brands, business models and distribution channels. Most recently, Ms. Marchisotto led strategic brand management for Shiseido, a global beauty corporation, and served as
Select Prior Experience
    Senior Vice President, Marketing for bareMinerals, a brand of Shiseido Americas’ bareMinerals brand. Ms. Marchisotto playedAmericas Corporation (TYO: 4911), a key role in bareMinerals’ ongoing transformation, most notably leading the brands digital transition and integrated marketing strategy, while also solidifying its stronghold in complexion through core franchise invigoration and top-ranked foundation launches. Priorglobal beauty company, from 2016 to bareMinerals, Ms. Marchisotto spent 16 years in Shiseido’s2018.
•    Senior Vice President of Marketing, Beauty Prestige Group supporting a $155 million growth in retail sales through strategic brand portfolio management, new brand integration,(from 2015 to 2016) and multi-channel business development. During her tenure, in additionVice President of Marketing, Beauty Prestige Group (from 2011 to managing their stable of licensed brands, Ms. Marchisotto also led the negotiation, integration and business development of the Hermès, Burberry and Ferragamo beauty brands. Ms. Marchisotto started her beauty career in marketing and sales roles2015) at both Puig and LVMH.Shiseido Americas Corporation.
Ms. Marchisotto holds aEducation
    Masters of Professional Studies, Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology and aTechnology.
    B.B.A. in Marketing from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business.
Age: 42
  
milstena01.jpgScott K. Milsten
senior vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary and chief people officer
image22.jpg
Age: 50
Current Role
•    Mr. Milsten has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary since January 2014 and in addition, as our Chief People Officer since August 2016. Previously, Mr. Milsten served as
Select Prior Experience
    Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Schiff Nutrition (until its acquisition, NYSE: SHF) from July 2011 until Schiff Nutrition’s sale to Reckitt Benckiser in January 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Milsten2013 when it was acquired.
    Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Celera Corporation, a healthcarehealth-care diagnostics company (until its acquisition, NASDAQ: CRA), from August 2009 until Celera’s sale to Quest Diagnostics IncorporatedJune 2011 when it was acquired.
Education
•    B.A. in June 2011. Mr. Milsten began his career practicing corporate law with the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP.English from Duke University.
Mr. Milsten holds a    J.D. from University of Pennsylvania Law School and a B.A. in English from Duke University.School.
Age: 49
  


* On March 20, 2019, we appointed Mandy Fields as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective April 22, 2019. Ms. Field’s biography and qualifications are set forth in our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2019.
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certain relationships and related party transactions
policy and procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted a written policy regarding transactions between the Company and our executive officers, directors, nominees for election as a director, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock, and any affiliates or members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons.foregoing. We refer to these individuals and entities as “related parties” and these relationships generally as related“related party transactions.transactions”.
Any request for us to enter into a related party transaction in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related party would have a direct or indirect interest must first be presented to the Audit Committee for review, consideration, and approval. The Audit Committee reviews all the relevant facts and circumstances of each related party transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction, and considers any conflicts of interest and corporate opportunity provisions of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

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our company


related party transactions during the year
The following is a description of related party transactions entered into since January 1, 2018during 2019T and FY 2020 in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a related party would have a direct or indirect interest:
we paid compensation to our directors and executive officers in 2018. See under the headings “our board of directors—how our directors are paid” and “executive compensation”, respectively; and executive officers in 2019T and FY 2020. See under the headings “our board of directors—how our directors are paid” and “executive compensation”; and
we entered into our standard indemnification agreement with Ms. ParhamMarchisotto, Ms. Fields, and Mr. Franks when sheeach joined our Board.the Company. Our standard indemnification agreement requires us to, among other things, indemnify our directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, including indemnification of expenses such as attorneys’ fees incurred by such individuals in any action or proceeding, including any action or proceeding by or in right of us, arising out of the person’s services as a director or executive officer. We have obtained an insurance policy that insures our directors and officers against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under applicable securities laws.
rule 10b5-1 plans
Certain of our executive officers have adopted written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they have contracted with a broker to buy or sell shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades pursuant to parameters established by the individual when entering into the Rule 10b5-1 plan, without further direction from them. The individual may amend or terminate the Rule 10b5-1 plan in specified circumstances.
corporate governance materials available on our website
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are intended to provide a set of flexible guidelines for the effective functioning of our Board, including director qualifications and responsibilities, management succession and Board committees. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are reviewed regularly and revised as necessary or appropriate in response to changing

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regulatory requirements, evolving best practices, and other considerations. They are posted on theA copy of our Corporate Governance section ofGuidelines is available on our investor relations website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/governance-guidelines.

In addition to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we have also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is designed to help directors and employees resolve ethical and compliance issues encountered in the business environment. We will make any legally required disclosures regarding amendments to, or waivers of, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our investor relations website. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the Corporate Governance section of our investor relations website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/corporate-governance/code-of-business-conduct-and-ethics.code-of-business-conduct-ethics.



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executive compensation
general
This section provides information with regard to compensation for services rendered by our named executive officers in 2018. The compensation provided to our named executive officers in 2018 is provided in detail in the executive compensation tables that follow this section, as well as the accompanying footnotes and narratives relating to those tables.
proposal 2:advisory vote to approve compensation for our named executive officers
þ
FOR
Our Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation for our named executed officers.
Our Board believes our executive compensation program aligns the interests of our executive officers with the long-term interests of our stockholders and, consistent with our pay-for-performance culture, rewards our executive officers when the Company achieves its short- and long-term strategic and financial goals.
what am i voting on?
As an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), we are not required to include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis and we have elected to comply with the scaled disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies. With that said, we have decided to include some additional information regarding our compensation setting process and our compensation program beyond what the JOBS Act requires of emerging growth companies. In addition, as an emerging growth company, we are not required to hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay vote”). We will not be required to hold a say-on-pay vote until we cease to be an emerging growth company, which will occur on March 31, 2022 or the earlier date that we meet certain market capitalization, revenue, or debt thresholds.
We are adopting the say-on-pay advisory vote early. Stockholders are being asked to indicate their support, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, for the compensation of our named executive officers for 2019T and FY 2020 as described in this proxy statement by casting a vote “FOR” the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers for 2019T and FY 2020, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation discussion and analysis, compensation tables, and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.”
This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement.
Stockholders should review the information under the heading “executive compensation—compensation discussion and analysis” and the tables and narrative discussion under the heading “executive compensation—executive compensation tables”. Our Board and the Compensation Committee believe that the policies and procedures discussed in the following sections are effective in achieving our goals and have contributed to the Company’s recent and long-term success.
Because the vote is advisory, it is not binding on our Board or the Company. Nevertheless, the views expressed by our stockholders, whether through this vote or otherwise, are important to management and our Board and, accordingly, our Board and the Compensation Committee intend to consider the results of this vote in making determinations in the future regarding executive compensation arrangements.

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what is the required vote?
The compensation of our named executive officers for 2019T and FY 2020 will be approved, on an advisory basis, by a majority of votes cast (meaning the number of shares voted “For” must exceed the number of shares voted “Against” in order for this proposal to be approved). Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast for this proposal and will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.

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proposal 3:advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation
þ
1 YEAR
Our Board unanimously recommends a vote for “1 YEAR”, on an advisory basis, for the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation.
Our Board believes an annual say-on-pay vote would enable our stockholders to provide us with input regarding the compensation of our named executive officers on a timely basis.
what am i voting on?
Stockholders are being asked to vote, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, for how frequently we should seek a say-on-pay vote (commonly referred to as a “say-when-on-pay vote”). As an emerging growth company, as in the case of the say-on-pay vote, we are not required to hold a say-when-on-pay vote. However, as a matter of good governance and in connection with our early adoption of the say-on-pay vote, we are also holding a say-when-on-pay vote.
Stockholders may vote for whether they would prefer a say-on-pay vote every year, every two years, or every three years. Stockholders may also abstain from voting on this proposal. While we will continue to monitor developments in this area, our Board currently plans to seek a say-on-pay vote every year and, as such, is asking our stockholders to vote for a frequency of “1 YEAR”. Our Board and the Compensation Committee believe that holding a say-on-pay vote every year is advisable for a number of reasons, including the following:
it would enable our stockholders to provide us with input regarding the compensation of our named executive officers on a timely basis; and
it is consistent with our goal to seek input from, and engage in discussion with, our stockholders on corporate governance matters and our compensation philosophy, policies, and practices for our executive officers.
Stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove our Board’s recommendation. Instead, stockholders may vote for their preferred frequency of the say-on-pay vote: “1 year,” “2 years,” “3 years” or “Abstain.”
Because the vote is advisory, it is not binding on our Board or the Company. Nevertheless, the views expressed by the stockholders, whether through this vote or otherwise, are important to management and our Board and, accordingly, our Board and the Compensation Committee intend take into account the outcome of this vote in considering the frequency with which the say-on-pay vote will be held in the future.
what is the required vote?
As noted above, stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove our Board’s recommendation with respect to the frequency with which the say-on-pay vote will be held in the future. With that said, the frequency choice (“1 year,” “2 years,” “3 years”) receiving the most votes will be given due regard by, but will not be binding on, our Board or the Company.

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compensation discussion and analysis
The compensation discussion and analysis (the “CD&A”) provides information with respect to compensation for our named executive officers for:
the transition period from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019 (“2019T”), which resulted from the change in late 2018 to the Company’s fiscal year-end from December 31 to March 31; and
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 (“FY 2020”).
The compensation provided to our named executive officers in 2019T and FY 2020 is discussed in detail in the CD&A and in the tables under the heading “executive compensation—executive compensation tables”.
We are not required to include a compensation discussion and analysis in our proxy statement until we cease to be an emerging growth company. This year, however, we have elected to provide additional disclosure beyond what the JOBS Act requires of emerging growth companies.
The CD&A is organized into the following sections:
executive summary, starting on page 38;
named executive officers, starting on page 41;
compensation setting process, starting on page 42;
compensation program components, starting on page 44; and
executive summary
our company
We offer inclusive, accessible, and cruelty-free beauty products. Our unique ability to combine cost, quality, and speed differentiates us in the beauty industry. This combination, along with our innovation capabilities, enables us to deliver prestige quality products at extraordinary prices across color cosmetics and adjacent categories, such as skin care.
Our brands are our namesake e.l.f. Cosmetics brand, which makes the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip and face by offering high-quality cosmetics and skin care products at an extraordinary value, all formulated 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and our newly acquired W3LL PEOPLE brand, a clean beauty pioneer with 40 EWG VERIFIED™ products.
strong financial results
2019T and FY 2020 was a terrific period for the Company, highlighted by five consecutive quarters of net sales growth.

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$283million
FY 2020 net sales
64%
FY 2020 gross margin
$18million
FY 2020 net income
$63million
FY 2020 Adjusted EBITDA (2)
+6%
incl. e.l.f.
retail stores
+11%
ex. e.l.f.
retail stores (1)
+300
basis points YoY
$0.35
earnings per share
with~2x
marketing and digital spend
4.8%
market share (3)
+50
basis points
e.l.f. Cosmetics grew
the mostmarket share
of the top five
color cosmetics brands
#4
favorite teen brand (4)
(1)
See Annex A for a reconciliation of net sales (including the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores) to net sales (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores).
(2)
See Annex A for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.
(3)According to Nielsen xAOC 52 weeks ending March 21, 2020.
(4)According to the Piper Sandler 39th Semi-Annual Taking Stock With Teens® Survey, Spring 2020. Up from #6 a year ago.
We reversed declining sales trends at the end of 2018 and achieved $64 million in net sales in 2019T, which represented 3% year-over-year growth (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores). Our disciplined execution fueled a 11% year-over-year net sales growth in FY 2020 (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores) that greatly outpaced the category, which declined in tracked channels in FY 2020 according to Nielsen.
We increased investment against our strategic imperatives in FY 2020 (including nearly doubling our marketing investment from the prior year) and delivered $17.9 million of net income and $62.6 million of Adjusted EBITDA in FY 2020.
We successfully navigated a 25% tariff being implemented on the majority of our products and increased gross margin in FY 2020 by 300 basis points compared to the prior year.
We reasserted our multiple areas of competitive advantage, which resulted in e.l.f. Cosmetics growing market share by 50 basis points during FY 2020 according to Nielsen. We entered COVID-19 headwinds with strengths relative to the category and expect to continue to take market share.
strengthening corporate governance
We have continued to strengthen our corporate governance. We appointed Beth Pritchard as our Lead Independent Director in February 2019. We also refreshed the membership of our Board committees twice in 2019T and FY 2020, leveraging the experience sets of our directors.
Additionally, although we are an emerging growth company and are not required by applicable rules to hold a “say-on-pay” vote until March 31, 2022 (unless we meet certain thresholds earlier), we have included at the 2020 annual meeting a say-on-pay vote with respect to compensation paid to our named executive officers for 2019T and FY 2020. We are also asking stockholders to vote for holding our say-on-pay vote annually. We value ongoing stockholder input, which an annual say-on-pay vote will enable.

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executing on strategic extensions
We completed the acquisition of W3LL PEOPLE in FY 2020, which was strategically important as clean is one of the fastest growing segments within beauty. We also incubated a new brand expected to launch in FY 2021. Both are key milestones as we evolve from a single brand to multi-brand beauty company.
continued progress against strategic imperatives
We made significant progress against our strategic imperatives to grow and create long-term value for our stockholders. See under the heading “introduction—e.l.f. Beauty at a glance—highlights from 2019T and FY 2020—continued progress against strategic imperatives”.
2019T and FY 2020 compensation highlights
Substantial reduction
in target total direct compensation.
No increase in
base salaries or annual cash incentive targets.
FY 2020 cash incentive compensation tied solely to profitability.
Vast majority of
compensation is variable, at-risk, and in equity.
Our executive compensation program is designed to directly tie our executive officers’ compensation with the performance of the Company and align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our stockholders. Highlights of our compensation-related decisions in 2019T and FY 2020 include:
maintaining base salaries and annual cash incentive opportunities for our named executive officers—we have never changed the base salaries or annual cash incentive opportunities for our named executive officers, which for Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Milsten remain the same as 2014;
continuing to have our annual cash incentive compensation tied solely to the Company’s profitability;
continuing to provide the majority of our named executive officers’ compensation in the form of equity to instill an ownership culture, align the interests of our named executive officers with the interests of our stockholders, and support long-term retention;
substantially reducing the targeted value of equity awards made in 2019T to our then-serving named executive officers as compared to the targeted value of equity awards made in 2018, including a 30% reduction for Mr. Amin; and
granting 50% of Mr. Amin’s equity compensation in the form of performance-based restricted stock (with stock price hurdles of 151%, 189%, and 226% of the stock price on grant date)to even more closely align his compensation with the Company’s strong pay-for-performance culture and focus on the delivery of substantial and sustainable value to stockholders.
The compensation for our named executive officers for 2019T and FY 2020 is discussed in more detail in the sections of the CD&A that follow.

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named executive officers
Our named executive officers for 2018FY 2020 were as follows:
nameposition
Tarang P. AminChairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director
John P. Bailey (1)
Rich Baruch
FormerSenior Vice President and FormerChief Commercial Officer
Mandy FieldsSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Josh FranksSenior Vice President, Operations
Scott K. MilstenSenior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief People Officer, and Corporate Secretary
Ms. Fields was appointed our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective April 22, 2019. Mr. Franks was appointed our Senior Vice President, Operations effective January 2, 2020.
For biographical information regarding our named executive officers, see under the heading “our company”.
compensation philosophy, objectives, and design
We have a pay-for-performance culture. We believe our executive officers should be rewarded when the Company achieves its short-term and long-term strategic and financial goals, since these accomplishments reward our stockholders by generating better stock price returns.
Our executive compensation program is designed to achieve the following objectives:
    
attract and retain talentalign with stockholderspay-for-performance
Attract, motivate, and retain highly talented and experienced executive officers who drive our success.Align our executive officers’ incentives with the long-term interests of our stockholders.Reward our executive officers for their performance and motivate them to achieve the Company’s short- and long-term and financial strategic goals.
    
(1)Mr. Bailey resigned as our President and Chief Financial Officer effective March 31, 2019.
We achieve our objectives through an executive compensation setting processprogram that:
The Compensation Committee reviews eachprovides a competitive total pay opportunity that enables us to compete effectively for executive officer’stalent with large legacy consumer products, retail, and beauty companies, as well as with high growth technology and digital companies in the San Francisco Bay Area;
emphasizes pay-for-performance by delivering a majority of our executive officers’ pay only upon the achievement of our short-term and long-term strategic and financial goals, which are designed to deliver responsible and sustainable stockholder value growth; and
provides strong alignment with our stockholders, with a significant majority of the target compensation from time to time to ensure that it adequately reflects the executive officer’s qualifications, experience, role and responsibilities.
Our Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of each executive officer (other than with respect to his own performance, which is reviewed by the Compensation Committee) and makes recommendations regarding the base salary and other compensation payable to these executive officers. The Compensation Committee considers those recommendations in determining the base salaries, annual bonus program targets and awards, and equity awards (if any)opportunity for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee generally exercises its discretionofficers delivered in modifying the recommended compensation to our executive officers.
The Compensation Committee has engaged Radford, an independent compensation consulting firm, to advise the Compensation Committee with respect to our overall executive compensation programs, including market comparisons and long-term incentive programs. Radford reports directly to the Compensation Committee and does not provide any non-compensation related services to the Company. Based on an assessmentform of the six independence factors established by the SEC, the Compensation Committee determined that the engagement of Radford does not raise any conflicts of interest or similar concerns. In addition, the Compensation Committee evaluated the independence of its other outside advisers, including outside legal counsel, considering the same independence factors and concluded their work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflicts of interest.
primary compensation components
We have three primary elements of our compensation plan: base salary, annual bonuses, and equity compensation, which are described in more detail below.awards.

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Below is a summary of our key compensation governance practices:
üû
what we dowhat we don’t do
ü
We believe in pay-for-performance. The majority of our executive officers’ pay is variable and at-risk, with the amount realized dependent upon the achievement of our short-and long-term objectives.
ûWe don’t guarantee annual salary increases or minimum cash bonuses.
ûWe don’t modify our performance targets during the performance period.
ü
We provide a compensation mix heavily weighted towards equity to align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our stockholders.
ûWe don’t have pension plans or executive-only benefit or retirement plans.
ûWe don’t provide excise tax gross ups.
ü
Our annual cash incentives are based solely on financial performance.
ûWe don’t provide excessive perquisites to our executive officers.
ü
We engage an independent compensation consultant to advise the Compensation Committee, which is comprised solely of independent and experienced directors.
compensation setting process
roles and responsibilities
The Compensation Committee has primary responsibility for reviewing and approving our overall compensation program, including reviewing and approving the form and amount of compensation to be paid or awarded to our executive officers, approving employment agreements with our executive officers, and performing a risk assessment of our compensation program in order to strike the appropriate balance of risk and reward without encouraging excessive or inappropriate risks that would have an adverse impact on stockholders. The Compensation Committee, management, and our independent compensation consultants work closely in managing our executive compensation program. A summary of each of their roles and responsibilities (and other relevant information) is summarized below:
roleresponsibilities and other relevant information
Compensation CommitteeReviews and approves individual executive compensation decisions, including compensation for each of our executive officers (including our Chief Executive Officer), and new hire packages and employment agreements for new executive officers.
 
Evaluates and manages our executive compensation philosophy and programs, overseeing decisions regarding specific equity-based compensation plans, programs, and grants.
Reviews, at least annually, the selection of companies in our peer group to determine the competitiveness of executive officer and non-employee director compensation programs.

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roleresponsibilities and other relevant information
Conducts annual reviews and approves (or, if applicable, makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding the adoption and approval of) our cash-based and equity-based incentive compensation plans and arrangements for our executive officers and non-employee directors.
ManagementChief Executive Officer
Reviews and makes recommendations regarding the salary, short-term incentive compensation targets, and other compensation for our executive officers (other than himself).
Chief People Officer
Assists the Compensation Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities by providing advice on compensation best practices, information regarding attrition and retention at the Company, as well as information regarding employee sentiment on such matters and employee engagement.
Compensation consultantsThe Compensation Committee has engaged Radford, an independent compensation consulting firm, to advise the Compensation Committee with respect to our overall executive compensation programs, including, among other matters, market comparisons, long-term incentive programs, targeted mix of compensation components, and characteristics of equity awards. Radford has been engaged by the Compensation Committee every year since 2016.
Radford reports directly to the Compensation Committee and does not provide any non-compensation related services to the Company.
Based on an assessment of the six independence factors established by the SEC, the Compensation Committee determined that the engagement of Radford does not raise any conflicts of interest or similar concerns.
In addition, the Compensation Committee evaluated the independence of its other outside advisers, including outside legal counsel, considering the same independence factors and concluded their work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflicts of interest.
peer group
To assess the competitiveness of our executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee considers the compensation practices of peer companies reasonably similar to the Company on the basis of, among other things, industry, consumer focus, revenue, market cap, and geography. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews and approves changes to the peer group based on the recommendation of its independent compensation consultant. As part of the Compensation Committee’s periodic review of our compensation peer group, the Compensation Committee, with assistance from Radford, approved the following peer group in December 2018. The Compensation Committee used this peer group in setting executive compensation for 2019T and FY 2020.

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2019T and FY 2020 peer group
BenefitfocusLifetime BrandsPlanet FitnessThe Habit Restaurants
Chuy’sMovado GroupRuth's Hospitality GroupTilly’s
EtsyNatural Health TrendsShake ShackWageWorks
ClarusNautilusShutterstockZAGG
DuluthNutrisystemStamps.com
compensation program components
We have three primary elements of our compensation plan: base salary, annual cash incentive compensation, and long-term incentive compensation.
compensation elementkey characteristictypeformpurposecharacteristiclink to strategy
Base SalarysalaryCashFixedCashProvides a fixed level of base pay to help us attract and retain strong talenttalented executive officers.
Annual BonusAt Riskcash incentiveCashVariable/At-riskRewards executives for achievement of Company-widethe Company’s annual financial goalsgoals.
Long-term incentiveEquity
Variable

At Risk
Restricted Stock

Stock Options
Variable/At-risk
Rewards executives for creation of long-term stockholder valuevalue.
targeted compensation mix
The targeted mix of our three primary compensation elements (1)for 2018FY 2020 for our Chief Executive Officer and our other named executive officers was(other than Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks) (2) are as follows:
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majority of compensation is tied to long-term stockholder value and is variable and at-risk
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(1)Comprised of base salary (at the annual rate in effect) for FY 2020, target annual cash incentive for FY 2020, and the targeted value of the equity awards granted to Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Milsten in 2019T.
(2)Excludes Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks as each commenced employment with the Company in FY 2020 and received new-hire equity awards, which, at the Company and many other companies, tend to be larger than the targeted value of annual equity awards.

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base salaries
The Company provides base salarysalaries as a fixed source of compensation for our named executive officers, allowing them a degree of certainty with respect to their day-to-day compensation. The Compensation Committee recognizes the importance of base salaries as an element of compensation that helps to attract and retain highly qualified executive talent. The relative levels of base salary for each named executive officer is designed to reflect that named executive officer’s scope of responsibility and accountability to us.us, as well as our desire to maintain relative internal parity among our executive officers. The Compensation Committee reviews the base salaries of our named executive officers periodically and may adjust the base salaries of our named executive officers from time to time.periodically.
The base salaries for 2018Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Milsten have not been increased in over six years and remain the same as the base salaries set forth in their respective new hire offers in 2014. This decision was made based on our philosophy of delivering the majority of compensation opportunity through long-term equity compensation. The base salaries of Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks were set in connection with their commencement of employment during FY 2020, were based on arms’ length negotiations, and were consistent with the base salaries for the Company’s other executive officers.
The annual base salaries for FY 2020 for our named executive officers are set forth below. The Company has not increased (and with respect to Mr. Bailey, who resigned effective March 31, 2019, did not increase) any of our named executive officers’ base salaries since that named executive officer joined the Company (Mr. Amin and Mr. Milsten each joined the Company in 2014 and Mr. Bailey joined the Company in 2015).were as follows:
namesalary
Tarang P. Amin$475,000
John P. Bailey$425,000
Scott K. Milsten$325,000
FY 2020 annual base salaries
  
name
base salary (1)

Tarang Amin$475,000
Rich Baruch$325,000
Mandy Fields$350,000
Josh Franks$325,000
Scott Milsten$325,000
    
    
(1)The base salaries for our named executive officers (other than Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks) for 2019T were, on an annualized basis, the same as their respective base salaries for FY 2020.
annual bonusescash incentive compensation
The Company provides annual performance-based cash bonusesincentive compensation to motivate our named executive officers to achieve our businessfinancial and strategic goals, in addition to individual goals. Annual bonuses are determined under our 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan and arecash incentive compensation is based on predetermined financial measures that are chosen by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year and that are aligned with the Company’s long termannual growth metrics. objectives as well as its long-term business plan. The financial measure performance goals for our annual cash incentive compensation are designed to be challenging.
We believe that annual cash incentive compensation:
holds our executive officers accountable;
aligns the interests of our executive officers, the Company, and our stockholders;
enables us to focus on achieving and exceeding financial goals that drive stockholder value creation;
attracts and retains the top talent in the industry; and
recognizes and rewards individuals for contributing to the Company’s success.

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The annual bonuscash incentive payout for each named executive officer is determined based on a formula, consisting of that namedthe executive officer’s base salary, target bonusannual cash incentive opportunity (which is set at a percentage of base salary)salary by the Compensation Committee early in the applicable fiscal year), and a funding percentage of the annual cash incentive compensation pool based on the performance by the Company with respect to predetermined financial measures chosen by the Compensation Committee. Individual performance has not been considered when determining annual cash incentive payouts for executive officers as the Company subscribes to a “one team” philosophy where all employees participate equally (subject to variations in target annual cash incentive opportunity) in the Company’s successes and shortcomings.
The formula for determining the annual cash incentive payout for our executive officers is as follows:
base
salary
x
target
percentage
x
funding
percentage
=annual cash incentive payout
The funding percentage of the annual cash incentive compensation pool is determined based on the performance by the Company of the predetermined financial measures chosen by the Compensation Committee.
There is a threshold funding percentage of 80% (if the threshold performance goal is achieved) and a maximum funding percentage of 200% (if the maximum performance goal is achieved or exceeded), with funding percentages corresponding on a linear basis to performance between threshold and target levels and performance between target and maximum levels. If the threshold performance is not achieved, the funding percentage is set at 0% and no annual cash incentive compensation is paid.
çperformance by the company of predetermined financial measuresè
ß
below threshold
threshold
goal achieved
ßà
in between goals
target
goal achieved
ßà
in between goals
maximum
goal achieved
à
above maximum
 âcorresponds to a funding percentage of:â 
  
0%
no funding
80%
81% to 99%
on a linear basis
100%
101% to 199%
on a linear basis
200%
200%
maximum cap
çfunding percentage of the annual cash incentive compensation poolè
The Compensation Committee has discretiontarget annual cash incentive opportunities for Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Milsten have not been increased in over six years and remain the same as the annual cash incentive targets set forth in their respective new hire offers in 2014. Similar to determine the final amountdecision to keep base salaries consistent, no changes were made to the annual cash incentive targets for FY 2020 based on our philosophy of delivering the majority of compensation opportunity through long-term equity compensation. The target annual cash incentive opportunities for Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks were set in connection with their commencement of employment during FY 2020, were based on arms’ length negotiations, and were consistent with the annual cash incentive targets of the bonuses payable to our namedCompany’s other executive officers.

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The formulatarget annual cash incentive opportunities for determining annual bonusesFY 2020 for our named executive officers were as follows:
FY 2020 target annual cash incentive opportunities
    
name 
target
(% of salary)

 
target value (1)

Tarang Amin100% $475,000
Rich Baruch40% $130,000
Mandy Fields50% $175,000
Josh Franks40% $32,055
Scott Milsten40% $130,000
      
      
(1)Mr. Franks’ target value was pro-rated for the actual number of days Mr. Franks was employed in FY 2020. Ms. Fields’ target value was not pro-rated as she commenced employment with the Company in April 2020, the first month of FY 2020.
2019T cash incentive compensation
The Compensation Committee decided to award cash incentive payouts for 2019T to provide appropriate retention and incentives in the transition period. The Compensation Committee considered in particular that, absent any short-term incentive compensation opportunity for 2019T, employees would otherwise have to wait 15 months between the 2018 annual cash incentive payments that were made in February 2019 and FY 2020 annual cash incentive payments (if any) that would be paid in May 2020. The Compensation Committee did not elect to put in a formal cash incentive compensation program for 2019T as it only consisted of 90 days, and instead decided to evaluate short-term cash incentive compensation for 2019T on a discretionary basis based on the Company’s overall financial performance during the period.
The Company reversed declining sales trends at the end of 2018 and achieved $64 million in net sales in 2019T, which represented 3% year-over-year growth (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores). The Company’s net sales out-performance in 2019T was 12% above the consensus estimate of $57 million. The Company also achieved $13 million in Adjusted EBITDA in 2019T, which was 62% above the consensus estimate of $8 million. Based on the out-performance, the Compensation Committee determined that cash incentive compensation payouts at 200% of target (on a pro-rated basis) would have been appropriate.
In order to additionally incentivize performance over the entirety of FY 2020, however, the Compensation Committee decided to create a cash incentive pool equivalent to 200% of target (pro-rated for the length of 2019T), half of which would be paid out for 2019T, and the other half of which would only be eligible to be earned based on performance over the entirety of FY 2020 as measured against the predetermined financial goals applicable to the FY 2020 annual cash incentive plan. As such, our employees (including our executive officers) who were employed during 2019T were awarded cash incentive payouts in an amount equal to 100% of annual cash incentive targets, pro-rated for the length of 2019T.
With respect to the remaining cash incentive pool, as an example, if the Company achieved a 90% funding percentage under the FY 2020 annual cash incentive plan, eligible employees would receive an additional payout of 90% of the 2019T cash incentive amount. In arriving at its decision, the Compensation Committee sought to balance fairness to employees (including our executive officers), who under our historic annual cash incentive plans have had the opportunity to earn annual cash incentives up to 200%, with driving financial success over the entirety of FY 2020.

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The 2019T cash incentive payouts for our named executive officers who were employed during 2019T were as follows:
2019T cash incentive payouts
      
name 
target value (1)

 actual payout
(% of target)

 actual payout
Tarang Amin$117,124
 100% $117,124
Rich Baruch$32,055
 100% $32,055
Scott Milsten$32,055
 100% $32,055
        
        
(1)Represents 100% of annual cash incentive compensation target, pro-rated for the length of 2019T (which was 90 days).
The 2019T cash incentive payouts are reported under the heading “bonus” in the summary compensation table.
FY 2020 annual cash incentive compensation
Consistent with our pay-for-performance culture, the Compensation Committee based FY 2020 annual cash incentive compensation on predetermined Adjusted EBITDA goals for FY 2020, which were tied to the Company’s Board-approved budget for FY 2020. The Compensation Committee chose Adjusted EBITDA because it is a key measure the Company uses to understand and evaluate its operational performance and because the Compensation Committee believes Adjusted EBITDA is an important driver of the price of the Company’s common stock, which aligns executive compensation with maximization of stockholder value.
The FY 2020 annual cash incentive compensation pool was self-funded, meaning that the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA performance in FY 2020 needed to be sufficient to generate profit to pay the annual cash incentive payouts for FY 2020 and to generate profit for the Company and its stockholders.
The Adjusted EBITDA goals and the corresponding funding percentages for the FY 2020 annual cash incentive compensation pool were as follows:
Adjusted EBITDA goals for FY 2020 annual cash incentive compensation
adj. EBITDA (1)
funding percentage (2)

threshold$45.8 million80%
target$49.0 million100%
maximum$52.6 million200%
(1)
After funding of the annual cash incentive compensation pool. See Annex A for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.
(2)The funding percentages correspond, on a linear basis, to performance between threshold and target levels and performance between target and maximum levels.
The Compensation Committee deliberately set the Adjusted EBITDA threshold, target, and maximum goals for FY 2020 lower than actual Adjusted EBITDA result in 2018 to account for the Company’s substantial planned investments in FY 2020 against its strategic imperatives and the expectation that it would take time to realize the benefits of these investments in a soft and highly competitive mass color cosmetics category. Most significantly, in connection with the e.l.f. Cosmetics brand recharge, the Company planned to increase its marketing and digital investments to 12-14% of net sales in FY 2020 (up from approximately 7% of net sales in the prior year). The Adjusted EBITDA target goal was set at $49.0 million, above the high-end of the Company’s initial Adjusted EBITDA guidance for FY 2020 (which reflected the assumptions discussed above) of $45-48 million. The Compensation Committee believed that the selected Adjusted EBITDA goals were challenging and rigorous and were aligned with the Company’s growth objectives for FY 2020 as well as its long-term business plan.

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The Company achieved $62.6 million in Adjusted EBITDA in FY 2020, after funding of the annual cash incentive compensation pool. This Adjusted EBITDA performance was approximately 19% greater than the maximum performance goal for FY 2020 and, as such, resulted in an overall funding percentage of 200%. In addition, in connection with the additional cash incentive pool created following the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of 2019T performance as discussed above, the Compensation Committee awarded eligible employees an additional 100% of their actual 2019T cash incentive payouts (equal to 25% of annual cash incentive targets) based on FY 2020 Adjusted EBITDA performance, resulting in eligible employees receiving the equivalent of 200% of annual cash incentive targets for the entire 15-month 2019T and FY 2020 period.
The annual cash incentive payouts for FY 2020 for our named executive officers were as follows. All dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount.
FY 2020 annual cash incentive payouts—2019T additional pool
      
name 
target value (1)

 
actual payout
(% of target) (1)

 actual payout
Tarang Amin$117,124
 100% $117,124
Rich Baruch$32,055
 100% $32,055
Scott Milsten$32,055
 100% $32,055
        
        
(1)Represents the portion for which eligibility was tied to employment in 2019T as discussed above. Percentage is equivalent to 25% of the annual cash incentive target on a pro-rated basis (based on the length of 2019T (90 days)).
FY 2020 annual cash incentive payouts—FY 2020 pool
        
name 
target value
 
actual payout
(% of target)

 actual payout
Tarang Amin$475,000
 200% $950,000
Rich Baruch$130,000
 200% $260,000
Mandy Fields$175,000
 200% $350,000
Josh Franks$32,055
 200% $64,110
Scott Milsten$130,000
 200% $260,000
The sum of the annual cash incentive payouts for FY 2020 (including both the 2019T additional pool and the FY 2020 pool payouts) are reported under the heading “non-equity incentive plan comp.” in the summary compensation table.
The total sum of the amounts reported under the headings “bonus” and “non-equity incentive plan comp.” in the summary compensation table for 2019T and FY 2020 represent a payout of 200% of cash incentive targets for the entirety of 2019T and FY 2020, pro-rated as appropriate for each named executive officer for the length of employment during that period.
long-term incentive compensation
A core principal of our executive compensation program is that a significant percentage of compensation awarded to our executive officers be in the form of long-term incentive compensation. This compensation is dependent on the financial success of the Company and the sustained performance of our common stock over the long-term. This means that our executive officers are rewarded when they produce value for our stockholders. We have designed our long-term incentive compensation to motivate our executive officers to work toward objectives that we believe provide a meaningful return to our stockholders while also serving as an effective recruitment and retention tool.

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In determining the size of equity awards granted to any executive officer, the Compensation Committee considers a number of reference points, including:
performance of the Company, the executive officer’s contributions to that performance, as well as expectations for that executive officer’s future contributions to the Company’s performance;
the competitive market compensation levels for the executive officer’s position;
the relative mix of cash and equity, and in particular the fact that cash compensation paid to our executive officers is generally low compared to the competitive market; and
internal parity among our executive officers.
Similar to many companies, the targeted value of our new-hire equity awards (the initial equity awards granted to executive officers upon commencement of employment) tends to be larger than the targeted value of annual equity awards granted to our executive officers. These larger up-front equity awards are intended to serve as an inducement for an individual to accept the new offer of employment with the Company, to provide the individual with an immediate equity stake in the Company, and, if applicable, to compensate the individual for forfeited equity awards at his or her previous employer. Our new-hire equity awards for executive officers are comprised of both restricted stock and stock options, which provide value to our executive officers only if the Company’s stock price appreciates.
In order to enhance retention, the Company’s restricted stock and option awards typically vest over a four-year period, subject to continued service to the Company through each vesting date.
While the Company does not have a formal written policy with respect to timing of equity awards, the Company grants annual equity awards (restricted stock awards, performance-based awards, and option awards) in a consistent manner to our executive officers. Since 2018, the Company has consistently granted annual equity awards to our executive officers on the first of the month that immediately follows the release of our year-end financial results. The Compensation Committee has determined that this methodology is prudent in that it allows for the market to process all reported public information prior to establishing the value of annual equity awards for our executive officers. Going forward, the Company expects to continue this timing of annual equity awards to executive officers, with annual equity award grants for fiscal 2022 to occur on June 1, 2021.
annual equity award grant dates
year-end earnings release dategrant date
February 27, 2018March 1, 2018
February 26, 2019March 1, 2019
May 21, 2020June 1, 2020
2019T and FY 2020 equity awards
For the calendar 2019 equity award cycle (shown in the 2019T row in the summary compensation table), the Compensation Committee decided to incorporate performance-based restricted stock awards (“PSAs”) into Mr. Amin’s equity compensation to even more closely align his compensation with the Company’s strong pay-for-performance culture and focus on the delivery of substantial value to our stockholders.

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The Compensation Committee split Mr. Amin’s equity award (based on total number of restricted shares granted) into two tranches, with 50% in time-based restricted stock awards and 50% in PSAs, which vest 18 months after the achievement of certain stock price hurdles.
The Compensation Committee decided to use stock price hurdles as the performance metric for Mr. Amin’s 2019T PSAs given the challenges of setting long-term performance targets for operational or financial metrics in light of our relatively recent history as a public company and the growing and evolving nature of our business at that time. The Compensation Committee selected stock price hurdles that it believed to be challenging and which would reflect the delivery of significant value to our stockholders.
To ensure that the appreciation was sustained, the Compensation Committee required that the average closing stock price equal or exceed the applicable hurdle for a period of 20 consecutive trading days. Additionally, the Compensation Committee implemented an additional time-based vesting period of 18 months after the applicable stock price hurdle is achieved. During this 18-month vesting period, the value of the 2019T PSAs will continue to fluctuate with the stock price, providing further incentive to sustain stockholder value created upon the achievement of the relevant stock price hurdle.
Below is a summary of Mr. Amin’s 2019T PSAs:
Mr. Amin’s 2019T PSAs
      
number of PSAs
stock price hurdle (1)
stock price hurdle as a percentage of stock price on the grant date (2) 

time-based vesting period
80,710$12.00151%18 months after stock hurdle is met
80,710$15.00189%18 months after stock hurdle is met
80,710$18.00226%18 months after stock hurdle is met
      
      
(1)Met if the average closing price per share of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds the stock price hurdle for a period of 20 trading days.
(2)The closing price of our common stock on March 1, 2019 was $7.95 per share (as reported on the NYSE).
Due to dilution concerns and the Compensation Committee’s decision to substantially reduce the aggregate targeted value of the equity awards, the Compensation Committee decided to grant only restricted stock awards in 2019T to our executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer. No equity awards, other than new-hire equity awards for Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks, were granted to our named executive officers in FY 2020.
Below is a summary of the equity awards granted to our named executive officers in 2019T and FY 2020:
2019T and FY 2020 equity awards
       
nametype of awardshares 
grant date fair value (1)

 vesting terms
Tarang AminAnnual PSA80,710 $602,904
 $12 hurdle plus 18 months service-based vesting after hurdle is met
 Annual PSA80,710 $573,041
 $15 hurdle plus 18 months service-based vesting after hurdle is met
 Annual PSA80,710 $549,635
 $18 hurdle plus 18 months service-based vesting after hurdle is met
 Annual restricted stock242,130 $1,924,934
 Four-year service-based vesting
Rich BaruchAnnual restricted stock93,390 $742,451
 Four-year service-based vesting
Mandy FieldsNew-hire stock option83,760 $402,643
 Four-year service-based vesting
 New-hire restricted stock130,930 $1,599,965
 Four-year service-based vesting
Josh FranksNew-hire stock option58,800 $349,895
 Four-year service-based vesting
 New-hire restricted stock63,700 $1,000,090
 Four-year service-based vesting
Scott MilstenAnnual restricted stock138,360 $1,099,962
 Four-year service-based vesting

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Base SalaryxTarget Bonus Percentagex
Funding Percentage (1)
=Annual Bonus
         
         
(1)The funding percentage is set byRepresents the Compensation Committee based on whethergrant date fair value of the Company has achieved various thresholds relatedapplicable equity awards granted to the predetermined financial measuresnamed executive officer, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions, disregarding the effects of estimated forfeitures. For a discussion of the valuation of these equity awards, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 14 in the prior year.2020 Annual Report. These amounts do not reflect the amount the named executive officer has actually realized or will realize from the equity awards upon the vesting thereof or the sale of the shares underlying such equity awards.
The bonus targets and actual bonuses for 2018 for our named executive officers were as follows. The Company has not increased (and with respect to Mr. Bailey, who resigned effective March 31, 2019, did not increase) any of our named executive officers’ target bonus percentages since that named executive officer joined the Company.
name 
target bonus
(% of salary)

 target bonus
 actual bonus
Tarang P. Amin100% $475,000
 $
John P. Bailey75% $318,750
 $
Scott K. Milsten40% $130,000
 $
No named executive officer received an annual bonus for 2018 given the Company’s performance in 2018. For additional details seeregarding the “non-equity incentive plan compensation” column in the summary compensation table and under the heading “executive compensation—executive compensation tables—summary compensation table—annual bonuses.”
equity compensation
A core principal of our executive compensation program is that a significant percentage of compensation awarded to our named executive officers be variable. This type of compensation is dependent on the financial success of the Company, and the performance of our common stock. This means that our named executive officers are rewarded when they produce value for our stockholders. We have designed our equity-based compensation program to serve as an effective recruitment and retention tool while also motivating our named executive officers to work toward corporate objectives that we believe provide a meaningful return to our stockholders.
In determining the estimated size of equity awards to any named executive officer, the Compensation Committee considers a number of reference points, including the executive’s then-current total target direct compensation (i.e., the sum of salary, target bonuses, and the annualized value of equity awards), the relative targeted mix of cash and equity, and in particular the fact that cash compensation paid to our named executive officers is generally low compared to the competitive market for these positions, the compensation paid to such executive’s peers within the Company, and the compensation paid to executives in comparable positions at other companies within a group of peer companies selected by the Compensation Committee. The Company also considers the performance of the Company, the named executive officer’s contributions to that performance, as well as expectations for that named executive officer’s future contributions to the Company’s performance.
2018 equity compensation. For equity grants made to our named executive officers in 2018,during 2019T and FY 2020, see the “stock awards” and “option awards” columns in the summary compensation table and under the heading “executiveexecutive compensation—executive compensation tables—outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end.year-end.
2019 equity compensation. In early 2019, the Compensation Committee used time-based restricted stock awards and performance-based restricted stock awards (split 50/50 based on the total number of restricted stock awards granted) for Mr. Amin’s equity
other compensation for the 2019 grant cycle. The performance-based restricted stock awards vest in three equal portions on the date that is 18 months after the date that the average closing per share trading price of our common stock equals or exceeds the applicable share price target for a period of 20 trading days, subject to Mr. Amin continuing to provide services to the Company through the applicable vesting date. The share price targets are $12 (approximately 150% of our stock price on the grant date), $15 (approximately 188% of our stock price on the grant date), and $18 (approximately 226% of our stock price on the grant date). The performance-based restricted stock awards do not vest in a change of control unless the price per share in such change of control equals or exceeds the applicable share price target.information

employment agreements
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executive compensation


executive compensation tables
summary compensation table
name and principal position
yearsalary
stock
awards
(1)

option
awards
(1)

non-equity incentive plan compensation
all other compensation
 total
Tarang P. Amin2018$475,000
$5,247,021
$1,750,000
$
$20,000
(3) 
$7,492,021
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President2017$475,000
$7,155,544
$2,269,160
$403,750
$20,000
(3) 
$10,323,454
John P. Bailey (2)
2018$425,000
$4,047,781
$1,350,000
$
$5,500
(4) 
$5,828,281
Former President and Former Chief Financial Officer2017$425,000
$3,253,008
$1,032,308
$270,937
$654
(4) 
$4,981,907
Scott K. Milsten2018$325,000
$1,499,096
$500,000
$
$5,500
(4) 
$2,329,596
SVP, General Counsel, Corp. Sec. and Chief People Officer2017$325,000
$1,626,504
$514,556
$110,500
$4,000
(4) 
$2,580,560
   
           
(1)Represents the grant date fair value of stock options, RSUs, and shares of restricted stock granted to the named executive officer in the year indicated, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions, disregarding the effects of estimated forfeitures. The grant date fair value of stock options with a market condition is based on the probable outcome of such condition; no maximum value applies. For a discussion of the valuation of these awards, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 12 in the 2018 Annual Report. These amounts do not reflect the amount the named executive officer has actually realized or will realize from the awards upon the vesting of the granted stock options, RSUs, and shares of restricted stock or the sale of the shares underlying the granted stock options, RSUs, or shares of restricted stock.
(2)Mr. Bailey resigned as President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective March 31, 2019.
(3)Represents reimbursement of financial planning and tax preparation assistance made pursuant to Mr. Amin’s employment agreement.
(4)Represents amount of matching contributions made by the Company under its 401(k) plan.
The Summary Compensation Table and the information below should be reviewed in connection with the information under the heading “executive compensation—primary compensation components.”
annual bonuses.For 2018, the Compensation Committee decided to base annual bonuses to our named executive officers on the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA performance in 2018. The Compensation Committee decided to base the named executive officers’ annual bonuses on Adjusted EBITDA performance because it is a key measure the Company uses to understand and evaluate its operational performance, and because the Compensation Committee believes Adjusted EBITDA is important for driving the performance of the Company’s common stock price. In early 2019, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA for 2018 did not meet the threshold for funding of the Company’s bonus pool. As such, no named executive officer received an annual bonus for 2018.
equity compensation. For the actual number, and vesting schedule, of the equity grants made to our named executive officers during 2018, see under the heading “executive compensation—executive compensation tables—outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end.”
employment agreements. In early 2019, we and e.l.f. Cosmetics, Inc. (our operating subsidiary) and each named executive officer (other than Mr. Bailey who resigned effective March 31, 2019) amended and restated the named executive officer’s employment agreement because theagreements for Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Milsten. The term of each of the prior employment agreements forexpired on January 31, 2019.
We entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Fields upon her hiring and an employment agreement with Mr. Amin and Mr. Milsten expired in early 2019.Franks upon his hiring.
The employment agreements for our named executive officers set forth the terms and conditions of employment of each namedthat executive officer, including, among other things, base salary, bonus target annual cash incentive compensation opportunity, standard employee benefit plan participation, as well as non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants. Each employment agreement provides that the respective named executive officer is an “at-will” employee and may be terminated at any time for any reason, subject, in certain cases, to the payment of severance benefits.
severance. Each named executive officer’s employment agreement provides that if his employment is terminated by us for reasons other than death, disability or “cause” (as defined in each employment agreement), or at the election of the named executive officer for “good reason” (as defined in each employment agreement), then, in addition to any accrued but unpaid base salary and paid time off and such employee benefits, if any, to which the named executive officer or his

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dependents may be entitled under our employee benefitretirement plans or programs, and reimbursement for reasonable business expenses, each as would have been payable through the date of termination and any unpaid annual bonus earned for a previously completed fiscal year, he will be entitled to receive:
an amount equal to his base salary (except that Mr. Amin will be entitled to two times his base salary);
continued COBRA coverage for such named executive officer and his eligible dependents for a period of up to 18 months; and
a pro-rated bonus based on actual performance for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, provided that the named executive officer has been employed with us for at least six months of such fiscal year.
All such severance payments and benefits are contingent upon each named executive officer’s compliance with certain confidentiality and other provisions as set forth in his respective employment agreement, and the execution of a general release of claims against the Company.
change in control. For equity awards granted on or after our initial public offering in 2016 to our named executive officers other than Mr. Amin, in the event of a named executive officer’s termination of employment by reason of death or disability, by the Company without “cause” or by the named executive officer for “good reason”, in each case, within 12 months following a change in control, each equity award held by the named executive officer will vest in full. Under a policy adopted by the Compensation Committee in 2016, the equity awards granted to Mr. Amin under our 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee at the time the applicable equity award is granted, will vest in full immediately prior to a change in control, subject to his continuing to provide services to the Company through the date of the change in control.
retirement plans. We maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan for the benefit of our employees, including our named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Under the 401(k) plan, eligible employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation, within the limits prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, on a pre-tax or after-tax (i.e., Roth) basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. We also generally make matching contributions based on the percentage of each employee’s elective deferrals, subject to a pre-determined maximum. We believe that providing a vehicle for tax-deferred retirement savings through our 401(k) plan adds to the overall desirability of our executive compensation package. See the “all other compensation” column in the summary compensation table for information relating to 401(k) plan matching contributions made to our named executive officers in 2018.2019T and FY 2020.
employee benefits and perquisites.
All of our full-time employees including(including our named executive officers,officers) are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, including medical, dental and vision benefits, medical flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
In addition, pursuant to his employment agreement, we offer Mr. Amin reimbursement of up to $20,000 per year for expenses incurred by him in connection with financial planning and tax preparation assistance. Except as noted above with

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respect to Mr. Amin, we do not provide our named executive officers with perquisites or other personal benefits other than those which apply uniformly to all of our employees.
employee stock purchase plan. We have adopted, butpost-employment compensation
In hiring our current executive officers, we sought to develop compensation packages that could attract qualified candidates to fill our most critical positions, which required providing some protection in the event of an involuntary termination. In general, our executive officers’ employment agreements define employment as at-will and provide severance benefits upon various terminations. Any payments or benefits upon a termination are subject to a release of claims and restrictive covenants, and we do not yet implemented, an employee stock purchase plan, which is designedprovide Section 280G gross-up payments.
For a summary of the material terms and conditions of the severance and change in control arrangements in effect as of March 31, 2020 for our named executive officers, see under the heading “executive compensation tables—potential payments upon termination or change in control”.
anti-hedging/anti-pledging policy
Our Insider Trading Compliance Policy prohibits our employees, executive officers, and directors from engaging in the following transactions:
purchasing the Company’s securities on margin or holding the Company’s securities in a margin account;
pledging the Company’s securities as collateral to allow our eligible employeessecure loans;
engaging in transactions in puts, calls or other derivative securities involving the Company’s securities; or
entering into hedging or monetization transactions or similar arrangements (including short sales) with respect to purchase sharesthe Company’s securities.
accounting and tax deductibility treatment
The accounting impact of our common stock with accumulated payroll deductions.compensation programs and the tax deductibility of our compensation programs (including pursuant to section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”)) are each one of many factors that are considered in determining the size and structure of our programs as we strive to make our compensation programs reasonable and in the best interests of our stockholders. Special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and other “covered employees” as determined under Section 162(m) and applicable guidance. Under Section 162(m), any compensation over $1 million paid to any of the covered employees in any single year is not tax deductible by us. The Compensation Committee is mindful of the benefit to us of the full deductibility of compensation, but the Compensation Committee believes that it should not be constrained by the requirements of Section 162(m) where those requirements would impair flexibility in compensating our executive officers in a manner that can best promote our corporate objectives of attracting and retaining top tier executive talent.

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compensation committee report
The Compensation Committee is comprised of independent directors as required by the listing standards of the NYSE and the SEC rules. At the time of approval of this report, the members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Kirk Perry and Ms. Lauren Cooks Levitan. The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the compensation discussion and analysis contained in this proxy statement. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board that the compensation discussion and analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated into the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Kirk Perry, Chair
Lauren Cooks Levitan
The report of the Compensation Committee will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to otherwise be considered “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

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executive compensation tables
summary compensation table
The following table presents information regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to, our named executive officers during FY 2020, 2019T, 2018, and 2017. All dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount.
name and principal position
year
salary (1)

bonus (1) 

stock awards (2)

 
option awards (2)

 
non-equity incentive plan comp. (1)

all other comp.
 total
Tarang Amin
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President
2020$475,000


 
 $1,067,123
$20,000
(4) 
$1,562,123
2019T$109,615
$117,124
$3,650,514
(3) (5) 

 

 $3,877,253
2018$475,000

$5,247,021
 $1,750,000
 
$20,000
(4) 
$7,492,021
2017$475,000

$7,155,544
 $2,269,160
(6) 
$403,750
$20,000
(4) 
$10,323,454
Rich Baruch
SVP and Chief Commercial Officer
2020$325,000


 
 $292,055
$5,600
(7) 
$622,655
2019T$75,000
$32,055
$742,451
(3) 

 
$1,500
(7) 
$818,951
2018$325,000

$674,538
 $220,686
 
$2,000
(7) 
$1,254,279
2017$325,000

$1,299,056
 $132,096
(6) 
$110,500
$2,625
(7) 
$1,869,277
Mandy Fields
SVP and Chief Financial Officer
2020$323,077

$1,599,965
 $402,643
 $350,000
$5,923
(7) 
$2,681,608
Josh Franks
SVP, Operations
2020$71,250

$1,000,090
 $349,895
 $64,110
$1,250
(7) 
$1,486,595
Scott Milsten
SVP, General Counsel, and Chief People Officer
2020$325,000


 
 $292,055
$1,750
(7) 
$618,805
2019T$75,000
$32,055
$1,099,962
(3) 

 
$375
(7) 
$1,207,392
2018$325,000

$1,499,096
 $500,000
 
$5,500
(7) 
$2,329,596
2017$325,000

$1,626,504
 $514,556
(6) 
$110,500
$4,000
(7) 
$2,580,560
   
              
(1)Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks commenced employment with the Company in April 2019 and January 2020, respectively. Salary for Ms. Fields and Mr. Franks reflects the actual amount paid in FY 2020. Non-equity incentive plan compensation for Mr. Franks is pro-rated for the actual number of days Mr. Franks was employed in FY 2020. Non-equity incentive plan compensation for Ms. Fields was not pro-rated as she commenced employment with the Company in April 2020, the first month of FY 2020.
(2)Represents the grant date fair value of the applicable equity awards granted to the named executive officer in the year indicated, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions, disregarding the effects of estimated forfeitures. The grant date fair value of PSAs that vest based on a market condition is based the probable outcome of such condition based on a Monte Carlo simulation model; no maximum value applies. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability of meeting the stock price hurdles established for the PSAs, including a term of 10 years, a risk-free interest rate of 2.74%, and an expected volatility of our stock price of 53.0%. For a discussion of the valuation of these equity awards, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 14 in the 2020 Annual Report. These amounts do not reflect the amount the named executive officer has actually realized or will realize from the equity awards upon the vesting thereof or the sale of the shares underlying such equity awards
(3)In 2018, the Company changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31 (with FY 2020 running from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 (and 2019T running from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019)). Due to SEC rules regarding disclosure of executive compensation, we are required to list Mr. Amin’s, Mr. Baruch’s, and Mr. Milsten’s equity awards granted on March 1, 2019 as compensation for 2019T.
(4)Represents reimbursement of financial planning and tax preparation assistance made pursuant to Mr. Amin’s employment agreement.
(5)
50% of the restricted stock awards (based on total number of shares granted) are PSAs that vest in three equal portions on the date that is 18 months after the date that the average closing per share trading price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12, $15, and $18 for a period of 20 trading days, subject to Mr. Amin continuing to provide services to the Company through the applicable vesting date. See under the heading “executive compensation—executive compensation table—outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end” for additional details regarding the vesting of these equity awards.
(6)
The stock options vest and become exercisable in three equal tranches on the 30th consecutive trading day that the per share closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $29, $33, and $36, subject to the named executive officer continuing to provide services to the Company through the applicable vesting date. See under the heading “executive compensation—executive compensation table—outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end” for additional details regarding the vesting of these equity awards.
(7)Represents amount of matching contributions made by the Company under its 401(k) plan.

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grants of plan-based awards
The following table presents information regarding all plan-based awards granted to our named executive officers during 2019T and FY 2020. The equity awards shown in the following table are also reported under the heading “executive compensation—executive compensation tables—outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end”. Dollar amounts, except exercise prices, are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
  
estimated future payout under non-equity incentive plan awards (1)
 
estimated future payout under equity incentive plan awards (2)
all other stock awards: number of shares of stock or units
all other option awards: number of securities underlying options
exercise or base price of option awards
grant date fair value of stock and option awards (3)

namegrant datethreshold
target
maximum
 threshold (#)
target (#)
maximum (#)
Tarang Amin$473,698
$592,124
$1,067,123
 






 
3/1/2019 (4)



 
80,710




$602,904
 
3/1/2019 (5)



 
80,710




$573,041
 
3/1/2019 (6)



 
80,710




$549,635
 
3/1/2019 (7)



 


242,130


$1,924,934
Rich Baruch$129,644
$162,055
$292,055
 






 
3/1/2019 (7)



 


93,390


$742,451
Mandy Fields$140,000
$175,000
$350,000
 






 
4/22/2019 (7)



 



83,760
$12.22
$402,643
 
4/22/2019 (8)



 


130,930


$1,599,965
Josh Franks$25,644
$32,055
$64,110
 






 
1/2/2020 (7)



 



58,800
$15.70
$349,895
 
1/2/2020 (9)



 


63,700


$1,000,090
Scott Milsten$129,644
$162,055
$292,055
 






 
3/1/2019 (7)



 


138,360


$1,099,962
               
               
(1)
Amounts shown in these columns represent the range of possible cash payouts for each named executive officer with respect to annual cash incentive compensation for FY 2020, as determined by the Compensation Committee for FY 2020. For more information, see under the heading “executive compensation—compensation discussion and analysis—compensation program components—annual incentive compensation”. The threshold, target, and maximum for Mr. Franks is pro-rated for the actual number of days Mr. Franks was employed in FY 2020. The threshold, target, and maximum for Ms. Fields was not pro-rated as she commenced employment with the Company in April 2020, the first month of FY 2020.
(2)Represents PSAs granted to Mr. Amin in 2019T, which vest subject to the satisfaction of certain stock price hurdles. No threshold or maximum levels apply.
(3)Represents the grant date fair value of the applicable equity awards granted to the named executive officer in the year indicated, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for stock-based compensation transactions, disregarding the effects of estimated forfeitures. For a discussion of the valuation of these equity awards, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Note 14 in the 2020 Annual Report. These amounts do not reflect the amount the named executive officer has actually realized or will realize from the equity awards upon the vesting thereof or the sale of the shares underlying such equity awards
(4)The PSA vests 18 months after the date that the average closing per share trading price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12 for a period of 20 trading days, subject to continued service through such vesting date.
(5)The PSA vests 18 months after the date that the average closing per share trading price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $15 for a period of 20 trading days, subject to continued service through such vesting date.
(6)The PSA vests 18 months after the date that the average closing per share trading price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $18 for a period of 20 trading days, subject to continued service through such vesting date.
(7)The stock options and restricted stock awards, as applicable, vest in four substantially equal installments on the first four anniversaries of the date of the grant, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.
(8)The restricted stock award vests on the first four anniversaries of June 3, 2019, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.
(9)The restricted stock award vests on the first four anniversaries of March 1, 2020, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.

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outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end
The following table presents information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of DecemberMarch 31, 2018.2020. Dollar amounts, except exercise prices, are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
 option awards  stock awards  option awards stock awards
namenamegrant datenumber of securities underlying unexercised options exercisable (#)
number of securities underlying unexercised options unexercisable (#)
equity incentive plan awards:
number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#)

option exercise price
option
expiration
date

 number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#)
market value of shares or units that have not vested (1)

namegrant datenumber of securities underlying unexercised options exercisable
number of securities underlying unexercised options unexercisable
equity incentive plan awards:
number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options

option
exercise price

option
expiration
date

 number of shares or units of stock that have not vested
 
market value of shares or units that have not vested (1)

Tarang P. Amin1/31/2014476,888


$1.84
1/31/2024
 

Tarang AminTarang Amin1/31/2014476,888


$1.84
1/31/2024
 
 
9/21/2016 (2)
214,018
214,019

$17.00
9/21/2026
 73,280
$634,605
9/21/2016 (2)
321,027
107,010

$17.00
9/21/2026
 36,640
 $360,538
2/14/2017 (3)

 213,000
$26.84
2/14/2027
 

2/14/2017 (3)


213,000
$26.84
2/14/2027
 
 
2/14/2017 (2)





 199,950
$1,731,567
2/14/2017 (2)





 66,650
 $655,836
3/1/2018 (3)

252,200

$18.43
3/1/2028
 284,700
$2,465,502
3/1/2018 (2)
126,100
126,100

$18.43
3/1/2028
 142,350
 $1,400,724
John P. Bailey (4)
8/12/201538,130


$1.84
8/12/2025
 

3/1/2019 (2)





 181,597
 $1,786,914
3/1/2019 (4)





 242,130
 $2,382,559
Rich BaruchRich Baruch5/16/2014307,920


$1.84
5/16/2024
 
 
9/21/2016 (2)
97,281
97,282

$17.00
9/21/2026
 33,308
288,447
9/21/2016 (2)
58,369
19,457
 $17.00
9/21/2016
 6,661
 $65,544
2/14/2017 (3)


96,900
$26.84
2/14/2027
 

2/14/2017 (3)


38,700
$26.84
2/14/2027
 
 
2/14/2017 (2)





 90,900
$787,194
2/14/2017 (2)





 12,100
 $119,064
3/1/2018 (3)
 194,500

$18.43
3/1/2028
 219,630
$1,901,996
3/1/2018 (2)
16,200
16,200

$18.43
3/1/2028
 18,300
 $180,072
Scott K. Milsten1/31/201455,200


$1.84
1/31/2024
 

3/1/2019 (2)





 70,042
 $689,213
Mandy FieldsMandy Fields
4/22/2019 (2)

83,760

$12.22
4/22/2029
 
 
4/22/2019 (2)





 130,930
 $1,288,351
Josh FranksJosh Franks
1/2/2020 (2)

58,800

$15.70
1/2/2030
 
 
1/2/2020 (2)





 63,700
 $626,808
Scott MilstenScott Milsten1/31/201455,200


$1.84
1/31/2024
 
 
 8/12/2015209,939


$1.84
8/12/2025
 
 
8/12/2015209,939


$1.84
8/12/2025
 

 
9/21/2016 (2)
72,960
24,321

$17.00
9/21/2026
 8,327
 $81,938
9/21/2016 (2)
48,640
48,641

$17.00
9/21/2026
 16,654
$144,224
 
2/14/2017 (3)


48,300
$26.84
2/14/2027
 
 
 
2/14/2017 (3)


48,300
$26.84
2/14/2027
 

 
2/14/2017 (2)





 15,150
 $149,076
 
2/14/2017 (2)





 45,450
$393,597
 
3/1/2018 (2)
36,000
36,000

$18.43
3/1/2028
 40,670
 $400,193
 
3/1/2018 (3)

72,000

$18.43
3/1/2028
 81,340
$704,404
 
3/1/2019 (2)





 103,770
 $1,021,097
           
               
(1)Represents the market value of restricted stock and shares underlying RSUs as of December 31, 2018, based on the closing price of our common stock on that date of $8.66 per share (as reported on the NYSE).Represents the market value of restricted stock and shares underlying RSUs as of March 31, 2020, based on the closing price of our common stock on that date of $9.84 per share (as reported on the NYSE).
(2)The stock options, RSUs, and shares of restricted stock, as applicable, vest in four substantially equal installments on the first four anniversaries of the date of the grant, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.Except as otherwise indicated, the stock options, RSUs, and shares of restricted stock, as applicable, vest in four substantially equal installments on the first four anniversaries of the date of the grant, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date. Ms. Fields’ restricted stock award from April 22, 2019 vests on the first four anniversaries of June 3, 2019. Mr. Franks’ restricted stock award from January 2, 2020 vests on the first four anniversaries of March 1, 2020.
(3)The stock options vest and become exercisable in three equal tranches on the 30th consecutive trading day that the per share closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $29, $33, and $36, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date; provided that in the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan), if the per share consideration provided to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to such change in control equals or exceeds the applicable share price target for a tranche that has not previously or otherwise vested, then the stock options for that tranche vest in full immediately prior to such change in control, subject to continued service through the closing of the change in control.The stock options vest and become exercisable in three equal tranches on the 30th consecutive trading day that the per share closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $29, $33, and $36, subject to the named executive officer continuing to provide services to the Company through the applicable vesting date; provided that in the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan), if the per share consideration provided to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to such change in control equals or exceeds the applicable share price target for a tranche that has not previously or otherwise vested, then the stock options for that tranche vest in full immediately prior to such change in control, subject to continued service through the closing of the change in control.
(4)Mr. Bailey resigned as President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective March 31, 2019. All of Mr. Bailey’s unvested equity awards as of March 31, 2019 were canceled as of that date. Mr. Bailey has three months from March 31, 2019 to exercise any vested stock options.The PSAs vest in three equal portions on the date that is 18 months after the date that the average closing per share trading price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12, $15, and $18 for a period of 20 trading days, subject to Mr. Amin continuing to provide services to the Company through the applicable vesting date; provided that in the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan), if the per share consideration provided to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to such change in control equals or exceeds the applicable share price target for a tranche that has not previously or otherwise vested or if the applicable share price target for a tranche has already been achieved, then the PSAs for that tranche vest in full immediately prior to such change in control, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin through the closing of the change in control. The $12 stock price trigger was achieved on May 1, 2019 and the associated tranche will vest on November 1, 2020, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin through such date. The $15 stock price trigger was achieved on July 19, 2019 and the associated tranche will vest on January 19, 2021, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin through such date. The $18 stock price trigger was achieved on February 25, 2020 and the associated tranche will vest on August 25, 2021, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin through such date.

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stock option exercises and stock vested
The following table presents information regarding stock options that were exercised and RSUs and restricted stock that vested with respect to our named executive officers during 2019T and FY 2020. Dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
  option awards stock awards
nameyearnumber of shares acquired on exercise
 
value realized on exercise (1)

 number of shares acquired on vesting
 
value realized on vesting (2)

Tarang Amin2020
 
 234,998
 $4,065,093
 2019T
 
 137,825
 $1,194,351
Rich Baruch202015,000
 $240,510
 51,260
 $875,227
 2019T
 
 21,250
 $186,846
Mandy Fields (3)
2020
 
 
 
Josh Franks (3)
2020
 
 
 
Scott Milsten2020
 
 78,402
 $1,322,787
   2019T
 
 34,485
 $304,528
           
           
(1)The value realized equals the difference between the fair market value of the common stock underlying the stock options on the exercise date and the exercise price of the underlying options multiplied by the number of stock options exercised.
(2)The value realized equals the fair market value of the common stock underlying the RSUs or restricted stock on the vesting date multiplied by the number of RSUs or restricted stock, as applicable, that vested.
(3)Not employed with the Company in 2019T.
pension benefits
We do not have any defined benefit pension plans for our executive officers.
non-qualified deferred compensation
We do not offer any non-qualified deferred compensation plans for our executive officers.
potential payments upon termination or change in control
non-change in control
Each named executive officer’s employment agreement provides that if his or her employment is terminated (i) by the Company for reasons other than death, disability or “cause” (as defined in each employment agreement), or (ii) by the named executive officer for “good reason” (as defined in each employment agreement) (a “qualifying non-change in control termination”), then, in addition to any accrued but unpaid base salary and paid time off and such employee benefits, if any, to which the named executive officer or his or her eligible dependents may be entitled under our employee benefit plans or programs, and reimbursement for reasonable business expenses, each as would have been payable through the date of termination and any unpaid annual cash incentive earned for a previously completed fiscal year, he or she will be entitled to receive:
an amount equal to his or her base salary (except that Mr. Amin will be entitled to two times his base salary), payable in installments;

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continued COBRA coverage for the named executive officer and his or her eligible dependents for a period of up to 12 months (except that Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Milsten will be entitled to 18 months); and
pro-rated annual cash incentive payout based on actual performance for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, provided that the named executive officer has been employed with the Company for at least six months of such fiscal year.
In addition, in the event the named executive officer’s employment is terminated due to death or disability, he or she will be eligible to receive a pro-rated annual cash incentive payout based on actual performance for the fiscal year in which termination occurs.
All such severance payments and benefits are contingent upon each named executive officer’s compliance with certain confidentiality and other provisions as set forth in his or her respective employment agreement, and the execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Company.
change in control
Pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan, in the event that the successor corporation (or its parents and subsidiaries) in a change in control (as defined in the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan) refuses to assume or substitute for any equity awards granted under the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan (except for performance awards which vest in accordance with their terms), those equity awards will vest in full immediately prior to the change in control.
Under a resolution adopted by the Compensation Committee in 2016, the equity awards granted to Mr. Amin under our 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee at the time the applicable equity award is granted, will vest in full immediately prior to a change in control, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin through the closing of the change in control.
With respect to the stock option awards granted to Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, and Mr. Milsten on February 14, 2017, in the event of a change in control, if the per share consideration provided to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to that change in control equals or exceeds the applicable share price target ($29, $33, or $36) for a tranche that has not previously or otherwise vested, then that tranche vests in full immediately prior to that change in control, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin, Mr. Baruch, or Mr. Milsten, as applicable, through the closing of that change in control.
With respect to the PSAs granted to Mr. Amin on March 1, 2019, in the event of a change in control, if the per share consideration provided to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to such change in control equals or exceeds the applicable share price target ($12, $15, or $18) for a tranche that has not previously or otherwise vested or if the applicable share price target for a tranche has already been achieved, then that tranche vests in full immediately prior to such change in control, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin through the closing of the change in control. The $12 stock price hurdle was achieved on May 1, 2019, the $15 stock price hurdle was achieved on July 19, 2019 and the $18 stock price hurdle was achieved on February 25, 2020. As such, these PSAs will vest in full immediately prior to a change in control, subject to continued service by Mr. Amin through the closing of that change in control.

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termination in connection with a change in control
In the event of a named executive officer’s termination of employment by the Company without “cause” or by the named executive officer for “good reason”, in each case, within 12 months following a change in control (a “qualifying change in control termination”), each equity award granted on or after our initial public offering in 2016 held by the named executive officer will vest in full and the named executive officer will also be entitled to the benefits described under the heading “executive compensation tables—potential payments upon termination or change in control—non-change in control”.
estimated potential payments upon termination or change in control
The following table sets forth estimates of the benefits that our named executive officers would have received in the event of various termination and change in control events (assuming the termination and the change in control, as applicable, occurred on March 31, 2020). Dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
namecontinued base salary
 pro-rated annual cash incentive
 
continued benefits (1)

 
equity acceleration (2)

 total
Tarang Amin        

 qualifying non-change in control termination$950,000
 $1,067,123
 $49,216
 
 $2,066,339
 termination due to death or disability
 $1,067,123
 
 
 $1,067,123
 change in control with equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 $6,586,571
 $6,586,571
 change in control without equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 $6,586,571
 $6,586,571
 qualifying change in control termination$950,000
 $1,067,123
 $49,216
 $6,586,571
 $8,652,910
Rich Baruch        

 qualifying non-change in control termination$325,000
 $292,055
 $15,824
 
 $632,879
 termination due to death or disability
 $292,055
 
 
 $292,055
 change in control with equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 
 
 change in control without equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 $988,349
 $988,349
 qualifying change in control termination$325,000
 $292,055
 $15,824
 $988,349
 $1,621,228
Mandy Fields        

 qualifying non-change in control termination$350,000
 $350,000
 $377
 
 $700,377
 termination due to death or disability
 $350,000
 
 
 $350,000
 change in control with equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 
 
 change in control without equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 $1,288,351
 $1,288,351
 qualifying change in control termination$350,000
 $350,000
 $377
 $1,288,351
 $1,988,728
Josh Franks        

 qualifying non-change in control termination$325,000
 $64,110
 $21,216
 
 $410,326
 termination due to death or disability
 $64,110
 
 
 $64,110
 change in control with equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 
 
 change in control without equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 $626,808
 $626,808
 qualifying change in control termination$325,000
 $64,110
 $21,216
 $626,808
 $1,037,134
Scott Milsten        

 qualifying non-change in control termination$325,000
 $292,055
 $49,216
 
 $666,271
 termination due to death or disability
 $292,055
 
 
 $292,055
 change in control with equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 
 
 change in control without equity assumption or substitution
 
 
 $1,652,303
 $1,652,303
 qualifying change in control termination$325,000
 $292,055
 $49,216
 $1,652,303
 $2,318,574
            
            
(1)Assumes that the named executive officer elected to receive COBRA premiums for himself or herself and his or her eligible dependents for the applicable post-termination period. Ms. Fields is only enrolled in our dental and vision health insurance plans and not currently enrolled in our medical health insurance plan.

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(2)Represents (i) for accelerated RSUs and restricted stock awards, the market value of restricted stock and shares underlying RSUs as of March 31, 2020, based on the closing price of our common stock on that date of $9.84 per share (as reported on the NYSE) and (ii) for accelerated stock options, the positive spread, if any, between the closing price of our common stock on March 31, 2020 of $9.84 per share (as reported on the NYSE) and the applicable stock option exercise price. These amounts do not reflect the amount the named executive officer has actually realized or will realize from the equity awards upon the vesting thereof or the sale of the shares underlying such equity awards.
compensation committee interlocks and insider participation
The individuals who served as members of the Compensation Committee during 2018 were2019T and FY 2020 were:
from January 1, 2019 to January 10, 2019, Mr. McGlashan and Mr. Wolford, eachWolford;
from January 10, 2019 to March 13, 2019, Mr. McGlashan (who resigned from our Board on March 13, 2019) and Mr. Perry;
from March 14, 2019 to December 3, 2019, Mr. Ellis (who resigned from our Board on December 3, 2019) and Mr. Perry; and
from December 3, 2019 to March 31, 2020, Mr. Perry and Ms. Cooks Levitan.
Each member of whomthe Compensation Committee was determined by our Board to be independent under the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE relating to compensation committee independence. During 2018,2019T and FY 2020, none of our executive officers served on the compensation committee (or its equivalent) or on the board of directors of another entity where one of our Compensation Committee members was an executive officer.


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equity compensation plan information
The following table provides certain information, as of DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020, with respect to all of the Company’s equity compensation plans in effect as of DecemberMarch 31, 20182020 (which consist of the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan, and the 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan). No warrants are outstanding under any of the foregoing plans. All of our equity compensation plans that were in effect as of DecemberMarch 31, 20182020 were adopted with the approval of our stockholders.
plan categoryplan categorynumber of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)
weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) (1)

number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (c) (2)

plan categorynumber of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)
weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) (1)

number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (c) (2)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders (3)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders (3)
5,380,056 (4)

$11.52
6,432,118 (5)

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders (3)
5,564,253
(3) 
$11.16
9,966,635
(4) (5) 
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by StockholdersEquity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders


Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders
 

 
TOTALTOTAL
5,380,056 (4)

$11.52
6,432,118 (5)

TOTAL5,564,253
(3) 
$11.16
9,966,635
(4) (5) 
            
          
(1)The calculation of the weighted-average exercise price of the outstanding stock options and rights excludes the shares of common stock included in column (a) that are issuable upon the vesting of then-outstanding RSUs because RSUs have no exercise price.The calculation of the weighted-average exercise price of the outstanding stock options and rights excludes the shares of common stock included in column (a) that are issuable upon the vesting of then-outstanding RSUs and restricted stock awards because RSUs and restricted stock have no exercise price.
(2)Excludes securities reflected in column (a).Excludes securities reflected in column (a).
(3)The 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan contains an “evergreen” provision, pursuant to which the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under such plan shall be increased on the first day of each year beginning in 2017 and ending in 2026, equal to the lesser of (i) 4% of the shares of stock outstanding (on an as converted basis) on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (ii) such smaller number of shares of stock as determined by our Board; provided, however, that no more than 22,627,878 shares of stock may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options. The 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan contains an “evergreen” provision, pursuant to which the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under such plan shall be increased on the first day of each year beginning in 2017 and ending in 2026, equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of the shares of stock outstanding (on an as converted basis) on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (ii) such smaller number of shares of stock as determined by our Board; provided, however, no more than 6,788,363 shares of stock may be issued under the 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, subject to certain adjustments.Consists of (i) 3,252,485 shares of common stock underlying outstanding options, (ii) 1,124,979 shares of common stock underlying outstanding RSUs, and (iii) 1,128,789 shares of restricted stock awards.
(4)Consists of 4,229,452 shares of common stock underlying outstanding options and 1,150,604 shares of common stock underlying outstanding RSUs.The 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan contains an “evergreen” provision, pursuant to which the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under such plan shall be increased on the first day of each calendar year beginning in 2017 and ending in 2026, equal to the lesser of (i) 4% of the shares of stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year (starting in calendar year 2021, this reduces to 2% of the shares of stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year) and (ii) such smaller number of shares of common stock as determined by our Board; provided, however, that no more than 22,627,878 shares of common stock may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options. The 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan contains an “evergreen” provision, pursuant to which the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under such plan shall be increased on the first day of each calendar year beginning in 2017 and ending in 2026, equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of the shares of common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (ii) such smaller number of shares of common stock as determined by our Board; provided, however, no more than 6,788,363 shares of common stock may be issued under the 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, subject to certain adjustments.
(5)Includes 1,824,054 shares that were available for future issuance as of December 31, 2018 under the 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which allows eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock with accumulated payroll deductions. The 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, however, has not been implemented.Includes 2,322,861 shares that were available for future issuance as of March 31, 2020 under the 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which allows eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock with accumulated payroll deductions. The 2016 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, however, has not been implemented.


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our stockholders
beneficial ownership of common stock
The following table shows certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock as of March 25, 2019June 30, 2020 (except as otherwise noted below) by: (i) each nominee for director; (ii) each of our continuing directors; (iii) each of our named executive officers; (iv) all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and (v) all those known by us to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of our common stock.
Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC and generally means that (i) shares subject to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the measurement date (regardless of exercise price) and (ii) shares subject to RSUs vesting within 60 days of the measurement date are, in each case, deemed to be outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the stockholder holding those stock options or RSUs but not for any other stockholder.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o e.l.f. Beauty, Inc., 570 10th Street, Oakland, CA 94607.
name of beneficial holder
total beneficial
ownership (#)

total beneficial
ownership (%) (1)

greater than 5% stockholder:  
Parties to the Stockholders Agreement (2)
23,368,620
46.9%
TPG Growth II Advisors, Inc. (3) (4)
13,510,828
27.1%
Tarang P. Amin (5)
6,483,219
12.8%
Marathon Partners Equity Management, LLC (6)
4,160,200
8.3%
FMR LLC (7)
3,928,600
7.9%
Champlain Investment Partners, LLC (8)
3,425,575
6.9%
J.A. Cosmetics Corp. (9)
2,849,221
5.7%
named executive officers and directors:  
Tarang P. Amin (5)
6,483,219
12.8%
John P. Bailey (10) (11)
404,536
*
Scott K. Milsten (12)
809,199
1.6%
Stephen A. Ellis (13)

*
Lauren Cooks Levitan (14)
52,367
*
Richelle P. Parham (15)
8,401
*
Kirk L. Perry (16)
28,895
*
Beth M. Pritchard (17)
10,791
*
Sabrina L. Simmons (18)
48,778
*
Maureen C. Watson (19)
47,955
*
Richard G. Wolford (20)
52,549
*
executive officers and directors as a group (14) (21):
8,844,411
17.1%
   
     
*Represents ownership of less than 1% of the total outstanding shares of common stock.
(1)Based on 49,870,772 shares of common stock outstanding as of the date indicated above.
name of beneficial holder
total beneficial
ownership (#)

total beneficial
ownership (%) (1)

greater than 5% stockholder:  
Tarang Amin (2)
5,888,846
11.5%
TPG Growth II Advisors, Inc. (3)
3,676,418
7.3%
Champlain Investment Partners, LLC (4)
3,644,615
7.2%
The Vanguard Group, Inc. (5)
3,082,137
6.1%
Marathon Partners Equity Management, LLC (6)
2,595,200
5.1%
named executive officers and directors:  
Tarang Amin (2)
5,888,846
11.5%
Rich Baruch (7)
541,100
1.1%
Mandy Fields (8)
183,520
*
Josh Franks (9)
75,780
*
Scott Milsten (10)
653,010
1.3%
Lori Keith
*
Lauren Cooks Levitan (11)
66,770
*
Richelle Parham (12)
22,804
*
Kirk Perry (13)
54,313
*
Beth Pritchard (14)
25,194
*
Sabrina Simmons (15)
57,981
*
Maureen Watson (16)
57,080
*
Richard Wolford (17)
71,273
*
executive officers and directors as a group (14) (18)
7,868,532
15.0%
   
     
*Represents ownership of less than 1% of the total outstanding shares of common stock.
(1)Based on 50,439,340 shares of common stock outstanding as of the date indicated above.
(2)Consists of (i) 799,166 shares of common stock (including restricted stock awards) held by Mr. Amin, (ii) 924,015 stock options held by Mr. Amin that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, (iii) 0 RSUs held by Mr. Amin that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iv) 4,165,665 shares of common stock held by various family trusts for which Mr. Amin and his wife serve as co-trustees and over which they each have sole investment and voting power. The figure above does not include PSAs granted on June 1, 2020 that vest based upon performance metrics, which will be reported in connection with achievement.

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(2)(3)Pursuant toBased on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Stockholders Agreement, (i) the parties to the Stockholders Agreements have agreed to certain restrictionsSEC on private transfers of their shares of common stock, and (ii) certain affiliates of our founders (including J.A. Cosmetics Corp.) have agreed to vote their shares of common stock in favor of the nominees designated to serve on our BoardFebruary 13, 2020 by TPG elf Holdings, L.P. (the direct holder of TPG Growth’s shares of common stock)Growth II Advisors, Inc. (“TPG elf Holdings”Growth”). In addition, pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement (i) certain affiliates of our founders (including J.A. Cosmetics Corp.) have granted an irrevocable proxy in respect of all of their shares of common stock to TPG elf Holdings and (ii) Mr. Amin and his family trusts have granted an irrevocable proxy in respect of certain of their shares of common stock to TPG elf Holdings, in each case to vote such shares subject to the irrevocable proxy in connection with matters relating to the composition of our Board and the right of TPG elf Holdings to nominate members to our Board; provided that such proxy terminates when TPG elf Holdings no longer has the right to designate at least one nominee for our Board and, with respect to Mr. Amin and his family trusts, when Mr. Amin is no longer an executive officer, director, or holder of more than 10% of any class of our equity securities.
(3)TPG Growth is the beneficial owner of 13,510,8283,676,418 shares of common stock, has sole voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 13,510,8283,676,418 shares of common stock, has sole dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock and has shared dispositive power over 13,510,8283,676,418 shares of common stock. Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2018 by TPG Growth, David Bonderman, and James G. Coulter, Mr. Bonderman and Mr. Coulter, as the sole shareholders of TPG Growth, may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of common stock beneficially owned by TPG Growth (but Mr. Bonderman and Mr. Coulter disclaim any such beneficial ownership except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein). The shares of common stock beneficially owned by TPG Growth, Mr. Bonderman, and Mr. Coulter are held directly by TPG elf Holdings, L.P. (of which TPG Growth is the general partner). TPG Growth’s, Mr. Bonderman’s, and Mr. Coulter’s address is c/o TPG Global, LLC, 301 Commerce Street, Suite 3300, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
(4)In addition toBased on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2020 by Champlain Investment Partners, LLC (“Champlain”). Champlain is the beneficial owner of 3,644,615 shares of common stock, beneficially ownedhas sole voting power over 2,678,360 shares of common stock, has shared voting power of 0 shares of common stock, has sole dispositive power over 3,644,615 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock. Champlain’s address is 180 Battery St., Burlington, Vermont 05401.
(5)Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2020 by TPG Growth as indicated in footnote (3), as a result of the voting obligations and irrevocable proxy set forth in the Stockholders Agreement, TPG elf Holdings (and TPG Growth, Mr. Bonderman, and Mr. Coulter) may be deemed to beThe Vanguard Group, Inc. (“Vanguard”). Vanguard is the beneficial owner of the3,082,137 shares of common stock, held by certain other parties to the Stockholders Agreement. Those additionalhas sole voting power over 28,883 shares of common stock, are not reflected in TPG Growth’s beneficial ownership in the table above. In the Schedule 13G/A noted in footnote (3), TPG Growth, Mr. Bonderman, and Mr. Coulter disclaim beneficial ownershiphas shared voting power of the shares held by the stockholders that are parties to the Stockholders Agreement.
(5)Consists of (i) 1,770,6701,800 shares of common stock, held by Mr. Amin, (ii) 722,785 stock options held by Mr. Amin that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, (iii) 0 RSUs held by Mr. Amin that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iv) 3,958,593has sole dispositive power over 3,054,483 shares of common stock, held by various family trusts for which Mr. Amin and his wife serve as co-trustees andhas shared dispositive power over which they each have sole investment and voting power.27,654 shares of common stock. Vanguard’s address is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355.
(6)Based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on January 28, 2019June 1, 2020 by Marathon Partners L.P. (“Partners Fund”), Marathon Focus Fund L.P. (“Focus Fund”), Marathon Partners LUX Fund, L.P. (“Lux Fund”), Cibelli Research & Management, LLC (“Cibelli Research”), Marathon Partners Equity Management, LLC (“Marathon Partners”), and Mario D. Cibelli (collectively with Partners Fund, Focus Fund, Lux Fund, Cibelli Research and Marathon Partners, “Marathon”). Partners Fund is the beneficial owner of 2,950,0001,250,000 shares of common stock (which includes 100,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 2,950,0001,250,000 shares of common stock (which includes 100,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 2,950,0001,250,000 shares of common stock.stock (which includes 100,000 shares underlying certain call options). Focus Fund is the beneficial owner of 400,000160,000 shares of common stock (which includes 10,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 400,000160,000 shares of common stock (which includes 10,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 400,000160,000 shares of common stock.stock (which includes 10,000 shares underlying certain call options). Lux Fund is the beneficial owner of 800,0001,175,000 shares of common stock (which includes 125,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 800,0001,175,000 shares of common stock (which includes 125,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 800,0001,175,000 shares of common stock. Lux Fund has purchased in the over the counter market put options referencing an aggregate of 133,400 Shares, which have an exercise price of $7.50 and expired on February 15, 2019.stock (which includes 125,000 shares underlying certain call options). Cibelli Research is the beneficial owner of 1,200,0001,335,000 shares of common stock (which includes 135,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 1,200,0001,335,000 shares of common stock (which includes 135,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 1,200,0001,335,000 shares of common stock.stock (which includes 135,000 shares underlying certain call options). Marathon Partners is the beneficial owner of 4,150,0002,585,000 shares of common stock (which includes 235,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 4,150,0002,585,000 shares of common stock (which includes 235,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 4,150,0002,585,000 shares of common stock.stock (which includes 235,000 shares underlying certain call options). Mr. Cibelli is the beneficial owner of 4,160,2002,595,200 shares of common stock (which includes 235,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole voting power over 10,200 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 4,150,0002,585,000 shares of common stock (which includes 235,000 shares underlying certain call options), has sole dispositive power over 10,200 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 4,150,0002,585,000 shares of common stock.stock (which includes 235,000 shares underlying certain call options). Cibelli Research, as the general partner of each of Focus Fund and Lux Fund, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock owned by each of Focus Fund and Lux Fund. Marathon Partners, as the investment manager of each of Partners Fund, Focus Fund and Lux Fund and the general partner of Partners Fund, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock owned by each of Partners Fund, Focus Fund and Lux Fund. Mr. Cibelli, as the managing member of each of Cibelli Research and Marathon Partners, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock owned by each of Partners Fund, Focus Fund and Lux Fund. Each of Partners Fund, Focus Fund, LUX Fund, Cibelli Research, Marathon Partners, and Mr. Cibelli disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein. Each of Partners Fund’s, Focus Fund’s, Lux Fund’s, Cibelli Research’s, Marathon Partners’, and Mr. Cibelli’s address is One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 2306, New York, New York 10165.
(7)Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2019 by FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson. FMR LLC is the beneficial ownerConsists of 3,928,600(i) 179,611 shares of common stock has sole voting power over 687,142 shares of common(including restricted stock has shared voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has sole dispositive power over 3,928,600 shares of common stock and has shared dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock. Ms. Johnson and members of her family, through ownership of voting common shares of FMR LLC and the execution of the shareholders’ voting agreement, may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of common stock beneficially owned by FMR LLC. Neither FMR LLC nor Ms. Johnson has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by the various investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act (“Fidelity Funds”) advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company (“FMR Co”), a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR LLC, which power resides with the Fidelity Funds' Boards of Trustees. FMR Co carries out the voting of the shares under written guidelines established by the Fidelity Funds' Boards of Trustees. FMR LLC’s and Ms. Johnson’s address is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
(8)Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2019 by Champlain Investment Partners, LLC (“Champlain”). Champlain is the beneficial owner of 3,425,575 shares of common stock, has sole voting power over 2,345,490 shares of common stock, has shared voting power of 0 shares of common stock, has sole dispositive power over 2,749,980 shares of common stock, and has shared dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock. Champlain’s address is 180 Battery St., Burlington, Vermont 05401.

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(9)Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2019 by J.A. Cosmetics Corp. J.A. Cosmetics Corp. is the beneficial owner of 2,849,221 shares of common stock, has sole voting power over 2,849,221 shares of common stock, has shared voting power over 0 shares of common stock, has sole dispositive power over 2,849,221 shares of common stock and has shared dispositive power over 0 shares of common stock. Joseph A. Shamah, Alan Shamah and Frank Pisani share voting, investment and dispositive power over the shares held by J.A. Cosmetics Corp., and as a result, each may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares held of record by J.A. Cosmetics Corp. (but each such individual disclaims any such beneficial ownership). J.A. Cosmetics Corp.’s address is 1393 East 7th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11230.
(10)Consists (i) 258,630 shares of common stockawards) held by Mr. Bailey,Baruch, (ii) 145,906361,489 stock options held by Mr. BaileyBaruch that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above and (iii) 0 RSUs held by Mr. BaileyBaruch that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above. The figure above does not include PSAs granted on June 1, 2020 that vest based upon performance metrics, which will be reported upon achievement.
(11)Mr. Bailey resigned as President and Chief Financial Officer, effective March 31, 2019.
(12)(8)Consists of (i) 303,021162,580 shares of common stock (including restricted stock awards) held by Ms. Fields, (ii) 20,940 stock options held by Ms. Fields that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above and (iii) 0 RSUs held by Ms. Fields that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above. The figure above does not include PSAs granted on June 1, 2020 that vest based upon performance metrics, which will be reported in connection with achievement.
(9)Consists of (i) 75,780 shares of common stock (including restricted stock awards) held by Mr. Franks, (ii) 0 stock options held by Mr. Franks that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above and (iii) 0 RSUs held by Mr. Franks that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above. The figure above does not include PSAs granted on June 1, 2020 that vest based upon performance metrics, which will be reported in connection with achievement.
(10)Consists of (i) 226,548 shares of common stock (including restricted stock awards) held by Mr. Milsten, (ii) 331,779374,099 stock options held by Mr. Milsten that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, (iii) 0 RSUs held by Mr. Milsten that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iv) 174,39952,363 shares of common stock held by the Milsten/Conner Trust dated October 17, 2008 for which Mr. Milsten and his wife serve as co-trustees and over which they each have sole investment and voting power. The figure above does not include PSAs granted on June 1, 2020 that vest based upon performance metrics, which will be reported in connection with achievement.
(13)Mr. Ellis was appointed to our Board on March 14, 2019. Mr. Ellis is a partner at TPG Growth. Mr. Ellis has no voting or investment power over, and disclaims beneficial ownership of, the shares held by TPG Growth. The address of Mr. Ellis is c/o TPG Global, LLC, 301 Commerce Street, Suite 3300, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
(14)(11)Consists of (i) 7,86717,867 shares of common stock held by Ms. Cooks Levitan, (ii) 34,500 stock options held by Ms. Cooks Levitan that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above (20,700(6,900 of the stock options are unvested but permit early exercise), and (iii) 10,00014,403 RSUs held by Ms. Cooks Levitan that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above.

(15)
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(12)Consists of (i) 1,2408,401 shares of common stock held by Ms. Parham, (ii) 0 stock options held by Ms. Parham that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iii) 7,16114,403 RSUs held by Ms. Parham that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above.
(16)(13)Consists of (i) 5,63315,095 shares of common stock held by Mr. Perry, (ii) 13,80020,700 stock options held by Mr. Perry that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iii) 9,46218,518 RSUs held by Mr. Perry that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above.
(17)(14)Consists of (i) 3,63010,791 shares of common stock held by Ms. Pritchard, (ii) 0 stock options held by Ms. Pritchard that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iii) 7,16114,403 RSUs held by Ms. Pritchard that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above.
(18)(15)Consists of (i) 4,0489,078 shares of common stock held by Ms. Simmons, (ii) 34,500 stock options held by Ms. Simmons that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above (13,800(6,900 of the stock options are unvested but permit early exercise), and (iii) 10,23014,403 RSUs held by Ms. Simmons that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above.
(19)(16)Consists of (i) 3,6864,227 shares of common stock held by Ms. Watson, (ii) 34,500 stock options held by Ms. Watson that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iii) 9,76918,353 RSUs held by Ms. Watson that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above.
(20)(17)Consists of (i) 7,94718,049 shares of common stock held by Mr. Wolford, (ii) 34,500 stock options held by Mr. Wolford that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iii) 10,10218,724 RSUs held by Mr. Wolford that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above.
(21)(18)Consists of (i) 6,933,0295,894,501 shares of common stock (including restricted stock awards held by our executive officers), (ii) 1,847,4971,860,824 stock options that are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, and (iii) 63,885113,207 RSUs that will vest within 60 days of the date indicated above. The figure above does not include PSAs granted on June 1, 2020 to our executive officers that vest based upon performance metrics, which will be reported upon achievement.
chief executive officer stock purchases
In August 2018,stockholder engagement
The Company is committed to acting in the best interests of its stockholders, and views ongoing dialogue with stockholders as evidencea critical component of his commitmentthe Company’s corporate governance program. Members of management and our Board actively engage with the Company’s stockholders through in-person and telephonic meetings throughout the year in order to fully understand their viewpoints concerning the Company, to garner feedback on areas for improvement, and to help our stockholders better understand our performance and long-term strategic plan.
Management provides our Board with regular updates regarding its stockholder outreach efforts as well as feedback received from stockholders, which helps to influence our policies and practices. We believe our regular engagement with stockholders fosters an open exchange of ideas and perspectives for both the Company and its long-term growth objectives, Mr. Amin (through his family trusts) purchased 65,600 sharesstockholders.
During FY 2020, the Company actively engaged with stockholders representing more than 50% of ourthe Company’s outstanding common stock on the open market. After taking into account these purchases and Mr. Amin’s restricted stock award grants in early 2019, asorder to understand their viewpoints concerning a number of March 25, 2019, Mr. Amin (individually and through his family trusts) has purchased (including through the exercise of stock options) over 80%of the shares Mr. Amin and his family trusts hold.*
______
* Mr. Amin’s and his family trust’s holdings, for purposes of this calculation, do not include Mr. Amin’s vested but unexercised stock options as of March 25, 2019.
section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) requires our directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10 percent of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock with the SEC. These persons and entities are also required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To our knowledge, based solely on our review of the copies of such forms furnishedtopics, including topics relating to the CompanyCompany’s strategic direction (such as our key strategic imperatives), the Company’s opportunities for growth, the Company’s capital allocation strategies, the Company’s executive compensation programs and other written representations to us, during 2018, all reporting persons complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements, except that Mr. Amin, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Fieldman, and Mr. Milsten, each filed one Form 4 late, reporting two transactions each, and Mr. Baruch filed two Form 4s late, one reporting two transactionspolicies, and the other reporting one transaction.

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our stockholders


Company’s corporate governance profile and policies.
stockholder proposals
IfIn the event that a stockholder desires to have a proposal considered for presentation at the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders and included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy used in connection with suchthe 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, the proposal must be submittedforwarded in writing to our Corporate Secretary (at the address below) and it must comply with the requirements of SEC Rule 14a-8.
Under SEC Rule 14a-8, stockholder proposals must be received not less than 120 calendar days prior to the one-year anniversary of the date the proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year's annual meeting, which for the 2020 annual meeting would be December 12, 2019. However, as we previously disclosed, we changed our fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31, with our fiscal year 2020 running from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. As such, though we do not have a date set yet for the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders will be March 19, 2021. However, if we know that we will hold the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, theAugust 27, 2021 (the one-year anniversary of the 2019 annual meeting. Accordingly, the deadline will be a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials for the 2020 annual meeting. Wemeeting), we will disclose the deadline by which stockholder proposals must be received in order to be included in

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our proxy statement for the 2020 annual meetingmaterials must be received under Item 5 of Part II of our earliest possible Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or, if impracticable, by any other means reasonably determined to inform our stockholders.
If a stockholder, rather than including a proposal in our proxy statement as discussed above, commences his or her own proxy solicitation for the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders or proposes business for consideration at the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders, we must receive notice notof the proposal between April 29, 2021 and May 29, 2021. However, if we hold the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, August 27, 2021 (the one-year anniversary of the 2020 annual meeting), we must receive notice of the proposal no later than the 90th day prior to the date of 2020the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders or, if later, the 10th day following the day we first publicly disclose the date of the 20202021 annual meeting.meeting of stockholders. Any such proposal must comply with the requirements of our bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals.
Proposals and notices should be submitted in writing to:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Corporate Secretary
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607



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audit matters

proposal 2: 4:ratification of the appointment of independent registered public accounting firm
þ
FOR
Our Board unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for FY 2021.
Our Board, based on the Audit Committee’s assessment of Deloitte’s qualifications and performance, believes the appointment of Deloitte for FY 2021 is in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders.
what am i voting on?
Stockholders are being asked to ratify the appointment of Deloitte by the Audit Committee as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the transition period ended March 31, 2019 and the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020.FY 2021.
Representatives of Deloitte are expected to be present at the 2019 annual meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
voting recommendation
FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for the transition period ended March 31, 2019 and the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020.
Based on the Audit Committee’s assessment of Deloitte’s qualifications and performance, our Board believes their retention for the transition period ended March 31, 2019 and the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020 is in the best interests of the Company. In making its selection, the Audit Committee annually reviews Deloitte’s independence, periodically considers whether to rotate the independent registered public accounting firm and considers the advisability and potential impact of selecting a different independent registered accounting firm. Additionally, the Audit Committee monitors the rotation of the partners assigned to our audit engagement team in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
required vote
The appointmentRepresentatives of Deloitte are expected to attend the 2020 annual meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire and are expected to be ratified if stockholders representing a majority of the voting power of the shares vote “For” the ratification.available to respond to appropriate questions.
Neither our bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of the selection of Deloitte as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. However, our Board is submitting the selection of Deloitte as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice.
If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its sole discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

what is the required vote?
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The appointment will be ratified if a majority of votes cast (meaning the number of shares voted “For” must exceed the number of shares voted “Against” in order for this proposal to be approved). Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast for this proposal and will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.


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audit fees and services
The following table shows the aggregate fees billed to the Company by Deloitte, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2018FY 2020, 2019T, and 2017.2018. All fees described were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
type of feestype of fees2018
 2017
type of feesFY 2020
 2019T
 2018
Audit Fees (1)
Audit Fees (1)
$1,023,500
 $1,163,560
Audit Fees (1)
$985,000
 $365,300
 $1,023,500
Audit-Related Fees (2) (3)
$112,432
 $52,835
Audit-Related Fees (2)
Audit-Related Fees (2)

 
 $112,432
Tax Fees (4)(3)
Tax Fees (4)(3)
$18,491
 $59,646
Tax Fees (4)(3)
$17,825
 $8,320
 $18,491
All Other Fees (5)
All Other Fees (5)
$
 $240,000
All Other Fees (5)

 
 
TOTAL FEESTOTAL FEES$1,154,423
 $1,516,041
TOTAL FEES$1,002,825
 $373,620
 $1,154,423
    
          
(1)Includes fees related to financial statement audit, quarterly reviews, registration statements, and China statutory audit.Includes fees related to financial statement audit, quarterly reviews, registration statements, and China statutory audit.
(2)For 2018, includes fees related to M&A due diligence services.For 2018, includes fees related to M&A due diligence services.
(3)For 2017, includes fees related to assurance services supporting the Company’s adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.Includes fees related to general tax consulting, transfer pricing, and uniform capitalization services.
(4)Includes fees related to general tax consulting, transfer pricing, and uniform capitalization services.
(5)Includes fees related to strategy consulting services.
pre-approval policy
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy and procedures for the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services rendered by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval may also be given as part of the Audit Committee’s approval of the scope of the engagement of the independent auditor or on an individual, explicit, case-by-case basis before the independent auditor is engaged to provide each service. The pre-approval of services may be delegated to one or more of the Audit Committee’s members, but the decision must be reported to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Actual amounts billed, to the extent in excess of any estimated amounts, are periodically reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of the services other than audit services by Deloitte is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
audit committee report
The Audit Committee (“Audit Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (the “Company”) is comprised of independent directors as required by the listing standards of the New York Stock ExchangeNYSE and Securities and Exchange Commissionthe SEC rules. TheAt the time of approval of this report, the members of the Audit Committee are Ms. Sabrina L. Simmons, Ms. Lauren Cooks LevitanRichelle Parham and Mr. Richard G. Wolford. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board.
The role of the Audit Committee is to oversee the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management of the Company has the primary responsibility for the Company’s financial statements as well as the Company’s financial reporting process and principles, internal controls, and disclosure controls. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an audit of the Company’s financial statements and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.Board (the “PCAOB”).
In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company as of and for the transition period ended March 31, 2019 and as of and for the fiscal year ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018,2020 with

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management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees. the PCAOB.
In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board rulesthe applicable requirements of the PCAOB and the SEC relating to auditor independence communications, as currently in effect, and it has discussed with the auditors their independence from the Company. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the independent auditor’s provision of non-audit services to the Company is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.

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2019 Proxy Statement39

audit matters


Based on the reports and discussions above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended DecemberMarch 31, 2018.2020.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Sabrina L. Simmons, Chair
Lauren Cooks LevitanRichelle Parham
Richard G. Wolford

The report of the Audit Committee will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to otherwise be considered “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.


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additional information
important information regarding the virtual meeting
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and to support the health and well-being of our stockholders, employees, and community, the 2020 annual meeting will only be conducted virtually online. There is no physical location for the 2020 annual meeting.
To access the 2020 annual meeting, please visit www.meetingcenter.io/285699127 on August 27, 2020. The password for the 2020 annual meeting is “ELF2020”.
Stockholders of record as of July 6, 2020 and beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock as of July 6, 2020 may attend, participate in, and vote by online ballot at, the 2020 annual meeting. Instructions for registering for, and participating in, the 2020 annual meeting are detailed below. Guests and other stockholders may listen to (but not participate in) the 2020 annual meeting by visiting the virtual meeting website and joining as a guest.
stockholders of record
You are a stockholder of record if your shares were registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, Computershare, Inc. (“Computershare”), as of July 6, 2020. Stockholders of record as of July 6, 2020 do not need to register to participate in or vote by online ballot at the 2020 annual meeting. Your individual control number, which you will need to participate in or vote by online ballot at the virtual meeting, is included on your proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
beneficial owners
If your shares were held not in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization, trustee, or nominee (generally referred to in this proxy statement as a “broker”), as of July 6, 2020, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name”.
Beneficial owners as of July 6, 2020 must register in advance (and obtain an individual control number) if they wish to participate in or vote by online ballot at the 2020 annual meeting.
To register for the 2020 annual meeting and receive your individual control number, you must first obtain a “legal proxy” from your broker—follow the instructions included in the voting instruction form or contact your broker to request a legal proxy. The voting instruction form you received in connection with the 2020 annual meeting is not a legal proxy. Please note requesting a legal proxy from your broker will revoke any vote by proxy you might have previously executed, and your shares will only be represented with respect to the proposals if you vote by online ballot at the 2020 annual meeting.
You must submit your legal proxy showing your ownership of the Company’s common stock as of July 6, 2020, and your name and email address to Computershare. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than August 24, 2020. You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after Computershare receives your registration information.

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Requests for registration for the 2020 annual meeting should be directed to Computershare as follows:
By email. Forward the email from your broker (or attach an image of your legal proxy showing your ownership of the Company’s common stock as of July 6, 2020) to legalproxy@computershare.com. Please include your name and email address as well.
By mail. Send a copy of your legal proxy showing your ownership of the Company’s common stock as of July 6, 2020 and your name and email address to:
Computershare
e.l.f. Beauty Legal Proxy
P.O. Box 43001
Providence, RI 02940-3001
other business for consideration
Our Board does not presently intend to bring any business other than the proposals listed in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and this proxy statement before the 20192020 annual meeting, and, so far as is known to it, no other business is to be brought before the 20192020 annual meeting except as specifiedlisted in the Notice of Internet AvailabilityAnnual Meeting of Proxy Materials.Stockholders and this proxy statement. As to any business that may properly come before the 20192020 annual meeting, however, it is the intention of each person named as a proxy holder in the proxy card to vote on those matters in accordance with his or her best judgment.
no incorporation by reference
In our filings with the SEC, information is sometimes “incorporated by reference.” This means that we refer you to information previously filed with the SEC that should be considered as part of the particular filing. Website addresses included in this proxy statement are intended to provide inactive, textual references only and the information on those websites is not part of this proxy statement.
annual report
We encourage our stockholders to read our annual report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report”) for information regarding our performance in FY 2020. Our 20182020 Annual Report has been made available to our stockholders at www.edocumentview.com/ELFand posted on our investor relations website at https://www.envisionreports.com/ELFinvestor.elfcosmetics.com/stock-and-financial/Annual-Report-and-Proxy-Statement.
The Company will provide, without charge, a copy of our 20182020 Annual Report (including the financial statements and the financial statement schedules but excluding the exhibits) upon the written request of any stockholder. Requests for our 20182020 Annual Report can be made by writing to our investor relations department at:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Investor Relations
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607

http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/ir-resources/contact-us
internet availability of annual meeting materials
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Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we are sending the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to our stockholders of record. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. We encourage stockholders to take advantage of the availability of our proxy materials on the Internet to help reduce the environmental impact of the 2019 annual meeting.

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Investor Relations
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607
investor.elfcosmetics.com/ir-resources/contact-us
expenses of solicitation
The proxy is solicited on behalf of our Board, and we are paying for the cost of the proxy solicitation process. Proxies may be solicited by mail, the Internet, telephone, personal contact, email, other electronic channels of communication, or electronic meansotherwise, and may also be solicited by directors, officers and employees. No additional compensation will be paid to our directors, officers or other employees for soliciting proxies.
We also will request brokerage firms, banks, nominees, custodiansbrokers and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares of our stock as of the record date and will reimburse them for the cost of forwarding the proxy materials in accordance with customary practice.

We have retained the services of Innisfree M&A Incorporated (“Innisfree”), a professional proxy solicitation firm, to aid in the solicitation of proxies. Innisfree may solicit proxies by mail, the Internet, telephone, personal contact, email, other electronic channels of communication, or otherwise. We expect to pay Innisfree a fee of $20,000 for its solicitation services.
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2019 Proxy Statement41

additional information

stockholders sharing the same address
We have adopted a procedure approved byDue to the SEC called “householding.” Under this procedure,small number of stockholders of record who haveand cost to implement, we no longer provide “householding” of our proxy materials. Every stockholder of record, regardless of whether that stockholder of record has the same address and last name of another stockholder of record, will receive only one copy of oura Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, other proxy materials, unlessif requested, one or more of these stockholders notifies us that they wish to continue receiving individual copies. This procedure will reduce our printing costs and postage fees. If you are eligible for householding, but you and other stockholders of record with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other proxy materials, or if you hold shares in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or otherour proxy materials for your household, please contact us with your request. Likewise, if you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other proxy materials, or if you do not wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive separate copies in the future, please also contact us with your request.materials.
If you are a beneficial stockholder,owner of shares, and you share an address with other beneficial stockholders,owners, your broker is permitted to deliver a single copy of theour proxy materials and Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to your address, unless you otherwise request separate copies.
You can contact us at:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Investor Relations
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607

http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/ir-resources/contact-uscopies from your broker.
forward-looking statements
This proxy statement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, beliefs and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results and the timing of selected events may differ materially from those expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other things, the risks and uncertainties that are described in the Company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q andour 2020 Annual Report, on Form 10-K, as updated from time to time in the Company's SEC filings. Potential investors are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the

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forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.

note regarding non-GAAP financial measures
This proxy statement includes references to non-GAAP measures, including the year over year percentage increase in net sales (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores) and Adjusted EBITDA. The Company presents these non-GAAP measures because its management uses them as supplemental measures in assessing its operating performance, and believes they are helpful to investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the Company’s performance. The non-GAAP measures included in this proxy statement are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and they should not be considered as alternatives to measures of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an inference that the Company’s future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. These non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider such measures either in isolation or as substitutes for analyzing the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. The Company’s definitions and calculations of these non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies due to different methods of calculation. Net sales (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores) excludes net sales from the Company's 22 e.l.f. retail stores which were closed in February 2019. Adjusted EBITDA excludes costs or gains related to restructuring of operations, stock-based compensation and other non-cash and non-recurring costs.


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questions and answers
why did i receive a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials on the internet instead of a full set of proxy materials?
Under SEC rules, we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet.
On or about April 10, 2019,July 17, 2020, we will mail a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to our stockholders of record as of March 25, 2019July 6, 2020 directing stockholders to a website where they can access the proxy materials and view instructions on how to vote their shares via the Internet.
If you received the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials only and would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions printed onin the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to request that a paper copy be mailed to you. We encourage stockholders to take advantage of the availability of our proxy materials on the Internet to help reduce the environmental impact of the 20192020 annual meeting.
what are the proxy materials for?
These proxy materials are being made available to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board for the 2020 annual meeting to be held virtually on August 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Pacific time.
what does it mean if i receive more than one notice of internet availability of proxy materials or more than one set of proxy materials?
If you receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or one set of proxy
materials, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions onin each Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or each set of proxy materials to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
will i receive any other proxy materials by mail?
No, we will not send any additional proxy materials by mail unless you request such materials.
how can i access the proxy materials over the internet?
The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and proxy card or voting instruction card will contain instructions on how to view the proxy materials on the Internet, vote your shares on the Internet, and request electronic delivery of future proxy materials. An electronic copy of the proxy materials and the 2018 Annual Report are available at www.edocumentview.com/ELF.
what information is contained in thesethe proxy materials?
The information included in this proxy statement relates to the election of directors and other proposals to be voted upon at the 20192020 annual meeting, the voting process, the compensation of directors and our named executive officers, and certain other required information. Our 2018The proxy materials also include our 2020 Annual Report Report.
is also included. Copies of exhibits filed with,there a physical location for the 2020 annual meeting?
No. The 2020 annual meeting will only be held virtually online. To access the 2020 annual meeting, please visit www.meetingcenter.io/285699127 on August 27, 2020. The password for the 2020 annual meeting is “ELF2020”.
Please see under the heading “additional information—important information regarding the virtual meeting” for additional information on how to register and documents incorporated byattend the 2020 annual meeting.

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reference in, our 2018 Annual Report will be furnished to stockholders upon written request and payment of our reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibits and documents.
who may attend the 20192020 annual meeting?
All stockholders of record as of March 25, 2019 (including stockholders who holdJuly 6, 2020, beneficial owners of shares in “street name” through a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization, trustee, or nominee (generally referred to in this proxy statement as a “broker”)),of July 6, 2020, holders of valid proxies for those stockholders, and other persons invited by us may attend the 20192020 annual meeting.
how do i attend the 2019 annual meeting?
The 2019 annual meeting will be held on May 21, 2019 at 8:30 a.m., local time, at the Company’s headquarters located at 570 10th Street, 3rd Floor, Oakland, California 94607. Directions to the 2019 annual meeting may be found on our website at http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/ir-resources/contact-us. If youYou are not a stockholder of record if your shares were registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, Computershare, as of July 6, 2020.
If your shares were held not in your name, but hold shares throughrather in an account at a broker, you will need to provide proof of beneficial ownership as of March 25, 2019. Please note that ifJuly 6, 2020, then you intend to vote yourare the beneficial owner of shares held by ain “street name” and the broker holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the 20192020 annual meeting.
Please see under the heading “additional information—important information regarding the virtual meeting you must request and obtain a valid proxy form from your broker. You should also be prepared to present a valid, government-issued photo identification for admittance. Informationinformation on how to vote in personregister and attend the 2020 annual meeting.
what proposals are being voted on at the 20192020 annual meeting is discussed below.meeting?
There are four proposals to be voted on at the 2020 annual meeting:
what if another matter (other than the proposals listed in this proxy statement) is properly brought before the 20192020 annual meeting?
Our Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the 20192020 annual meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the 20192020 annual meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof, it is the intention of each person named as a proxy holder in the proxy card to vote on those matters in accordance with his or her best judgment.
whowhat happens if a nominee is entitledunable to stand for election?
If a nominee is unable to stand for election, our Board may reduce the number of directors on our Board or it may name a substitute nominee. If a substitute is named, shares represented by properly executed proxies may be voted for the substitute nominee.
how does the board recommend i vote?
StockholdersOur Board unanimously recommends that you vote your shares as follows:
“FOR” all of the close of businessthree Class I director nominees named in this proxy statement and listed on March 25, 2019, the record dateproxy card or voting instruction form (Proposal 1);
“FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the 2019 annual meeting, are entitled to vote on all items properly presented atcompensation for our 2019 annual meeting. On the record date, 49,870,772 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Every stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on the recordnamed executive officers (Proposal 2);

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date. A list“1 YEAR” for the frequency of these stockholders will be available during regular business hours at the Company’s headquarters, fromadvisory vote on the compensation for our Corporate Secretary, at least 10 days beforenamed executive officers (Proposal 3); and
“FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte as our 2019 annual meeting. The list of stockholders will also be available at the time and place of our 2019 annual meeting. There is no cumulative voting with respectindependent registered public accounting firm for FY 2021 (Proposal 4).
does my vote matter?
YES, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
We are required to obtain stockholder approval for the election of directors.Class I directors and other important matters. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote and every share voted has the same weight. In order for the Company to obtain the necessary stockholder approval of proposals, a “quorum” of stockholders (a majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting) must be represented at the 2020 annual meeting in person or by proxy.
If a quorum is not obtained, the Company must postpone the 2020 annual meeting and solicit additional proxies. This is an expensive and time-consuming process.
Voting by proxy is important for us to obtain a quorum, hold the meeting, and complete the stockholder vote.
how do i vote?
You may vote your shares by written proxy overthrough the Internet, by proxy by telephone, or in person atby proxy by mail as indicated on the 2019 annual meeting. Please also see the detailed instructions on yourNotice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card, or voting instruction form. You may also vote using the online ballot at the 2020 annual meeting. All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly executed proxies received before the polls are closed at the 20192020 annual meeting, and not revoked or superseded, will be voted at the 20192020 annual meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated on those proxies. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
Whether or not you plan to attend the 2020 annual meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy through the Internet, by proxy by telephone, or using a proxy card or voting instruction form to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the 2020 annual meeting and vote by ballot even if you have already voted by proxy.
Voting procedures based on how your shares are held are described below.
StockholderStockholders of Record (Shares Registered in Your Name)record
. You are a stockholder of record if your shares were registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, Computershare, Inc. (“Computershare”), at the close of business on the record date. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the 2019 annual meeting,To vote by proxy through the Internet, or vote by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that we may elect to deliver at a later time. Whether or not you plan to attend the 2019 annual meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the 2019 annual meeting and vote in person even if you have already voted by proxy.
To vote in person, come to the 2019 annual meeting and we will give you a ballot when you arrive.
To vote through the Internet, go to www.envisionreports.com/www.envisionreports.com/ELFto complete an electronic proxy card.. You will be asked to provide the company number andyour individual control number from the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Your vote must be received by 1:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 21, 2019 to be counted.number.
To vote over the phone,by proxy by telephone, call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the United States,U.S., U.S. territories, and Canada.
To vote using the proxy card,by mail, please request a full set of proxy cardmaterials (if we haven’tyou do not already delivered one
to you)have a full set) and then simply complete, sign, and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly.promptly in the postage-paid envelope. If you returnwe receive your signedproperly executed proxy card to us before the 20192020 annual meeting, we will vote your shares as directed by your proxy card.
Beneficial Owner (Shares Registered inTo vote by online ballot at the Name of Broker). If2020 annual meeting, attend the 2020 annual meeting and vote your shares were held not in your name, but rather in an account at a broker, atusing the close of businessonline ballot on the record date, then you are the beneficial ownervirtual meeting website.
Beneficial owners of shares held in “street name” and the broker holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the 2019 annual meeting. If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, you
You should have received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materialsvoting instruction form containing voting instructions from your broker rather than from us. Please followFollow the votingdetailed instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materialsvoting instruction form to ensure that your vote is counted. Alternatively, you

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You may also vote overby proxy though the Internet or by proxy by telephone as instructed by your broker.
ToIf you wish to vote in personby online ballot at the 20192020 annual meeting, you must obtain a proxy form“legal proxy” from your broker.broker to vote. Follow the instructions included with the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials,voting instruction form or contact your broker to request a “legal proxy”. The voting instruction form you received in connection with the 2020 annual meeting is not a legal proxy. Please note requesting a legal proxy form.
Internetfrom your broker will revoke any vote by proxy voting will be provided to allow you to votemight have previously executed, and your shares will only be represented with respect to the proposals if you vote by online with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.
who can vote in personballot at the 20192020 annual meeting?meeting.
Stockholders of record atPlease see under the close of businessheading “additional information—important information regarding the virtual meeting” for information on how to register and attend the 2020 annual meeting.
when is the record date may vote in person atfor the 20192020 annual meeting. If you held your shares through a broker, you may not vote your shares in person at the 2019 annual meeting unless you request and obtain a proxy form from your broker. Please contact your broker to request a proxy form.meeting?
Whether or not you plan to attend the 2019 annual meeting, we urge you to fill out and return the proxy card or vote by proxy on the Internet as instructed above to ensure your vote is counted.July 6, 2020.
how many votes do i have?
On each matter to be voted upon, each holder of shares of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held as of the record date.July 6, 2020.
who is entitled to vote?
Stockholders as of July 6, 2020 are entitled to vote on all items properly presented at our 2020 annual meeting. On July 6, 2020, 50,451,340 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Every stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on July 6, 2020.

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who countscan vote by online ballot at the votes?2020 annual meeting?
Computershare, Inc., our transfer agent, has been engagedStockholders of record as our independent agent to tabulate stockholder votes and appointed asof July 6, 2020 may vote by online ballot at the inspector of election. 2020 annual meeting.
If you are a stockholder of record, your executed proxy card is returned directly to Computershare for tabulation. As noted above, if you holdheld your shares through a broker, you may not vote your shares by online ballot at the 2020 annual meeting unless you provide a legal proxy from your broker.
Follow the instructions included with the voting instruction form or contact your broker to request a legal proxy. The voting instruction form you received in connection with the 2020 annual meeting is not a legal proxy. Please note requesting a legal proxy from your broker will return onerevoke any vote by proxy card to Computershare on behalf of all its clients.
how are votes counted?
Votesyou might have previously executed, and your shares will only be counted by Computershare, as the inspector of election appointed for the 2019 annual meeting, who will separately count “For,” “Withhold,” and broker non-votesrepresented with respect to Proposal 1 and “For,” “Against,” “Abstain,” and broker non-votes with respectthe proposals if you vote by online ballot at the 2020 annual meeting.
Whether or not you plan to Proposal 2. If your shares are held by your broker,attend the 2020 annual meeting, we urge you will need to obtain a valid proxy form from the institution that holds your shares and follow the instructions included on that form regarding how to instruct your broker to vote by proxy through the Internet, vote by proxy by telephone, or sign, date, and return a proxy card or voting instruction form to ensure your shares. If you do not give instructions to your broker, your broker can vote your shares with respect to “routine” items, but not with respect to “non-routine” items.is counted.
how many votes are needed to approve the proposals?
Election of three Class IIII directors. TheDirector nominees will be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the 2020 annual meeting. A plurality voting standard means that the three nominees receiving the most “For” votes will be elected. “Withhold” votes and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast for this purpose and will have no effect on the election of the nominees.
Ratification of appointment of Deloitte.Advisory vote on compensation for our named executive officers. This proposal will be decided by a majority of the votes cast “For” or “Against” it.cast. This means that the number of shares voted “For” must exceed the number of shares

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voted “Against” in order for this proposal to be approved. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast for this purpose and will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.
Advisory indication of the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation for our named executive officers. Stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove our Board’s recommendation with respect to the frequency with which the say-on-pay vote will be held in the future. The frequency choice (“1 year,” “2 years,” “3 years”) receiving the most votes will be given due regard by, but will not be binding on, our Board or the Company. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast for this purpose and will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.
Ratification of appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm. This proposal will be decided by a majority of the votes cast. This means that the number of shares voted “For” must exceed the number of shares voted “Against” it in order for this proposal to be approved. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast for this purpose and will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.
who counts the votes?
Computershare, our transfer agent, has been engaged as our independent agent to tabulate stockholder votes and appointed as the inspector of election.
what are “broker non-votes”?
If you holdare a beneficial owner of shares beneficially through aand your shares are held by your broker and you do not provide your broker with voting instructions, your shares may constitute “broker non-votes.”
Broker non-votes occur on a matter when a broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without instructions from the beneficial owner and instructions are not given. Matters on which a broker is not permitted to vote without instructions from the beneficial owner are referred to as “non-routine” matters.
Broker non-votes are counted for
purposes of determining whether or not a quorum exists for the transaction of business.
AsA broker is entitled to vote shares held by a beneficial owner in order to ensure your shares are voted inon “routine” matters without instructions from the way you would like, you must provide votingbeneficial owner of those shares. However, absent instructions to yourfrom the beneficial owner, a broker by the deadline provided in the materials you receive from your broker. If you dois not provide voting instructions to your broker, your broker will only have discretionentitled to vote your shares held for a beneficial owner on “routine”"non-routine" matters.
The proposals to be voted on at the 20192020 annual meeting are classified as follows:
Election of Class III directors is considered a “non-routine” matter; and
The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2019 transition period and our fiscal year 2020 is considered a “routine” matter.
proposalclassification
1.Election of three Class I directorsnon-routine
2.Advisory vote on compensation for our named executive officersnon-routine
3.Advisory indication of the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation for our named executive officersnon-routine
4.Ratification of appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firmroutine
If you hold your shares beneficially through a broker, it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count infor the election of our directors.“non-routine” proposals. If you hold your shares beneficially through a broker and you do not instruct your broker how to vote infor the election of our directors,“non-routine” proposals, no votes will be cast on your behalf.behalf for those proposals. Follow the detailed instructions in the enclosed voting instruction form to ensure that your vote is counted.
what if i return a proxy card but do not make specific choices?
If you return a signed and dated proxy card or otherwise vote without marking voting selections, your shares will be voted:

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For” each nominee inFOR” all the election ofnominees listed on the proxy card as Class IIII directors; and
For”FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation for our named executive officers;
“1 YEAR” for the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation for our named executive officers; and
“FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2019 transition period and our fiscal year 2020.FY 2021.
can i change my vote or revoke my proxy after submitting my proxy card?proxy?
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final voteit is exercised at the 20192020 annual meeting.
If you are thea stockholder of record, holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy before it is exercised at the final vote2020 annual meeting in any one of the following ways:
Youyou may submitgrant a subsequent proxy through the Internet;
you may grant a subsequent proxy by telephone;
you may mail another properly completed proxy card with a later date.
date;

you may attend the 2020 annual meeting and vote by online ballot. Simply attending the 2020 annual meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy; or
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You may grant a subsequent proxy through the Internet.
Youyou may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Corporate Secretary
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607

You may attendOnly your latest dated validly executed proxy that you submit (either by mail, phone, or the 2019 annual meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the 2019 annual meetingInternet) will not, by itself, revoke your proxy.
Your most current proxy card or Internet proxy is the one that isbe counted.
Note that ifIf you are a beneficial owner of shares and your shares are held by your broker, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker.broker if you wish to change your vote or revoke your proxy.
what is a quorum and what constitutes a quorum?
A “quorum” is the number of shares that must be present, in person or by proxy, in order for business to be conducted at the 20192020 annual meeting. The required quorum for the 20192020 annual meeting is the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock issued and outstanding as of the record date and entitled to vote at the 20192020 annual meeting. Because
As there were 49,870,77250,451,340 shares of our common stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote as of July 6, 2020, the record date, a quorum will be present for the 20192020 annual meeting if an aggregate of at least 24,935,38725,225,671 shares are present in person or by proxy at the 20192020 annual meeting. If there is no quorum, either the chairperson of the 2020 annual meeting or a quorum is notmajority in voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote at the 2020 annual meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn the 2020 annual meeting will be adjourned until a quorum is obtained. “Withhold” votes, abstentions, and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining the presenceto another time or absence of a quorum.place.
If you are a stockholder of record, your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy or vote at the 20192020 annual meeting. If you hold your shares beneficially through a broker, your shares will

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be counted towards the quorum if your broker submits a proxy for your shares at the 20192020 annual meeting, even if suchthat proxy results in a broker non-vote due to the absence of voting instructions from you. “Withhold”
“Withhold” votes, abstentions, and abstentionsbroker non-votes, if any, will also be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, either the chairperson of the 2019 annual meeting or a majority in voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote at the 2019 annual meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, may adjourn the 2019 annual meeting to another time or place.
what happens if a nominee is unable to stand for re-election?
If a nominee is unable to stand for re-election, our Board may reduce the number of directors on our Board or it may name a substitute nominee. If a substitute is named, shares represented by properly executed proxies may be voted for the substitute nominee.
who is paying for this proxy solicitation process?
The proxy is solicited on behalfpurpose of our Board, and we are paying fordetermining the costpresence or absence of the proxy solicitation process. Copies of the proxy materials will be given to brokers that hold shares that are beneficially owned by others. Upon request, we will reimburse these brokers for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in forwarding these proxy materials to the stockholders who are the beneficial owners. Original solicitation of proxies may be supplemented by telephone or personal solicitation by our directors, officers or other employees. No additional compensation will be paid to our directors, officers or other employees for soliciting proxies.a quorum.
how can i find out the results of the voting at the 20192020 annual meeting?
We will announcepublish preliminary voting results atin a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days following the 2019 annual meeting and publish final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K within the time-frame requiredas soon as practicable following final certification by the SEC. If final voting resultsinspector of election.
will Deloitte be present at the 2020 annual meeting?
Representatives of Deloitte, our independent registered public accounting firm for 2019T and FY 2020, are unavailableexpected to be present at that time, wethe 2020 annual meeting and will file an amended Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days ofhave the day the final results are available.opportunity to make statements, if they so desire, and to respond to appropriate questions.
when are stockholder proposals or director nominations due for the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders?
In the event thatIf a stockholder desireswishes to have a proposal considered for presentation at the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders and included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy used in connection with suchthe 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, the proposal must be forwarded in writing to our Corporate Secretary, and it must comply with the requirements of SEC Rule 14a-8.
Under SEC Rule 14a-8, stockholder proposalsand must be received not less than 120 calendar days prior toby March 19, 2021. However, if we hold the one-year anniversary of the date the proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year's annual meeting, which for the 2020 annual meeting would be December 12, 2019. However, as we previously disclosed, we changed our fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31, with our fiscal year 2020 running from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. As such, though we do not have a date set yet for the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders we know thatmore than
30 days before, or more than 60 days after, August 27, 2021, we will hold the 2020 annual

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meeting more than 30 days after the one-year anniversary of the 2019 annual meeting. Accordingly, we anticipate that the deadline for stockholder proposals will be a reasonable time before we begin to print and send our proxy materials for the 2020 annual meeting. We willpublicly disclose the deadline by which stockholdersstockholder proposals to be included in our proxy materials must be received under Item 5 of Part II of our earliest possible Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or, if impracticable, by any other means reasonably determined to inform our stockholders.received.
If a stockholder, rather than including a proposal in our proxy statement as discussed above, commences his or her own proxy solicitation for the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders (including nominating individuals for election to our Board) or proposes business for consideration at the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders, we must receive notice notof the proposal between April 29, 2021 and May 29, 2021. However, if we hold the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, August 27, 2021, we must receive notice of the proposal no later than the 90th day prior to the date of the 20202021 annual meeting of stockholders or, if later, the 10th day following the day we first publicly disclose the date of the 20202021 annual meeting.meeting of stockholders. Any such proposal must comply with the requirements of our bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals.
Proposals and notices should be submitted in writing to:
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Corporate Secretary
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607
will Deloitte be present at the 2019 annual meeting?
Representatives of Deloitte, our independent registered public accounting firm for 2018, are expected to be present at the 2019 annual meeting and will have the opportunity to make statements, if they so desire, and to respond to appropriate questions.
what if my question isn’t listed here?
If your question wasn’t listed here, please contact Innisfree, our investor relations department.
http://investor.elfcosmetics.com/ir-resources/contact-us
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
ATTN: Investor Relations
570 10th Street
Oakland, California 94607proxy solicitor, at 1 (877) 456-3507 (toll free from the U.S. and Canada) or +1 (412) 232-3651 (from other locations).

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Your vote matters - here’s how to vote!
You may vote online instead of mailing this card.
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Votes submitted electronically must be received by 1:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 21, 2019
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Online
Go to www.envisionreports.com/ELF or scan the QR code - login details are located in the shaded bar below.

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Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.envisionreports.com/ELF
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Using a black inkpen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas
2019 Annual Meeting Proxy Card
â IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. â
A.
Proposals - The Board of Directors recommend a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR all the proposals listed
1.Election of three Class III directors to hold office until our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.
 01 - Tarang P. Amin 02 - Stephen A. Ellis 03 - Beth M. Pritchard   
                        
 ¨ 
Mark here to vote FOR all nominees
 ¨
Mark here to WITHHOLD vote from all nominees
                        
               01 02 03    
  


For All EXCEPT - To withhold a vote for one or more nominees, mark the box to the left and the corresponding numbered box(es) to the right.
 ¨ ¨ ¨    
             


           For AgainstAbstain    
2.
Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the transition period ended 3/31/2019 and the fiscal year ending 3/31/2020.

¨  ¨  ¨ 
Note: The proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion upon such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

         
         
                        
B.Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below.
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title.
                        
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.
                        
                        

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Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The material is available at: www.edocumentview.com/ELF

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Small steps make an impact.

Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic
delivery, sign up at www.envisionreports.com/ELF
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âIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.â
annexes

annex a
GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation tables
reconciliation of GAAP net sales to non-GAAP net sales (excluding the contribution from e.l.f. retail stores) (in thousands)
Proxy - e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders - May 21, 2019 at 8:30 a.m.
Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors
The stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Tarang P. Amin and Scott K. Milsten, or any of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 8:30 a.m., local time, on May 21, 2019, at the offices of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. at 570 10th Street, 3rd Floor, Oakland, California 94607, and any adjournment or postponement thereof, on all matters set forth on the reverse side and in the discretion of the proxies upon such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations.
C.Non-Voting Items
Change of Address — Please print new address below.
Comments — Please print your comments below.
Meeting Attendance
Mark box to the right if
you plan to attend the
Annual Meeting
¨
 three months ended March 31, 2018
 three months ended March 31, 2019
 twelve months ended March 31, 2019
Net sales$65,920
 $66,141
 $267,656
Net sales (e.l.f. retail stores)$(3,338) $(1,856) $(12,001)
Net sales (excluding e.l.f. retail stores)$62,582
 $64,285
 $255,655
reconciliation of GAAP net income to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) (in thousands)
 twelve months ended March 31, 2019
 FY 2020
Net (loss) income$(3,079) $17,884
Interest expense, net$7,702
 $6,307
Income (benefit) tax provision$(1,261) $6,185
Depreciation and amortization$24,093
 $20,223
EBITDA$27,455
 $50,599
Restructuring expense (income) (1)
$16,859
 $(5,982)
Stock-based compensation$16,864
 $15,488
Other non-cash and non-recurring costs (2)
$1,261
 $2,505
Adjusted EBITDA$62,439
 $62,610
      
      
(1)Represents restructuring expense (income) related to the e.l.f. retail store closures. Includes a gain related to settlement of outstanding lease liabilities equal to the difference between the amount of cash disbursed and the outstanding liability at the time of settlement.
(2)Represents various non-cash or non-recurring costs, including costs related to the development or acquisition of new brands, including W3LL People in February 2020, as well as the automation of certain warehouse and distribution activities.


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2019812020 Proxy Statement49


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3. To indicate, on an advisory basis, the preferred frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's named executive officers. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain 01 - Kirk L. Perry 02 - Sabrina L. Simmons 03 - Maureen C. Watson 01 02 03 Mark here to vote FOR all nominees 1 U P X For All EXCEPT - To withhold a vote for one or more nominees, mark the box to the left and the corresponding numbered box(es) to the right. Mark here to WITHHOLD vote from all nominees Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. 03AINC + + A Proposals - The Board of Directors recommend a vote FOR all the nominees listed, FOR Proposals 2 and 4, and for every 1 YEAR on Proposal 3. 2. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers. Note: The proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion upon such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. 1. To elect three Class I directors, each to serve for three years. For Against Abstain Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) - Please print date below. Signature 1 - Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 - Please keep signature within the box. B Authorized Signatures - This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below. qIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q 2020 Annual Meeting Proxy Card 4. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Online Go to www.envisionreports.com/ELF or scan the QR code - login details are located in the shaded bar below. Your vote matters - here’s how to vote! Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.envisionreports.com/ELF Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada

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Small steps make an impact. Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery, sign up at www.envisionreports.com/ELF 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders - August 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors The stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Tarang P. Amin, Scott K. Milsten, and Mandy Fields, or any of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of common stock of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 8:30 a.m., Pacific time, on, August 27, 2020, and any adjournment or postponement thereof, on all matters set forth on the reverse side and in the discretion of the proxies upon such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. Proxy - e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. qIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q C Non-Voting Items + + Change of Address - Please print new address below. Comments - Please print your comments below. Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The material is available at: www.envisionreports.com/ELF The 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 8:30 A.M., Pacific time, virtually via the internet at www.meetingcenter.io/285699127. To access the virtual meeting, you must have the information that is printed in the shaded bar located on the reverse side of this form. The password for this meeting is - ELF2020.
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