Vermont, Stockholder proposal, Occidental Petroleum Corp., mandatory retirement, age 70 The Vermont Stockholder proposal of Occidental Petroleum Corp. aims to implement a crucial policy mandating the retirement of every officer and director at the age of 70. This proposal seeks to ensure a smooth and timely transition of leadership within the company, promoting a fresh perspective and encouraging succession planning. The primary objective of the Vermont Stockholder proposal is to establish an age-based mandatory retirement policy for all officers and directors of Occidental Petroleum Corp. Currently, no such policy is in place, allowing individuals to hold positions of power well into their late years, potentially hindering the company's long-term growth and adaptability. By enforcing this proposed mandatory retirement age of 70, Occidental Petroleum Corp. aims to strike a balance between the invaluable experience and expertise of senior executives and the need for new ideas, innovation, and diverse perspectives in leadership positions. This policy ensures that the company maintains a dynamic and forward-thinking management team that is open to adapting to changing market conditions and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Different variations or aspects of the Vermont Stockholder proposal of Occidental Petroleum Corp. could include provisions such as: 1. Phased Retirement Option: This provision allows officers and directors approaching the age of 70 to transition into retirement gradually, providing an opportunity for mentorship and knowledge transfer to younger executives taking on leadership roles. 2. Succession Planning: This component emphasizes the importance of succession planning within Occidental Petroleum Corp. By implementing a mandatory retirement policy, the company can encourage a proactive approach to identifying and grooming talented individuals to assume key leadership positions in the future. 3. Exceptions or Extensions: The proposal might include provisions for exceptional cases where it is deemed necessary to extend an officer or director's tenure beyond the mandatory retirement age. These exceptions could be based on critical projects, industry expertise, or unique contributions to the company's growth and stability. 4. Board Refreshment: Another potential aspect of the Vermont Stockholder proposal is the introduction of regular board refreshment cycles. This practice ensures a steady infusion of fresh perspectives, diversity, and new ideas by enforcing a systematic rotation of directors to prevent stagnation and maintain a dynamic board composition. Overall, the Vermont Stockholder proposal of Occidental Petroleum Corp. to mandate retirement at age 70 for officers and directors aims to strike a balance between the benefits of experience and the necessity for a continually evolving leadership team. By encouraging succession planning, fostering diversity, and bringing in fresh perspectives, the proposal ensures that the company remains competitive and responsive to the ever-changing business landscape.