WTRG 8-K
Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG)
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
_____________
FORM
CURRENT
REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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| Item 8.01 | Other Matters. |
In accordance with the Corporate Governance Guidelines of Essential Utilities, Inc. (the “Company”), Mr. Christopher Bruner advised the Chair of the Company’s Corporate Governance Committee and its Chair of the Board of Directors that, effective December 27, 2024, he will retire from his position as Partner, Ernst & Young, LLP (“EY”), where he has served as an Audit Partner In his role with EY, Mr. Bruner has had numerous roles in finance, audit, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, but has not participated in any consulting services provided by EY. The Board of Directors reviewed the Company’s use of EY’s non-audit services that are provided to the Company involving tax and transaction advisory services, noting that the amount paid by the Company to EY is not material to either EY or the Company. At the same time, the Board of Directors reviewed Mr. Bruner’s substantial expertise as a public company auditor and the role that he presently holds with the Company as its Chair of the Audit Committee. Based upon this review, and the fact that Mr. Bruner is retiring from EY and would not benefit financially or otherwise from the Company’s use of EY, the Board of Directors requested, and Mr. Bruner agreed, that he continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Audit Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee until the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is the expiration of the term for which he was elected in 2024.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. | ||
| December 27, 2024 | By: | /s/ Christopher P. Luning |
Name: |
Christopher P. Luning | |
| Title:
|
Executive Vice President, General Counsel | |