SEC Form DEF 14A filed by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.)

Check the appropriate box:

[  ] Preliminary Proxy Statement

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[x] Definitive Proxy Statement

[  ] Definitive Additional Materials

[  ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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

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[x] No fee required

[  ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON APRIL 25, 2022

To the Stockholders of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.:

The 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), will be held at the offices of Clifford Chance US LLP, 31 West 52^nd Street, New York, New York 10019, on April 25, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., Eastern time, to consider and vote on the following matters:

The close of business on March 1, 2022 has been fixed by our board of directors as the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any postponements or adjournments thereof.

We hope that all stockholders who can do so will attend the Annual Meeting in person. Whether or not you plan to attend, in order to assure proper representation of your shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), at the Annual Meeting, we urge you to submit your proxy voting instructions to the Company. By submitting your proxy voting instructions promptly, you can help the Company avoid the expense of follow-up mailings and ensure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may, if so desired, revoke your prior proxy voting instructions and vote your shares in person.

If you are a registered holder of shares of Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date, you may vote your shares of Common Stock in person at the Annual Meeting or by submitting your proxy voting instructions to the Company by following the instructions on your proxy card. If you hold shares of Common Stock in “street name” through a broker or other financial institution as of the close of business on the record date, you must follow the instructions provided by your broker or other financial institution regarding how to instruct your broker or financial institution to authorize a proxy to vote your shares of Common Stock.

Your proxy is being solicited by our board of directors. Our board of directors recommends that you vote “FOR” each nominee for director named in the accompanying proxy statement and “FOR” proposals 2, 3 and 4.

By Order of the Board of Directors
Stuart A. Tanz President and Chief Executive Officer   San Diego, California March 25, 2022	Michael B. Haines Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 25, 2022. The Proxy Statement and our 2021 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at: http://www.viewproxy.com/roireit/2022

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE 2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON APRIL 25, 2022

GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION

This Proxy Statement is being furnished to stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and on behalf of the board of directors of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (the “Company,” “ROIC,” “we,” “our” or “us,”), for use at the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the offices of Clifford Chance US LLP, 31 West 52^nd Street, New York, New York 10019, on April 25, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., Eastern time, or at any postponements or adjournments thereof.

If you are a registered holder of shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), as of the close of business on March 1, 2022 (the “Record Date”), you may vote your shares of Common Stock in person at the Annual Meeting or by submitting your proxy voting instructions to us by following the instructions on your proxy card. If you hold shares of Common Stock in “street name” through a broker or other financial institution you must follow the instructions provided by your broker or other financial institution regarding how to instruct your broker or financial institution to authorize a proxy to vote your shares of Common Stock.

Shares of Common Stock represented by properly submitted proxies received by us prior to the Annual Meeting will be voted according to the instructions specified on such proxies. Any stockholder of record submitting voting instructions or a proxy retains the power to revoke such instructions or proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the Annual Meeting by (i) delivering prior to the Annual Meeting a written notice of revocation to Michael B. Haines, our Secretary, at Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., 11250 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130, (ii) submitting a later dated proxy card, (iii) authorizing a proxy via the Internet or by telephone at a later date or (iv) by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. A stockholder submitting a notice of revocation by mail should provide sufficient time for delivery. Attending the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke a stockholder’s previously submitted voting instructions or proxy unless such stockholder votes in person at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in “street name” and you desire to change your vote, you should contact the nominee holding shares for you (i.e., a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other intermediary) for instructions on how to do so.

If a proxy is properly authorized without specifying any voting instructions and not revoked prior to the Annual Meeting, the shares of Common Stock represented by such proxy will be voted FOR the election of the director nominees named in this Proxy Statement to serve on our board of directors until our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualify, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, FOR the advisory resolution on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement and FOR the approval of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. As to any other business which may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof, the persons named as proxy holders on your proxy card will vote the shares of Common Stock represented by properly submitted proxies in their discretion.

This Proxy Statement, the Notice of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the related proxy card are first being sent and made available to stockholders on or about March 25, 2022.

Annual Report

This Proxy Statement is accompanied by our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2021, including financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and their report thereon, dated February 17, 2022.

Voting Securities and Record Date

Stockholders will be entitled to cast one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record at the close of business on the Record Date with respect to (i) the election of nine directors to serve on our board of directors until our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualify, (ii) the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, (iii) the resolution to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, (iv) the approval of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan and (v) any other proposal for stockholder action that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof.

Abstentions and broker non-votes are each included in the determination of the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner (i.e., a broker) does not vote on a particular proposal because such nominee does not have discretionary voting power for that particular matter and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker or other financial institution it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count in the election of directors, the advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement or the approval of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the only item to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting with respect to which a broker or nominee will be permitted to exercise voting discretion is the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. Although our Common Stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), the NYSE rules affect us because most of the shares of Common Stock held in “street name” are held with NYSE member-brokers. Therefore, if you hold your shares of Common Stock in “street name” and you do not give the broker or nominee specific voting instructions on the election of the directors, the advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers or the approval of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, your shares will not be voted on those items, and a broker non-vote will occur.

Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors, the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers or the approval of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. Because directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors, and no additional nominations may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting, “withhold” votes will have no effect on the election of directors.

The presence, in person or by proxy, of holders of Common Stock entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting shall constitute a quorum. The disposition of business scheduled to come before the Annual Meeting, assuming a quorum is present, will require the following affirmative votes: (i) for the election of a director, a plurality of all the votes cast in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting; (ii) for the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, a majority of all the votes cast on the matter at the Annual Meeting; (iii) for the advisory resolution on the compensation of our named executive officers, a majority of all the votes cast on the matter at the Annual Meeting; and (iv) for the approval of the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, a majority of all the votes cast on the matter at the Annual Meeting.

As of the Record Date, we had 123,134,008 shares of Common Stock and 8,693,957 OP units (as defined below) of our operating partnership, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, L.P. (our “operating partnership”), issued and outstanding.

2022 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights certain information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement and does not encompass all the information that you should consider. This Proxy Statement should be read in its entirety before voting.

Fiscal 2021 Performance Highlights

During 2021, the Company delivered another year of strong operating and financial performance. We continued the disciplined execution of our strategy focused on necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers on the West Coast, which resulted in the following:

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We believe that the value creation produced from an investment in real estate should be assessed over a long-term period and our strategy has focused on and continues to focus on long-term value creation. During 2021, in addition to creating value through our property operations and leasing activities, we continued to enhance the long-term competitive position and intrinsic value of our portfolio through the implementation of strategic initiatives. These initiatives include our densification initiatives and development of our ESG programs. The economic benefits of our activities in these areas during 2021 will not be realized until subsequent years. However, we believe these initiatives, when combined with the strength of our in-place portfolio of necessity-based neighborhood shopping centers on the West Coast that we have assembled over the past decade, will help position us to continue to generate attractive returns for stockholders over the long-term. The following table sets forth our total stockholder return (“TSR”) performance over the one, three, five and seven-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

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Stockholder Outreach and Engagement

We believe that fostering long-term relationships with our stockholders and maintaining their trust is a key ROIC objective, and we recognize the value of listening to and understanding their views about our business. During 2021, we continued our stockholder outreach activities, dialoguing and meeting with key institutional stockholders, in an effort to proactively address important issues.

Board Refreshment

In 2021, long-term refreshment of our board of directors continued to be one of the top priorities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our board of directors (the “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee”).

Executive Compensation Highlights

We are pleased that stockholders continued to support our executive compensation program in the 2021 advisory “say on pay” vote, with approximately 83.9% of the votes cast approving our advisory resolution. We attribute this result to the Compensation Committee’s commitment to designing and implementing an executive compensation program that aligns executive compensation with Company performance and the creation of sustainable stockholder value, and view it as an indication that stockholders are supportive of the Compensation Committee’s approach to executive compensation and our responsiveness to investor concerns.

Our executive compensation program includes the following key features which have been implemented by the Compensation Committee as follows:

For a detailed description of our executive compensation program, see “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

ESG HIGHLIGHTS

Our long-standing commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably is evidenced by our exceptional performance as a retail REIT and the strong relationships we have fostered in our neighborhoods and communities. To exemplify this commitment, we were selected as a Green Lease Leader by the U.S. Department of Energy and responded to the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (“GRESB”) for the first time in 2021.

We published our second annual Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Report in 2021 which can be found on our website www.roireit.net. This report contains expanded data and information about our approach to ESG management and performance, including details of our progress against environmental targets and details on our ESG initiatives. The report is aligned with the Sustainability Account Standards Board (“SASB”) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) frameworks. No information contained on our website is part of or incorporated into this Proxy Statement.

Governance Practices

Our board of directors takes an active role in overseeing our ESG strategy, initiatives, and programs. In 2019, we formalized our commitment to integrate ESG and sustainability into our wider business strategy through the establishment of an ESG Management Committee reporting to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. We are actively implementing ESG initiatives that we believe will have the greatest impact on our business and stakeholders

Board Oversight of ESG

Our board of directors oversees our ESG strategy, initiatives, and programs. As a committee of our board of directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees ESG strategy development and takes our stockholders’ and other stakeholders’ perspectives into consideration when formulating ESG practices. Our ESG Management Committee includes members from our executive, investor relations, special projects, and information technology teams. The ESG Management Committee is responsible for implementing our ESG strategy and providing updates to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The ESG Committee met regularly, at least once per month, throughout 2021.

ESG Milestones in Executive Compensation

The Compensation Committee considered the design and implementation of our ESG strategy and decided to incorporate the achievement of ESG milestones into the vesting criteria for performance-based equity awards. The Compensation Committee determined that the achievement of ESG milestones would replace the attainment of densification entitlements for performance-based equity awards in respect of performance for the year ended December 31, 2019 (granted in 2020). We retained this metric for performance-based equity awards in respect of performance for the years ended December 31, 2020 (granted in 2021) and December 31, 2021 (granted in 2022) and have included new ESG milestones. For a detailed description of our executive compensation program, see “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

ESG Plans and Policies Document

Released in 2020 and available on our website, our ESG Plans and Policies document strives to act as a compendium of our ESG goals while also highlighting specific considerations within our ESG program. Specific examples include stakeholder engagement and property highlights, greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions management considerations, climate change adaptation, property acquisition criteria and more.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Conduct was designed to assist directors, officers and employees in complying with the law, and in resolving moral and ethical issues that may arise in complying with our policies and procedures. Some areas addressed by the Code of Conduct include: conflicts of interest; confidentiality; internal accounting controls, fair dealing, discrimination and harassment; health and safety; and confidential, 24/7 access to reporting hotlines. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is more fully described below under “Corporate Governance—Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.”

Policy Against Money Laundering

Adopted in 2020 and available on our website, our Policy Against Money Laundering exhibits our commitment to minimizing the risk of our operations being used by money launderers and to preventing any financing of terrorism. We comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and we will not knowingly do business with anyone who we suspect of being connected with criminal or terrorist activity or who is subject to applicable trade sanctions. Our employees, officers and directors are required to immediately report any suspicious activities to our Compliance Officer.

Policy on Human Rights

Pursuant to our Human Rights Policy, adopted in 2020 and available on our website, we aim to conduct operations that are consistent with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights which encompasses three pillars: i) the state duty to protect human rights; ii) the corporate responsibility to protect human rights; and iii) the need for greater access to remedy victims of business-related abuse. We are compliant with the employment and labor laws in the U.S. and in every state in which we operate. In addition to respect for human rights, the policy touches upon the important topics of diversity and inclusion, safe and healthy workplace considerations, workplace security and more.

Cybersecurity

With increasing risks and a constantly changing cyber environment, we ensure we have a well-formulated architecture for protection and maintenance of our information technology (“IT”) resources – to safeguard the operations of our business as well as the safety and privacy of our employees and our tenants. Critical components we employ to safeguard our IT environment include: perimeter security with next generation firewalls and physical security, email and web filtering services, endpoint protection, access controls, backups and data redundancy, multifactor authentication on critical systems, and formal training programs for our employees concerning IT security. Our management team reports quarterly, or more frequently if necessary, to our board of directors regarding IT security matters. In addition, the Compensation Committee determined that cybersecurity assessment management would comprise a portion of the annual incentive bonus plan for Messrs. Haines and Schoebel for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022. For a detailed description of our executive compensation program, see “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

Environmental Stewardship and Risk Management

We recognize the environmental impact of our operations as a diverse portfolio of necessity-based retail properties. We are committed to developing a process to track and review our environmental impact from landlord-controlled common areas and, to the extent feasible, encouraging tenants to reduce their environmental footprints and to operate sustainably.

Environmental Performance and Targets

In 2020, we set measurable and time-bound reduction targets for common area energy, water, waste, and GHG emissions. We sourced a data software platform to support us in tracking our environmental metrics and began collecting metrics for our common areas and corporate office. We will continue to report our progress against these targets in future communications.

In 2020, across like-for-like properties, ROIC saw:

Calendar year 2020 GHG emissions, energy, waste, and water inventories were verified at the limited assurance level by an independent third party. Looking forward, we aim to collect more waste data across our properties and collect tenant data in addition to data for managed spaces.

Approach to Climate Change

We are committed to considering ways to prepare for long-term change in climatic conditions or climate related events. We strive to reduce these risks on our business and capture opportunities that may arise. To demonstrate this commitment, we have aligned our approach with the recommendations of the TCFD. Risk management is integrated into how we conduct business and a critical element of how we approach climate; in 2021, we identified physical and transition risks in line with TCFD. We have a comprehensive Disaster Recovery/Business Resumption Plan in place that includes how to respond to extreme weather events, such as floods, fires, and earthquakes, and to pandemics. Our operations and properties are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the protection of the environment, including air and water quality, hazardous or toxic substances and health and safety.

Social Responsibility

Supporting our employees, our tenants, and our communities is at the heart of our business model. Our properties provide essential services and places to gather people in meaningful ways and we strive to impact all of our stakeholders positively through engagement and dialogue.

Human Capital Management – Diversity Metrics

We have disclosed enhanced diversity metrics aligned with EEO-1 reporting, which is a report filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by certain employers and includes data about the racial, ethnic and gender composition of a workforce. The graphic below sets forth such EEO-1 data regarding our management and workforce.

COVID-19

As an owner and operator of shopping centers with essential services, during COVID-19, we have been committed to serving the needs of our employees, tenants, and their customers to prioritize their business continuity and health. Some of the actions we have taken include:

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

Our board of directors is currently comprised of ten directors: Richard A. Baker, Angela K. Ho, Michael J. Indiveri, Zabrina M. Jenkins, Lee S. Neibart, Charles J. Persico, Adrienne B. Pitts, Laura H. Pomerantz, Stuart A. Tanz and Eric S. Zorn. In accordance with our charter (the “Charter”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”), each director holds office until our next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualifies, or until the director’s earlier resignation, death or removal.

On December 15, 2021, our board of directors elected Ms. Zabrina M. Jenkins and Ms. Adrienne B. Pitts to become new independent directors effective December 15, 2021 and we announced that Mr. Charles J. Persico, a long-tenured independent director, had advised our board of directors that he would not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting upon expiration of his current term. In connection with this election and this announcement, our board of directors temporarily increased the size of our board of directors by two directors until the Annual Meeting when Mr. Persico does not stand for re-election.

Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with the exception of Mr. Persico who is not standing for re-election to our board of directors, each of our current directors, Messrs. Baker, Indiveri, Neibart, Tanz and Zorn, and Mses. Ho, Jenkins, Pitts and Pomerantz, has been nominated by our board of directors to stand for election as directors by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting to serve until our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify.

We seek to have a board of directors representing diverse educational backgrounds and different work and life experiences that provide a range of insights into the financial, governmental or legal matters that are relevant to our business and to our status as a publicly owned company. We believe that, as a group, the nominees bring a diverse range of perspectives that contribute to the effectiveness of our board as a whole and the oversight that our board of directors provides to our senior management team. The procedures and considerations of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in recommending qualified director candidates are described below under “Corporate Governance—Identification of Director Candidates” in this Proxy Statement. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our board of directors concluded that each of our director nominees should be nominated for election based on the qualifications and experience described in the biographical information below under “Nominees for Election as Directors.”

It is intended that the shares of Common Stock represented by properly submitted proxies will be voted by the persons named therein as proxy holders FOR the election of Messrs. Baker, Indiveri, Neibart, Tanz and Zorn, and Mses. Ho, Jenkins, Pitts and Pomerantz as directors, unless otherwise instructed. If the candidacy of Messrs. Baker, Indiveri, Neibart, Tanz or Zorn, or Mses. Ho, Jenkins, Pitts or Pomerantz should, for any reason, be withdrawn prior to the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted by the proxy holders in favor of such substituted candidates (if any) as shall be nominated by our board of directors. Our board of directors has no reason to believe that, if elected, Messrs. Baker, Indiveri, Neibart, Tanz and Zorn, and Mses. Ho, Jenkins, Pitts and Pomerantz will be unable or unwilling to serve as directors.

Nominees for Election as Directors

The following information is furnished regarding the nominees for election as directors as of the date of this Proxy Statement.

Richard A. Baker, 56, has served as one of our directors since our inception in 2007, as Executive Chairman of our board of directors between 2009 and 2012 and as Non-Executive Chairman of our board of directors from 2012 until present. Mr. Baker is the Chief Governour and Executive Chairman of the Hudson’s Bay Company, a diversified North American retail organization, which owns and operates Saks, Inc., and the Hudson’s Bay Company. Since 1988, Mr. Baker has served in various capacities, including President, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President and is now Chairman of National Realty & Development Corp., a real estate development company. National Realty & Development Corp. owns and manages a real estate portfolio which includes shopping centers and corporate business centers located in 20 states. National Realty & Development Corp.’s tenants include prominent retailers such as Walmart, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Sears, Staples, Supervalu and T.J. Maxx. Mr. Baker received a B.S. in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board of the hotel and real estate program and as a Trustee of the university. We believe Mr. Baker’s significant prior experience as a founder, an executive officer and a director of numerous real estate companies makes him qualified to serve as a director.

Angela K. Ho, 38, has served as one of our directors since March 2021. Ms. Ho has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of OceanFirst Bank since 2016. From 2012 to 2016, she served as Vice President and Controller at Northfield Bank and from 2010 to 2012 she served as Accounting Policy Manager at Signature Bank. Prior to that she worked at KPMG in the New York Financial Services Practice from 2006 to 2010. Ms. Ho is a New York Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and currently serves on the AICPA Governing Council. Ms. Ho has been awarded American Banker’s 2020 Most Powerful Women in Banking: Next List, Asian American Business Development Center’s 2018 Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business, and New Jersey Bankers Association’s 2015 New Leaders in Banking. Ms. Ho received a B.S. in Accounting from University of Massachusetts Amherst and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The Company believes that Ms. Ho’s extensive experience in the banking and accounting industries makes her qualified to serve as a director.

Michael J. Indiveri, 69, has served as one of our directors since our inception in 2007. He is a principal of Michael J. Indiveri, CPA LLC, a licensed certified public accounting firm that provides senior level accounting services to public and private financial institutions. From June 2011 to December 2011, Mr. Indiveri provided these financial and accounting consulting services through The Indiveri Group, LLC, a real estate investment firm, where he has served as President since 2007. He was an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hudson Valley Holding Corp. (NYSE: HVB) and its principal subsidiary Hudson Valley Bank from May 2013 to June 2015. From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Indiveri served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Amalgamated Bank in New York. From 1997 until 2007, Mr. Indiveri served as the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of City & Suburban Federal Savings Bank, where he was also a director. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Indiveri served as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of New York Federal Savings Bank. Mr. Indiveri received a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and an M.B.A. from Fordham University. We believe Mr. Indiveri’s experience at Hudson Valley Holding Corp. and his prior experience at Amalgamated Bank in New York, including as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chairman of the Investment Committee and Chairman of the Asset Liability Management Committee, makes him qualified to serve as a director.

Zabrina M. Jenkins, 51, has served as one of our directors since December 2021. Ms. Jenkins has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Starbucks Corporation since February 2020 (NASDAQ: SBUX). In this role she leads a diverse cross-functional team responsible for legal strategy, real estate, intellectual property, employment, commercial transactions, and litigation. From January 2019 to February 2020, Ms. Jenkins served as Vice President and Interim Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and from April 2016 to January 2019 she served as Managing Director at Starbucks Corporation. Ms. Jenkins joined Starbucks Corporation in 2005 and prior to that was an attorney in private practice. Additionally, Ms. Jenkins serves as an Executive Champion of the Starbucks Black Partner Network, advises the Inclusion and Diversity Committee for the Law & Corporate Affairs department, and provides legal counsel to the Audit Committee of the Starbucks Corporation Board of Directors. Ms. Jenkins also currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Central Washington University and as a member of the Advisory Board of Washington Leadership Institute and the Board of Directors of the Loren Miller Bar Foundation. Ms. Jenkins was selected as a 2019-2020 fellow of the International Women’s Forum. Ms. Jenkins received a B.S. in Business Administration, Finance from Central Washington University, an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University School of Education, and a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. The Company believes Ms. Jenkins’ extensive legal and corporate experience makes her qualified to serve as a director.

Lee S. Neibart, 71, has served as one of our directors since our inception in 2007 and, until 2009, served as our President. Mr. Neibart is a founder of NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners LLC. Mr. Neibart has been the Chief Executive Officer of HBS Global Properties, Inc. since 2013. Mr. Neibart has also been the Chairman and a Senior Partner of Trinity Investments since September 2016. From 2013 until June 2018, he was a Senior Partner and the Chairman of the Real Estate Group of Ares Management LLC. From 1993 until July 2013, Mr. Neibart was the Global Chief Executive Officer of AREA Property Partners, formerly Apollo Real Estate Advisors. From 1979 to 1993, Mr. Neibart worked at the Robert Martin Company, a real estate development and management firm, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Neibart is a director of Hudson’s Bay Company. Mr. Neibart serves on the Advisory Board of The Real Estate Institute of New York University. He is a past President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks. Mr. Neibart received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and an M.B.A. from the New York University School of Business. We believe Mr. Neibart’s significant prior experience as a founder, an executive officer and a director of numerous real estate companies makes him qualified to serve as a director.

Adrienne B. Pitts, 53, has served as one of our directors since December 2021. Ms. Pitts has served as Managing Director and General Counsel for Loop Capital, LLC since July 2016, and was recently appointed Corporate Secretary. In this role, she manages all legal concerns for the firm’s multiple financial services units, including real estate investments, corporate and public finance, its infrastructure fund, its growing real estate platform, as well as other asset and investment management matters. She works with these business units to assess risks related to M&A, capital and debt raising, and the firm’s other financial offerings and investments. Prior to that, from 1995 to 2015, Ms. Pitts was an attorney in private practice, elected to partner or principal at three international law firms where she served as both a litigator and transactional lawyer and represented large public and private companies in the areas of antitrust, banking, corporate governance, M&A, securities regulatory compliance, as well as white-collar criminal defense. Ms. Pitts also currently serves on the Finance and Audit Committees of the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, as well as on World Business Chicago’s Legal Advisory Board. Ms. Pitts received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law. We believe Ms. Pitts’ extensive legal and corporate experience makes her qualified to serve as a director.

Laura H. Pomerantz, 74, has served as one of our directors since our inception in 2007. In 2014, Ms. Pomerantz was appointed Vice Chairman and Head of Strategic Accounts at Cushman & Wakefield. Ms. Pomerantz is a Principal and founding partner of Laura Pomerantz Real Estate, LLC, founded in April of 2013, and has been an executive in the Real Estate industry for over 27 years. She was a Founding Partner and Principal at PBS Gould Venture, LLC, d/b/a PBS Real Estate, LLC (“PBS Real Estate”), a boutique firm offering commercial real estate advisory solutions to both tenants and landlords. Prior to joining PBS Real Estate in 2001, Ms. Pomerantz was a Senior Managing Director at Newmark & Company Real Estate. Prior to joining Newmark & Company Real Estate in 1996, Ms. Pomerantz was Executive Managing Director of S.L. Green (NYSE: SLG) and prior to that she was the Executive Vice President of The Leslie Fay Companies, Inc., having responsibility for supervising several of its upscale fashion divisions. She was with The Leslie Fay Companies, Inc. for over 18 years and served on its Board of Directors. She is a director at the Richard Tucker Foundation and G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ: GIII) and is a former director as well as a former member of the Nomination & Governance and Compensation Committees of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation (NYSE: CLI). Ms. Pomerantz received an A.B.A. in Business Administration from Miami Dade Community College. We believe Ms. Pomerantz’s significant prior experience as a Principal at PBS Real Estate and at other real estate and retail companies makes her qualified to serve as a director.

Stuart A. Tanz, 63, has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and one of our directors since 2009. Mr. Tanz was the Chief Executive Officer of United Income Properties, Inc. from 2006 to 2009 and its Chief Operating Officer and President from 1988 to 1992. United Income Properties, Inc. was a privately owned retail real estate development company in Southern California which developed, owned and operated various shopping centers in Southern California and now owns, manages and operates approximately 1,150 self-storage units and an apartment property. From 1997 to 2006, Mr. Tanz was the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc., during which period its total market capitalization increased by 795% from $447 million to over $4 billion. Mr. Tanz oversaw and administered all aspects of Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc.’s business, management, finance and personnel and led its $146 million initial public offering on the NYSE and ultimately in the sale of the company for $4.1 billion to Kimco Realty Corp. (NYSE: KIM) in November 2006. From 1992 to December 1996, Mr. Tanz was a director of Revenue Properties Company Limited and was the Co-Chief Executive Officer from May 1996 to August 1997. Revenue Properties Company Limited was a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange that was the parent company of Pan Pacific Development Corp., where Mr. Tanz was the President and Chief Operating Officer from 1992 to 1997. From 1982 to 1988, Mr. Tanz was the Director of Acquisitions of Southern California at Bramalea Limited, based in Toronto, Canada, and Bramalea California Inc. Mr. Tanz is a member of the Advisory Council for the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate and Chairman of the Advisory council for the Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mr. Tanz is a member of International Council of Shopping Centers and Young Presidents Organization. In 1998, National Real Estate Investors named Mr. Tanz as one of the country’s top real estate executives under the age of 40 and in 2001 Mr. Tanz was awarded San Diego’s Ernst & Young Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year in real estate. Mr. Tanz received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business. We believe Mr. Tanz’s significant prior public company experience as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc. makes him qualified to serve as a director.

Eric S. Zorn, 73, has served as one of our directors since March, 2012. Mr. Zorn is currently Chairman of ESZ LLC, which is an International Real Estate Consulting Firm. It performs work for clients around the globe. From 2012 to 2015, Mr. Zorn served as a consultant to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and was engaged in Walmart’s Asian growth strategy. Until retiring in 2012, Mr. Zorn had served as President of Walmart Realty since 2002 and as an Executive Vice President of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. since 2005. He led teams responsible for new store growth, store remodeling and property management, merchandise planning, procurement and allocation of capital among markets targeted for growth. Over a 15-year period, Mr. Zorn oversaw the opening of more than 3,200 Walmart stores in the United States, and also oversaw the strategy for disposition of excess real estate. Mr. Zorn joined Walmart in 1993 as Regional Vice President of Operations, becoming a Senior Vice President of Walmart Realty in 1995, after spending 22 years at the Jamesway Corporation, including nine years as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Zorn is on the Executive Committee of the Board of Visitors for MD Anderson Cancer Center. Mr. Zorn previously served as Trustee of the International Council of Shopping Centers, and has served several other organizations in various capacities, including the Foundation Board of Trustees for Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas, Professional Women in Construction (New York chapter) and the Susan G. Komen Foundation (NWA Chapter). Mr. Zorn studied history at Fairleigh Dickinson University. We believe that Mr. Zorn’s extensive experience, including leadership of real estate acquisitions and property management for Walmart Realty, makes him qualified to serve as a director.

Our board of directors recommends a vote FOR the election of Messrs. Baker, Indiveri, Neibart, Tanz and Zorn, and Mses. Ho, Jenkins, Pitts and Pomerantz as directors.

A plurality of all of the votes cast in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present is necessary to elect a director. Proxies solicited by our board of directors will be voted FOR the election of Messrs. Baker, Indiveri, Neibart, Tanz and Zorn, and Mses. Ho, Jenkins, Pitts and Pomerantz, unless otherwise instructed. Because directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors, and no additional nominations may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting, “withhold” votes will have no effect on the result of the vote on this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote on this proposal, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

We have a majority voting policy for the election of directors. In an uncontested election, any nominee for director who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his or her election than votes “for” such election is required to tender his or her resignation to our board of directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required to promptly consider the resignation and make a recommendation to our board of directors with respect to the tendered resignation. Our board of directors is required to take action with respect to this recommendation. Any director who tenders his or her resignation to our board of directors will not participate in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s consideration or action by our board of directors regarding whether to accept such tendered resignation. The policy is more fully described below under “Corporate Governance—Corporate Governance Guidelines—Majority Voting Policy.”

In accordance with our Charter and Bylaws, vacancies occurring on our board of directors, as a result of death, resignation, removal of a director, an increase in the authorized number of directors or otherwise, may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

There are no family relationships, as defined under Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regulations, among any of our directors or executive officers.

PROPOSAL 2

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANY’S
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Our board of directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. Our board of directors is requesting that our stockholders ratify this appointment of Ernst & Young LLP.

The report of Ernst & Young LLP on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

Neither our Bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of our board of directors’ appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, our board of directors is submitting the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that ratification of this appointment of independent registered public accounting firm is not approved at the Annual Meeting, our board of directors will review its future appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, our board of directors, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in our best interests.

Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will be provided with an opportunity to make a statement if so desired and to respond to appropriate inquiries from stockholders.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees

The following table summarizes the aggregate fees (including related expenses) billed to us for professional services provided by Ernst & Young LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

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The charter of the Audit Committee of our board of directors (the “Audit Committee”) provides that the Audit Committee shall review and pre-approve the engagement fees and the terms of all auditing and non-auditing services to be provided by our external auditors which audit our financial statements and evaluate the effect thereof on the independence of such external auditors. All audit, tax and other services provided to us by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, were reviewed and pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by Ernst & Young LLP was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions.

Our board of directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.

A majority of all of the votes cast on this proposal at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present is required for its approval. Proxies solicited by our board of directors will be voted FOR this proposal, unless otherwise instructed. Abstentions are not votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote on this proposal, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

PROPOSAL 3

APPROVAL ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE
COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, we are providing our stockholders with the opportunity to vote on the resolution to approve, on an advisory and non-binding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in accordance with SEC rules in this Proxy Statement. This proposal is commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal. The compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement includes the disclosures under “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the compensation tables and other narrative executive compensation disclosure in this Proxy Statement, as required by SEC rules.

In considering their vote, stockholders may wish to carefully review the information presented on our compensation policies and decisions regarding our named executive officers, as disclosed in detail in this Proxy Statement under “Executive Compensation.” Our board of directors believes that our long-term success depends in large measure on the talents of our management team and other employees and, as described below under “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” we, through our executive compensation programs, seek to attract, motivate and retain top-quality senior executives who are committed to our core values of excellence and integrity. The fundamental philosophy of the Compensation Committee of our board of directors (the “Compensation Committee”) is to closely align these compensation programs with the achievement of clear annual and long-term performance goals tied to our financial success and the creation of stockholder value. The Compensation Committee believes that it is important to create a compensation program that appropriately balances short-term, equity-based or cash-based compensation with long-term, equity-based compensation.

Our board of directors has determined that the best way to allow stockholders to vote on the compensation of our named executive officers is through the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of the Company advise that they approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including the disclosure under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the compensation tables and other narrative executive compensation disclosure in the Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in accordance with SEC rules in this Proxy Statement. Although this vote is advisory and non-binding, our board of directors and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding compensation of our named executive officers.

Our board of directors recommends a vote FOR the resolution to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in accordance with SEC rules in this Proxy Statement, including the disclosure under “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the compensation tables and other narrative executive compensation disclosure in this Proxy Statement.

A majority of all of the votes cast on this proposal at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present is required for its approval. Proxies solicited by our board of directors will be voted FOR this proposal, unless otherwise instructed. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote on this proposal, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE MATTERS

Board of Directors

Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing our affairs. Our board of directors conducts its business through meetings and actions taken by written consent in lieu of meetings. The policy of our board of directors, as set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), is to encourage and promote the attendance by each director at all scheduled meetings of our board of directors and all meetings of our stockholders. During the year ended December 31, 2021, our board of directors held eight meetings. During the year ended December 31, 2021, all of our directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of our board of directors including meetings of the committees of our board of directors of which they were members. In 2021, all directors then serving on our board of directors attended our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Committees of our Board of Directors

Our board of directors has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Audit Committee. Michael J. Indiveri (Chair), Angela K. Ho and Eric S. Zorn are the current members of the Audit Committee. Our board of directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are independent as required by NASDAQ corporate governance requirements, SEC rules governing the qualifications of audit committee members, the Guidelines, the Independence Standards (as defined below) and the written charter of the Audit Committee. Our board of directors has also determined, based upon its qualitative assessment of their relevant levels of knowledge and business experience (see “Proposal 1: Election of Directors—Nominees for Election as Directors” in this Proxy Statement for a description of their respective backgrounds and experience), that Ms. Ho and Mr. Indiveri each qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” for purposes of, and as defined by, SEC rules and has the requisite accounting or related financial management expertise required by NASDAQ corporate governance requirements. In addition, our board of directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are financially literate as required by NASDAQ corporate governance requirements. The Audit Committee, which met four times during 2021, among other responsibilities, acts on behalf of our board of directors to discharge our board of directors’ responsibilities relating to our and our subsidiaries’ corporate accounting and reporting practices, the quality and integrity of our consolidated financial statements, our compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the performance, qualifications and independence of our external auditors, the performance of our internal audit function and our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee is also responsible for approving and reviewing with management and external auditors the interim and audited annual financial statements, meeting with officers responsible for certifying our annual report on Form 10-K or any quarterly report on Form 10-Q prior to any such certification and reviewing with such officers disclosures related to any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls. The Audit Committee is charged with periodically discussing with our external auditors such auditors’ judgments about the quality, not just the acceptability, of our accounting principles as applied in our consolidated financial statements. The specific responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in its written charter, a copy of which is available for viewing on our website at www.roireit.net.

Compensation Committee. Laura H. Pomerantz (Chair), Michael J. Indiveri and Zabrina M. Jenkins are the current members of the Compensation Committee. Our board of directors has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee are independent as required by NASDAQ corporate governance requirements, SEC rules governing the independence of compensation committee directors, the Guidelines, the Independence Standards and the written charter of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee, which met four times during 2021, is responsible for, among other things, overseeing the approval, administration and evaluation of our compensation plans, policies and programs, and reviewing the compensation of our directors and our named executive officers. The specific responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are set forth in its written charter, a copy of which is available for viewing on our website at www.roireit.net.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Eric S. Zorn (Chair), Michael J. Indiveri and Adrienne B. Pitts are the current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our board of directors has determined that all of the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent as required by NASDAQ corporate governance requirements, the Guidelines, the Independence Standards and the written charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which met three times during 2021, is responsible for, among other things, reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors on the range of qualifications that should be represented on our board of directors and eligibility criteria for individual board membership, seeking, considering and recommending to our board of directors qualified candidates for election as directors and approving and recommending to the full board of directors succession plans for each of our named executive officers. It reviews and makes recommendations on matters involving the general operation of our board of directors and our corporate governance, and recommends to our board of directors nominees for each committee of our board of directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also annually facilitates the assessment of our board of directors’ performance as a whole and of the individual directors, and reports thereon to our board of directors. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing our ESG strategy development and taking our stockholders’ and other stakeholders’ perspectives into consideration when formulating ESG practices. The specific responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are set forth in its written charter, a copy of which is available for viewing on our website at www.roireit.net.

We will provide the written charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and/or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, free of charge, to stockholders who request them. Requests should be directed to Michael B. Haines, our Chief Financial Officer, at Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., 11250 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130. The written charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and/or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are also available for viewing on our website at www.roireit.net.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee has furnished the following report for the 2021 fiscal year.

The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of our consolidated financial statements, our system of internal controls, our risk management, the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, and our compliance with related legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee has the sole authority and responsibility to select, determine the compensation of, evaluate and, when appropriate, replace our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our board of directors.

Management is primarily responsible for our financial reporting process, including the system of internal controls, for the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and for the report on our internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, was responsible for performing an independent audit of (i) our annual consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and (ii) the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and expressing an opinion with respect thereto. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to oversee and review the financial reporting process and to review and discuss management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee is not, however, professionally engaged in the practice of accounting or auditing and does not provide any expert or other special assurance as to such financial statements concerning compliance with laws, regulations or accounting principles generally accepted in the United States or as to auditor independence. The Audit Committee relies, without independent verification, on the information provided to it and on the representations made by our management and our independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee held four meetings during 2021. The meetings were designed, among other things, to facilitate and encourage communication among the Audit Committee, management and Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed our ongoing compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (“PCAOB”) Auditing Standard No. 2201 regarding the audit of internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP the overall scope and plans for its audit. The Audit Committee reviewed reports and memoranda prepared by Ernst & Young LLP with respect to its audit of our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee met with Ernst & Young LLP, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations and their evaluations of our internal controls.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and the related report prepared by Ernst & Young LLP, with management and Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee also reviewed and discussed with management and Ernst & Young LLP management’s annual report on our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee discussed with management and Ernst & Young LLP the process used to support certifications by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that are required by the SEC and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to accompany our periodic filings with the SEC and the processes used to support management’s annual report on our internal control over financial reporting. As a result of these discussions, the Audit Committee believes that we maintain an effective system of accounting controls that allows us to prepare consolidated financial statements that fairly present our financial position and results of our operations. Management represented to the Audit Committee that our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The Audit Committee reviews and discusses with Ernst & Young LLP their audit plan for us. The Audit Committee also discusses with Ernst & Young LLP matters that independent accounting firms must discuss with audit committees under generally accepted auditing standards and standards of the PCAOB, including, among other things, matters related to the conduct of the audit of our consolidated financial statements and the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB and the SEC, which includes a discussion of Ernst & Young LLP’s judgments about the quality (not just the acceptability) of our accounting principles as applied to financial reporting and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards and those matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, “Communications with Audit Committees.”

The Audit Committee also discussed with Ernst & Young LLP its independence from us. Ernst & Young LLP provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communication with the Audit Committee concerning independence and represented that it is independent from us. When considering the independence of Ernst & Young LLP, the Audit Committee considered if services they provided to us, beyond those rendered in connection with their audit of our consolidated financial statements, their reviews of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and their audit of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, were compatible with maintaining their independence. The Audit Committee also reviewed and approved, among other things, the tax and other professional services performed by, and the amount of fees paid for such services to, Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee also received regular updates on the amount of fees and scope of audit, tax and other professional services provided by Ernst & Young LLP.

Based on the Audit Committee’s review and these meetings, discussions and reports, and subject to the limitations on the Audit Committee’s role and responsibilities referred to above and in its written charter, the Audit Committee recommended to our board of directors that our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 be included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. The Audit Committee has also recommended the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 and is presenting this selection to our stockholders for ratification.

Michael J. Indiveri, Chair

Angela K. Ho

Eric S. Zorn

The foregoing Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, to be (i) “soliciting material” or “filed” or (ii) incorporated by reference by any general statement into any filing made by us with the SEC, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate such report by reference.

COMPENSATION OF NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

For the year ended December 31, 2021, each non-employee member of our board of directors was entitled to receive compensation for his or her services as a director as follows: (i) an annual cash retainer of $60,000 per year in cash; (ii) an annual equity award of $100,000 in value of restricted shares of Common Stock (“Restricted Shares”); (iii) a fee of $1,500 for each meeting of our board of directors attended in person or by teleconference; (iv) a fee of $1,500 for each meeting of a committee of our board of directors attended in person or by teleconference; and (v) annual chair fees of $20,000 per year to each non-employee director acting as the Chair of the Audit Committee, Chair of the Compensation Committee and Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Directors who are also our employees are not entitled to receive additional compensation for serving on our board of directors.

During 2021, the Compensation Committee engaged FTI Consulting Inc. (“FTI”) to serve as its compensation consultant in reviewing and evaluating our officer and director compensation levels and program, with the goal of creating a fair, reasonable and balanced compensation program that closely aligns the interest of our board of directors with those of our stockholders and reflect current practices in the marketplace. FTI received instructions from, and reported to, the Compensation Committee on an independent basis. FTI’s services to the Compensation Committee are discussed further below. See “Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” Other than as described herein, FTI did not provide other services to us or any of our affiliates during 2021.

The following table summarizes the annual compensation received by our non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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On April 25, 2018, the stockholders of the Company approved and the Company adopted the Company’s Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan”) which replaced the original Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Original 2009 Equity Incentive Plan”). During 2021, non-employee directors were eligible to receive grants of stock options (“Options”), Restricted Shares, long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) units, which represent a class of partnership interests in our operating partnership, share appreciation rights, phantom shares, dividend equivalents and other equity-based awards under the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan.

INFORMATION REGARDING OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our President and Chief Executive Officer is Stuart A. Tanz. The non-Executive Chairman of our board of directors is Richard A. Baker. Our Chief Financial Officer is Michael B. Haines. Our Chief Operating Officer is Richard K. Schoebel. For Messrs. Tanz’s and Baker’s biographies, please see “Proposal 1: Election of Directors—Nominees for Election as Directors.” The following sets forth the biographical information for Messrs. Haines and Schoebel as of the date of this Proxy Statement.

Michael B. Haines, 60, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since December 2012. Prior to December 2012, Mr. Haines served as Chief Accounting Officer at Pacific Office Properties Trust, Inc., a publicly traded real estate investment trust that owns and operates institutional quality office properties in Hawaii and Southern California. From September 2009 until joining Pacific Office Properties Trust, Inc. in October 2010, Mr. Haines was Chief Accounting Officer at American Realty Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisor and provider of real estate investment management services to institutional investors. From January 2007 to September 2008, he was Chief Financial Officer at Hopkins Real Estate Group, a firm that specializes in retail shopping center development and re-development. Prior to January 2007, for approximately 12 years, he held various financial and accounting positions, including Vice President, Finance, at Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust that specialized in the acquisition, ownership and management of community and neighborhood shopping centers for everyday essentials. Prior to joining Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc., Mr. Haines was Director of Internal Audit for The Hahn Company, a developer and owner of regional shopping malls throughout the United States, and a Senior Auditor at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. Mr. Haines received a Bachelors in Business Administration from San Diego State University. Mr. Haines is a California-licensed Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Richard K. Schoebel, 56, has served as our Chief Operating Officer since 2009. Prior to 2009, Mr. Schoebel served as the Vice President, Property Management for the West Region of Centro Properties Group (US). In this role, he was responsible for 8.9 million square feet of community and neighborhood shopping centers. From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Schoebel was a Principal and Managing Member of Pacific Spectrum Properties, LLC, a brokerage firm providing leasing, management and consulting services to shopping center owners. Prior to that, for 12 years he held numerous positions at Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc., ultimately serving as Vice President, Operations, where he directed the leasing and property management for a portfolio of 38 shopping centers, encompassing five million leasable square feet. Mr. Schoebel has over 27 years of real estate industry experience, specializing in shopping centers. Mr. Schoebel received a B.S. in Management with a minor in Applied Computer Science from Keene State College in New Hampshire.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Role and Leadership Structure of our Board of Directors and Risk Oversight

Pursuant to our Charter, Bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation Law, our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors has the responsibility for establishing broad corporate policies and for our overall performance and direction, but is not involved in our day-to-day operations. Members of our board of directors keep informed of our business by participating in meetings of our board of directors and its committees, by reviewing analyses, reports and other materials provided to them and through discussions with the Chairman of our board of directors, President and Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers.

We maintain separate roles for our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our board of directors.

Our board of directors believes that the composition of our board of directors protects stockholder interests and provides sufficient independent oversight of our management. A majority of our current directors are “independent” under NASDAQ corporate governance requirements, as more fully described under “—Director Independence.” The independent directors meet separately from our management on a regular basis at the conclusion of our board of directors’ regularly scheduled meetings. The independent directors oversee such critical matters as the integrity of our financial statements, the evaluation and compensation of our directors and executive officers and the selection and evaluation of directors.

Each independent director has the ability to add items to the agenda of board of directors meetings or raise subjects for discussion that are not on the agenda for that meeting. In addition, our board of directors and each committee of our board of directors has complete and open access to our executive officers.

Our board of directors believes that its majority independent composition and the roles that our independent directors perform provide effective corporate governance at the board of directors level and independent oversight of both our board of directors and our executive officers. The current leadership model, when combined with the functioning of the independent director component of our board of directors and our overall corporate governance structure, strikes an appropriate balance between strong and consistent leadership and independent oversight of our business and affairs.

In connection with their oversight of risk to our business, our board of directors and the Audit Committee consider feedback from our executive officers concerning the risks related to our business, our operations and strategies. Our executive officers regularly report to our board of directors on risks relating to our property acquisitions, our leverage and hedging policies, our capital availability and our internal control and procedures. Members of our board of directors routinely meet with our executive officers, as appropriate, in connection with their consideration of matters submitted for the approval of our board of directors and the risks associated with such matters.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Conduct was designed to assist directors, officers and employees in complying with the law, and in resolving moral and ethical issues that may arise in complying with our policies and procedures. Among the areas addressed by the Code of Conduct are compliance with applicable laws, conflicts of interest, use and protection of our assets, confidentiality, communications with the public, internal accounting controls, improper influence of audits, records retention, fair dealing, discrimination and harassment, money laundering, human rights and health and safety. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for monitoring our board of directors’ governance process and will make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Chairman of our board of directors on governance and related matters. The Code of Conduct is available for viewing on our website www.roireit.net. We will also provide the Code of Conduct, free of charge, to stockholders who request it. Requests should be directed to Michael B. Haines, our Chief Financial Officer, at Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., 11250 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our board of directors has adopted the Guidelines, which address significant issues of corporate governance, and set forth procedures by which our board of directors carries out its responsibilities. Among the areas addressed by the Guidelines are the composition of our board of directors, functions and responsibilities of our board of directors, the committees of our board of directors, director qualification standards, access to management and independent advisors, director compensation, management succession, director orientation and continuing education and the annual performance evaluation review of our board of directors and the committees of our board of directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing the Guidelines and will make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Chairman of our board of directors on governance and related matters.

Majority Vote Policy

The Guidelines provide for a majority voting policy for the election of directors. Pursuant to this policy, in any uncontested election of directors, any nominee who, of the votes cast in such election with respect to such nominee, receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his or her election than votes “for” such election shall promptly tender his or her resignation to our board of directors following certification of the stockholder vote. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall promptly consider the resignation and make a recommendation to our board of directors with respect to the tendered resignation. In considering whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall consider all factors it deems relevant, which may include the stated reasons, if any, why stockholders withheld votes from the director, any alternatives for curing the underlying cause of the withheld votes, the length of service and qualifications of the director, the director’s past and expected future contributions to the Company, the composition of our board of directors, and such other information and factors as members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall determine are relevant.

Our board of directors will act on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation no later than 90 days after the certification of the stockholder vote. Any director who tenders his or her resignation to our board of directors will not participate in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s consideration or board action regarding whether to accept such tendered resignation.

We will promptly disclose our board of director’s decision whether to accept the resignation as tendered (providing a full explanation of the process by which the decision was reached and, if applicable, the reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation) in a press release, a filing with the SEC or in another broadly disseminated means of communication.

The Guidelines are available for viewing on our website at www.roireit.net. We will also provide the Guidelines, free of charge, to stockholders who request them. Requests should be directed to Michael B. Haines, our Chief Financial Officer, at Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., 11250 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130.

Director Independence

The Guidelines provide that a majority of the directors serving on our board of directors must be independent as required by NASDAQ corporate governance requirements. As permitted under the Guidelines, our board of directors has adopted certain categorical standards (the “Independence Standards”) to assist it in making determinations with respect to the independence of directors. Based upon its review of all relevant facts and circumstances, our board of directors has affirmatively determined that eight of our ten current directors, Angela K. Ho, Michael J. Indiveri, Zabrina M. Jenkins, Lee S. Neibart, Charles J. Persico, Adrienne B. Pitts, Laura H. Pomerantz and Eric S. Zorn, qualify as independent directors under NASDAQ corporate governance requirements and the Independence Standards. The Independence Standards are available for viewing on our website at www.roireit.net.

Policy Concerning Hedging and Pledging Transactions

Our Corporate Policy Regarding Equity Transactions (the “Policy”) contains policies that prohibit our officers, directors, employees and consultants from engaging in transactions of a speculative nature involving our securities. The Policy prohibits short sales and hedging transactions, and also generally prohibits transactions involving derivative securities, such as options, warrants, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights or similar rights whose value is derived from the value of our equity securities. The Policy prohibits all of our directors and officers from margining our securities, holding our securities in a margin account or pledging our securities as collateral for a loan, and also prohibits all other persons subject to the Policy from engaging in such activities unless they have been approved in writing by our compliance officer. No such approvals have been granted to date.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

To align the interests of our senior executives and stockholders, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee expects our executive officers to acquire significant direct or indirect ownership of equity in the Company, which may include interests in our operating partnership (“Company Equity”). Accordingly, we have adopted stock ownership guidelines (the “Stock Ownership Guidelines”) requiring each executive officer to achieve a Company Equity ownership level equal to a specified multiple of his or her base salary. The minimum equity ownership levels as a multiple of base salary are as follows: six times for the Chief Executive Officer; three times for the non-Executive Chairman of our board of directors; and three times for other executive officers.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has also adopted a guideline for directors to achieve significant direct or indirect ownership of Company Equity. Our directors are expected to achieve a Company Equity ownership level equal to a minimum of three times their annual cash retainer.

Company Equity owned by a spouse of an executive officer or a director shall count toward the executive officer or director achieving the applicable Company Equity ownership level. Company Equity held in a trust established by an executive officer or director (and/or his or her spouse) shall count toward the executive officer or director achieving the applicable Company Equity ownership level if the trust is revocable by the executive officer or director (and/or his or her spouse) or is for the benefit of the executive officer or director, the spouse of the executive officer or director, and/or the family members of the executive officer or director.

Executive officers and directors have a five-year grace period to comply with the Stock Ownership Guidelines, commencing on the date which is the later of the adoption of the Stock Ownership Guidelines and upon appointment to a new position. If, at the end of the five-year grace period, any executive officer or director does not achieve the requisite Company Equity ownership level, we will require such executive officer or director to hold all vested awards of Company Equity and derivatives exercisable for Company Equity, other than awards withheld to pay withholding taxes or the exercise price of options or other derivative securities, until the required ownership level has been satisfied. Additionally, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reserves the right to provide exceptions for extenuating personal circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviewed the holdings of the persons serving as our executive officers and directors at December 31, 2021 in light of the Stock Ownership Guidelines and determined that all of our executive officers and directors met the Stock Ownership Guidelines as required.

Review and Approval of Related-Party Transactions

Our board of directors has adopted written policies and procedures for review, approval and ratification of transactions involving us and “related parties” (directors, executive officers or stockholders beneficially owning 5% or greater of our outstanding Common Stock, or their immediate family members). The policies and procedures cover any related-party transaction that meets the minimum threshold for disclosure in the Proxy Statement under the relevant SEC rules (generally, transactions involving amounts exceeding $120,000 in which a related person has a direct or indirect material interest). A summary of these policies and procedures is set forth below:

Policies

Procedures

Identification of Director Candidates

In accordance with the Guidelines and its written charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for identifying director candidates for our board of directors and for recommending director candidates to our board of directors for consideration as nominees to stand for election at our annual stockholder meetings. Director candidates are recommended for nomination for election as directors in accordance with the procedures set forth in the written charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

We seek to have a board of directors representing diverse educational backgrounds and different work and life experiences that provide a range of insights into the financial, governmental or legal matters that are relevant to our business and to our status as a publicly owned company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically reviews the appropriate skills and characteristics required of our directors in the context of the current composition of our board of directors, our operating requirements and the long-term interests of our stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also evaluates the length of service of members of our board of directors with a view towards periodically adding new members that can bring fresh insights and perspectives to our strategic thinking and enhance the manner in which our business and affairs are supervised by our board of directors. We also believe that the nominees have developed unique and valuable expertise, knowledge and insights about the Company, our operations, our market and our industry during their tenure as directors. In accordance with the Guidelines, directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, exercise good business judgment and be committed to representing the long-term interests of the Company and our stockholders. Directors should also have an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical wisdom and mature judgment. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews director candidates with the objective of assembling a slate of directors that can best fulfill and promote our goals, and recommends director candidates based upon contributions they can make to our board of directors and management and their ability to represent our long-term interests and those of our stockholders.

When our board of directors considers adding a member to fill an existing vacancy or newly created position, or any other time the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes our board of directors should consider adding a member, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies and assesses director candidates and makes recommendations to our board of directors based upon the results of such search. In conducting this assessment, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers knowledge, experience, skills, diversity and such other factors as it deems appropriate in light of our current needs and those of our board of directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receives input on such director candidates from other directors, and recommends director candidates to our board of directors for nomination. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not solicit director nominations, but may consider recommendations by stockholders using the same criteria that it uses to evaluate other nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may, in its sole discretion, engage one or more search firms and/or other consultants, experts or professionals to assist in, among other things, identifying director candidates or gathering information regarding the background and experience of director candidates. If the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee engages any such third party, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will have sole authority to approve any fees or terms of retention relating to these services.

2021 Board Refreshment

In 2021, long-term refreshment of our board of directors continued to be one of the top priorities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, focusing on identifying prospective candidates that meet the current and future needs of our board of directors and the Company, as well as enhancing the multi-dimensional diversity of our board of directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our board of directors identified the need for directors that could bring additional accounting and finance expertise, and legal and corporate expertise. As a result of these efforts, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identified and our board of directors elected Ms. Angela K. Ho, Ms. Zabrina M. Jenkins and Ms. Adrienne B. Pitts. In addition, after years of distinguished service, Edward H. Meyer retired from our board of directors in April 2021 and in December 2021 Charles J. Persico advised our board of directors that he would not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting upon expiration of his current term.

Taking these changes into account, among the nine current directors on our board of directors nominated to stand for re-election to our board of directors at the Annual Meeting:

Board Diversity Matrix

The following matrix discloses the gender and demographic backgrounds of our board of directors as self-identified by our directors in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5606. Although Mr. Persico is not standing for reelection, he is included in following table.

Stockholder Nominations

Our stockholders of record who comply with the current advanced notice procedures set forth in our Bylaws and outlined under the “Submission of Stockholder Proposals” section of this Proxy Statement may nominate director candidates for election to our board of directors. Notice of stockholder nominations of director candidates at our annual meeting of stockholders must be received by our Secretary not earlier than the 150^th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120^th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 150^th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120^th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting will not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Accordingly, to nominate a director candidate for election at our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, stockholders must submit the nomination, in writing, by November 25, 2022, but in no event earlier than October 26, 2022. The written notice must set forth the information required by our Bylaws for nominations made by stockholders at an annual meeting. The advanced notice procedures set forth in our Bylaws do not affect the right of stockholders to request the inclusion of proposals in our proxy statement pursuant to SEC rules. See the “Submission of Stockholder Proposals” section of this Proxy Statement for information regarding providing timely notice of stockholder proposals under SEC rules.

Personal Loans to Executive Officers and Directors

We comply with, and operate in a manner consistent with, applicable law prohibiting extensions of credit in the form of personal loans to or for the benefit of our directors and executive officers.

Director Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

We have scheduled a meeting of our board of directors in conjunction with the Annual Meeting and, as set forth in the Guidelines, our policy is to encourage and promote the attendance by each director at all scheduled meetings of our board of directors and all meetings of our stockholders.

Stockholder Outreach and Engagement

We believe that fostering long-term relationships with our stockholders and maintaining their trust is a key ROIC objective, and we recognize the value of listening to and understanding their views about our business. We conduct stockholder outreach throughout the year, dialoguing and meeting with key institutional stockholders, in an effort to proactively address important issues. Our Chief Executive Officer, Stuart A. Tanz, and other members of our senior management team were in regular contact with stockholders during 2021 and conducted 268 scheduled investor meetings on important topics including ROIC’s strategy, performance, corporate governance, executive compensation and other related matters. Our management provides regular updates to our board of directors regarding these discussions and stockholder feedback. Our board of directors takes our stockholders’ and other stakeholders’ perspectives into consideration when overseeing the Company’s strategy, formulating governance and ESG practices and designing executive compensation programs. We are pleased that stockholders continued to support our executive compensation program in the 2021 advisory “say on pay” vote, with approximately 83.9% of the votes cast approving our advisory resolution.

We believe that our outreach program ensures that our management and our board of directors understand our stockholders’ views and concerns and are able to address the issues that are important to them. We are continuing our stockholder outreach efforts in 2022, in addition to our customary participation at industry conferences, investor roadshows and meetings with analysts, and remain committed to this ongoing initiative.

Communications with our Board of Directors

Our board of directors has established a process by which stockholders or other interested parties may communicate in writing with the chair of any committee of our board of directors or the independent directors of our board of directors as a group. Any such communication sent by e-mail should be sent to [email protected]. Any such communications sent by U.S. mail or overnight delivery should be directed to the attention of the Independent Directors, the Chair of the Audit Committee, the Chair of the Compensation Committee, or the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as the case may be, in each instance in care of the Company, at Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. 11250 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130. Our representative will forward them to the intended recipient(s). We reserve the right to disregard any communication that our Chief Executive Officer determines is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, does not reasonably relate to us or our business, or is similarly inappropriate. Our Chief Executive Officer has the authority to disregard any inappropriate communications or to take other appropriate actions with respect to any such inappropriate communications. Our board of directors has approved this communication process.

Executive Sessions of Independent Directors

It is the policy of our board of directors, in accordance with the Guidelines, that the independent directors serving on our board of directors meet separately without management (including management directors) in executive session at least four times per year at regularly scheduled meetings of our board of directors.

Amendments to Charter

Amendments to our Charter generally require the affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. The affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to cast at least two-thirds of votes entitled to be cast on a matter is only required (a) to remove a member of the board of directors, (b) to amend certain Charter provisions established to enable our qualification as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or (c) to amend the sentence in our Charter providing for the affirmative vote requirements described in (a) and (b).

Stockholders’ Ability to Amend Bylaws

In overseeing our corporate policies and our overall performance and direction, our board of directors has adopted the approach of operating in what it believes are the long-term best interests of the Company and our stockholders. In operating under these principles, our board of directors continuously reviews our corporate governance and considers whether any changes are necessary or desirable. As part of this review our board of directors considered an amendment to our Bylaws to allow our stockholders (without the concurrence of our board of directors) to implement bylaw amendments. Following a thorough review, effective December 15, 2021, our board of directors adopted and approved the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws in order to replace Article XIII of the existing bylaws of the Company in its entirety with a revised Article XIII. Article XIII now permits stockholders to amend the Company’s bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Previously, Article XIII provided that our board of directors had the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of the bylaws of the Company and to make new bylaws.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the material elements of the compensation programs offered to our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee is responsible for the administration of our compensation plans, policies and programs and for making recommendations relating to the compensation of our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee endeavors to ensure that the compensation paid to our named executive officers is consistent with our overall philosophy on compensation and market practices.

Fiscal 2021 Performance Highlights

During 2021, in the face of extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company delivered another year of strong operating and financial performance. We continued the disciplined execution of our strategy focused on necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers on the West Coast, which resulted in the following:

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We believe that the value creation produced from an investment in real estate should be assessed over a long-term period and our strategy has focused on and continues to focus on long-term value creation. During 2021, in addition to creating value through our property operations and leasing activities, we continued to enhance the long-term competitive position and intrinsic value of our portfolio through the implementation of strategic initiatives. These initiatives include our densification initiatives and development of our ESG programs. The economic benefits of our activities in these areas during 2021 will not be realized until subsequent years. However, we believe these initiatives, when combined with the strength of our in-place portfolio of necessity-based neighborhood shopping centers on the West Coast that we have assembled over the past decade, will help position us to continue to generate attractive returns for stockholders over the long-term. The following table sets forth our TSR performance over the one, three, five and seven-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

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Stockholder Outreach and Engagement

We believe that fostering long-term relationships with our stockholders and maintaining their trust is a key ROIC objective, and we recognize the value of listening to and understanding their views about our business. During 2021, we continued our stockholder outreach activities, dialoguing and meeting with key institutional stockholders, in an effort to proactively address important issues.

Board Refreshment

In 2021, long-term refreshment of our board of directors continued to be one of the top priorities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Executive Compensation Highlights

We are pleased that stockholders continued to support our executive compensation program in the 2021 advisory “say on pay” vote, with approximately 83.9% of the votes cast approving our advisory resolution. We attribute this result to the Compensation Committee’s commitment to designing and implementing an executive compensation program that aligns executive compensation with Company performance and the creation of sustainable stockholder value, and view it as an indication that stockholders are supportive of the Compensation Committee’s approach to executive compensation and our responsiveness to investor concerns.

Each component of compensation plays a role in supporting our compensation goals and objectives consisting of the following key components:

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Our executive compensation program also incorporates strong corporate governance standards designed to promote the interests of our stockholders, including:

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives.

We, through our executive compensation program, seek to attract, motivate and retain top-quality senior executives who are committed to our core values of excellence and integrity. The Compensation Committee’s fundamental philosophy is to closely align our compensation programs with the achievement of clear annual and long-term performance goals tied to our financial success and the creation of stockholder value.

The Compensation Committee’s objectives in developing and administering the executive compensation programs are to:

The Compensation Committee believes that it is important to create a compensation program that appropriately balances short-term, equity-based or cash-based compensation with long-term, equity-based compensation. Our named executive officer compensation program includes the following primary components:

It is the Compensation Committee’s view that compensation decisions are complex and best made after a deliberate review of Company and individual performance, as well as industry compensation levels. Consistent with this view, the Compensation Committee generally assesses our performance within the context of the industry’s overall performance and our internal performance standards and evaluates individual performance of our named executive officers relative to the performance expectations for their respective positions and roles within the Company. In addition, the Compensation Committee reviews our policies and compensation practices to determine whether the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. We have not identified any risks arising from our compensation policies and practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.

The Compensation Committee consults with compensation consultants, outside counsel, and other advisors as appropriate, in the Compensation Committee’s discretion, to assist in discharging its duties. Specifically, the Compensation Committee has engaged FTI as its independent compensation consultant to assist on a range of executive compensation matters. FTI’s services to the Compensation Committee are discussed further below.

Setting Executive Compensation.

The compensation arrangements with our existing executive management team were approved by the Compensation Committee, taking into consideration each individual’s value to the Company, and in consultation with FTI and Clifford Chance US LLP, our outside counsel. The focus of the Compensation Committee in approving these employment and letter agreements was to (i) align our senior executive compensation programs and policies with our financial performance and, accordingly, the creation of stockholder value and (ii) see that the compensation terms of our executive management team reflected current practices in the marketplace. Information with respect to the current employment and letter agreements of our named executive officers can be found under “—Employment and Letter Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.”

The Compensation Committee will, on an ongoing basis, continue to examine and assess our executive compensation practices relative to our compensation philosophy and objectives, as well as competitive market practices, and will make or recommend to our board of directors modifications to the compensation programs, as deemed appropriate. The Compensation Committee engaged FTI as its independent compensation consultant in respect of calendar year 2021 to assist the Compensation Committee in developing and evaluating our executive compensation program, including objective performance standards for annual cash incentive bonuses and long-term equity-based awards. FTI’s services to us have been limited to compensation-related services. FTI met with the Compensation Committee on several occasions in 2021 and in the first quarter of 2022 to discuss guiding principles, competitive market trends, peer group pay practices, compensation strategy and other compensation considerations, including our performance during 2021. Specifically, FTI was engaged to assist the Compensation Committee in considering the framework for our named executive officers’ total compensation for 2021, taking into account the base salaries specified in existing employment and letter agreements, the objective performance criteria and weighting levels established for annual cash incentive bonus awards and long-term equity-based awards, and to make recommendations relating to base salaries, annual cash incentive bonus award and long-term equity-based awards.

Executive Compensation Peer Group.

In evaluating the Company’s executive compensation program for 2021, the Compensation Committee reviewed our pay levels compared to an executive compensation peer group. Our executive compensation peer group (the “executive compensation peer group”) is comprised solely of publicly traded REITs that have the following characteristics:

Our executive compensation peer group used to evaluate market compensation structures and levels comprised the following REITs:

Factors Considered in Setting Executive Compensation.

The Compensation Committee considers Company and individual named executive officer performance as the most important factors in determining a named executive officer’s compensation. With respect to its evaluation of Company performance, the Compensation Committee believes that an evaluation of our financial and operating performance provides an appropriate measure of Company performance in relation to our business objectives and for setting named executive officer compensation. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee utilizes certain objective criteria for evaluation of the Company’s and each named executive officer’s performance as established in our annual incentive compensation programs. In addition to the pre-established performance objectives (detailed in the “—Elements of Executive Compensation—Annual Cash Incentives” and “—Elements of Executive Compensation— Long-Term Equity-Based Awards” sections below), the Compensation Committee also considers:

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions.

The Compensation Committee implements all compensation decisions related to our named executive officers and approves recommendations related to incentive compensation for our other employees. When implementing compensation for our named executive officers (other than Mr. Tanz), the Compensation Committee seeks and considers the advice and counsel of Mr. Tanz, our Chief Executive Officer, given his direct day-to-day working relationship with these senior executives, and Mr. Baker, the Chairman of our board of directors.

Elements of Executive Compensation.

The key elements of our executive compensation program include:

Base Salary

Pursuant to their employment and letter agreements, we provide our named executive officers with annual base salaries to compensate them for services provided during the term of their employment or service. The Compensation Committee believes that the annual base salary paid in 2021 to each of our named executive officers reflected the scope of the role and responsibilities of the applicable position, individual performance and experience, and competitive market practices.

The annual base salaries for each of our named executive officers at December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Pursuant to their employment and letter agreements, the amount of annual compensation paid to each of our named executive officers may be increased during the term of employment at the discretion of our board of directors. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee annually reviews the amount of the annual base salary paid to our named executive officers each year, based upon individual roles and performance and the overall financial and operating performance of the Company, and may provide for increases as it may, in its discretion, deem appropriate. The Compensation Committee approved increases in the base salaries of Messrs. Tanz, Haines and Schoebel of $25,000, $11,850 and $14,100, respectively, for 2022. Changes made to the base salaries of our named executive officers for 2022 are as follows:

Our board of directors intends to continue to implement the terms of the employment or letter agreements, including the annual base salary provisions, and remains open to future annual base salary adjustments in the event our board of directors concludes that the circumstances warrant them. However, consistent with the Compensation Committee’s overall philosophy, we intend that the compensation programs for our named executive officers will emphasize incentive compensation in the form of annual cash incentive bonuses and long-term equity-based awards.

Annual Cash Incentives

Under the terms of their employment or letter agreements, an incentive structure was established for our named executive officers, making them eligible to receive an annual cash incentive within a specified range expressed as a percentage of such named executive officer’s annual salary. The range specified for each of our named executive officers is disclosed under “—Employment and Letter Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.”

2021 Annual Cash Incentive Bonus Program

For the 2021 annual cash incentive bonus program (the “2021 Plan”), 80% of the annual cash incentive bonus opportunities for Mr. Tanz were based on the achievement of certain objective Company performance criteria and, in the case of Messrs. Haines and Schoebel, 85% of the annual cash incentive bonus opportunities were based on the achievement of such objective performance criteria as well as certain role-specific objective criteria. In addition, the 2021 Plan also contained a discretionary component with a weighting of 20% for Mr. Tanz and 15% for each of Messrs. Haines and Schoebel, which was determined by the Compensation Committee.

As set forth in the table below, the Compensation Committee set FFO per share, capital raising, year-end leased occupancy, and same-center NOI growth as the Company’s objective performance criteria for the 2021 Plan. These objective performance metrics are the same metrics that, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Compensation Committee had initially established for the 2020 annual cash incentive bonus program (the “Pre-Pandemic 2020 Program”). The Pre-Pandemic 2020 Program was ultimately abandoned and replaced with a discretionary bonus for the 2020 performance year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to re-introduce the Pre-Pandemic 2020 Program performance metrics for the 2021 Plan at reduced levels due to the challenging financial and operational environment associated with the COVID-19 pandemic at the time the 2021 Plan was established in early 2021. At the time the Compensation Committee made this determination in February 2021, there remained significant uncertainty regarding the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing impact on the economies of the local markets throughout the west coast in which our properties are located, as well as on the broader financial markets. In addition, at that time, certain preventative measures taken by local, state and federal authorities to alleviate the public health crisis, which had severely impacted the U.S. retail market and the operations of the Company and the Company’s tenants, remained in effect, and it could not be predicted when such measures would be relaxed or lifted, the administration of COVID-19 vaccines had only recently commenced and there was uncertainty regarding the distribution and effectiveness of vaccines, and there remained the potential for additional severe outbreaks or the emergence of new COVID-19 variants (which became the case with the Delta variant in the summer of 2021 and Omicron variant in the winter of 2021).

The following table shows the objective metrics and weightings of the 2021 annual incentive cash bonus opportunities for our named executive officers:

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The operating metrics set under our executive compensation program are used for that limited purpose and should not be understood to be statements of management’s expectations of our future results or other guidance. Investors should not apply these metrics in any other context.

In addition to the Company performance criteria described above, Mr. Haines’s and Mr. Schoebel’s annual cash incentive bonuses for 2021 were also based in part on additional role-specific objective criteria. In the case of Mr. Haines, the role-specific objective criteria and weighting levels included:

In the case of Mr. Schoebel, the role-specific objective criteria and weighting levels included:

In addition to the Company and role-specific objective criteria described above, a discretionary component was evaluated by the Compensation Committee. In evaluating the discretionary component, the Compensation Committee focused on the achievement of the objective measures described above, as well additional factors such as, among others, operational achievements, densification activities, balance sheet maintenance, investor relations activities, individual performance evaluations and the relative value provided by each of our named executive officers towards our success in 2021.

The following table shows the threshold, target and maximum incentive cash bonus opportunities that were available to each named executive officer for 2021 as a percentage of their base salary, as well as the actual bonus earned for the year ended December 31, 2021. Whether any of the threshold, target or maximum bonus levels were attained was determined by the Compensation Committee based on achievement of the criteria described above, including the discretionary component, and the weighting of each criterion.

The Compensation Committee’s evaluation of Mr. Baker’s performance during 2021 focused on his contribution to the achievement of our overall business goals during 2021 and other factors as described above under “—Setting Executive Compensation.” The Compensation Committee also considered, in consultation with FTI, the compensation practices of our executive compensation peer group and recommended a bonus of $200,000 for Mr. Baker in respect of the year ended December 31, 2021.

2022 Annual Cash Incentive Bonus Program

In February 2022, the Compensation Committee approved specific performance metrics relating to the annual cash incentive bonus program for our named executive officers for the performance year ending December 31, 2022. The specific performance metrics and weightings approved at this meeting are as follows:

Long-Term Equity-Based Awards

The Compensation Committee believes that equity-based incentives are an effective means of motivating and rewarding long-term Company performance and value creation. In addition, equity-based incentives appropriately align the interests of management with those of stockholders. In accordance with the terms of the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, employees, non-employee directors, executive officers and other key personnel and our service providers and any of our subsidiaries are eligible to be granted Options, Restricted Shares, LTIP units, share appreciation rights, phantom shares, dividend equivalents and other equity-based awards under the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. These equity-based awards are intended to be designed to link executive compensation to our long-term Common Stock performance as well as the achievement of operational goals.

In 2019, the Compensation Committee, based on a comprehensive review of our performance-based equity compensation program, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with FTI, restructured such equity compensation to emphasize the achievement of financial and operational metrics that were better aligned with the Company’s long-term strategic goals and more directly correlated to executive performance. With respect to equity awards granted to Messrs. Tanz, Haines, Schoebel and Baker in respect of performance for the year ended December 31, 2019 (granted in 2020), the Compensation Committee retained this revised structure but incorporated the achievement of ESG milestones into the vesting criteria for the performance-based equity awards, as follows:

Throughout 2021 and during the first quarter of 2022, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with FTI, continued to evaluate the Company’s performance-based equity award structure together with the Company’s long-term strategic goals. The Compensation Committee determined the performance measures, weightings and levels of opportunity would remain the same for the performance-based equity awards in respect of performance for the year ended December 31, 2021 (granted in 2022). The Compensation Committee believes that the performance goals for the year-end 2021 performance-based equity awards (granted in 2022) are aligned with the Company’s strategic business plan, directly correlated to executive performance, continue to be sensitive to the Company’s TSR performance and are consistent with the long-term objectives that have been communicated to the Company’s investors.

Year-End 2021 Long-Term Equity-Based Awards (Granted in 2022)

In February 2022, the Compensation Committee approved long-term equity-based awards for our named executive officers in respect of performance for the year ended December 31, 2021, including the specific performance metrics, weightings and levels of opportunity for performance-based equity awards as described below. In determining the long-term equity-based awards to our named executive officers, the Compensation Committee focused on the objective measures and other factors as described above under “—Setting Executive Compensation.”

Based upon these considerations, the Compensation Committee recommended long-term equity-based awards as follows in respect of performance for the year ended December 31, 2021, subject to the forward-looking vesting criteria described herein:

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Key Terms of the Year-End 2021 Performance-Based Equity Awards (Granted in 2022)

With respect to the long-term equity-based awards to Messrs. Tanz, Haines, Schoebel and Baker in respect of performance for the year ended December 31, 2021 (granted in 2022), 50% of such awards were time-based Restricted Share awards that vest based solely on continued employment or service over a three-year vesting period. Dividends are paid on all time-based equity awards, vested and non-vested.

The remaining 50% of such long-term equity-based awards were performance-based Restricted Share awards granted for performance for the year ended December 31, 2021 and were allocated as follows: (i) 25% of the award will vest based on the number of ESG milestones achieved over the performance period, (ii) 25% of the award will vest based on average year-end occupancy rates over the performance period, (iii) 25% of the award will vest based on average year-end same-center NOI growth over the performance period, and (iv) 25% of the award will vest based on our TSR for such three-year forward-looking performance period relative to the performance comparison peer group listed under “—Performance Peer Group.” Dividends payable in connection with performance-based equity awards granted for performance for the year ended December 31, 2021 will only be paid to the extent that the performance-based vesting conditions are satisfied and such awards are earned and vest. The performance criteria, weightings and levels of opportunity for each of Messrs. Tanz, Haines, Baker and Schoebel for the performance-based equity awards, which were approved by the Compensation Committee in February 2022, are as follows:

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Key Terms of the Year-End 2020 Performance-Based Equity Awards (Granted in 2021)

With respect to the long-term equity-based awards to Messrs. Tanz, Haines, Schoebel and Baker in respect of performance for the year ended December 31, 2020 (granted in 2021), 50% of such awards were time-based Restricted Share awards that vest based solely on continued employment or service over a three-year vesting period. Dividends are paid on all time-based equity awards, vested and non-vested.

The remaining 50% of such long-term equity-based awards were performance-based Restricted Share awards granted for performance for the year ended December 31, 2020 and were allocated as follows: (i) 25% of the award will vest based on the number of ESG milestones achieved over the performance period, (ii) 25% of the award will vest based on average year-end occupancy rates over the performance period, (iii) 25% of the award will vest based on average year-end same-center NOI growth over the performance period, and (iv) 25% of the award will vest based on our TSR for such three-year forward-looking performance period relative to the performance comparison peer group listed under “—Performance Peer Group.” Dividends payable in connection with performance-based equity awards granted for performance for the year ended December 31, 2020 will only be paid to the extent that the performance-based vesting conditions are satisfied and such awards are earned and vest. The performance criteria, weightings and levels of opportunity for each of Messrs. Tanz, Haines, Baker and Schoebel for the performance-based equity awards, which were approved by the Compensation Committee in February 2021, are as follows:

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Performance Peer Group

In connection with the vesting of performance-based equity awards subject to relative TSR performance goals, the Company uses a group of competitors that are most closely aligned from an investment and asset-type perspective, but may be too large or small from a size perspective to be considered appropriate peers from an executive compensation standpoint. The following group of peer companies is used to measure our relative TSR performance for our outstanding performance-based equity awards:

Compensation for our Chairman

Mr. Baker, the Chairman of our board of directors, does not hold any executive office with the Company. However, due to the nature of his letter agreement and the compensation he is entitled to thereunder, we include Mr. Baker in this Proxy Statement as a “named executive officer.” The Board’s determination of compensation for Mr. Baker recognizes his importance to the Company and its business given his unique experience and leadership capabilities. Mr. Baker brings to the Company a distinguished reputation, valuable retail and real estate relationships and contacts, and significant experience in a number of critical areas, including real estate, finance, leasing and strategy. Mr. Baker also has regular interactions with the Company’s executive management team regarding retail industry trends, strategic acquisitions and other high-level matters. Based on those factors and a review of compensation paid to other similar chairpersons in the REIT industry, the Board believes that Mr. Baker’s compensation is appropriate and is as follows:

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Perquisites and Other Benefits

In general, it is the Compensation Committee’s practice to provide limited perquisites and other benefits to our named executive officers. We provide each of Messrs. Tanz, Haines and Schoebel with an automobile allowance of $1,500 per month, but do not reimburse our named executive officers for clubs, financial planning or items of a similar nature.

Messrs. Tanz, Haines and Schoebel are eligible to participate in our employee health and welfare benefit programs. The attributed costs of these benefits for our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 are included in the Summary Compensation Table under the column entitled “All Other Compensation” and the related footnote. Further, in accordance with the Code of Conduct, we do not make any loans to, or guarantee any personal loans of, any of our employees, including our named executive officers.

As discussed above in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we have entered into employment or letter agreements with each of our named executive officers. These employment and letter agreements are designed to promote our stability and continuity of senior leadership. Information with respect to applicable severance payments under these agreements for our named executive officers is provided under “—Employment and Letter Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.”

Deductibility of Executive Compensation. The Compensation Committee has determined, where practical, to maximize the tax deductibility of compensation payments to our executive officers under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) and the regulations thereunder. Section 162(m) imposes an annual individual limit of $1 million on the deductibility of our compensation payments to executives. Historically, compensation paid for achieving pre-established and objective performance goals pursuant to a plan that has been approved by our stockholders has not been subject to this limit. The Original 2009 Equity Incentive Plan was designed so that performance-based Restricted Share awards granted to our named executive officers under the plan on or before November 2, 2017 were exempt from the compensation deduction limitation described above. For performance-based awards granted to our executive officers after November 2, 2017, the Company will no longer be taking into account the potential tax deduction with respect to compensation for a named executive officer in excess of $1,000,000 a year, which will no longer be available, and the Company’s performance-based pay practices may change accordingly. Time-based awards are subject to the compensation deduction limitation. The Compensation Committee may authorize payments to executives that may not be fully deductible if it believes such payments are in our interests and that of our stockholders.

Other Tax and Accounting Implications. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 affects the tax rules applicable to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. We believe that we are operating in good faith compliance with these statutory provisions and all subsequent regulatory authority and that the employment agreements of all of our executive officers and the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

Say-on-Pay Vote. At our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, we provided our stockholders with the opportunity to vote on a resolution to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee reviewed the results of this advisory “say-on-pay” vote. Our stockholders showed continued support for our executive compensation program with approximately 83.9% of the votes cast approving our advisory resolution. We attribute this result to the Compensation Committee’s commitment to designing and implementing an executive compensation program that aligns executive compensation with Company performance and the creation of sustainable stockholder value and its responsiveness to feedback received from our stockholders.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee evaluates and establishes compensation for our named executive officers and administers the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. While management has the primary responsibility for our financial reporting process, including the disclosure of executive compensation, the Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth in this Proxy Statement. The Compensation Committee is satisfied that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis fairly represents the philosophy, intent and actions of the Compensation Committee with regard to executive compensation. The Compensation Committee recommended to our board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for filing with the SEC.

Laura H. Pomerantz, Chair

Michael J. Indiveri

Charles J. Persico

The foregoing Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act to be (i) “soliciting material” or “filed” or (ii) incorporated by reference by any general statement into any filing made by us with the SEC, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate such report by reference.

Compensation of Executive Officers

The following table summarizes the annual compensation received by our named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

2021 Summary Compensation Table

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The following table sets forth for each of our named executive officers the description and amount of each item comprising each officer’s total compensation appearing in the “All Other Compensation” column for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table summarizes certain information regarding all plan-based awards granted during the 2021 fiscal year to our named executive officers.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2021

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End 2021

The following table summarizes all outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers on December 31, 2021.

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As of December 31, 2021, our named executive officers held an aggregate of 1,180,238 unvested Restricted Shares (comprised of both time-based and performance-based awards and assuming such awards will be earned at the highest performance levels), 374,558 unvested LTIP units (comprised of performance-based awards and assuming such awards will be earned at the highest performance levels) and no Options. As of the Record Date, under the Original 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, there were outstanding Options to acquire a total of 9,750 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average purchase price of $12.66 per share and having a weighted average remaining term of 0.68 years, there were no Restricted Shares still subject to forfeiture, and there were no other awards outstanding and no further awards are permitted to be made. During 2021, 39,250 Options were exercised and no outstanding Options for any of our named executive officers were repriced. As of the Record Date, assuming vesting of outstanding awards at the highest performance levels, 699,951 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant to eligible participants under the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, and a total of 1,905,049 Restricted Shares (comprised of both time-based and performance-based awards) remained subject to forfeiture.

Option Exercises and Equity Vested

The following table summarizes certain information regarding options exercised and equity awards vested with respect to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Chief Executive Officer Compensation Pay Ratio

We believe our executive compensation program must be equitable to motivate our employees to create stockholder value. We monitor the relationship between the compensation of our executive officers and the compensation of our other employees. For 2021, the total compensation of Stuart A. Tanz, our President and Chief Executive Officer of $6,306,609, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table above, (our “CEO Compensation”), was approximately 37 times the total compensation of a median employee, which was calculated in the same manner, and was $172,475.

We identified the median employee using the annual base salary as of December 31, 2021, plus any annual cash incentive bonus received during 2021 and any long-term incentive equity awards vested in 2021 for all individuals, excluding our Chief Executive Officer, who were employed by us on December 31, 2021, the last day of our payroll year (whether employed on a full-time, part-time, or seasonal basis). If such median employee’s total compensation was not comparable to the CEO Compensation, for example, because such median employee was hired at the end of the year and thus did not receive long-term equity-based awards in 2021, we used the next lower employee who was comparable as the median employee. After identifying the median employee, we calculated annual total compensation for such employee using the same methodology we use for our CEO Compensation.

Pension Benefits

Our named executive officers received no benefits in 2021 from us under defined pension or defined contribution plans.

Employment and Letter Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements

We have employment and letter agreements with each of our named executive officers. As described below, these employment and letter agreements provide our named executive officers with, among other things, base salary, bonus and certain payments at, following and/or in connection with certain terminations of employment or a change in control involving the Company. As used below, the terms “Cause,” “Change in Control,” “Disability” and “Good Reason” shall have the respective meanings set forth in the applicable employment or letter agreements, as applicable.

Stuart A. Tanz. Mr. Tanz’s employment agreement, which became effective as of March 21, 2017, provides that he will serve as our Chief Executive Officer and President for an initial term of four years, with automatic renewal for additional one-year terms unless we give prior written notice of non-renewal at least six months prior to the end of the then current term. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Tanz is entitled to an annual base salary of $850,000, subject to annual review and upward adjustment, and an annual bonus between 0% and 175% of his then annual base salary, as determined in the sole discretion of our board of directors and based on Mr. Tanz’s performance and the performance of the Company. Mr. Tanz is entitled to participate in all of our employee benefit plans and programs or other welfare benefit programs as made generally available to other senior executives. Mr. Tanz is also entitled to (i) reimbursement for reasonable business expenses; and (ii) an automobile allowance of $1,500 per month.

Mr. Tanz’s employment agreement provides that if his employment is terminated (i) by us without Cause, (ii) by Mr. Tanz for Good Reason, (iii) upon non-renewal of the employment term by us, or (iv) by reason of Mr. Tanz’s death or Disability, (and provided Mr. Tanz executes and delivers a general release of claims in favor of the Company) he will be entitled to receive (A) a lump sum payment equal to (i) annual salary, annual bonus and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and (ii) (x) two times annual salary and (y) two times the average of the annual bonuses awarded for the last two years immediately preceding the year of termination (if no annual bonus was awarded for the year (or two years) preceding the year of termination, a minimum bonus equal to two times 50% of Mr. Tanz’s then annual salary), and (B) continuing medical and dental benefits for 24 months under the Company’s health plans and programs applicable to senior executives as he would have received in the absence of such termination. In addition to the foregoing, all outstanding unvested equity-based incentives and awards will vest and become free from restrictions and be exercisable in accordance with their terms. Mr. Tanz’s employment agreement also provides that if his employment is terminated by us without Cause or by Mr. Tanz for Good Reason within the 12 month period following a Change in Control, he will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to the benefits listed above, except that he will receive three times annual salary and three times the average of the annual bonuses awarded for the last two years immediately preceding the year of termination (if no annual bonus was awarded for the year (or two years) preceding the year of termination, a minimum bonus equal to three times 50% of Mr. Tanz’s then annual salary). To the extent that any of the foregoing payments so made constitutes an “excess parachute payment” under certain tax laws, rules and regulations, we will pay to Mr. Tanz (i) in full as provided above or (ii) in such lesser amount as would result in no portion of any payments or benefits being subject to the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code, whichever of the foregoing options (i) or (ii) results in the Mr. Tanz’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of payments and benefits.

Mr. Tanz has also agreed that he will not (i) compete with us; (ii) solicit our employees, agents or independent contractors; or (iii) solicit or intentionally interfere with our customer or client relationships for the period commencing on the date of the agreement and ending one year following the date upon which Mr. Tanz ceases to be an employee of the Company and our affiliates. His employment agreement also contains customary provisions relating to confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement.

Michael B. Haines. Mr. Haines’s employment agreement, which became effective as of March 21, 2017 provides that he will serve as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary for an initial term of four years, with automatic renewal for additional one-year terms unless we give prior written notice of non-renewal at least six months prior to the end of the then current term. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Haines is entitled to a base salary of $356,000, subject to review and upward adjustment, and an annual bonus between 0% and 125% of his then annual base salary, as determined in the sole discretion of our board of directors and based on Mr. Haines’ performance and the performance of the Company. Mr. Haines is also entitled to participate in all of our employee benefit plans and programs on substantially the same terms and conditions as other senior executives. Mr. Haines is entitled to (i) reimbursement for reasonable business expenses; and (ii) an automobile allowance of $1,500 per month.

Mr. Haines’ employment agreement provides that if Mr. Haines’ employment is terminated by reason of his death or Disability, he will be entitled to receive (i) a lump sum payment equal to (A) annual salary, annual bonus and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and (B) (x) his annual salary and (y) an amount equal to the average of the annual bonuses awarded for the last two years immediately preceding the year of termination (if no annual bonus was awarded for the year (or two years) preceding the year of termination, a minimum bonus equal to one times 50% of Mr. Haines’ then annual salary), and (ii) continuing medical and dental benefits for 12 months under the Company’s health plans and programs applicable to senior executives as he would have received in the absence of such termination. In addition to the foregoing, all outstanding unvested equity-based incentives and awards will vest and become free from restrictions and be exercisable in accordance with their terms. Additionally, if Mr. Haines’ employment is terminated (A) by us without Cause, (B) by Mr. Haines for Good Reason, (C) upon non-renewal of the employment term by us, or (D) by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Haines for Good Reason within the 12-month period following a Change in Control, (and provided Mr. Haines executes and delivers a general release of claims in favor of the Company) he will be entitled to receive (i) a lump sum payment equal to (A) annual salary, annual bonus and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and (B) (x) two times annual salary and (y) two times the average of the annual bonuses awarded for the last two years immediately preceding the year of termination (if no annual bonus was awarded for the year (or two years) preceding the year of termination, a minimum bonus equal to two times 50% of Mr. Haines’ then annual salary), and (ii) continuing medical and dental benefits for 18 months under the Company’s health plans and programs applicable to senior executives as he would have received in the absence of such termination. In addition to the foregoing, all outstanding unvested equity-based incentives and awards will vest and become free from restrictions and be exercisable in accordance with their terms. To the extent that any of the foregoing payments so made constitutes an “excess parachute payment” under certain tax laws, rules and regulations, we will pay to Mr. Haines (i) in full as provided above or (ii) in such lesser amount as would result in no portion of any payments or benefits being subject to the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code, whichever of the foregoing options (i) or (ii) results in the Mr. Haines’ receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of payments and benefits.

Mr. Haines has also agreed that he will not, for the period commencing on the date of the agreement and ending one year following the date upon which Mr. Haines ceases to be an employee of the Company and our affiliates, (i) compete with us, (ii) solicit our employees, agents or independent contractors, or (iii) solicit or intentionally interfere with our customer or client relationships. Mr. Haines’ employment agreement also contains customary provisions relating to confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement.

Richard A. Baker. On April 2, 2012, we entered into an amendment to Mr. Baker’s letter agreement with us, providing for his transition from Executive Chairman to non-executive Chairman of our board of directors, effective following our 2012 Annual Meeting. The term of the amended letter agreement was through October 20, 2015. Subject to annual review by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Mr. Baker continues to serve as non-executive Chairman of our board of directors pursuant to the terms of the amended letter agreement.

The amended letter agreement provides that Mr. Baker will receive annual compensation at a rate of $275,000. However, such compensation shall not extend beyond the date of Mr. Baker’s termination as non-executive Chairman of our board directors, unless such termination results from a decision taken by our board of directors without Mr. Baker’s approval to discontinue his service. Mr. Baker’s base salary is subject to annual review and upward adjustment in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Baker is eligible for an annual bonus to be determined in the sole discretion of our board of directors and based on Mr. Baker’s performance and our performance. Mr. Baker is also entitled to reimbursement for reasonable business expenses and a travel allowance determined annually by the Compensation Committee together with Mr. Baker.

Under the amended letter agreement, Mr. Baker has agreed that during the period he serves as Chairman of our board of directors, and (unless the board of directors elects not to continue Mr. Baker as Chairman without Mr. Baker’s approval to discontinue his service) for a one-year period following such service, he will not become a senior executive officer of a U.S.-based, publicly traded, necessity-based, retail REIT nor will he solicit our employees, agents or independent contractors to leave their employment or other service with us. Mr. Baker’s amended letter agreement also contains customary provisions relating to confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement. In addition, under the amended letter agreement, we and Mr. Baker agreed, with effect from October 20, 2012, to terminate his commitment to first offer to us retail properties located in the United States that he may discover prior to taking any interest in such property directly or indirectly for his own account or offering such property to other persons or entities.

Richard K. Schoebel. Mr. Schoebel’s employment agreement, which became effective as of March 21, 2017, provides that he will serve as our Chief Operating Officer for an initial term of four years, with automatic renewal for additional one-year terms unless we give prior written notice of non-renewal at least six months prior to the end of the then current term. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Schoebel is entitled to a base salary of $420,000, subject to review and upward adjustment, and an annual bonus between 0% and 125% of his then annual base salary, as determined in the sole discretion of our board of directors and based on Mr. Schoebel’s performance and the performance of the Company. Mr. Schoebel is also entitled to participate in all of our employee benefit plans and programs on substantially the same terms and conditions as other senior executives. Mr. Schoebel is also entitled to (i) reimbursement for reasonable business expenses; and (ii) an automobile allowance of $1,500 per month.

Mr. Schoebel’s employment agreement provides that if Mr. Schoebel’s employment is terminated by reason of his death or Disability, he will be entitled to receive (i) a lump sum payment equal to, (A) annual salary, annual bonus and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and (B) (x) his annual salary and (y) an amount equal to the average of the annual bonuses awarded for the last two years immediately preceding the year of termination (if no annual bonus was awarded for the year (or two years) preceding the year of termination, a minimum bonus equal to one times 50% of Mr. Schoebel’s then annual salary), and (ii) continuing medical and dental benefits for 12 months under the Company’s health plans and programs applicable to senior executives as he would have received in the absence of such termination. In addition to the foregoing, all outstanding unvested equity-based incentives and awards will vest and become free from restrictions and be exercisable in accordance with their terms. Additionally, if Mr. Schoebel’s employment is terminated (A) by us without Cause, (B) by Mr. Schoebel for Good Reason, (C) upon non-renewal of the employment term by us, or (D) by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Schoebel for Good Reason within the 12-month period following a Change in Control, (and provided Mr. Schoebel executes and delivers a general release of claims in favor of the Company) he will be entitled to receive (i) a lump sum payment equal to (A) annual salary, annual bonus and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the date of termination, and (B) (x) two times annual salary and (y) two times the average of the annual bonuses awarded for the last two years immediately preceding the year of termination (if no annual bonus was awarded for the year (or two years) preceding the year of termination, a minimum bonus equal to two times 50% of Mr. Schoebel’s then annual salary), and (ii) continuing medical and dental benefits for 18 months under the Company’s health plans and programs applicable to senior executives as he would have received in the absence of such termination. In addition to the foregoing, all outstanding unvested equity-based incentives and awards will vest and become free from restrictions and be exercisable in accordance with their terms. To the extent that any of the foregoing payments so made constitutes an “excess parachute payment” under certain tax laws, rules and regulations, we will pay to Mr. Schoebel (i) in full as provided above or (ii) in such lesser amount as would result in no portion of any payments or benefits being subject to the excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code, whichever of the foregoing options (i) or (ii) results in the Mr. Schoebel’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of payments and benefits.

Mr. Schoebel has also agreed that he will not, for the period commencing on the date of the agreement and ending one year following the date upon which Mr. Schoebel ceases to be an employee of the Company and our affiliates, (i) compete with us, (ii) solicit our employees, agents or independent contractors, or (iii) solicit or intentionally interfere with our customer or client relationships. Mr. Schoebel’s employment agreement also contains customary provisions relating to confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement.

Potential Payments upon a Change in Control or Termination

The following table sets forth the cash amounts, accelerated vesting of equity awards and other payments and benefits that our named executive officers would be entitled to receive under various circumstances pursuant to the terms of the Original 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, and the grant agreements made under the Original 2009 Equity Incentive Plan and the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan and their respective employment agreements in the event that the employment termination scenarios described above under “—Employment and Letter Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements” were to have occurred on December 31, 2021. The actual amounts that would be paid on any termination of employment can only be determined at the time of any actual separation from the Company.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee is comprised solely of independent directors: Laura H. Pomerantz (Chair), Michael J. Indiveri and Zabrina M. Jenkins. No member of the Compensation Committee is or was an employee or officer of the Company or had any relationships requiring disclosure under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act. There are no Compensation Committee interlocks and no insider participation in compensation decisions that are required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the Exchange Act.

PROPOSAL 4

APPROVAL OF THE
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED 2009 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

General

We are asking our stockholders to approve the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Amended Plan”), which was approved on March 25, 2022 by our board of directors subject to stockholder approval. The Amended Plan will (i) refresh the amount of fungible units (which correspond to shares of Common Stock) available under the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, (ii) will modify the fungible unit-to-full-value award conversion ratio under the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan and (iii) will extend the term of the plan until April 25, 2032.

Our board of directors believes the Amended Plan is essential to the Company’s ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate talented individuals critical to the growth and long-term success of the Company. Equity-based incentives are an important part of the Company’s overall compensation program as they align the interests of our management and non-employee directors with those of our stockholders and help ensure a pay-for-performance linkage. Our board of directors believes that the refreshed number of fungible units provided by the Amended Plan will allow us to continue to promote these interests.

The Amended Plan includes the following key changes to the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan:

If the Amended Plan is approved, it will become effective on the date of the Annual Meeting.

Our board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of the Amended Plan.

A copy of the Amended Plan is included as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.

Proposed Share Reserve Refresh

We are asking our stockholders to approve the Amended Plan because we believe the availability of an adequate reserve of shares under an incentive compensation plan is important to our continued growth and success. The purpose of the Amended Plan is to assist us in attracting, motivating and retaining talented individuals who serve as our employees, non-employee directors and consultants, whose judgment, interest and special effort is critical to our long-term success. The ability to grant incentive awards is an important part of our executive compensation program as they help ensure a pay for performance linkage and align the interests of our management team, as well as other recipients, with those of our stockholders by motivating our management team to increase long-term stockholder value. We believe that our long-term success depends in large measure on the talents of our management team and other employees, and grants of incentive awards are necessary to enable us to continue to retain and attract top talent. If the Amended Plan is not approved, we believe our recruitment and retention capabilities will be adversely affected.

Shares Available for Issuance

The Amended Plan refreshes the available fungible units under the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan to 10,954,694. The fungible units represent the baseline for the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Amended Plan from which, as described in more detail below, different types of awards are counted differently against a fungible unit limit. By refreshing the fungible unit pool, we will be able to continue to use equity awards to attract, retain and motivate employees. We believe that having an incentive compensation plan in place with a sufficient number of shares is critical to our ability to attract, retain and motivate employees in a highly competitive marketplace and ensure that our executive compensation program is structured in a manner that aligns our executives’ interests with our success and the creation of stockholder value.

Burn Rate

The following table sets forth information regarding all historical awards granted and earned under all of our incentive plans for the period 2019 through 2021, and the corresponding burn rate, which is defined as the number of shares subject to share awards granted (or, for awards subject to performance-based vesting, earned) in a fiscal year divided by the weighted average shares of Common Stock outstanding for that fiscal year, for each of the last three fiscal years:

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Background of Reasons for and the Determination of the Number of Fungible Units Under the Amended Plan

In 2009, we adopted the Original 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as approved by our stockholders. In 2018, we adopted the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as approved by our stockholders. As of the Record Date, we had issued and outstanding 123,134,008 shares of Common Stock and 8,693,957 OP units. As of the Record Date, under the Original 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, there were outstanding Options to acquire a total of 9,750 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average purchase price of $12.66 per share and having a weighted average remaining term of 0.68 years, and no Restricted Shares still subject to forfeiture, and there were no other awards outstanding and no further awards are permitted to be made. As of the Record Date, under the Amended 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, assuming vesting of outstanding awards at the highest performance levels and future grants of only full-value awards, 4,374,694 fungible units remained available for grant to eligible participants, a total of 1,905,049 Restricted Shares remained subject to forfeiture and no other awards were outstanding. As of the Record Date, other than as described in this paragraph we had no other awards outstanding under any equity plan.

Our board of directors approved the Amended Plan primarily to ensure the Company will have an available pool of fungible units (which correspond to shares of Common Stock) from which to grant long-term equity incentive awards, which we believe is a critical incentive and retention mechanism for the Company’s employees, directors and consultants. Our board of directors reviewed and took into consideration the Compensation Committee’s recommendations, which were based on an analysis prepared by and recommendations of FTI Consulting, Inc., the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, and then determined the number of fungible units to reserve under the Amended Plan.

This review included consideration of the following key metrics, factors and philosophies:

Reasonable Plan Cost

Responsible Grant Practices

Stockholder-Friendly Plan Features

In light of the factors described above, and the fact that the ability to continue to grant equity compensation is vital to our ability to continue to attract and retain employees in the competitive industry in which we compete, our board of directors has determined that the refresh of the fungible unit reserve under the Amended Plan is reasonable and appropriate at this time.

If the stockholders approve this Proposal 4, then under the Amended Plan we will be authorized to issue a total number of fungible units equal to 10,954,694 fungible units (the “Fungible Pool Limit”). Fungible units represent the baseline for the number of shares available for issuance under the Amended Plan. Different types of awards granted under the Amended Plan count differently against the Fungible Pool Limit, as follows:

The 10,954,694 fungible units represent a maximum of 5,002,143 shares of Common Stock that could be granted pursuant to the Amended Plan as full-value awards following the effective date of the Amended Plan, based on the 2.19 to 1.0 fungible unit-to-full-value award conversion ratio. Based solely on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ on March 24, 2022 of $18.74, the aggregate market value of those 5,002,143 shares of Common Stock was $93,740,159.82.

The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be granted as Incentive Stock Options under the Amended Plan following the effective date of the Amended Plan pursuant to Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code is 10,954,694.

In light of the factors described above, our board of directors believes this number represents reasonable potential equity dilution and provides a significant incentive for officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants to increase the value of the Company for all stockholders.

The Amended Plan will continue to be administered by the Compensation Committee. The Amended Plan will continue to permit the granting of stock options, Restricted Shares, share appreciation rights, phantom shares, dividend equivalent rights and other equity-based awards.

Summary of the Amended Plan

The following is a summary of the Amended Plan, a copy of which is included as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. This summary and the summaries of the Amended Plan elsewhere in this Proxy Statement may not contain all of the information about the Amended Plan that is of importance to you and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of the Amended Plan. We encourage you to read the Amended Plan carefully and in its entirety for a more complete understanding of the Amended Plan.

Administration

The Compensation Committee has been delegated by our board of directors the authority to administer and interpret the Amended Plan, to authorize the granting of awards, to determine the eligibility of directors, officers, consultants and other key personnel and service providers, to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each award (subject to the individual participant limitations provided in the Amended Plan), to determine the terms, provisions and conditions of each award (which may not be inconsistent with the terms of the Amended Plan), to prescribe the form of instruments evidencing awards and to take any other actions and make all other determinations that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with the Amended Plan or the administration or interpretation thereof. In connection with this authority, the Compensation Committee may, among other things, establish performance goals that must be met in order for awards to be granted or to vest, or for the restrictions on any such awards to lapse. The Compensation Committee consists solely of non-employee directors, each of whom is intended to be, to the extent required by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, a non-employee director.

Eligibility

All of our employees, non-employee directors, executive officers, consultants and other key personnel and service providers as well as our subsidiaries and any of our affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the Amended Plan.

Because the grant of awards under the Amended Plan is within the discretion of the Compensation Committee, and possibly subject to various performance factors which cannot, as yet, be determined, the Company cannot determine the dollar value or number of shares of Common Stock that will in the future be received by or allocated to any participant in the Amended Plan.

Options

The terms of specific options, including whether options shall constitute “incentive stock options” for purposes of Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, shall be determined by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price of an option shall be determined by the Compensation Committee and reflected in the applicable award agreement. The exercise price with respect to incentive stock options may not be lower than 100% (110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder, if permitted under the plan) of the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. Each option will be exercisable after the period or periods specified in the award agreement, which will generally not exceed ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder, if permitted under the plan). Options will be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Share Awards

The Amended Plan also provides for the grant of share awards. A Restricted Share award is an award of shares of Common Stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability and such other restrictions, if any, as the Compensation Committee may impose at the date of grant. Grants of Restricted Shares will be subject to vesting schedules as determined by the Compensation Committee. The restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances, including, without limitation, a specified period of employment or the satisfaction of pre-established criteria, in such installments or otherwise, as the Compensation Committee may determine. A participant granted Restricted Shares has all of the rights of a stockholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive dividends on the Restricted Shares. Although dividends may be paid on Restricted Shares, whether or not vested, at the same rate and on the same date as on shares of our Common Stock, holders of Restricted Shares are prohibited from selling such shares until they vest.

Share Appreciation Rights

Share appreciation rights, when issued, will reduce the number of shares available for grant under the Amended Plan and will vest as provided in the applicable award agreement. Share appreciation rights represent a right to receive the fair market value of a share of Common Stock, or, if provided by the Compensation Committee, the right to receive the fair market value of a share of Common Stock in excess of a base value established by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. Share appreciation rights may generally be settled in cash or by transfer of shares of Common Stock (as may be elected by the participant or the Compensation Committee, as may be provided by the Compensation Committee at grant). The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion and under certain circumstances, permit a participant to receive as settlement of the share appreciation rights installments over a period not to exceed ten years.

Phantom Shares

Phantom shares, when issued, will reduce the number of shares available for grant under the Amended Plan and will vest as provided in the applicable award agreement. A phantom share represents a right to receive the fair market value of a share of Common Stock, or, if provided by the Compensation Committee, the right to receive the fair market value of a share of Common Stock in excess of a base value established by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. Phantom shares may generally be settled in cash or by transfer of shares of Common Stock (as may be elected by the participant, in accordance with procedures established by the Compensation Committee, or us, as may be provided by the Compensation Committee at grant).

Dividend Equivalents

A dividend equivalent is a right to receive (or have credited) the equivalent value (in cash or shares of Common Stock) of dividends paid on shares of Common Stock otherwise subject to an award. The Compensation Committee may provide that amounts payable with respect to dividend equivalents shall be converted into cash or additional shares of Common Stock. The Compensation Committee will establish all other limitations and conditions of awards of dividend equivalents as it deems appropriate.

Other Equity-Based Awards

The Amended Plan authorizes the granting of other awards based upon shares of our Common Stock (including the grant of securities convertible into shares of Common Stock and share appreciation rights and LTIP units), subject to terms and conditions established at the time of grant.

LTIP units are a special class of partnership interests in our subsidiaries or our operating partnership. Each LTIP unit awarded under the Amended Plan, other than LTIP units that are intended to be “appreciation-only” LTIP units, will be equivalent to an award of one share of Common Stock under the Amended Plan, reducing the number of shares available for other equity awards on a one-for-one basis. We will not receive a tax deduction for the value of any LTIP units granted under the Amended Plan. The vesting period for any LTIP units, if any, will be determined at the time of issuance. Initially, LTIP units will not have full parity with OP units (as defined in our Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of our operating partnership) with respect to liquidating distributions. Under the terms of the LTIP units, our operating partnership will revalue its assets upon the occurrence of certain specified events, and any increase in valuation from the time of the preceding revaluation event until such event will be allocated first to the holders of LTIP units to equalize the capital accounts of such holders with the capital accounts of OP unit holders. Upon equalization of the capital accounts of the holders of LTIP units with other holders of OP units, the LTIP units will achieve full parity with OP units of our operating partnership for all purposes, including with respect to liquidating distributions. If such parity is reached, vested LTIP units may be converted into an equal number of OP units, and thereafter enjoy all the rights of OP units.

Change of Control

Upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Amended Plan), the Compensation Committee may make such adjustments as it, in its discretion, determines are necessary or appropriate in light of the Change of Control, but only if the Compensation Committee determines that the adjustments do not have a substantial adverse economic impact on the participants (as determined at the time of the adjustments) and may among other things accelerate vesting or forfeiture of unvested awards in connection with such event.

Amendment; Termination

If the Amended Plan is approved, we will be able to grant awards until the 10^th anniversary of the Amended Plan’s approval, April 25, 2032. Our board of directors may amend, suspend, alter or discontinue the Amended Plan but cannot take any action that would impair the rights of a participant without such participant’s consent. To the extent necessary and desirable (including as required by law or any stock exchange rules), the board of directors must obtain approval of our stockholders for any amendment that would:

The Compensation Committee or our board of directors may amend the terms of any award granted under the Amended Plan, prospectively or retroactively, except that no amendment may adversely affect the rights of any participant with respect to awards previously granted unless such amendments are in connection with applicable laws without his or her consent.

Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table presents certain information about the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2021:

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Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

Non-Qualified Stock Options

In general, no income will be recognized by an option holder at the time a non-qualified stock option is granted. Ordinary compensation income will generally be recognized by an option holder, however, at the time a non-qualified stock option is exercised in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock on the exercise date over the exercise price. We will generally be entitled to a deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the same amount as the amount included in ordinary income by the option holder with respect to his or her non-qualified stock option. Gain or loss on a subsequent sale or other disposition of the shares acquired upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock option will be measured by the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the tax basis of such shares, and will generally be long-term or short-term capital gain depending on the holding period involved. The tax basis of the shares acquired upon the exercise of any non-qualified stock option will be equal to the sum of the exercise price of the non-qualified stock option and the amount included in income with respect to the option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that exercise of the option is permitted other than by cash payment of the exercise price, various special tax rules may apply.

Incentive Stock Options

In general, neither the grant nor the exercise of an incentive stock option will result in taxable income to an option holder or a deduction for us. To receive special tax treatment as an incentive stock option under the Internal Revenue Code as to shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option, an option holder must neither dispose of the shares within two years after the incentive stock option is granted nor within one year after the transfer of the shares to the option holder pursuant to exercise of the option. In addition, the option holder must be employed by us or a qualified subsidiary at all times between the date of grant and the date three months (one year in the case of disability) before exercise of the option. (Special rules apply in the case of the death of the option holder.) Incentive stock option treatment under the Internal Revenue Code generally allows the sale of shares of our Common Stock received upon the exercise of an incentive stock option to result in any gain being treated as a capital gain to the option holder, but we will not be entitled to a tax deduction. The exercise of an incentive stock option (if the holding period rules described in this paragraph are satisfied), however, will give rise to income includable by the option holder in his or her alternative minimum taxable income for purposes of the alternative minimum tax in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the stock acquired on the date of the exercise of the option over the exercise price.

If the holding period rules noted above are not satisfied, gain recognized on the disposition of the shares acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option will be characterized as ordinary income. This gain will be equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise. (Special rules may apply to disqualifying dispositions where the amount realized is less than the value at exercise.) We will generally be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of such gain included by an option holder as ordinary income. Any excess of the amount realized upon such disposition over the fair market value at exercise will generally be long-term or short-term capital gain depending on the holding period involved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if exercise of the option is permitted other than by cash payment of the exercise price, various special tax rules may apply.

Restricted Shares

Unless a holder of Restricted Shares makes an “83(b) election” (as discussed below), there generally will be no tax consequences as a result of the grant of Restricted Shares until the Restricted Shares are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture or are transferable (free of the risk). Dividends paid on unvested shares, if retained by the grantee, will generally be treated as ordinary compensation income for U.S. federal income tax purposes (unless an 83(b) election has been made, as discussed below). Generally, when the restrictions are lifted, the holder will recognize ordinary compensation income, and we will be entitled to a deduction, equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares at that time and the amount, if any, paid by the holder for the Restricted Shares. Subsequently realized changes in the value of the shares generally will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the length of time the shares are held prior to disposition of the shares. In general terms, if a holder makes an 83(b) election (under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) upon the award of Restricted Shares, the holder will recognize ordinary compensation income on the date of the award of Restricted Shares, and we will be entitled to a deduction, equal to (i) the fair market value of the Restricted Shares as though the shares were (A) not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture or (B) transferable, minus (ii) the amount, if any, paid for the Restricted Shares. If an 83(b) election is made, there will generally be no tax consequences to the holder upon the lifting of restrictions, and all subsequent appreciation in the Restricted Shares generally would be eligible for capital gains treatment. In the event of a forfeiture after an 83(b) election is made, no deduction or loss will be available, other than with respect to amounts actually paid for the shares.

Share Appreciation Rights

There are no tax consequences to the option holder or to us upon the grant of a share appreciation right. The option holder will generally recognize ordinary compensation income upon the exercise of a share appreciation right in an amount equal to the cash or fair market value of Common Stock received, and we will be entitled to a corresponding deduction at that time. Both we and the option holder are required to satisfy the applicable tax withholding requirements, unless the option holder is a non-employee director, where in such case tax withholding would not be required.

Phantom Shares

It is generally expected that any phantom shares would be designed with the intention that there will be no tax consequences as a result of the granting of a phantom share until payment is made with respect to the phantom share. When payment is made, the participant generally would recognize ordinary compensation income, and we would generally be entitled to a deduction, equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock and cash, as applicable, received upon payment.

Dividend Equivalent Rights

There generally will be no tax consequences as a result of the award of a dividend equivalent right. When payment is made, the holder of the dividend equivalent right generally will recognize ordinary compensation income, and we will be entitled to a deduction, equal to the amount received in respect of the dividend equivalent right.

LTIP Units

There generally will be no tax consequences upon the issuance and vesting of an LTIP unit. Because LTIP units represent special kinds of partnership interests, the tax treatment of LTIP units can be complex and is not easily summarized here.

Consequences if the Amended Plan Proposal is not Approved

If our stockholders do not approve this proposal, we will not adopt the Amended Plan. Our board of directors believes that it is in our best interest to have an equity incentive program with a sufficient available pool of fungible units (which correspond to shares of Common Stock) from which to grant long-term equity incentive awards. The Amended Plan, by refreshing the available pool of fungible units, provides a meaningful opportunity for employees, non-employee directors, executive officers, consultants and other key personnel and service providers to acquire a proprietary interest in our Company, thereby encouraging those individuals to remain in our service and more closely align their interests with those of the stockholders.

Our board of directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the Amended Plan.

A majority of all of the votes cast on this proposal at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present is required for its approval. Proxies solicited by our board of directors will be voted FOR this proposal, unless otherwise instructed. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote on this proposal, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Other than the transactions referred to herein, since the beginning of our last fiscal year, we have not been a party to any transaction or proposed transaction with any related person who is (i) one of our directors or executive officers, (ii) a director nominee, (iii) a beneficial owner of more than 5% of Common Stock or (iv) any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons that involves an amount exceeding $120,000 and in which any such related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information as of the date of this Proxy Statement regarding the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by (i) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) our named executive officers, (iii) our directors and director nominees and (iv) all of our directors, director nominees and named executive officers as a group.