Latest news with #Brough
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mountain America Credit Union Welcomes Rob Brough as Chief Marketing Officer
Experienced marketing leader joins credit union, bringing decades of strategic expertise and a passion for purpose-driven community impact A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link. SANDY, Utah, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union has announced the appointment of Rob Brough as its new senior vice president and chief marketing officer. He succeeds Sharon Cook, who recently retired after more than 15 years of visionary leadership and impactful contributions to the organization's growth and member experience. Brough brings with him nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, communications and community involvement. Most recently, he served as executive vice president of corporate marketing and communications at Zions Bank, where he led marketing, branding, digital strategy, and community outreach across a 10-state region. In 2021, he was named CXO of the Year by Utah Business Magazine. 'Rob's track record of purpose-driven marketing, deep roots in community involvement and strong leadership make him the ideal person to build upon a legacy defined by innovation, integrity, and lasting impact,' said Nathan Anderson, chief operating officer at Mountain America. 'We're thrilled to welcome Rob to Mountain America and confident that his vision will further elevate how we connect with members, employees, and the community.' Mountain America's marketing team plays a strategic role in the organization beyond traditional campaigns to share the credit union's story, build trust, and promote the meaningful experiences that define the brand. The marketing team at Mountain America is integral to bringing the credit union's mission, vision and values to life. 'I have long appreciated the commitment I see from Mountain America to make a difference for members, for the community, and for employees,' Brough said. 'I also have a tremendous amount of respect for those I have come to know from Mountain America over the years and admire the quality of marketing activity I have consistently seen from the marketing team. I am truly energized by this opportunity to join the Mountain America team and look forward to partnering with my new colleagues to build on the successes of the past and grow together into the future.' In addition to his professional accomplishments, Brough is active in community service. He serves as the chair of the Hale Centre Theatre board of trustees, a Mountain America community partner, and holds leadership or advisory roles with the South Valley Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association, Utah Sports Commission, Fredette Family Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities. For more information about Mountain America visit About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across a multi-state region, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at CONTACT: Contact: publicrelations@
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Japan's Sapporo needs to be more transparent on real estate sales, board candidate says
TOKYO (Reuters) - Beer manufacturer Sapporo Holdings Ltd needs to be more transparent about its plans to divest some of its substantial real estate holdings, said a board candidate backed by the Japanese company's largest shareholder. Paul Brough, a former independent director at Toshiba and nominee of Singapore-based 3D Investment Partners, said Sapporo has strong brands but has been plagued with poor results and ineffective capital allocation. "We need to build transparency with our shareholders," Brough said in an interview on Friday. "We need to tell them where we are with the real estate disposal process." 3D Investment said on Monday that shareholder proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis has backed Brough as an outside director for Sapporo, seconding an earlier recommendation by ISS, another proxy advisory firm. Sapporo said it opposes Bough's nomination due to a skill overlap with other directors and because his advisory role with 3D Investment makes him "non-independent." Last month, the company said it has received proposals from more than 10 companies and funds regarding capital injections into its real estate business. Sapporo said it will decide on a plan by the end of this year. 3D, which has increased its stake in Sapporo to more than 19%, according to LSEG data, has been openly critical of the company's management since at least 2022. Sapporo was previously the target of a takeover bid in 2007 by U.S.-based activist fund Steel Partners, which had urged the company to sell off underperforming units and improve management of its real estate holdings. The company is due to hold its annual shareholders meeting on March 28. Brough said if he were elected to the board, he would urge the company to use proceeds from real estate sales to consider strategic acquisitions, buyback or special dividends.
Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Independent Proxy Advisory Firm Glass Lewis Joins ISS in Recommending Sapporo Shareholders Vote 'FOR' 3D Investment Partners' Director Nominee Paul Brough
3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd., the asset management company of 3D OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND (collectively referred to as '3D'), today announced that a second independent proxy advisory firm, Glass, Lewis & Co. ('Glass Lewis'), has recommended that shareholders of Sapporo Holdings Limited ('Sapporo' or 'the Company') (2501.T) vote 'FOR' the appointment of 3D's director nominee Mr. Paul Brough at the Company's 101st Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the 'AGM'), scheduled to be held on March 28, 2025. In its report, Glass Lewis determined that 'credible concerns regarding [Sapporo]'s historical performance and strategic execution – including with respect to critical M&A and capital allocation efforts – as well as a raft of continuing governance concerns' provide 'compelling cause for investors to support [3D]'s resolutions.' Glass Lewis joins Institutional Shareholder Services ('ISS') in recommending that shareholders vote in favor of the election of Mr. Brough. Glass Lewis concluded he is an 'independent candidate with relevant expertise' and 'represent[s] a strong and decidedly low-risk addition to [Sapporo's] board.' Glass Lewis also questioned whether incumbent Outside Director Makio Tanehashi is 'well-suited to offer unambiguously independent oversight,' noting that he is 'affiliated as an extension of Sapporo's legacy cross-shareholding dynamics.' In making its recommendation, Glass Lewis noted the following: Performance '[T]he Company has consistently trailed its peers across a wide range of fundamental metrics (e.g. ROE, operating profit margin, EBIT margin, revenue and EBIT growth rates), during which, as [3D] highlights, Sapporo has also routinely missed its own guidance to investors and the market more broadly…' '[B]ased on data going back to FY1985, the Company has never achieved its current long-term ROE target of 10%, offering a rather shaky basis on which to conclude Sapporo is, without further change, likely to transcend a lengthy history of missed guidance.' '[T]here appears to be very little cause for investors to conclude Sapporo's trailing performance, [without 3D]'s influence, represents a compelling bulwark for management and the board, and further do not consider there exists compelling reason for shareholders to be confident in the achievement of Sapporo's mid- to long-term objectives or in the board's ability to effectively oversee major, capital-intensive initiatives.' Board Oversight Failures '[W]e share [3D's] concern that the audit and supervisory committee is chaired by Toru Miyaishi, who is not independent.' 'The remaining members of the audit and supervisory committee other than Mr. Miyaishi (i.e. Mr. Yamamoto and Ms. Tanouchi), though independent, do not appear to offer skill sets and expertise well suited to Sapporo's current state and intended strategic trajectory. Given the fundamentally critical nature of the audit and supervisory committee's role at this juncture, we consider this apparent skill gap — which we do not believe Sapporo directly disputes in persuasive fashion — should be disconcerting to investors, particularly given the Company's legacy misadventures in capital allocation.' '[A] raft of continuing governance concerns... raise meaningful doubts around Sapporo's somewhat nebulous and to-date plodding effort to reallocate capital from its large, low synergy real estate business to its underperforming alcoholic beverages business.' '[There is] considerable concern whether management and the board will: (i) effectively identify and pursue those alternatives which result in the greatest possible value for Sapporo; and (ii) effectively and efficiently reallocate proceeds to thoroughly due diligenced, value maximizing opportunities.' '[T]here exists compelling cause to conclude Sapporo's extant governance framework — including the core architecture underpinning the audit and supervisory committee and the board's ongoing review process — warrants revision at this time.' Appointment of Mr. Paul Brough as an Outside Director '[Mr. Brough's] prior history, including his time with Toshiba, establishes regional bona fides and direct familiarity with critical, time-sensitive review and engagement architecture.' 'We… believe [Mr. Brough] would represent a strong and decidedly low-risk addition to a board which has very evidently and consistently struggled to timely appraise the most attractive alternatives available to the Company.' Glass Lewis concluded, '[W]e believe [3D]'s proposals represent a particularly compelling opportunity to install an independent, well-qualified director credibly prepared to meaningfully contribute to critical deliberations surrounding Sapporo's strategic trajectory.' 3D is pleased that both leading independent proxy advisory firms have recognized the need to augment Sapporo's Board with a highly qualified, independent director as Sapporo faces critical and irreversible decisions regarding the divestiture of its real estate business and the allocation of the proceeds. 3D encourages Sapporo shareholders to consider the recommendations put forth by ISS and Glass Lewis and vote FOR its proposal to appoint Mr. Brough as an outside director as a member of the Audit and Supervisory Committee, and also vote AGAINST Mr. Tanehashi's reappointment as an outside director at the Company's upcoming AGM. Note: The passages in quotation marks ("") are direct quotes excerpted by 3D from the Glass Lewis report. The portions in brackets ([]) have been added by 3D for additional clarity/context. Permission to use these quotes from Glass Lewis was neither explicitly sought nor obtained. About 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. is an independent Singapore-based Japan focused value investing fund manager founded in 2015. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. focuses on partnering with managements who share its investment philosophy of medium- to long-term value creation through compound capital growth and a common objective of achieving long-term returns. Disclaimer This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell any security or investment product, nor does it constitute professional or investment advice. This press release should not be relied on by any person for any purpose and is not, and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, tax or other advice. 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. and its affiliates and their related persons ('3DIP') believe that the current market price of Sapporo does not reflect its intrinsic value. 3DIP acquired beneficially and/or economic interests based on its own idea that Sapporo securities have been undervalued and provides attractive investment opportunity and may in the future beneficially own and/or have an economic interest in, Sapporo securities. 3DIP intends to review its investments in Sapporo on a continuing basis and, depending upon various factors including, without limitation, Sapporo's financial position and strategic direction, the outcome of any discussions with Sapporo, overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to 3DIP, and the availability of Sapporo securities at prices that would make the purchase or sale of Sapporo securities desirable, 3DIP may, from time to time (in the open market or in private transactions), buy, sell, cover, hedge, or otherwise change the form or substance of any of its investments (including the investment in Sapporo securities) to any degree in any manner permitted by any applicable law, and expressly disclaims any obligation to notify others of any such changes. 3DIP provides no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, in relation to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein, nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the securities, markets, or developments referred to herein. 3DIP expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability for any loss howsoever arising from any use of, or reliance on, this press release or its contents as a whole or in part by any person, or otherwise howsoever arising in connection with this press release. 3DIP hereby expressly disclaims any obligation to update or provide additional information regarding the contents of this press release or to correct any inaccuracies in the information contained in this press release. 3DIP disclaims any intention or agreement to be treated as a joint holder (kyodo hoyu sha) under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan, a closely related party (missetsu kankei sha) under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act with other shareholders, or receiving any power or permission to represent other shareholders in relation to the exercise of their voting rights, and has no intention to solicit, encourage, induce or require any person to cause other shareholders to represent such voting rights. 3DIP does not have the intention to make a proposal, directly or through other shareholders of Sapporo, to transfer or abolish the business or assets of Sapporo and/or Sapporo group companies at the general shareholders meeting of Sapporo. 3DIP does not have the intention and purpose to engage in any conduct which constricts the continuing and stable implementation of business of Sapporo and/or Sapporo Holdings group companies. This press release may include content or quotes from news coverage or other third-party public sources ('Third-Party Materials'). Permission to quote from Third-Party Materials in this press release may neither have been sought nor obtained. The content of the Third-Party Materials has not been independently verified by 3DIP and does not necessarily represent the views of 3DIP. The authors and/or publishers of the Third-Party Materials are independent of, and may have different views to 3DIP. The quoting Third-Party Materials in this press release does not imply that 3DIP endorses or concurs with any part of the content of the Third-Party Materials or that any of the authors or publishers of the Third-Party Materials endorses or concurs with any views which have been expressed by 3DIP on the relevant subject matter. The Third-Party Materials may not be representative of all relevant news coverage or views expressed by other third parties on the stated issues. In respect of information that has been prepared by 3DIP (and not otherwise attributed to any other party) and which appear in the English language version of this press release, in the event of any inconsistency between the English language version and the Japanese language version of this press release, the meaning of the Japanese language version shall prevail unless otherwise expressly indicated. Koshida: +81-70-8793-3990 KEYWORD: JAPAN ASIA PACIFIC SOURCE: 3D Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/16/2025 11:00 PM/DISC: 03/16/2025 11:02 PM
Reuters
17-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Japan's Sapporo needs to be more transparent on real estate sales, board candidate says
TOKYO, March 17 (Reuters) - Beer manufacturer Sapporo Holdings Ltd (2501.T), opens new tab needs to be more transparent about its plans to divest some of its substantial real estate holdings, said a board candidate backed by the Japanese company's largest shareholder. Paul Brough, a former independent director at Toshiba and nominee of Singapore-based 3D Investment Partners, said Sapporo has strong brands but has been plagued with poor results and ineffective capital allocation. "We need to build transparency with our shareholders," Brough said in an interview on Friday. "We need to tell them where we are with the real estate disposal process." 3D Investment said on Monday that shareholder proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis has backed Brough as an outside director for Sapporo, seconding an earlier recommendation by ISS, another proxy advisory firm. Sapporo said it opposes Bough's nomination due to a skill overlap with other directors and because his advisory role with 3D Investment makes him "non-independent." Last month, the company said it has received proposals from more than 10 companies and funds regarding capital injections into its real estate business. Sapporo said it will decide on a plan by the end of this year. 3D, which has increased its stake in Sapporo to more than 19%, according to LSEG data, has been openly critical of the company's management since at least 2022. Sapporo was previously the target of a takeover bid in 2007 by U.S.-based activist fund Steel Partners, which had urged the company to sell off underperforming units and improve management of its real estate holdings. The company is due to hold its annual shareholders meeting on March 28. Brough said if he were elected to the board, he would urge the company to use proceeds from real estate sales to consider strategic acquisitions, buyback or special dividends.
The Independent
15-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Eight secret signs your child could be suffering from an allergy
King Charles is backing a new initiative to tackle food allergies in schools after research found many teachers lack awareness training. The Allergy School programme was set up in 2019 by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. The foundation itself was founded in 2016 following the death of British teen Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in Nice. The 15-year-old died after eating a baguette with sesame seeds — to which she was allergic — baked into the dough. The Allergy School programme was developed in collaboration with the King's Foundation. It aims to equip teachers with the know-how to manage food allergies in students. 'Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities,' King Charles says. How much do you know about allergies? To help, we've consulted an expert who has identified the most common food allergies in children and the key symptoms to watch for. What are the most common food allergies in children? 'The most common food allergens in children include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews), sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish,' says Helen Brough, professor in paediatric allergy and medical adviser to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. What are some signs that might indicate a child has a food allergy? 1. Swelling 'Puffiness around the lips, face, or eyes can indicate an allergic reaction,' says Brough. 2. Hives or skin rash ' Red, itchy, raised spots can appear shortly after eating,' notes Brough. 3. Sneezing or nasal congestion 'Allergic rhinitis symptoms like a runny nose can also appear,' says Brough. 4. Itchy mouth or throat ' People may experience mild irritation [in the mouth or throat] after eating certain foods, like fresh fruits or nuts,' says Brough. 5. Stomach issues 'Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps may also occur,' adds Brough. 6. Breathing problems 'Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing could signal a serious reaction,' says Brough. 7. Dizziness or fainting 'In severe cases, a drop in blood pressure may cause weakness or collapse,' highlights Brough. 8. Delayed signs 'There are two types of food allergy — immediate (mediated by the IgE antibody) which cause the symptoms described above, and delayed (non-IgE mediated),' explains Brough. 'In delayed food allergy, more delayed, persistent signs can be present, like eczema, vomiting, stomach pains, loose or mucousy bowel motions.' An allergic reaction can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity and type of reaction. 'IgE mediated reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after eating the allergen,' explains Brough. 'Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can happen quickly, within 30 minutes. 'Delayed food allergic reactions can come on up to 72 hours after eating the food.' 'Parents can keep a food diary to track meals and symptoms,' says Brough. 'A paediatric allergy specialist can perform tests, such as a skin prick test or specialist allergy blood test, to identify specific food allergens. 'In some cases, an oral food challenge (where the child is given the food to eat under medical supervision) may be recommended.' 'If the child has symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent cough, hoarse voice, swollen tongue, wheeze, suddenly sleepy, persistently dizzy or fainting), administer an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) immediately and call 999 saying the word anaphylaxis,' advises Brough. If no auto-injector is available, call 999 immediately. 'Keep the child calm and lying down until help arrives but if they are having breathing difficulties they may be allowed to sit up,' adds Brough. 'If they are no better within five minutes, use their second adrenaline autoinjector. If there are no signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).'
