STOCK TITAN

Chairman Klappa leaves role as WEC (NYSE: WEC) speeds stock vesting

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

WEC Energy Group, Inc. disclosed that Gale Klappa completed his service as Chairman of the Board on May 7, 2026 after reaching the retirement age set in the company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

On May 4, 2026, the Compensation Committee approved accelerating the vesting of Mr. Klappa’s unvested restricted stock awards, covering approximately 1,616 shares, effective the date he completed his service as Chairman. This action recognizes his years of service and contributions to the company.

Positive

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Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Accelerated restricted stock approximately 1,616 shares Unvested restricted shares for Gale Klappa, vesting accelerated effective May 7, 2026
Acceleration of Vesting financial
"the Compensation Committee approved the acceleration of the vesting of unvested shares of restricted stock"
restricted stock financial
"the vesting of unvested shares of restricted stock awarded to Mr. Klappa"
Shares granted to an individual that carry limits on transfer or sale until certain conditions are met, such as staying with the company for a set time or hitting performance targets. Think of them as a locked gift that gradually opens; for investors they matter because they affect how many shares may enter the market later, signal management incentives and potential dilution, and reveal confidence in future company performance.
Corporate Governance Guidelines regulatory
"Having reached the applicable retirement age under WEC Energy Group’s Corporate Governance Guidelines"
A company’s corporate governance guidelines are a set of written rules and practices that explain how its board and executives make decisions, oversee risks, and hold themselves accountable—think of them as the organization’s playbook for fair and responsible leadership. Investors care because these guidelines shape how transparent decision-making is, reduce the chance of surprises or conflicts, and influence long‑term stability and trust, much like house rules keep a household running smoothly.
Compensation Committee financial
"the Compensation Committee approved the acceleration of the vesting"
A compensation committee is a group within a company's leadership responsible for setting and reviewing how much top executives and employees are paid, including salaries, bonuses, and benefits. It matters to investors because fair and effective pay decisions can influence a company's performance, leadership motivation, and overall governance, helping ensure that the company’s management is aligned with shareholders’ interests.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):

May 4, 2026
____________________
Commission
File Number
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address; and Telephone Number
IRS Employer
Identification No.
001-09057WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.39-1391525
(A Wisconsin Corporation)
231 West Michigan Street
P.O. Box 1331
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(414) 221-2345


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 Par ValueWECNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
                            
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.


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ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.


Acceleration of Vesting

Having reached the applicable retirement age under WEC Energy Group’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Gale Klappa completed his service as Chairman of the Board on May 7, 2026. On May 4, 2026, in recognition of Mr. Klappa’s years of service and contributions to the success of WEC Energy Group, the Compensation Committee approved the acceleration of the vesting of unvested shares of restricted stock awarded to Mr. Klappa, consisting of approximately 1,616 shares, effective May 7, 2026.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
WEC ENERGY GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ William J. Guc
Date: May 8, 2026William J. Guc – Vice President and Controller





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FAQ

What leadership change did WEC (WEC) report in this 8-K filing?

WEC Energy Group reported that Gale Klappa completed his service as Chairman of the Board on May 7, 2026. This followed his attainment of the retirement age specified in the company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, prompting a transition in the board’s leadership role.

How many WEC (WEC) restricted shares vested early for Gale Klappa?

The Compensation Committee approved accelerating the vesting of approximately 1,616 shares of restricted stock awarded to Gale Klappa. This acceleration became effective May 7, 2026, and was granted in recognition of his years of service and contributions to WEC Energy Group.

Why did WEC Energy Group accelerate Gale Klappa’s restricted stock vesting?

WEC Energy Group’s Compensation Committee accelerated Gale Klappa’s restricted stock vesting to recognize his years of service and contributions. The decision covered about 1,616 unvested restricted shares and aligned with his completion of service as Chairman upon reaching the company’s retirement age guideline.

When did Gale Klappa complete his service as WEC’s Chairman?

Gale Klappa completed his service as Chairman of the Board of WEC Energy Group on May 7, 2026. This transition followed his attainment of the applicable retirement age under the company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and coincided with the effective date of his accelerated stock vesting.

Who authorized the stock vesting change for WEC (WEC) Chairman Gale Klappa?

The Compensation Committee of WEC Energy Group’s Board authorized the acceleration of Gale Klappa’s unvested restricted stock. On May 4, 2026, it approved early vesting of approximately 1,616 shares, effective May 7, 2026, to honor his long service as Chairman.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

3 documents