Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report was filed by The Sherwin-Williams Company on November 3, 2025. The filing discloses significant changes in executive leadership, specifically the departure of the Chief Financial Officer and the election of a successor.
Key Financial Metrics
This filing does not contain financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document focuses exclusively on personnel changes and associated compensation arrangements.
Material Changes
- Departure of CFO: Allen J. Mistysyn, Senior Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer, notified the company of his decision to retire effective December 31, 2025. He will assume a short-term non-officer position thereafter.
- Election of New CFO: The Board of Directors elected Benjamin E. Meisenzahl, 44, to serve as Senior Vice President - Finance and CFO, effective January 1, 2026.
- Internal Promotion: Mr. Meisenzahl has been with the company since January 2004 and has served as Senior Vice President - Finance since May 2023.
Compensation, Outlook, and Risks
Compensation Arrangements: Effective January 1, 2026, Mr. Meisenzahl will receive an annual base salary of $800,000. He will participate in the 2026 annual cash incentive program with a target award of 100% of base salary and a maximum of 200%.
Severance and Change in Control: Mr. Meisenzahl will enter a standard officer change in control severance agreement. In the event of a termination without cause or for good reason within two years of a change in control, the agreement provides for:
- 2.5 times the sum of base salary and annual bonus.
- 18 months of continued health care benefits.
- Outplacement services (capped at 10% of base salary).
Risks and Contingencies: The filing states there are no family relationships between Mr. Meisenzahl and other directors or officers, and no undisclosed arrangements influenced his selection. No other material risks or contingencies are disclosed in this specific report.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the transition timeline between Mr. Mistysyn's retirement (Dec 31, 2025) and Mr. Meisenzahl's start date (Jan 1, 2026) to ensure continuity of financial reporting.
- Review the definitive 2025 Proxy Statement (filed March 6, 2025) for full details on the standard officer severance agreement terms.
- Confirm Mr. Meisenzahl's prior performance in the Senior Vice President - Finance role since May 2023.
- Monitor upcoming earnings calls for management commentary on the leadership transition's impact on strategic financial initiatives.