Matthews International's Pittsburgh Meeting Approves Governance Overhaul, Names J. Michael Nauman Chairman

Pittsburgh meeting sets governance agenda at Matthews

Matthews International holds its 2026 annual shareholders meeting in Pittsburgh on Feb. 19, 2026, and uses the session to cement a governance overhaul intended to support a strategic repositioning. Shareholders re‑elect four directors and approve amendments to the company’s Articles of Incorporation designed to strengthen board oversight and align governance with long‑term value creation. The changes, approved unanimously, signal a renewed focus on board refreshment and greater shareholder alignment as Matthews executes a multi‑faceted strategy to reshape its portfolio.

Central to the meeting is the selection of J. Michael Nauman as chairman, replacing Alvaro Garcia‑Tunon. Nauman, who joins the chairmanship after becoming a director in February 2025, brings more than 35 years of commercial, strategic and financial leadership, including a tenure as president and CEO of Brady Corporation and senior roles at Molex and Arthur Andersen. Matthews’ president and CEO Joe Bartolacci praises Nauman’s technical, M&A and leadership capabilities as instrumental to the company’s repositioning and its push for sustainable growth and long‑term value creation.

The board frames the governance amendments and leadership change as practical enablers for the outcomes of an ongoing strategic review. Directors say the moves are intended to support operational improvements, portfolio optimisation and potential M&A activity identified during that review, while maintaining oversight of risk, capital allocation and long‑term performance metrics. Matthews states it will continue to report progress to shareholders as it pursues sustainable growth and long‑term value creation.

Directors re‑elected

Thomas A. Gebhardt, Aleta W. Richards, David A. Schawk and Francis S. Wlodarczyk win re‑election. Gebhardt is highlighted for his expertise in advanced battery technologies, while the other directors are credited with sustained governance experience and strategic perspectives that support the company’s ongoing strategic review and portfolio reshaping.

Forward outlook and shareholder communication

Matthews frames the meeting actions as part of a broader effort to unlock value through disciplined governance and executive leadership. The company says it will keep shareholders informed on progress as it pursues operational improvement and strategic initiatives.