Mark Johnson
About Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson serves as Senior Legal Counsel for Corporate & Securities at The Wendy's Company, where he has worked since 2021. He has extensive experience in corporate law, having previously held positions at Covington & Burling LLP and advising on compliance and governance matters.
Current Role at Wendy's
Mark Johnson serves as Senior Legal Counsel - Corporate & Securities at The Wendy's Company since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for advising on compliance with Nasdaq listing standards and Delaware corporate law. He supports the Board of Directors and Board committees, providing legal guidance on various corporate governance matters. Johnson also plays a key role in managing the production of the annual meeting of stockholders, overseeing both in-person and virtual meetings. His responsibilities include collaborating with the Treasury team on strategic business initiatives and providing legal support to the executive compensation team.
Previous Experience at Covington & Burling LLP
Before joining The Wendy's Company, Mark Johnson worked at Covington & Burling LLP for six years. He served as an Associate in the Washington D.C. Metro Area from 2016 to 2019 and in the Greater New York City Area from 2013 to 2016. Johnson began his tenure at Covington & Burling as a Summer Associate in 2012. His experience at the firm provided him with a strong foundation in corporate law and securities regulation, which he has applied in his current role.
Education and Expertise
Mark Johnson earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he studied from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and Government from William & Mary, studying from 2006 to 2010. His educational background equips him with a solid understanding of legal principles and economic factors that influence corporate governance and securities law.
Legal Responsibilities and Initiatives
In his role at The Wendy's Company, Mark Johnson is solely responsible for the preparation, design, and drafting of the proxy statement. He leads a cross-functional enterprise-wide team in this effort. Johnson also manages compliance with disclosure obligations, working closely with the Investor Relations and Communications teams. His experience includes handling 14a-8 No Action requests, engaging with ESG proponent activists, and addressing 'Vote No' campaigns.
Collaboration and Strategic Initiatives
Mark Johnson collaborates with various teams within The Wendy's Company to support strategic business initiatives. He works with the Treasury team on complex financings, cross-border revolving credit facilities, and equity and debt repurchases. His role as a critical partner in these initiatives highlights his ability to integrate legal considerations with business strategy, ensuring compliance while supporting corporate objectives.