Clear Secure Reports President Transitioning to Advisor; EVP Aviation Resigns

What Happened Clear Secure, Inc. (filed under Item 5.02) announced that President and director Michael Barkin will transition to an advisory role effective October 15, 2026, and will resign from the Board on that date in accordance with his employment agreement. The company entered into a Transition and Advisory Agreement with Mr. Barkin dated September 15, 2026. Separately, EVP, Aviation Kyle McLaughlin notified the company on September 14, 2026 that he will resign to pursue a new opportunity; his last day will be October 2, 2026. The filings state neither departure involves any disagreement with the company’s operations, policies or practices.

Key Details

• Michael Barkin’s advisory role begins October 15, 2026 and will continue through December 31, 2026 per the transition agreement.
• Barkin will be paid an advisory fee of $300,000 per full month of service.
• The Transition and Advisory Agreement (dated Sept. 15, 2026) includes customary reps/warranties, confidentiality/IP covenants, and a general release; it will be filed as an exhibit to the company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2026.
• Kyle McLaughlin’s resignation is effective October 2, 2026; the company has initiated a search for his successor. Both departures are described as orderly and not the result of any dispute.

Why It Matters Leadership changes at the executive and board level can affect strategy execution, especially in the aviation business where the EVP role is focused. The arrangement with Barkin provides a short-term continuity mechanism (paid advisory support through year-end) while the company searches for a replacement for the EVP, Aviation. The filing discloses a material advisory cost ($300,000 per full month) but contains no other quantified financial impacts; investors should watch subsequent filings (the 10-Q exhibit) and company updates on the EVP Aviation succession for potential operational or cost implications.