AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ 8-K

What Happened
American Tower Corporation (filed 8-K on Jan 29, 2026) announced the appointment of Paul Blanchett as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer), effective April 27, 2026. The company’s current CAO, Robert J. Meyer, will remain in his role until that date and then assist with the transition before retiring prior to the end of 2026. The filing includes Mr. Blanchett’s professional background and the compensation and equity awards recommended in connection with his hire.

Key Details

• Start date: April 27, 2026; filing date: January 29, 2026.
• Background: Mr. Blanchett, age 42, is currently Chief Accounting Officer at GXO Logistics (since 2021); prior roles include Corporate Controller at XPO Logistics (2019–2021), Global Controller at Baker Hughes (2017–2019), and earlier roles at General Electric and PwC.
• Cash compensation: $450,000 base salary and eligibility for annual cash bonus up to 90% of base salary.
• One-time payments: $200,000 signing bonus and $50,000 relocation bonus (both repayable pro rata if he leaves within 12 months).
• Equity: Company will recommend (i) an initial equity award valued at $500,000 and (ii) a make-whole equity award valued at $2,125,000 to offset forfeited awards from his prior employer; awards to be RSUs vesting 1/3 per year over three years and granted under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.

Why It Matters
A new principal accounting officer is responsible for financial reporting, controls and compliance—areas closely watched by investors and auditors. The compensation and make-whole equity packages signal the company’s intent to retain an experienced finance executive and ensure continuity during the transition from the current CAO, who will remain involved until his retirement in 2026. There are no related-party transactions or family relationships disclosed in the filing.