Smurfit Westrock plc 8-K

What Happened
Smurfit Westrock plc (SW) announced that directors Terrell K. Crews and Lourdes Melgar notified the company on February 25, 2026 that they will step down from the Board effective at the conclusion of the Company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, currently scheduled for May 1, 2026. At that time the Board will be reduced to 12 directors. The filing (Item 5.02) states neither resignation was due to any disagreement with the Company. Terrell will also step down as Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee; Lourdes will step down as a member of the Audit and Sustainability Committees. Carole L. Brown will succeed Terrell as Chair of the Audit Committee and the Board will implement appropriate committee succession arrangements.

Key Details

• Date notified: February 25, 2026; 8-K filed February 27, 2026.
• Effective date: at conclusion of the 2026 AGM (currently scheduled for May 1, 2026).
• Board size change: will decrease to 12 directors after their departures.
• Committee changes: Terrell Crews leaves as Audit Committee Chair (Carole L. Brown named successor); Lourdes Melgar leaves Audit and Sustainability Committees.

Why It Matters
Board and committee membership affect corporate governance and oversight—changes to the Audit Committee chair and membership can influence financial oversight and risk governance. The filing notes the departures are not due to disagreements, which reduces immediate governance concern. Investors should note the Board reduction and committee reshuffling ahead of the AGM and monitor any further director nominations or governance updates.