Darling Ingredients Inc. Announces Board Changes: Director Retirement and New Appointment

Key Highlights

• Director Retirement Announced: Gary W. Mize, a member of the Board of Directors since 2016, plans to retire effective at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
• New Board Appointment: The Board has elected Steven Aspell to join as a Director, effective immediately.
• No Related Party Transactions: There are no related party transactions involving Mr. Aspell requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
• Press Release Issued: A press release was released to formally announce these changes.

Detailed Overview

Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR), a global leader in converting animal and food industry by-products into sustainable ingredients and renewable energy, has announced a significant change in its board leadership.

Retirement of Long-Serving Director

On February 25, 2026, the company disclosed that Gary W. Mize, who has served on the Board of Directors since 2016, has notified the Board of his intention to retire. His retirement will be effective at the conclusion of the Company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Mize’s impending departure marks the end of a decade-long tenure during which he contributed to Darling Ingredients’ strategic oversight and governance. He will continue to serve as a Director until the Annual Meeting, ensuring a smooth transition.

Election of Steven Aspell to the Board

In conjunction with Mr. Mize’s upcoming retirement, the Board has elected Steven Aspell as a new member. Mr. Aspell’s appointment is effective immediately, and he will serve as a Director until the 2026 Annual Meeting and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. According to the company’s filing, there are no family relationships or related party transactions involving Mr. Aspell that are required to be disclosed.

Potential Shareholder Implications

• Board Refreshment and Strategic Impact: Changes in board composition, especially involving long-tenured members, are closely watched by investors. The addition of Steven Aspell brings new perspectives, which could influence the company’s strategic direction and execution.
• Market Sensitivity: While there is no indication of operational or financial distress, leadership changes at the board level can sometimes trigger market reactions, depending on how investors perceive the incoming director’s experience and the loss of institutional knowledge with the retiring director.
• No Related Party Risks: The explicit statement that there are no related party transactions involving Mr. Aspell provides reassurance to shareholders regarding governance and potential conflicts of interest.

Corporate Profile

Darling Ingredients Inc. is a pioneer in circularity, transforming material from the animal agriculture and food industries into valuable ingredients that nourish people, feed animals and crops, and fuel the world with renewable energy. The company operates over 260 facilities in more than 15 countries, processes about 15% of the world’s animal agricultural by-products, and produces approximately 30% of the world’s collagen. Darling is also one of the largest producers of renewable energy.

The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DAR. The company’s headquarters are located at 5601 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75038.

Contact Information

• Investor Relations: Suann Guthrie, Senior VP, Investor Relations and Global Affairs, (469) 214-8202, [email protected]
• Media: Jillian Fleming, Director, Global Communications, (972) 541-7115, [email protected]

What Investors Should Watch

• Monitor the 2026 Annual Meeting for further board composition changes or strategic updates.
• Assess any future communications regarding the company’s strategic direction under the refreshed board.
• Evaluate the market’s response to executive and board transitions, as these can affect investor sentiment and share price, especially if accompanied by strategic shifts or new initiatives.

Conclusion

The announced changes reflect Darling Ingredients Inc.’s ongoing commitment to board refreshment and effective corporate governance. While no immediate operational changes were disclosed, board transitions are often closely monitored by investors for potential shifts in strategic priorities that could impact future performance and share value.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with their financial advisors before making investment decisions. The information herein is derived from official filings and press releases by Darling Ingredients Inc. and is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication but may be subject to change.

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