WaFd, Inc. Announces Appointment of Erin Hill to Board of Directors

Key Developments Investors Should Note

• Erin Hill appointed as Director of WaFd, Inc. and WaFd Bank.
• Hill brings over three decades of executive experience in financial services, corporate governance, audit, and risk management.
• Appointment includes membership in the Audit Committee; Hill will serve in the class of Directors with terms expiring in 2027.
• WaFd’s Board affirms Hill’s independence under Nasdaq Listing Rules.
• No arrangements or related-party transactions to disclose, per Regulation S-K, Item 404(a).

Detailed Overview

SEATTLE, March 2, 2026: WaFd, Inc. (Nasdaq: WAFD), the parent company of WaFd Bank, has announced the appointment of Erin Hill to its Board of Directors, effective February 27, 2026. Hill’s extensive leadership background in the financial sector is expected to bolster the company’s capabilities in accounting oversight, risk management, and governance.

Background and Experience of Erin Hill

• Current Role: Executive Director of the Financial Accounting Foundation, the oversight body for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). These two organizations set the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for a broad spectrum of entities in the United States, including public and private companies, not-for-profits, and governments.
• Previous Relevant Experience:
  • Chief Administrative Officer at BNY Mellon, the world’s largest custodian bank, responsible for safeguarding over \$40 trillion in assets globally.
  • Head of Consumer Banking and Wealth Management at JP Morgan Chase & Co., supervising over 50,000 bankers and financial advisors across more than 5,500 branches nationwide.
  • Chief Financial Officer for JP Morgan’s private equity business and Chief Operating Officer of its legal and compliance functions.
  • Attorney at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, specializing in M&A and corporate governance for Fortune 100 firms.
  • Began her career as an auditor at Arthur Andersen.
• Other Notable Board and Advisory Roles:
  • Board of Governors, Junior Achievement Worldwide – a nonprofit focused on youth entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health.
  • Recently served on the Defense Business Board at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Board and Committee Membership

• Ms. Hill will serve as a Director in the class with terms expiring in 2027.
• She is also appointed as a member of the Audit Committee, a vital governance body overseeing financial reporting and audit integrity.
• The Board has determined she meets the independence requirements under Nasdaq Listing Rules, ensuring objective oversight.

Compensation and Related Party Disclosures

• Ms. Hill’s compensation will be consistent with that of other non-employee directors, including an annual stock award and annual retainer fees, as outlined in the company’s most recent Proxy Statement.
• There are no arrangements or understandings with other parties concerning her election, and no material related-party transactions have been identified.

Potential Shareholder Impact & Price Sensitivity

• Strategic Significance: The appointment of a director with deep experience in accounting standards, risk management, and global financial services (including leadership at BNY Mellon and JP Morgan) significantly enhances WaFd’s governance and oversight capabilities.
• Audit Committee Role: Hill’s presence on the Audit Committee is likely to further strengthen financial controls and regulatory compliance, which may be viewed positively by investors, analysts, and proxy advisors.
• Market Perception: Adding a recognized financial leader with a track record in strategy, M&A, and risk oversight may boost investor confidence and could be a price-sensitive event, especially for institutional shareholders focused on governance and audit quality.
• No Negative Disclosures: The company affirms that there are no material related-party transactions or conflicts of interest regarding this appointment.

Regulatory and Forward-Looking Information

• The information regarding this director appointment was furnished in a Form 8-K filing and accompanied by a press release dated March 2, 2026.
• The company notes that forward-looking statements are subject to risks as detailed in its most recent Annual Report and SEC filings, available at www.sec.gov.

Conclusion

The addition of Erin Hill to WaFd’s Board of Directors and Audit Committee is a significant governance enhancement. Her expertise in accounting, regulatory, and risk matters aligns with the company’s strategic priorities and is likely to be viewed favorably by the market. Investors should monitor subsequent financial disclosures and governance developments for further impact.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Investors should review official filings and consult with their financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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