DEF 14A 1 a2022proxystatement.htm DEF 14A Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  ___________________________________ 
Filed by the Registrant   ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant   ☐
Check the appropriate box:
Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11




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485 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York
10017
April 8, 2022
Dear Shareholders:
Please join us for The Travelers Companies, Inc. Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) at the Hartford Marriott Downtown, 200 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
Attached to this letter are a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, which describe the business to be conducted at the meeting.
At this year’s meeting, you will be asked to:
Elect the 13 director nominees listed in the Proxy Statement;
Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2022;
Consider a non-binding vote to approve executive compensation;
Consider five shareholder proposals, if presented at the Annual Meeting; and
Consider such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of the nominees listed in the Proxy Statement, FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP, FOR the non-binding vote to approve executive compensation and AGAINST each of the shareholder proposals described in the Proxy Statement.
Your vote is important. Whether you own a few shares or many, and whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. You may vote your shares by proxy on the Internet, by telephone, or by completing a paper proxy card and returning it by mail. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
Thank you for your continued support of Travelers.
Sincerely,
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Alan D. Schnitzer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Logistics
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Date And Time
May 25, 2022
9:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
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Location*
Hartford Marriott Downtown 200 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, Connecticut 06103
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Who Can Vote — Record Date
You may vote at the Annual Meeting if you were a shareholder of record or held shares through Travelers’ 401(k) Savings Plan or through a broker or nominee at the close of business on March 29, 2022.
Items of BusinessBoard Vote Recommendation
Elect the 13 director nominees listed in the Proxy Statement.
FOR each director nominee
Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2022.
FOR
Consider a non-binding vote to approve executive compensation.
FOR
Consider five shareholder proposals, if presented at the Annual Meeting.
AGAINST
Voting by Proxy
To ensure your shares are voted, you may vote your shares by proxy on the Internet, by telephone or by completing a paper proxy card and returning it by mail. Internet and telephone voting procedures are described in the General Information About the Meeting section of the Proxy Statement and on the proxy card.
Shareholders will also consider such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Wendy C. Skjerven
Corporate Secretary
*As part of our precautions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we are planning for the possibility that the Annual Meeting may be held virtually over the Internet. If we take this step, we will announce the decision in advance, and details on how to participate will be available on our website at www.travelers.com under the “Investors” heading.
Advance Voting Methods
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Internet
www.proxyvote.com
You will need the 16-digit number included on your Notice or on your proxy card.
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Telephone
(800) 690-6903
You will need the 16-digit number included on your Notice or on your proxy card.
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Mail
Mark, sign, date and promptly mail your proxy card in the postage-paid envelope, if you have received paper materials.
Advance Voting Deadlines
If you are a shareholder of record or hold shares through a broker or bank and are voting by proxy, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on May 24, 2022, to be counted.
If you hold shares through Travelers’ 401(k) Savings Plan, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on May 23, 2022, to be counted. Those votes cannot be changed or revoked after that time, and those shares cannot be voted in person at the Annual Meeting.
This Notice of Annual Meeting and the accompanying Proxy Statement are being distributed or made available, as the case may be, on or about April 8, 2022.



PROXY STATEMENT
Table of Contents
WHERE TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION
We make available, free of charge on our website, all of our filings that are made electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. To access these filings, go to our website at www.travelers.com and click on “SEC Filings” under “Financial Information” under the “Investors” heading. Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, including financial statements and schedules thereto, filed with the SEC, are also available without charge to shareholders upon written request addressed to:
Corporate Secretary
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
485 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017





    
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
ITEM 8 – SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL INSURING LAW ENFORCEMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
A-1

This Proxy Statement includes several website addresses and references to additional materials found on those websites. These websites and materials are not incorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
This summary highlights certain information contained in this Proxy Statement, but does not contain all of the information you should consider when voting your shares. Please read the entire Proxy Statement carefully before voting.
Item 1 
Election of Directors  
Your Board recommends a vote FOR each director nominee.
ä See page 5
Director Nominees
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Alan L. Beller INDEPENDENT
Senior Counsel of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Committees: Audit, Risk
Director Since: 2007
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Philip T. Ruegger III INDEPENDENT
Chairman of the Executive Committee of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (retired)
Committees: Compensation, Executive, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance (Chair)
Director Since: 2014
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Janet M. Dolan INDEPENDENT
President of Act 3 Enterprises, LLC
Committees: Compensation, Executive, Investment and Capital Markets (Chair), Nominating and Governance
Director Since: 2001
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Rafael Santana INDEPENDENT
President and CEO of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
Committees: Compensation, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance
Director Since: 2022
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Patricia L. Higgins INDEPENDENT
President and Chief Executive Officer of Switch and Data Facilities, Inc. (retired)
Committees: Audit, Risk
Director Since: 2007
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Todd C. Schermerhorn INDEPENDENT
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of C. R. Bard, Inc. (retired) Independent Lead Director
Committees: Audit, Executive, Risk (Chair)
Director Since: 2016
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William J. Kane INDEPENDENT
Audit Partner with Ernst & Young (retired)
Committees: Audit (Chair), Executive, Risk
Director Since: 2012
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Alan D. Schnitzer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers
Committees: Executive (Chair)
Director Since: 2015
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Thomas B. Leonardi INDEPENDENT
Executive Vice President of American International Group, Inc. and Vice Chairman of AIG Life Holdings, Inc. (retired)
Committees: Compensation, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance
Director Since: 2021
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Laurie J. Thomsen INDEPENDENT
Partner and Co-Founder of Prism Venture Partners (retired)
Committees: Audit, Risk
Director Since: 2004
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Clarence Otis Jr. INDEPENDENT
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (retired)
Committees: Compensation (Chair), Executive, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance
Director Since: 2017
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Bridget van Kralingen INDEPENDENT
Senior Vice President of International Business Machines Corporation (retired)
Committees: Audit, Risk
Director Since: 2022
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Elizabeth E. Robinson INDEPENDENT
Global Treasurer of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (retired)
Committees: Compensation, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance
Director Since: 2020
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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1

SUMMARY
The nominees represent a broad range of expertise, experience, viewpoints and backgrounds, as well as a mix of tenure of service on the Board.
INDEPENDENCE
12 of 13
AGE
~64 years average
TENURE
~8 years average
DIVERSITY
~54% diverse
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For a discussion of the specific considerations with respect to these nominees, see “Director Nominations—Specific Considerations Regarding the 2022 Nominees” on page 17.
Corporate Governance Highlights
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) is committed to high standards of corporate governance. Highlights include:
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All committees other than the Executive Committee are comprised solely of independent directors
Engaged independent Lead Director
Regular executive sessions of independent directors
Active risk oversight
Director education on matters relevant to the Company, its business plan and risk profile
Annual Board evaluations
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Annually elected directors
Majority voting standard for director elections
Single voting class
Proxy access
No poison pill
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Robust director stock ownership guidelines
Non-management directors currently receive more than 50% of their annual board and committee compensation in the form of deferred stock units
Biennial review to assess the appropriateness of the Director Compensation Program
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

SUMMARY
Shareholder Engagement Highlights
In 2021, the Company took an integrated approach to its shareholder engagement efforts, including with respect to governance, compensation, financial and sustainability matters. Through these efforts, in 2021, the Company engaged with shareholders representing more than 40% of the Company’s outstanding shares.
We continue to consider, and respond thoughtfully to, shareholder feedback. For information on our shareholder engagement program and certain actions the Company has taken based on shareholder feedback, see pages 22 and 55 of this Proxy Statement.
Item 2
Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Your Board recommends a vote
FOR this Item.
ä See page 27
Item 3
Non-Binding Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
Your Board recommends a vote
FOR this Item.
ä See page 29

Executive Compensation Highlights
With our pay-for-performance philosophy and compensation objectives as our guiding principles, we deliver annual executive compensation through the following elements:
Element
 
CEO
Compensation Mix
Other NEOs
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Base
Salary
Page 41
Base salaries are appropriately aligned with Compensation Comparison Group.
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Annual
Cash
Bonus
Page 42
The Compensation Committee evaluates a broad range of financial and non-financial metrics in awarding performance-based incentives.
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Core return on equity is a principal factor in the Committee’s evaluation of the Company’s performance. The Committee also considers other metrics, including core income and core income per diluted share, and the metrics that contribute to those results.
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Long-Term
Stock
Incentives
Page 46
Annual awards of stock-based compensation are typically in the form of stock options and performance shares. Because our performance shares only vest if specified core return on equity thresholds are met, and because stock options provide value only if our stock price appreciates, the Compensation Committee believes that such compensation is all performance-based.
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The mix of long-term incentives for the CEO and other named executive officers is approximately 60% performance shares and 40% stock options, based on the grant date fair value of the awards.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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3

SUMMARY
The Compensation Committee did not modify the terms of outstanding compensation awards or otherwise modify its compensation program or practices due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Compensation Committee has adopted the following practices, among others:
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What We DO:What We DO NOT Do:
image_53.jpg  Maintain robust share ownership requirements
image_53.jpg  Maintain a clawback policy with respect to cash and equity incentive awards to our executive officers
image_53.jpg  Prohibit hedging transactions as specified in our securities trading policy
image_53.jpg  Prohibit pledging shares without the consent of the Company (no pledges have been made)
image_53.jpg  Engage in outreach and maintain a dialogue with shareholders relating to the Company’s governance, compensation and sustainability practices
image_53.jpg  Engage an independent consultant that works directly for the Compensation Committee and does no work for management
image_58.jpg  No excise tax “gross-up” payments in the event of a change in control
image_58.jpg  No tax “gross-up” payments on perquisites for named executive officers
image_58.jpg  No repricing of stock options and no buy-out of underwater options
image_58.jpg  No excessive or unusual perquisites
image_58.jpg  No dividends or dividend equivalents paid on unvested performance shares
image_58.jpg  No above-market returns provided for in deferred compensation plans
image_58.jpg  No guaranteed equity awards or bonuses for named executive officers
Item 4 - Item 8
Shareholder Proposals
Your Board recommends a vote AGAINST these Items
ä See pages 68 - 85

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 1
Election of Directors
Your Board recommends you vote FOR the election of all director nominees.
There are currently 13 members of the Board. On February 9, 2022, the Board, upon recommendation of its Nominating and Governance Committee, unanimously nominated the 13 directors listed below for re-election to the Board at the Annual Meeting.
The directors elected at the Annual Meeting will hold office until the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Unless otherwise instructed, the persons (the “proxyholders”) named in the form of proxy card attached to this Proxy Statement, as filed with the SEC, intend to vote the proxies held by them for the election of the 13 nominees named below. The proxies cannot be voted for more than 13 candidates for director. The Board knows of no reason why these nominees would be unable or unwilling to serve, but if that would be the case, proxies received will be voted for the election of such other persons, if any, as the Board may designate.
Nominees for Election of Directors
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Alan L. Beller
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2007
Committees: Audit, Risk
Background
Mr. Beller, age 72, is Senior Counsel of the law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP (“Cleary”), based in the New York City office. Mr. Beller joined Cleary in 1976 and was a partner in the firm from 1984 through 2001. From 2002 to 2006, he served as the Director of the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC and as Senior Counselor to the SEC. He returned to Cleary in August 2006 and was a partner in the firm until 2014 when he became Senior Counsel.
Other Board Service
Mr. Beller is a member of the Board of Directors of the Value Reporting Foundation.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Beller’s senior-level public service and his significant experience and expertise in the areas of law, risk management oversight and corporate governance. In addition, the Committee considered Mr. Beller’s significant experience and expertise with respect to financial reporting, financial accounting, auditing, audit quality and audit committee matters and their regulation and his expertise in the area of sustainability standards, sustainability governance and disclosure.
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Janet M. Dolan
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2001
Committees: Compensation, Executive, Investment and Capital Markets (Chair), Nominating and Governance
Background
Ms. Dolan, age 72, has been President of Act 3 Enterprises, LLC, a consulting services company, since August 2006. She served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Tennant Company, a manufacturer of nonresidential floor maintenance equipment and products, from April 1999 until her retirement in December 2005, and she had served in a number of senior executive positions with Tennant Company from 1986 until April 1999. Prior to joining Tennant Company, Ms. Dolan was a director of the Minnesota Lawyers’ Professional Responsibility Board.
Other Board Service
Ms. Dolan was a director of Wenger Corporation until December 2018.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Ms. Dolan’s experience as a public company CEO and her significant experience and expertise in management and in legal and compliance matters.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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Patricia L. Higgins
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2007
Committees: Audit, Risk 
Background
Ms. Higgins, age 72, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Switch and Data Facilities, Inc., a provider of neutral interconnection and collocation services, from September 2000 until her retirement in February 2004. In 1999 and 2000, Ms. Higgins served as Executive Vice President of the Gartner Group and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Research Board, a segment of the Gartner Group. From 1997 to 1999, she served as Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Alcoa Inc., and from 1995 to 1997, she served as Vice President and President (Communications Market Business Unit) of Unisys Corporation. From 1977 to 1995, she served in various managerial positions, including as Corporate Vice President and Group Vice President (State of New York) for Verizon (NYNEX) and Vice President, International Sales Operations (Lucent) for AT&T Corporation/Lucent.
Other Board Service
Ms. Higgins was a director of CoreSite Realty Corporation until December 2021, Dycom Industries until May 2021, Barnes & Noble, Inc. until August 2019 and Internap Corporation until June 2018.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Ms. Higgins’ experience as a public company Chief Information Officer and her significant experience and expertise in management, as well as information technology strategy and operations.
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William J. Kane
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2012 
Committees: Audit (Chair), Executive, Risk
Background
Mr. Kane, age 71, served as an audit partner with Ernst & Young for 25 years until his retirement in 2010, during which time he specialized in providing accounting, auditing and consulting services to the insurance and financial services industries. Prior to that, he served in various auditing roles with Ernst & Young.
Other Board Service
Mr. Kane is a director of Transamerica Corporation.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Kane’s experience as an audit partner of a registered public accounting firm and his significant experience and expertise in financial controls, financial reporting, management and the insurance industry.
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Thomas B. Leonardi
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2021 
Committees: Compensation, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance
Background
Mr. Leonardi, age 68, served as Executive Vice President of American International Group, Inc. and Vice Chairman of AIG Life Holdings, Inc. from November 2017 until his retirement in May 2020, where he was responsible for Government Affairs, Public Policy, Communications and Sustainability. From January 2015 to October 2017, he was a Senior Advisor to Evercore Inc., a global investment banking advisory firm. Previously, Mr. Leonardi was Commissioner of the Connecticut Insurance Department from February 2011 to December 2014. For 22 years prior to his appointment as Commissioner, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northington Partners Inc., a venture capital and investment banking firm. Before Northington, he was head of the investment banking and venture capital divisions of Conning & Company and President of Beneficial Corporation’s insurance subsidiaries. He began his career as a litigation attorney in Connecticut.
Other Board Service
Mr. Leonardi is a director of Athene Co-Invest Reinsurance Affiliate, Ltd and is a member of the Advisory Board of Athene Holdings, Ltd.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Leonardi’s experience as an insurance commissioner and his significant experience and expertise in management, investments, finance, mergers and acquisitions and the insurance industry.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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Clarence Otis Jr.
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2017 
Committees: Compensation (Chair), Executive, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance 
Background
Mr. Otis, age 65, served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc., the largest company-owned and operated full-service restaurant company in the world. He became Darden’s Chief Executive Officer in 2004, assumed the additional role of Chairman in 2005 and served in both capacities until his retirement in 2014. Mr. Otis joined Darden Restaurants, Inc. in 1995 and served in various roles with Darden, including Vice President and Treasurer, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Other Board Service
Mr. Otis is a director of Verizon Communications, Inc., VF Corporation and MFS Mutual Funds.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Otis’s experience as a public company CEO and his significant experience and expertise in operations, financial oversight and risk management.
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Elizabeth E. Robinson
INDEPENDENT 
Director Since: 2020 
Committees: Compensation, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance 
Background
Ms. Robinson, age 53, served as Global Treasurer, Partner and Managing Director of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., the global financial services company, from 2005 to 2015. Prior to that, she served in various roles within Corporate Treasury of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., including Americas Treasurer and Managing Director, and in the Financial Institutions Group within the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs.
Other Board Service
Ms. Robinson is a director of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of BNY Mellon Government Securities Services Corp. Ms. Robinson is also a director of Russell Reynolds Associates, a trustee and Chairman of the Board of Williams College, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Every Mother Counts and a trustee of Blair Academy. She was, until August 2016, a director of Goldman Sachs Bank USA.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Ms. Robinson’s experience as treasurer of a large global financial institution, a position she held during the 2008 financial crisis, her significant experience in managing a financial services company through challenging financial conditions and her expertise in finance, risk management, capital management and strategic transactions.
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Philip T. (Pete) Ruegger III
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2014 
Committees: Compensation, Executive, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance (Chair) 
Background
Mr. Ruegger, age 72, served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP from 2004 until his retirement in 2013. He was a member of the firm’s executive committee from 1993 through June 2013. Mr. Ruegger joined Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in 1974 and became a partner in 1981. At Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, he advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, investigations, corporate finance and general corporate and securities law matters.
Other Board Service
Mr. Ruegger is Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Henry Street Settlement, a New York City based not-for-profit organization.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Ruegger’s experience as the leader of a large international corporate law firm and his significant experience and expertise in mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactional matters, as well as risk management.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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Rafael Santana
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2022
Committees: Compensation, Investment and Capital Markets, Nominating and Governance
Background
Mr. Santana, age 50, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (“Wabtec”), a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Previously, from November 2017 to February 2019, Mr. Santana served as President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Transportation, a division of General Electric Company. Mr. Santana joined GE in 2000 and held a variety of global leadership roles in the transportation, power, and oil and gas businesses, including President and Chief Executive Officer of GE, Latin America, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Oil and Gas Turbomachinery Solutions, Chief Executive Officer of GE Gas Engines and Chief Executive Officer of GE Energy Latin America.
Other Board Service
Mr. Santana is a director of Wabtec.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Santana’s experience as a public company CEO and his significant experience and expertise in management, international operations and financial oversight.
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Todd C. Schermerhorn
INDEPENDENT
Lead Director 
Director Since: 2016
Committees: Audit, Executive, Risk (Chair) 
Background
Mr. Schermerhorn, age 61, served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of C. R. Bard, Inc., a multinational developer, manufacturer and marketer of life-enhancing medical technologies, from 2003 until his retirement in 2012. Prior to that, he had been Vice President and Treasurer of C. R. Bard from 1998 to 2003. From 1985 to 1998, Mr. Schermerhorn held various other management positions with C. R. Bard.
Other Board Service
Mr. Schermerhorn is a director of Metabolon, Inc. and LivaNova, PLC. He was a director of The Spectranetics Corporation until August 2017.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Schermerhorn’s experience as a public company Chief Financial Officer and his significant experience and expertise in management, accounting and business operations, including international operations.
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Alan D. Schnitzer
Chairman of the Board 
Director Since: 2015
Committees: Executive (Chair) 
Background
Mr. Schnitzer, age 56, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers. He was previously the Company’s Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Business and International Insurance from July 2014 to December 2015. He joined Travelers as Vice Chairman and Chief Legal Officer in April 2007, and between that time and July 2014 he held operating and functional positions of increasing responsibility. Prior to joining the Company, he was a partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
Other Board Service
Mr. Schnitzer serves as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and as a director of New York City Ballet and ReadyCT.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Mr. Schnitzer’s position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his significant experience in the management of the Company in various roles, including as Chief Executive Officer of Business and International Insurance, the Company’s largest business segment, as well as his significant experience and expertise in management, finance and law.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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Laurie J. Thomsen
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2004 
Committees: Audit, Risk 
Background
Ms. Thomsen, age 64, served as an Executive Partner of New Profit, Inc., a venture philanthropy firm, from 2006 to 2010, and she served on its board from 2001 to 2006. Prior to that, from 1995 to 2004, she was a co-founder, General Partner and Retiring General Partner of Prism Venture Partners, a venture capital firm investing in healthcare and technology companies. From 1984 until 1995, she worked at the venture capital firm Harbourvest Partners in Boston, where she was a General Partner from 1988 until 1995. Ms. Thomsen was in commercial lending at U.S. Trust Company of New York from 1979 until 1984.
Other Board Service
Ms. Thomsen is a director of Dycom Industries and MFS Mutual Funds. She is also an emeritus Trustee of Williams College.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Ms. Thomsen’s experience as a general partner of a venture capital firm and her significant experience and expertise in investments, finance and the development of emerging businesses.
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Bridget van Kralingen
INDEPENDENT
Director Since: 2022
Committees: Audit, Risk 
Background
Ms. van Kralingen, age 58, recently retired from her position as Senior Vice President of International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”), the multinational technology company. Ms. van Kralingen joined IBM in 2004 and held a number of positions of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President, Global Markets & Sales, Senior Vice President, Global Industries, Clients, Platforms and Blockchain, Senior Vice President, Global Business Services, General Manager IBM North America, General Manager, Global Business Services in Europe, Middle East and Africa and Global Managing Partner, Financial Services Sector, Global Business Services. Prior to that, Ms. van Kralingen served as Managing Partner, US Financial Services with Deloitte Consulting.
Other Board Service
Ms. van Kralingen is a director of Royal Bank of Canada and Discovery Limited and a board member of the New York Historical Society.
Nomination Considerations
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered in particular Ms. van Kralingen’s experience as an executive of a global technology and services company and her significant experience and expertise in information technology services, international operations and global sales and business development.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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9

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Governance of Your Company
Governance Highlights
Our commitment to good corporate governance is reflected in our Governance Guidelines, which describe the Board’s views on a wide range of governance topics. These Governance Guidelines are reviewed annually by the Nominating and Governance Committee, and any changes deemed
appropriate by the Committee in light of emerging practices or otherwise are submitted to the full Board for consideration. Our Governance Guidelines can be found on the Corporate Governance page of the “Investors” section on our website at www.travelers.com.
Board Composition and Accountability
Independence
All of our director nominees other than our Chief Executive Officer are independent.
Committee independence
All committees are comprised of independent directors other than the Executive Committee on which our Chief Executive Officer serves.
Independent Chair or independent Lead Director
The Board has an independent Chair or independent Lead Director whenever the Chair is a member of management or not otherwise independent.
Executive session
Independent members of the Board and each of the committees regularly meet in executive session with no member of management present.
Risk oversight
The Board and committees annually review their oversight of risk and the allocation of risk oversight among the committees.
Director education
The Nominating and Governance Committee oversees educational sessions for directors on matters relevant to the Company, its business plan and risk profile.
Board evaluation
The Board and each of its committees evaluate and discuss their respective performance and effectiveness every year.
Diversity of skills and experience
The composition of the Board encompasses a broad range of skills, expertise, experience and backgrounds and includes five women and two racially/ethnically diverse directors.
Board tenure
The Board’s balanced approach to refreshment results in an appropriate mix of long-serving and new directors.
Shareholder Rights
Annually elected directors
The annual election of directors reinforces the Board’s accountability to shareholders.
Majority voting standard for director elections
Directors must be elected under a “majority voting” standard in uncontested elections — a director who receives fewer votes “For” his or her election than “Against” must promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board.
Single voting class
Our common stock is the only class of shares outstanding.
Proxy access
Each shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, owning 3% or more of our common stock continuously for at least three years may, in accordance with the terms specified in our bylaws, nominate and include in our proxy materials director nominees constituting the greater of two directors or 20% of the Board.
Special meetings
Special meetings may be called at any time by a shareholder or shareholders holding 10% of voting power of all shares entitled to vote or 25% where the meeting relates to a business combination.
Poison pill
The Company does not have a poison pill.
Board Compensation
Director stock ownership
Non-employee directors are required to accumulate and retain a level of ownership of our equity securities to align the interests of non-employee directors and shareholders.
Deferred stock units
Non-employee directors currently receive more than 50% of their annual board and committee compensation in the form of deferred stock units, and the shares underlying these units are not distributed to a director until at least six months after the director leaves the Board.
Compensation review
The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews the appropriateness of the Director Compensation Program at least once every two years.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Governance Structure of the Board – Chairman and Lead Director
Our bylaws provide that the Board, at its regular meeting each year following the annual shareholders meeting, shall elect a Chairman of the Board. The Board maintains the flexibility to determine whether the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer should be combined or separated, based on what it believes is in the best interests of the Company at a given point in time. The Board believes that this flexibility is in the
best interest of the Company and that a one-size-fits-all approach to corporate governance, with a mandated independent Chairman, would not result in better governance or oversight. Our Governance Guidelines provide for the position of Lead Director whenever the Chairman of the Board is a director who does not qualify as an independent director.
Our Current Board Leadership Structure
Alan D. Schnitzer
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
Mr. Schnitzer serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in the case of the Company, means that the Chair of the Board has longstanding experience with property and casualty insurance and ongoing executive responsibility for the Company. In the Board’s view, this enables the Board to better understand the Company and work with management to enhance shareholder value. In addition, the Board believes that this structure enables it to better fulfill its risk oversight responsibilities and enhances the ability of the Chief Executive Officer to effectively communicate the Board’s view to management.
Todd C. Schermerhorn
Independent Lead
Director
The independent directors elected Mr. Schermerhorn to serve as independent Lead Director of the Board. Among other things, under our Governance Guidelines, the independent Lead Director has the authority to:
convene, set the agendas for and chair the regular executive sessions of the independent directors;
convene and chair other meetings of the independent directors as deemed necessary;
approve the Board meeting schedules and meeting agenda items and review information to be sent to the Board;
act as a liaison between the independent directors, committee chairs and senior management;
receive and review correspondence sent to the Company’s office addressed to the Board or independent directors and, together with the CEO, to determine appropriate responses if any; and
in concert with the chairs of the Board’s committees, recommend to the Board the retention of consultants and advisors who directly report to the Board, without consulting or obtaining the advance authorization of any officer of the Company.
In addition, in accordance with our Governance Guidelines, the Lead Director is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the independent and non-management directors “in the interest of ensuring that objective judgment is brought to bear on sensitive issues involving the management of the Company and, in particular, the performance of senior management”.
The Board believes that its current leadership structure is appropriate for the Company at this time. The Board believes that the responsibilities of the independent Lead Director help to assure appropriate oversight of the Company’s management by the Board and optimal functioning of the Board. The effectiveness of the independent Lead Director is enhanced by the Board’s independent character. In addition, as described in more detail in the biographies in “Nominees for Election of Directors”, the independent Lead Director and
the independent directors have substantial experience with public company management and governance, in general, and the Company, in particular. This structure facilitates the continued strong communication and coordination between management and the Board and enables the Board to fulfill its risk oversight responsibilities. A complete description of the role of the independent Lead Director is set forth in our Governance Guidelines.

2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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11

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Committees of the Board and Meetings
There are six standing committees of the Board: the Audit Committee; the Compensation Committee; the Executive Committee; the Investment and Capital Markets Committee; the Nominating and Governance Committee; and the Risk Committee.
The Board has adopted a written charter for each of these committees, copies of which are posted on our website at www.travelers.com under “Investors: Corporate Governance:
Governance Documents”. Each committee reviews its charter annually and, when appropriate, presents to the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board any recommended amendments for consideration and approval.
Executive sessions of the Board are chaired by the independent Lead Director. Each of the committees also meets regularly in executive session.
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
BOARD MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE
The Board has determined that each person nominated for election at the Annual Meeting is independent, other than Mr. Schnitzer, who currently serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Each committee of the Board, other than the Executive Committee on which Mr. Schnitzer serves, is composed solely of independent directors, consistent with our Governance Guidelines, the applicable New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing standards and the applicable rules of the SEC.
The Board held five meetings in 2021.
Each director attended 75% or more of the total number of meetings of the Board and of the committees on which each such director served during 2021.
Directors are encouraged and expected, but not required, to attend each annual meeting of shareholders. All of the directors serving at the time of last year’s annual meeting attended last year’s annual meeting of shareholders.
Audit Committee
Members ALL INDEPENDENT
 
Meetings in 2021: 9
Alan L. Beller
Patricia L. Higgins
William J. Kane (Chair)
Todd C. Schermerhorn
Laurie J. Thomsen
Bridget van Kralingen
Financial Literacy and Financial Expertise
The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee meet the financial literacy requirements of the NYSE. The Board also has determined that Mr. Kane’s extensive experience as an audit partner with Ernst & Young for 25 years qualifies him as an audit committee financial expert. In addition, the Board designated Mr. Schermerhorn as an audit committee financial expert after considering his experience as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with C. R. Bard, Inc. from 2003 to 2012, his service as Vice President and Treasurer of C. R. Bard, Inc. from 1998 to 2003 and his service on the audit committees of other public companies. The Board also designated Ms. Higgins as an audit committee financial expert after considering her experience as Chief Executive Officer of Switch and Data Facilities, Inc., during which she supervised its principal financial officer, and her experience serving as an audit committee financial expert of other public companies.
Primary Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following:
assist the Board in exercising its oversight of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting process and audits of the Company’s financial statements;
appoint our independent registered public accounting firm and review its qualifications, performance and independence;
review and pre-approve the audit and permitted non-audit services and proposed fees of the independent registered public accounting firm;
review the adequacy of the work performed by our internal audit group;
review reports from management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls; and
oversee the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
With respect to reporting and disclosure matters, the duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee include reviewing our audited financial statements and recommending to the Board that they be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Compensation Committee
Members ALL INDEPENDENT
 
Meetings in 2021: 5
Janet M. Dolan
Thomas B. Leonardi
Clarence Otis Jr. (Chair)
Elizabeth E. Robinson
Philip T. Ruegger III
Rafael Santana
In addition to satisfying all other applicable independence requirements, all members of the Compensation Committee qualify as “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
Primary Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include the following:
review and approve the performance goals and objectives for our CEO and those members of our Management Committee who are executive officers or report directly to the CEO (together with the CEO, the “Committee Approved Officers”);
review the performance and approve the salaries and incentive compensation of the Committee Approved Officers;
review and approve policies with respect to perquisites of the CEO and other members of management;
approve and monitor compliance with stock ownership guidelines applicable to the CEO and other members of management;
review and approve our compensation philosophy and objectives and recommend to the Board for approval compensation and benefit programs determined by the Compensation Committee to be appropriate;
review the operation of our overall compensation program to evaluate its objectives and its execution and recommend to the Board steps to modify our compensation programs to better conform them with the established compensation objectives;
review and approve any new equity compensation plans and material amendments to existing plans where shareholder approval has not been obtained and oversee management’s administration of such plans;
review our regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters;
review and approve any severance or similar termination payments proposed to be made to any current or former executive officer;
review and approve all stock option, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, performance share and similar stock-based grants;
conduct an independence assessment prior to selecting any compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser that will provide advice to the Compensation Committee; and
evaluate, at least annually, whether any work provided by the Compensation Committee’s compensation consultant raised any conflict of interest.
With respect to reporting and disclosure matters, the responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include reviewing and discussing the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management and recommending to the Board that it be included in our annual proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, delegate any of its responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee.
Establishment of Annual Bonus and Equity Awards
The Compensation Committee approves the individual salary, annual bonus and equity awards for the Committee Approved Officers. In addition, the Compensation Committee approves the aggregate annual bonuses and equity awards to employees who are not Committee Approved Officers.
The Compensation Committee considered recommendations from the CEO regarding compensation for each of the executive officers named in the “Summary Compensation Table” and other Committee Approved Officers.
Delegation of Authority for “Off-Cycle” Equity Grants
The Compensation Committee has delegated limited authority to the CEO to make equity grants outside of the annual equity grant process, or “off-cycle grants”, to employees and new hires who are not Committee Approved Officers. The delegation is subject to maximum grant date values of equity that can be granted to any one person. These grants can only be made on the grant dates established by our Governance Guidelines for “off-cycle” equity awards. Any grants made “off-cycle” are reported to the Compensation Committee at the next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting following such awards.
Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has the authority under its charter to retain outside consultants or advisors as it deems necessary or advisable. In accordance with this authority, the Compensation Committee has engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co. (“FW Cook”) as its independent outside compensation consultant to provide it with objective and expert analyses, advice and information with respect to executive compensation. All executive compensation services provided by FW Cook are conducted under the direction or authority of the Compensation Committee, and all work performed by FW Cook must be pre-approved by the Compensation Committee or the Chair of the Compensation Committee. Neither FW Cook nor any of its affiliates maintains any other direct or indirect business relationships with the Company or any of its affiliates, other than advising the Nominating and Governance Committee with respect to non-employee director compensation. In November 2021, the Compensation Committee evaluated whether any work provided by FW Cook raised any conflict of interest and determined that it did not.

2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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13

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As requested by the Compensation Committee, FW Cook’s services to the Compensation Committee in 2021 included, among other things:
advising with respect to the Compensation Committee meeting materials;
evaluating potential changes to incentive plans;
advising with respect to individual compensation for the Committee Approved Officers;
reviewing and discussing possible aggregate levels of corporate-wide bonus payments and equity awards;
preparing comparative analyses of executive compensation levels and design at peer group companies;
advising as to how actions taken by the Compensation
Committee compare to the pay and performance of our peer group companies; and
advising in connection with the preparation of certain of the information included in the proxy statement.
An FW Cook representative participated in each of the five Compensation Committee meetings in 2021.
In addition to the independent outside compensation consultant discussed above, our corporate staff (including Finance, Human Resources and Legal staff members) supports the Compensation Committee in its work. Other than with respect to the CEO’s recommendations regarding compensation to be paid to the other Committee Approved Officers, no executive officer determines or recommends to the Compensation Committee the amount or form of executive compensation to be paid to an executive officer.
Executive Committee
Members
 
Meetings in 2021: 0
Janet M. Dolan
William J. Kane
Clarence Otis Jr.
Philip T. Ruegger III
Todd C. Schermerhorn
Alan D. Schnitzer (Chair)
Primary Responsibilities
The Board has granted to the Executive Committee, subject to certain limitations set forth in its charter, the broad responsibility of exercising the authority of the Board in the
oversight of our business during the intervals between Board meetings in order to provide a degree of flexibility and ability to respond to time-sensitive business and legal matters. The Executive Committee meets only as necessary.
Investment and Capital Markets Committee
Members ALL INDEPENDENT
 
Meetings in 2021: 6
Janet M. Dolan (Chair)
Thomas B. Leonardi
Clarence Otis Jr.
Elizabeth E. Robinson
Philip T. Ruegger III
Rafael Santana
Primary Responsibilities
The Investment and Capital Markets Committee assists the Board in exercising its oversight of the Company’s management of its investment portfolios (including credit risk monitoring) and certain financial affairs of the Company, and its responsibilities include the following:
monitor the Company’s financial structure and approve or recommend appropriate Board action with respect to debt and equity financing;
review and recommend appropriate Board action with respect to the Company’s capital management policies and activities, including repurchases of Company securities, dividends and stock splits;
monitor the Company’s capital needs and financing arrangements, the Company’s ability to access capital markets (including the Company’s debt ratings) and management’s financing plans;
review and approve or recommend appropriate Board action with respect to transactions exceeding certain dollar thresholds, including the establishment of bank lines of credit or letters of credit, certain purchases and dispositions of real property, and acquisitions and divestitures of assets;
review reports of management regarding material transactions approved by officers of the Company pursuant to authority granted to such officers;
review and approve capital expenditure budgets not otherwise approved by the Board;
review the Company’s policies and procedures for investment risk management and monitor the credit risk of the Company’s investment portfolios; and
monitor the Company’s financial strategies regarding risk (currency and interest rate exposure and use of derivatives).

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Nominating and Governance Committee
Members ALL INDEPENDENT
 
Meetings in 2021: 4
Janet M. Dolan
Thomas B. Leonardi
Clarence Otis Jr.
Elizabeth E. Robinson
Philip T. Ruegger III (Chair)
Rafael Santana
Primary Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee include the following:
establish criteria for the selection of candidates to serve on the Board;
identify and recommend director candidates for election or re-election to the Board;
identify and recommend directors for appointment to serve on the committees of the Board and as chair of such committees;
recommend adjustments, from time to time, to the size of the Board or of any Board committee;
establish procedures for the annual evaluation of Board and director performance;
oversee continuing education of directors;
review the director compensation program and policies and recommend changes to the Board;
establish and review our Governance Guidelines;
review the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Conduct”) applicable to directors and employees and recommend changes to the Board when appropriate;
develop and recommend to the Board standards for determining the independence of directors and the absence of material relationships between the Company and a director;
review succession plans for our CEO and the direct reports to the CEO;
review and approve or ratify all related person transactions under our Related Person Transaction Policy;
review the Company’s public policy initiatives;
review and discuss with the Company’s head of Government Relations the Company’s participation in the political process, including political contributions and lobbying expenditures;
review and discuss with the Company’s senior management the Company’s strategies and initiatives relating to diversity and inclusion;
review the Company’s strategies and initiatives relating to community relations and charitable giving; and
recommend to the Board any guidelines for the removal of directors, as it determines appropriate.
Risk Committee
Members ALL INDEPENDENT
 
Meetings in 2021: 4
Alan L. Beller
Patricia L. Higgins
William J. Kane
Todd C. Schermerhorn (Chair)
Laurie J. Thomsen
Bridget van Kralingen
Primary Responsibilities
The Risk Committee assists the Board in exercising its oversight of the Company’s operational activities and the identification and review of those risks that could have a material impact on us, and its responsibilities include oversight of management’s risk management activities in the following areas:
our enterprise risk management program;
the underwriting of insurance;
the settlement of claims;
the management of catastrophe exposure;
the retention of insured risk and appropriate levels and types of reinsurance;
the credit risk in our insurance operations and ceded reinsurance program;
our information technology operations, including cyber risk and information security; and
the business continuity and executive crisis management for the Company and its business operations.
Board and Committee Evaluations
Every year, the Board and each of its committees evaluate and discuss their respective performance and effectiveness, as required by the Governance Guidelines. These evaluations cover a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, the fulfillment of the Board and committee responsibilities identified in the Governance Guidelines and committee charters. The evaluations address the Board’s knowledge and understanding of, and performance with respect to, the Company’s business, strategy, values and mission, the
appropriateness of the Board’s structure and composition, the communication among the directors and between the Board and management and the Board’s meeting process. Each committee reviews, among other topics, how the committee has satisfied the responsibilities contained in its charter in the past year as well as the organization of the committee, the committee meeting process and the committee’s oversight. Each committee reports the results of its evaluation to the Board.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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15

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Nominations
Process and Criteria Generally
The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board nominees for election as director, and the Board is responsible for selecting nominees for election.
The Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board seek to ensure that the Board is composed of members whose particular expertise, qualifications, attributes and skills, when taken together, allow the Board to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively. Our Governance Guidelines specify that, when selecting new nominees, the Board should consider the following criteria:
personal qualities and characteristics, accomplishments and reputation in the business community;
current knowledge and contacts in the communities in which the Company does business and in the Company’s industry or other industries relevant to the Company’s business;
ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters;
the fit of the individual’s skill and personality with those of other directors and potential directors in building a Board that is effective, collegial and responsive to the needs of the Company; and
diversity of viewpoints, background, experience and other demographics.
The evaluation of these criteria involves the exercise of careful business judgment. Accordingly, although the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board at a minimum assess each candidate’s ability to satisfy any applicable legal requirements or listing standards, his or her strength of character, judgment, working style, specific areas of expertise and his or her ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board do not have specific minimum qualifications that are applicable to all director candidates.
Diversity
As discussed above, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board include diversity of “viewpoints, background, experience and other demographics” as part of several criteria that they consider in connection with selecting candidates for the Board. While neither the Board nor the Nominating and Governance Committee has a formal diversity policy, one of many factors that the Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee carefully consider is the importance to the Company of racial/ethnic and gender diversity in board composition. Moreover, when considering director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board seek individuals with backgrounds and qualities that, when combined with those of our incumbent directors, enhance the Board’s effectiveness and, as required by the Governance Guidelines, result in the Board having “a broad range of skills, expertise, industry knowledge, diversity of opinion and contacts relevant to the Company’s business”. As part of its annual self-evaluation, the Board
assesses and confirms compliance with this governance guideline.
Director Search
In identifying prospective director candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee may seek referrals from other members of the Board, management, shareholders and other sources. The Nominating and Governance Committee also may, but need not, retain a professional search firm in order to assist it in these efforts. The Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board utilize the same criteria for evaluating candidates regardless of the source of the referral. Mr. Santana, appointed to the Board in January 2022, was recommended to the Nominating and Governance Committee by a third-party search firm, which was engaged by the committee to assist in the identification and recruitment of a new board member. After reviewing Mr. Santana’s qualifications, meeting with him several times and discussing his potential nomination at several meetings, the Nominating and Governance Committee voted unanimously to recommend Mr. Santana to the Board of Directors. The entire Board met with Mr. Santana prior to appointing him as a member of the Board. Ms. van Kralingen, appointed to the Board in January 2022, was recommended to the Nominating and Governance Committee by our Chairman of the Board. After reviewing Ms. van Kralingen’s qualifications, meeting with her several times and discussing her potential nomination at two separate meetings, the Nominating and Governance Committee voted unanimously to recommend Ms. van Kralingen to the Board of Directors. The entire Board met with Ms. van Kralingen prior to appointing her as a member of the Board. No fees were paid with respect to the appointment of Ms. van Kralingen.
Shareholder Recommendations
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders. Shareholders wishing to propose a candidate for consideration may do so by submitting the proposed candidate’s full name and address, resume and biographical information to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, The Travelers Companies, Inc., 485 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017. All recommendations for nomination received by the Corporate Secretary that satisfy our bylaw requirements relating to such director nominations will be presented to the Nominating and Governance Committee for its consideration.
Proxy Access
Our bylaws permit a shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, that has continuously owned for three years at least 3% of the Company’s outstanding common shares, to nominate and include in the Company’s annual meeting proxy materials up to the greater of two directors or 20% of the number of directors serving on the Board, provided that the shareholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the requirements specified in our bylaws, which are posted on our website at www.travelers.com. Shareholder requests to include shareholder-nominated directors in the Company’s proxy materials for the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders must be received by the Company no earlier than November 9, 2022, and no later than December 9, 2022.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Specific Considerations Regarding the 2022 Nominees
In considering the 13 director nominees named in this Proxy Statement and proposed for election at the Annual Meeting, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board evaluated and considered, among other factors.
each nominee’s experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills, in light of the Governance Guidelines’ criteria for nomination, including the specific skills identified by the Board as relevant to the Company;
the ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters;
the diversity of viewpoints, background, experience and other demographics of the director nominees;
the contributions of those directors recommended for re-election in the context of the Board self-evaluation process and other needs of the Board;
the tenure of individual directors;
the mix of long-serving and new directors on the Board; and

the specific needs of the Company given its business and industry.
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee, in considering each nominee, principally focused on the background and experiences of the nominee, as described in the biographies in “Nominees for Election of Directors” in Item 1 – Election of Directors. The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee considered that each nominee has experience serving in senior positions with significant responsibility, where each has gained valuable expertise in a number of areas relevant to the Company and its business. The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee also considered that a number of directors have gained valuable experience and skills through serving as a director of other public and private companies. The nominees represent a broad range of expertise, experience, viewpoints and backgrounds, as well as a mix of tenure of service on the Board. The independence, age, tenure and diversity of the nominees as a group are as follows:

INDEPENDENCE
12 of 13
AGE
~64 years average
TENURE
~8 years average
DIVERSITY
~54% diverse
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Director Age Limit
The Governance Guidelines provide that no person who will have reached the age of 74 on or before the date of the next annual shareholders meeting will be nominated for election at that meeting without an express waiver by the Board.
The Board believes that waivers of this policy should not be automatic and should be based upon the needs of the Company and the individual attributes of the director.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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17

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence and Independence Determinations
Under our Governance Guidelines and NYSE rules, a director is not independent unless the Board affirmatively determines that he or she does not have a direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. In addition, the director must meet the bright-line test for independence set forth by the NYSE rules.
The Board has established categorical standards of director independence to assist it in making independence determinations. These standards, which are included in our Governance Guidelines, set forth certain relationships between the Company and the directors and their immediate family members, or entities with which they are affiliated, that the Board, in its judgment, has determined to be material or immaterial in assessing a director’s independence. The Nominating and Governance Committee annually reviews the independence of all directors and reports its determinations to the full Board.
In the event a director has a relationship with the Company that is relevant to his or her independence and is not addressed by the categorical independence standards, the independent members of the Board determine in their judgment whether such relationship is material.

Our Governance Guidelines require that:
all members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee be independent; and
no more than two members of the Board may concurrently serve as officers of the Company.
The Board, upon recommendation of its Nominating and Governance Committee, has determined that all of its current directors and director nominees are independent, other than our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alan Schnitzer. Consequently, assuming election of all the nominees included in this Proxy Statement, 92% of the directors on the Board will be independent.
In making its independence determinations, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board considered and reviewed various commercial, charitable and employment transactions and relationships (including those identified through annual directors’ questionnaires) that exist between us and our subsidiaries and the entities with which certain of our directors or members of their immediate families are, or have been, affiliated and determined that the transactions identified were not material and did not affect the independence of any of our non-employee directors under either the Company’s Governance Guidelines or the applicable NYSE rules.
Sustainability and Risk Management
Sustained Value Creation
At Travelers, our simple and unwavering mission for creating shareholder value is to: deliver superior core return on equity by leveraging our competitive advantages; generate earnings and capital substantially in excess of our growth needs; and thoughtfully rightsize capital and grow book value per share over time. Executing our long-term strategy requires that we fulfill what we call “The Travelers Promise” — our promise to take care of our customers, our communities and our employees, agents and brokers. For this reason, we take an integrated approach to sustained value creation.
We regularly engage with our investors, customers, employees, agents and brokers, regulators, rating agencies
and other stakeholders on business issues and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) topics. We also provide robust and detailed disclosure on our website, https://sustainability.travelers.com, updated on an annual basis, with respect to our comprehensive approach to creating shareholder value over time and the many Travelers initiatives that contribute to our sustainability. Our sustainability reporting is aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”) standards for the insurance industry, the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (“TCFD”), the International Integrated Reporting Council <IR> framework and the Global Reporting Initiative standards.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our sustainability reporting is focused on 16 topics that we have determined, through extensive engagements with our investors as well as a formal prioritization exercise, to be most relevant to our industry, our business and our stakeholders.
Business Strategy & Competitive Advantages
Capital and Risk Management
Climate Strategy
Community
Governance Practices
Customer Experience
Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Disaster Preparedness & Response
Diversity & Inclusion
Eco-Efficient Operations
Ethics & Values
Human Capital Management
Innovation
Investment Management
Public Policy
Safety & Health
Oversight of Corporate Strategy, Sustainability/ESG and Allocation of Risk Oversight
The Board regularly reviews the Company’s long-term business strategy and works with management to set the short-term and long-term strategic objectives of the Company and to monitor progress on those objectives. In setting and monitoring strategy, the Board, along with management, considers the risks and opportunities that impact the long-term sustainability of the Company’s business model, including risks and opportunities often labeled as “ESG”. The Board also considers whether the strategy is consistent with the Company’s risk appetite. The Board regularly reviews the Company’s progress with respect to its strategic goals, the risks that could impact the long-term sustainability of our business and the related opportunities that could enhance the Company’s long-term sustainability. The Board oversees these efforts in part through its various committees based on each Committee’s responsibilities and expertise. Each Committee regularly reports to the Board regarding its areas of responsibility.
The Board has allocated and delegated risk oversight responsibility to various committees of the Board in accordance with the following principles:
Committee
Responsible for Oversight of:
Audit
Risks related to the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, including oversight of financial reporting principles and policies and internal controls.
The Company’s process for establishing insurance reserves.
Risks related to regulatory and compliance matters.
Risk
The Company’s Enterprise Risk Management activities.
Risks related to the Company’s business operations, including insurance underwriting and claims; reinsurance; catastrophe risk and the impact of changing climate conditions; credit risk in insurance operations; information technology, including cyber security.
The Company’s Business continuity plans.
Compensation
The Company’s pay-for-performance philosophy and practices designed to ensure equitable pay across the organization.
Risks related to the Company’s compensation programs, including formulation, administration and regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters.
Investment and Capital Markets
Risks related to the Company’s investment portfolio (including valuation and credit risks), capital structure, financing arrangements and liquidity.
Nominating and Governance
Risks related to corporate governance matters, including succession planning, director independence and related person transactions.
The Company’s workforce diversity and inclusion efforts, public policy initiatives and community relations.
Each committee is also responsible for monitoring reputational risk to the extent arising out of its area of responsibility.


2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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19

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As a result, each committee charter contains specific risk oversight functions delegated by the Board, consistent with the principles set forth above. In that way, monitoring of strategic objectives, risk oversight responsibilities and oversight of the Company’s sustainability more generally are shared by all committees of the Board, with each committee assigned responsibility for oversight of matters most applicable to its charter responsibilities and meeting regularly with management members responsible for such matters. Further, we believe that allocating responsibility to a committee with relevant knowledge and experience improves the oversight of risks and opportunities.
The allocation of risk oversight responsibility may change, from time to time, based on the evolving needs of the Company. On at least an annual basis, the Board reviews significant risks that management, through its Enterprise Risk Management efforts, has identified. The Board then evaluates, and may change, the allocation among the various committees of oversight responsibility for each identified risk. Further, each committee periodically reports to the Board on its risk oversight activities. In addition, at least annually, the Company’s Chief Risk Officer conducts a review of the interrelationships of risks and reports the results to the Risk Committee and the Board. These reports and reviews are intended to inform the Board’s annual evaluation of the allocation of risk oversight responsibility.
Enterprise Risk Management
Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) is a Company-wide initiative that involves the identification and assessment of a broad range of risks that could affect our ability to fulfill our business objectives as well as the development of plans to mitigate their effects. Our Board of Directors oversees our ERM process. The Risk Committee and the other committees of the Board, as well as our separate management-level enterprise risk and underwriting risk committees, are key elements of our ERM structure and help to establish and reinforce our strong culture of risk management. For example, having both a Board Risk Committee that oversees operational risks and our ERM activities, and a management-level enterprise risk committee that reports regularly to the Board Risk Committee, enables a high degree of coordination between management and the Board.
We describe our ERM function in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, under “Business—Enterprise Risk Management” and on the Capital and Risk Management section of our sustainability website. We also discuss the alignment of our executive compensation with our risk management below.
Risk Management and Compensation
Our compensation structure is intended to encourage a careful balance of risk and reward, both on an individual risk basis and in the aggregate on a Company-wide basis, and promote a long-term perspective.
As discussed in more detail under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this Proxy Statement, consistent with our goal of achieving a core return on equity in the mid-teens over time, the Compensation Committee selected adjusted core return on equity as the quantitative performance measure for the performance share portion of our stock-based long-term incentive program and as a material factor, although not the only factor, in determining amounts paid under our annual cash bonus program. Because core return on equity is a function of both core income and shareholders’ equity, it encourages senior executives, as well as other employees with management responsibility, to focus on a variety of performance objectives that are important for creating shareholder value, including the quality and profitability of our underwriting and investing activities and capital management.
In addition, the long-term nature of our stock-based incentive awards (which generally do not vest until three years after the award is granted), our significant executive stock ownership
requirements and the fact that more than 50% of our named executive officers’ total direct compensation in the aggregate was in the form of stock-based long-term incentives, all encourage prudent enterprise risk management and discourage excessive risk taking to achieve short-term gains.
Moreover, neither the long-term incentive awards nor annual cash bonuses require growth in revenues or earnings in order for our executives to be rewarded, and none of our executives are paid based on a formulaic percentage of revenues or profits. As a result of this and the mix of short- and long-term performance criteria across our compensation programs, among other factors, we believe that our compensation practices and policies are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Furthermore, the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant evaluates and advises the Compensation Committee as to the design and risk implications of our incentive plans and other aspects of our compensation programs to ensure that the mix of compensation, the balance of performance measures and the overall compensation framework all support our short-and long-term objectives.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Dating and Pricing of Equity Grants
The Board has adopted a governance guideline establishing fixed grant dates for the grant of equity awards made at times other than at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee, so as to avoid the appearance that equity grant dates have been established with a view to benefiting recipients due to the timing of material public announcements.
In addition, to further ensure the integrity of our equity awards process, the Compensation Committee requires that the
exercise price of all stock options granted, and the fair value of all equity awards made, must be determined by reference to the closing price for a share of our common stock on the NYSE on the date of any such grant or award. Under the Company’s stock plans, the Compensation Committee may not take any action with respect to any stock option that would be treated as a “repricing” of such stock option, unless such action is approved by the Company’s shareholders in accordance with applicable rules of the NYSE.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We maintain a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our CEO, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and other senior financial officers. The Code of Conduct provides a framework for sound ethical business decisions and sets forth our expectations on a number of topics, including conflicts of interest, compliance with laws, use of our assets and business ethics. The Code of Conduct may be found on our website at www.travelers.com under “Investors: Corporate Governance: Code of Conduct”. Our Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer is responsible for overseeing compliance
with the Code of Conduct as part of fulfilling her responsibility for overseeing our ethics and compliance functions throughout the organization. Our Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer also assists in the communication of the Code of Conduct and oversees employee education regarding its requirements through the use of global, computer-based training, supplemented with focused in-person sessions where appropriate. All employees and directors are required to certify annually that they have reviewed, understand and agree to comply with the contents of the Code of Conduct.
Ethics Helpline
We maintain an Ethics Helpline, which is administered by an independent third party, through which employees can report integrity concerns or seek guidance regarding a policy or procedure. The Ethics Helpline is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day and can be accessed by individuals online or through a toll-free number. In either case, employees can report concerns anonymously. We maintain a formal non-retaliation policy that prohibits retaliation against, or discipline of, an employee who raises an ethical concern in good faith.
Trained professionals investigate each concern and, where appropriate, escalate the concern internally. Any ethics- or compliance-related issues are addressed by the Ethics and Compliance Office. Our Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer provides the Audit Committee with quarterly summaries of matters reported through the Ethics Helpline and more frequent compliance updates as appropriate. Additionally, the Audit Committee receives reports on all matters reported to the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer that involve accounting, internal control or audit matters, or any fraud involving persons with a significant role in our internal controls.
Communications with the Board
As described on our website at www.travelers.com, interested parties, including shareholders, who wish to communicate with a member or members of the Board, including the Lead Director of the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the non-employee directors as a group or the Audit Committee may do so by addressing their correspondence as follows: if intended for the full Board or one or more non-employee directors, to the Lead Director; if
intended for the Lead Director, to the Lead Director; and if intended for the Audit committee or the Nominating and Governance Committee, to the Chair of such Committee.
All such correspondence should be sent c/o Corporate Secretary, The Travelers Companies, Inc., 385 Washington Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102. The office of the Corporate Secretary will forward such correspondence as appropriate.

2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Shareholder Engagement
The Nominating and Governance Committee oversees a shareholder engagement program relating to the Company’s governance, compensation and sustainability practices. Under this program, at the direction of the Nominating and Governance Committee, management reaches out to the Company’s largest shareholders at least once each year to facilitate a dialogue regarding governance, compensation, sustainability and other matters. Management reports on the conversations with those investors to the Nominating and Governance Committee and also, as appropriate, to the Compensation Committee (as described in “Shareholder Engagement” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis). In 2021, the Company took an integrated approach to its shareholder engagement efforts, including with respect to governance, compensation, financial performance and sustainability matters. Through these integrated efforts, in 2021, the Company engaged with shareholders representing more than 40% of the Company’s outstanding shares on topics that included, among others, our compensation programs, board composition, comprehensive climate strategy, approach to human capital management and diversity and inclusion efforts. The shareholder engagement program continues to influence and inform the Company’s policies and practices. In addition, for example, in the past few years based in part on investor input, the Company has:
committed to become carbon neutral across its owned operations by 2030;
adopted a new policy relating to the underwriting of, and investment in, coal and tar sands;
updated its TCFD report regarding its ability to accurately measure and disclose the GHG emissions associated with the Company’s underwriting and investment activities;
provided additional disclosure on its website regarding diversity in the form of its consolidated EEO-1 report;
clarified the authority of its independent Lead Director in the Governance Guidelines;
enhanced its “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” disclosure;
added disclosure on its website regarding its pay equity practices;
made clarifying changes to its policy regarding participation in the political process and provided additional disclosure of political contributions and lobbying activities on its website; and
provided additional disclosure regarding the Board’s oversight of the Company’s enterprise risk management program, including risks related to changing climate conditions.
Transactions with Related Persons
General
The Board has adopted a written Related Person Transaction Policy to assist it in reviewing, approving and ratifying related person transactions and to assist us in the preparation of related disclosures required by the SEC. This Related Person Transaction Policy supplements our other policies that may apply to transactions with related persons, such as our Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct.
The Related Person Transaction Policy provides that all related person transactions covered by the policy are prohibited, unless approved or ratified by the Board or by the Nominating and Governance Committee. Our directors and executive officers are required to provide prompt and detailed notice of any potential Related Person Transaction (as defined in the policy) to the Corporate Secretary, who in turn must promptly forward such notice and information to the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and to our counsel for analysis, to determine whether the particular transaction constitutes a Related Person Transaction requiring compliance with the policy. The analysis and recommendation of counsel are then presented to the Nominating and Governance Committee for consideration at its next regular meeting.
In reviewing Related Person Transactions for approval or ratification, the Nominating and Governance Committee will consider the relevant facts and circumstances, including:
the commercial reasonableness of the terms;
the benefit (or lack thereof) to the Company;
opportunity costs of alternate transactions;
the materiality and character of the related person’s interest, including any actual or perceived conflicts of interest; and
with respect to a non-employee director or nominee, whether the transaction would compromise the director’s independence under our Governance Guidelines, the NYSE rules (including those applicable to committee service) and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, if such non-employee director serves on the Audit Committee, or status as a “non-employee director” under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, if such non-employee director serves on the Compensation Committee.
The Nominating and Governance Committee will not approve or ratify a Related Person Transaction unless, after considering all relevant information, it has determined that the transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.
Generally, the Related Person Transaction Policy applies to any current or proposed transaction in which:
the Company was or is to be a participant;
the amount involved exceeds $120,000; and
any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
A copy of our Related Person Transaction Policy is available on our website at www.travelers.com under “Investors: Corporate Governance: Governance Documents”.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In addition to the Related Person Transaction Policy, our Code of Conduct requires that all employees, officers and directors avoid any situation that involves or appears to involve a conflict of interest between their personal and professional relationships. Our Audit Committee provides oversight regarding compliance with our Code of Conduct and discusses any apparent conflicts of interest with senior management. The policies of the Company also require that all employees seek approval from our Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer prior to accepting a position as a director or officer of any unaffiliated for-profit company or organization.
Third-Party Transactions
We engage many service providers, nationally and internationally, as part of our daily business operations. For approximately the past ten years, a number of our offices across the country engaged GJ Sullivan Co. Reinsurance (“GJS”) in connection with the placement of reinsurance for the Company’s Business Insurance segment in the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s-length basis. In 2021, in connection with those reinsurance placements, we estimate that GJS received commissions from reinsurers of approximately $965,000 in the aggregate. Jeffrey P. Klenk is Executive Vice President and President of our Bond & Specialty Insurance segment, and his father-in-law, Mr. Jerry Sullivan, is owner, Chairman and President of GJS. Mr. Klenk has been an executive officer of the Company since September 2021 and has not had, and has explicitly recused himself from, any involvement with respect to our engagement of, or payments to, GJS.
From time to time, institutional investors, such as large investment management firms, mutual fund management organizations and other financial organizations, become beneficial owners (through aggregation of holdings of their affiliates) of 5% or more of voting securities of the Company and, as a result, are considered a “related person” under the Related Person Transaction Policy. These organizations may provide services to the Company or its benefit plans. In addition, the Company may provide insurance coverage to these organizations. In 2021, the following transactions occurred with investors who reported beneficial ownership of 5% or more of the Company’s voting securities:
In 2021, BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) paid premiums of approximately $1.81 million for insurance policies with subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms as those offered to other customers, and subsidiaries of the Company have paid, or may pay, claims in the ordinary course of business in connection with such insurance policies. In addition, an affiliate of BlackRock provides investment management services to the Company’s Canadian Savings Plan, and pursuant to that agreement, the participants in the Canadian Savings Plan paid management fees to BlackRock in 2021. The investment management agreement was entered into on an arm’s-length basis. Also, in 2021, the Company paid approximately $239,000 to a newly acquired subsidiary of BlackRock for a software license. The software license was entered into on an arm’s-length basis, prior to the acquisition of the subsidiary by BlackRock.
In 2021, FMR LLC (“Fidelity”) paid premiums of approximately $1.36 million for insurance policies with subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms as those
offered to other customers, and subsidiaries of the Company have paid, or may pay, claims in the ordinary course of business in connection with such insurance policies. Also, the Company has entered into agreements on an arm’s-length basis with affiliates of Fidelity for services related to certain of the Company’s benefit plans. An affiliate of Fidelity serves as the administrator of the Company’s equity compensation programs under an agreement originally entered into with the Company in November 2009. Pursuant to such agreement, the Company paid such affiliate approximately $190,000 in 2021. Further, an affiliate of Fidelity has provided trust, recordkeeping and administrative services for the 401(k) Savings Plan since 1998. Pursuant to the current agreement for such services, which was last restated in January 2010 and has been updated since, the 401(k) Savings Plan trust paid such affiliate of Fidelity approximately $1.83 million in 2021. Participants in the 401(k) Savings Plan paid management fees in 2021 to affiliates of Fidelity that provide investment management services to funds included in the 401(k) Savings Plan. In addition, an affiliate of Fidelity provides administrative services for health savings accounts for employees of the Company under an agreement that became effective in October 2013, and the Company paid approximately $36,000 in fees for such services in 2021. Finally, the Company paid approximately $5,900 in fees to affiliates of Fidelity in 2021 for administrative services under the Benefit Equalization Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan and Executive Savings Plan, each as defined below under “Post-Employment Compensation”, and the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, pursuant to agreements that date back to December 1997.
In 2021, an affiliate of State Street Corporation (“State Street”) paid premiums of approximately $270,000 for insurance policies with subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms as those offered to other customers, and subsidiaries of the Company have paid, or may pay, claims in the ordinary course of business in connection with such insurance policies. In addition, State Street provides investment management services to funds included in the 401(k) Savings Plan. Participants in the 401(k) Savings Plan paid management fees to such affiliate of State Street in 2021. The investment management agreement was entered into on an arm’s-length basis.
In 2021, The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”) paid premiums of approximately $1.40 million for insurance policies with subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms as those offered to other customers, and subsidiaries of the Company have paid, or may pay, claims in the ordinary course of business in connection with such insurance policies. In addition, Vanguard provides investment management services to funds included in the qualified and non-qualified pension plans and the 401(k) Savings Plan. In 2021, the Company paid approximately $1.10 million in management fees to Vanguard in connection with these plans and participants in the 401(k) Savings Plan also paid management fees to Vanguard. The investment management agreements were entered into on an arm’s-length basis.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Non-Employee Director Compensation
The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board recommends to the full Board for approval the amount and composition of Board compensation for non-employee directors. Directors who are our employees are not compensated for their service on the Board. In accordance with the Company’s Governance Guidelines, the Nominating and Governance Committee reviews the significance and appropriateness of each of the components of the Director Compensation Program at least once every two years. The Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, FW Cook, advises the Nominating and Governance Committee with respect to director compensation.
The objectives of the Nominating and Governance Committee are to compensate directors in a manner that closely aligns the interests of directors with those of our shareholders, to attract and retain highly qualified directors and to structure and set total compensation in such a manner and at such levels that will not call into question any director’s objectivity. The Committee works with its independent compensation consultant to ensure that its compensation program is consistent with current market practices. It is the Board’s practice to provide a mix of cash and equity-based compensation to non-employee directors, as discussed below.
Elements of Non-Employee Director Compensation
 
 Element 
Timing
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 Annual RetainerEach non-employee director receives an annual retainer of $135,000.
Annual retainers and committee chair fees are paid in quarterly installments, in arrears at the end of each quarter, either (1) in cash or (2) if the director so elects, in common stock units credited to his or her deferred compensation account (discussed under “Director Deferral Plan” below) and distributed at a later date designated by the director.
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 Committee Chair Fees and Lead Director Retainer
The chairs of certain committees are paid additional fees in cash in connection with their services as follows:
Audit Committee - $30,000
Compensation Committee - $30,000
Nominating and Governance Committee - $25,000
Investment and Capital Markets Committee - $25,000
Risk Committee - $30,000
The Lead Director is paid an additional $50,000 annual cash retainer.
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 Annual Deferred Stock
Award
Under the Director Compensation Program, during 2021, each non-employee director nominated for re-election to the Board was awarded $175,000 in deferred stock units. The deferred stock units were granted under our Amended and Restated 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2014 Stock Incentive Plan”) and vest in full one day prior to the date of the annual shareholder meeting occurring in the year following the year of the date of grant so long as the non-employee director continuously serves on the Board through that date. The value of deferred stock units rises or falls as the price of our common stock fluctuates in the market. Dividend equivalents (in an amount equal to the dividends paid on shares of our common stock) on the deferred stock units are deemed “reinvested” in additional deferred stock units. Directors are subject to a stock ownership target as described under “Director Stock Ownership” below.
In May 2021, the Director Compensation Program was amended to increase the value of the annual deferred stock award to non-employee directors to $180,000 beginning with the 2022 award.
The accumulated deferred stock units, including associated dividend equivalents, in a director’s account are distributed in the form of shares of our common stock either in a lump sum or in annual installments, at the director’s election, beginning at least six months following termination of his or her service as a director.


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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Deferral Plan
In addition to receiving the annual deferred stock award in the form of deferred stock units, non-employee directors may elect to have all or any portion of their annual retainer and any lead director or committee chair fees paid in cash or deferred through our Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Deferrals of the annual retainer and any lead director or committee chair fees are notionally “invested” in common stock units. Any director who elects to have any of his or her fees credited to his or her deferred compensation plan account as common stock units will be deemed to have purchased shares on the date the fees would otherwise have been paid in cash, based on the closing market price of our common stock on such date.
The value of common stock units rises or falls as the price of our common stock fluctuates in the market. In addition, dividend equivalents (in an amount equal to the dividends paid on shares of our common stock) on the units are deemed “reinvested” in additional common stock units. The accumulated common stock units, including associated dividend equivalents, in a director’s account are distributed in the form of shares of our common stock on pre-designated dates. Shares of common stock issued in payment of the deferred fees are awarded under our 2014 Stock Incentive Plan.
Director Stock Ownership
The Board believes its non-employee directors should accumulate and retain a level of ownership of our equity securities to align the interests of the non-employee directors and the shareholders. Accordingly, the Board has established an ownership target for each non-employee director equal to four times the director’s most recent annual deferred stock award. Each new director is expected to meet or exceed this target within four years of his or her initial election to the Board, except that, if the annual deferred stock award for any of those four years is less than the most recent previous annual deferred stock award, the director is expected to meet or exceed the higher target within five years of his or her initial election to the Board.
All of our current non-employee directors have achieved stock ownership levels in excess of the target amount or have joined the board within the last five years and are expected to meet the target within the required time period. Non-employee directors currently receive more than 50% of their annual board and committee compensation in the form of deferred stock units. The shares underlying these units are not distributed to a director until at least six months after the director leaves the Board. Accordingly, all of our non-employee directors hold equity interests that they cannot sell for so long as they serve on the Board and at least six months afterwards.

2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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25

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Compensation for 2021
The 2021 compensation of non-employee directors is displayed in the table below.(1)
Name
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash(2)
($)
Stock Awards(3)
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
Alan L. Beller133,077175,067308,144
Janet M. Dolan156,154175,067331,221
Patricia L. Higgins133,077175,067308,144
William J. Kane161,154175,067336,221
Thomas B. Leonardi83,077175,009258,086
Clarence Otis Jr.161,154175,067336,221
Elizabeth E. Robinson133,077175,067308,144
Philip T. Ruegger III156,154175,067331,221
Todd C. Schermerhorn211,154175,067386,221
Donald J. Shepard(4)
50,37150,371
Laurie J. Thomsen133,077175,067308,144
(1)Mr. Santana and Ms. van Kralingen did not receive any director compensation for 2021 as each was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors in 2022.
(2)The fees earned for non-employee directors consist of an annual retainer along with committee chair fees and a lead director annual retainer, to the extent applicable. The annual retainer was increased to $135,000 in May 2021. All of the non-employee directors, other than Mr. Otis and Ms. Robinson, received all of their fees in cash. Mr. Otis and Ms. Robinson elected to receive the 2021 annual retainer and, as applicable, committee chair fees in the form of common stock units, which will be accumulated in their respective deferred compensation plan accounts and distributed, together with associated dividend equivalents, at a later date (Mr. Otis—1,059 common stock units and Ms. Robinson—874 common stock units). The table above does not include a value for dividend equivalents attributable to the common stock units received in lieu of cash fees because they are earned at the same rate as the dividends on the Company’s common stock and are not preferential.
(3)The dollar amounts represent the grant date fair value of deferred stock units granted in 2021, calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC Topic 718”), without taking into account estimated forfeitures, based on the closing market price on the NYSE of our common stock on the grant date. The dividend equivalents attributable to the annual deferred stock unit awards are deemed “reinvested” in additional deferred stock units and are distributed, together with the underlying deferred stock units, in the form of shares of our common stock beginning at least six months following termination of service as a director. In accordance with the SEC’s rules, dividend equivalents on stock awards are not required to be reported because the amounts of future dividends are factored into the grant date fair value of the awards. For a discussion of annual deferred stock awards, see “Elements of Non-Employee Director Compensation – Annual Deferred Stock Award” above.
On February 2, 2021, each non-employee director nominated for re-election to the Board at that time was granted 1,252 deferred stock units (determined by dividing $175,000 by the closing market price on the NYSE of our common stock of $139.83 on February 2, 2021). Upon his election to the Board on May 20, 2021, Mr. Leonardi was granted 1,102 deferred stock units (determined by dividing $175,000 by the closing market price on the NYSE of our common stock of $158.81 on May 20, 2021). Each award is subject to forfeiture if a director leaves the Board before May 24, 2022 (the day prior to the Annual Meeting).
The following table provides information with respect to aggregate holdings of common stock units and unvested and vested deferred stock units beneficially owned by our non-employee directors at December 31, 2021. The amounts below include dividend equivalents credited (in the form of additional common stock units or deferred stock units, respectively) on common stock units and deferred stock units.
Name
Unvested Deferred
Stock Units
(#)
Common Stock Units and
Vested Deferred Stock Units
(#)
Alan L. Beller1,28037,070
Janet M. Dolan1,28050,586
Patricia L. Higgins1,28037,070
William J. Kane1,28017,467
Thomas B. Leonardi1,1210
Clarence Otis Jr.1,28010,378
Elizabeth E. Robinson1,2802,727
Philip T. Ruegger III1,28011,956
Todd C. Schermerhorn1,2807,640
Laurie J. Thomsen1,28051,738
(4)    Mr. Shepard retired from the Company’s Board of Directors effective May 20, 2021, the date of our 2021 annual meeting of shareholders. The fees earned by Mr. Shepard consist of the pro-rated portion of the annual retainer for the period through such date.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS
Item 2
Ratification of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
Your Board recommends you vote FOR the ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2022.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm retained to audit the Company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee has selected KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2022.
Although ratification is not required by our bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of KPMG to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. If our shareholders fail to ratify the selection, it will be considered notice to the Board and the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.
Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (“TPC”) and The St. Paul Companies, Inc. (“The St. Paul”) merged in 2004 (the “Merger”) to form the Company. KPMG has continuously
served as the independent registered public accounting firm of TPC since 1994. KPMG had continuously served as the independent registered public accounting firm of The St. Paul and its subsidiaries from 1968 through the time of the Merger, when TPC was deemed the acquirer for accounting purposes.
As part of the evaluation of its independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of the independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, in conjunction with the mandated rotation of the independent registered public accounting firm’s lead audit partner, the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee Chairman are directly involved in the selection of KPMG’s lead audit partner. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the continued retention of KPMG to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
Representatives of KPMG are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They also will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
In connection with the audit of the 2021 financial statements, we entered into an agreement with KPMG which sets forth the terms by which KPMG would perform audit services for the Company. The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by KPMG for 2021 and 2020:
 20212020
Audit fees(1)
$9,448,800 $10,539,200 
Audit-related fees(2)
774,100678,400 
Tax fees(3)
156,100163,500 
All other fees(4)
4,900 
Total$10,379,000 $11,386,000 
(1)Fees paid were for audits of financial statements, reviews of quarterly financial statements and related reports and reviews of registration statements and certain periodic reports filed with the SEC.
(2)Services primarily consisted of audits of employee benefit plans and reports on internal controls not required by applicable regulations.
(3)Tax fees related primarily to tax return preparation and assistance services, as well as domestic and international tax compliance-related services.
(4)Other fees in 2020 related to training services.
The Audit Committee of the Board considered whether providing the non-audit services included in this table was compatible with maintaining KPMG’s independence and concluded that it was.
Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence and the Audit Committee’s charter, the Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation for and reviewing the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm. In exercising this responsibility, the Audit Committee preapproves all audit and permitted non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Each year, the Audit Committee approves an annual budget for such permitted non-audit services and requires the independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year. The Audit Committee has authorized our Chief Auditor to approve KPMG’s commencement of work on such permitted services within that budget, although the Chair of the Audit Committee must approve any such permitted non-audit service within the budget if the expected cost for that service exceeds $100,000. During the year, circumstances may arise that make it necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services that would exceed the initial budget. The Audit Committee has delegated the authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee to review such circumstances and to grant approval when appropriate. All such approvals are then reported by the Audit Committee Chair to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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27

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter which is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee. Additionally, a brief description of the primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee is included under the heading “Governance of Your Company—Committees of the Board and Meetings—Audit Committee” in this Proxy Statement. Under the Audit Committee charter, management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the application of accounting and financial reporting principles and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the Company’s financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing and expressing an opinion on the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company with management and with the
independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also received information regarding, and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC, including matters concerning the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.
Based upon the review and discussions described in the preceding paragraph, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements of the Company be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors:
William J. Kane (Chair)Todd C. Schermerhorn
Alan L. BellerLaurie J. Thomsen
Patricia L. HigginsBridget van Kralingen

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 3
Non-Binding Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
Your Board recommends you vote FOR approval of named executive officer compensation.
The Company is requesting that shareholders vote, on a non-binding basis, to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as discussed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and the tabular executive compensation disclosure, including the “Summary Compensation Table” and accompanying narrative disclosure. At the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, our shareholders indicated their preference to hold the non-binding shareholder vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers each year. Accordingly, the Company currently intends to hold such votes annually. The next vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers is expected to be held at the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. While the Board intends to consider carefully the results of this vote, the final vote is advisory in nature and is not binding on the Company or the Board.
The Board recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, compensation tables and related narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.
As described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, our executive compensation programs are structured consistent with our longstanding pay for performance philosophy and utilize performance measures that are intended to align compensation with the creation of shareholder value and to reinforce a long-term perspective.
In deciding how to vote on this proposal, the Board encourages you to read the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, particularly the “2021 Overview”. In making compensation decisions for the 2021 performance year, the Compensation Committee considered the Company’s strong results in 2021 and over time on both an absolute basis and relative to our peers, as well as the financial metrics and other factors described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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29

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
2021 Overview
This overview summarizes a number of performance highlights and how results affected the amount of variable compensation awarded to our named executive officers in February 2022 with respect to the 2021 performance year. In setting this year’s compensation, our Compensation Committee considered that the Company’s operational and financial results were exceptionally strong in the face of a challenging environment, including the second year of a global pandemic, a historically high level of catastrophe losses and the continued low interest rate environment.
Another Year of Strong Performance
Performance
Net Income and Net Income per Diluted Share increased 36% and 38%, respectively, from 2020
Core Income* and Core Income per Diluted Share* increased 31% and 33%, respectively, from 2020
Return on Equity of 12.7% increased 27% from 2020
Core Return on Equity* of 13.7% increased more than 21% from 2020
Book Value per Share and Adjusted Book Value per Share* increased 4% and 10%, respectively, while we also returned $3.1 billion in capital to shareholders and continued to make strategic investments in our business
Underwriting
Underwriting gain* increased by 18% to $1.5 billion pre-tax. Underlying underwriting gain* (which is our underwriting gain excluding the impact of catastrophes and net prior year reserve development) increased by 12% to a record $2.3 billion after-tax.
Expense Ratio
Our expense ratio was an exceptionally strong 29.4%, the lowest in more than a decade. Over the past five years, we have reduced our expense ratio by more than 200 basis points, or 7%, even after making important investments in ongoing and new strategic initiatives as we delivered on our objective of improving productivity and efficiency through technology and workflow enhancements.
Execution of Our Marketplace Strategy
Net written premiums increased by 7% to a record $32.0 billion. Each of our operating segments contributed to this growth, with Business Insurance growing 4%, Bond & Specialty Insurance growing 14% and Personal Insurance growing 10%.
Investment Performance
Our disciplined strategy and well-constructed portfolio positioned us to deliver pre-tax net investment income of $3.0 billion, up 36% an exceptional result given the impact of the historically low interest rates on our fixed income portfolio.
Performance for All Our Stakeholders
In addition to performing for our shareholders in 2021, we continued to fulfill our commitment to take care of our customers, our communities, and our employees, which we view as inextricably linked with our mission to create long-term shareholder value. In that regard, we effectively responded to a historically high level of catastrophes and met our objective of closing more than 90% of all claims arising out of catastrophes within 30 days – an exceptional result given the logistical challenges posed by the second year of a global pandemic.
*    See “Annex A–Reconciliation of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures and Selected Definitions” on page A-1.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
2021 Performance-Based Compensation
When making compensation decisions with respect to the 2021 performance year, the Compensation Committee considered that in our second year of running the business against the backdrop of a global pandemic, our 2021 operating and financial results were exceptionally strong in the face of a challenging environment, including a historically high level of catastrophe losses and the continued low interest rate environment.
Considering these factors and the substantial contributions made by the named executive officers in achieving these results, and to recognize that all of the named executive officers individually performed at superior levels, the Compensation Committee made the compensation decisions described below.
Element
CEO Outcomes
Other NEO Considerations
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Annual Bonus
Mr. Schnitzer’s cash bonus increased from $6.2 million to $6.5 million year-over-year, an increase of 5%.
The average annual cash bonus for each of Messrs. Frey and Kess increased by approximately 9% year-over-year.
The average annual cash bonus for each of Messrs. Klein and Toczydlowski increased approximately 17% year-over-year to reflect the factors discussed above and to position their total direct compensation at levels more comparable to those of similarly situated executives of the companies in our Compensation Comparison Group.
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Long-Term Incentives
Mr. Schnitzer’s annual equity award increased from $11.5 million to $12.9 million year-over-year, an increase of 12%.
Consistent with the prior year, the annual equity awards for each of Messrs. Frey and Kess were set at 3.0 times base salary.
The annual equity awards for Messrs. Klein and Toczydlowski were increased from 3.0 times base salary to approximately 4.0 times base salary to reflect the factors discussed above and to position their total direct compensation at levels more comparable to those of similarly situated executives of the companies in our Compensation Comparison Group.
Consistent with last year, the Committee did not modify the terms of outstanding compensation awards or otherwise modify its compensation program or practices due to factors related to the pandemic.
Consistent Performance Over Time
Our exceptionally strong results in 2021 demonstrate the continued successful execution of our long-term financial strategy to create shareholder value.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVETRAVELERS TEN-YEAR PERFORMANCE
Deliver superior returns on equity by leveraging our competitive advantages
image_83.jpg  Produced industry-leading return on equity with a low level of volatility
image_83.jpg  Increased dividends per share at an average annual rate of approximately 8%
image_83.jpg  Returned more than $28 billion of excess capital to our shareholders
image_83.jpg  Increased our book value per share by 92%
image_83.jpg  Delivered a total return to shareholders of 249%
Generate earnings and capital substantially in excess of our growth needs
Thoughtfully rightsize capital and grow book value per share over time

2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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31

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company’s successful execution of this long-term financial strategy is demonstrated by the results we have achieved over time as discussed below.
Continued Profitability and Quality Underlying Underwriting Results
Our business starts with risk selection, underwriting and pricing segmentation.
Our 2021 underlying underwriting gain (or “underwriting margin” excluding the impact of catastrophes and net prior year reserve development) increased to a record $2.3 billion after-tax.
This result demonstrates the quality of our underwriting and the discipline with which we run our business.
UNDERLYING UNDERWRITING GAIN(1)
(in billions, after-tax)
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(1)Excludes the impact of catastrophes and prior year reserve development. The results for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 reflect lower tax rates associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
The results we deliver are due to our deliberate and consistent approach to creating shareholder value. Our consistently articulated objective is to produce an appropriate return on equity for our shareholders over time. We emphasize that the objective is measured over time because we recognize that a long-term perspective is especially important in the property and casualty insurance industry where a short-term focus could create incentives for management to relax underwriting or investment standards to increase revenue and reported profit in the near term but create excessive risk for shareholders over the longer term. Moreover, results in the property and casualty insurance industry can vary significantly when measured year-to-year due to a variety of factors, including interest rates, reserve developments and weather, and success can only be measured over time and in the context of periods of financial crises, natural and man-made catastrophes, economic cycles, pandemics and other anticipated and unanticipated developments impacting loss trends and through both general economic cycles and more extreme economic conditions. Accordingly, we believe that the right way to manage our business is with a long-term perspective and to create value over time. The Compensation Committee believes that our compensation program should continue to reinforce this long-term perspective, as it has historically.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Strategic Focus in Light of Forces of Change
Shortly after Mr. Schnitzer was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2015, the Company identified the forces of change impacting our industry – namely, changing consumer expectations, emerging technology trends, more sophisticated data and analytics and evolving distribution models. In light of these trends, the Company established key innovation priorities and invested in capabilities to advance those priorities. These investments are largely geared toward positioning the company to grow the top-line at attractive returns and improve operating leverage.
While the primary measure that we use for managing the business is core return on equity, any strategy to deliver a leading return on equity over time requires a strategy to grow over time. To that end, we laid out a strategy to position the Company for profitable growth. We have faithfully and consistently executed on this strategy through various economic and market conditions. Even as we, like our industry, have grappled with heightened social and other inflation and the challenges of a historic pandemic, we have not wavered from this strategy.
The successful execution of that strategy has contributed to growth over the past several years and again in 2021. In 2021, we grew net written premiums by 7% to a record $32.0 billion, with each of our segments contributing. Over the past six years we have grown net written premiums at a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 5.1% as compared to 2.7% in the prior years of the decade. Importantly, as reflected by our improved underlying combined ratio, we have grown our business while improving underwriting margins. In other words, we have grown without underpricing the product or changing our risk profile.
Importantly, as we have grown our business, we have also successfully executed on our strategic initiative to improve productivity and efficiency. Our consolidated expense ratio has improved 2.4 points, or nearly 8%, from an average of 31.8% for the first four years in the decade to 29.4% for 2021.
The successful execution of this strategy over time has led to significantly higher underlying underwriting gain, meaningfully higher cash flow from operations and growth in our investment portfolio, benefiting our net investment income, which is particularly important in a record low interest rate environment.
ACCELERATING NET WRITTEN PREMIUM GROWTH
IMPROVED UNDERLYING COMBINED RATIO(3)(4)
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IMPROVED EXPENSE RATIO
HIGHER UNDERLYING UNDERWRITING INCOME (AFTER-TAX)(4)

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HIGHER CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
GROWING INVESTED ASSETS(5)
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(1)Represents growth from 2012 through 2016.
(2)Represents growth from 2016 through 2021.
(3)The combined ratio is used as an indicator of the Company’s underwriting discipline, efficiency in acquiring and servicing its business and overall underwriting profitability. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.
(4)Excludes the impacts of catastrophes and prior year reserve development.
(5)Invested assets excludes net unrealized investment gains (losses).
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Achieved a Superior Return on Equity
Our return on equity has meaningfully outperformed the average return on equity for the property and casualty industry in each of the past ten years.
In 2021, we produced a return on equity of 12.7% and a core return on equity of 13.7%, up 27% and 21%, respectively.
Our 2021 return on equity exceeded the average return on equity for the domestic property and casualty industry in 2021 of approximately 4.6%, as estimated by Conning, a global investment management firm.
Our average return on equity over the past decade has been accompanied by less volatility as compared to all of the property and casualty insurers who are members of our Compensation Comparison Group. We believe that our performance over time demonstrates the value of our competitive advantages and the discipline with which we run our business.
RETURN ON EQUITY
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(1)2021 forecast: © 2022 Conning, Inc. used with permission. S&P historical data used with permission.
Increased Adjusted Book Value Per Share and Returned Significant Excess Capital to Our Shareholders
Over the last ten years, we achieved significant growth in both book value per share and adjusted book value per share (which excludes the after-tax impact of unrealized gains and losses on investments) while at the same time continuing to invest meaningfully in our competitive advantages and returning substantial excess capital to shareholders.
During 2021, our book value per share increased 4%. Because we generally hold our fixed income investments to maturity and maintain a very high-quality investment portfolio, we manage based on adjusted book value per share. Our adjusted book value per share increased by 10% during 2021.
Over the last ten years, the compound annual growth rate of both our book value per share and adjusted book value per share was 7%.
During 2021, we returned $3.1 billion in capital to shareholders through dividends of $0.9 billion and share repurchases of $2.2 billion.
Over the last ten years, we increased our dividend each year and increased dividends per share at an average annual rate of approximately 8%.
Since we began our current share repurchase program in 2006, we have returned approximately $50 billion of excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases (at an average price per share of $70.28).
GROWING ADJUSTED BOOK VALUE PER SHARE(1)
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(1)Excludes net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax, included in shareholders’ equity.
GROWING DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Achieved Superior Total Return to Shareholders Over Time
Strong financial results have led to outstanding total returns to shareholders over time (measured as the change in stock price plus the cumulative amount of dividends, assuming dividend reinvestment on the respective dividend payment dates).
We measure our success in executing on our financial strategy over time. This long-term perspective is especially important in the property and casualty insurance industry where a short-term focus could create incentives for management to relax underwriting or investment standards to increase revenue and reported profit in the near term but create excessive risk for shareholders over the longer term. Moreover, results in the property and casualty insurance industry can vary significantly when measured year-to-year due to a variety of factors, and success can only be measured over time and in the context of periods of financial crises, natural and man-made catastrophes, economic cycles, pandemics and other anticipated and unanticipated developments impacting loss trends and through both general economic cycles and more extreme economic conditions. Accordingly, we believe that the right way to manage our business is with a long-term perspective and to create value over time. Consequently, in assessing total shareholder return, the Compensation Committee generally gives greater weight to performance over a longer period of time. With that in mind, the graph below compares our returns since the 2008 financial crisis to our Compensation Comparison Group, the Dow and the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Financials.
 
Our total return to shareholders in 2021, including dividends, was approximately 14% for the year -- putting us at the 23rd percentile for the Compensation Comparison Group.
As demonstrated by the chart, for the period beginning January 1, 2008 (prior to the 2008 financial crisis) and ending December 31, 2021, our total shareholder return of more than 300% exceeded that of our Compensation Comparison Group, the Dow 30 Index and the S&P 500 Financials.
TOTAL RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS(1)
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(1)Represents the change in stock price plus the cumulative amount of dividends, assuming dividend reinvestment. For each year on the chart, total return is calculated with January 1, 2008 as the starting point and December 31 of the relevant year as the ending point. © Bloomberg Finance L.P. Used with permission of Bloomberg.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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35

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pay-for-Performance Philosophy
Our compensation program, the objectives and structure of which have been stable over time and aligned with our articulated financial strategy, is designed to reinforce a long-term perspective and align the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders. We measure our success in executing on our financial strategy over time. As noted above, this long-term perspective is especially important in the property and casualty insurance industry where a short-term focus could create incentives for management to relax underwriting or investment standards to increase revenue and reported profit in the near term but creating excessive risk for shareholders over the longer term. Moreover, results in the property and casualty insurance industry can vary significantly when measured year-to-year due to a variety of factors, and success can only be measured over time and in the context of periods of financial crises, natural and man-made catastrophes, pandemics and other anticipated and unanticipated developments impacting loss trends and through both general economic cycles and more extreme economic conditions. Accordingly, we believe that the right way to manage our business is with a long-term perspective and to create value over time.
Consistent with our longstanding pay-for-performance philosophy, the Compensation Committee believes that:
In addition, to a greater extent than many of the companies included in our Compensation Comparison Group, due to the absence of time-based restricted stock in our ongoing program, the ultimate value of our named executive officer compen-sation is performance-based and is tied to operating results and increases in shareholder value over time.
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When we generally exceed our performance goals and the named executive officers individually perform at superior levels in achieving that performance, total compensation for our executive officers should be set at superior levels compared to the compensation levels for equivalent positions in our Compensation Comparison Group.
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When we do not generally exceed our performance goals or the named executive officers individually do not perform at superior levels, total compensation for these executives should be set at lower levels.
While the objectives and structure of our compensation program have been stable over time, compensation levels vary significantly from year-to-year and correlate with our results. The following chart illustrates the directional relationship for the past ten performance years (“PY”) between total direct compensation (consisting of paid salary, cash bonus and the fair value at grant of long-term incentives as reflected in the Supplemental Table on page 56) for the Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s performance, as reflected by core return on equity (“ROE”). As explained under
“—Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program” below, the Compensation Committee believes that the effective management of catastrophes can only be evaluated over a longer period of time and that compensation levels should encourage a long-term perspective. Therefore, the Compensation Committee believes that, while catastrophe losses (“CATs”) should impact compensation levels, compensation levels should not be as volatile from year-to-year as changes in financial results due to catastrophe losses.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
CEO TOTAL DIRECT COMPENSATION AND ADJUSTED CORE ROE WITH CATS AT AVERAGE LEVEL AND AS REPORTED(1)
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CEO Comp ($M)$16.50 $19.50 $19.50 $19.10 $15.20 $13.90 $15.20 
$17.75(2)
$19.00 $20.70 
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Adjusted Core ROE12.5 %13.4 %13.8 %12.8 %11.9 %10.5 %12.6 %10.0 %12.7 %15.6 %
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Reported Core ROE11.0 %15.5 %15.5 %15.2 %13.3 %9.0 %10.7 %10.9 %11.3 %13.7 %

Reported ROE9.8 %14.6 %14.6 %14.2 %12.5 %8.7 %11.0 %10.5 %10.0 %12.7 %
(1)The chart is intended to facilitate a year-to-year comparison of core return on equity by showing core return on equity both as reported and as adjusted to reflect the average level of catastrophe losses for the ten-year period in order to eliminate the volatility that undermines the comparison of period-to-period results. The average annual after-tax catastrophe losses for the ten-year period presented was $903 million (reflecting a U.S. corporate income tax rate of 21% for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and 35% for prior years). Actual catastrophe losses for each year are presented in Annex A.
The total direct compensation for the CEO reflects the compensation paid to Mr. Schnitzer, our current Chief Executive Officer, for the performance years 2016 through 2021, and the compensation paid to Mr. Jay Fishman, our former Chief Executive Officer until December 2015, for the performance years 2012 through 2015.
(2)Mr. Schnitzer’s compensation for 2019 reflects that in 2019, for the reasons described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis--Factors Considered in Awarding 2019 Bonuses” in the Company’s 2020 Proxy Statement, the Compensation Committee determined to position Mr. Schnitzer’s total compensation for 2019 to be closer to the median when compared to other chief executive officers in our Compensation Comparison Group. Mr. Schnitzer’s total compensation as reported for 2018 was in the bottom quartile when compared to other chief executive officers in our Compensation Comparison Group as calculated by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant.
Differences between total direct compensation for each performance year in the chart above and information included in the “Summary Compensation Table” are discussed in “—Total Direct Compensation for 2019-2021 (Supplemental Table)” and “—The Differences Between this Supplemental Table and the Summary Compensation Table” on page 56.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program
With our overarching pay-for-performance philosophy in mind, the Compensation Committee has approved the following five primary objectives of our executive compensation program.
Objective
Link compensation to the achievement of our short- and long-term financial and strategic objectives
The Compensation Committee believes that a properly structured compensation system should measure and reward performance on multiple bases. To ensure an appropriate degree of balance in the program, the compensation system is designed to measure short- and long-term financial and operating performance, the efficiency with which capital is employed in the business, the effective management of risk, the achievement of strategic initiatives and the individual performance of each executive.
The Compensation Committee further believes that the most senior executives, who are responsible for the development and execution of our strategic and financial plans, should have the largest portion of their compensation tied to performance-based incentives, including stock-based compensation, the ultimate value of which is dependent on the performance of our stock price over time and on our three-year core return on equity. Accordingly, the proportion of total compensation that is performance-based increases with successively higher levels of responsibility. In addition, in evaluating the Company’s overall performance, the Compensation Committee considers that our business is subject to year-to-year volatility outside of management’s control, including natural and man-made catastrophic events. The Compensation Committee believes that, because the impact of catastrophes in any given year can produce significant volatility, the effective management of catastrophes can only be evaluated over a longer period of time. As a result, although the Compensation Committee believes that the impact of catastrophes on the Company’s financial results should be reflected in its executive compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee does not believe it is appropriate for compensation levels to be subject to as much volatility year-to-year as may be caused by actual catastrophes.
Provide competitive compensation opportunities to attract, retain and motivate high-performing executive talent
Our overall compensation levels are designed to attract and retain the best executives in light of the competition for executive talent. We recognize that to continue to produce industry-leading results over time, we need to continuously cultivate that talent. We do so with competitive compensation programs that are designed to attract, motivate and retain our best people, development programs that foster personal and professional growth, and a focus on diversity and inclusion as a business imperative.
In addition, the Compensation Committee believes that, when we generally exceed our performance goals and the named executive officers individually perform at superior levels in achieving that performance, total compensation for these executive officers should be set at superior levels compared to the compensation levels for equivalent positions in our Compensation Comparison Group. When we do not generally exceed our performance goals or the named executive officers individually do not perform at superior levels, total compensation for these executives should be set at lower levels.
The Compensation Committee may also consider other relevant facts and circumstances in awarding compensation in order to attract, retain and motivate high-performing talent.


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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Objective 
Align the interests of management and shareholders by paying a substantial portion of total compensation in stock-based incentives and ensuring that executives accumulate meaningful stock ownership stakes over their tenure
The Compensation Committee believes that the interests of executives and shareholders should be aligned. Accordingly, a significant portion of the total compensation for the named executive officers is in the form of stock-based compensation. The components of the annual stock-based compensation granted to the named executive officers in 2022 and 2021 were stock options and performance shares. Stock options provide value only if our stock appreciates, and performance shares vest only if specified core return on equity thresholds are met. In addition, as discussed below, senior executives are expected to achieve specified stock ownership targets prior to selling any stock acquired upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of performance shares or restricted stock units. Both the portion of total compensation attributable to stock-based programs and the expected level of executive stock ownership increase with successively higher levels of responsibility.
Maximize, to the extent equitable and practicable, the financial efficiency of the overall compensation program
As part of the process of approving the initial design of incentive plans, or any subsequent modifications made to such plans, and determining awards under the plans, the Compensation Committee evaluates the aggregate economic costs and dilutive impact to shareholders of such compensation, the expected tax and accounting treatment and the impact on our financial results. The Compensation Committee attempts to balance the various financial implications of each program to ensure that the system is as efficient as possible and that unnecessary costs are avoided.
Reflect established and evolving corporate governance standards
The Compensation Committee, with the assistance of our Human Resources Department and the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, stays abreast of current and developing corporate governance standards and trends with respect to executive compensation and adjusts the various elements of our executive compensation program, from time to time, as it deems appropriate.
As a result of this process, the Compensation Committee has adopted the following practices, among others:
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What We DO:What We DO NOT Do:
image_110.jpg  Maintain robust share ownership requirement
image_110.jpg  Maintain a clawback policy with respect to cash and equity incentive awards to our executive officers
image_110.jpg  Prohibit hedging transactions as specified in our securities trading policy
image_110.jpg  Prohibit pledging shares without the consent of the Company (no pledges have been made)
image_110.jpg  Engage in outreach and maintain a dialogue with shareholders relating to the Company’s governance, compensation and sustainability practices
image_110.jpg  Engage an independent consultant that works directly for the Committee and does not work for management
image_112.jpg  No excise tax “gross-up” payments in the event of a change in control
image_112.jpg  No tax “gross-up” payments on perquisites for named executive officers
image_112.jpg  No repricing of stock options and no buy-out of underwater options
image_112.jpg  No excessive or unusual perquisites
image_112.jpg  No dividends or dividend equivalents paid on unvested performance shares
image_112.jpg  No above-market returns provided for in deferred compensation plans
image_112.jpg  No guaranteed equity or bonuses for named executive officers
For a description of the duties of the Compensation Committee and its use of an independent compensation consultant, see “Governance of Your Company—Committees of the Board and Meetings—Compensation Committee” on page 13.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Elements and Decisions
With our pay-for-performance philosophy and compensation objectives discussed above as our guiding principles, we deliver annual executive compensation through the following elements:
2021 COMPENSATION MIX(1)
CEO
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OTHER NEO AVERAGE
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(1)Pay mix of total direct compensation for the 2021 performance year as reported in the Supplemental Table on page 56.
Cash-based Compensation
Consistent with recent years, the Compensation Committee has determined that the allocation of compensation between performance-based annual cash bonus and stock-based long-term incentives should be somewhat more heavily weighted towards cash bonus as compared to our Compensation Comparison Group. The Compensation Committee believes that this allocation is appropriate in light of the fact that a higher percentage of the named executive officers’ total compensation (and total direct compensation) is performance-based as compared to the peer average and peer median of the Compensation Comparison Group. In particular, unlike a number of other companies in our Compensation Comparison Group that grant time-vesting restricted stocks, annual equity awards made to the named executive officers are typically all performance-based.
     
Stock-based Compensation
Annual awards of stock-based compensation are typically in the form of performance shares and stock options. Because our performance shares only vest if specified core return on equity thresholds are met, and because stock options provide value only if our stock price appreciates, the Compensation Committee believes that such compensation is all performance-based; that is, the compensation typically awarded annually to our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers generally does not include awards that are earned solely due to the passage of time without regard to performance.
The following chart illustrates the mix of performance-based compensation to non-performance-based compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, compared to the chief executive officers of our Compensation Comparison Group.
TRAVELERS CEO PAY MIX(1) AND PEER AVERAGE CEO PAY MIX(2)
TRAVELERS CEO
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PEER CEO AVERAGE
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(1)Pay mix of total direct compensation for the 2021 performance year as reported in the Supplemental Table on page 56.
(2)Peer Average CEO Pay Mix reflects the pay mix of total direct compensation for our Compensation Comparison Group for their 2020 performance year (the most recent year for which data was publicly available) and was calculated by the Company using data provided by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant. As part of that calculation, the independent compensation consultant annualized special non-recurring long-term incentive grants (for example, new hire, retention and promotion awards) to reflect an estimate of “per year” value when appropriate.
We also provide benefits and modest perquisites. In addition, from time to time, the Compensation Committee may make special cash or equity awards to one or more of our named executive officers. No special cash or equity awards were made to our named executive officers for the 2021 performance year.
Base Salary
Metrics
The Compensation Committee’s philosophy is to generally set base salary for executive officers at a level that is intended to be on average at or near the 50th percentile for equivalent positions in our Compensation Comparison Group.
Individual salaries may range above or below the median based on a variety of factors, including the potential impact of the executive’s role at the Company, the terms of the executive’s employment agreement, if any, the tenure and experience the executive brings to the position and the performance and potential of the executive in his or her role.
Base salaries are reviewed annually, and adjustments are made from time to time as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate to recognize performance, changes in duties and/or changes in the competitive marketplace.
Link to Strategy
The Compensation Committee’s base salary positioning supports the attraction and retention of high-quality talent, ensures an affordable overall cost structure and mitigates excessive risk taking.
Base Salaries
At its February 2022 meeting, the Compensation Committee made the following changes to base salaries of the named executive officers other than Mr. Schnitzer:
increased the base salary of Mr. Frey by $50,000 in order to position Mr. Frey’s base salary more competitively when compared to the other chief financial officers in our Compensation Comparison Group:
increased the base salary of Mr. Kess by $50,000, his first increase in 36 months; and
increased the base salary of each of Messrs. Klein and Toczydlowski by $100,000 to position their total direct compensation at levels more comparable to those of similarly situated executives of the companies in our Compensation Comparison Group.
At its February 2021 meeting, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Frey’s base salary by $50,000 effective as of April 1, 2021. In increasing Mr. Frey’s base salary, the Compensation Committee considered Mr. Frey’s base salary was below the 25th percentile when compared to the other chief financial officers in our Compensation Comparison Group. The Compensation Committee intended to position Mr. Frey’s salary to be closer to the median when compared to the other chief financial officers in our Compensation
Comparison Group in recognition of his tenure and strong performance in his role. Other than the change to Mr. Frey’s base salary, no changes were made to the base salaries of the named executive officers at the Compensation Committee’s February 2021 meeting.
The current base salary for our Chief Executive Officer is at approximately the 30th percentile of our Compensation Comparison Group, based on the most recently available data as provided by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant. The current base salaries for the named executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer are on average at approximately the 60th percentile of our Compensation Comparison Group, based on the most recently available data as provided by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant. Because salaries for executive officers are typically changed infrequently, at the time the Compensation Committee increases the salaries of executives who have not received an increase in several years, such salaries on average may, initially and for a period of time following such increases, be higher than the 50th percentile of our Compensation Comparison Group indicated by the most recently available data on the basis that over time the average is expected to be at, or near, approximately the 50th percentile.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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41

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Annual Cash Bonus
The named executive officers are eligible to earn performance-based annual cash bonuses. The annual bonuses are based on the performance of the Company as a whole, taking into consideration performance against predetermined metrics as approved by the Board at the beginning of the year, as well as the individual performance of each executive. The annual cash bonuses are designed to further our goals described under “—Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program”, including motivating and promoting the achievement of our short- and long-term financial and strategic objectives.
Metrics
The Compensation Committee evaluates a broad range of financial and non-financial metrics in awarding performance-based incentives each year.
The Compensation Committee believes that a formulaic approach to the determination of performance-based compensation, particularly in the property and casualty insurance industry, could result in unintended consequences and is not an appropriate substitute for the Compensation Committee’s informed and thorough deliberation and the application of its reasoned business judgment. The Compensation Committee believes that there is no substitute for understanding the Company’s results and how those results were achieved. The Compensation Committee’s current approach allows it to appropriately assess the quality of performance results and ensures that executives are not unduly rewarded, or disadvantaged, based purely on the application of a mechanical formula.
Core Return on Equity
Core return on equity is a principal factor in the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the Company’s performance. The Compensation Committee believes that core return on equity should not be viewed as a single metric. Rather, by being a function of both core income and shareholders’ equity (excluding unrealized gains and losses on investments), core return on equity is a function of both the Company’s income statement and balance sheet.
When evaluating core return on equity, the Compensation Committee considers:
the Company’s cost of equity;
recent and historical trends with respect to interest rates;
recent and historical trends with respect to core return on equity for the Company; and
recent and historical trends with respect to return on equity for the domestic property and casualty insurance industry, including the industry peers included in the Compensation Comparison Group.
Additional Metrics
The Compensation Committee also evaluates the Company’s performance with respect to a wide range of other financial metrics included in the financial plan approved by the Board prior to the beginning of the year, including:
Core income and core income per diluted share, and the metrics that contribute to those results, such as:
earned premiums;
investment income;
insurance losses; and
expense and capital management.
In evaluating performance against the metrics, however, the Compensation Committee does not use a formula or pre-determined weighting, and no one metric is individually material other than core return on equity and core income.
In light of the Company’s objective to create shareholder value by generating significant earnings and taking a balanced approach to capital management, the Compensation Committee also reviews per share growth in book value and adjusted book value over time.
However, because (1) book value can be volatile due to, among other things, the impact of changing interest rates on the fair value of the Company’s fixed-income investment portfolio and (2) the Company’s capital management strategy also emphasizes returning excess capital to shareholders, the Compensation Committee does not set a specific target for per share growth in book value or adjusted book value. Further, while it evaluates changes in book value and adjusted book value in the context of overall results, the Compensation Committee does not believe such changes, by themselves, are always the most meaningful indicators of relative performance.
Link to Strategy
Senior executives, as well as other employees with management responsibility, are encouraged to focus on multiple performance objectives that are important for creating shareholder value, including the quality and profitability of our underwriting and investment decisions, the pricing of our policies, the effectiveness of our claims management and the efficacy of our capital and risk management. In addition, senior executives are encouraged to focus on executing the Company’s ambitious innovation agenda to position the Company for continued success.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Factors Considered in Awarding 2021 Bonuses
In determining the actual annual bonuses awarded, the Compensation Committee considered a number of factors, including:
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    our exceptionally strong financial performance, including the increase in core income and core return on equity as compared to 2020, particularly in the face of a challenging environment, including the second year of a global pandemic, a historically high level of catastrophe losses and the continued low interest rate environment;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    our successful execution of our marketplace strategies, including the growth of net written premiums by 7% to a record $32.0 billion. Each of our operating segments contributed to this growth, with Business Insurance growing 4%, Bond & Specialty Insurance growing 14% and Personal Insurance growing 10%;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    the successful execution of the Company’s long-term strategic plan for continued success in light of the forces of change the Company has identified as impacting the industry, as described under “—Strategic Focus in Light of Forces of Change;”
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    the consolidated, business segment and/or investment results relative to the various financial measures set forth in our 2021 business plan that was established and approved by the Board at the end of 2020;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    our successful execution of our long-term strategy to “transform” Travelers into the insurance company of the future, including our ongoing investments in improving productivity and efficiency which have allowed us to meaningfully increase the amount we spend on technology and direct more of our technology dollars to strategic technology initiatives and our ambitious innovation agenda, all within an improving expense ratio;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    our claim organization’s excellent performance in delivering for our customers, including our effective response to a historically high number of catastrophes, including the unprecedented winter freeze in Texas; Hurricane Ida; and a severe multi-state tornado in December, which included one of the longest (if not the longest) tornado tracks on record; and our exceeding our objective of closing 90% of all claims arising out of catastrophe events within 30 days;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    our success in establishing Travelers as a thought leader in the ESG space, including our thoughtful and comprehensive ESG reports and disclosures; which are consistent with the standards and recommendations of the TCFD and SASB;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    our successful execution of our comprehensive human capital management strategies as evidenced by the level of employee engagement and satisfaction exhibited throughout the organization, as well as progress on the Company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    our performance relative to the companies in our Compensation Comparison Group and other companies in the property and casualty insurance industry, with a particular emphasis on core return on equity;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    compensation market practices as reflected by the Compensation Comparison Group in the most recent publicly available data;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    the performance of the executive;
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    the tenure and compensation history of the executive; and
graphic_checkmarkxpage3943a.jpg    the demonstration of leadership and teamwork and a commitment to a culture of collaboration.
In addition, in connection with Mr. Schnitzer’s compensation for the 2021 performance year, the Compensation Committee also considered Mr. Schnitzer’s exceptional leadership in navigating the Company through the second year of the pandemic.
The Compensation Committee generally weighs financial performance measures, particularly core return on equity and core income, and comparable compensation information more heavily than other factors. In particular, when assessing results, the Compensation Committee considers the Company’s overall financial performance relative to prior years’ performance, the financial plan, the performance of industry peers and, in the case of core return on equity, the Company’s cost of equity and the risk-free rate.
The achievement, or inability to achieve, any particular financial or operational measure in a given year neither guarantees, nor precludes, the payment of an award, but is considered by the Compensation Committee as one of several factors among the other factors noted above and any additional information available to it at the time, including market conditions in general. The Compensation Committee does not use a formula or assign any particular relative weighting to any performance measure.
As discussed under “—Annual Cash Bonus—Metrics” on page 42, the Compensation Committee believes that a formulaic approach to compensation is not appropriate in the property and casualty insurance industry and is not an appropriate substitute for the Compensation Committee’s informed and thorough deliberation and the application of its reasoned business judgment as it would not allow the Compensation Committee to assess the quality of the performance results and could result in negative unintended consequences. For example, a formulaic bonus plan tied to revenue growth (a common metric used in formulaic bonus plans) could create an incentive for management to relax underwriting or investment standards to increase revenue and reported profit on a short-term basis, thereby driving higher short-term bonuses, but creating excessive risk for shareholders over the longer term. This is of particular concern in the property and casualty insurance industry due to the fact that the “cost of goods sold” (that is, the amount of insured losses) is not known at the time of sale and develops over time — in some cases over many years.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
2021 Financial Metrics,
Including Core Return on Equity Target
In evaluating the foregoing factors, the Compensation Committee reviewed management’s progress in meeting a broad range of financial and operational metrics included in the 2021 financial plan approved by the Board in December 2020. As discussed above, of the various financial metrics evaluated by the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee considered core return on equity to be the most important metric in its evaluation of the Company’s annual performance, and it reviewed other metrics in light of their contribution to the Company’s core return on equity goals. For the 2021 performance year, the Compensation Committee also considered the 31% increase in core income as compared to 2020.
Core Return on Equity Target
In February 2021, the Compensation Committee established specific targets for both: (1) core return on equity and (2) adjusted core return on equity, which excludes catastrophes and prior year reserve development, if any, related to asbestos and environmental coverages. In particular, the 2021 financial plan targeted: (1) a core return on equity of 10.8% and (2) an adjusted core return on equity of 15.7%.
One of management’s important responsibilities is to produce an appropriate return on equity for our shareholders and to develop and execute financial and operational plans consistent with our financial goal of achieving a mid-teens core return on equity over time. We emphasize that the objective is measured over time because we recognize that interest rates, reserve development and weather, among other factors, impact our results from year to year, and that there are years — or longer periods — and environments in which a mid-teens return is not attainable and other years in which we expect we will achieve or exceed a mid-teens return. For example, we established the mid-teens goal when the ten-year Treasury was yielding approximately 5%, and in that environment a mid-teens return on equity was industry-leading, whereas ten-year Treasury rates have remained
extremely low for over a decade, fell below 1% for the first time ever in 2020 and remained below 1.75% throughout 2021. Our ability to achieve a mid-teens return over time going forward will depend on interest rates returning to more normal levels by historical standards. In any event, the Company aspires to generate a core return on equity that is industry leading.
The targeted returns for 2021 reflected interest rates at historically low levels and assumed that catastrophes would be consistent with normalized levels reflecting long-term historical experience. In addition, in evaluating the appropriateness of the targets set for core return on equity, the Compensation Committee considers our return on equity relative to the Compensation Comparison Group, the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry generally and our estimated cost of equity. This relationship to industry returns, over time, is described in the chart on page 34. As a result, when the Board approved our 2021 financial plan, both management and the Board believed the plan to be reasonably difficult to achieve.
Notably, the Company’s financial plan—and thus its targets—did not budget for any prior year reserve development, positive or negative. The Company’s actuarial estimates always reflect management’s best estimates of ultimate loss as of the relevant date. As a result, when developing financial plans, the Company does not budget for, or target, prior year reserve development. Adjustments to actual adjusted core return on equity for prior year reserve development related to asbestos and environmental coverages are made because, to a significant degree, those items relate to policies that were written decades ago and, particularly in the case of asbestos, arise to a significant extent as a result of court decisions and other trends that have attempted to expand insurance coverage far beyond what we believe to be the intent of the original parties. Accordingly, their financial impact is largely beyond the control of current management.

For 2021, our core return on equity and adjusted core return on equity compared to our targets were as follows:
CORE RETURN ON EQUITY
ADJUSTED CORE RETURN ON EQUITY(2)
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(1)The 2021 target does not include any prior year reserve development, either positive or negative.
(2)Excludes catastrophes and prior year reserve development related to asbestos and environmental coverages.
When evaluating these results, the Compensation Committee considered these results relative to the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry as a whole. In particular, the Company’s 2021 return on equity of 12.7% exceeded the average return on equity for the domestic property and casualty industry in 2021 of approximately 4.6%, as estimated by Conning.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Other Financial Metrics
In determining annual cash bonuses to be paid to the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee evaluates the Company’s performance with respect to not only core return on equity, but also a broad range of other financial metrics including, among other things, core income and core income per diluted share and other metrics that contribute to those amounts, such as written and earned premiums, investment income and expense management. In 2021, other than with respect to the increase in core income, none of these other financial metrics was individually material to 2021 compensation decisions.
The relevant targets for these other financial metrics were included in the 2021 financial plan approved by the Board at the end of 2020. The following charts show actual 2021 core income, core income per diluted share and adjusted core income (excluding prior year reserve development related to asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) and catastrophes) compared to the 2020 results and the corresponding metrics contained in the Company’s 2021 financial plan. As demonstrated by the charts below, for 2021, each of core income, core income per diluted share and core income before A&E and catastrophes was higher compared to 2020 and exceeded the respective goal in the Company’s financial plan.
CORE INCOME
CORE INCOME PER
DILUTED SHARE
CORE INCOME BEFORE A&E
AND CATASTROPHES
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(1)The 2021 target for each of core income, core income per diluted share and core income before A&E and catastrophes does not include any prior year reserve development, either positive or negative.
Amount of 2021 Annual Cash Bonuses
At its February 2022 meeting, in light of the quantitative and qualitative factors described above and the substantial contributions made by the named executive officers in achieving our exceptionally strong 2021 operating and financial results in the face of a challenging environment, including the second year of a global pandemic, a historically
high level of catastrophe losses and the continued low interest rate environment, and to recognize that all of the named executive officers individually performed at superior levels, the Compensation Committee determined in its judgment to set the amounts of the named executive officers’ 2021 cash bonuses at the levels described below:

 
Annual cash bonus
Change in annual cash bonus compared to 2020
Mr. Schnitzer
$6.5 million



Increased by approximately 5%.
Mr. Frey
$2.3 million

Average annual cash bonus increased approximately 9% year-over-year.
Mr. Kess
$3.0 million

Mr. Toczydlowski
$2.725 million

Average annual cash bonus increased approximately 17% year-over-year to reflect the factors discussed above and to position their total direct compensation at levels more comparable to those of similarly situated executives of the companies in our Compensation Comparison Group.
Mr. Klein
$2.5 million

2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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45

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Long-Term Stock Incentives
The Compensation Committee believes that the interests of executives and shareholders should be closely aligned. Accordingly, a significant portion of the total compensation for the named executive officers is in the form of stock-based long-term incentive awards.
Metrics
In determining the size of the total long-term incentive opportunity, the Compensation Committee considers a number of factors, including the factors applied with regard to the determination of the annual cash bonus award. Once the performance share award has been granted, the number of shares that a named executive officer will receive upon vesting, if any, depends on the Company’s attainment of specific financial targets related to core return on equity. These targets, which are described on page 48, are specified at the time the awards are granted and, unlike the practice of most companies, disclosed in advance to shareholders to enable a full evaluation of the rigor of our performance goals and how the performance schedule compares to our cost of equity. The value provided by the stock options is determined solely on the appreciation of the stock price subsequent to the time of the award.
Link to Strategy
Long-term stock-based incentives ensure that our executive officers have a continuing stake in our long-term success and manage the business with a long-term, risk-adjusted perspective. In addition, senior executives are encouraged to focus on executing the Company’s ambitious innovation agenda to position the Company for continued success.
Guidelines for the Allocation of Annual Equity Grants
The Compensation Committee, with advice from its independent compensation consultant, has developed guidelines for the allocation of annual grants of equity compensation between performance shares and stock options. Under the guidelines, the mix of long-term incentives, for the named executive officers, based on the grant date fair value of the awards, is approximately:
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These allocations are intended to result in a mix of annual long-term incentives that is sufficiently performance-based and will result in:
a large component of total compensation being tied to the achievement of specific, multi-year operating performance objectives and changes in shareholder value (performance shares); and
an appropriate portion being tied solely to changes in shareholder value (stock options).
The mix of annual long-term incentive compensation reflects the Compensation Committee’s judgment as to the appropriate balance of these incentives to achieve its objectives. While the aggregate grant date fair values of equity awards granted to the named executive officers consider both individual and Company performance, the mix of equity incentives awarded annually is fixed and generally does not vary from year-to-year. For a description of the equity awards granted in fiscal year 2021, refer to “—Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2021” on page 58.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Annual Equity Grants
At its February 2022 meeting, the Compensation Committee determined to grant the named executive officers stock-based long-term incentive awards as described in the chart below. In making that determination, the Compensation Committee recognized that all of the named executive officers individually performed at superior levels and contributed substantially to our exceptionally strong 2021 operating and financial results in the face of a challenging environment, including the second year of a global pandemic, a historically high level of catastrophe losses and the continued low interest rate environment.
 
Stock-based long-term incentive
award grant date fair value
Change in grant date fair value compared to awards granted
in 2021
Mr. Schnitzer$12.9 millionIncreased by $1.4 million (12% higher).
Messrs. Frey and Kess3.0 times base salaryConsistent with prior year.
Messrs. Toczydlowski and Klein4.0 times base salaryIncreased from 3.0 times base salary to approximately 4.0 times base salary to position their total direct compensation at levels more comparable to those of similarly situated executives of the companies in our Compensation Comparison Group.
These equity awards approved for the named executive officers at the February 2022 meeting, will be reflected in the “Summary Compensation Table” in our Proxy Statement for our 2023 annual meeting.
At its February 2021 meeting, the Compensation Committee granted the following stock-based long-term incentive awards:
 Stock-based long-term incentive
award grant date fair value
Change in grant date fair value compared to awards granted
in 2020
Mr. Schnitzer$11.5 millionIncreased by $750,000 in consideration of the Company’s strong financial results and Mr. Schnitzer’s strong leadership in navigating the Company through the operating and economic conditions faced by the industry during the first year of the pandemic.
Messrs. Frey and Kess
3.0 times base salaryConsistent with prior year.
Messrs. Toczydlowski and Klein3.0 times base salaryIncreased from 2.5 times base salary to 3.0 times base salary to reflect their time in their respective roles and superior performance, and to raise their multiple of base salary to be consistent with the multiple of base salary for Messrs. Frey and Kess.
These equity awards, approved at the February 2021 meeting, are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table on page 57.
The ultimate value of stock-based long-term incentive awards at the time of vesting or, in the case of stock options, exercise, may be greater than or less than the grant date fair value, depending upon our operating performance and changes in the value of our stock price. The grant date fair values of long-term incentive awards are computed in accordance with the accounting standards described in footnote (1) to the “Summary Compensation Table” on page 57.
Consistent with our historical practice, 60% of the stock-based long-term incentive awards were granted in the form of performance shares and 40% of the stock-based long-term incentive awards were granted in the form of stock options in each of 2022 and 2021.
Performance Shares
Under our program for granting performance shares, we may grant performance shares to certain of our employees who hold positions of vice president (or its equivalent) or above, including the named executive officers. These awards provide the recipient with the right to receive a variable number of shares of our common stock based upon our attainment of specified performance goals. The performance goals for performance share awards granted in 2022 and 2021 are based upon our attaining various adjusted returns on equity
over three-year performance periods commencing January 1, 2022, and ending December 31, 2024, and commencing January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2023, respectively (in each case, “Performance Period Return on Equity”).
Performance Period Return on Equity represents the average of the “Adjusted Return on Equity” for each of the three calendar years in the performance period. The “Adjusted Return on Equity” for each calendar year is determined by dividing “Adjusted Operating Income” by “Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity” for the year, each as defined in the Performance Share Awards Program and described below.
“Adjusted Core Income”, as defined in the performance share awards granted in 2021 and 2022, excludes the after-tax effects of:
specified losses from officially designated catastrophes;
asbestos and environmental reserve charges or releases;
net realized investment gains or losses in the fixed maturities and real estate portfolios;
items that are unusual or infrequently occurring (or both); and
the cumulative effect of accounting changes and federal income tax rate changes, charges for amortization of goodwill to the extent goodwill is amortized and exit or disposal costs, each as defined by GAAP and each as disclosed in our financial statements (including
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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47

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
accompanying footnotes and management’s discussion and analysis);
and is then reduced by the after-tax dollar amount for expected “normal” catastrophe losses. In the first year of the performance period, such expected “normal” catastrophe losses are represented by a fixed amount set forth in the terms of the performance shares ($1.24 billion for 2021). In the two subsequent years of the performance period, such fixed amount for catastrophes is adjusted up or down by formula to reflect any increases or decreases, as the case may be, in written premiums in specified catastrophe-exposed commercial and personal lines.
“Adjusted Core Income” is also reduced by an amount reflecting the historical level of credit losses (on an after-tax basis) associated with our fixed-income investments. The Compensation Committee believes this reduction of Adjusted Core Income is appropriate because credit losses in our fixed-income portfolio are part of reported net income but not core income and thus, absent making this reduction, would not be reflected in Adjusted Core Income. Specifically, for performance share awards granted in February 2022 and February 2021, the annual reduction is determined by multiplying a fixed factor (expressed as 2.25 basis points) by the amortized cost of the fixed maturity investment portfolio at the beginning of each quarter during the relevant year in the performance period and adding such amounts (on an after-tax basis) for each year in the performance period.
“Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity” for each year in the performance period is defined in the Performance Share Awards Program as the sum of our total common shareholders’ equity, as reported on our balance sheet as of the beginning and end of the year (excluding net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and adjusted as set forth in the immediately following sentence), divided by two. In calculating Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity, our total common shareholders’ equity as of the beginning and end of the year is adjusted to remove the cumulative after-tax impact of the following items during the performance period: (1) discontinued operations and (2) the adjustments and reductions made in calculating Adjusted Core Income.
The Compensation Committee selected Performance Period Return on Equity as the performance measure in the Performance Share Plan because the Compensation Committee believes it is the best measure of return to shareholders and efficient use of capital over a multi-year period, as described further above under “—Pay-for-Performance Philosophy” and “Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program”.
The Compensation Committee seeks to establish the Performance Period Return on Equity standards such that 100% vesting requires a level of performance over the
performance period that is expected to be in the top tier of the industry.
In considering what would constitute such top tier performance over a future three-year period, the Compensation Committee considered:
Recent and historical trends in return on equity for the domestic property and casualty insurance industry, including industry peers included in the Company’s Compensation Comparison Group;
Recent and historical trends in core return on equity for the Company;
Current and expected underwriting and investment market conditions;
The Company’s business plan and the Company’s cost of equity;
That performance is measured over a three-year period and the plan and related award agreements do not provide for adjustments to be made during the performance period (other than in the case of specifically enumerated events, such as changes in corporate income tax rates and accounting changes). Accordingly, there is uncertainty, particularly in the second and third years of the performance period, and what actually constitutes top-tier performance during the performance period may differ from expectations due to factors that impact the Company’s performance objectives and are both difficult to forecast in advance and are outside of the control of management. These factors include, among others, changes in the level of economic activity, interest rates and the competitive environment for pricing;
That our financial goal of achieving a mid-teens core return on equity over time will depend on interest rates returning to more normal levels by historical standards and that the ongoing objective of achieving an industry-leading core return on equity over any period, and in particular a short- or medium-term period such as three years, would, in its view, be reasonably difficult to achieve; and
That the Company’s actuarial estimates reflect management’s best estimates of ultimate loss as of the relevant date and, accordingly, the Company’s financial plans do not include any prior year reserve development, positive or negative.
Accordingly, while the Compensation Committee does not implement a formulaic calculation based on relative performance, which it believes could result in over or under compensation, it does set the Performance Period Return on Equity standards after considering the level of historical and expected performance that would constitute superior returns relative to other companies in the industry, including industry peers included in our Compensation Comparison Group.
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The Travelers Companies, Inc. | 2022 Proxy Statement

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
For performance shares granted in 2022 and 2021, the number of shares that vest, if any, is contingent upon our attaining Performance Period Return on Equity as indicated on the following chart. Performance falling between any of the identified points in the applicable chart below will result in an interpolated vesting percentage (for example, a Performance Period Return on Equity of 9% will yield a vesting of 83.3% for the performance shares granted in 2021 and 2022).
PERFORMANCE PERIOD RETURN ON EQUITY STANDARDS
Performance Period
Return on Equity for
Performance Shares
Vesting
Percentage
Granted in
2020
Granted in
2021 and 2022
Threshold0%<8.0%<8.0%
50%8.0%8.0%
75%8.5%8.5%
100%10.0%10.0%
110%13.5%10.5%
120%14.5%11.0%
130%15.0%11.5%
140%15.5%12.0%
150%≥ 16.0%12.5%
160%13.0%
180%14.5%
Maximum200%16.0%
In setting the Performance Period Return on Equity of 10.0% that is required for 100% vesting for both the performance shares granted in 2021 and the performance shares granted in 2022, the Compensation Committee considered that, in each case, a Performance Period Return on Equity of 10% would meaningfully exceed the average return on equity for the domestic property and casualty insurance industry of 6.7% for 2020, and 4.6% for 2021, respectively. In addition, the Compensation Committee considered that a Performance Period Return on Equity of 10.0% would exceed our cost of equity and meaningfully exceed the actual average return on equity for the domestic property and casualty industry for the immediately preceding ten years. See the chart on page 34 which shows the historical returns on equity for the Company and the domestic property and casualty insurance industry.
Because the performance shares are a long-term incentive intended to align a significant portion of our executives’ compensation with return on equity objectives over time, the Compensation Committee generally seeks to maintain consistency in the Performance Period Return on Equity standards from year-to-year. However, the Compensation Committee does from time to time make adjustments if it determines that there have been significant changes in the returns that it expects will constitute top tier performance.
In setting the Performance Period Return on Equity levels for the performance shares granted in February 2022, the Compensation Committee decided not to make any changes to the Performance Period Return on Equity standards as compared to the levels for the performance shares granted in 2021.
In setting the Performance Period Return on Equity levels for the performance shares granted in February 2021, the Compensation Committee decided not to make any changes to the Performance Period Return on Equity levels for 100% or less vesting as compared to the levels for the performance shares granted in February 2020. However, based in part on the advice of its independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee recalibrated the levels of Performance Period Return on Equity required for greater than 100% vesting in order to more appropriately balance potential payouts and performance relative to the Compensation Comparison Group. In making these decisions with respect to the performance shares granted in February 2021, the Compensation Committee considered that:
the Company’s return on equity was slightly above the 60th percentile over the past six performance share cycles prior to the 2021 performance share grant, yet it had the lowest average payout for performance share awards over the same six performance cycles, in each case, as compared to the property and casualty companies included in the Compensation Comparison Group; and
under the prior performance vesting grid, the Company’s maximum vesting percentage of 150% was substantially below (1) the average maximum vesting percentage for our Compensation Comparison Group of 176% and (2) the median maximum vesting percentage for our Compensation Comparison Group of 200%.
To support our recruitment and retention objectives and to encourage a long-term focus on our operations, the performance shares vest subject to both the satisfaction of the requisite performance goals and the participant meeting specified service period criteria. The program provides for accelerated vesting and/or waiver of service requirements in the event of death, disability or a qualifying “retirement”, as defined in the awards. The performance shares granted in 2020 vest pro-rata upon a qualified retirement and the performance shares granted in 2021 and 2022 continue to fully vest according to the original vesting schedule upon a qualified retirement. Beginning with the performance shares granted in 2021, the Compensation Committee modified the retirement treatment for the performance shares to be more consistent with the retirement treatment of awards granted by more than 90% of the peer companies in the Company’s Compensation Comparison Group, based in part on the advice of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant. Beginning with the performance shares granted in 2022, the Compensation Committee modified the treatment for death and disability under the performance shares to continue to fully vest according to the original vesting schedule upon death or disability consistent with the retirement treatment under the awards.
In the event of a participant’s voluntary termination for “good reason” or involuntary termination without “cause” within 24 months following a change in control of the Company, the service vesting requirements with respect to the performance share grants will be waived.
Further, under his employment agreement, Mr. Schnitzer is entitled to conversion of all of his performance shares into time-vesting awards upon a change in control and he is entitled to accelerated vesting of all of his equity awards if his
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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equity awards are not assumed by the surviving entity following a change in control or in the event of a voluntary termination for “good reason” or an involuntary termination without “cause” (each as defined in his employment letter) within 24 months following a change in control of the Company. These provisions are included to minimize the potential influence of the treatment of these equity awards in connection with a change in control on Mr. Schnitzer’s and our other executives’ decision-making processes and to conform the terms of our program more closely to compensation practices among our peers. The Compensation Committee believes that these provisions will enhance Mr. Schnitzer’s and our other executives’ independence and objectivity when considering a potential transaction. These provisions are described in more detail under “—Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control—Summary of Key Agreements—Mr. Schnitzer’s Employment Letter”.
New performance share cycles commence annually and overlap one another, helping to foster retention and reduce the impact of the volatility in compensation associated with changes in our annual return on equity performance. Dividend equivalent shares are paid only when and if performance shares vest, and are paid, in shares, at the same vesting percentage as the underlying performance shares.
Payment of Performance Shares Granted for the 2019-2021 Period
In February 2022, the Compensation Committee reviewed and subsequently certified the results for the performance shares granted to the named executive officers in 2019. Payout of shares under these performance share awards was subject to attaining specified adjusted returns on equity over the three-year performance period commencing on January 1, 2019, and ending on December 31, 2021. The adjusted return on equity for such performance period was 13.0%, which resulted in the vesting of the performance shares at 108.6%.
No discretionary adjustments were made by the Committee to modify the performance share payouts due to factors related to the pandemic.
Stock Options
All stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the underlying shares on the date of grant. Our annual award of stock options generally vests 100% three years after the date of grant and has a maximum expiration date of ten years from the date of grant. The named executive officers are entitled to accelerated vesting of their stock options following a qualified retirement, death or disability or in the event of a voluntary termination for “good reason” or involuntary termination without “cause” within 24 months following a change in control of the Company. For a description of other vesting events see “—Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control”.
Other Compensation
Pension Plans
We provide retirement benefits as part of a competitive pay package to retain employees. Specifically, we currently offer U.S. employees a tax-qualified defined benefit plan with a cash-balance formula, with some grandfathered participants accruing benefits under a final average pay formula. Also, a number of employees and executives participate or have
accrued benefits in other pension plans which are frozen as to new participants and/or new accruals. Under the cash-balance formula, each enrolled employee has a hypothetical account balance, which grows with interest and pay credits each year.
In addition, we sponsor a non-qualified excess benefit retirement plan that covers U.S. employees whose tax-qualified plan benefit is limited by the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the amount of compensation that can be taken into account under a tax-qualified plan. The non-qualified plan makes up for the benefits that cannot be provided by the qualified plan as a result of those Internal Revenue Code limits by using the same cash-balance pension formula that applies under the qualified plan. The purpose of this plan is to ensure that employees who receive retirement benefits only through the qualified cash-balance plan and employees whose qualified plan benefit is limited by the Internal Revenue Code are treated substantially the same. The details of the existing plans are described more fully under “—Post-Employment Compensation—Pension Benefits for 2021” on page 61.
Deferred Compensation
In the United States, we offer a tax-qualified 401(k) plan to employees and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan to employees who hold positions of vice president or above. Both plans are available to the named executive officers.
The non-qualified deferred compensation plan allows an eligible employee to defer receipt of a portion of his or her salary and/or annual bonus until a future date or dates elected by the employee. This plan provides an additional vehicle for employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. The deferred compensation plan is not funded by us and does not provide preferential rates of return. Participants have only an unsecured contractual commitment by us to pay amounts owed under that plan.
For further details, see “—Post-Employment Compensation—Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation for 2021” on page 63.
Other Benefits
We also provide other benefits described below to our named executive officers, which are not tied to any performance criteria. Rather, these benefits are intended to support objectives related to the attraction and retention of highly skilled executives and to ensure that they remain appropriately focused on their job responsibilities without unnecessary distraction.
Personal Security
We have established a security policy in response to a study prepared by an outside consultant that analyzed security risks to our Chief Executive Officer based on a number of factors, including travel patterns and past security threats. This security policy is periodically reviewed by an outside security consultant. In accordance with the security policy, a Company car and driver or other ground transportation arrangements are provided to our Chief Executive Officer for business and personal travel. These ground transportation services provide the necessary security for, and maintain the health and safety of, our Chief Executive Officer and enable him to conduct business on behalf of the Company while in transit. The methodologies we use to value the personal use of a Company car and driver and other ground transportation arrangements as a perquisite are described in footnote (5) to
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the “Summary Compensation Table”. In 2021, the aggregate incremental cost for personal use of a Company car and driver and other ground transportation provided pursuant to our security policy for our Chief Executive Officer was $30,275.
Pursuant to the security policy, our Chief Executive Officer uses our aircraft for business and personal air travel. Use of our Company aircraft provides the necessary security for, and maintains the health and safety of, our Chief Executive Officer and enables him to be immediately available to respond to business priorities from any location and to use his travel time productively for the Company’s benefit. Our Chief Executive Officer reimburses the Company for personal travel on our aircraft in an amount equal to the incremental cost to the Company associated with such personal travel, provided that the amount does not exceed the maximum amount legally payable under FAA regulations, in which case our Chief Executive Officer reimburses such maximum amount.
In addition, under the security policy described above, we provide our Chief Executive Officer with additional home security enhancements and other protections. The methodology we use to value the incremental costs of providing additional home security enhancements and other protections to our Chief Executive Officer is the actual cost to us of home security and other equipment or other personal security protection and any other incremental related expenses. In 2021, the aggregate incremental cost of security
for our Chief Executive Officer was $14,824 as shown in footnote (5) to the “Summary Compensation Table”.
Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all taxes due on any income imputed to him in connection with his personal use of Company-provided transportation and other security related protections.
Other Transportation on Company Aircraft
We also on occasion provide transportation on Company aircraft for spouses or others, although under SEC rules, such spousal or other travel may not always be considered to be directly and integrally related to our business. Consistent with past practice, we only reimburse the named executive officers for any tax liabilities incurred with respect to travel by spouses or others if such travel is considered directly and integrally related to business.
Health Benefits; Treatment of Higher Paid and Lower Paid Employees
We subsidize health benefits more heavily for lower paid employees as compared to higher paid employees, such as the named executive officers. Accordingly, our higher paid employees pay a significantly higher percentage of the cost of their health benefits than our lower paid employees.
Financial and Tax Planning
We offer financial and tax planning services to our named executive officers.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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Additional Compensation Information
Compensation Comparison Group
Our Compensation Comparison Group includes:
Key competitors in the property and casualty insurance industry —
General financial services and life and health insurance companies of relatively similar size and complexity —
American International Group, Inc.
Allstate Corporation
Chubb Ltd.
Hartford Financial Services Group
Progressive Corporation
Aflac
American Express
Bank of New York Mellon
Humana
Lincoln National
Marsh & McLennan
MetLife Inc.
Prudential Financial Inc.
We regard these companies as potential competition for executive talent.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s net income and revenue were at approximately the 46th percentile and the 38th percentile of the Compensation Comparison Group, respectively, and its market cap was at 81% of the median of the Compensation Comparison Group. The Compensation Committee reviews the composition of our peer group annually to ensure that the companies constituting the peer group continue to provide meaningful and relevant compensation comparisons. The Compensation Committee did not make any changes to our Compensation Comparison group in 2021 as a result of this review.
Non-Competition Agreements
All members of our Management Committee, including the named executive officers, have signed non-competition agreements. The agreements provide that, upon an executive’s termination of employment, we may elect to, and in the event of Mr. Schnitzer’s voluntary termination for “good reason” or involuntary termination without “cause” within the 24-month period following a change in control, we have elected to, impose a six-month non-competition obligation upon the executive that would preclude the executive, subject to limited exceptions, from (1) performing services for or having any ownership interest in any entity or business unit that is primarily engaged in the property and casualty insurance business or (2) otherwise engaging in the property and casualty insurance business. This restriction will apply in the United States and any other country where we are physically present and engaged in the property and casualty insurance business as of the executive’s termination date.
If we elect to enforce the non-competition terms, and the executive complies with all of the obligations under the agreement, then the executive will be entitled to:
receive a lump sum payment at the end of the six-month restricted period equal to the sum of (1) six-months’ base salary plus (2) 50% of the executive’s average annual bonus for the prior two years plus (3) 50% of the aggregate grant date fair value of the executive’s average annual equity awards for the prior two years; and
reimbursement for the cost of continuing health benefits on similar economic terms as in place immediately prior to the executive’s termination date during the six-month non-competition period or payment of an equivalent amount, payable at the end of the six-month restricted period.
Timing and Pricing of Equity Grants
The Compensation Committee typically makes annual awards of equity at its meeting held in early February, which is set in advance as part of the Board’s annual calendar of scheduled meetings. The Compensation Committee has in the past, and may in the future, make limited grants of equity on other dates in order to retain key employees, to compensate an employee in connection with a promotion or to compensate newly hired executives for equity or other benefits lost upon termination of their previous employment or to otherwise induce them to join us.
Under our Governance Guidelines, the Compensation Committee may make off-cycle equity grants only on previously determined dates in each calendar month, which will be either (1) the date of a regularly scheduled Board or Compensation Committee meeting, (2) the next succeeding 15th day of the calendar month (or if the 15th is not a business day, the business day immediately preceding the 15th) or (3) in the case of grants in connection with new hires and/or promotions, on, or within 15 days of, the first day of employment or other personnel change. The grant date of equity grants to executives is the date of Compensation Committee approval. As discussed above, the exercise price of stock option grants is the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.
As discussed under “Governance of Your Company—Committees of the Board and Meetings—Compensation Committee” on page 13, the Compensation Committee has delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, subject to the prior written consent of our Executive Vice President and General Counsel, the authority to make limited “off-cycle” grants to employees who are not Committee Approved Officers on the grant dates established by our Governance Guidelines. For these grants, as discussed above, the grant date is the date of such approval, and the exercise price of all stock options is
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the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, stock options cannot be “repriced” unless such repricing is approved by our shareholders. See “Governance of Your Company—Dating and Pricing of Equity Grants” on page 21.
We monitor and periodically review our equity grant policies to ensure compliance with plan rules and applicable law. We do not have a program, plan or practice to time our equity grants in coordination with the release of material, non-public information.
Severance and Change in Control Agreements
All of our current senior executives, other than Mr. Schnitzer, are covered by our severance plan. Mr. Schnitzer’s letter agreement, discussed at greater length below under “—Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control—Summary of Key Agreements” on page 67, contains severance benefits that are triggered under some circumstances, including some circumstances related to a change in control of the Company.
Each of our named executive officers, other than Mr. Schnitzer, has entered into an agreement with us pursuant to which the named executive officer is granted enhanced severance benefits in exchange for agreeing to non-solicitation and non-disclosure provisions. Under the terms of such agreements, these named executive officers are eligible to receive a severance benefit if they are involuntarily terminated due to a reduction in force or for reasons other than “cause” or if they are asked to take a substantial demotion. The terms of these agreements are described more
fully under “—Potential Payments to Named Executive Officers Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control—Summary of Key Agreements” on page 67.
In addition, based on the advice of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant and consistent with market practice, the equity awards made in February 2022 and 2021, including those made to the named executive officers, provide for waiver of service vesting conditions in the event of a voluntary termination for “good reason” or an involuntary termination without “cause” within 24 months of a change in control.
The Compensation Committee believes that these severance agreements and, in some circumstances, change in control arrangements are necessary to attract and retain the talent necessary for our long-term success. The Compensation Committee also believes that these severance and change in control programs allow our executives to focus on duties at hand and provide security should their employment be terminated as a result of an involuntary termination without cause or a constructive discharge or following a change of control, as applicable. For these reasons, and based on advice of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee believes that these arrangements are appropriate and consistent with similar provisions agreed to by members of our Compensation Comparison Group and their executive officers.
None of the severance and change in control agreements with the named executive officers include excise tax gross-up protections.
Stock Ownership Guidelines, Anti-Hedging and Pledging Policies, and Other Trading Restrictions
We maintain an executive stock ownership policy under which executives are expected to accumulate and retain specified levels of ownership of our equity securities until termination of employment, so as to further align the interests of management and shareholders. The Compensation Committee developed this policy based in part on an analysis of policies instituted at our peer competitors. Under the policy, executives have target ownership levels as follows:
Rank     Target Stock Ownership Level
CEOThe lesser of 150,000 shares or the equivalent value of 500% of base salary
Vice chairmen and executive
vice presidents
The lesser of 30,000 shares or the equivalent value of 300% of base salary
Senior vice presidentsThe lesser of 5,000 shares or the equivalent value of 100% of base salary
The stock ownership levels of all persons subject to this policy are calculated on a quarterly basis. In determining an executive’s share ownership level, the following are included:
100% of shares held directly by the executive;
100% of shares held indirectly through our 401(k) Savings Plan or deferred compensation plan;
50% of unvested performance shares (assuming the target number of performance shares will vest); and
a number of shares with a market value equal to 50% of any unrealized appreciation in stock options, whether vested or unvested.
As of December 31, 2021, each of our named executive officers was in compliance with our stock ownership policy.
  The policy provides that executives who have not achieved these levels of stock ownership are expected to retain the shares acquired upon exercising stock options or upon the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares (other than shares used to pay the exercise price of options and withholding taxes) until the requirements are met.  
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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We have a securities trading policy that sets forth guidelines and restrictions applicable to employees’ and directors’ transactions involving our stock. Among other things, this policy prohibits our employees and directors from engaging in short-term or speculative transactions involving our stock, including purchasing our stock on margin, short sales of our stock (that is, selling stock that is not owned and borrowing shares to make delivery), buying or selling puts, calls or other derivatives related to our stock and arbitrage trading or day trading of our stock. Directors and executive officers are not allowed to pledge Company stock without the consent of the Company, and no shares beneficially owned by them are pledged.
Recapture/Forfeiture Provisions
Our Board has adopted a policy requiring the reimbursement and/or cancellation of all or a portion of any incentive cash bonus or stock-based incentive compensation awarded after February 1, 2010 to members of our Management Committee or other officers who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act when the Compensation Committee has determined that all of the following factors are present:
the award and/or payout of an award was predicated upon the achievement of financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement;
the employee engaged in fraud or willful misconduct that was a significant contributing factor in causing the restatement; and
a lower award and/or payout of an award would have been made to the employee based upon the restated financial results.
Incentive compensation is granted subject to the policy that, in each such instance described above, the Company will, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the discretion and approval of the Compensation Committee, taking into account such facts and circumstances as it deems appropriate, including the costs and benefits of doing so, seek to recover the employee’s cash bonus and/or stock-based
incentive compensation paid or issued to the employee in excess of the amount that would have been paid or issued based on the restated financial results. If the Compensation Committee determines, however, that, after recovery of an excess amount from an employee, the employee is nonetheless unjustly enriched, it may seek recovery of more than such excess amount up to the entire amount of the bonus or other incentive compensation.
In addition, under the terms of our executive equity award agreements, in the event that the employment of an executive, including the named executive officers, is terminated for gross misconduct or for cause, as determined by the Compensation Committee, all outstanding vested and unvested awards are cancelled upon his or her termination.
Further, in connection with equity awards, the named executive officers and other recipients of equity awards are parties to an agreement that provides for the forfeiture of unexercised or unvested awards and the recapture by us of any compensatory value, including any amount included as compensation in his or her taxable income, that the former executive received or realized by way of payment, exercise or vesting during the period beginning 12 months prior to the date of termination of employment with us, and ending 12 months after the date of the termination of employment with us, if during the 12-month period following his or her termination, the executive:
fails to keep all confidential information strictly confidential;
uses confidential information to solicit or encourage any person or entity that is a client, customer, policyholder, vendor, consultant or agent of ours to discontinue business with us after accepting a position with a direct competitor;
is directly and personally involved in the negotiation or solicitation of the transfer of business away from us; or
solicits, hires or otherwise attempts to affect the employment of any person employed by us at any time during the last three months of the executive’s employment or thereafter, without our consent.


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Shareholder Engagement
Management has had numerous conversations with investors about compensation and governance practices, and management has reported on those conversations to the Compensation Committee. Specifically, as described in “Shareholder Engagement” on page 22 of this Proxy Statement, during 2021, management contacted our largest shareholders and received feedback from beneficial owners of shares aggregating more than 40% of our outstanding shares. After considering our conversations with investors, in which shareholders were generally supportive of our
compensation programs, as well as conversations with proxy advisory firms and the results of the shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation in 2021, where approximately 94% of the shares voting “FOR” or “AGAINST” at the meeting voted in favor of the compensation paid to our named executive officers, the Compensation Committee concluded that our executive compensation programs are performing as intended and, consistent with the advice of its independent compensation consultant, determined not to make changes to the core structure of our executive compensation programs.
OUTREACH
During 2021, management contacted our largest shareholders.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
Key topics included our:
Compensation programs
Board composition
Sustained value creation
Comprehensive climate strategy
Approach to human capital management and
Diversity and inclusion
COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD
The Corporate Secretary — who participates in shareholder engagement — shares feedback with the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, and this feedback is reported to the entire board by the Chairs of these committees.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Total Direct Compensation for 2019-2021 (Supplemental Table)
The following table shows the base salary actually earned during each of the last three years as well as annual cash bonuses paid and equity awards granted to our named executive officers in February in respect of the immediately preceding performance year.
Name and
Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Equity
Awards
($)
Total
($)
Increase
from Prior Year
(%)
Alan D. Schnitzer
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
20211,300,0006,500,00012,900,00020,700,0009
20201,300,0006,200,00011,500,00019,000,0007
20191,000,0006,000,00010,750,00017,750,00017
Daniel S. Frey
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
2021737,7392,300,0002,250,0005,287,7398
2020700,0002,100,0002,100,0004,900,0008
2019687,7391,750,0002,100,0004,537,73947
Avrohom J. Kess
Vice Chairman and
Chief Legal Officer
2021900,0003,000,0002,700,0006,600,0004
2020900,0002,755,0002,700,0006,355,0001
2019887,7392,675,0002,700,0006,262,7394
Gregory C. Toczydlowski
Executive Vice President and President,
Business Insurance
2021750,0002,725,0003,080,0006,555,00023
2020750,0002,315,0002,250,0005,315,0009
2019737,7392,250,0001,900,0004,887,7393
Michael F. Klein
Executive Vice President and President
Personal Insurance
2021700,0002,500,0002,900,0006,100,00023
2020700,0002,165,0002,100,0004,965,000n/a
The Purpose Behind This Supplemental Table
This Supplemental Table has been included to provide investors with additional compensation information for the last three performance years. As part of reaching its compensation decisions for a performance year, the Compensation Committee refers to this data. Accordingly, this supplemental information enables investors to better understand the actions of the Compensation Committee with respect to total direct compensation for a performance year. This Supplemental Table is not, however, intended to be a substitute for the information provided in the “Summary Compensation Table” on page 57, which has been prepared in accordance with the SEC’s disclosure rules.
The Differences Between this Supplemental Table and the Summary Compensation Table
The information contained in this Supplemental Table differs substantially from the total direct compensation information contained in the “Summary Compensation Table” for the relevant year because the stock awards and option awards columns for a particular year in the “Summary Compensation Table” report awards actually granted in that fiscal year (not equity awards granted in respect of that performance year). For example, for 2021, the “Summary Compensation Table” includes awards made in February 2021 in respect of the 2020 performance year but does not include awards made in February 2022 in respect of the 2021 performance year. On the other hand, the “2021” rows in the Supplemental Table presented above include stock-based grants made in February 2022 in respect of the 2021 performance year and not the stock-based grants made in February 2021 in respect of the 2020 performance year.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has discussed and reviewed the foregoing “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management. Based upon this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors:
Clarence Otis Jr. (Chair)Elizabeth E. Robinson
Janet M. DolanPhilip T. Ruegger III
Thomas B. LeonardiRafael Santana

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by us to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and each of our three other most highly compensated executive officers who served in such capacities at December 31, 2021. We refer to these individuals collectively as the “named executive officers”.
Name and
Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards(1)
($)
Option
Awards(2)
($)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(3)
($)
Change in
Pension Value
and Non-
Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(4)
($)
All Other
Compensation(5)
($)
Total
($)
Alan D. Schnitzer
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
20211,300,0006,900,0514,598,8526,500,000471,95182,84319,853,697
20201,300,0006,450,0174,300,0096,200,000701,66238,58218,990,270
20191,000,0005,399,9993,600,0046,000,000676,671102,13516,778,809
Daniel S. Frey
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
2021737,7391,260,008839,8012,300,000183,7047,0005,328,252
2020700,0001,260,040840,0042,100,000215,4027,0005,122,446
2019687,739974,993649,9941,750,000160,9066,9394,230,571
Avrohom J. Kess
Vice Chairman and
Chief Legal Officer
2021900,0001,619,9311,079,7373,000,000157,5087,0006,764,176
2020900,0001,619,9951,080,0032,755,000214,4417,0006,576,439
2019887,7391,530,0591,020,0062,675,000183,9746,6626,303,440
Gregory C. Toczydlowski
Executive Vice President
and President, Business
Insurance
2021750,0001,350,059899,7852,725,000176,94923,8605,925,653
2020750,0001,140,055760,0042,315,000457,44823,8605,446,367
2019737,7391,049,944700,0042,250,000509,84610,0885,257,621
Michael F. Klein
Executive Vice President
and President, Personal
Insurance
2021700,0001,260,008839,8012,500,000157,96328,6075,486,379
2020700,0001,050,034700,0082,165,000450,90870,6485,136,598
(1)The dollar amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted during each of the years presented. The grant date fair value of a stock award is measured in accordance with the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 718 using the assumptions discussed in Note 14 to our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2022 (the “Form 10-K”), without taking into account estimated forfeitures. Stock awards during the years presented reflect performance shares. With respect to the performance shares, the estimate of the grant date fair value determined in accordance with the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 718 assumes the vesting of 100% of the performance shares awarded. Assuming the highest level of performance is achieved (which would result in the vesting of 150% of the performance shares granted in 2019 and 2020 and in the vesting of 200% of the performance shares granted in 2021), the aggregate grant date fair value of the performance shares reflected in the table above would be:
Name202120202019
Alan D. Schnitzer$13,800,102 $9,675,026 $8,099,999 
Daniel S. Frey$2,520,016 $1,890,060 $1,462,552 
Avrohom J. Kess$3,239,861 $2,430,059 $2,295,088 
Gregory C. Toczydlowski$2,700,117 $1,710,149 $1,574,979 
Michael F. Klein$2,520,016 $1,575,050             n/a
The dividend equivalents attributable to performance shares are deemed “reinvested” in additional performance shares and will only be distributed upon the vesting, if any, of the performance shares in accordance with the performance share award terms. In accordance with the SEC’s rules, dividend equivalents on performance shares, as well as cash dividends on restricted stock units, are not required to be reported because the values of such future dividends are factored into the grant date fair value of the awards. For a discussion of specific stock awards granted during 2021, see “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2021” below and the narrative discussion that follows.
(2)The dollar amounts represent the grant date fair value of stock option awards granted during each of the years presented. The grant date fair value of a stock option award is measured in accordance with the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 718 using the assumptions discussed in Note 14 to our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 included in the Company’s Form 10-K, without taking into account estimated forfeitures. For a discussion of specific stock option awards granted during 2021, see “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2021” below and the narrative discussion that follows.
(3)Reflects annual cash incentive compensation paid in 2022 for performance year 2021, cash incentive compensation paid in 2021 for performance year 2020 and cash incentive compensation paid in 2020 for performance year 2019, respectively. For a discussion of the Company’s annual cash bonus determinations, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation Elements and Decisions—Annual Cash Bonus”.
(4)These amounts represent the aggregate change in actuarial present value of accumulated pension benefits for each of the years presented, using the same pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes. We do not provide any of our executives with any above-market or preferential earnings on non-qualified deferred compensation. For additional information about pension benefits, see “Post-Employment Compensation—Pension Benefits for 2021” below.
(5)For 2021, “All Other Compensation” for Mr. Schnitzer includes $30,275 for personal use of a Company car and driver and other ground transportation arrangements, calculated as described below, $14,824 of personal security expenses, calculated at the actual cost to us, incurred on his behalf pursuant to the Company’s executive security program, and $16,860 for tax and financial planning services calculated at the actual cost to us.
2022 Proxy Statement | The Travelers Companies, Inc.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pursuant to our security policy, in 2021, we provided a car and driver or other ground transportation arrangements to Mr. Schnitzer for business and personal travel. We calculated the incremental cost to us for the personal use of any Company car and driver (including commuting and business travel not considered directly and integrally related to the performance of the executive’s duties) based on the operating costs, such as fuel and maintenance, related to such travel. Compensation and benefits for the employee drivers are not included in the calculation of incremental cost because the employee drivers are members of our security staff and, consistent with our executive security policy, we would have otherwise incurred such cost for business purposes, whether or not the driver was available to Mr. Schnitzer for personal travel. The incremental cost of personal trips using other ground transportation arrangements, such as car services, are valued at the actual cost to us.
Mr. Schnitzer uses Company aircraft for business and personal air travel as required by our security policy. Mr. Schnitzer reimburses the Company for personal travel on Company aircraft in an amount equal to the incremental cost to the Company associated with such travel up to the maximum amount legally payable under FAA regulations. Incremental costs in excess of the amount legally payable under FAA regulations in the amount of $13,706 is included in “All Other Compensation” for 2021.
For 2021, “All Other Compensation” for Messrs. Toczydlowski and Klein includes the cost of tax and financial planning services, and the amount for Mr. Klein also includes costs under our executive physical program.
For more information about these perquisites, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Other Compensation—Other Benefits”.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2021
The following table provides information on stock awards and stock options granted in 2021 to each of our named executive officers.
Name
Grant
Date
Estimated
Future
Payouts Under
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards
Target(1)
($)



Estimated Future
Payouts Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards(2)
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options(3)
(#)
Exercise or
Base Price
of Option
Awards
($/Sh)
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards(4)
($)
Threshold
(#)
Target
(#)
Maximum
(#)
Alan D. Schnitzer2/2/202124,67349,34698,692  6,900,051
 2/2/2021    197,343139.834,598,852
  n/a      
Daniel S. Frey2/2/20214,5069,01118,0221,260,008
 2/2/2021 36,037139.83839,801