Form 4: Getty Images Chief of Staff Granted 7,500 Restricted Stock Units

Getty Images Holdings, Inc. Chief of Staff, Michael Teaster, was granted 7,500 restricted stock units, increasing his direct beneficial ownership to 250,127 shares.

Summary

• Michael Teaster, Chief of Staff at Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (GETY), was granted 7,500 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) on May 29, 2025.
• Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's Class A Common Stock.
• The grant was made pursuant to the Issuer's 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.
• Following this transaction, Michael Teaster's direct beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock is 250,127 shares.
• The RSUs will commence vesting in 2027, with 25% vesting in substantially equal quarterly installments on the 5th day of the third month of each quarter (March, June, September, and December) for four quarters, subject to the participant's continued employment on each applicable Vesting Date.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document indicates a standard executive compensation event (RSU grant), which is generally positive for executive retention and alignment with shareholder interests, without any negative financial implications or delays mentioned.

Positives

• The grant of Restricted Stock Units aligns the interests of the Chief of Staff, Michael Teaster, with those of the shareholders, promoting long-term commitment and performance.
• The equity incentive plan serves as a retention mechanism for key executives.

Risks

• The vesting of the Restricted Stock Units is subject to Michael Teaster's continued employment with Getty Images Holdings, Inc., meaning the benefits are contingent on his ongoing tenure.

Future Outlook

The Restricted Stock Units granted to Michael Teaster are scheduled to begin vesting in 2027, with quarterly installments over one year, contingent on his continued employment.

Management Comments

• The grant of 7,500 Restricted Stock Units to Chief of Staff Michael Teaster reflects the company's ongoing executive compensation strategy under its 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details a routine executive compensation event, specifically the grant of Restricted Stock Units, which is a common practice across various industries for attracting, retaining, and incentivizing key management personnel by aligning their long-term interests with shareholder value.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The grant of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of executive compensation is a widely adopted practice across publicly traded companies, including those in the media and technology sectors where Getty Images operates.
• The vesting schedule, commencing in 2027 with quarterly installments over a year, is a typical structure designed to encourage long-term retention and performance, comparable to equity incentive plans at companies like Shutterstock or Adobe, which also utilize performance-based or time-based RSU grants for their executives.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of 7,500 Restricted Stock Units to Michael Teaster, Chief of Staff, constitutes a transaction between the company and a key executive, which is a form of related party transaction.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The RSU grant aims to align executive incentives with shareholder value creation over the long term.
• Employees: The equity grant to a senior executive may signal stability and commitment within the leadership team.

Next Steps

• Vesting of the 7,500 Restricted Stock Units will commence in 2027, subject to Michael Teaster's continued employment.

Key Dates

Keywords

Getty Images, GETY, Michael Teaster, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Stock Grant, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Executive Compensation, Equity Incentive Plan