Ventas Announces James D. Shelton Has Decided to Retire from Board Before 2024 Annual Meeting

Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) today announced that James D. (“Denny”) Shelton, the Lead Independent Director of the Ventas Board of Directors, has decided to retire from the Board, effective immediately prior to the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2024 Annual Meeting”). The independent directors have unanimously appointed Roxanne Martino, a Ventas director since 2016 and former CEO of Aurora Investment Management, as Lead Independent Director, effective following the 2024 Annual Meeting.

Debra A. Cafaro, Ventas Chairman and CEO, said, “On behalf of Ventas, I thank Denny for his outstanding contributions during his 16 years on the Board and eight years as Lead Independent Director. Denny’s excellent judgment, extensive experience and deep healthcare knowledge proved invaluable to the Company, and his commitment to strong governance and board refreshment have helped create an independent Board that is diverse, distinguished by the professional achievement of its members and focused on shareholders. His decision to retire from the Board is well-earned after years of service, and we will miss him.”

“I am pleased to take on the role of Lead Independent Director and will continue to provide my perspectives to the Board, informed by my leadership experience, healthcare knowledge and investment expertise,” said Ms. Martino. “Since joining the Board in 2016 shortly after meeting Debbie, I have been deeply engaged in the important work of enhancing value for Ventas shareholders, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Company’s growth and success.”

“It has been a privilege to serve as a member of the Ventas Board and as Lead Independent Director, lending my perspective as the Company has built a leading portfolio of senior housing and healthcare real estate and delivered significant value to shareholders,” said Mr. Shelton. “I thank the Ventas Board for their partnership and congratulate Roxanne. Ventas is very well positioned for continued success as it advances its mission of enabling exceptional environments for a large and growing aging population.”

Since joining the Ventas Board, Ms. Martino has brought extensive expertise in investment strategy and capital allocation, finance and accounting and business leadership. Ms. Martino also brings insights into the perspectives of institutional investors and healthcare leadership experience as Chairperson of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Board of Directors. From 1990 to 2016, Ms. Martino led Aurora Investment Management, a hedge fund investment firm, and its predecessor companies, including serving as Investment Committee Chair and CEO, building the firm into one of the largest managers in the fund-of-funds industry with $14 billion in assets under management. She was inducted into the Invest Hedge Hall of Fame in 2015.