Genesco’s proxy fight with the Radoff–Jumana Group tested whether an activist playbook—stake-building, governance pressure, capital allocation criticism, and board nominees—could beat a turnaround story. Shareholders chose Genesco’s Footwear First strategy, but now the company must prove the vote of confidence was deserved.

The Supreme Court just closed a key door for activist investors—and most people didn’t notice. In FS Credit v. Saba Capital, the Court stripped private investors of the ability to sue under a major securities law provision, concentrating enforcement power in the hands of regulators.

The 2026 proxy season looked like a slowdown—but it wasn’t. Fewer proposals, declining ESG momentum, and a major SEC shift quietly reshaped how shareholder governance actually works.