<prompt> Human: Numerous articles today report that Equifaxs CEO, Richard Smith, has retired. Key information: Sources here here and here He is retiring both as CEO and as chairman of the board At this critical juncture, I believe it is in the best interests of the company to have new leadership to move the company forward, Smith said in a statement. However, isnt leaving the company completely. Equifax said he agreed to serve as an unpaid adviser to assist in the CEO transition. He will not receive his annual bonus and other potential retirement-related benefits until the companys board concludes an independent review of the data breach. If the review does not find Smith at fault, he could walk away with a retirement package of at least 18.48 million, along the value of the stock and options he was paid out over his 12-year tenure. The board also could claw back any cash or stock bonuses he may have received, if necessary. However, another article states that Smith is entitled to that pension under any circumstances, Gutzmer said. Smith, who made almost 15 million in salary, bonuses and stock last year, will be able to stay on the companys health plan for life. Three executives, none of them among those who have left, were found to have sold stock for a combined 1.8 million before Equifax disclosed the most serious breach, though the company says they were unaware of it at the time. Smith had been scheduled to appear at two congressional hearings next week that would likely have turned into a public lambasting. The House Energy and Commerce committee said in a tweet that it still plans to hold its hearing Oct. 3. A member of the Senate Banking Committee said he still wanted Smith to appear Oct. 4 as planned. Equifaxs stock has declined about 27 since the data breach was announced.  <response>: Equifax CEO expectedly Runs off with a Load of Cash after catastrophic fuck up.More at 11. 