EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT
10.1
2010
AMENDED AND RESTATED
This
2010 AMENDED AND
RESTATED EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is dated as of the
1st
day of January 2010 (the “Effective Date”), by and
between XXXXXX NORTH AMERICA,
INC. (“Xxxxxx
US”) and XXXXXX X.
XXXXXXX (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, Executive is willing
to serve as Executive Chairman of Xxxxxx US, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Xxxxxx Group Holdings plc, an Irish limited company (“Xxxxxx Holdings”) and Senior
Managing Director of Xxxxxx Group Limited (f/k/a Xxxxxx Group plc, “Xxxxxx UK”, and collectively
with Xxxxxx Holdings and Xxxxxx US, the “Xxxxxx Group”);
WHEREAS, Xxxxxx Group desires
to retain Executive in those capacities upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth;
WHEREAS, Executive’s current
employment agreement (the “Expiring Agreement”) is
scheduled to terminate on the date of Xxxxxx Holdings’ shareholders meeting in
2011 (the “Old Expiration
Date”); and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to
amend and restate Executive’s Expiring Agreement to, among other things, extend
the term through July 7, 2013, to preserve certain provisions of the Expiring
Agreement through the Old Expiration Date and to modify certain other
provisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and for
other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment, Compensation and
Benefits. During the period of this Agreement, Xxxxxx US
agrees to employ Executive and to pay the remuneration, and to provide the
benefits, described below.
(a) Title and Duties.
(i) During
the Term (as defined in Section 2 herein),
Executive shall be employed as Executive Chairman of Xxxxxx US, and shall hold
the offices of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xxxxxx Holdings and
Senior Managing Director of Xxxxxx UK. During the Term, Executive shall also be
a member of the Board of Directors of Xxxxxx Holdings (the “Board”) (or such other most
senior governing board of Xxxxxx Holdings) and Executive Committee of Xxxxxx
Holdings and Xxxxxx UK. Executive shall also be appointed to such senior
director and executive positions, as the Board, after consultation with
Executive, deems appropriate, of each subsidiary of Xxxxxx
Holdings.
(ii) Executive
shall have the customary duties, responsibilities and authority of a chairman
and a chief executive officer of a corporation of a similar size and status as
the Xxxxxx Group.
(iii) Executive
shall report directly to the Board.
(iv) Executive’s
principal office shall be located at an office of Xxxxxx US in Manhattan, New
York City, New York.
(b) Remuneration.
(i) Base
Salary. Executive’s base salary shall be at the rate of one
million dollars ($1,000,000) per annum, payable in the United States in
accordance with Xxxxxx U.S.’s normal payroll practices. The amount of
Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed annually and may, at the discretion of
the Board, be adjusted (but never below the then Base Salary). Any such
increased amount shall constitute “Base Salary” hereunder. All
dollar amounts referred to in this Agreement are in U.S. dollars and all amounts
are to be paid in the United States.
(ii) Bonus. So
long as Executive remains employed hereunder, Executive shall be eligible for an
annual bonus from Xxxxxx US for each fiscal year ending during the Term (the
“Fiscal Year”) pursuant
to Xxxxxx Holding’s annual bonus plan (currently The Xxxxxx Group Senior
Management Incentive Plan). So long as the applicable performance criteria under
the annual bonus plan for his position are satisfied, bonuses shall be paid to
Executive as set forth on Exhibit A hereto.
Except as otherwise provided on Exhibit A hereto, all
bonuses shall he paid in the calendar year next following the end of the Fiscal
Year in which it is measured.
(iii) Deferral of Receipt of
Remuneration. Executive shall have the right to defer, on an
annual basis, receipt of his Base Salary and, to the extent permitted by the
Deferred Compensation Plan, his annual bonus to the full extent provided and
otherwise in accordance with the terms of Xxxxxx US’s deferred compensation plan
in which Executive participates (or any successor plan thereto), as in effect
from time to time (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”),
and Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”).
(c) Benefits.
(i) Xxxxxx US Plans
Generally. Except as otherwise provided herein, Xxxxxx US
shall provide, or shall cause to be provided, Executive with those benefits,
including medical, life insurance, disability, pension and other benefit
programs, plans and practices in which similarly situated full-time executive
employees of Xxxxxx US and its subsidiaries (commensurate with Executive’s
position with Xxxxxx US) are entitled (under the applicable benefit plans as in
effect as of the Effective Date or as may be amended from time to time), as set
forth in the Xxxxxx US staff handbook as well as fringe benefits commensurate
with the Executive’s position (each a “Benefit Plan”).
(ii) Deferred Compensation
Benefit. Executive shall continue to be entitled to an annual
deferred compensation credit of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) as set
forth in Exhibit
E hereto.
(d) Reimbursement for
Expenses. During the Term, Xxxxxx US shall reimburse Executive
for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in performing Executive’s
duties for
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Xxxxxx
Group, in accordance with the policies of Xxxxxx US, as in effect from time to
time and consistent with Executive’s positions.
(e) Indemnification. Xxxxxx
US shall cause Xxxxxx Group to provide Executive with Directors and Officers and
Errors and Omissions insurance in amounts reasonably acceptable to
Executive. Xxxxxx US agrees, and shall cause Xxxxxx Holdings and
their respective subsidiaries to agree, to indemnify and defend Executive, to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and by their respective Articles
of Incorporation and by-laws (or the applicable equivalent governing documents
with respect to any and all claims which arise from or relate to Executive’s
duties as an officer, member of the Board (and any other board of directors (or
equivalent governing entity) of Xxxxxx UK, Xxxxxx US or any of their
affiliates), employee of Xxxxxx US, and duties performed in connection with the
offices of Xxxxxx UK and Xxxxxx Holdings held by Executive, or as a fiduciary of
any employee benefit plan or a similar capacity with any other entity for which
Executive is performing services at Xxxxxx Group’s request, whether performed
heretofore or hereafter.
(f) Equity
Participation.
(i) General. All
equity awards granted to Executive prior to the Effective Date shall continue in
accordance with their terms, including any applicable provisions in the Expiring
Agreement.
(ii) Registration
Rights. Executive shall be entitled to registration rights in
accordance with the 2004 Registration Rights Agreement.
(iii) Change of
Control. The definition of Change of Control applicable to any
equity grant made to the Executive or in any equity or employee benefit plan as
it applies to Executive shall be the same as the definition of Change of Control
set forth herein, provided that this subsection (iii) shall not apply to any
already outstanding equity grant as of May 25, 2004 to the extent application of
it would result in an adverse accounting charge to Xxxxxx Group because of a
change in the definition of Change in Control. For avoidance of a doubt, the
definition of Change of Control set forth herein shall apply to all equity
grants made after the date hereof, unless expressly waived by the parties with
regard to the applicable equity plan or in the applicable equity award
agreement.
(iv) 2010 Equity
Grants. Executive shall be entitled to a grant of restricted
stock units in 2010 as provided in Exhibit B hereto (the
“2010
Grant”).
(v) Future Equity
Grants. It is the expectation and intent of the compensation
committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) to
award Executive in 2011 and 2012 equity grants each with a value equal to that
of the 2010 grant and in a form and with provisions (including as to
acceleration of vesting upon a termination of service or Change of Control),
similar to that of the 2010 Grant, with a recognition, however, that a portion
of such grants may need to be granted in stock options or cash derivative
securities because of plan limitations on available shares for restricted stock
units and further subject to the Compensation Committee’s good faith evaluation
of changes in circumstances of Xxxxxx Holdings, the performance of Xxxxxx
Holdings and the performance of Executive that justifies an alternative
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vehicle or amount of
grant. All grants will fully vest by July 7, 2013 and, if options or stock
appreciation rights are utilized, the Executive will have at least two (2) years
after his separation from service for any reason (other than Cause) to exercise
such options or stock appreciation rights.
(g) Executive
shall be entitled to vacation time and holidays as are provided in general to
executive employees of Xxxxxx US but shall, in any event, be entitled to no less
than four (4) weeks of vacation per year. Any unused days accrued in a
particular year may not be carried over to a subsequent year.
2. Term and
Termination.
(a) Term. This
Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date. Unless terminated
earlier pursuant to Section 2(b), below,
Executive’s employment hereunder shall remain in effect until July 7, 2013 (the
“Term”).
(b) Termination. The
Term shall terminate on the earlier to occur of (i) the expiration of the Term
and (ii) the date upon which Executive’s employment is terminated by Xxxxxx US
or Executive. Subject to the conditions and procedures of Section 3, below,
either party may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment at any time by
providing ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to the other party of the
termination of Executive’s employment. A termination by Xxxxxx US
shall be deemed a termination by Xxxxxx US and all other members of the Xxxxxx
Group and their respective subsidiaries.
3. Effect of Certain
Terminations.
(a) Termination without Cause by Xxxxxx
US or Resignation with Good Reason by Executive. If at any
time during the Term, Xxxxxx US terminates Executive without Cause (as defined
below) or the Executive terminates his employment with the Xxxxxx Group for Good
Reason (as defined below), Executive shall be entitled to the
following:
(i) Subject
to Section 7(k)
hereof, within thirty (30) days following such termination of employment, Xxxxxx
US shall pay to Executive as severance four million dollars ($4,000,000) in a
lump sum (the “Severance
Benefit”), and if such termination of employment occurs either (I) within
six (6) months prior to a Change in Control and such termination of employment
(or in a termination for Good Reason the Good Reason event in which the
termination of employment is based) is in contemplation of, in anticipation of,
or otherwise in connection of, such Change in Control or (II) on or within
twenty-four (24) months following the occurrence of a Change in Control, then,
in addition to the Severance Benefit, Xxxxxx US (or its applicable successor)
shall pay Executive an additional severance payment within thirty (30) days
following the six (6) month anniversary of such termination of employment in a
lump sum amount equal to the difference between (x) an amount equal to two (2)
times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary and (B) Target Annual Bonus during
the year of termination and (y) the Severance Benefit.
(ii) Xxxxxx
US shall provide, or shall cause to be provided, Executive with his (x) Accrued
Amounts (as defined below) and (y) his Accrued Rights (as defined below);
provided, however, that any Deferred Compensation Benefit that would otherwise
have been
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credited to Executive’s
Deferral Account pursuant to Section
1(c)(ii) above if Executive had remained employed by Xxxxxx US hereunder
for the balance of the Term shall instead be credited in full to the Deferral
Account effective as of the date of such termination, and all Deferred
Compensation Benefits then credited to the Deferral Account shall otherwise be
paid to Executive pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the
Deferred Compensation Plan and in accordance with the provisions of Section
409A, as applicable.
(b) Other Terminations. In the
case of any other termination not covered by Section 3(a) alone,
Executive shall only be entitled to his Accrued Amounts and Accrued Rights;
provided, however, that after the occurrence of a Change in Control, if
Executive terminates his employment without Good Reason, Executive’s Deferred
Compensation Benefits shall be credited and payable in the same manner and
pursuant to the same terms as set forth in Section 3(a)(ii)
above.
(c) No Mitigation; No
Offset. The amounts due under Section 3(a) shall be
paid without any obligation of mitigation or offset for future earnings or other
amounts, and shall be paid without setoff, counterclaims or defense. Executive
shall not be eligible for any amounts of a similar nature that would be payable
to Executive pursuant to other severance plans of the Xxxxxx Group.
(d) Definitions. For
purposes of this Agreement, the capitalized terms used above shall have the
following meanings:
(i) “Accrued Amounts” shall mean
(x) all accrued but unpaid Base Salary and vacation pay, to be paid within
thirty (30) days after termination; (y) any bonus due as a result of actual
performance but unpaid for any completed Fiscal Year, to be paid in the calendar
year of such termination when bonuses are paid to other senior level executives
in respect to such Fiscal Year; and (z) in respect of the Fiscal Year in which
the termination occurs, payment of an amount, (the “Prorated Bonus”) equal to a
pro rated portion of the actual annual bonus earned based on performance during
the Fiscal Year in which the termination occurs based on actual results, which
bonus shall be paid to Executive in the calendar year next following the
calendar year of termination and at the same time as said payment would be made
if Executive was still employed by the Xxxxxx US; provided, however, that upon a
termination of Executive’s employment for Cause or by Executive without Good
Reason (other than as a result of death, Disability, Mutual Retirement or upon
or following the expiration of the Term), “Accrued Amounts” shall not
include a Prorated Bonus.
(ii) “Accrued Rights” shall mean any
amounts or benefits due to Executive under any benefit or equity plan or program
(other than a severance plan), and Executive’s rights under Sections 1(c), 1(d), 1(e), 4 and 7(k)(v) hereof,
payable in accordance with the terms of such plan or program.
(iii) “Cause” shall mean (A)
Executive’s conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a
misdemeanor involving sexual misconduct or to a felony (other than a traffic
infraction not involving actual imprisonment), (B) Executive’s willful and
continuous misconduct with regard to his material duties and responsibilities
which causes demonstrable harm of a material nature (C) Executive’s serious or
persistent breach of Executive’s material
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obligations under this Agreement (including any
repeated failure to abide by the legal, written directives presented to him by
the Board, which directives are not in violation of Section
1(a)(ii) hereof) or (D) gross negligence (other then as a result of
physical or mental impairment) with regard to his duties; provided, that, in the
case of (B), (C) and (D),
above, such misconduct, breach or negligence was not resolved or cured within
fifteen (15) days following Xxxxxx US’s written notice to Executive of Xxxxxx
US’s intention to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause as a result of such
circumstances, which notice (pursuant to Section
2(b)) describes such circumstances with sufficient particularity to give
Executive a reasonable opportunity to resolve or cure any such misconduct,
breach or negligence. For purposes of this definition, an act (or omission)
shall not be deemed “willful”, if, in the good faith belief of Executive, such
act (or omission) was in the best interests of Xxxxxx Group (or any of their
respective subsidiaries), and such belief was reasonable.
(iv) “Change of Control” means,
other than in connection with the establishment of Xxxxxx Holdings as the parent
company as of January 1, 2010, (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or
indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the
meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of equity
interests representing more than thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate ordinary
voting power represented by the issued and outstanding equity interests of
Xxxxxx Holdings; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant
seats) on the Board by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of
directors of Xxxxxx Holdings nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated;
provided a Person shall not be deemed so nominated or appointed if such
nomination or appointment is the result of a proxy contest or a threatened proxy
contest; (c) the failure of Xxxxxx Holdings to own, directly or indirectly,
at least fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented
by the issued and outstanding equity interests of Xxxxxx US; (d) a merger,
consolidation or other corporate transaction of Xxxxxx Holdings (a “Transaction”) such that the
shareholders of Xxxxxx Holdings immediately prior to such Transaction do not own
more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate ordinary voting power of the
surviving entity (or its parent) immediately after such Transaction in
approximately the same proportion to each other as immediately prior to the
Transaction; (e) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Xxxxxx
Holdings or (f) approval by the shareholders of Xxxxxx Holdings of a plan of
liquidation or dissolution of Xxxxxx Holdings; provided, that, to the extent
necessary to comply with Section 409A with regard to the making of a
distribution, “Change of
Control” shall be limited to the occurrence of a “change in ownership,”
“change in effective control” or “change in the ownership of a substantial
portion of the assets” of Xxxxxx Holdings, as such terms are described in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).
(v) “Good Reason” shall mean
Executive terminates his employment as a result of (A) any diminution of his
titles, positions or status, without Executive’s written consent thereof, (B)
any material diminution of his duties, responsibilities or authority, or the
assignment to him of any duties materially inconsistent with his positions,
without Executive’s written consent thereof, (C) any relocation of his principal
office from New York, New York, without Executive’s written consent thereof, (D)
any material breach of this Agreement by Xxxxxx US, or (E) the Board repeatedly
overrides, supersedes or disregards reasonable decisions by Executive or
recommendations made by Executive to the Board, such that the Board materially
interferes with Executive’s ability to effectively function as the Executive
Chairman and Chief Executive
6
Officer, or the Board
otherwise takes actions that constructively represent a lack of confidence in
Executive’s ability to perform his duties and responsibilities; provided, that
in all cases Executive must provide written notice pursuant to Section
7(c) below within ninety (90) days following the occurrence of such
action or breach constituting Good Reason; provided further, that, in all cases
(other than (E) above), Xxxxxx US shall have fifteen (15) days following receipt
of such notice to resolve or cure such action or breach constituting Good
Reason.
(vi) “Mutual Retirement” shall mean
a Retirement with the mutual agreement of the Executive and the Board with a
successor chief executive officer of Xxxxxx Holdings approved by both in
writing.
(vii) “Person” shall mean any natural
person, sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization,
association, corporation, governmental authority, or any other organization,
irrespective of whether it is a legal entity and includes any successor (by
merger or otherwise) of such entity.
(viii) “Retirement” shall mean
Executive’s voluntary termination of employment with the Xxxxxx Group without
Good Reason. To the extent that any equity grant or Benefit Plan provides for
additional benefits or rights upon a "retirement", Executive shall deem to
qualify upon any termination (other than for Cause) and to the extent such
benefits or rights are greater as a "retiree" than otherwise provided based on
the other classification of such termination, Executive shall receive such
greater benefits or rights.
(e) Disability
Termination. Xxxxxx US may terminate Executive’s employment as
a result of a “Disability” if Executive, as a
result of mental or physical incapacity, has been unable to perform his material
duties for six (6) consecutive months (or 180 days in any 360-day period). Such
termination shall be only permitted while Executive is still so disabled and
shall be effective on thirty (30) days written notice to Executive, provided
that such termination shall not be effective if Executive returns to full time
performance of his material duties within such thirty (30) day period and
continues in such full time capacity (which full time status shall be deemed to
continue even in the event that vacation or intermittent and de minimis sick leave is
taken) for six (6) consecutive months thereafter. For the avoidance of doubt, in
the event that Executive does return to full-time performance but does not
continue in such full-time capacity for six (6) consecutive months thereafter,
the termination shall be deemed effective on thirty (30) days written notice
following the most recent date that Executive fails to continue in such
full-time capacity.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event that as a result of absence because of mental or
physical incapacity Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the
meaning of such term under Section 409A, Executive shall on such date
automatically be terminated from employment due to Disability.
4. Excise
Tax. Executive shall not be entitled to any gross up of any
excise tax in respect of Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, except that
Executive shall be entitled to a Gross-Up Payment (as such term is defined in
the Expiring Agreement) if the change in ownership or control (within the
meaning of Section 280G of the Code) giving rise to the related
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excise tax
occurs prior to the expiration of the term of the Expiring Agreement. Such
Gross-Up Payment shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Expiring
Agreement (the applicable provisions of which are attached hereto as Exhibit
C).
5. Ownership of
Business. All business activity participated in by Executive
as an employee of Xxxxxx US, and Executive’s execution of his duties and
responsibilities to the Xxxxxx Group and their related entities as set forth in
Section 1(a),
above (the “Business
Activity”) shall be conducted solely on behalf of Xxxxxx
Group. Executive shall have no right to share in any commission or
fee resulting from such Business Activity, other than the compensation referred
to in Section 1(b),
above, and any monies due to any member of the Xxxxxx Group or their related
entities as a result of Business Activity which may be collected by Executive on
behalf of the Xxxxxx Group or their related entities shall be promptly paid over
to of the Xxxxxx Group or their related entities, as applicable.
6. Confidential Information;
Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation. In consideration of Xxxxxx
US entering into this Agreement with Executive, Executive hereby:
(a) acknowledges
that the continued success of Xxxxxx Group depends upon the use and protection
of proprietary information. Executive further acknowledges that the
proprietary information obtained by him during the course of his employment with
Xxxxxx Group concerning the business or affairs of Xxxxxx Group and its
subsidiaries is the property of Xxxxxx Group (“Confidential
Information”). Therefore, Executive agrees that during the
Term and thereafter he will not disclose to any unauthorized person or use for
his own account any Confidential Information, whether or not such information is
developed by him, without the Board’s written consent, unless and to the extent
that the information (i) is disclosed by Executive in the good faith performance
of his duties hereunder, (ii) becomes generally known to the public other than
as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions to act in violation of this Section 6 or (iii) is
required to be disclosed pursuant to applicable law or court
order. Executive shall deliver to Xxxxxx Group upon his termination
of employment all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes,
printouts and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof)
embodying or relating to the Confidential Information or the business of Xxxxxx
Group; provided, that, Executive may keep his address book and similar personal
property;
(b) agrees
that while he is employed by Xxxxxx US and for a period of one (1) year
following termination of Executive’s employment with Xxxxxx US, on behalf of an
entity, which, aggregated with its affiliates, is primarily in the insurance
brokerage business, directly or indirectly solicit, accept, or perform, other
than on Xxxxxx Group’s behalf, insurance brokerage, insurance agency, risk
management, claims administration, consulting or other business performed by the
Xxxxxx Group from or with respect to (i) clients of Xxxxxx Group with whom
Executive had business contact or provided services to, either alone or with
others, while employed by Xxxxxx US and, further provided, such clients were
clients of Xxxxxx Group either on the date of termination of Executive’s
employment with Xxxxxx US or within twelve (12) months prior to such termination
and (ii) active prospective clients of Xxxxxx Group with whom Executive had
business contacts regarding the business of Xxxxxx Group within six (6) months
prior to termination of Executive’s employment with Xxxxxx US;
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(c) agrees
that while Executive is employed by Xxxxxx US and for a period of one (1) year
following termination of Executive’s employment with Xxxxxx US, directly or
indirectly, other than in performing his duties for Xxxxxx Group, (i) solicit
any employee of Xxxxxx Group to work for Executive or any third party, including
any competitor (whether an individual or a competing company) of Xxxxxx Group or
(ii) induce any such employee of Xxxxxx Group to leave the employ of Xxxxxx
Group, provided the foregoing shall not apply to Executive’s personal assistants
and personal non-executive staff, shall not be violated by general advertising
not specifically targeted at the Xxxxxx Group’s employees and shall not prevent
Executive from serving as a reference for any given individual; and
(d) agrees
that while Executive is employed by Xxxxxx US and for a period of one (1) year
following termination of Executive’s employment with Xxxxxx US, provide services
to Aon Corporation or Xxxxx, Inc. (or their subsidiaries) as an employee,
consultant or director, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive
from providing such services to a conglomerate that hereafter acquires such
entities that is not primarily in the insurance brokerage business and services
to such entities by Executive is not the primary focus of Executive’s
position.
7. Miscellaneous.
(a) Integrated
Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, this
Agreement (including the Exhibits attached hereto), together with the letter
agreement dated as of March 26, 2001 (the “Side Letter”), which shall
remain in full force and effect, embodies the complete understanding and
agreement of the parties hereto relating to Executive’s employment; provided,
however, that, all equity grants (as modified herein) shall continue in full
force and effect. This Agreement may not be amended or terminated orally, but
only by a writing executed by the parties hereto.
(b) Severability; Effect of Certain
Securities Laws and Other Restrictions. If any term of this
Agreement is rendered, declared or held to be invalid or unenforceable by any
judicial, legislative or administrative action, the remaining provisions hereof
shall remain in full force and effect, shall in no way be affected, impaired or
invalidated, and shall be enforced to the full extent permitted by law and
equity. In addition, notwithstanding anything set forth in this
Agreement to the contrary, in the event and to the extent that any term of this
Agreement (or benefit provided hereunder) is or becomes prohibited by applicable
securities laws (and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder) or rules
or regulations of any exchange on which stock of Xxxxxx Holdings is traded, such
term or benefit shall be suspended unless and until such term or benefit ceases
to be prohibited by such laws, rules or regulations, and Executive hereby
acknowledges and agrees that any such suspension will not constitute a breach of
this Agreement by Xxxxxx US.
(c) Notices. Any
notices given pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent by certified mail or a
nationally recognized courier service, with proof of delivery, to the addresses
set forth below (or, in the event of an address change by either party, to the
then-current address of the party, as specified in any written change-of-address
notice properly furnished under this Section
7(c)).
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If to
Xxxxxx US, then to:
Xxxxxx
North America, Inc.
Xxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention:
General Counsel
If to
Executive:
To
Executive’s most recent address set forth in the personnel records of Xxxxxx
US
With a
copy to:
Proskauer
Rose LLP
0000
Xxxxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
(d) Governing Law;
Remedies. The substantive laws of New York shall govern this
Agreement, without giving effect to its conflicts of law principles. Any
disputes or issues arising out of or relating to any equity in Xxxxxx Holdings
that Executive has received or may become entitled to receive shall also be
governed by the laws of the State of New York or, with respect to any equity
awards granted on Xxxxxx Holdings stock (except to the extent it involves
interpretation under this Agreement), the laws of Bermuda (provided that the
laws of Ireland shall govern equity grants made after December 31, 2009),
without regard to conflicts of law principles in any event. Executive
acknowledges that there is no adequate remedy at law for any breach of the
provisions of Section
6 of this Agreement and that, in addition to any other remedies to which
it may otherwise be entitled as a matter of law, Xxxxxx US shall be entitled to
injunctive relief in the event of any such breach.
(e) Waiver. The waiver
by any party of any breach of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed
as a waiver of that party’s rights upon any subsequent or different
breach.
(f) Successors and Assigns; Third-Party
Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon and enforceable against the heirs, legal representatives and
assigns of Executive and the successors and permitted assigns of Xxxxxx US. Any
amounts due to Executive as of his death shall be paid to his designated
beneficiary, or if none, his estate. Xxxxxx Holdings and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries are intended third-party beneficiaries of all promises and
covenants made by Executive herein in favor of Xxxxxx US in Section 6 hereof. As
such, insofar as they are affected by any breach of this Agreement by Executive
of Section 6,
Xxxxxx Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries may enforce Executive’s
covenants and promises herein to the same extent that Xxxxxx US has a right to
do so; provided, that, in enforcing such covenants and promises, Xxxxxx Holdings
and its direct and indirect subsidiaries shall be bound by the terms of this
Agreement (including but not limited to Section 7(i) below)
and any prior determinations or judgments regarding this Agreement to the same
extent as Xxxxxx US. Xxxxxx US may not assign this Agreement or its rights
hereunder
10
except as
part of a sale of, and to the acquirer of, all or substantially all of the
securities and/or assets of Xxxxxx Holdings or Xxxxxx US and then only if the
assignee and the ultimate parent entity of the assignee (if applicable) promptly
deliver to Executive a written assumption of the obligations hereunder in a form
reasonably acceptable to Executive (or, to the extent otherwise required to bind
an entity other than an entity incorporated under the laws of the United States,
the equivalent documentation therefor).
(g) Counterparts. This
Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original,
with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same
instrument.
(h) Legal Fees. Xxxxxx
US shall promptly pay Executive’s reasonable legal and financial advisory fees
incurred in connection with entering into this Agreement.
(i) Arbitration. Any
dispute hereunder or with regard to any document or agreement referred to
herein, other than injunctive relief under Section 7(d) hereof,
shall be resolved by arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in
New York City, New York. The determination of the arbitrator shall be final and
binding on the parties hereto and may be entered in any court of competent
jurisdiction. In the event of any arbitration or other disputes with regard to
this Agreement or any other document or agreement referred to herein, Xxxxxx US
shall pay Executive’s legal fees and disbursements promptly upon presentation of
invoices thereof, subject to an obligation of Executive to repay such amounts if
an arbitrator finds Executive’s positions in such arbitration or dispute to have
been frivolous or made in bad faith. In the event of any arbitration or other
disputes with regard to this Agreement or any other document or agreement
referred to herein, such fees and costs shall be paid by Xxxxxx US prior to
final disposition and promptly as such fees are incurred and submitted to Xxxxxx
US for payment on a quarterly basis which submission shall be made within
forty-five (45) days after the end of such quarter, subject to an obligation of
Executive to repay such amounts if an arbitrator finds Executive’s positions in
such arbitration or dispute to have been frivolous or made in bad
faith.
(j) Jurisdiction. Xxxxxx
US hereby consents to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in the
State of New York, irrevocably waives any objection it may now or hereafter have
to laying of the venue of any suit, action, or proceeding in connection with
this Agreement in any such court, and agrees that service upon it shall be
sufficient if made by registered mail, and agrees not to asset the defense of
forum
nonconveniens.
(k) Section 409A.
(i) The
intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply
with Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder or be
exempt therefrom and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this
Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. If Executive
notifies Xxxxxx US (with specificity as to the reason therefor) that Executive
believes that any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation,
including equity compensation or benefits) would cause Executive to incur any
additional tax or interest under Section 409A and Xxxxxx US concurs with such
belief or Xxxxxx US (without any obligation whatsoever to do so) independently
makes such determination, Xxxxxx US shall, after consulting with Executive,
reform such provision to attempt
11
to comply
with Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent
reasonably appropriate to conform with Section 409A. To the extent that any
provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Section 409A, such
modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent
reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to
Executive and Xxxxxx US of the applicable provision without violating the
provisions of Section 409A.
(ii) A
termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of
any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or
benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment
unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning
of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement,
references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall
mean “separation from service.” If Executive is deemed on the date of
termination to he a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under
Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment considered “deferred
compensation” under Section 409A (whether under this Agreement, any other plan,
program, payroll practice or any equity grant, including but not limited to all
restricted stock units granted to Executive on or after March 14, 2007) and is
due upon Executive’s separation from service, such payment shall not be made or
provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six
(6) month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the
Executive, and (B) the date of Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”) and this
Agreement and each such plan, program, payroll practice or equity grant shall
hereby be deemed amended accordingly. Upon the expiration of the Delay Period,
all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 7(k)(ii)
(whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in
installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to
Executive in a lump sum with interest at the prime rate as published in the
Wall Street Journal on
the first business day after the Delay Period (provided that any payment
measured by a change in value that continues during the Delay Period shall not
be credited with interest for the Delay Period), and any remaining payments and
benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with
the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(iii) All
expenses or other reimbursements paid pursuant to Sections 1(e)
and 7(h) hereof
or otherwise that are taxable income to the Executive shall in no event be paid
later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in
which Executive incurs such expense or pays such related tax. With regard to any
provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or
in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to
reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or
exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for
reimbursement, of in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not
affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be
provided, in any other taxable year, provided that the foregoing clause (ii)
shall not be violated without regard to expenses reimbursed under any
arrangement covered by Internal Revenue Code Section 105(b) solely because such
expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in
effect and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of
Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense
occurred. Any tax gross-up shall be made no later than the end of the calendar
year next following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related
tax. Any tax equalization payment, including such payment(s) provided
in the Side Letter, shall be paid to the Executive no later
12
than the
end of the second calendar year following the later of (y) the calendar year in
which the Executive’s US federal tax return (including extensions) is due and
(z) the calendar year in which the Executive’s foreign tax return is due (or the
due date for foreign tax payments if filing a tax return is not required), in
which the compensation to which such tax equalization payment relates is
reported.
(iv) Whenever
a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a
number of days (e.g.,
“payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of
termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be
within the sole discretion of Xxxxxx US.
(v) Executive
shall not be entitled to any gross up of any tax in respect of Section 409A of
the Internal Revenue Code, except that Executive shall be entitled to a 409A
Gross-Up Payment (as such term is defined in the Expiring Agreement) if the
Section 409A Tax (as such term is defined in the Expiring Agreement) relates to
documentary noncompliance in any document entered into or operational
noncompliance relating to any event occurring prior to the expiration of the
term of the Expiring Agreement. Such 409A Gross-Up Payment shall be subject to
the terms and conditions of the Expiring Agreement (the applicable provisions of
which are attached hereto as Exhibit
D).
[Signatures
on next page]
13
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement as of the date first above written.
XXXXXX NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
By:
|
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |
Name:
|
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |
Title:
|
Executive Vice President and Secretary | |
EXECUTIVE:
|
||
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
||
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx |
14
EXHIBIT
A
Annual
Bonus Schedule
The
amount of the annual bonus earned by Executive shall be paid to Executive fifty
percent (50%) in cash and fifty percent (50%) in restricted stock units (“RSU’s”), provided that the
pro-rata annual bonus for fiscal year 2013 shall be paid fully in cash and
Xxxxxx US may elect to pay the annual bonus for any other fiscal year fully in
cash (with the same payment timing as if the payments were in RSUs). The form of
RSU’s shall be the same as the RSU bonus form used in 2007 for Executive and the
conversion from bonus value to number of RSU’s shall be the same as used for the
0000 XXX bonus grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all RSU’s shall vest no
later than the annual meeting of Xxxxxx Holdings in 2011 (provided that RSUs
granted in 2012 and 2013 for fiscal years 2011 and 2012, respectively, shall
instead vest no later than July 7, 2013), upon Executive’s earlier death,
Disability termination, termination without Cause, termination for Good Reason,
Mutual Retirement or upon a Change in Control, all as defined in Executive’s
Employment Agreement. Any distribution of the underlying shares with regard to
the bonus RSU’s shall be subject to Section 7(k) of the
Agreement and the last sentence of this paragraph, and shall be distributed at
the earlier of (x) (A) the annual meeting in 2011 for all RSUs other than those
granted in 2012 and 2013 for fiscal years 2011 and 2012, respectively or (B)
July 7, 2013 for such RSUs granted in 2012 and 2013 and (y) when Executive
incurs a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A. Furthermore,
notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may agree, to the extent permitted by
Section 409A, on a different allocation between cash and RSU’s or a different
timing of payment of the RSU’s at any time prior to six (6) months before the
end of a performance period or at such other time as permitted under Section
409A.
Each
fiscal year the Compensation Committee shall establish, in good faith,
threshold, target and maximum performance goals. Maximum goals will be no
greater than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the target goal. If the target is
achieved the annual bonus shall be equal to at least three hundred seventy five
(375%) of Base Salary, if the threshold is achieved the annual bonus shall be
equal to at least two hundred fifty (250%) of Base Salary and, if the maximum is
achieved, the annual bonus shall be equal to at least five hundred percent
(500%) of Base Salary. The Compensation Committee will in good faith consider
and award bonuses if appropriate at lower levels of achievement and will also in
good faith consider and award higher bonuses in any case where
deserved.
15
EXHIBIT
B
Restricted
Stock Award
Xxxxxx Holdings shall grant to the
Executive restricted stock units with an aggregate fair market value on the date
of grant equal to $6,000,000 (the “0000 XXXx”). The
0000 XXXx shall include the following terms:
1.
|
2010
performance criteria shall be consistent with the 2010 performance
criteria for equity awards granted to other senior executives.1
|
2.
|
Time
vesting requirements shall be consistent with the time vesting schedule
for other senior executives, except that all time vesting requirements
shall not extend beyond July 7,
2013.
|
3.
|
The
2010 RSUs shall be settled, to the extent vested, upon the later of (i)
sixty (60) days following the end of the performance measurement period
and (ii) the date Executive incurs a separation from service with Xxxxxx
Group, subject to Section 7(k) of
the Agreement.
|
4.
|
In
the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without
Cause, by Executive for Good Reason, or due to death or disability, by
Mutual Retirement or a termination of employment for any reason on or
following July 7, 2013, any employment or service requirements shall be
waived, but performance vesting criteria, if any, shall
remain.
|
5.
|
In
the event of a Change in Control prior to the expiration of the
performance measurement period, all performance vesting criteria shall be
waived, but any employment or service requirements shall remain (subject
to Paragraph 4 above).
|
6.
|
In
the event Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for
Cause or (ii) by Executive without Good Reason prior to July 7, 2013, any
unvested portion of the 0000 XXXx shall be
forfeited.
|
7.
|
All
performance vesting criteria shall be adjusted for material corporate
events in the same manner that awards containing similar performance
vesting criteria granted to other senior executives are
adjusted.
|
8.
|
There
will be no forfeiture provisions (other than the above forfeiture
provisions for non-vesting) and no post-employment
restrictions.
|
9.
|
The
definitions of “Cause”, “Change of Control”, “Good Reason”, “Disability”,
“Retirement” and “Mutual Retirement” shall have the same meanings as set
forth in the Agreement.
|
1 Performance criteria for awards granted
in 2011 and 2012 are expected to have performance periods that do not exceed the
expiration date of the 2010 Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement.
16
EXHIBIT
C
Section
4999 Excise Tax
(a) In the
event it shall be determined that any payment, benefit or distribution (or
combination thereof) by Employer, any of Employer’s affiliates, one or more
trusts established by Employer for the benefit of its employees, or any other
person or entity, to or for the benefit of Executive (whether paid or payable or
distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or
otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program
or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option, stock
appreciation right, phantom equity awards or similar right, or the lapse or
termination of any restriction on the vesting or exercisability of any of the
foregoing) (a “Payment”)
would he subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) by reason of being
“contingent on a change in ownership or control” of Xxxxxx US or Xxxxxx
Holdings, within Section 280G of the Code (or any successor provision thereto)
or any interest or penalties are incurred by Executive with respect to such
excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties,
hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then Executive
shall be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an
amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest
or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation,
any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto)
and the Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an
amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the
Payments.
(b) Subject
to the provisions of clause (a) above, all determinations required to be made
under this Exhibit
C, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the
amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving
at such determination, shall be made by a nationally recognized certified public
accounting firm as may be designated by Employer, and reasonably satisfactory to
Executive (the “Accounting
Firm”), which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to
Employer and Executive within fifteen (15) business days of Termination Date, or
such earlier time as is requested by Employer; provided that for purposes of
determining the amount of any Gross-Up Payment, it is recognized that Executive
tax at the actual tax rates applicable to individuals in which any such Gross-Up
Payment is to be made to pay state and taxes at the actual tax rates applicable
to individuals in the state or locality of Executive’s residence or place of
employment in the calendar year in which any such Gross-Up Payment is to be
made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained
from deduction of such state and local taxes, taking into account limitations
applicable to individuals subject to federal income tax at the highest marginal
rates. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by
Employer. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Exhibit C, shall be
paid by Employer to Executive (or to the appropriate taxing authority on
Executive’s behalf) when due immediately prior to the date Executive is required
to make payment of any Excise Tax or other taxes. If the Accounting Firm
determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, it shall so indicate to
Executive in writing, with an opinion
17
letter
that Executive has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his/her
federal state, local income or other tax return. Any determination by the
Accounting Firm shall be binding upon Employer and the Executive absent a
contrary determination by the Internal Revenue Service or a court of competent
jurisdiction; provided, however, that no such determination shall eliminate or
reduce Employer’s obligation to provide any Gross-Up Payment that shall be due
as a result of such contrary determination. As a result of the uncertainty in
the application of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto)
and the possibility of similar uncertainty regarding state or local tax law at
the time of any determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible
that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment determined by the Accounting Firm to be
due to (or on behalf of) Executive was lower than the amount actually due
(“Underpayment”). In the
event that Employer exhausts its remedies pursuant to clause (c) below and
Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the
Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred
as promptly as possible and notify Employer and Executive of such calculations,
and any such Underpayment (including the Gross-Up Payment to Executive) shall be
promptly paid by Employer to or for the benefit of Executive within five (5)
business days after receipt of such determination and
calculations.
(c) Executive
shall notify Employer in writing of any claim by the internal Revenue Service
that, if successful, would require the payment by Employer of any Gross-Up
Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later
than ten (10) business days after Executive is informed in writing of such claim
and shall apprise Employer of the nature of such claim and the date on which
such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior
to the expiration of the thirty (30) day period following the date on which he
gives such notice to Employer (or such shorter period ending on the date that
any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If Employer notifies
Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to
contest such claim, Executive shall (i) give Employer any information which is
in Executive’s possession reasonably requested by Employer relating to such
claim, (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as
Employer shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by
an attorney reasonably selected by Employer, (iii) cooperate with Employer in
good faith in order to effectively contest such claim, and (iv) permit Employer
to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided, however,
that Employer shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including
additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and
shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any
Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto)
imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses.
Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this clause (c), Employer
shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its
sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals,
proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of
such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct Executive to pay the tax
claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in any
18
permissible
mariner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination
before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in
one or more appellate courts, as Employer shall determine; provided, further,
that if Employer directs Executive to pay such claim and xxx for a refund,
Employer shall pay the amount of such claim to Executive, and shall indemnify
and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax of
income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with
respect to such payment or with respect to any imputed income with respect to
such payment (including the applicable Gross-Up Payment); provided, further,
that if Executive is required to extend the statute of limitations to enable
Employer to contest such claim, Executive may limit this extension solely to
such contested amount. Employer’s control of the contest shall be limited to
issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and
Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other
issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority. The
reimbursement of expenses incurred by Executive due to a tax contest or
litigation addressing the existence or amount of an Excise Tax liability shall
be reimbursed promptly, but in no event be made later than the end of the
calendar year next following the calendar year in which the taxes that are
subject of the contest or litigation are remitted to the taxing authority (or if
no taxes are remitted as a result of such audit or litigation, the end of the
calendar year next following the calendar year in which the audit is completed
or there is a final and nonappealable settlement or other resolution of the
litigation). In addition, without extending the time of any obligation in this
Exhibit C, any
tax Gross-Up Payment shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year
next following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related
tax.
(d) If, after
the receipt by Executive of an amount paid by Employer pursuant to this Exhibit C, Executive
becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to a Gross-Up Payment,
Executive shall (subject to Employer’s complying with the requirements of clause
(c) above) promptly pay to Employer the amount of such refund received (together
with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the obligation to refund any
amount shall be a violation of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, such obligation
to refund shall be null and void.
(e) To the
extent that the applicable regulations under Code Section 280G permits a later
recalculation by the Employer, or requires a later recalculation, of whether the
Payments are subject to the Excise Tax, the provisions of this Exhibit C shall again
be applied based upon such recalculation.
19
EXHIBIT
D
Section
409A Excise Tax
(a) The
Employer acknowledges and agrees that if any payment, award, benefit or
distribution (or any acceleration of any payment, award, benefit or
distribution) made or provided to Executive or for Executive’s benefit in
connection with this Agreement, or Executive’s employment with the Employer or
the termination thereof (the “Payments”) are determined to
be subject to the additional tax imposed by Section 409A, or any interest or
penalties with respect to such additional taxes (such additional taxes, together
with any such interest and penalties, are referred to collectively as the “Section 409A Tax”), then the
Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “409A Gross-Up Payment”) from
the Employer such that the net amount the Executive retains after paying any
applicable Section 409A Tax and any federal, state or Local income or FICA taxes
on such 409A Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the amount the Executive would
have received if the Section 409A Tax were not applicable to the
Payments.
(b) All
determinations of the Section 409A Tax and 409A Gross-Up Payment, if any, will
be made by tax counsel or other tax advisers designated by Executive and
approved by the Employer, which approval won’t be unreasonably withheld or
delayed. For purposes of determining the amount of the 409A Gross-Up Payment, if
any, Executive will be deemed to pay federal income tax at the actual marginal
rate of federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the total Payments
are made and state and local income taxes at the actual marginal rate of
taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence on the date the
total Payments are made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes
that could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes. If the
Section 409A Tax is determined by the Internal Revenue Service, on audit or
otherwise, to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the
409A Gross-Up Payment (including by reason of any payment the existence or
amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the 409A Gross-Up Payment),
the Employer shall make another 409A Gross-Up Payment in respect of such excess
(plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by Executive with respect to
such excess). The Employer and Executive shall each reasonably cooperate with
the other in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings
concerning the existence or amount of liability for Section 409A Tax with
respect to the total Payments. The 409A Gross-Up Payments provided to Executive
shall be made no later than the tenth (10th) business day following the last
date the Payments are made but in all events within the time specified in Section 7(k)(iii) of
the Agreement.
20
EXHIBIT
E
Deferred
Compensation Benefit
(a) Deferred Compensation
Benefit. So long as Executive remains employed by Xxxxxx Group
hereunder, Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual deferred
compensation credit of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) (the “Deferred Compensation
Benefit”) under the Deferred Compensation Plan per year. Each such
Deferred Compensation Benefit shall be credited to an account established for
Executive under the Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferral Account”) in four (4)
equal installments of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) each, on January
14, April 14, July 14 and October 14 of each year (or partial year) during the
Term. Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Agreement, or the Deferral
Account to the contrary, on each date that any Deferred Compensation Benefit is
credited to the Deferral Account, Executive shall be vested in, but not then
entitled to payment of, such credited amount. Subject to the foregoing, all
Deferred Compensation Benefits shall otherwise be treated under the Deferred
Compensation Plan in the same manner (including, without limitation, subject to
Section
3(a)(ii) of the Agreement) as any elective deferrals of Base Salary and
annual bonus amounts made by Executive under the Deferred Compensation Plan as
provided in Section
l(b)(iii) of the Agreement.
21