3PAR, INC. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.17
3PAR, INC.
This Agreement is made by and between 3PAR, Inc. (the “Company”), and Xxxxx C-A Xxxxx (“Executive”).
1. Duties and Scope of Employment.
(a) Positions; CEO Employment Commencement Date; Duties. The Company shall employ the Executive as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company reporting to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The period of Executive’s employment hereunder is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.” During the Employment Term, Executive shall render such business and professional services in the performance of his duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company as shall reasonably be assigned to him by the Board.
(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote his full business efforts and time to the Company. Executive agrees, during the Employment Term, not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the prior approval of the Board; provided, however, that Executive may serve in any capacity with any civic, educational or charitable organization, or as a member of corporate Boards of Directors or committees thereof, without the approval of the Board, unless there is a conflict of interest.
(c) Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans maintained by the Company that are applicable to other senior management to the full extent provided for under those plans.
2. At-Will Employment. Executive and the Company understand and acknowledge that Executive’s employment with the Company constitutes “at-will” employment. Subject to the Company’s obligation to provide severance benefits as specified herein, Executive and the Company acknowledge that this employment relationship may be terminated at any time, upon written notice to the other party, with or without good cause or for any or no cause, at the option either of the Company or Executive.
3. Compensation.
(a) Base Salary. While employed by the Company, the Company shall pay the Executive as compensation for his services a base salary at the annualized rate of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) (the “Base Salary”). Such salary shall be paid periodically in accordance with normal Company payroll practices and subject to the usual, required withholding. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board for possible adjustments in light of Executive’s performance and competitive data.
(b) Target Bonus. Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual target bonus based upon the Company’s fiscal year equal to one hundred percent (100%) of his Base Salary (“Target Bonus”). The actual bonus, if any, Executive will receive may be greater or lesser and will depend upon the extent to which the applicable performance goal(s) specified by the Compensation Committee are achieved or exceeded. Any Target Bonus earned pursuant hereto will be paid to Executive within two and one-half months of the end of the fiscal year to which the Target Bonus relates.
(c) Equity Grants. In addition to the equity compensation awards that Executive has already received, Executive will be eligible to receive additional equity grants on a periodic basis consistent with the normal compensation practices of the Company.
4. Severance Benefits.
(a) Involuntary Termination other than for Cause, Death or Disability; Voluntary Termination for Good Reason During Change of Control Period. If, within eighteen (18) months following a Change of Control (the “Change of Control Period”), Executive’s employment is terminated (i) involuntarily by the Company other than for Cause, Death or Disability or (ii) due to a Voluntary Termination for Good Reason, then, subject to Executive entering into and not revoking a standard form of release of claims with the Company and further subject to Executive complying with the provisions of Section 7 hereof, the Company shall provide Executive with the following benefits:
(i) Severance Payment. Three hundred percent (300%) of the Executive’s Base Salary, payable in a lump-sum within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination of employment (subject to delayed payment to avoid additional taxation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”),);
(ii) Equity Compensation Accelerated Vesting. One hundred percent (100%) of the unvested portion of any stock option, restricted stock or other Company equity compensation held by the Executive shall automatically be accelerated in full so as to become completely vested.
(iii) Continued Benefits. Company-paid group health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage at the same level of coverage as was provided to such Executive immediately prior to the Change of Control and at the same ratio of Company premium payment to Executive premium payment as was in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control (the “Company-Paid Coverage”). If such coverage included the Executive’s dependents immediately prior to the Change of Control, such dependents shall also be covered at Company expense. Company-Paid Coverage shall continue until the earlier of (i) one year from the date of termination, or (ii) the date upon which the Executive and his dependents become covered under another employer’s group health, dental, vision or life insurance plans that provide Executive and his dependents with comparable benefits and levels of coverage. For purposes of Title X of the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the date of the “qualifying event” for Executive and his or her dependents shall be the date upon which the Company-Paid Coverage commences, and each month of Company-Paid Coverage provided hereunder shall offset a month of continuation coverage otherwise due under COBRA.
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(b) Involuntary Termination Other than for Cause or Voluntary Termination for Good Reason Outside of Change of Control Period; Termination Due to Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates (i) as a result of the Executive’s Disability, (ii) due to the death of the Executive, (iii) involuntarily by the Company for any reason other than for Cause outside of the Change of Control Period, or (iv) due to a Voluntary Termination for Good Reason outside of the Change of Control Period, then, subject to Executive (or his estate or personal representative) entering into and not revoking a standard form of release of claims with the Company and further subject to Executive complying with the provisions of Section 7 hereof (except in the case of Executive’s death), the Company shall provide Executive with the following benefits upon such termination:
(i) Severance Payment. Three hundred percent (300%) of the Executive’s Base Salary, payable in a lump-sum within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination of employment (subject to delayed payment to avoid additional taxation under Code Section 409A);
(ii) Equity Compensation Accelerated Vesting. Any stock option, restricted stock or other Company equity compensation held by the Executive shall receive one year’s accelerated vesting.
(iii) Continued Benefits. Company-paid group health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage at the same level of coverage as was provided to such Executive immediately prior to the Change of Control and at the same ratio of Company premium payment to Executive premium payment as was in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control (the “Company-Paid Coverage”). If such coverage included the Executive’s dependents immediately prior to the Change of Control, such dependents shall also be covered at Company expense. Company-Paid Coverage shall continue until the earlier of (i) one year from the date of termination, or (ii) the date upon which the Executive and his dependents become covered under another employer’s group health, dental, vision, or life insurance plans that provide Executive and his dependents with comparable benefits and levels of coverage. For purposes of Title X of the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the date of the “qualifying event” for Executive and his or her dependents shall be the date upon which the Company-Paid Coverage commences, and each month of Company-Paid Coverage provided hereunder shall offset a month of continuation coverage otherwise due under COBRA.
(c) Voluntary Resignation other than for Good Reason; Termination For Cause. If the Executive’s employment terminates by reason of the Executive’s voluntary resignation (and is not a Voluntary Termination for Good Reason), or if the Executive is terminated for Cause, then the Executive shall not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.
(d) Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the Executive is a “key employee” under Code Section 409A and a delay in making any payment
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or providing any benefit under this Plan is required to avoid additional taxation under Code Section 409A, such payments or benefits shall not be made or provided until the end of six (6) months following the date of the Employee’s separation from service as required by Code Section 409 A.
5. Golden Parachute Excise Taxes. In the event that the benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), and the aggregate value of such parachute payments, as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder is less than the product obtained by multiplying 3.59 by Executive’s “base amount” within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(3), then such benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary (but only to that extent) so that no portion of such benefits will be subject to the Excise Tax. Alternatively, in the event that the benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, would be subject to the Excise Tax, and the aggregate value of such parachute payments, as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder is equal to or greater than the product obtained by multiplying 3.59 by Executive’s “base amount” within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(3), then Executive shall receive (i) a payment from the Company sufficient to pay such Excise Tax, plus (ii) an additional payment from the Company sufficient to pay the Excise Tax and federal and state income and employment taxes arising from the payments made by the Company to Executive pursuant to this sentence (together, the “Excise Tax Gross-Up Payment”); provided, however, that the Excise Tax Gross-Up Payment shall be capped at a maximum of one million dollars ($1,000,000). The Executive shall receive such payments no later than the end of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the Executive remitted the applicable taxes. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, the determination of Executive’s excise tax liability and the amount required to be paid under this section shall be made in writing by a “Big Four” national accounting firm (the “Accountants”). For purposes of making the calculations required by this section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this section.
6. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement shall have the following meanings:
(a) Cause. “Cause” shall mean (i) an act of personal dishonesty taken by the Executive in connection with his responsibilities as an employee and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Executive, (ii) Executive being convicted of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony, (iii) breach of Executive’s obligations under Section 3(b) hereof or of the Employee Confidential Information and Invention and Assignment Agreement previously entered into by and between the Company and Executive (the “Confidential Information Agreement”), which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days of Executive’s receipt of written notice specifying the grounds for such breach; (iv) willful material breach of the Company’s written policies; or (v) a willful act by the Executive which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company.
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(b) Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or
(ii) The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company’s assets; or
(iii) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation.
(c) Disability. “Disability” means that, at least 26 weeks after commencement of the Executive’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity, a physician selected by the American Medical Association and acceptable to the Company or its insurers as well as the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative (such agreements to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld) has determined that the Executive (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than six (6) months under an accident and health plan covering Company employees. Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least 30 day’s written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment following the independent physician’s determination. In the event the Executive resumes the performance of substantially all of his duties hereunder before the termination of his employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate shall automatically be deemed to be revoked.
(d) Voluntary Termination for Good Reason. “Voluntary Termination for Good Reason” shall mean the Executive voluntarily resigns after the occurrence of any of the following (i) without the Executive’s express written consent, a material reduction of the Executive’s duties, title, authority or responsibilities, relative to the Executive’s duties, title, authority or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the assignment to Executive of such reduced duties, title, authority or responsibilities; provided, however, that a reduction in duties, title, authority or responsibilities solely by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of a
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larger entity (as, for example, when the senior vice-president of a business unit of the Company remains as such following a Change of Control) shall not by itself constitute grounds for a “Voluntary Termination for Good Reason;” (ii) without the Executive’s express written consent, a material reduction, without good business reasons, of the facilities or perquisites (including office space and location) available to the Executive immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a reduction by the Company in the base salary of the Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material reduction by the Company in the aggregate level of employee benefits, including bonuses, to which the Executive was entitled immediately prior to such reduction with the result that the Executive’s aggregate benefits package is materially reduced (other than a reduction that generally applies to Company employees); (v) the relocation of the Executive to a facility or a location outside Santa Xxxxx, Alameda or San Mateo counties without the Executive’s express written consent; (vi) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of this agreement by any successors contemplated in Section 8 below; or (vii) any act or set of facts or circumstances which would, under California case law or statute constitute a constructive termination of the Executive. In addition, upon any such voluntary termination the Executive must provide notice to the Company of the existence of the one or more of the above conditions within ninety (90) days of its initial existence and the Company must be provided at least thirty (30) days to remedy the condition.
7. Non-Solicitation
(a) Non-Solicitation. Until the date one year after the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive’s right to receive and retain the severance payments and benefits set forth in Section 4 (to the extent Executive is otherwise entitled to such payments) shall be conditioned upon Executive neither directly nor indirectly soliciting, inducing, recruiting or encouraging an employee to leave his or her employment either for Executive or for any other entity or person with which or whom Executive has a business relationship.
(b) Understanding of Covenant. Executive represents that he (i) is familiar with the foregoing covenant not to solicit, and (ii) is fully aware of his obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage of the covenant.
(c) Remedy for Breach. Upon any breach of this section by Executive, all severance payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement shall immediately cease and any stock options or stock appreciation rights then held by Executive shall immediately terminate and be without further force and effect, and Executive shall be required to reimburse the Company any lump-sum severance payment previously paid under Section 4 and the value of any COBRA reimbursements previously paid under Section 4 hereunder. The Company may also seek to enjoin Executive from any continued breach.
8. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, beneficiaries, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company shall be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. As used herein, “successor” shall include any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by
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purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement shall be assignable or transferable except through a testamentary disposition or by the laws of descent and distribution upon the death of Executive. Any attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than as aforesaid) of any interest in the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation hereunder shall be null and void.
9. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if (i) delivered personally or by facsimile, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by Federal Express or a similar commercial overnight service, or (iii) three (3) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors in interest at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may designate by written notice in the manner aforesaid:
| If to the Company: | 3PAR, Inc. | |
| 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx | ||
| Xxxxxxx, XX 00000 | ||
| Attn: Non-Executive Chairman of the Board | ||
| If to Executive: | Xxxxx C-A Xxxxx | |
| at the last residential address known by the Company. | ||
10. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision.
11. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Executive’s equity compensation agreements and the Confidential Information Agreement represent the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning Executive’s employment relationship with the Company. This Agreement supersedes and replaces in its entirety the Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive dated January 12, 2001.
12. Dispute Resolution.
(a) The parties shall first meet to settle any dispute through good faith negotiation or non-binding mediation. If not settled by good faith negotiation or non-binding mediation between the parties within 30 days from the date one party requests in writing to meet the other party, then to the extent permitted by law, any dispute or controversy arising out of, relating to, or in connection with this Agreement, or the interpretation, validity, construction, performance, breach, or termination thereof shall be finally settled by binding arbitration to be held in Santa Xxxxx County, California, in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes then in effect of the American Arbitration Association (the “Rules”). The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in such dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be confidential, final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. Judgment may be entered under a protective order on the arbitrator’s decision in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall pay all costs of any mediation or arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
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(b) The arbitrator shall apply California law to the merits of any dispute or claim, without reference to rules of conflict of law. The arbitration proceedings shall be governed by federal arbitration law and by the Rules, without reference to state arbitration law. Executive hereby expressly consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in California for any action or proceeding arising from or relating to this Agreement and/or relating to any arbitration in which the parties are participants.
(c) Executive understands that nothing in Section 12 modifies Executive’s at-will status. Either the Company or Executive can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause.
(d) EXECUTIVE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS SECTION 12, WHICH DISCUSSES ARBITRATION. EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EXECUTIVE AGREES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TO SUBMIT ANY FUTURE CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE INTERPRETATION, VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, PERFORMANCE, BREACH, OR TERMINATION THEREOF TO BINDING ARBITRATION, AND THAT THIS ARBITRATION CLAUSE CONSTITUTES A WAIVER OF EXECUTIVE’S RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND RELATES TO THE RESOLUTION OF ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO ALL ASPECTS OF THE EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP.
13. No Oral Modification, Cancellation or Discharge. This Agreement may only be amended, canceled or discharged in writing signed by Executive and a majority of the Board of Directors.
14. Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold, or cause to be withheld, from payment any amount of withholding taxes required by law with respect to payments made to Executive in connection with his employment hereunder.
15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.
16. Effective Date. This Agreement is effective upon the date it has been executed by both parties.
17. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement:
| 3PAR, Inc. |
| /s/ Xxxxx Xxxx |
| Xxxxx Xxxx |
| Non-Executive Chairman of the Board |
| EXECUTIVE |
| /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx |
| Xxxxx X. Xxxxx |
Date: July 30, 2007
