Exhibit 10.1
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
This Change in Control Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and
between SunTrust Banks, Inc., a Georgia corporation ("SunTrust"), and Xxxxxxx X.
Xxxx, Xx. ("Executive").
WHEREAS, Executive is employed by SunTrust or provides services
directly or indirectly to SunTrust as a senior executive of SunTrust or one, or
more than one, SunTrust Affiliate; and
WHEREAS, the Board and the Compensation Committee have decided that
SunTrust should provide certain benefits to Executive in the event Executive's
employment is terminated without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason
following a Change in Control; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement sets forth the benefits which the Board and the
Compensation Committee have decided SunTrust shall provide under such
circumstances and the terms and conditions under which the Board and the
Compensation Committee have decided that such benefits shall be provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, SunTrust and Executive
hereby agree as follows:
ss. 1.
Definitions
1.1 Board. The term "Board" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean
the Board of Directors of SunTrust.
1.2 Cause. The term "Cause" for purposes of this Agreement shall
(subject to ss. 1.2(e)) mean:
(a) The willful and continued failure by Executive to perform
satisfactorily the duties of Executive's job;
(b) Executive is convicted of a felony or has engaged in a
dishonest act, misappropriation of funds, embezzlement, criminal
conduct or common law fraud;
(c) Executive has engaged in a material violation of the SunTrust
Code of Conduct; or
(d) Executive has engaged in any willful act that materially
damages or materially prejudices SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate or
has engaged in conduct or
activities materially damaging to the property, business or reputation
of SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate; provided, however,
(e) No such act, omission or event shall be treated as "Cause"
under this Agreement unless (i) Executive has been provided a
detailed, written statement of the basis for SunTrust's belief that
such act, omission or event constitutes "Cause" and an opportunity to
meet with the Compensation Committee (together with Executive's
counsel if Executive chooses to have Executive's counsel present at
such meeting) after Executive has had a reasonable period in which to
review such statement and, if the allegation is under ss. 1.2(a), has
had at least a thirty (30) day period to take corrective action and
(ii) the Compensation Committee after such meeting (if Executive meets
with the Compensation Committee) and after the end of such thirty (30)
day correction period (if applicable) determines reasonably and in
good faith and by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the
members of the Compensation Committee then in office at a meeting
called and held for such purpose that "Cause" does exist under this
Agreement.
1.3 Change in Control. The term "Change in Control" for purposes of
this Agreement shall mean a change in control of SunTrust of a nature that would
be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of
Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act as in effect at the time of
such "change in control", provided that such a change in control shall be deemed
to have occurred at such time as (i) any "person" (as that term is used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), is or becomes the beneficial
owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly,
of securities representing 20% or more of the combined voting power for election
of directors of the then outstanding securities of SunTrust or any successor of
SunTrust; (ii) during any period of two consecutive years or less, individuals
who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board cease, for any reason,
to constitute at least a majority of the Board, unless the election or
nomination for election of each new director was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the
beginning of the period; (iii) the shareholders of SunTrust approve any
reorganization, merger, consolidation or share exchange as a result of which the
common stock of SunTrust shall be changed, converted or exchanged into or for
securities of another corporation (other than a merger with a wholly-owned
subsidiary of SunTrust) or any dissolution or liquidation of SunTrust or any
sale or the disposition of 50% or more of the assets or business of SunTrust; or
(iv) the shareholders of SunTrust approve any reorganization, merger,
consolidation or share exchange unless (A) the persons who were the beneficial
owners of the outstanding shares of the common stock of SunTrust immediately
before the consummation of such transaction beneficially own more than 65% of
the outstanding shares of the common stock of the successor or survivor
corporation in such transaction immediately following the consummation of such
transaction and (B) the number of shares of the common stock of such successor
or survivor corporation beneficially owned by the persons described in ss.
1.3(iv)(A) immediately following the consummation of such transaction is
beneficially owned by each such person in substantially the same proportion that
each such person had beneficially owned shares of SunTrust common stock
immediately before the consummation of such transaction, provided (C) the
percentage described in ss. 1.3(iv)(A) of the beneficially owned shares of the
successor or survivor corporation and the number described in ss. 1.3(iv)(B) of
the beneficially owned shares of the successor or survivor corporation shall be
determined exclusively by reference to the shares of the
successor or survivor corporation which result from the beneficial ownership of
shares of common stock of SunTrust by the persons described in ss. 1.3(iv)(A)
immediately before the consummation of such transaction.
1.4 Change in Control Date. The term "Change in Control Date" for
purposes of this Agreement shall mean the date which includes the "closing" of
the transaction which results from a Change in Control or, if there is no
transaction which results from a Change in Control, the date such Change in
Control is reported by SunTrust to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.5 Code. The term "Code" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.6 Compensation Committee. The term "Compensation Committee" for
purposes of this Agreement shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
1.7 Confidential or Proprietary Information. The term "Confidential or
Proprietary Information" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean any secret,
confidential, or proprietary information of SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate
(not otherwise included in the definition of Trade Secret in ss. 1.23 of this
Agreement) that has not become generally available to the public by the act of
one who has the right to disclose such information without violating any right
of SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate.
1.8 Current Compensation Package. The term "Current Compensation
Package" for purposes of ss. 3(a)(2)(A) of this Agreement shall mean the sum of
the amount described in ss. 1.8(a), in ss. 1.8(b) and, if applicable, in ss.
1.8(c) as follows:
(a) Base Salary. Executive's highest annual base salary from
SunTrust and any SunTrust Affiliate which (but for any salary deferral
election) is in effect at any time during the 1 year period which ends
on the date Executive's employment with SunTrust or a SunTrust
Affiliate terminates under the circumstances described in ss. 3(a) or
ss. 3(f).
(b) MIP or MIP Alternative.
(1) General Rule. If Executive participates in the MIP or in
an alternative, functional incentive plan, the amount described
in this ss. 1.8(b) shall (subject to ss. 1.8(b)(2)) be the
greater of (i) Executive's target annual bonus under the MIP or
such alternative plan for the calendar year in which Executive's
employment with SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate terminates under
the circumstances described in ss. 3(a) or ss. 3(f) or (ii) the
greater of (A) the average of the annual bonus which was paid to
Executive (or, if greater, which would have been paid to
Executive but for any bonus deferral election) for the 3 full
calendar years in which Executive has participated in the MIP or
such alternative plan (or, if less, the number of full calendar
years in which Executive has participated in the MIP or such
alternative plan) which immediately precedes the calendar year in
which Executive's employment so
terminates or, if Executive was not eligible to participate in
the MIP or in a functional incentive plan in the calendar year
which immediately precedes the calendar year in which Executive's
employment so terminates, (B) the last annual bonus which was
paid to Executive (or, if greater, which would have been paid to
Executive but for any bonus deferral election).
(2) Exceptions to General Rule.
(a) No MIP. If Executive participates in a functional
incentive plan and in the PUP but not in the MIP, the amount
described in this ss. 1.8(b) shall not exceed the amount
which would have been described in ss. 1.8(b)(1) if
Executive instead had been a participant in the MIP.
(b) No MIP and No PUP. If Executive participates in a
functional incentive plan but does not participate in either
the MIP or the PUP, the amount described in this ss. 1.8(b)
shall not exceed the amount which would have been described
in ss. 1.8(b)(1) if Executive instead had been a participant
in the MIP plus the amount which would have been described
in ss. 1.8(c) if Executive had been a participant in the
PUP.
(c) Determination Rules. SunTrust shall determine the
amount which would have been described in ss. 1.8(b)(1) if
Executive had been a participant in the MIP and, if
applicable, in ss. 1.8(c) if Executive had been a
participant in the PUP based on the target bonus or, if
greater, the projected bonus for a MIP participant and the
target bonus or, if greater, the projected bonus for PUP
participant, or for a class of such participants, whose
duties, responsibilities and compensation match, or most
closely match, Executive's duties, responsibilities and
compensation before Executive's employment terminated.
(c) (1) If Executive participated in the PUP, the average of the PUP
bonus which was paid to Executive (or, if greater, which would have been paid to
Executive but for any bonus deferral election) for the 3 full performance cycles
in which Executive has participated in the PUP (or, if less, for the number of
full performance cycles in which Executive has participated in the PUP) which
immediately precede the performance cycle which ends in the calendar year in
which Executive's employment with SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate terminates
under the circumstances described in ss. 3(a) or ss. 3(f) or, if Executive was
not eligible to participate in the PUP for the performance cycle which ends in
the calendar year in which Executive's employment so terminates or if there is
no such cycle, (2) the average PUP bonus described in ss.1.8(c)(1) or the last
PUP bonus which was paid to Executive (or, if greater, which would have been
paid to Executive but for any bonus deferral election), whichever is greater.
1.9 Disability Termination. The term "Disability Termination" for
purposes of this Agreement shall mean a termination of Executive's employment on
or after the date Executive has a right immediately upon such termination to
receive disability income benefits under SunTrust's long term disability plan or
any successor to or replacement for such plan.
1.10 Exchange Act. The term "Exchange Act" for purposes of this
Agreement shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.11. Financial Services Business. The term "Financial Services
Business" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the business of banking,
including deposit, credit, trust and investment services, mortgage banking,
commercial and auto leasing, insurance, asset management, brokerage and
investment banking services.
1.12 Good Reason. The term "Good Reason" for purposes of this Agreement
shall (subject to ss. 1.12(e)) mean:
(a) SunTrust or any SunTrust Affiliate after a Change in Control
but before the end of Executive's Protection Period reduces
Executive's base salary or opportunity to receive comparable incentive
compensation or bonuses without Executive's express written consent;
(b) SunTrust or any SunTrust Affiliate after a Change in Control
but before the end of Executive's Protection Period reduces the scope
of any of Executive's duties, responsibilities or authority without
Executive's express written consent;
(c) SunTrust or any SunTrust Affiliate at any time after a Change
in Control but before the end of Executive's Protection Period
(without Executive's express written consent) transfers Executive's
primary work site from Executive's primary work site on the date of
such Change in Control or, if Executive subsequently consents in
writing to such a transfer under this Agreement, from the primary work
site which was the subject of such consent, to a new primary work site
which is outside the "standard metropolitan statistical area" which
then includes Executive's then current primary work site unless such
new primary work site is closer to Executive's primary residence than
Executive's then current primary work site; or
(d) SunTrust or any SunTrust Affiliate after a Change in Control
but before the end of Executive's Protection Period fails (without
Executive's express written consent) to continue to provide to
Executive health and welfare benefits, deferred compensation and
retirement benefits, stock option and restricted stock grants that are
in the aggregate comparable to those provided to Executive immediately
prior to the Change in Control Date; provided, however,
(e) No such act or omission shall be treated as "Good Reason"
under this Agreement unless
(i) (A) Executive delivers to the Compensation Committee a
detailed, written statement of the basis for Executive's belief
that such act or omission constitutes Good Reason, (B) Executive
delivers such statement before the later of (1) the end of the
ninety (90) day period which starts on the date there is an act
or omission which forms the basis for Executive's belief that
Good Reason exists or (2) the end of the period mutually agreed
upon for purposes of this ss. 1.12(e)(i)(B) in writing by
Executive and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, (C)
Executive gives the Compensation Committee a thirty (30) day
period after the delivery of such statement to cure the basis for
such belief and (D) Executive actually submits Executive's
written resignation to the Compensation Committee during the
sixty (60) day period which begins immediately after the end of
such thirty (30) day period if Executive reasonably and in good
faith determines that Good Reason continues to exist after the
end of such thirty (30) day period, or
(ii) SunTrust states in writing to Executive that Executive
has the right to treat such act or omission as Good Reason under
this Agreement and Executive resigns during the sixty (60) day
period which starts on the date such statement is actually
delivered to Executive;
(f) If (i) Executive gives the Compensation Committee the
statement described in ss. 1.12(e)(i) before the end of the thirty
(30) day period which immediately follows the end of the Protection
Period and Executive thereafter resigns within the period described in
ss. 1.12(e)(i) or (ii) SunTrust provides the statement to Executive
described in ss. 1.12(e)(ii) before the end of the thirty (30) day
period which immediately follows the end of the Protection Period and
Executive thereafter resigns within the period described in ss.
1.12(e)(ii), then (iii) such resignation shall be treated under this
Agreement as if made in Executive's Protection Period; and
(g) If Executive consents in writing to any reduction described
in ss. 1.12(a) or ss. 1.12(b), to any transfer described in ss.
1.12(c) or to any failure described in ss. 1.12(d) in lieu of
exercising Executive's right to resign for Good Reason and delivers
such consent to SunTrust, the date such consent is delivered to
SunTrust thereafter shall be treated under this definition as the date
of a Change in Control for purposes of determining whether Executive
subsequently has Good Reason under this Agreement to resign under ss.
3(a) or ss. 3(f) as a result of any subsequent reduction described in
ss. 1.12(a) or ss. 1.12(b), any subsequent transfer described in ss.
1.12(c) or any subsequent failure described in ss. 1.12(d).
1.13 Gross Up Payment. The term "Gross Up Payment" for purposes of this
Agreement shall mean a payment to or on behalf of Executive which shall be
sufficient to pay (i) any excise tax described in ss. 9 in full, (ii) any
federal, state and local income tax and social security and other employment tax
on the payment made to pay such excise tax as well as any additional taxes on
such payment and (iii) any interest or penalties assessed by the Internal
Revenue Service on Executive which are related to the payment of such excise tax
unless such interest or penalties are attributable to Executive's willful
misconduct or negligence.
1.14 Managerial Responsibilities. The term "Managerial
Responsibilities" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean managerial and
supervisory responsibilities and duties that are substantially the same as those
Executive is performing for SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate on the date of this
Agreement.
1.15 MIP. The term "MIP" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the
SunTrust Banks, Inc. Management Incentive Plan or, if there is any material
change in the terms, operation or administration of such plan following a Change
in Control, any successor to such plan in which Executive is eligible to
participate and which provides an opportunity for a bonus for Executive which is
comparable to the opportunity which Executive had under such plan before such
Change in Control or, if Executive reasonably determines that there is no such
plan in which Executive is eligible to participate but SunTrust or a parent
corporation maintains a short term bonus plan for the benefit of senior
executives which provides for such an opportunity, such other plan as agreed to
by Executive and the Compensation Committee.
1.16 Protection Period. The term "Protection Period" for purposes of
this Agreement shall (subject to ss. 1.12(f)) mean the three (3) year period
which begins on a Change in Control Date.
1.17 PUP. The term "PUP" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the
SunTrust Banks, Inc. Performance Unit Plan or, if there is any material change
in the terms, operation or administration of such plan following a Change in
Control, any successor to such plan in which Executive is eligible to
participate and which provides an opportunity for a bonus for Executive which is
comparable to the opportunity which Executive had under such plan before such
Change in Control or, if Executive reasonably determines that there is no such
plan in which Executive is eligible to participate but SunTrust or a parent
corporation maintains a long term bonus plan for the benefit of senior
executives which provides for such an opportunity, such other plan as agreed to
by Executive and the Compensation Committee.
1.18 Restricted Period. The term "Restricted Period" for purposes of
this Agreement shall mean the period which starts on the date Executive's
employment by SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate terminates under circumstances
which require SunTrust to make the payments and provide the benefits described
in ss. 3 and which ends on the earlier of (a)(i) the first anniversary of such
termination date for purposes of ss. 5 and (ii) the second anniversary of such
termination date for all other purposes under this Agreement, or (b) on the
first date following such a termination on which SunTrust either breaches any
obligation to Executive under ss. 3 or no longer has any obligation to Executive
under ss. 3.
1.19 SunTrust. The term "SunTrust" for purposes of this Agreement shall
mean SunTrust Banks, Inc. and any successor to SunTrust.
1.20 SunTrust Affiliate. The term "SunTrust Affiliate" for purposes of
this Agreement shall mean any corporation which is a subsidiary corporation
(within the meaning of ss. 424(f) of the Code) of SunTrust except a corporation
which has subsidiary corporation status under ss.
424(f) of the Code exclusively as a result of SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate
holding stock in such corporation as a fiduciary with respect to any trust,
estate, conservatorship, guardianship or agency.
1.21 Term. The term "Term" for purposes of this Agreement shall mean
the period described in ss. 2(b).
1.22 Territory. The term "Territory" for purposes of this Agreement
shall mean the states of Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida,
Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Virginia, and West Virginia, which are the states in which SunTrust has
significant operations on the date of this agreement.
1.23 Trade Secret. The term "Trade Secret" for purposes of this
Agreement shall mean information, including, but not limited to, technical or
nontechnical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a
method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans,
product plans, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers that:
(a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being
generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper
means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its
disclosure or use, and
(b) is the subject of reasonable efforts by SunTrust or a
SunTrust Affiliate to maintain its secrecy.
ss. 2.
Effective Date and Term
(a) Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective on the date
of this Agreement as set forth in the signature section of this
Agreement.
(b) Term.
(1) The Term of this Agreement shall be the period which
starts on the date on which this Agreement becomes effective
under ss. 2(a) and ends (subject to ss. 2(b)(2) and ss. 2(b)(3))
on the third anniversary of such effective date.
(2) The Term of this Agreement shall automatically be
extended for one additional year effective as of the first
anniversary of the date on which this Agreement becomes effective
under ss. 2(a) and one additional year effective as of each such
anniversary date thereafter unless either Executive or SunTrust
delivers to the other person notice to the effect that there will
be no such one year extension before the beginning of the 90 day
period which ends on the anniversary date on which such automatic
one year extension otherwise would have been effective.
(3) (A) If Executive's Protection Period starts before the
Term of this Agreement (as extended, if applicable, under ss.
2(b)(2)) expires, the then Term of this Agreement shall
automatically be extended until the expiration of such Protection
Period.
(B) If Executive's employment terminates during Executive's
Protection Period under the circumstances described in ss. 3(a)
or if Executive's employment terminates under the circumstances
described in ss. 3(f) before the Term of this Agreement (as
extended, if applicable, under ss. 2(b)(2)) expires, the then
Term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended until the
earlier of (1) the date Executive agrees that all SunTrust's
obligations to Executive under this Agreement have been satisfied
in full or (B) the date a final determination is made pursuant to
ss. 8 that SunTrust has no further obligations to Executive under
this Agreement.
ss. 3.
Compensation and Benefits
(a) General. If a Change in Control occurs during the Term of
this Agreement and
(1) SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate terminates Executive's
employment without Cause during Executive's Protection Period or
(2) Executive resigns for Good Reason during Executive's
Protection Period, then:
(A) Cash Payment. SunTrust shall pay Executive three
(3) times Executive's Current Compensation Package in cash
in a lump sum within 30 days after the date Executive's
employment so terminates.
(B) Stock Options. Each outstanding stock option
granted to Executive by SunTrust shall (subject to ss.
3(a)(2)(G)) immediately become fully vested and exercisable
on the date Executive's employment so terminates and
Executive shall be deemed to continue to be employed by
SunTrust for the period described in ss. 3(d) for purposes
of determining when Executive's right to exercise each such
option expires notwithstanding the terms of any plan or
agreement under which such option was granted.
(C) Restricted Stock. Any restrictions on any
outstanding restricted or performance stock grants to
Executive by SunTrust shall immediately expire and
Executive's right to such stock shall be non-
forfeitable notwithstanding the terms of any plan or
agreement under which such grants were made.
(D) Earned but Unpaid Salary, Bonus and Vacation.
SunTrust shall promptly pay Executive any earned but unpaid
base salary and bonus, shall promptly pay Executive for any
earned but untaken vacation and shall promptly reimburse
Executive for any incurred but unreimbursed expenses which
are otherwise reimbursable under SunTrust's expense
reimbursement policy as in effect for senior executives
immediately before Executive's employment so terminates.
(E) MIP or MIP Alternative.
(1) General Rule. If Executive participates in
the MIP or in an alternative, functional incentive
plan, SunTrust shall (subject to the exception to this
general rule set forth in ss. 3(a)(2)(E)(2)) pay
Executive within 30 days after Executive's employment
terminates a portion of Executive's target bonus or, if
greater, Executive's projected bonus under the MIP or
such alternative plan for the calendar year in which
Executive's employment terminates, where (a)
Executive's projected bonus shall be no less than the
bonus which would have been projected under the
projection procedures in effect under the MIP or such
alternative plan on the date of the Change in Control
and (b) such portion shall be determined by multiplying
such target bonus or, if greater, such projected bonus
by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the
number of days Executive is employed in such calendar
year and the denominator of which shall be the number
of days in such calendar year.
(2) Exceptions to General Rule.
(a) No MIP. If Executive participates in a
functional incentive plan and in the PUP but not in the
MIP, the payment made to Executive under ss.
3(a)(2)(E)(1) shall not exceed the payment which would
have been made to Executive if Executive instead had
been a participant in the MIP.
(b) No MIP and No PUP. If Executive participates
in a functional incentive plan but does not participate
in either the MIP or the PUP, the payment made to
Executive under ss. 3(a)(2)(E)(1) shall not exceed the
payment which would have been made to Executive if
Executive instead had been a participant in the MIP and
in the PUP.
(c) Determination Rules. SunTrust shall
determine the payment which would have been made to
Executive under ss. 3(a)(E)(1) if Executive had been a
participant in the MIP and, if applicable, under ss.
3(a)(F) if Executive had been a participant in the PUP
based on the target bonus or, if greater, the projected
bonus for a MIP participant and the target bonus or, if
greater, the projected bonus for PUP participant, or
for a class of such participants, whose duties,
responsibilities and compensation match, or most
closely match, Executive's duties, responsibilities and
compensation before a Change in Control.
(F) PUP. If Executive participates in the PUP, SunTrust
shall pay Executive within 30 days after Executive's
employment terminates a portion of Executive's target bonus
or, if greater, Executive's projected bonus under the PUP
for each performance cycle in effect on the date Executive's
employment terminates, where (1) Executive's projected bonus
shall be no less than the bonus which would have been
projected under the projection procedures in effect under
the PUP on the date of the Change in Control and (2) such
portion shall be determined by multiplying such target bonus
or, if greater, such projected bonus by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the number of days Executive is
employed in each such performance cycle and the denominator
of which shall be the number of days in each such
performance cycle.
(b) Continuing Benefit Coverage. If Executive's employment
terminates under the circumstances described in ss. 3(a) or ss. 3(f),
SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate from the date of such termination of
Executive's employment until the end of Executive's Protection Period
shall provide to Executive medical, dental and life insurance benefits
which are similar in all material respects as those benefits provided
under SunTrust's employee benefit plans, policies and programs to
senior executives of SunTrust who have not terminated their
employment. If SunTrust cannot provide such benefits under SunTrust's
employee benefit plans, policies and programs, SunTrust either shall
provide such benefits to Executive outside such plans, policies and
programs at no additional expense or tax liability to Executive or
shall reimburse Executive for Executive's cost to purchase such
benefits and for any tax liability for such reimbursements.
(c) No Interference with Vested Benefits. If Executive's
employment terminates under the circumstances described in ss. 3(a) or
ss. 3(f), Executive shall have a right to any benefits under any
employee benefit plan, policy or program maintained by SunTrust or any
SunTrust Affiliate (other than the MIP, the PUP and the SunTrust
Severance Pay Plan) which Executive had a right to receive under the
terms of such employee benefit plan, policy or program after a
termination of Executive's employment without regard to this
Agreement.
(d) Additional Age and Service Credit. If Executive's employment
terminates under the circumstances described in ss. 3(a) or ss. 3(f),
Executive shall be deemed to have been employed by SunTrust throughout
Executive's Protection Period for purposes of computing Executive's
age and service credit on the date Executive's employment so
terminates under any deferred compensation or welfare plan, policy or
program (except a plan described in ss. 401 of the Code) maintained by
SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate in which Executive is a participant
and under which Executive's benefit, or eligibility for a benefit, is
based in whole or in part on Executive's age or service or age and
service, and Executive shall receive such age and service credit
notwithstanding the terms of any such plan, policy or program.
(e) No Increase in Other Benefits; No Other Severance Pay. If
Executive's employment terminates under the circumstances described in
ss. 3(a) or ss. 3(f), Executive waives Executive's right, if any, to
have any payment made under this ss. 3 taken into account to increase
the benefits otherwise payable to, or on behalf of, Executive under
any employee benefit plan, policy or program, whether qualified or
nonqualified, maintained by SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate and,
further, waives Executive's right, if any, to the payment of severance
pay under any severance pay plan, policy or program maintained by
SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate subject to the condition that
SunTrust not be relieved of any of its obligations to Executive under
this ss. 3 pursuant to ss. 3(g) or ss. 3(h).
(f) Termination in Anticipation of Change in Control Date.
Executive shall be treated under ss. 3(a) as if Executive's employment
had been terminated without Cause or Executive had resigned for Good
Reason during Executive's Protection Period if (1)(A) Executive's
employment is terminated by SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate without
Cause after a Change in Control but before the Change in Control Date
which results from such Change in Control or (B) Executive resigns for
Good Reason after a Change in Control but before the Change in Control
Date which results from such Change in Control, (2) such Change in
Control occurs on or after the date this Agreement becomes effective
under ss. 2 and (3) there is a Change in Control Date which results
from such Change in Control.
(g) Death or Disability. Executive agrees that SunTrust will have
no obligations to Executive under this ss. 3 if Executive's employment
terminates exclusively as a result of Executive's death or Executive
has a Disability Termination.
(h) Release. Executive agrees that SunTrust will have no
obligations to Executive under this ss. 3 until Executive executes the
form of release which is attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement and,
further, will have no further obligations to Executive under this ss.
3 if Executive revokes such release.
ss. 4.
Noncompetition
(a) No Competitive Activity. Absent the Compensation Committee's
written consent, Executive shall not, during the Restricted Period and
within the Territory, engage in any Managerial Responsibilities, for
or on behalf of, any corporation, partnership, venture, or other
business entity that engages directly or indirectly in the Financial
Services Business whether as an owner, partner, employee, agent,
consultant, advisor, contractor, salesman, stockholder, investor,
officer or director; provided, however, Executive may own up to five
percent (5%) of the stock of a publicly traded company that engages in
the Financial Services Business so long as Executive is only a passive
investor and is not actively involved in such company in any way.
(b) No Solicitation of Customers or Clients. Executive shall not
during the Restricted Period solicit any customer or client of
SunTrust or any SunTrust Affiliate with whom Executive had any
material business contact during the two (2) year period which ends on
the date Executive's employment by SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate
terminates for the purpose of competing with SunTrust or any SunTrust
Affiliate for any reason, either individually, or as an owner,
partner, employee, agent, consultant, advisor, contractor, salesman,
stockholder, investor, officer or director of, or service provider to,
any corporation, partnership, venture or other business entity.
ss. 5.
Antipirating of Employees
Absent the Compensation Committee's written consent, Executive will not
during the Restricted Period solicit to employ on Executive's own behalf or on
behalf of any other person, firm or corporation, any person who was employed by
SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate during the term of Executive's employment by
SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate (whether or not such employee would commit a
breach of contract), and who has not ceased to be employed by SunTrust or a
SunTrust Affiliate for a period of at least one (1) year.
ss. 6.
Trade Secrets and Confidential Information
Executive hereby agrees that Executive will hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of SunTrust and each SunTrust Affiliate, and will not
directly or indirectly use or disclose, any Trade Secret that Executive may have
acquired during the term of Executive's employment by SunTrust or a SunTrust
Affiliate for so long as such information remains a Trade Secret.
Executive in addition agrees that during the Restricted Period
Executive will hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of SunTrust and each
SunTrust Affiliate, and will not directly or indirectly use or disclose, any
Confidential or Proprietary Information that Executive may have acquired
(whether or not developed or compiled by Executive and whether or not Executive
was authorized to have access to such information) during the term of, in the
course of, or as a result of Executive's employment by SunTrust or a SunTrust
Affiliate.
ss. 7.
Reasonable and Necessary Restrictions and Non-Disparagement
Executive acknowledges that the restrictions, prohibitions and other
provisions set forth in this Agreement, including without limitation the
Territory and Restricted Period, are reasonable, fair and equitable in scope,
terms and duration; are necessary to protect the legitimate business interests
of SunTrust; and are a material inducement to SunTrust to enter into this
Agreement. Executive covenants that Executive will not challenge the
enforceability of this Agreement nor will Executive raise any equitable defense
to its enforcement. Further, Executive and SunTrust each agree not to knowingly
make false or materially misleading statements or disparaging comments about the
other during the Restricted Period.
ss. 8.
Arbitration
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this
Agreement shall be determined by binding arbitration in accordance with Title 9
of the United States Code and the applicable set of arbitration rules of the
American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon any award made in such
arbitration may be entered and enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction.
All statutes of limitation which would otherwise be applicable in a judicial
action brought by a party shall apply to any arbitration or reference proceeding
hereunder. Neither SunTrust nor Executive shall appeal such award to or seek
review, modification, or vacation of such award in any court or regulatory
agency. Unless otherwise agreed, venue for arbitration shall be in Atlanta,
Georgia. All of Executive's reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection
with such arbitration shall be paid in full by SunTrust promptly on written
demand from Executive, including the arbitrators' fees, administrative fees,
travel expenses, out-of-pocket expenses such as copying and telephone, court
costs, witness fees and attorneys' fees; provided, however, SunTrust shall pay
no more than $50,000 in attorneys' fees unless a higher figure is awarded in the
arbitration, in which event SunTrust shall pay the figure awarded in the
arbitration.
ss. 9.
Tax Protection
If SunTrust or SunTrust's independent accountants determine that any
payments and benefits called for under this Agreement together with any other
payments and benefits made available to Executive by SunTrust or a SunTrust
Affiliate will result in Executive being subject to an excise tax under ss. 4999
of the Code or if such an excise tax is assessed against Executive as a result
of any such payments and other benefits, SunTrust shall make a Gross Up Payment
to or on behalf of Executive as and when any such determination or assessment is
made, provided Executive takes such action (other than waiving Executive's right
to any payments or benefits) as SunTrust reasonably requests under the
circumstances to mitigate or challenge such tax. Any determination under this
ss. 9
by SunTrust or SunTrust's independent accountants shall be made in accordance
with ss. 280G of the Code and any applicable related regulations (whether
proposed, temporary or final) and any related Internal Revenue Service rulings
and any related case law and, if SunTrust reasonably requests that Executive
take action to mitigate or challenge, or to mitigate and challenge, any such tax
or assessment (other than waiving Executive's right to any payment or benefit)
and Executive complies with such request, SunTrust shall provide Executive with
such information and such expert advice and assistance from SunTrust's
independent accountants, lawyers and other advisors as Executive may reasonably
request and shall pay for all expenses incurred in effecting such compliance and
any related fines, penalties, interest and other assessments.
ss. 10.
Miscellaneous Provisions
10.1 Assignment. This Agreement is for the personal services of
Executive, and the rights and obligations of Executive under this Agreement are
not assignable in whole or in part by Executive without the prior written
consent of SunTrust. This Agreement is assignable in whole or in part to any
successor to SunTrust. However, if SunTrust as part of any Change in Control
transaction fails to assign SunTrust's obligations under this Agreement to
SunTrust's successor or such successor fails to expressly agree to such
assignment on or before the Change in Control Date, SunTrust on the Change in
Control Date shall (without any further action on the part of Executive) take
the action called for in ss. 3 of this Agreement as if Executive had been
terminated without Cause without regard to whether Executive's employment
actually has terminated.
10.2 Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed
under the laws of the State of Georgia (without reference to the choice of law
principles thereof), except to the extent superseded by federal law.
10.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute
one and the same instrument.
10.4 Headings; References. The headings and captions used in this
Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in
construing or interpreting this Agreement. Any reference to a section (ss. )
shall be to a section (ss. ) of this Agreement unless there is an express
reference to a section (ss. ) of the Code or the Exchange Act, in which event
the reference shall be to the Code or to the Exchange Act, whichever is
applicable.
10.5 Amendments and Waivers. Except as otherwise specified in this
Agreement, this Agreement may be amended, and the observance of any term of this
Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either
retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of SunTrust and
Executive.
10.6 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be
unenforceable under applicable law will be enforced to the maximum extent
possible, and the balance of this Agreement will remain in full force and
effect.
10.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding and agreement of SunTrust and Executive with respect to the
matters contemplated in this Agreement, and supersedes all prior understandings
and agreements between SunTrust and Executive with respect to such transactions,
except that Executive may be entitled to receive additional benefits under
another agreement or contract with a predecessor employer which has been assumed
by SunTrust in connection with a merger, acquisition or other corporate
reorganization. However, the benefits from a prior agreement that are the same
or substantially similar to the benefits provided under this Agreement are not
additive to the benefits described in this Agreement; Executive may elect which
of the benefits he will receive and in the absence of an election, the greater
benefit from either such agreement will be the benefit the executive is entitled
to receive.
10.8 Notices. Any notice required hereunder to be given by either
SunTrust or Executive will be in writing and will be deemed effectively given
upon personal delivery to the party to be notified or five (5) days after
deposit with the United States Post Office by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, to the other party at the address set forth below or to such
other address as either party may from time to time designate by ten (10) days
advance written notice pursuant to this ss. 10.8. All such written communication
will be directed as follows:
If to SunTrust:
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xx., XX, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
If to Executive, to the most recent address Executive has provided to SunTrust
for inclusion in Executive's personnel records.
10.9 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be for the benefit of, and
shall be binding upon, SunTrust and Executive and their respective heirs,
personal representatives, legal representatives, successors and assigns,
subject, however, to the provisions in ss. 10.1 of this Agreement.
10.10 Not an Employment Contract. This Agreement is not an employment
contract and shall not give Executive the right to continue in employment by
SunTrust or a SunTrust Affiliate for any period of time or from time to time.
Moreover, this Agreement shall not adversely affect the right of SunTrust or a
SunTrust Affiliate to terminate Executive's employment with or without cause at
any time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SunTrust and Executive have entered into this
Agreement this 15th day of October, 2004, and such date shall be the date of
this Agreement.
SUNTRUST BANKS, INC. EXECUTIVE
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx, Xx.
--------------------- ------------------------
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx, Xx.
Title: Senior Vice President and
Human Resources Director
