SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER
Exhibit 10.30.14
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER
This Separation Agreement and General Release and Waiver (the “Agreement”), dated this 16th day of March, 2015, is by and between PharmAthene, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “the Company” or the “Company”) and Xxxx Xxxxxxx (“Executive”).
Executive is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company has terminated the Executive’s employment effective March 11, 2015 pursuant to Section 6 of the Employment Agreement dated December 23, 2010 between Executive and the Company (“Employment Agreement”).
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and covenants contained herein, and each intending to be legally bound, the Company and Executive agree as follows:
1. Termination. Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate on March 11, 2015 (“Termination Date”).
2. Payment Upon Termination.
a. Salary. The Company will pay Executive his pro rata base salary through the Termination Date.
b. Benefits. The Company will continue to provide Executive with applicable benefits in accordance with the terms of any incentive compensation, including equity compensation, retirement, employee welfare or other employee benefit plans or programs of the Company in which Executive currently is participating in accordance with the terms of such plans or programs through March 31, 2015.
c. Vacation and Holiday Pay. All accrued vacation and holiday benefits as of the Termination Date shall be paid to Executive in one lump sum (less applicable tax withholdings) on the first payday following the Termination Date. Thereafter, no further vacation or holiday benefits will accrue.
d. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties up through the Termination Date, in accordance with the Company’s established expense reimbursement policy and practices.
3. Severance Pay and Benefits. In consideration of Executive’s execution of this Agreement, including without limitation his agreement to fully abide by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, his release of claims as provided for in Section 6, and his having returned all property of the Company as provided for in Section 7, and further provided that Executive has not revoked his acceptance of this Agreement as provided for in Section 19, the Company agrees to provide to Executive the following:
x. Xxxxxxxxx Pay. The Company will pay Executive his current base salary for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Severance Period”), totaling in the aggregate $496,460.00, less required payroll withholdings and authorized deductions (“Severance Pay”). The Severance Payments shall commence on the Company’s first payday following the expiration of the seven (7) day revocation period provided for in Section 19 herein. In accordance with Section 9.f. of the Employment Agreement, the Company will establish an irrevocable grantor trust (“rabbi trust”) and shall contribute 12 months of severance payments to the rabbi trust for the sole purpose of paying the Severance Pay to Executive.
b. 2015 Target Bonus. Within sixty (60) days of the Termination Date, the Company shall pay Executive a lump sum of $57,127.00, representing the accrued portion of Executive’s 2015 Target Bonus Amount as of the Termination Date.
c. Health Insurance. Provided that Executive has elected to continue coverage under the Company’s group health plan(s) for himself and his covered beneficiaries pursuant to the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) and to the extent of Executive’s COBRA election, the COBRA premium that Executive is required to pay during the Severance Period shall be equal to the premium amount that active employees of the Company are required to pay for the same level of group health coverage during the Severance Period. The Company shall deduct Executive's share of the health insurance premium from Executive's Severance Pay. Following the expiration of the Severance Period, Executive may continue COBRA coverage for himself and his covered beneficiaries under the Company’s health plans for the remaining COBRA coverage period at his sole cost and at the full COBRA premium rate.
d. Stock Options. The stock options currently held by Executive will continue to vest and are exercisable in accordance with the terms of said options for the duration of the time Executive provides service on the Board of Directors of the Company. Executive’s stock options will cease to vest immediately upon termination for any reason of Executive’s service on the Board of Directors and Executive shall have ninety (90) days from the date of termination of his Board service to exercise his options.
4. Other Compensation and Benefits. Executive shall not be entitled to receive and the Company shall not be obligated to pay or provide Executive with any other or additional compensation or benefits not provided for herein.
5. Executive’s Agreement and Acknowledgements.
a. Executive agrees that he will serve as Chairman of the Committee of the Board of Directors responsible for overseeing the efforts of the Corporation relating to the litigation with Siga Technologies, Inc. (“Siga”). In connection therewith, Executive will, among other things, maintain regular contact with litigation counsel and Bankruptcy counsel, will attend, to the extent reasonable and at the expense of the Company, proceedings in the several courts and meetings with counsel and adversaries, in each case, as is necessary to maintain continuity and to protect the interests of the Company in connection with the litigation with Siga.
b. Executive acknowledges and declares that he has been fully compensated for all work performed and time he has worked while employed by the Company, and that he is not owed any compensation, wages, salary, vacation, holiday pay, bonuses, benefits, or any other payments, remuneration or income of any kind from the Company, except as provided in this Agreement.
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c. Executive affirms, understands and acknowledges that the Severance Pay and Benefits being provided to him by the Company under this Agreement is beyond any that otherwise is or would be owed to Executive by the Company, and are being provided to Executive in consideration for him entering into this Agreement, including the release of claims as set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement, and particularly Executive’s release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment (“ADEA”) and Older Workers Benefit Protection Acts (“OWPBA”).
6. Releases.
a. Release By Executive.
i. In consideration of the Severance Pay and Benefits being provided to Executive under this Agreement, which, absent this Agreement and Release, Executive otherwise would not be entitled to receive, Executive, on behalf of himself, Executive’s heirs, estate, executors, administrators, representatives, successors and assigns, or someone claiming to be acting on Executive’s behalf or in Executive’s interest, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally releases, acquits and forever discharges the Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries, benefit plans, related companies, partnerships and joint ventures, and their former, current and future officers, directors, shareholders, partners, employees, fiduciaries, agents, attorneys, insurers and representatives, whether acting in their individual or official capacities, and all persons acting by, through, or in concert with any of them, and all their predecessors, successors and assigns (all of which are hereinafter collectively referred to as "Company Releasees"), from any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, and causes of action or similar rights of any type arising or accruing on or before the date this Agreement is executed (whether known or unknown), as a result of or because of any act, omission, or failure to act by Company Releasees, including but not limited to those arising out of or relating in any way to Executive’s employment by, association with, and termination of employment with the Company (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Claims"). THIS IS A GENERAL RELEASE, subject only to the specific exceptions set forth in Section 6.a.iii. herein.
ii. These Claims include, but are not limited to, any claims for monetary damages, wages, bonuses, commissions, unused sick pay, severance or similar benefits, expenses, attorneys’ fees or other indemnities, or other personal remedies or damages sought in any legal proceeding or charge filed with any court arising under the ADEA, including but not limited to the OWBPA, except as it relates to the validity of this release under the ADEA as amended by the OWBPA, and Executive Order 11141, Executive Order 11246, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Federal Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Claims released include, but are not limited to, claims arising under any other federal, state, or local laws or regulations restricting an employer's right to terminate employees, or otherwise regulating employment, including but not limited to any federal, state, or local law enforcing express or implied employment contracts or covenants; any other federal, state or local laws providing relief for alleged wage and hour violations, unlawful discrimination, wrongful discharge, breach of contract, any and all tort claims, including but not limited to, physical or personal injury in any way related to Executive’s employment or termination of employment, emotional distress or stress claims in any way related to Executive’s employment or termination of employment, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, defamation, invasion of privacy, violation of public policy and similar or related claims and any and all claims arising under common law. The Claims released include claims that in any way are brought on behalf of the government, whether or not the government joins the action such as via qui tam.
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iii. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive is not releasing (a) Executive’s right to enforce the Agreement; (b) any claims for unemployment compensation; (c) any claims for benefits under any applicable Workers Compensation statute; (d) any claims solely relating to the validity of this Release of Claims under the ADEA, as amended, including OWBPA; or (e) Executive's right to indemnification as may be provided by law, the Company’s bylaws, and/or the Indemnification Agreement between Executive and the Company dated January 21, 2009. Said Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect with respect to Executive's right to indemnification as a former officer of the Company. The Company agrees to maintain coverage of Executive under the Company's directors and officers liability insurance with respect to acts and omissions arising during Executive's employment to the same extent that the Company provides such coverage to its former officers and directors.
iv. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained herein shall prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or state or local fair employment practices agency. Executive agrees that he shall not seek, accept, or be entitled to any monetary relief, whether for himself individually or as a member of a class or group, arising from a discrimination charge filed by Executive or on Executive’s behalf. This Agreement prohibits Executive’s ability to pursue any causes of action against Company Releasees seeking monetary relief or other remedies for himself and/or as a representative on behalf of others.
v. No federal, state or local government agency is a party to this Agreement, and none of the provisions of this Agreement restrict or in any way affect a government agency’s authority to investigate or seek relief in connection with any of the Claims. However, if a government agency were to pursue any matters falling within the Claims, which it is free to do, the Company and Executive agree that, as between the Company and Executive, this Agreement will control as the exclusive remedy and full settlement of all such Claims. The Agreement is a binding contract between two private parties — the Company and Executive. Therefore, this Release affects the two parties’ rights only, with no impact on any government agency.
b. Release By the Company.
i. In consideration of the undertakings by Executive provided for herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company does hereby fully, finally and unconditionally release and forever discharge Executive from any and all matters, claims, demands, losses, liabilities, and causes of action of any nature or kind whatsoever, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which arose or accrued on or before the effective date of this Agreement, arising out of or relating in any way to Executive’s employment with the Company except as provided for in Section 6.b.ii herein. The released claims include, but are not limited to, any claims under any federal, state or local laws and regulations and any common law, including but not limited to any claims for breach of contract and tort claims. THIS IS A GENERAL RELEASE, subject only to the specific exceptions set forth in Section 6.b.ii. herein.
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ii. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is not releasing (a) the Company's right to enforce this Agreement, (b) any claims relating to any fraudulent, intentional, or illegal actions by Executive, or (c) any breach by Executive of the Confidentiality Agreement identified in Section 8 herein and/or Sections 10, 11, 12 or 13 of the Employment Agreement.
7. Return of Property. Executive further agrees that, no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the Termination Date, he will return to the Company all the property of the Company set forth on Annex A attached hereto and will either return all books, records (technical, scientific, financial or otherwise), customer lists and pricing models, correspondence, contracts, orders, advertising, and other written information including those in electronic format, typed or printed materials, whether furnished by the Company or any of its employees or prepared by Executive, which contain any information relating to the Company’s business, and Executive agrees that he will neither make nor retain copies of such materials.
8. Restrictive Covenants. Executive acknowledges that in consideration of his employment with the Company he executed a Confidentiality Agreement dated July 27, 2003 (“Confidentiality Agreement”) and the Employment Agreement. Executive hereby represents that he understands his contractual obligations under said Confidentiality Agreement and the Employment Agreement, and he agrees that the terms and conditions contained in the Confidentiality Agreement and Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15-26 of the Employment Agreement shall survive the termination of his employment with the Company and will continue in full force and effect. Executive hereby reaffirms his commitment and obligation to abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement and Sections 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the Employment Agreement.
| 9. | Non-Disparagement. |
a. By Executive. Executive agrees to refrain from making any untruthful, derogatory, unflattering and/or disparaging oral or written statements or communications to the public or to any third party about the Company, including its successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, and affiliates, and its and their past or present officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives and customers, with respect to any matter whatsoever.
b. By the Company. The Company agrees to refrain from making any untruthful, derogatory, and/or disparaging oral or written statements or communications to the public or to any third party about Executive with respect to any matter whatsoever. In the event a reference concerning Executive is requested of the Company, the Company will follow its policy and practice in effect as of the Termination Date regarding providing references about former employees to third parties.
10. Confidentiality. Executive agrees that he will keep the terms and conditions of this Agreement confidential and will not disclose such to any other person, except that Executive may discuss this Agreement with his spouse, attorney, financial advisor and as may be required by law. Executive is to advise any such person with whom he has discussed this Agreement of the existence and requirements of this confidentiality provision, and Executive shall instruct any such person that s/he shall not disclose the existence of this Agreement or its terms to any other person. Disclosure by Executive to any other person or entity in violation of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement.
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11. Breach by Executive.
a. Executive covenants and agrees that if he violates or breaches any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, he will pay liquidated damages to the Company in an amount equal to the value of the Severance Pay and Benefits that the Company has provided to him pursuant to Section 3(a), (b) and (c) less One Hundred Dollars ($100), which Executive may retain. The Company further shall be relieved of its obligation to make any Severance Payments and Benefits to Executive provided for under Section 3(a), (b), and (c) that had not yet been paid. All provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. In addition, in the event that Executive breaches this Agreement by asserting any charge, complaint, lawsuit, or other claim in violation of Section 6(a), Executive agrees to pay the Company all costs incurred by the Company or any other Company Releasee, including attorneys’ fees and expenses related to the defense of any such charge, complaint, lawsuit or other claim asserted by or on behalf of Executive. The requirement to pay the Company the value of the Severance Pay and Benefits provided to Executive less $100 and to pay all costs incurred by any Company Releasee does not apply should Executive challenge the validity of his waiver of age discrimination claims under the ADEA and/or OWBPA. However, the Company reserves its rights to restitution, recoupment or setoff should a challenge to the age discrimination waiver prove successful.
b. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that in the event of his breach of any of his obligations under this Agreement, including specifically, but not limited to his obligations under Section 8 herein, the Confidentiality Agreement, and Sections 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the Employment Agreement (collectively “Business Disturbance Provisions”), the damage that the Company would sustain would be immediate, substantial and irreparable, for which there is no adequate remedy at law. To protect the Company from such an occurrence, the Company, in addition to any other rights and remedies available to it hereunder, at law or otherwise, shall be entitled to an ex parte injunction to be issued by any court of competent jurisdiction, enjoining and restraining Executive from violating or continuing to violate any provision of this Agreement; and Executive hereby consents to the issuance of such injunction without the obligation of the Company to post any bond. In the event of a breach of any of the Business Disturbance Provisions, the Company shall be entitled to recover from Executive all gross profits earned in connection with such activity by the business entity or person on whose behalf Executive conducted such activity in violation of any Business Disturbance Provisions, and any other damages that the court deems just and proper.
c. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent or limit the Company from invoking any remedy as provided herein or as may otherwise be available to the Company.
12. Non-Admission of Liability. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement does not constitute or reflect in any way any wrongdoing or admission of wrongdoing by the Company in connection with any aspect of Executive’s employment with and/or separation from the Company. Executive further agrees that this Agreement will not be raised or admissible as evidence in connection with any proceeding to show liability or wrongdoing of any kind on the part of the Company, any of its former, current and future parents, predecessors, affiliates, subsidiaries, and its and their former, current or future officers, directors, agents, employees, successors and/or assigns, except to the extent necessary to enforce its provisions.
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13. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the assigns and successors of the Company and its subsidiaries and other affiliates and their past, present, and future directors, officers, agents, and employees. The Company shall have the right to assign its rights, duties and obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Executive. Executive’s rights, duties, obligations and benefits under this Agreement are personal to Executive and no such right, duty, obligation or benefit shall be subject to voluntary or involuntary alienation, assignment, delegation or transfer.
14. Entire Agreement. The understandings set forth in this Agreement represent the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with respect to the matters contained herein. Neither Executive nor the Company have relied upon any other agreements, understandings or representations. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or representations, whether written or oral, between Executive and the Company as to the subject matter contained herein, unless specifically incorporated herein. This Agreement may not be altered or modified except by mutual agreement between Executive and the Company, evidenced in writing and executed by both Executive and the Company and specifically identified as an amendment to this Agreement.
15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. The parties agree that the state courts of the State of Maryland or, if the jurisdictional prerequisites exist, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction and venue to hear and determine any dispute or controversy arising under or concerning this Agreement. Executive hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the courts in the State of Maryland as described above.
16. Section 409A. The parties hereby agree that the payments made under this Agreement do not constitute deferred compensation under Internal Revenue Code § 409A, and are exempt from Code § 409A as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service.
17. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
18. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Faxed and emailed executed counterparts of this Agreement are intended to be as binding and enforceable as the original.
19. Review and Revocation Rights. By signing below, Executive acknowledges that:
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a. He has been advised in this writing and encouraged by the Company to consult with an attorney regarding this Agreement; and
b. He has been given at least forty-five (45) days to consider this Agreement before signing.
c. He further has been advised by the Company and understands that he shall have seven (7) days following signing of this Agreement to revoke it, and that the Agreement shall not become effective until the 7-day revocation period has expired without his revocation of it. Executive further understands and acknowledges that to be effective, the revocation must be in writing and delivered to the Company, c/o Xxxxx Xxxxx, Manager, Human Resources, Xxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000, by 5:00 p.m. on or before the seventh (7th) calendar day after Executive signs the Agreement.
d. Executive acknowledges and understands that this Agreement will become effective and enforceable upon the expiration of seven (7) calendar days following the date on which this Agreement is executed by Executive, if not revoked.
e. Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges that, in exchange for his waiver of any age discrimination claim, he has received consideration or value other than the payment of wages or benefits to which he was legally entitled to receive.
20. By signing below, the Parties signify that they have read the terms of this Agreement in their entirety, fully understand its terms, are voluntarily agreeing to those terms, and intend to be legally bound. The Parties further represent and acknowledge that in executing this Agreement neither is relying upon any representation or statement made by the other party or his/its representative with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement.
[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]
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THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.
In Witness Whereof, the Company and Executive have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first written above.
| March 23, 2015 | By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxx | (SEAL) | |
| Date | ||||
| EXECUTIVE | ||||
| March 16, 2015 | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx | (SEAL) | ||
| Date | Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |||
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ANNEX A
Certain Company Property
Executive shall return the following Company-issued tangible property:
• Smartphone
• Company issued American Express credit card
• ID badge
• Laptop computer
• Keys to Office/File Cabinets
• Pass to get into office suite/building
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