UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________

Form 8-K
_____________________

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event Reported): September 16, 2019  

ZOMEDICA PHARMACEUTICALS CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Alberta, Canada 001-38298 N/A
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

100 Phoenix Drive, Suite 190, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (734) 369-2555

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

  [   ]   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  [   ]   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  [   ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  [   ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). Emerging growth company [ X ]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ X ]

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, without par value ZOM NYSE American

 

 

 
 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On September 16, 2019, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Zomedica Pharmaceuticals Corp. (the “Company”) promoted Stephanie Morley, DVM to the position of President. She will retain the title of Chief Operations Officer and will have continued oversight of the Company’s product development efforts.

Dr. Morley, age 44, joined the initial management team of the Company shortly after its founding. Dr. Morley has over 15 years of experience as a life science executive and practicing veterinarian with a broad career in operations, business development and clinical veterinary practice. After practicing small animal medicine and surgery in New Mexico and Michigan, she took on expanding leadership roles at MPI Research and University of Michigan Medical School Fast Forward Medical Innovation. In her expanded role, Dr. Morley will be responsible for all operational functions of the Company.

In connection with her appointment as President, Dr. Morley entered into a new employment agreement, dated September 16, 2019 (the “Employment Agreement”), with the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Zomedica Pharmaceuticals Inc., a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.30. The Employment Agreement has an initial term of three years and automatically extends for one-year terms unless either party elects to terminate it. Under the Employment Agreement, Dr. Morley will receive an annual base salary of $225,000, subject to annual review, and will be entitled to quarterly cash bonuses upon the achievement of certain specified objectives established by the Board. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Dr. Morley will receive a $2,000 monthly allowance in respect of the following items: (i) vehicle and (ii) tax preparation, and is entitled to four weeks paid vacation time. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, any options granted to Dr. Morley will be subject to accelerated vesting in the event that Dr. Morley’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause. The Employment Agreement also includes customary non-solicitation, confidentiality and assignment of inventions provisions. In the event that Dr. Morley has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Dr. Morley would have the right to exercise all of her options, and the Company would be required to pay her a lump sum equal to 12 months of her base salary and any quarterly bonus allocable or payable prior to the date of termination.

The Board also granted to Dr. Morley stock options to acquire up to an aggregate of 500,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan. All of the stock options vested immediately upon the date of grant and are exercisable for a period of two years at a price of US$0.43 per common share.

There are no family relationships between Dr. Morley and any director or executive officer of the Company, and she has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On September 17, 2019, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Dr. Morley as President of the Company. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

The information presented in Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, unless the Company specifically states that the information is to be considered “filed” under the Exchange Act or specifically incorporates it by reference into a filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits 

Exhibit Number   Description
     
10.30   Executive Employment Agreement, dated September 16, 2019, by and between Zomedica Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Stephanie Morley    
99.1   Press release dated September 17, 2019


SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

  ZOMEDICA PHARMACEUTICALS CORP.
     
   
Date: September 17, 2019 By:  /s/ Gerald Solensky, Jr.        
    Name: Gerald Solensky, Jr.
    Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   

Exhibit 10.30

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made effective as of the 16 day of September, 2019.

 

BETWEEN:

 

ZOMEDICA PHARMACEUTICALS INC., a body corporate duly incorporated pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware and having an office in the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan (hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation")

 

- and –

 

STEPHANIE MORLEY, an individual residing in Brighton, Michigan, USA (hereinafter referred to as the "Executive")

 

 

ARTICLE 1
INTERPRETATION

 

1.1 The phrase "this Agreement" shall include all terms and provisions of this agreement in writing between the parties hereto, including the recitals.

 

1.2 Wherever in this Agreement the masculine, feminine or neuter gender is used, it shall be construed as including all genders, as the context so requires; and wherever the singular number is used, it shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa, where the context so requires.

 

1.3 Time shall in all respects be of the essence of this Agreement.

 

1.4 The Executive was previously employed as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Product Development of the Corporation and previously entered into an employment agreement dated on or about July 1, 2017 (the "Prior Employment Agreement") and such Prior Employment Agreement is hereby terminated and substituted by this Agreement.

 

1.5 The division of this Agreement into Articles, Sections and subsections or any other divisions and the inclusion of headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of all or any part hereof.

 

1.6 Each party's rights may be exercised concurrently or separately and the exercise of any one remedy shall not be deemed an exclusive election of such remedy or preclude the exercise of any other remedy.

 

ARTICLE 2
TERM OF AGREEMENT

 

2.1 The term of this Agreement (the "Term") will begin on the date first written above (the "Effective Date") and continue for three (3) years, unless terminated prior to then in accordance with this Agreement. This Agreement shall automatically be extended from year to year, in one (1) year terms, unless either party elects not to extend this Agreement by providing written notice of such non-extension to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of any current Term.

 

 

- 2 -

 

ARTICLE 3
EMPLOYMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE

 

3.1 The Corporation wishes to employ at the Effective Date the Executive as President and COO ("Chief Operations Officer") and the Executive wishes to be employed at the Effective Date by the Corporation on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

3.2 The Executive shall report directly to the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO").

 

ARTICLE 4
PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES

 

4.1 The Executive agrees to devote her business time, attention, skill and efforts to the faithful performance and discharge of her duties and responsibilities as President and Chief Operations Officer of the Corporation in conformity with professional standards, in a prudent and workmanlike manner and in a manner consistent with the obligations imposed under applicable law. The Executive shall promote the interests of the Corporation and each other corporation or other organization which is controlled directly or indirectly by the Corporation and/or the Parent (as hereinafter defined) (each an "Affiliate" and collectively the "Affiliates") in carrying out the Executive's duties and responsibilities and shall not deliberately and knowingly take any action, or fail to take any action which failure could, or reasonably be expected to, have a material and adverse effect on the business of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates.

 

4.2 The Executive discloses, represents and affirms that she has no obligation toward any person or entity, including former employers, that would be incompatible with this Agreement or that could create an impediment to or conflict of interest with the performance of her duties with the Corporation and its affiliates.

 

4.3 The Executive shall be appointed as President and Chief Operations Officer of the Corporation's parent company, Zomedica Pharmaceuticals Corp. (the "Parent"), an Alberta incorporated public company whose common shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Executive shall receive no compensation for her services under this Section 4.3 in addition to her compensation otherwise payable under this Agreement.

 

4.4 The Corporation and the Executive agree that the Executive may continue to sit upon the board of directors of any corporations or organizations on which she serves on the Effective Date as long as the CEO and the Executive mutually agree that her membership on any such board of directors does not unreasonably interfere with the performance of Executive's duties and responsibilities under this Agreement and, solely with the prior written authorization of the CEO, the Executive may serve on any other board of directors.

 

ARTICLE 5
COMPENSATION

 

5.1 Annual Base Salary. The Corporation shall pay the Executive a base annual salary (the "Base Salary") which initially shall be TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS US (US$225,000), subject to applicable taxable withholding and deductions and payable in accordance with the Corporation's standard payroll practice for executive officers. The Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board or a committee of the Board and may be increased in accordance with the Corporation's compensation policy.

 

 

- 3 -

 

5.2 Quarterly Cash Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to earn a quarterly cash bonus (the "Quarterly Bonus"). Such Quarterly Bonus will be calculated upon the achievement of performance objectives that will be established by the Board (as recommended by the Corporation's Compensation Committee) within thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of a fiscal year. The granting of a Quarterly Bonus is also based on the business performance of the Corporation and subject to approval by the Board. The Quarterly Bonus, if any, payable for any calendar year shall be paid no later than 30 days following each Quarter. Finally, if the Executive's employment terminates (other than for Cause) on or after July 1 of a calendar year, she shall be entitled to the payment of a pro rata part of any Quarterly Bonus, which would have been payable if she had continued to be employed by the Corporation through the end of such calendar year.

 

5.3 Monthly Allowance. The Corporation shall provide the Executive a monthly allowance in the amount of TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS US (US$2,000), which shall be paid as an allowance in respect of the following items: (i) vehicle; and (ii) tax preparation. The foregoing amount shall be allocated among the foregoing items in such manner as the Executive determines, subject to the approval of the CEO (acting reasonably).

 

5.4 Business Expenses. The Corporation shall reimburse the Executive, upon presentation of valid receipts or vouchers, for reasonable entertainment, travel, telephone and other business expenses (including but not limited to expenses incurred in connection with computer repair/maintenance and office materials), incurred on behalf of or at the request of the Corporation or an Affiliate and which are in accordance with the Corporation's policies and rules; provided, however: (a) the amount of such expenses eligible for reimbursement in any calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in another calendar year; (b) no right to such reimbursement may be exchanged or liquidated for another benefit or payment; and (c) any reimbursements of such expenses shall be made as soon as practicable under the circumstances, but in any event no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the related expenses are incurred by the Executive.

 

5.5 OTHER BENEFITS. Subject to eligibility requirements and participation rules, the Executive may participate in all of the employee benefit plans maintained by the Corporation and its Affiliates that are available to employees whose principal place of business is the same as the Executive's principal place of business.

 

ARTICLE 6
VACATION

 

6.1 The Executive shall be entitled to a paid annual vacation of four (4) weeks in accordance with the Corporation's vacation policy for executives. The Executive agrees that exercise of the vacation benefit shall be prearranged in consultation with the CEO.

 

ARTICLE 7
STOCK OPTIONS

 

7.1 Initial Grant: Following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall be granted 500,000 options to acquire common shares in the capital of the Parent, with the price and terms of such options to be established by the Board of Directors of the Parent in accordance with the Parent's stock option plan.

 

 

- 4 -

 

7.2 Stock Options. In addition to the Base Salary, Quarterly Bonuses, benefits and other compensation contemplated hereunder, the Executive shall also be eligible to receive future grants of stock options from the Parent, from time to time, to the extent determined by the Board of Directors of the Parent at its sole discretion, which options shall vest in accordance with a schedule to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Parent at its sole discretion, and which shall have an exercise price equal to the market price of the Parent's common shares on the date of grant, or such higher price as may be required by any stock exchange on which the shares of the Parent are listed, or if the Parent is not publicly traded, at such a price as shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Parent in its sole discretion. In addition to the initial grant of options contemplated in Section 7.1 above, it is further acknowledged and agreed that the Executive shall be entitled to the additional grants of options to acquire common shares in the capital of the Parent in the amount of 500,000 per annum of this Agreement, subject to the satisfaction of certain performance objectives, as established by the CEO and/or the Board of Directors of the Parent at the time of grant of such options. The foregoing future grants of stock options are contingent upon this Agreement being in full force and effect at the scheduled time of such option grants (with no material breaches of this Agreement having occurred). The terms of such future stock option grants shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Parent at the time of grant and in accordance with the Parent's stock option plan and applicable TSX Venture Exchange rules and policies. Any options granted to the Executive by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, may be exercised only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stock Option Agreement that is entered into in connection therewith.

 

7.3 Accelerated Vesting. Subject to regulatory approval, the Corporation covenants and agrees that any Stock Option Agreements between the Parent and the Executive shall provide that all stock options held by the Executive, whether vested or unvested, shall immediately vest and be exercisable by the Executive upon a termination by the Corporation without Cause as more specifically provided for in Article 8.2.

 

7.3 Rules of the Stock Exchanges. The Corporation and the Executive expressly acknowledge and agree that all options to purchase shares of the Parent to which the Executive shall be entitled hereunder, and any changes to such options (including, without limitation, changes provided for in this Agreement), shall be subject to the approval and the regulations, policies and by-laws of each of the stock exchanges on which the common voting shares of the Parent are then listed. The Corporation covenants to use its reasonable commercial efforts to obtain any such approvals and to ensure that all options are in compliance with such regulations, policies and by-laws.

 

ARTICLE 8
TERMINATION

 

8.1 AtWill Employment. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to alter the atwill employment relationship between the Corporation and the Executive. Subject to the terms set forth in this Agreement, either the Corporation or the Executive may terminate the Executive's employment at any time for any reason, with or without Cause, as defined in Section 8.2 below.

 

8.2 Termination for Cause. The Executive's employment may be terminated by the Corporation upon simple notice in writing transmitted to the Executive, without the Corporation (or any of its Affiliates) being bound to pay any compensation whatsoever if termination is for any of the following reasons, each of which constitutes cause (hereinafter, "Cause"):

 

(a) The Executive is declared bankrupt or insolvent or is placed under protective supervision, which situations the Executive acknowledges to be incompatible with the continuation of her employment.

 

 

- 5 -

 

(b) The Executive becomes physically or mentally disabled to such an extent as to make him unable to perform the essential functions of her duties normally and adequately for an aggregate of six (6) months during a period of twelve (12) consecutive months. In such a case, the Executive may continue to benefit under shortterm and longterm disability insurance plans, subject to the terms of such plans, if any. The Corporation's ability to terminate the Executive as a result of any disability shall be to the extent permitted by applicable state or federal law.

 

(c) The Executive breaches the terms of this Agreement.

 

(d) The Executive fundamentally or materially fails to perform her duties as President and Chief Operations Officer of the Corporation.

 

(e) There is a conclusive determination that the Executive has committed any fraud, theft, embezzlement or other criminal act of a similar nature.

 

(f) The Executive has committed serious misconduct or willful or gross negligence in the performance of her duties.

 

(g) The Executive fails or refuses to follow reasonable directives of the CEO.

 

(h) The Executive engages in willful or reckless conduct, causing material damage to the Corporation or the Parent (or their Affiliates) or the Corporation's or the Parent's (or their Affiliates') business.

 

(i) The Executive misuses or abuses alcohol, drugs or controlled substances.

 

(j) The Executive uses or discloses in an unauthorized way the Corporation's or the Parent's (or any of their Affiliates') confidential or trade secret information.

 

(k) The Executive conducts himself publicly, by speech or behavior, in such a manner as to cause public embarrassment, scandal or ridicule to the Corporation or the Parent, any of their Affiliates or any of their employees.

 

Provided, however, no reason set forth in this Section 8.2 shall constitute Cause unless (1) the Executive upon notice is given a reasonable period to effect a cure or a correction; (2) the reason is curable or correctible as determined by the Board; and, (3) the reason clearly and adversely affects the Executive's ability to continue to perform her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

8.3 Termination by Death. In the event of the Executive's death during her period of employment, the Corporation's obligation to make payments under this Agreement shall terminate on the date of death, except the Corporation shall pay the Executive's estate or surviving designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, as appropriate, any earned but unpaid salary and bonus and reimburse business expenses incurred but not reimbursed as of her date of death. Vesting of any stock options outstanding on the date of death shall be exercisable only to the extent the Executive's right to exercise was vested on her date of death.

 

8.4 Voluntary Termination. In the event Executive wishes to resign for any reason, the Executive shall give at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of such resignation. Any such notice shall not relieve either the Executive or the Corporation of their mutual obligations to perform under this Agreement or to relieve the Corporation to compensate the Executive during such notice period for any earned but unpaid salary and bonus and reimburse business expenses incurred but not reimbursed as of her date of termination.

 

 

- 6 -

 

8.5 Termination Without Cause. In the event that the Executive has a "separation from service" within the meaning of a §409A of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a "Separation from Service") as a result of the Corporation terminating the Executive's employment without Cause at a date that is at following the Effective Date, (1) Executive's right to exercise all then outstanding stock options granted to her shall fully and immediately vest on the effective date of her Separation from Service; (2) the Corporation shall pay to Executive in a lump sum (less applicable tax withholdings) an amount equal to: (i) twelve (12) months Base Salary (paid  in  accordance  with  the  Corporation's usual payroll procedures); and (ii) any Quarterly Bonus allocable or payable prior to the date of termination.

 

ARTICLE 9
CONFIDENTIALITY

 

9.1 The Executive acknowledges that she has received and will receive or conceive, in carrying on or in the course of her work during her employment with the Corporation, confidential information pertaining to the activities, the technologies, the operations and the business, past, present and future, of the Corporation or its affiliates or related or associated companies, which information is not in the public domain. The Executive acknowledges that such confidential information belongs to the Corporation and/or its affiliates and that its disclosure or unauthorized use could be damaging or prejudicial to the Corporation and/or its affiliates and contrary to their best interests.

 

9.2 Accordingly, the Executive agrees to respect the confidentiality of such information and not to make use of or disclose it to, or to discuss it with, any person, other than in the ordinary course of her duties with the Corporation and its Affiliates, or as required under applicable law, without the explicit prior written authorization of the Corporation.

 

9.3 This undertaking to respect the confidentiality of such information and not to make use of or disclose or discuss it to or with any person shall survive and continue to have full effect notwithstanding the termination of the Executive's employment with the Corporation, so long as such confidential information does not become public as a result of an act by the Corporation or a third party, which act does not involve the fault of one of its executives.

 

9.4 The term confidential information includes, among other things:

 

(a) products, formulae, processes and composition of products, as well as raw materials and ingredients, of whatever kind, that are used in their manufacture;

 

(b) technical knowledge and methods, quality control processes, inspection methods, laboratory and testing methods, information processing programs and systems, manufacturing processes, plans, drawings, tests, test reports and software;

 

(c) equipment, machinery, devices, tools, instruments and accessories;

 

(d) financial information, production cost data, marketing strategies, raw materials supplies, suppliers, staff and client lists and related information, marketing plans, sales techniques and policies, including pricing policies, sales and distribution data and present and future expansion plans; and

 

(e) research, experiments, inventions, discoveries, developments, improvements, ideas, industrial secrets and knowhow.

 

 

- 7 -

 

9.5 The Executive agrees to keep confidential and not disclose to any third party both the existence and the terms of this Agreement, except if disclosure is required by regulation or law. In the event that the Executive is required to disclose the existence or terms of this Agreement pursuant to subpoena or other duly issued court order, Executive shall give prompt notice to the Corporation of such subpoena or court order to allow the Corporation sufficient opportunity to contest such subpoena or court order.

 

ARTICLE 10
NON-SOLICITATION OF OFFERS

 

10.1 The Executive shall not compete with the Corporation nor with any of its Affiliates, directly or indirectly. She shall not participate in any capacity whatsoever in a business that would directly or indirectly compete with the Corporation or with any of its Affiliates, including, without limitation, as an executive, director, officer, employer, principal, agent, fiduciary, administrator of another's property, associate, independent contractor, franchisor, franchisee, distributor or consultant unless such participation is fully disclosed to the Board and approved in writing in advance. In addition, the Executive shall not have any interest whatsoever in such an enterprise, including, without limitation, as owner, shareholder, partner, limited partner, lender or silent partner. This noncompetition covenant is limited as follows:

 

(a) As to the time period, to the duration of the Executive's employment and for a period of two (2) years following the date of termination of her employment;

 

(b) As to the geographical area, the territory in which a specific product had been actively exploited by the Corporation and/or its Affiliates during the twenty-four (24) months preceding the employment termination date;

 

(c) As to the nature of the activities, to duties or activities which are identical or substantially similar to those performed or carried on by the Executive at or during the twenty-four (24) months preceding the employment termination date.

 

10.2 The foregoing stipulation shall nevertheless not prevent the Executive from buying or holding shares or other securities of a corporation or entity other than the Corporation whose securities are publicly traded on a recognized stock exchange where the securities so held by the Executive do not represent more than five percent (5%) of the voting shares of such other corporation or entity and do not allow for its control.

 

10.3 The Executive also undertakes, for the same period and in respect of the same territory referred to hereinabove in subsections 10.1(a), (b) and (c), not to solicit clients or do anything whatsoever to induce or to lead any person to end, in whole or in part, business relations with the Corporation or any of its affiliates.

 

10.4 The Executive also undertakes, for the same period and in respect of the same territory referred to hereinabove in subsections 10.1(a), (b) and (c), not to induce, attempt to induce or otherwise interfere in the relations which the Corporation or which any of its affiliates has with their distributors, suppliers, representatives, agents and other parties with whom the Corporation or any of its affiliates deals.

 

10.5 The Executive also undertakes, for the same period and in respect of the same territory referred to in subsections 10.1(a), (b) and (c), not to induce, attempt to induce or otherwise solicit the personnel of the Corporation to leave their employment with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates nor to hire the personnel of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates for any enterprise in which the Executive has an interest.

 

 

- 8 -

 

10.6 The Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 10 are limited as to the time period, the geographic area and the nature of the activities to what the parties deem necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the Corporation and its Affiliates, while allowing the Executive to earn her living.

 

10.7 Nothing in this Section 10 shall operate to reduce or extinguish the obligations of the Executive arising at law or under this contract which survive at the termination of this Agreement in reason of their nature and, in particular, without limiting the foregoing, the Executive's duty of loyalty and obligation to act faithfully, honestly and ethically.

 

ARTICLE 11
OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

11.1 The Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Corporation all of her intellectual property rights as of their creation and to make full and prompt disclosure to the Corporation of all information relating to anything made or designed by him or that may be made or designed by him during the period of her employment, whether alone or jointly with other persons, or within a period of two (2) years following the termination of her employment and resulting from or arising out of any work performed by the Executive on behalf of the Corporation (or its affiliates) or connected with any matter relating or possibly relating to any business in which the Corporation or any of its affiliates or related or associated companies is involved unless specifically released from such obligation in writing by the Corporation's Board of Directors.

 

11.2 In addition, the Executive renounces all moral rights in any document or work realized during the period of her employment related to her employment by the Corporation. The Executive acknowledges that the Corporation has the right to use, modify or reproduce any such document or work realized by the Executive, at its entire discretion, without the Executive's authorization and without her name being mentioned.

 

11.3 At any time during the period of her employment or after the termination of her employment, the Executive shall sign, acknowledge and deliver, at the Corporation's expense, but without compensation other than a reasonable sum for her time devoted thereto if her employment has then terminated, any document required by the Corporation to give effect to Section 11.1, including patent applications and documents evidencing the assignment of ownership. The Executive shall also provide such other assistance as the Corporation or one of its affiliates may require with respect to any proceeding or litigation relating to the protection or defense of intellectual property rights belonging to the Corporation or any of its affiliates. The entirety of this Section 11 shall be binding on the Executive's assignees and legal representatives.

 

ARTICLE 12
OWNERSHIP OF FILES AND OTHER PROPERTY

 

12.1 Any property of the Corporation, including any file, sketch, drawing, letter, report, memorandum or other document, any equipment, machinery, tool, instrument or other device, any diskette, recording tape, compact disc, software, electronic communication device or any other property, which comes into the Executive's control or possession during her employment with the Corporation in the performance or in the course of her duties, regardless of whether she has participated in its preparation or design, how it may have come under her control or into her possession and whether it is an original or a copy, shall at all times remain the property of the Corporation and, upon the termination of the Executive's employment, shall promptly be returned to the Corporation or its designated representative.. The Executive may not keep a copy or give one to a third party without the prior expressly written permission of the Corporation.

 

 

- 9 -

 

ARTICLE 13
ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION OF PRIOR CONTRACTS

 

13.1 This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters contained or referred to herein. There are no promises, covenants or undertakings by either party hereto to the other, other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement supersedes and replaces any earlier agreement, whether oral or in writing or partly oral and partly in writing, between the parties hereto (including but not limited to the Prior Employment Agreement), or between any party hereto and the corporate representative of any other party hereto, respecting the provision of services by the Executive to the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE 14
AMENDMENT OF THE AGREEMENT

 

14.1 To be valid and enforceable, any amendment to this Agreement must be confirmed in writing by each of the Corporation and the Executive.

 

ARTICLE 15
NOTICES

 

15.1 Any notice given hereunder shall be given in writing and sent by registered or certified mail or handdelivered. If such notice is sent by registered or certified mail, it shall be deemed to have been received five (5) business days following the date of its mailing if the postal services are working normally. If such is not the case, the notice must be handdelivered or served by bailiff, at the discretion of the sender. In the case of handdelivery or service, the notice shall be deemed to have been received the same day. It is agreed that if the delivery date is a non business day, the notice shall be deemed to have been received on the following business day.

 

15.2 For purposes of mailed or handdelivered notices to be effectively delivered under this provision, the notices must be addressed as follows:

 

(a) For the Corporation: 1250, 639 – 5th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9.
(b) For the Executive: 4557 Filbert Drive, Brighton, Michigan, USA 48116.

 

ARTICLE 16
INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

 

16.1 The Corporation covenants, both during and after the Executive's term of service, to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive and her legal representatives, to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law (provided that the Executive acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation and, in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by monetary penalty, the Executive had reasonable grounds for believing that her conduct was lawful), from and against:

 

(a) all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses whatsoever that the Executive may sustain or incur in or about or in relation to any action, suit or proceeding that is brought, commenced or prosecuted against the Executive for or in respect of any act, deed, matter or thing whatever made, done or permitted or not made, done or permitted by the Executive in or about the execution of her duties as a director or officer of the Corporation or its subsidiaries; and

 

(b) all other costs, charges, liabilities and expenses that the Executive may sustain or incur (including, without limitation, all income tax, sales tax and excise tax liabilities resulting from any payment made pursuant to this indemnity) in or about or in relation to the affairs of the Corporation or its subsidiaries or her position as a director or officer of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.

 

 

- 10 -

 

16.2 The Corporation further agrees that any costs, charges and expenses referred to in paragraph 16.1(a) above shall be paid in advance of the final disposition of any such action or proceeding upon receipt by the Corporation of a written undertaking by the Executive to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the Executive is not entitled to be indemnified in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Indemnity and Delaware law.

 

16.3 The Corporation further agrees, both during and after the Executive's term of service, to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any approval or approvals necessary for such indemnification and to co-operate with the Executive and to provide the Executive with access to any evidence which the Corporation may have or control, which would enable the Executive to make application or obtain any approval or approvals necessary for such indemnification.

 

ARTICLE 17
SUCCESSORS

 

17.1 This Agreement shall be binding on the successors, assignees and legal representatives of all of the parties hereto.

 

ARTICLE 18
JURISDICTION

 

18.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws, including conflicts of laws, by the State of Delaware in the United States of America. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably attorns to the jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of Delaware with respect to any matters arising out of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 19
SEVERABILITY

 

19.1 If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement, which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.

 

ARTICLE 20
MEDIATION

 

20.1 The Corporation and the Executive hereby expressly agree that with respect to any dispute arising under this Agreement, such dispute shall be resolved through binding mediation. Any such mediation shall: (1) take place at a location mutually agreed upon by the Corporation and the Executive; and (2) be conducted by a recognized panel of three professional mediators or which can be comprised of three experienced business experts from the pharmaceutical or biotechnical industry mutually agreed upon by the Corporation and the Executive. With respect to any such mediation panel, one mediator shall be selected by the Corporation, one mediator shall be selected by the Executive, and one mediator shall be selected by mutual agreement between the Corporation and the Executive. Each of the parties hereto shall bear their own, respective costs of such mediation.

 

 

- 11 -

 

ARTICLE 21
LANGUAGE

 

21.1 All of the parties hereto expressly agree that this Agreement be drafted, read and interpreted in the English language.

 

ARTICLE 22
GENERAL

 

22.1 This Agreement and the obligations of the Executive hereunder shall not be assigned by either party hereto, in whole or in part, without the prior consent of the other party hereto, which consent may be withheld for any reason.

 

22.2 Each party shall do and perform all such acts and things and execute and deliver all such instruments and documents and writings and give all such further assurances as may be necessary to give full effect to the provisions and intent of this Agreement.

 

22.3 The Executive agrees that after termination of employment hereunder for any reason whatsoever, she will tender her resignation from any position she may hold as an officer or director of the Corporation, the Parent or their Affiliates.

 

22.4 This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive and her executors and administrators and upon the Corporation and its successors and assigns.

 

22.5 Neither party can waive or shall be deemed to have waived any right it has under this Agreement (including any waiver under this section) except to the extent that such waiver is in writing.

 

22.6 The Corporation agrees to co-operate with the Executive, to the extent permitted by applicable tax laws, so as to permit the Executive to consider payments hereunder on termination of employment to be retirement benefits.

 

ARTICLE 23
COUNTERPARTS

 

23.1 This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed one and the same Agreement.

 

[Reminder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

 

 

 

 

- 12 -

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

 

 

  ZOMEDICA PHARMACEUTICALS CORP.
     
  Per: /s/ Gerald Solensky Jr.
    Gerald Solensky Jr.
    Chairman, CEO

 

 

/s/ David Stowell   /s/ Stephanie Morley
Witness   STEPHANIE MORLEY
Name: David Stowell    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

Zomedica names Dr. Stephanie Morley President

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 17, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zomedica Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NYSE American: ZOM) (TSX-V: ZOM), a veterinary diagnostic and pharmaceutical company, today announced that Dr. Stephanie Morley, Chief Operations Officer and VP of Product Development, has been promoted to the role of President of Zomedica.

Dr. Morley, who joined the initial management team of Zomedica shortly after its founding, has over 15 years of experience as a life science executive and practicing veterinarian with a broad career in operations, business development and clinical veterinary practice. After practicing small animal medicine and surgery in New Mexico and Michigan, she took on expanding leadership roles at MPI Research and University of Michigan Medical School Fast Forward Medical Innovation. In her expanded role, Dr. Morley will be responsible for all operational functions of Zomedica. She will also retain the title of Chief Operations Officer along with continued oversight of product development.

"Dr. Morley has been instrumental in identifying and developing our product pipeline and preparing Zomedica for commercialization of its products," said Gerald Solensky, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zomedica. "Stephanie is a tremendous asset to Zomedica and has taken a lead role in focusing our efforts to improve the care of companion animals."  

"I am looking forward to helping lead our company into the next phase of its development," said Dr. Morley. "My work at Zomedica provides me a unique opportunity to improve the care of companion animals beyond what I could have done as a practicing veterinarian. I am excited for the positive impact that Zomedica intends to make on my colleagues and their patients.”

In connection with Dr. Morley’s appointment, the Company has amended and restated her employment agreement and has granted to Dr. Morley stock options to acquire up to an aggregate of 500,000 common shares of the Company pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan. All of the stock options vested immediately upon the date of grant and are exercisable for a two year term at a price of US$0.43.

About Zomedica
Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zomedica (NYSE American: ZOM) (TSX-V: ZOM) is a veterinary diagnostic and pharmaceutical company creating products for companion animals (canine, feline and equine) by focusing on the unmet needs of clinical veterinarians. Zomedica’s product portfolio will include novel diagnostics and innovative therapeutics that emphasize patient health and practice health. With a team that includes clinical veterinary professionals, it is Zomedica’s mission to give veterinarians the opportunity to lower costs, increase productivity, and grow revenue while better serving the animals in their care. For more information, visit www.ZOMEDICA.com.

Follow Zomedica

Reader Advisory

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: market and other conditions, uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; uncertainty as to the timing and results of development work and pilot and pivotal studies, uncertainty as to the likelihood and timing of regulatory approvals, availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships; risks pertaining to permits and licensing, intellectual property infringement risks, risks relating to future clinical trials, regulatory approvals, safety and efficacy of our products, the use of our product, intellectual property protection and the other risk factors disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Investor Relations Contact:
Shameze Rampertab, CPA, CA
srampertab@zomedica.com
+1 647.283.3630

PCG Advisory Group
Kirin Smith, COO
ksmith@pcgadvisory.com
+1 646.863.6519

Media Contact:
Meredith Newman
mnewman@zomedica.com
+1 734.369.2555

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4467a35a-6b89-4627-973b-a0ae831e101f