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): April 12, 2016

 

 

LA QUINTA HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36412   90-1032961

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

909 Hidden Ridge, Suite 600, Irving, Texas 75038

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(214) 492-6600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ 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))

 

 

 


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

On April 12, 2016, La Quinta Holdings Inc. (“ La Quinta ” or the “ Company ”) appointed John W. Cantele to serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective April 25, 2016. Mr. Cantele will succeed Angelo J. Lombardi, who stepped down from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer by mutual agreement with the Company effective April 14, 2016. Mr. Lombardi will act as a consultant to the Company for two months following his resignation as Mr. Cantele transitions into his role with the Company.

Appointment of Mr. Cantele as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Cantele will succeed Mr. Lombardi as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 25, 2016. Mr. Cantele, 55, was most recently Global Head, Select Hotels at the Hyatt Hotel Corporation, where he had served since 2011. In his role as Global Head, Select Hotels, Mr. Cantele managed Hyatt’s owned select service hotels, oversaw Hyatt’s franchised hotels operating under the Hyatt House, Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suites brands and was responsible for corporate operations, sales, revenue management and product design. At Hyatt, he also served in the roles of Senior VP, Select Hotels and Senior VP, Hyatt Summerfield Suites/Hyatt House. Prior to that, from 2000 to 2011, Mr. Cantele served as Senior VP of Operations/Partner at LodgeWorks Hotel Corporation. Beginning in 1988, Mr. Cantele served first as General Manager/Director of Sales, Multi-Property and then as VP of Operations of Summerfield Suites Hotels. He remained with Summerfield Suites Hotels through its acquisition by Wyndham International, Inc., where he continued in the role of VP of Operations from 1998 to 2000. Mr. Cantele graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Stout with a B.S. in hospitality management.

In connection with his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the Company entered into an Offer Letter with Mr. Cantele, dated April 13, 2016 (the “ Offer Letter ”). The Offer Letter provides that Mr. Cantele will be the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with the following compensation and benefits: (i) an annual base salary of $475,000, subject to increase (but not decrease); (ii) an annual bonus opportunity with a target amount equal to 100% of his base salary, with the actual bonus amount based upon achievement of Company and individual performance targets established by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”) for the fiscal year to which the bonus relates; provided that, the annual bonus for the 2016 fiscal year will be pro-rated to reflect Mr. Cantele’s partial year of service; (iii) eligibility to receive annual grants under the Company’s long-term incentive program in amounts and in a form determined by the Compensation Committee; provided that, for the 2016 fiscal year, Mr. Cantele’s long-term incentive award will have a target value of $900,000; (iv) a one-time grant of restricted stock with a grant date target value equal to $250,000 and which vests on the first anniversary of the date of grant; (v) a one-time grant of restricted stock with a grant date target value equal to $200,000 and which vests on the third anniversary of the date of grant; and (vi) in connection with Mr. Cantele’s relocation to Texas, benefits under the Company’s Corporate Vice President & Above relocation policy.

The foregoing summary description of the terms of the Offer Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Offer Letter, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.

Other than the Offer Letter described above, there are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Cantele and any other person pursuant to which he was selected as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. There are no family relationships between Mr. Cantele and any director or executive officer of the Company. Mr. Cantele is not a party to any transaction that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Departure of Mr. Lombardi

In connection with Mr. Lombardi’s departure, the Company entered into a Separation, Consulting and Release Agreement, dated effective as of April 14, 2016 (the “ Separation and Consulting Agreement ”), with Mr. Lombardi. Pursuant to the Separation and Consulting Agreement, subject to non-revocation of a general release and waiver of claims in favor of the Company, Mr. Lombardi will be entitled to the following:

 

    an aggregate severance payment equal to $940,000, representing one times the sum of Mr. Lombardi’s base salary and annual target bonus, which will be paid in substantially equal installments over the 12-month period following the date of Mr. Lombardi’s departure (such date, the “ Departure Date ”);


    a payment equal to $36,153.85, representing the 160 hours of vacation time for 2016 that Mr. Lombardi accrued but did not use prior to or on the Departure Date; and

 

    treatment, for purposes of Mr. Lombardi’s participation in the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”), of Mr. Lombardi’s departure as a termination by the Company without “Cause” or by Mr. Lombardi for “Good Reason,” which will result in the acceleration of vesting of 65,309 shares of the Company’s common stock in respect of outstanding restricted stock awards and no shares of the Company’s common stock in respect of outstanding performance share unit awards.

The Separation and Consulting Agreement further provides that, effective as of the Departure Date, and through the date that is two months following the Departure Date, Mr. Lombardi will serve as a consultant to the Company. Mr. Lombardi will be paid a monthly consulting fee equal to $40,000 in connection with providing consulting services to the Company.

The Separation and Consulting Agreement also contains restrictive covenants, including a non-competition covenant and non-solicitation covenant, each with a six-month duration, and a non-disparagement covenant. In addition, the Separation and Consulting Agreement contains certain rights of indemnification.

The foregoing summary description of the terms of the Separation and Consulting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Separation and Consulting Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto.

The Company expects to incur a charge of approximately $1.7 million related to Mr. Lombardi’s departure.

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

A press release announcing the departure of Angelo J. Lombardi, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and the appointment of John W. Cantele as his successor is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description

10.1    Offer Letter, dated April 13, 2016, between La Quinta Holdings Inc. and John Cantele
10.2    Separation and Consulting Agreement, dated effective as of April 14, 2016, between La Quinta Holdings Inc. and Angelo Lombardi
99.1    Press Release, dated April 14, 2016


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.

 

    LA QUINTA HOLDINGS INC.
    (Registrant)
    By:  

/s/ Mark M. Chloupek

      Name: Mark M. Chloupek
      Title: Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Date: April 14, 2016


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description

10.1    Offer Letter, dated April 13, 2016, between La Quinta Holdings Inc. and John Cantele
10.2    Separation and Consulting Agreement, dated effective as of April 14, 2016, between La Quinta Holdings Inc. and Angelo Lombardi
99.1    Press Release, dated April 14, 2016

Exhibit 10.1

April 13, 2016

BY HAND

Mr. John Cantele

 

Re: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Appointment

Mr. Cantele:

On behalf of La Quinta Holdings Inc. (the “ Company ”), I am pleased to offer you employment with the Company as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, reporting to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, with a start date expected to be April 25, 2016. This offer, and the opportunity it represents, is extended with great confidence in your abilities, and we are excited to have you contribute to the Company’s greater successes.

As a condition of your employment with the Company, you agree to observe and comply with all of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures established by the Company from time to time and all applicable laws, rules and regulations imposed by any governmental regulatory authority from time to time. Without limiting the foregoing, you agree that during your employment with the Company, you will devote your full business time, attention, skill and best efforts to the performance of your employment duties and you are not to engage in any other business or occupation while you are employed with the Company. This will not, however, limit your ability from (i) serving, with the prior written consent of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”), as a member of the boards of directors or advisory boards (or their equivalents in the case of a non-corporate entity) of non-competing businesses and charitable organizations, (ii) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs, and (iii) managing your personal investments and affairs; provided , however , that the activities set out in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall be limited by you so as not to materially interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of your duties and responsibilities to the Company.

During your employment with the Company, the Company will provide you with the following compensation and benefits:

Base Salary : Your annual base salary shall be $475,000, subject to increase (but not decrease) as may be approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”) from time to time. Your base salary will be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.

Annual Bonus : During each fiscal year of your employment with the Company, you will participate in the Company’s annual bonus program, as adopted by the Compensation Committee, and under which you be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus, with a target bonus amount equal to 100% of your base salary. The annual bonus for the 2016 fiscal year will be pro-rated to reflect your partial year of service. The actual annual bonus amount will be based upon achievement of Company and individual performance targets established by the Compensation Committee thereof for the fiscal year to which the bonus relates, and will be paid to you in accordance with the terms of the annual bonus program at the same time bonuses are generally paid to other senior executive officers of the Company.


Long-Term Incentives : In addition to your cash compensation, you will participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program in a manner consistent with other senior executive officers of the Company, and will be eligible to receive annual grants under such program in amounts and in a form determined by the Compensation Committee.

For the 2016 fiscal year, your long-term incentive award will have a target value of $900,000, 45% of which will be in the form of Restricted Stock that will vest in three substantially equal installments on December 31, 2016, and on each of the first and second anniversaries of such date, and the remainder of which will be in the form of Performance Share Units that vest based on Company performance metrics. As with the other senior executives, these awards will be granted under the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “ Incentive Plan ”), and will be subject to the terms of the Incentive Plan as well as the applicable award agreement (each, an “ Award Agreement ”) that you will be required to execute in connection with the grants (which shall be consistent with the forms of award agreements that are publicly filed).

Consistent with the form Award Agreements, if you undergo a qualifying termination of employment (as described below), you will remain eligible to vest in your long-term incentives as follows:

 

    With respect to the Restricted Stock award, if such qualifying termination (i.e., by the Company without Cause or by you with Good Reason, each as defined in the Award Agreement) occurs prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Incentive Plan), then you will vest in the portion of such award that would have vested on the next scheduled vesting date, and if such qualifying termination (i.e., by the Company without Cause or by you with Good Reason) occurs on or following a Change in Control, then you will fully vest in such award. In addition, if your employment with the Company terminates as a result of your death or Disability (whether before, on or following a Change in Control), then you will fully vest in such award.

 

    With respect to the Performance Share Units, if such qualifying termination (i.e., by the Company without Cause, by you with Good Reason, or as a result of your death or Disability) occurs prior to a Change in Control, you will be eligible to vest in a pro rata portion of such award, subject to achievement of the applicable performance metrics based on actual performance through the date of such qualifying termination. In the event of a Change in Control prior to the Regular Vesting Date (as defined in the Award Agreement), then you will be eligible to vest in a portion of such award, subject to achievement of the applicable performance metrics based on actual performance through the Change in Control.

In addition, in connection with your appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the Company will award you (i) a one-time grant of Restricted Stock under the Incentive Plan, with a target value of $250,000, which, subject to your continued

 

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employment through the applicable date, shall vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant and (ii) a one-time grant of Restricted Stock under the Incentive Plan, with a target value of $200,000, which, subject to your continued employment through the applicable date, shall vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Such awards of Restricted Stock shall otherwise be subject to the terms of an Award Agreement that you will be required to execute in connection with such grant (which shall be consistent with the form of Award Agreement that is publicly filed). Consistent with the form Award Agreement, if you undergo a qualifying termination of employment (i.e., by the Company without Cause, by you with Good Reason, or as a result of your death or Disability), you will fully vest in such award.

Benefits : You will be eligible to participate in the various benefit plans offered by the Company from time to time, including health, insurance, retirement, vacation/PTO and other benefits, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable benefit plan.

Relocation : In connection with your relocation to Texas, the Company will provide you with benefits of its Company’s Corporate Vice President & Above relocation policy, details of which are enclosed herewith. Please note that you must complete your relocation to Texas by December 31, 2016.

Taxes : All of the compensation and benefits provided to you by the Company shall be subject to reduction for taxes as required by applicable law.

This letter is not intended to create an employment contract for any set period of time, rather your employment with the Company is “at will”, meaning you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time or for any reason, with or without notice. The “at will” nature of your relationship with the Company may not be modified or amended except by written agreement between you and the Board.

By accepting your appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, you represent and warrant that (i) you are accepting such appointment voluntarily and that your employment with the Company and compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in this letter will not conflict with or result in the breach by you of any agreement to which you are a party or by which you may be bound and, and (ii) in connection with your employment with the Company will not violate, any non-solicitation, non-competition, or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer by which you are or may be bound.

This letter supersedes and replaces, as applicable, any and all agreements between you and the Company, with respect to all subject matters included in this letter.

To accept your appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, please execute this letter where indicated below, and return the executed copy to the Company’s General Counsel. This letter may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The execution of this letter may be by actual or facsimile signature. The letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within such State.

 

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We are very excited to have you join the Company’s team. We have many exciting challenges ahead and we are confident you will make a significant contribution to our future growth.

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Mark Chloupek

Mark Chloupek

EVP & General Counsel

Agreed and Accepted this 13th day of April, 2016

 

/s/ John Cantele

John Cantele

 

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Exhibit 10.2

SEPARATION, CONSULTING AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Separation, Consulting and Release Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated effective as of April 14, 2016 (the “ Termination Date ”), confirms the following understandings and agreements between La Quinta Holdings Inc. (the “ Company ”) and Angelo Lombardi (hereinafter referred to as “ you ” or “ your ”).

WHEREAS , you are currently serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company;

WHEREAS , you and the Company have mutually agreed that your employment with the Company and/or its direct and indirect parent(s), subsidiaries, and affiliates will terminate effective as of the Termination Date; and

WHEREAS , you and the Company have mutually agreed that you will serve as a consultant to the Company for a period of time following the Termination Date as described in this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises set forth herein, you and the Company agree as follows:

1. Employment Status and Separation Payments .

(a) You acknowledge your separation from employment with the Company and its direct and indirect parent(s) and subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, with the Company, the “ Company Group ”) effective as of the Termination Date, and after the Termination Date you will not represent yourself as being an employee of the Company or any other member of the Company Group.

(b) In consideration of the release of claims set forth in paragraph 2 below, the Company agrees that it will:

(i) provide you with an aggregate severance payment equal to $940,000.00 (representing one (1) times the sum of your base salary and annual bonus), such amount to be paid in substantially equal installments over the twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; and

(ii) treat, for purposes of your participation in the La Quinta Holdings Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time (the “ 2014 Plan ”), your termination of employment as described herein as if you are being terminated by the Company without “Cause” or by you for “Good Reason” (such termination, a “ Good Leaver Termination Event ”). Consistent therewith, Exhibit A , attached hereto, summarizes the acceleration applicable to your equity awards as a result of such Good Leaver Termination Event ((i) and (ii) together, the “ Severance Benefits ”).


Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any regular payroll date occurs prior to the Effective Date (as defined below), any Severance Benefits that would otherwise have been due under this paragraph 1 shall be deferred and paid or provided (as applicable) on the Effective Date (as defined below), or if as to salary continuation, together with the regular installment occurring on the first regular payroll date following the Effective Date.

(c) The Company will also reimburse you for reasonable and customary business expenses incurred prior to the Termination Date pursuant to the terms of the Company’s business expense policy; provided that you submit a completed expense reimbursement form and supporting documentation no later than thirty (30) days following the Termination Date. In addition, the Company will pay you $36,153.85 for the 160 hours of vacation time for 2016 that you have accrued but not used prior to or on the Termination Date.

(d) In addition to your rights to indemnification as an officer of the Company pursuant to the Company’s organizational documents, the Company agrees to indemnify you and hold you harmless on an after-tax basis for the actual increase in federal, state or local income taxes payable by you to the extent attributable to any net increase in taxable income of LQ Management L.L.C. (“ LQM ”) for any period or portion thereof ending on or prior to April 14, 2014 over the amount reflected on LQM’s IRS Form 1065 as filed for such period or portion, taking into account any tax benefits to you resulting from (i) such increase in taxable income or increase in taxes payable or (ii) any reduction in taxable income of LQM for any other such period or portion from the amount reflected on LQM’s IRS Form 1065 as filed, and the Company shall reimburse you for all reasonable fees (including, but not limited to, accountants’ and attorneys’ fees), bills, costs, expenses, taxes, interest, and penalties relating thereto, including, without limitation, any incurred in connection with any and all claims, inquiries, investigations, or audits relating thereto (and subject to execution by you of any undertaking as required by applicable law). You shall provide reasonable evidence of any net increase in taxes as the Company shall reasonably request.

(e) Subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 and your other rights referenced in this Agreement, you acknowledge and agree that the payment(s) and other benefits provided pursuant to this paragraph 1 are in full discharge of any and all liabilities and obligations of the Company or any other member of the Company Group to you, monetarily or with respect to employee benefits or otherwise, including but not limited to, any alleged written or oral employment agreement, policy, plan or procedure of the Company or any other member of the Company Group and/or any alleged understanding or arrangement between you and the Company or any other member of the Company Group (other than claims for accrued and vested benefits under an employee benefit, insurance, or pension plan of the Company or any other member of the Company Group (excluding any employee benefit plan providing severance or similar benefits), subject to the terms and conditions of such plan(s)).

(f) The payments due to you under this paragraph 1 shall be subject to reduction to satisfy all applicable federal, state and local withholding tax obligations.

 

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2. Release and Waiver of Claims .

(a) As used in this Agreement, the term “claims” will include all claims, covenants, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, accounts, attorneys’ fees, judgments, losses and liabilities, of whatsoever kind or nature, in law, equity or otherwise.

(b) You, for and on behalf of yourself and your heirs, administrators, executors and assigns, effective as of the date hereof, do fully and forever release, remise and discharge the Company and any other member of the Company Group, and their respective current and former affiliates, together with their respective current and former officers, directors, partners, members, fiduciaries, counsel, employees, agents, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (collectively, and with the Company, the “ Company Parties ”) from any and all claims whatsoever up to the date hereof which you had, may have had, or now have against the Company Parties, for or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, including any claim arising out of or attributable to your employment or the termination of your employment with the Company, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel or slander, or under any federal, state or local law dealing with discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability or sexual orientation; provided , however , that you, your heirs, administrators, executors and assigns do not forfeit or release any rights under this Agreement or any legal claims or causes of action arising out of actions allegedly taken by any member of the Company Parties after the date of your execution of this Agreement. This release of claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ ADEA ”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act, each as may be amended from time to time, and all other federal, state and local laws, the common law and any other purported restriction on an employer’s right to terminate the employment of employees. The parties intend the release contained herein to be a general release of any and all claims to the fullest extent permissible by law.

(c) By executing this Agreement, you specifically release all claims against the Company Parties through the date hereof relating to your employment and its termination under ADEA, a United States federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefit plans, subject to paragraphs 2(d) and 2(e) and your other rights under this Agreement.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing and any other provision in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall be a waiver or release of: (i) your rights with respect to this Agreement, its enforcement or breach, or payment of amounts under this Agreement, (ii) your right to benefits due to terminated employees under any employee benefit plan of the Company or any other member of the Company Group in which you participated (excluding any severance or similar plan or policy), in accordance with the terms thereof (including your rights to elect COBRA coverage), (iii) any claims that cannot be waived by law including, without limitation any claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, or claims under the ADEA that arise after the date of this Agreement, or (iv) your right of indemnification as provided by, and in accordance with the terms of, paragraph 1(d) above, the Company’s by-laws or a Company insurance policy providing such coverage.

 

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(e) Nothing in this Agreement precludes you from filing, or precludes you from obtaining the benefits offered to you in this Agreement for having filed, an administrative charge of discrimination or an administrative charge within the jurisdiction of either the National Labor Relations Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or other similar state or local agency) (“ EEOC ”). Additionally, nothing in this Agreement prohibits or impedes you from filing a charge or complaint, or communicating, with any federal, state or local government or law enforcement office, official or agency (collectively, a “ Governmental Entity ”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any such Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation; provided that (i) in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law, relevant to the possible violations, and (ii) the information subject to such disclosure was not obtained by you through a communication that was subject to the attorney-client privilege, unless such disclosure of that information would otherwise be permitted by an attorney pursuant to 17 CFR 205.3(d)(2), applicable state attorney conduct rules, or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you understand that the Company does not authorize the waiver of the attorney-client privilege or work product protection or any other privilege or protection belonging to the Company. With the exception of any of the foregoing claims, complaints or communications described in paragraph 2(d) and this paragraph 2(e), you affirm that you have neither filed or caused to be filed, and presently are not a party to, any claim, complaint, or action against the Company in any forum or form, nor have you purported to assign any claim or part thereof which is released herein. Other than a benefit or remedy pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or any other provision of federal or state law pertaining to whistleblower incentives and protection, you promise never to seek or accept any damages, remedies, or other relief for yourself personally (any right to which you hereby waive and promise never to seek or accept) with respect to any claim included in this paragraph 2(e), in any proceeding, including but not limited to, any EEOC proceeding.

(f) You acknowledge and agree that by virtue of the foregoing, and subject to your rights referenced in paragraphs 2(d) and 2(e) and otherwise in this Agreement, you have waived any relief available to you (including without limitation, monetary damages, equitable relief and reinstatement) under any of the claims and/or causes of action waived in this paragraph 3. Therefore, and subject to your rights referenced in paragraphs 2(d) and 2(e) and otherwise in this Agreement, you agree that you will not accept any award or settlement from any source or proceeding (including but not limited to any proceeding brought by any other person or by any government agency) with respect to any claim or right waived in this Agreement.

3. Knowing and Voluntary Waiver . You expressly acknowledge and agree that you:

(a) Are able to read the language, and understand the meaning and effect, of this Agreement;

 

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(b) Have no physical or mental impairment of any kind that has interfered with your ability to read and understand the meaning of this Agreement or its terms, and that you are not acting under the influence of any medication, drug or chemical of any type in entering into this Agreement;

(c) Understand that, by entering into this Agreement, you do not waive rights or claims under ADEA that may arise after the date you execute this Agreement;

(d) Had or could have the entire Review Period in which to review and consider this Agreement, and that if you execute this Agreement prior to the expiration of the Review Period, you have voluntarily and knowingly waived the remainder of the Review Period;

(e) Were advised to consult with your attorney regarding the terms and effect of this Agreement; and

(f) Have signed this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily.

4. No Suit . You represent and warrant that you have not previously filed, and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, agree that you will not file a complaint, charge or lawsuit against any of the Company Parties for any of the claims released herein.

5. Consulting Appointment .

(a) Effective as of the Termination Date and through the date that is two (2) months following the Termination Date (the “ Consulting Period ”), you shall serve as a consultant to the Company. During the Consulting Period, you will make yourself available, on an as-needed basis, to provide your assistance and expertise in all matters reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the transition of your duties and responsibilities, and with respect to such other matters relating to the business of the Company Group (the “ Consulting Services ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Consulting Period shall immediately terminate upon any breach by you of this Agreement, and the Company shall have no further obligations under this paragraph 5 upon such early termination of the Consulting Period.

(b) In connection with your provision of the Consulting Services, the Company will pay you a monthly consulting fee equal to $40,000 (the “ Consulting Fees ”), payable in substantially equal monthly installments, in arrears.

(c) You acknowledge that, during the Consulting Period, you will not be an “employee” (or person of similar status) of the Company or any member of the Company Group for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and as a result, the Company will not withhold or deduct from the Consulting Fees any amounts as federal income tax withholding from wages or as employee contributions under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act or any other state or federal laws, and you will be solely responsible for the payment of any federal, state or local income or payroll taxes with respect to the Consulting Fees. In the event that the consulting arrangement described herein is reclassified as an employment relationship by any governmental agency or court, you acknowledge and agree that you will not seek to participate in or benefit from any of the employee benefit plans or programs of the Company or its affiliates as a result of such reclassification.

 

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(d) It is understood by you and the Company that during the Consulting Period, you shall be an independent contractor with respect to the Company and not an employee of the Company. You acknowledge and agree that following the Termination Date, and in each case other than as required by COBRA, you (and your eligible dependents) shall no longer be eligible for, actively participate in, accrue service credit or have contributions made, either by you or on your behalf, under any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company in respect of periods commencing following the Termination Date, including without limitation, workers’ or unemployment compensation benefits, any plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, fringe benefits or other similar plans of the Company, and you shall have no further right to receive any such benefits from the Company.

6. Binding Nature, Successors and Assigns . The provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of your heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives and assigns and the Company Group’s successors and assigns. The provisions hereof shall be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives and assigns, as applicable, and the Company Group’s executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns, as applicable.

7. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force and effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision, however, shall have no effect upon and shall not impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

8. Restrictive Covenants .

(a) You agree that:

(i) you will not, at any time, make use of or divulge to any other person, firm or corporation any trade or business secret, process, method or means, or any other confidential information concerning the business or policies of the Company Group, which you may have learned in connection with your employment or Consulting Services. For purposes of this Agreement, a “trade or business secret, process, method or means, or any other confidential information” shall mean and include written information treated as both confidential and as a trade secret by the Company Group. Your obligation under this paragraph 8(a)(i) shall not apply to any information which (a) is known publicly; (b) is in the public domain or hereafter enters the public domain without the fault of you; (c) is known to you prior to your receipt of such information from the Company, as evidenced by written records of you; or (d) is hereafter disclosed to you by a third party not under an obligation of confidence to the Company Group. You agree not to remove from the premises of the Company, except as specifically permitted in writing by the Company, any document or other object containing or reflecting any such confidential information. You recognize that all such documents and objects, whether developed by you or by someone else, will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company. Upon termination of the Consulting Period, you shall deliver to the Company all such confidential information, including without limitation all lists of lessees, customers, correspondence, accounts, records and any other documents or property made or held by you or under your control in relation to the business or affairs of the Company, and no copy of any such confidential information shall be retained by you;

 

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(ii) during the period commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the date that is six (6) months following the Termination Date, you shall not, individually or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, company, enterprise, or entity, or as a sole proprietor, partner, stockholder, director, officer, principal, agent, or executive, or in any other capacity or relationship, engage in any business activity that is materially competitive with the current business activities of the Company Group within the United States of America or any other jurisdiction in which any member of the Company Group engages in business and derives a material portion of its revenues; and

(iii) during the period commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the date that is six (6) months following the Termination Date, you shall not, directly or indirectly, whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, partner, or joint venturer, solicit or induce, or in any manner attempt to solicit or induce, any person employed by, or as agent of, the Company to terminate such person’s employment or agency, as the case may be, with the Company.

(b) You agree that from and after the Termination Date, you will not, orally or in writing, Disparage the Company Parties or otherwise take any action which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the business reputation of the Company. “Disparage” means negative, defamatory, injurious, or false statements. This paragraph 8 does not limit or hinder your rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, and does not bar you from making any truthful statements in any court proceeding or governmental investigation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees that you will be entitled to describe your responsibilities and roles while employed by the Company and that you and the Company mutually agreed to terminate your employment with the Company. Your obligations under this paragraph 8 shall not apply to disclosures required by applicable law, regulation or order of a court or governmental agency.

(c) You acknowledge and agree that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this paragraph 8 would be inadequate and the Company Group would suffer substantial, continuing, and irreparable damages as a result of such breach or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, you agree that in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available by a court of appropriate jurisdiction without the necessity of proving irreparable harm or injury as a result of such breach or threatened breach. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, you acknowledge and agree that the Restricted Period shall be tolled during any period of violation of any of the covenants in this paragraph 8 and during any other period required for litigation during which the Company or any other member of the Company Group seeks to enforce such covenants against you if it is ultimately determined that you were in breach of such covenants.

 

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(d) It is the desire and intent of the parties to this Agreement that the provisions of this Agreement shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. If for any reason any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, or excessively broad as to duration, scope, activity or subject, in whole or in part, such determination will not affect any other provision of this Agreement or the remaining portion of this Agreement, and the provision in question shall be modified by the court so as to be rendered enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with applicable law.

9. Cooperation . You agree that, after the Termination Date, you shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while you were employed by the Company or during the Consulting Period; provided , however , that such cooperation shall not materially and adversely affect you or expose you to an increased probability of civil or criminal litigation. Your cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company at mutually convenient times. After the Termination Date, you also shall cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while you were employed by the Company or during the Consulting Period. The Company shall also provide you with compensation on an hourly basis (to be derived from your current or last applicable level of base compensation, as paid by the Company) for requested litigation and regulatory cooperation that occurs after the Termination Date, and reimburse you for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with your performance under this paragraph, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

10. Return of Property . You agree that you will, promptly following the Consulting Period, return to the Company all property belonging to the Company and/or any other member of the Company Group, including but not limited to all proprietary and/or confidential information and documents (including any copies thereof) in any form belonging to the Company, keys, card access to the building and office floors, Employee Handbook, phone card, computer user name and password, disks and/or voicemail code. You may retain your Company-provided computer and cellular telephone (including telephone number) and other home office equipment; provided , that you provide such items to the Company to remove all proprietary and/or confidential information and documents in any form belonging to the Company Group on the Termination Date.

11. Non-Admission . Nothing contained in this Agreement will be deemed or construed as an admission of wrongdoing or liability on the part of you or any member of the Company Group.

12. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all counterparts so executed shall constitute one agreement binding on all of the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all of the parties are not signatory to the same counterpart. This Agreement may be executed either by original or facsimile, either of which will be equally binding.

 

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13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto regarding the termination of your employment. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, correspondence, communications, understandings and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to amend or alter any of your rights relating to your equity holdings in the Company or Severance Benefits, including under the 2014 Plan, and your rights will, to the extent applicable, expressly survive the execution of this Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof and with the terms of this Agreement.

14. Governing Law; Jurisdiction . EXCEPT WHERE PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW, THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THAT STATE.

15. Opportunity for Review; Acceptance . You have through the twenty-first (21 st ) day following the date hereof (the “ Review Period ”) to review and consider this Agreement. To accept this Agreement, and the terms and conditions contained herein, prior to the expiration of the Review Period, you must execute and date this Agreement where indicated below and return the executed copy of this Agreement to the Company, to the attention of the Company’s General Counsel. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement will not become effective or enforceable for a period of seven (7) calendar days following the date of its execution (the “ Revocation Period ”), during which time you may revoke your acceptance of this Agreement by notifying the General Counsel, in writing, via facsimile at (214) 492-6500. To be effective, such revocation must be sent to the Company no later than 5:00 p.m. on the seventh (7 th ) calendar day following its execution. Provided that this Agreement is executed and you do not revoke it, the eighth (8 th ) day following the date on which this Agreement is executed shall be its effective date (the “ Effective Date ”). In the event of your failure to execute and deliver this Agreement prior to the expiration of the Review Period, or if you otherwise revoke this Agreement during the Revocation Period, this Agreement will be null and void and of no effect, and the Company will have no obligations hereunder.

*        *         *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

LA QUINTA HOLDINGS INC.
By:  

/s/ Mark Chloupek

  Name: Mark Chloupek
  Title: Executive Vice President and
 

General Counsel

  Date: April 14, 2016

 

/s/ Angelo Lombardi

Angelo Lombardi
Date: April 14, 2016

[ Signature Page to Separation, Consulting and Release Agreement ]


EXHIBIT A

Acceleration Applicable to Equity Awards

 

Equity Award

  

Acceleration of Equity Award

2014 Equity Awards
Share Distribution Acknowledgement    N/A

Restricted Stock Award

(IPO Grant)

   N/A

Restricted Stock Award

(Retention Grant)

   48,940.67 shares

Restricted Stock Award

(Time-Based)

   3,309 shares
Performance Share Unit Award    0 shares
2015 Equity Awards

Restricted Stock Award

(Time-Based)

   3,009.34 shares
Performance Share Unit Award    0 shares
2016 Equity Awards

Restricted Stock Award

(Time-Based)

   10,049.33 shares
Performance Share Unit Award 1    0 shares
Total    65,308.34 shares

 

1   2016 Performance Share Unit Award subject to stockholder approval.

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

La Quinta Holdings Inc. Appoints John Cantele As Chief Operating Officer

- Angelo Lombardi to Depart the Company -

IRVING, Texas (April 14, 2016) – La Quinta Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LQ) (the “Company” or “La Quinta”) announced today that John Cantele will be joining La Quinta as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective April 25, 2016. Mr. Cantele will join the Company from Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) where he served as the Global Head, Select Hotels. Angelo Lombardi and the Company have mutually agreed that Mr. Lombardi will step down as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

“We are excited to add John to our leadership team,” said Keith A. Cline, President and Chief Executive Officer of La Quinta. “John has extensive experience across all aspects of select service hotels, both managed and franchised. He was instrumental in growing multiple select service brands at Hyatt where he used his entrepreneurial approach as a longtime owner/operator to help optimize brand distribution and implement significant operational enhancements. We are confident that John will be instrumental in advancing our strategy to optimize financial performance over the long-term by executing on our initiatives to drive an exceptional and consistent La Quinta guest experience.” Mr. Cline continued, “We are very grateful to Angelo for all of his passion, hard work, and dedication to helping grow the La Quinta brand, and we wish him well.”

Mr. Cantele was most recently Global Head, Select Hotels at Hyatt where he led the operations of Hyatt’s owned select service hotels, while also overseeing its franchised hotels operating under the Hyatt House, Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suites brands. In this role, Mr. Cantele was responsible for corporate operations, sales, revenue management, product design and planning, franchise development, and marketing. Prior to Hyatt, Mr. Cantele was with LodgeWorks Hotel Corporation where he oversaw all aspects of being a developer, an owner / operator and a franchisee of branded hotels throughout the United States. Early in his career, Mr. Cantele held positions with several hospitality brands including Guest Quarters Hotels, Residence Inn, and Summerfield Suites Hotels, serving in various roles, including Vice President of Operations as well as a front-line hotel general manager.


Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the management transition described herein as well as our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “projects,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

About La Quinta Holdings Inc.

La Quinta Holdings Inc. (LQ) is a leading owner, operator and franchisor of select-service hotels primarily serving the upper-midscale and midscale segments. The Company’s owned and franchised portfolio consists of more than 880 properties representing approximately 87,400 rooms located in 48 states in the U.S., and in Canada, Mexico and Honduras. These properties operate under the La Quinta Inn & Suites™, La Quinta Inn™ and LQ Hotel TM brands. La Quinta’s team is committed to providing guests with a refreshing and engaging experience. For more information, please visit: www.LQ.com .

From time to time, La Quinta may use its website as a distribution channel of material company information. Financial and other important information regarding the Company is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at www.lq.com/investorrelations . In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about La Quinta when you enroll your email address by visiting the Email Notification section at www.lq.com/investorrelations .

Contacts:

Investor Relations

214-492-6896

investor.relations@laquinta.com

Media:

Phil Denning – 646-277-1258

Jason Chudoba – 646-277-1249

Phil.Denning@icrinc.com

Jason.Chudoba@icrinc.com