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): November 9, 2020
SIENTRA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-36709 | 20-5551000 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
420 South Fairview Avenue, Suite 200
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
(Address of principal executive offices, with zip code)
(805) 562-3500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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.):
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | SIEN | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
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. ☐
Item 1.01 |
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
The information in Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.
Item 5.02 |
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On November 9, 2020, Jeffrey Nugent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sientra, Inc. (the “Company”), stepped down as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective November 10, 2020 (the “Separation Date”). Mr. Nugent will remain as a non-executive employee of the Company to assist with the transition of his duties through December 31, 2020, at which time he will resign from the Company. Mr. Nugent’s decision to resign from the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
Appointment of Ronald Menezes as President and Chief Executive Officer
Effective November 10, 2020, the Board appointed Ronald Menezes as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In addition, the Board appointed Mr. Menezes to the Board as a Class I director to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Nugent’s resignation, effective upon Mr. Nugent’s resignation from the Board. In connection with his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Menezes. Under the terms of Mr. Menezes’ employment agreement, Mr. Menezes will receive an annual base salary of $500,000. Mr. Menezes will receive for fiscal year 2020 a guaranteed bonus of $150,000 and thereafter is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to one hundred percent (100%) of his then current base salary, which is determined by the achievement of certain corporate objectives and personal performance criteria as established by the Compensation Committee of the Board, or the Compensation Committee. Mr. Menezes is also entitled to reimbursement for up to $100,000 in relocation expenses.
Mr. Menezes will be granted (i) an option to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, 125,000 of which will vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date with the remaining 375,000 vesting in equal monthly installments thereafter, (ii) 500,000 Restricted Stock Units which will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 500,000 Performance Stock Units which will vest in accordance with the performance criteria and vesting schedule established by the Board.
Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Menezes is entitled to severance benefits in the event that either the Company terminates him without cause or he resigns for good reason. The severance amount consists of twenty-four (24) months of Mr. Menezes’s annual base salary and a lump sum payment equal to the pro-rata portion, if any, of the then-current performance bonus earned as of the date of separation from service, and paid COBRA premiums for the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination. In the event that Mr. Menezes is terminated within twelve (12) months following a change in control, or if an acquiror does not assume or continue Mr. Menezes’ then unvested equity awards in connection with a change in control, in addition to the above severance benefits, Mr. Menezes’ unvested RSUs shall fully vest.
The foregoing is only a brief description of the material terms of the Employment Agreement, does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties thereunder and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Menezes, age 58, served as President and General Manager of Almirall U.S. – Dermatology, a subsidiary of Almirall, S.A., a pharmaceutical company, from August 2017 until November 2020. Prior to joining Almirall, Mr. Menezes served as Vice President of Sales and Operations of Assertio Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly Depomed Inc.), a specialty pharmaceutical company) from 2016 until August 2017. Formerly, Mr. Menezes served in a series of leadership roles at Allergan plc, Abbott Laboratories, Astellas Pharma Inc., Pfizer Inc. and Eli, Lilly and Co. Mr. Menezes holds a B.S. in International Business from Brigham Young University. Our Board believes Mr. Menezes is qualified to serve as one of our directors based on his business and management experience of several companies in the aesthetics industry.
There is no arrangement or understanding pursuant to which Mr. Menezes was selected as President and Chief Executive Officer, and there are no related party transactions between the Company and Mr. Menezes reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Separation Agreement with Jeffrey Nugent
In connection with his resignation, on November 9, 2020, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) with Mr. Nugent. The Separation Agreement provides severance consistent with a termination without cause or resignation for good reason and provides that, in exchange for, among other things, a
general release of all claims, the Company will make a lump sum payment to Mr. Nugent on or prior to March 15, 2021 of $2,226,000 representing an amount equal to (i) twenty-four (24) months of Mr. Nugent’s base salary in effect on the Separation Date; and (ii) two (2) times the annual bonus earned by Mr. Nugent in connection with the completion of fiscal year 2019. The Company shall also reimburse Mr. Nugent’s COBRA premiums starting on the Separation Date and ending on the earliest to occur of: (i) twenty-four (24) months following the Separation Date; (ii) the date Mr. Nugent becomes eligible for group health insurance through a new employer; or (iii) the date Mr. Nugent ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination. In addition, the Separation Agreement provides the acceleration of all of Mr. Nugent’s unvested equity awards and provides that Mr. Nugent may exercise any outstanding options until the twenty-four-month anniversary of the Separation Date. Further, the Separation Agreement provides for the reimbursement of documented relocation expenses of up to $100,000.
The foregoing description of the separation agreement with Mr. Nugent is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of such agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K
Employment Agreement with Caroline Van Hove
On November 9, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Caroline Van Hove, a member of the Board, to serve as Executive Chair of the Board, effective upon Mr. Nugent’s resignation from the Board (the “Van Hove Agreement”).
The Van Hove Agreement provides that Ms. Van Hove will receive an annual base salary equal to $155,000.
Ms. Van Hove will be granted (i) an option to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, 25,000 of which will vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date with the remaining 75,000 vesting in equal monthly installments thereafter, (ii) 100,000 Restricted Stock Units which will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 100,000 Performance Stock Units which will vest in accordance with the performance criteria and vesting schedule established by the Board. In addition, Ms. Van Hove will be eligible to receive an annual equity grant equal to the amount granted to non-employee directors of the Company and will be entitled to participate in all employee benefit programs.
In the event Ms. Van Hove is terminated “without cause” or resigns for “good reason” within twelve months prior to or following a “change in control” (each as defined in the Van Hove Agreement), the Company shall pay Ms. Van Hove an amount equal to twelve (12) months of her then-current base salary paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule over the twelve (12) month period and reimburse her COBRA premiums for twelve (12) months or until Ms. Van Hove is eligible for group health insurance through a new employer she ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination.
The foregoing is only a brief description of the material terms of the Employment Agreement, does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties thereunder and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
There is no arrangement or understanding pursuant to which Ms. Van Hove was selected as Executive Chair of the Board, and there are no related party transactions between the Company and Ms. Van Hove reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 8.01 |
Other Events. |
On November 9, 2020, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Menezes as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
The information set forth in Item of this Current Report on Form 8-K 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, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any of the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01. |
Financial Statements and Exhibits |
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit
No. |
Description | |
10.1 | Employment Agreement, dated November 9, 2020, by and between the Company and Ronald Menezes. | |
10.2 | Separation Agreement, dated November 9, 2020, by and between the Company and Jeffrey M. Nugent. | |
10.3 | Employment Agreement, dated November 9, 2020, by and between the Company and Caroline Van Hove. | |
99.1 | Press Release dated November 9, 2020. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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.
SIENTRA, INC. | ||||||
Date: November 10, 2020 | By: |
/s/ Oliver Bennett |
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Oliver Bennett | ||||||
General Counsel and Vice President |
Exhibit 10.1
SIENTRA, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Ronald Menezes
This Executive Employment Agreement (the Agreement), made between Sientra, Inc., a Delaware company headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA(the Company) and Ronald Menezes (Executive) (collectively, the Parties), shall be effective as of the 10th day of November, 2020 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive, pursuant to the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to accept and continue his employment on the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Duties and Responsibilities.
1.1. Position. Executive shall serve as the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer. This is a full-time position and, during the term of Executives employment with the Company, Executive will devote Executives diligent efforts and substantially all of Executives business time and attention to the business of the Company, except for approved vacation periods and reasonable periods of illness or other incapacities permitted by the Companys general employment policies. Executive shall serve as a member of the Companys Board of Directors (the Board), and during the Employment Period (as defined below), the Board shall nominate Executive to stand for reelection, subject to election by the Companys stockholders in accordance with the Companys Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. During the Employment Period, Executive shall not be paid a fee for serving as a member of the Board. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection with his service as a member of the Board in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policies.
1.2. Duties and Location. Executive shall perform such duties as are required by the Board, to whom Executive will report. Executives primary office location shall be the Companys Santa Barbara office. The Company reserves the right to reasonably require Executive to perform Executives duties at places other than Executives primary office location from time to time, and to require reasonable business travel. Executive shall devote substantially all of Executives business time and attention to the performance of Executives duties hereunder and shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise that would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services, either directly or indirectly, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Executive from (i) managing personal investments, (ii) serving on civic or charitable boards or committees, or (iii) with the prior approval from the Board, serving on the board of one other for-profit company that does not compete with the Company, so long as all such activities described in clauses (i) and (iii) herein do not materially interfere with the performance of Executives duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive has provided the Board with a written list of all boards of directors (whether for-profit or non-profit) of which he is a member.
1.3. Policies and Procedures. The employment relationship between the Parties shall be governed by the general employment policies and practices of the Company, except that when the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Companys general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control. Executives employment constitutes at-will employment and the employment relationship may be terminated by the Company or Executive at any time, with or without notice subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
2. Compensation.
2.1. Salary. As of the Effective Date, Executives current base salary shall be payable at the annualized rate of $500,000.00 per year (the Base Salary), subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings and payable in accordance with the Companys regular payroll schedule. The Base Salary may be increased in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board but may not be decreased during the Employment Period (unless pursuant to a salary reduction program applicable generally to the Companys similarly situated employees). In the event of any increase as permitted by this Section 2, the Base Salary for all purposes under this Agreement shall be the increased amount in effect from time to time.
2.2. Bonus. For 2020 only, Executive shall earn a guaranteed bonus equal to $150,000, less standard payroll deductions and withholdings, provided that Executive remains an active employee through December 31, 2020. Thereafter, for each full calendar year during the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus of up to 100% of the Base Salary then in effect (the Target Bonus), with the actual bonus amount (the Performance Bonus) determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the Committee) and communicated in writing to Executive, which Performance Bonus shall be based upon the achievement of specific performance goals as established by the Committee in good faith consultation with the Executive. Except as otherwise set forth above, whether Executive receives a Performance Bonus for any given year, and the amount of any such Performance Bonus, will be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion based upon the Companys and Executives achievement of objectives and milestones to be determined on an annual basis by the Committee in good faith consultation with the Executive. Executive must remain an active employee through the end of any given calendar year in order to earn a Performance Bonus for that year and any such bonus will be paid prior to February 15 of the year following the year in which Executives right to such amount became vested. Executive will not be eligible for, and will not earn, any Performance Bonus (including a prorated bonus) if Executives employment terminates for any reason before the end of the calendar year, except as expressly contemplated in Section 6 below.
2.3. Relocation Reimbursement. Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed, upon the presentation of appropriate receipts and supporting documentation, up to a maximum of $100,000 for the Executives relocation from his principle residence to Santa Barbara County within (12) twelve months of the Effective Date.
2.4. Equity Award. Subject to the approval of the Board, Executive shall be granted the following equity awards:
(A) an incentive stock option to purchase 500,000 shares of the Companys common stock at a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value (as determined based on the terms of the equity plan pursuant to which it is granted) of the Companys common stock on the grant date and with a ten (10) year term which shall vest as follows (i) 125,000 shall vest and be exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 375,000 shall vest and be exercisable in thirty-six (36) equal consecutive monthly installments commencing on the thirteenth (13th) anniversary of the grant date;
(B) a restricted stock unit award of 500,000 shares of the Companys common stock which shall vest as follows (i) 125,000 shall vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 125,000 shall vest on the second anniversary of the grant date; (iii) 125,000 shall vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; and (iv) 125,000 shall vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date; and
(C) a performance stock unit award of 500,000 shares of the Companys common stock, which shall vest in accordance with the performance criteria and vesting schedule established by the Board and communicated to Executive.
The stock option, restricted stock units, and performance stock units shall be governed by the Companys standard form of stock option agreement, the restricted stock unit agreement, and the performance stock unit agreement, respectively, and in the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the terms of any equity award, the terms set forth in the equity award agreement shall govern.
3. Company Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit programs for which Executive is eligible under the terms and conditions of the benefit plans that may be in effect from time to time and provided by the Company to its senior executive employees, provided that such benefits shall be made available on the Effective Date without regard to any waiting period, to the extent permitted by the terms of the benefit plans and applicable law. The Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans or programs it offers to its employees at any time. Executive and the Company shall enter into the Companys standard Indemnification Agreement, which Indemnification Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date.
4. Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to accrue and use paid time off in accordance with the terms of the Companys policies and practices; provided, however, that in no event will Executives paid time off accrual rate be lower than thirteen and thirty-three (13.33) hours per month.
5. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable and normal airfare, car rental, travel, local transportation, entertainment, or other expenses incurred by Executive in furtherance or in connection with the performance of Executives duties hereunder, in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.
6. Termination of Employment; Severance.
6.1. At-Will Employment. Executives employment relationship is at-will. Either Executive or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without Cause or advance notice. The period during which Executives employment continues in effect shall be referenced as the Employment Period.
6.2. Termination for Cause; Resignation; Death or Disability.
(a) The Company may terminate Executives employment with the Company at any time for Cause (as defined below). Further, Executive may resign at any time, with or without Good Reason (as defined below). Executives employment with the Company may also be terminated due to Executives death or disability (disability shall mean the failure of Executive to perform the essential functions of Executives position for a period of one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive calendar days, or for an aggregate of one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days in any twelve (12) month period due to Executives physical or mental disability or illness, or Executive is entitled to receive long-term disability benefits under the Companys long-term disability plan).
(b) If Executive resigns for any reason, except as provided in Section 6.4 below, or the Company terminates Executives employment for Cause, or upon Executives death or disability, then (i) Executive will no longer vest in any equity awards; (ii) all payments of compensation by the Company to Executive hereunder will terminate immediately (except as to amounts already earned); and (iii) Executive will not be entitled to any severance benefits. In addition, Executive shall resign from all positions and terminate any relationships as an employee, advisor, officer or director with the Company and any of its affiliates, each effective on the date of termination.
6.3. Termination without Cause. In the event Executives employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to the closing of a Change in Control (as defined below) or more than twelve (12) months following the closing of a Change of Control, then provided such termination constitutes a separation from service (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a Separation from Service), and provided that Executive remains in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement (as defined below), the Company shall provide Executive with the following severance benefits (collectively, the Severance Benefits):
(a) The Company shall pay Executive an lump sum amount within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Release Period (as defined below) equal to (i) twenty-four (24) months of Executives then-current Base Salary paid in equal installments on the Companys normal payroll schedule over the twenty-four (24) month period immediately following the Separation Date; and (ii) a lump sum payment equal to the pro-rata portion, if any, of the Performance Bonus earned by Executive in connection with the completion of the fiscal year prior to the Separation Date.
(b) Provided that Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA, the Company shall pay Executives COBRA premiums to continue Executives coverage (including coverage for eligible dependents, if applicable) (COBRA Premiums) through the period (the COBRA Premium Period) starting on the Executives Separation from Service and ending on the earliest to occur of: (i) twenty four (24) months following Executives Separation from Service; (ii) the date Executive becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage through a new employer; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination. In the event Executive becomes covered under another employers group health plan or otherwise cease to be eligible for COBRA during the COBRA Premium Period, Executive must immediately notify the Company of such event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company shall in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executives group health coverage in effect on the date of Executives employment termination (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments shall be made on the last day of each month regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and shall end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the last day of the 24th calendar month following Executives Separation from Service date.
6.4. Change in Control.
(a) If the Company terminates Executives employment with the Company without Cause, or Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case on or within twelve (12) months following the closing of a Change in Control (as defined below), and such termination represents a Separation from Service, then Executive shall be entitled to the Severance Benefits as set forth in Section 6.3.
(b) In addition, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, all of Executives then-unvested Company equity awards that exist on the closing of a Change in Control shall accelerate in full and will be deemed vested and exercisable as of the closing of such Change in Control.
7. Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits. The receipt of the Severance Benefits provided in Section 6.3 and Section 6.4 above, as applicable, will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking within the permitted timeframe a separation agreement and release of claims with the release of claims in substantially the form set forth on Exhibit A hereto (the Separation and Release Agreement) within the time period set forth therein, which shall not exceed sixty (60) days from the date of Executives Separation from Service (the Release Period). No Severance Benefits will be paid or provided until the Separation and Release Agreement becomes effective. If the Release Period described in the preceding sentence spans two calendar years, then payment of Severance Benefits will in any event commence in the second calendar year to the extent required to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A). Executive shall also resign from all positions and terminate any relationships as an employee, advisor, officer or director with the Company and any of its affiliates, each effective on the date of termination.
8. Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance benefits and other payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those provisions, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executives right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed by the Company at the time of Executives Separation from Service to be a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), and if any of the payments upon Separation from Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be deferred compensation, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to Executive prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of Executives Separation from Service with the Company; (ii) the date of Executives death; or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such time period, all payments deferred pursuant to this Paragraph shall be paid in a lump sum to Executive, and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein or in the applicable agreement. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred.
9. Parachute Payments. If any payment or benefit (including payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement) that Executive would receive in connection with a Change in Control from the Company or otherwise (Transaction Payment) would (i) constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code); and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the Excise Tax), then the Company shall cause to be determined, before any amounts of the Transaction Payment are paid to Executive, which of the following two alternative forms of payment would result in Executives receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Transaction Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Transaction Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax: (1) payment in full of the entire amount of the Transaction Payment (a Full Payment); or (2) payment of only a part of the Transaction Payment so that Executive receives the largest payment possible without the imposition of the Excise Tax (a Reduced Payment). For purposes of determining whether to make a Full Payment or a Reduced Payment, the Company shall cause to be taken into account all applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes). If a Reduced Payment is made, (x) Executive shall have no rights to any additional payments and/or benefits constituting the Transaction Payment; and (y) reduction in payments and/or benefits shall occur in the manner that results in the greatest economic benefit to Executive as determined in this paragraph. If more than one method of reduction will result in the same economic benefit, the portions of the Transaction Payment shall be reduced pro rata. Unless Executive and the Company otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this section shall be made in writing by the Companys independent public accountants (the Accountants), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding
upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. Executive and the Company shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this section as well as any costs incurred by Executive with the Accountants for tax planning under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code.
10. Definitions.
10.1. Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause for termination will mean: (a) Executives willful and continued failure substantially to perform his duties and responsibilities to the Company hereunder in accordance with the lawful instructions of the Board, or a willful, material violation of a material policy of the Company that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company, in either case which, if curable, Executive fails to cure within thirty (30) business days following written notice from the Board; (b) Executives commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company; (c) Executives willful breach of any of his obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company, which, if curable, Executive fails to cure within thirty (30) business days following written notice from the Board; or (d) Executives material and willful violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company.
10.2. Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control shall have the meaning provided in the Companys 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.
10.3. Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall have Good Reason for resignation from employment with the Company if any of the following actions are taken by the Company without Executives affirmative prior written consent to such adverse change (which specifically acknowledges Executives waiver of the Good Reason condition with respect to the individual action that would otherwise form the basis of a resignation for Good Reason): (a) a material reduction in Executives base salary, bonus opportunity or benefits; (b) a material reduction in Executives title, duties, responsibilities and/or authority; or (c) relocation of Executives principal place of employment to a place other than Santa Barbara, California. In order to resign for Good Reason, Executive must provide written notice to the Board within thirty (30) days after the first occurrence of the event giving rise to Good Reason setting forth the basis for Executives resignation, allow the Company at least thirty (30) days from receipt of such written notice to cure such event, and if such event is not reasonably cured within such period, Executive must resign from all positions Executive then holds with the Company not later than sixty (60) days after the expiration of the cure period.
11. Proprietary Information Obligations. Regardless of the reason of Executives termination of employment with the Company, Executive will continue to comply with the Employee Confidentiality, Inventions and Non-Interference Agreement dated as of the Effective Date (the Confidentiality Agreement).
12. No Adverse Interests. Executive agrees not to intentionally or knowingly acquire, assume or participate in, directly or indirectly, any position, investment or interest known by Executive to be adverse or antagonistic to the Company, its business or prospects, financial or otherwise.
13. Non-Solicitation. Executive agree that during the period of employment with the Company and for twelve (12) months after the date Executives employment is terminated for any reason, Executive will not, either directly or through others, solicit or encourage or attempt to solicit or encourage any employee, independent contractor, or consultant of the Company to terminate his or her relationship with the Company in order to become an employee, consultant or independent contractor to or for any other person or entity.
14. Dispute Resolution. To ensure the timely and economical resolution of disputes that may arise in connection with Executives employment with the Company, Executive and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action arising from or relating to the enforcement, breach, performance, negotiation, execution, or interpretation of this Agreement, Executives employment, or the termination of Executives employment, including but not limited to statutory claims, shall be resolved to the fullest extent permitted by law by final, binding and confidential arbitration, by a single arbitrator, in Los Angeles, California, conducted by JAMS, Inc. (JAMS) under the then applicable JAMS rules (which can be found at the following web address: http://www.jamsadr.com/rulesclauses). By agreeing to this arbitration procedure, both Executive and the Company waive the right to resolve any such dispute through a trial by jury or judge or administrative proceeding. The Company acknowledges that Executive will have the right to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding. The arbitrator shall: (a) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by law; and (b) issue a written arbitration decision, to include the arbitrators essential findings and conclusions and a statement of the award. The Company will pay the arbitrators fees and any other fees, costs or expenses unique to arbitration, including the filing fee, the fees and costs of the arbitrator, and rental of a room to hold the arbitration hearing. However, if Executive is the party initiating the claim, Executive shall be responsible for contributing an amount equal to the filing fee to initiate a claim in the court of general jurisdiction in the State of California. The Arbitrator shall award reasonable legal fees and/or costs to the prevailing party in any dispute subject to arbitration under this Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent either Executive or the Company from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. Any awards or orders in such arbitrations may be entered and enforced as judgments in the federal and state courts of any competent jurisdiction.
15. General Provisions.
15.1. Notices. Any notices provided must be in writing and will be deemed effective upon the earlier of personal delivery (including personal delivery by fax) or the next day after sending by overnight carrier, to the Company at its primary office location and to Executive at the address as listed on the Company payroll.
15.2. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction to the extent possible in keeping with the intent of the parties.
15.3. Waiver. Any waiver of any breach of any provisions of this Agreement must be in writing to be effective, and it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.
15.4. Complete Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Confidentiality Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to this subject matter. It supersedes all previous agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of the Parties agreement with regard to this subject matter. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein, and it supersedes any other such promises, warranties or representations. This Agreement cannot be modified or amended except in a writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company.
15.5. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement.
15.6. Headings. The headings of the paragraphs hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.
15.7. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive and the Company, and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators, except that Executive may not assign any of his duties hereunder and he may not assign any of his rights hereunder without the written consent of the Company, which shall not be withheld unreasonably.
15.8. Tax Withholding and Indemnification. All payments and awards contemplated or made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholdings of applicable taxes in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations of all appropriate government authorities. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company has neither made any assurances nor any guarantees concerning the tax treatment of any payments or awards contemplated by or made pursuant to this Agreement. Executive has had the opportunity to retain a tax and financial advisor and fully understands the tax and economic consequences of all payments and awards made pursuant to the Agreement.
15.9. Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Employment Agreement on 9th day of November 2020.
SIENTRA, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Caroline Van Hove |
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Caroline Van Hove, Executive Chairman | ||
On behalf of the Board of Directors | ||
EXECUTIVE | ||
/s/ Ronald Menezes |
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Ronald Menezes |
EXHIBIT A
__________, 20___
Ronald Menezes
Address: last address on file with the Company
RE: Separation Agreement
Dear Ronald,
This letter sets forth the terms and conditions of our agreement (the Agreement) regarding the separation of your employment with Sientra, Inc. (the Company). This Agreement will become effective on the Effective Date as defined in Section 11 herein. You and the Company hereby agree as follows:
1. SEPARATION. You have submitted and the Company has accepted your resignation from the Company, including any and all positions and offices held by you, effective __________, 20___ (the Separation Date).
2. SEPARATION BENEFITS. In exchange for your covenants and releases herein, and provided that this Agreement becomes effective as specified in Section 11 below, the Company will provide you with the following separation benefits (collectively, the Separation Benefits), which are equivalent in amount to those described in Section 6.3 of the Employment Agreement between you and the Company effective __________, 20___ (the Employment Agreement):
(a) [reserved]
(b) [reserved]
(c) Tax Withholding. All compensation described in this Section 2 will be subject to the Companys collection of all applicable federal, state and local income and employment withholding taxes.
(d) Final Expense Report. You will have thirty (30) days from the Separation Date to submit a final expense report for business expenses incurred through the Separation Date. Reimbursement for such expenses will be made to you within five (5) days after receipt of the expense report.
3. OTHER COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. Except as expressly provided herein or pursuant to the terms of any plan providing for retirement benefits, including, without limitation, any 401(k) plan, sponsored by the Company for your benefit, you acknowledge and agree that you are not entitled to and will not receive any additional compensation, wages, reimbursement, severance, or benefits from the Company.1
1 |
Relevant section number to be included based on type and timing of termination. Actual benefits to be paid/provided will reflect the wording in the relevant section of the employment agreement (e.g. with respect to any cash payments, COBRA, and equity vesting). Timing of payment of benefits may be adjusted based on Sections 8 and 9 of the employment agreement. |
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4. TERMINATION OF THE COMPANYS OBLIGATIONS. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement to the contrary and except as consented to above, the Companys obligations hereunder shall cease and be rendered a nullity immediately should you fail to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement.
5. COMPANY PROPERTY. You represent and confirm that no later than __________, 20___ you will return to the Company all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other property of the Company in your possession or control, including, but not limited to, laptop (with all data and files stored thereon intact), computer security access, files, business plans, notes, financial information, financial information, data, computer-recorded information, tangible property, including entry cards, keys and any other materials of any nature pertaining to your work with the Company, and any documents or data of any description (or any reproduction of any documents or data) containing or pertaining to any proprietary or confidential material of the Company; provided that you shall be permitted to retain copies of documents relating to the terms and conditions of your employment with the Company (for example, copies of Stock Option Agreements).
6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OBLIGATIONS. You acknowledge signing the Companys Confidentiality, Inventions and Non-Interference Agreement (the CINA) containing a confidentiality agreement in connection with your employment with the Company. You represent that you have complied with and will continue to comply with the terms of the CINA and Section 13 of the Employment Agreement. Section 13 of the Employment Agreement, together with any other promises necessary or desirable to fully accomplish the purposes of such provision, is deemed incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein, and shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be terminated as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or by the agreements and undertakings of the parties contained herein.
7. NON-DISPARAGEMENT; INQUIRIES. You shall not make any disparaging comments or statements about the Company, its services, its products, its work, the members of its Board of Directors (the Board), or executive management. The Company will follow its standard neutral reference policy in response to any inquiries regarding you from prospective employers, i.e., only dates of employment and position(s) held will be disclosed. Upon termination of your employment, the Company agrees to direct the members of the Board and executive officers of the Company not to make any disparaging comments about you, your professional capabilities or your service to the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude you or the Company (or its employees, officers, directors, or agents) from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.
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8. COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE. You agree that you will not voluntarily provide assistance, information, encouragement, or advice, directly or indirectly (including through agents or attorneys), to any person or entity in connection with any claim by or against the Company, nor shall you induce or encourage any person or entity to do so. The foregoing sentence shall not prohibit you from testifying truthfully under subpoena. You warrant that you have not previously provided assistance, information, encouragement, or advice, directly or indirectly, to any person or entity in connection with any claim by or against the Company. You agree to provide (voluntarily and without legal compulsion) prompt cooperation and accurate and complete information to the Company in the event of litigation involving the Company or its officers or directors and to respect and preserve all privileges held by or available to the Company. The Company agrees to compensate you for your time spent consulting with and traveling to any litigation-related proceeding at a reasonable the rate to be agreed between you and the Company plus reimbursement of reasonable travel costs.
9. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The parties agree that any remedy at law will be inadequate for any breach by you or the Company of the covenants under Sections 6, 7, and 8 of this Agreement, and that each party shall be entitled to an injunction both preliminary and final, and any other appropriate equitable relief to enforce her or its rights set forth in these Sections. Such remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive, being in addition to any and all other remedies either party may have.
10. RELEASE OF CLAIMS.
(a) General Release. In exchange for the consideration provided to you under this Agreement to which you would not otherwise be entitled, including but not limited to the Separation Benefits, you hereby generally and completely release the Company and its current and former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, investors and assigns (collectively, the Released Parties) of and from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and known, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to or on the date you sign this Agreement (collectively, the Released Claims).
(b) Scope of Release. The Released Claims include, but are not limited to: (i) all claims arising out of or in any way related to your employment with the Company, the Employment Agreement, or the termination of your employment; (ii) all claims related to your compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (iii) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (iv) all tort claims, including
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claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, wrongful termination, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (v) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (as amended) (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), the California Labor Code (as amended), the California Unruh Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended).
(c) Excluded Claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following are not included in the Released Claims (the Excluded Claims): (i) any rights or claims for indemnification you may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement with the Company to which you are a party, the charter, bylaws, or operating agreements of the Company, or under applicable law; (ii) any rights or claims which are not waivable as a matter of law; (iii) any rights under the Companys equity plans and award agreements granted thereunder; and (iv) any claims for breach of this Agreement. In addition, nothing in this Agreement prevents you from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or any other government agency, except that you acknowledge and agree that you hereby waive your right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. You represent and warrant that, other than the Excluded Claims, you are not aware of any claims you have or might have against any of the Released Parties that are not included in the Released Claims.
(d) Acknowledgements. You acknowledge that (i) the consideration given to you in exchange for the waiver and release in this Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which you were already entitled; (ii) that you have been paid for all time worked, have received all the leave, leaves of absence and leave benefits and protections for which you are eligible, and have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which you have not already filed a claim; (iii) you have been given sufficient time to consider this Agreement and to consult an attorney or advisor of your choosing; and (iv) you are knowingly and voluntarily executing this Agreement waiving and releasing any claims you may have as of the date you execute it.
(e) ADEA WAIVER. You knowingly and voluntarily waive and release any rights you may have under the ADEA (defined above). You also acknowledge that the consideration given for your releases in this Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which you were already entitled. You are advised by this writing that: (a) your waiver and release do not apply to any claims that may arise after you sign this Agreement; (b) you should consult with an attorney prior to executing this release (and you have done so); (c) you have twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this release (although you may choose to voluntarily execute this release earlier); (d) you have seven (7) days following the execution of this release to revoke this Agreement; and (e) this Agreement will not be effective until the eighth day after you sign this
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Agreement, provided that you have not earlier revoked this Agreement (the Effective Date). Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes you from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. You will not be entitled to receive any of the benefits specified by this Agreement unless and until it becomes effective.
11. SECTION 1542 WAIVER. In giving the applicable releases set forth herein, which include claims which may be unknown at present, each party acknowledges that you or it have or has read and understand(s) Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California which reads as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.
Each party expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits under this section and any law or legal principle of similar effect in any jurisdiction with respect to claims released hereby.
12. NO ADMISSIONS. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that this is a compromise settlement of various matters, and that the promised payments in consideration of this Agreement shall not be construed to be an admission of any liability or obligation by either party to the other party or to any other person whomsoever.
13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire Agreement between you and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. It is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein. It may not be modified except in writing signed by you and the Chairman of the Board of the Company. Each party has carefully read this Agreement, has been afforded the opportunity to be advised of its meaning and consequences by his or its respective attorneys, and signed the same of his or its free will.
14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors, assigns, executors, and administrators of each party, and inure to the benefit of each party, its agents, directors, officers, employees, servants, heirs, successors and assigns.
15. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California as applied to contracts made and to be performed entirely within California. The dispute resolution provisions of Section 14 of the Employment Agreement shall apply to this Agreement. Subject to
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the foregoing, the parties agree that any action brought by either party to interpret or enforce any provision of this Agreement shall be brought in, and each party agrees to, and does hereby, submit to the jurisdiction and venue of, the appropriate state or federal court for Los Angeles, California. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO DISPUTES ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND CONSENT TO A BENCH TRIAL WITH THE APPROPRIATE JUDGE ACTING AS THE FINDER OF FACT.
16. SEVERABILITY. If a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction determines that any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired. Such court or arbitrator will have the authority to modify or replace the invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that most accurately represents the parties intention with respect to the invalid or unenforceable term or provision.
17. INDEMNIFICATION. You will indemnify and save harmless the Company from any loss incurred directly or indirectly by reason of the falsity or inaccuracy of any representation made herein. The Company will indemnify and save harmless you from any loss incurred directly or indirectly by reason of the falsity or inaccuracy of any representation made herein. The Company and you acknowledge and agree that the terms of the Companys standard form of indemnification agreement for members of the Board and executive officers of the Company have applied to you in your role as an executive officer of the Company, and the Company hereby affirms its continuing agreements and obligations as set forth in such indemnification agreement with you.
18. AUTHORIZATION. You and the Company warrant and represent that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein and, further, that each of them are fully entitled and duly authorized to give their complete and final general release and discharge.
19. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
20. SECTION HEADINGS. The section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
21. PHOTOCOPIES. A photocopy of this executed Agreement shall be as valid, binding, and effective as the original Agreement.
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22. SECTION 409A. It is intended that all of the benefits and payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, an exemption from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A), and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those exemptions, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed to the greatest extent possible in a manner that complies with Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are deemed by the Company at the time of your separation from service to be a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A, and if any of the payments upon separation from service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be deferred compensation, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to you prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of your separation from service; (ii) the date of your death; or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. If the release revocation period spans two calendar years, payments will commence in the second of those two calendar years to the extent required to comply with Section 409A.
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Please confirm your assent to the foregoing terms and conditions of our Agreement by signing and returning a copy of this letter to me.
Sincerely, | ||
SIENTRA, INC. | ||
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||
BY: |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Having read and reviewed the foregoing, I hereby agree to and accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement as stated above.
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Ronald Menezes | Date |
[Signature Page to the Separation Agreement]
Exhibit 10.2
November 9, 2020
Jeffrey M. Nugent
Address on file
RE: Separation Agreement
Dear Jeff,
This letter sets forth the terms and conditions of our agreement (the Agreement) regarding the separation of your employment with Sientra, Inc. (the Company). This Agreement will become effective on the Effective Date as defined in Section 11 herein. You and the Company hereby agree as follows:
1. SEPARATION. You have submitted and the Company has accepted your resignation from your positions as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. You shall continue as a non-executive employee with the Company until December 31, 2020 the Separation Date) to assist the company on various strategically important issues relating to the smooth transfer of knowledge and know-how regarding your role and primary responsibilities, including without limitation, business and financial plans, product development and R&D strategies, and operations. You shall receive your regular salary and benefits up through the Separation Date.
2. SEPARATION BENEFITS. In exchange for your covenants and releases herein, and provided that this Agreement becomes effective as specified in Section 11 below, the Company will provide you with the following separation benefits (collectively, the Separation Benefits), which are equivalent in amount to those described in Section 6.3 of the Employment Agreement between you and the Company effective November 12, 2015, and as subsequently amended on May 8, 2017, March 30, 2018 and March 13, 2019 (collectively the Employment Agreement)
(a) Severance. Following the Separation Date, and on or before March 15, 2021, the Company shall pay you a lump sum payment of $2,226,000 representing an amount equal to (i) twenty-four (24) months of your base salary of $636,000 in effect on the Separation Date; and (ii) two (2) times the annual bonus of $477,000 earned by you in connection with the completion of fiscal year 2019.
(b) Health Care Coverage. Provided that you timely elect continued coverage under COBRA, the Company shall reimburse you for your COBRA premiums to continue coverage (including coverage for eligible dependents, if applicable) (the COBRA Premiums) through the period (the COBRA Premium Period) starting on your Separation Date and ending on the earliest to occur of: (i) twenty-four (24) months following the Separation Date; (ii) the date you become eligible for group health insurance through a new employer; or (iii) the date you cease to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination. In the event you become covered under another employers group health plan or otherwise cease to be eligible for COBRA
Jeffrey M. Nugent
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during the COBRA Premium Period, you must immediately notify the Company of such event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company shall in lieu thereof provide to you a taxable monthly payment in an amount equay to the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue your group health coverage in effect on the date of your employment termination (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments shall be made on the last day of each month regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage and shall end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which you obtain other employment or (y) the last day of the twenty-fourth (24th) calendar month following the Separation Date.
(c) Equity Awards. The Company shall accelerate the vesting of that portion of all the unvested Company equity awards granted to you such that all of your outstanding unvested Company equity awards shall be deemed as vested and exercisable as the Separation Date; provided further, that you shall have twenty-four (24) months from the Separation Date to exercise any or all of your vested equity awards. Any unexercised vested awards will be forfeited if not exercised within twenty-four (24) months of the Separation Date. Details on your stock holdings from Computershare may be viewed by accessing your user account at https://www.computershare.com.
(d) Relocation Expenses. The Company shall reimburse you, upon the presentation of appropriate receipts and supporting documents, up to a maximum of $100,000 for any expenses incurred within twelve (12) months of your Separation Date in connection with your relocation from Santa Barbara, CA to your former residence in New York, NY.
(e) Tax Withholding. All compensation described in this Section 2 will be subject to the Companys collection of all applicable federal, state and local income and employment withholding taxes.
(f) Final Expense Report. You will have thirty (30) days from the Separation Date to submit a final expense report for business expenses incurred through the Separation Date. Reimbursement for such expenses will be made to you within five (5) days after receipt of the expense report.
3. OTHER COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. Except as expressly provided herein or pursuant to the terms of any plan providing for retirement benefits, including, without limitation, any 401(k) plan, sponsored by the Company for your benefit, you acknowledge and agree that you are not entitled to and will not receive any additional compensation, wages, reimbursement, severance, or benefits from the Company.
Jeffrey M. Nugent
November 9, 2020
Page 3
4. TERMINATION OF THE COMPANYS OBLIGATIONS. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement to the contrary and except as consented to above, the Companys obligations hereunder shall cease and be rendered a nullity immediately should you fail to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement.
5. COMPANY PROPERTY. You shall work with the Company to ensure that by no later than December 31, 2020 you will return to the Company all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other property of the Company in your possession or control, including, but not limited to, all data and files, computer security access, files, business plans, notes, financial information, financial information, data, computer-recorded information, tangible property, including entry cards, keys and any other materials of any nature pertaining to your work with the Company, and any documents or data of any description (or any reproduction of any documents or data) containing or pertaining to any proprietary or confidential material of the Company; provided that you shall be permitted to retain copies of documents relating to the terms and conditions of your employment with the Company (for example, copies of Stock Option Agreements).
6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OBLIGATIONS. You acknowledge signing the Companys Confidentiality, Inventions and Non-Interference Agreement (the CINA) containing a confidentiality agreement in connection with your employment with the Company. You represent that you have complied with and will continue to comply with the terms of the CINA and Section 13 of the Employment Agreement. Section 13 of the Employment Agreement, together with any other promises necessary or desirable to fully accomplish the purposes of such provision, is deemed incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein, and shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be terminated as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or by the agreements and undertakings of the parties contained herein.
7. NON-DISPARAGEMENT; INQUIRIES. You shall not make any disparaging comments or statements about the Company, its services, its products, its work, the members of its Board of Directors (the Board), or executive management. The Company will follow its standard neutral reference policy in response to any inquiries regarding you from prospective employers, i.e., only dates of employment and position(s) held will be disclosed. Upon termination of your employment, the Company agrees to direct the members of the Board and executive officers of the Company not to make any disparaging comments about you, your professional capabilities or your service to the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude you or the Company (or its employees, officers, directors, or agents) from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.
8. COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE. You agree that you will not voluntarily provide assistance, information, encouragement, or advice, directly or indirectly (including through agents or attorneys), to any person or entity in connection with any claim by or against the Company, nor shall you induce or encourage any person or entity to do so. The foregoing sentence
Jeffrey M. Nugent
November 9, 2020
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shall not prohibit you from testifying truthfully under subpoena. You warrant that you have not previously provided assistance, information, encouragement, or advice, directly or indirectly, to any person or entity in connection with any claim by or against the Company. You agree to provide (voluntarily and without legal compulsion) prompt cooperation and accurate and complete information to the Company in the event of litigation involving the Company or its officers or directors and to respect and preserve all privileges held by or available to the Company. The Company agrees to compensate you for your time spent consulting with and traveling to any litigation-related proceeding at a reasonable the rate to be agreed between you and the Company plus reimbursement of reasonable travel costs.
9. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The parties agree that any remedy at law will be inadequate for any breach by you or the Company of the covenants under Sections 6, 7, and 8 of this Agreement, and that each party shall be entitled to an injunction both preliminary and final, and any other appropriate equitable relief to enforce her or its rights set forth in these Sections. Such remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive, being in addition to any and all other remedies either party may have..
10. RELEASE OF CLAIMS.
(a) General Release. In exchange for the consideration provided to you under this Agreement to which you would not otherwise be entitled, including but not limited to the Separation Benefits, you hereby generally and completely release the Company and its current and former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, investors and assigns (collectively, the Released Parties) of and from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and known, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to or on the date you sign this Agreement (collectively, the Released Claims).
(b) Scope of Release. The Released Claims include, but are not limited to: (i) all claims arising out of or in any way related to your employment with the Company, the Employment Agreement, or the termination of your employment; (ii) all claims related to your compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (iii) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (iv) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, wrongful termination, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (v) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (as amended) (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), the California Labor Code (as amended), the California Unruh Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended).
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(c) Excluded Claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following are not included in the Released Claims (the Excluded Claims): (i) any rights or claims for indemnification you may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement with the Company to which you are a party, the charter, bylaws, or operating agreements of the Company, or under applicable law; (ii) any rights or claims which are not waivable as a matter of law; (iii) any rights under the Companys equity plans and award agreements granted thereunder; and (iv) any claims for breach of this Agreement. In addition, nothing in this Agreement prevents you from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or any other government agency, except that you acknowledge and agree that you hereby waive your right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. You represent and warrant that, other than the Excluded Claims, you are not aware of any claims you have or might have against any of the Released Parties that are not included in the Released Claims.
(d) Acknowledgements. You acknowledge that (i) the consideration given to you in exchange for the waiver and release in this Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which you were already entitled; (ii) that you have been paid for all time worked, have received all the leave, leaves of absence and leave benefits and protections for which you are eligible, and have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which you have not already filed a claim; (iii) you have been given sufficient time to consider this Agreement and to consult an attorney or advisor of your choosing; and (iv) you are knowingly and voluntarily executing this Agreement waiving and releasing any claims you may have as of the date you execute it.
(e) ADEA WAIVER. You knowingly and voluntarily waive and release any rights you may have under the ADEA (defined above). You also acknowledge that the consideration given for your releases in this Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which you were already entitled. You are advised by this writing that: (a) your waiver and release do not apply to any claims that may arise after you sign this Agreement; (b) you should consult with an attorney prior to executing this release (and you have done so); (c) you have twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this release (although you may choose to voluntarily execute this release earlier); (d) you have seven (7) days following the execution of this release to revoke this Agreement; and (e) this Agreement will not be effective until the eighth day after you sign this Agreement, provided that you have not earlier revoked this Agreement (the Effective Date). Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes you from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. You will not be entitled to receive any of the benefits specified by this Agreement unless and until it becomes effective.
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11. SECTION 1542 WAIVER. In giving the applicable releases set forth herein, which include claims which may be unknown at present, each party acknowledges that you or it have or has read and understand(s) Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California which reads as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.
Each party expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits under this section and any law or legal principle of similar effect in any jurisdiction with respect to claims released hereby.
12. NO ADMISSIONS. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that this is a compromise settlement of various matters, and that the promised payments in consideration of this Agreement shall not be construed to be an admission of any liability or obligation by either party to the other party or to any other person whomsoever.
13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire Agreement between you and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. It is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein. It may not be modified except in writing signed by you and the Chairman of the Board of the Company. Each party has carefully read this Agreement, has been afforded the opportunity to be advised of its meaning and consequences by his or its respective attorneys, and signed the same of his or its free will.
14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors, assigns, executors, and administrators of each party, and inure to the benefit of each party, its agents, directors, officers, employees, servants, heirs, successors and assigns.
15. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California as applied to contracts made and to be performed entirely within California. The dispute resolution provisions of Section 14 of the Employment Agreement shall apply to this Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, the parties agree that any action brought by either party to interpret or enforce any provision of this Agreement shall be brought in, and each party agrees to, and does hereby, submit to the jurisdiction and venue of, the appropriate state or federal court for Los Angeles, California. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO DISPUTES ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND CONSENT TO A BENCH TRIAL WITH THE APPROPRIATE JUDGE ACTING AS THE FINDER OF FACT.
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16. SEVERABILITY. If a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction determines that any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired. Such court or arbitrator will have the authority to modify or replace the invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that most accurately represents the parties intention with respect to the invalid or unenforceable term or provision.
17. INDEMNIFICATION. You will indemnify and save harmless the Company from any loss incurred directly or indirectly by reason of the falsity or inaccuracy of any representation made herein. The Company will indemnify and save harmless you from any loss incurred directly or indirectly by reason of the falsity or inaccuracy of any representation made herein. The Company and you acknowledge and agree that the terms of the Companys standard form of indemnification agreement for members of the Board and executive officers of the Company have applied to you in your role as an executive officer of the Company, and the Company hereby affirms its continuing agreements and obligations as set forth in such indemnification agreement with you.
18. AUTHORIZATION. You and the Company warrant and represent that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein and, further, that each of them are fully entitled and duly authorized to give their complete and final general release and discharge.
19. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
20. SECTION HEADINGS. The section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
21. PHOTOCOPIES. A photocopy of this executed Agreement shall be as valid, binding, and effective as the original Agreement.
22. SECTION 409A. It is intended that all of the benefits and payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, an exemption from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A), and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those exemptions, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed to the greatest extent possible in a manner that complies with Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are
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deemed by the Company at the time of your separation from service to be a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A, and if any of the payments upon separation from service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be deferred compensation, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to you prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of your separation from service; (ii) the date of your death; or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. If the release revocation period spans two calendar years, payments will commence in the second of those two calendar years to the extent required to comply with Section 409A.
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Please confirm your assent to the foregoing terms and conditions of our Agreement by signing and returning a copy of this letter to me.
Sincerely, | ||
SIENTRA, INC. | ||
BY: |
/s/ Nicholas Simon |
|
Nicholas Simon on Behalf of the Board of Directors |
Having read and reviewed the foregoing, I hereby agree to and accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement as stated above. | ||
/s/ Jeffrey M. Nugent Jeffrey M. Nugent |
November 10, 2020 Date |
Exhibit 10.3
SIENTRA, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Caroline Van Hove
This Executive Employment Agreement (the Agreement), made between Sientra, Inc., a Delaware company headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA (the Company) and Caroline Van Hove (Executive) (collectively, the Parties), shall be effective as of the 9th day of November, 2020 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive, pursuant to the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to accept and continue his employment on the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Duties and Responsibilities.
1.1. Position. Executive shall serve as the Companys Executive Chairman, and shall devote Executives diligent efforts and such time and attention to the business of the Company as required for the exercise of Executives responsibilities, except for approved vacation periods and reasonable periods of illness or other incapacities permitted by the Companys general employment policies. Executive shall serve as a member of the Companys Board of Directors (the Board), and during the Employment Period (as defined below), the Board shall nominate Executive to stand for reelection, subject to election by the Companys stockholders in accordance with the Companys Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. During the Employment Period, Executive shall not be paid a fee for serving as a member of the Board. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection with his service as a member of the Board in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policies.
1.2. Duties and Location. Executive shall perform such duties as are required by the Board, to whom Executive will report. Executives primary office location shall be the Companys Santa Barbara office. The Company reserves the right to reasonably require Executive to perform Executives duties at places other than Executives primary office location from time to time, and to require reasonable business travel. Executive shall devote substantially all of Executives business time and attention to the performance of Executives duties hereunder and shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise that would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services, either directly or indirectly, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Executive from (i) managing personal investments, (ii) serving on civic or charitable boards or committees, or (iii) with the prior approval from the Board, serving on the board or as an officer of one other for-profit company that does not compete with the Company, so long as all such activities described in clauses (i) and (iii) herein do not materially interfere with the performance of Executives duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive has provided the Board with a written list of all boards of directors memberships or office positions (whether for-profit or non-profit) which she holds.
1.3. Policies and Procedures. The employment relationship between the Parties shall be governed by the general employment policies and practices of the Company, except that when the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Companys general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control. Executives employment constitutes at-will employment and the employment relationship may be terminated by the Company or Executive at any time, with or without notice subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
2. Compensation.
2.1. Salary. As of the Effective Date, Executives current base salary shall be payable at the annualized rate of $155,000.00 per year (the Base Salary), subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings and payable in accordance with the Companys regular payroll schedule. The Base Salary may be increased in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board but may not be decreased during the Employment Period (unless pursuant to a salary reduction program applicable generally to the Companys similarly situated employees). In the event of any increase as permitted by this Section 2, the Base Salary for all purposes under this Agreement shall be the increased amount in effect from time to time.
2.2. Equity Award. Subject to the approval of the Board, Executive shall be granted the following equity awards:
(A) an incentive stock option to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys common stock at a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value (as determined based on the terms of the equity plan pursuant to which it is granted) of the Companys common stock on the grant date and with a ten (10) year term which shall vest as follows (i) 25,000 shall vest and be exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 75,000 shall vest and be exercisable in thirty-six equal monthly installments commencing on the thirteenth (13th) month anniversary of the grant date;
(B) a restricted stock unit award of 100,000 shares of the Companys common stock which shall vest as follows (i) 25,000 shall vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 25,000 shall vest on the second anniversary of the grant date; (iii) 25,000 shall vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; and (iv) 25,000 shall vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date; and
(C) a performance stock unit award of 100,000 shares of the Companys common stock, which shall vest in accordance with the performance criteria and vesting schedule established by the Board and communicated to Executive.
In addition to the foregoing, you shall be eligible for an annual equity grant no less than the annual equity grant provided to non-executive directors pursuant to the Companys Non-Executive Director Compensation Policy, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The stock option, restricted stock units, and performance stock units shall be governed by the Companys standard form of stock option agreement, the restricted stock unit agreement, and the performance stock unit agreement, respectively, and in the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the terms of any equity award, the terms set forth in the equity award agreement shall govern.
3. Company Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit programs for which Executive is eligible under the terms and conditions of the benefit plans that may be in effect from time to time and provided by the Company to its senior executive employees, provided that such benefits shall be made available on the Effective Date without regard to any waiting period, to the extent permitted by the terms of the benefit plans and applicable law. The Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans or programs it offers to its employees at any time. Executive and the Company shall enter into the Companys standard Indemnification Agreement, which Indemnification Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date.
4. Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to accrue and use paid time off in accordance with the terms of the Companys policies and practices.
5. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable and normal airfare, car rental, travel, local transportation, entertainment, or other expenses incurred by Executive in furtherance or in connection with the performance of Executives duties hereunder, in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.
6. Termination of Employment; Severance.
6.1. At-Will Employment. Executives employment relationship is at-will. Either Executive or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without Cause or advance notice. The period during which Executives employment continues in effect shall be referenced as the Employment Period.
6.2. Termination for Cause; Resignation; Death or Disability.
(a) The Company may terminate Executives employment with the Company at any time for Cause (as defined below). Further, Executive may resign at any time, with or without Good Reason (as defined below). Executives employment with the Company may also be terminated due to Executives death or disability (disability shall mean the failure of Executive to perform the essential functions of Executives position for a period of one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive calendar days, or for an aggregate of one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days in any twelve (12) month period due to Executives physical or mental disability or illness, or Executive is entitled to receive long-term disability benefits under the Companys long-term disability plan).
(b) If Executive resigns for any reason, except as provided in Section 6.4 below, or the Company terminates Executives employment for Cause, or upon Executives death or disability, then (i) Executive will no longer vest in any equity awards; (ii) all payments of compensation by the Company to Executive hereunder will terminate immediately (except as to amounts already earned); and (iii) Executive will not be entitled to any severance benefits. In addition, Executive shall resign from all positions and terminate any relationships as an employee, advisor, officer or director with the Company and any of its affiliates, each effective on the date of termination.
6.3. Termination without Cause. In the event Executives employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to the closing of a Change in Control (as defined below) or more than twelve (12) months following the closing of a Change of Control, then provided such termination constitutes a separation from service (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definition thereunder, a Separation from Service), and provided that Executive remains in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement (as defined below), the Company shall provide Executive with the following severance benefits (collectively, the Severance Benefits):
(a) The Company shall pay Executive an lump sum amount within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Release Period (as defined below) equal to (i) twelve (12) months of Executives then-current Base Salary paid in equal installments on the Companys normal payroll schedule over the twelve (12) month period immediately following the Separation Date.
(b) Provided that Executive timely elects continued coverage under COBRA, the Company shall pay Executives COBRA premiums to continue Executives coverage (including coverage for eligible dependents, if applicable) (COBRA Premiums) through the period (the COBRA Premium Period) starting on the Executives Separation from Service and ending on the earliest to occur of: (i) twenty four (24) months following Executives Separation from Service; (ii) the date Executive becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage through a new employer; or (iii) the date Executive ceases to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for any reason, including plan termination. In the event Executive becomes covered under another employers group health plan or otherwise cease to be eligible for COBRA during the COBRA Premium Period, Executive must immediately notify the Company of such event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company shall in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executives group health coverage in effect on the date of Executives employment termination (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments shall be made on the last day of each month regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and shall end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the last day of the 24th calendar month following Executives Separation from Service date.
6.4. Change in Control.
(a) If the Company terminates Executives employment with the Company without Cause, or Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case on or within twelve (12) months following the closing of a Change in Control (as defined below), and such termination represents a Separation from Service, then Executive shall be entitled to the Severance Benefits as set forth in Section 6.3.
(b) In addition, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, all of Executives then-unvested Company equity awards that exist on the closing of a Change in Control shall accelerate in full and will be deemed vested and exercisable as of the closing of such Change in Control.
7. Conditions to Receipt of Severance Benefits. The receipt of the Severance Benefits provided in Section 6.3 and Section 6.4 above, as applicable, will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking within the permitted timeframe a separation agreement and release of claims with the release of claims in substantially the form set forth on Exhibit A hereto (the Separation and Release Agreement) within the time period set forth therein, which shall not exceed sixty (60) days from the date of Executives Separation from Service (the Release Period). No Severance Benefits will be paid or provided until the Separation and Release Agreement becomes effective. If the Release Period described in the preceding sentence spans two calendar years, then payment of Severance Benefits will in any event commence in the second calendar year to the extent required to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A). Executive shall also resign from all positions and terminate any relationships as an employee, advisor, officer or director with the Company and any of its affiliates, each effective on the date of termination.
8. Section 409A. It is intended that all of the severance benefits and other payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those provisions, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executives right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed by the Company at the time of Executives Separation from Service to be a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), and if any of the payments upon Separation from Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be deferred compensation, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to Executive prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of Executives Separation from Service with the Company; (ii) the date of Executives death; or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such time period, all payments deferred pursuant to this Paragraph shall be paid in a lump sum to Executive, and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein or in the applicable agreement. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred.
9. Parachute Payments. If any payment or benefit (including payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement) that Executive would receive in connection with a Change in Control from the Company or otherwise (Transaction Payment) would (i) constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code); and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the Excise Tax), then the Company shall cause to be determined, before any amounts of the Transaction Payment are paid to Executive, which of the following two alternative forms of payment would result in Executives receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Transaction Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Transaction Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax: (1) payment in full of the entire amount of the Transaction Payment (a Full Payment); or (2) payment of only a part of the Transaction Payment so that Executive receives the largest payment possible without the imposition of the Excise Tax (a Reduced Payment). For purposes of determining whether to make a Full Payment or a Reduced Payment, the Company shall cause to be taken into account all applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from a deduction of such state and local taxes). If a Reduced Payment is made, (x) Executive shall have no rights to any additional payments and/or benefits constituting the Transaction Payment; and (y) reduction in payments and/or benefits shall occur in the manner that results in the greatest economic benefit to Executive as determined in this paragraph. If more than one method of reduction will result in the same economic benefit, the portions of the Transaction Payment shall be reduced pro rata. Unless Executive and the Company otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this section shall be made in writing by the Companys independent public accountants (the Accountants), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. Executive and the Company shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this section as well as any costs incurred by Executive with the Accountants for tax planning under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code.
10. Definitions.
10.1. Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause for termination will mean: (a) Executives willful and continued failure substantially to perform his duties and responsibilities to the Company hereunder in accordance with the lawful instructions of the Board, or a willful, material violation of a material policy of the Company that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company, in either case which, if curable, Executive fails to cure within thirty (30) business days following written notice from the Board; (b) Executives commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company; (c) Executives willful breach of any of his obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company, which, if curable, Executive fails to cure within thirty (30) business days following written notice from the Board; or (d) Executives material and willful violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company.
10.2. Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control shall have the meaning provided in the Companys 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.
10.3. Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall have Good Reason for resignation from employment with the Company if any of the following actions are taken by the Company without Executives affirmative prior written consent to such adverse change (which specifically acknowledges Executives waiver of the Good Reason condition with respect to the individual action that would otherwise form the basis of a resignation for Good Reason): (a) a material reduction in Executives base salary, bonus opportunity or benefits; (b) a material reduction in Executives title, duties, responsibilities and/or authority; or (c) relocation of Executives principal place of employment to a place other than Santa Barbara, California. In order to resign for Good Reason, Executive must provide written notice to the Board within thirty (30) days after the first occurrence of the event giving rise to Good Reason setting forth the basis for Executives resignation, allow the Company at least thirty (30) days from receipt of such written notice to cure such event, and if such event is not reasonably cured within such period, Executive must resign from all positions Executive then holds with the Company not later than sixty (60) days after the expiration of the cure period.
11. Proprietary Information Obligations. Regardless of the reason of Executives termination of employment with the Company, Executive will continue to comply with the Employee Confidentiality, Inventions and Non-Interference Agreement dated as of the Effective Date (the Confidentiality Agreement).
12. No Adverse Interests. Executive agrees not to intentionally or knowingly acquire, assume or participate in, directly or indirectly, any position, investment or interest known by Executive to be adverse or antagonistic to the Company, its business or prospects, financial or otherwise.
13. Non-Solicitation. Executive agree that during the period of employment with the Company and for twelve (12) months after the date Executives employment is terminated for any reason, Executive will not, either directly or through others, solicit or encourage or attempt to solicit or encourage any employee, independent contractor, or consultant of the Company to terminate his or her relationship with the Company in order to become an employee, consultant or independent contractor to or for any other person or entity.
14. Dispute Resolution. To ensure the timely and economical resolution of disputes that may arise in connection with Executives employment with the Company, Executive and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, or causes of action arising from or relating to the enforcement, breach, performance, negotiation, execution, or interpretation of this Agreement, Executives employment, or the termination of Executives employment, including but not limited to statutory claims, shall be resolved to the fullest extent permitted by law by final, binding and confidential arbitration, by a single arbitrator, in Los Angeles, California, conducted by JAMS, Inc. (JAMS) under the then applicable JAMS rules (which can be found at the following web address: http://www.jamsadr.com/rulesclauses). By agreeing to this arbitration procedure, both Executive and the Company waive the right to resolve any such dispute through a trial by jury or judge or administrative proceeding. The Company acknowledges that Executive will have the right to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding. The arbitrator shall: (a)
have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be permitted by law; and (b) issue a written arbitration decision, to include the arbitrators essential findings and conclusions and a statement of the award. The Company will pay the arbitrators fees and any other fees, costs or expenses unique to arbitration, including the filing fee, the fees and costs of the arbitrator, and rental of a room to hold the arbitration hearing. However, if Executive is the party initiating the claim, Executive shall be responsible for contributing an amount equal to the filing fee to initiate a claim in the court of general jurisdiction in the State of California. The Arbitrator shall award reasonable legal fees and/or costs to the prevailing party in any dispute subject to arbitration under this Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent either Executive or the Company from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. Any awards or orders in such arbitrations may be entered and enforced as judgments in the federal and state courts of any competent jurisdiction.
15. General Provisions.
15.1. Notices. Any notices provided must be in writing and will be deemed effective upon the earlier of personal delivery (including personal delivery by fax) or the next day after sending by overnight carrier, to the Company at its primary office location and to Executive at the address as listed on the Company payroll.
15.2. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction to the extent possible in keeping with the intent of the parties.
15.3. Waiver. Any waiver of any breach of any provisions of this Agreement must be in writing to be effective, and it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.
15.4. Complete Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Confidentiality Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with regard to this subject matter. It supersedes all previous agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of the Parties agreement with regard to this subject matter. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein, and it supersedes any other such promises, warranties or representations. This Agreement cannot be modified or amended except in a writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company.
15.5. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Agreement.
15.6. Headings. The headings of the paragraphs hereof are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.
15.7. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive and the Company, and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators, except that Executive may not assign any of his duties hereunder and he may not assign any of his rights hereunder without the written consent of the Company, which shall not be withheld unreasonably.
15.8. Tax Withholding and Indemnification. All payments and awards contemplated or made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholdings of applicable taxes in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations of all appropriate government authorities. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company has neither made any assurances nor any guarantees concerning the tax treatment of any payments or awards contemplated by or made pursuant to this Agreement. Executive has had the opportunity to retain a tax and financial advisor and fully understands the tax and economic consequences of all payments and awards made pursuant to the Agreement.
15.9. Choice of Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Employment Agreement on 9th day of November 2020.
SIENTRA, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Nicholas Simon |
|
Nicholas Simon, Lead Independent Director | ||
On behalf of the Board of Directors | ||
EXECUTIVE | ||
/s/ Caroline Van Hove |
||
Caroline Van Hove |
EXHIBIT A
__________, 20___
Caroline Van Hove
Address: last address on file with the Company
RE: Separation Agreement
Dear Caroline,
This letter sets forth the terms and conditions of our agreement (the Agreement) regarding the separation of your employment with Sientra, Inc. (the Company). This Agreement will become effective on the Effective Date as defined in Section 11 herein. You and the Company hereby agree as follows:
1. SEPARATION. You have submitted and the Company has accepted your resignation from the Company, including any and all positions and offices held by you, effective __________, 20___ (the Separation Date).
2. SEPARATION BENEFITS. In exchange for your covenants and releases herein, and provided that this Agreement becomes effective as specified in Section 11 below, the Company will provide you with the following separation benefits (collectively, the Separation Benefits), which are equivalent in amount to those described in Section 6.3 of the Employment Agreement between you and the Company effective __________, 20___ (the Employment Agreement):
(a) [reserved]
(b) [reserved]
(c) Tax Withholding. All compensation described in this Section 2 will be subject to the Companys collection of all applicable federal, state and local income and employment withholding taxes.
(d) Final Expense Report. You will have thirty (30) days from the Separation Date to submit a final expense report for business expenses incurred through the Separation Date. Reimbursement for such expenses will be made to you within five (5) days after receipt of the expense report.
3. OTHER COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. Except as expressly provided herein or pursuant to the terms of any plan providing for retirement benefits, including, without limitation, any 401(k) plan, sponsored by the Company for your benefit, you acknowledge and agree that you are not entitled to and will not receive any additional compensation, wages, reimbursement, severance, or benefits from the Company.1
1 |
Relevant section number to be included based on type and timing of termination. Actual benefits to be paid/provided will reflect the wording in the relevant section of the employment agreement (e.g. with respect to any cash payments, COBRA, and equity vesting). Timing of payment of benefits may be adjusted based on Sections 8 and 9 of the employment agreement. |
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4. TERMINATION OF THE COMPANYS OBLIGATIONS. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement to the contrary and except as consented to above, the Companys obligations hereunder shall cease and be rendered a nullity immediately should you fail to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement.
5. COMPANY PROPERTY. You represent and confirm that no later than __________, 20___ you will return to the Company all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other property of the Company in your possession or control, including, but not limited to, laptop (with all data and files stored thereon intact), computer security access, files, business plans, notes, financial information, financial information, data, computer-recorded information, tangible property, including entry cards, keys and any other materials of any nature pertaining to your work with the Company, and any documents or data of any description (or any reproduction of any documents or data) containing or pertaining to any proprietary or confidential material of the Company; provided that you shall be permitted to retain copies of documents relating to the terms and conditions of your employment with the Company (for example, copies of Stock Option Agreements).
6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OBLIGATIONS. You acknowledge signing the Companys Confidentiality, Inventions and Non-Interference Agreement (the CINA) containing a confidentiality agreement in connection with your employment with the Company. You represent that you have complied with and will continue to comply with the terms of the CINA and Section 13 of the Employment Agreement. Section 13 of the Employment Agreement, together with any other promises necessary or desirable to fully accomplish the purposes of such provision, is deemed incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein, and shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be terminated as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or by the agreements and undertakings of the parties contained herein.
7. NON-DISPARAGEMENT; INQUIRIES. You shall not make any disparaging comments or statements about the Company, its services, its products, its work, the members of its Board of Directors (the Board), or executive management. The Company will follow its standard neutral reference policy in response to any inquiries regarding you from prospective employers, i.e., only dates of employment and position(s) held will be disclosed. Upon termination of your employment, the Company agrees to direct the members of the Board and executive officers of the Company not to make any disparaging comments about you, your professional capabilities or your service to the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude you or the Company (or its employees, officers, directors, or agents) from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.
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8. COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE. You agree that you will not voluntarily provide assistance, information, encouragement, or advice, directly or indirectly (including through agents or attorneys), to any person or entity in connection with any claim by or against the Company, nor shall you induce or encourage any person or entity to do so. The foregoing sentence shall not prohibit you from testifying truthfully under subpoena. You warrant that you have not previously provided assistance, information, encouragement, or advice, directly or indirectly, to any person or entity in connection with any claim by or against the Company. You agree to provide (voluntarily and without legal compulsion) prompt cooperation and accurate and complete information to the Company in the event of litigation involving the Company or its officers or directors and to respect and preserve all privileges held by or available to the Company. The Company agrees to compensate you for your time spent consulting with and traveling to any litigation-related proceeding at a reasonable the rate to be agreed between you and the Company plus reimbursement of reasonable travel costs.
9. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The parties agree that any remedy at law will be inadequate for any breach by you or the Company of the covenants under Sections 6, 7, and 8 of this Agreement, and that each party shall be entitled to an injunction both preliminary and final, and any other appropriate equitable relief to enforce her or its rights set forth in these Sections. Such remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive, being in addition to any and all other remedies either party may have.
10. RELEASE OF CLAIMS.
(a) General Release. In exchange for the consideration provided to you under this Agreement to which you would not otherwise be entitled, including but not limited to the Separation Benefits, you hereby generally and completely release the Company and its current and former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, investors and assigns (collectively, the Released Parties) of and from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and known, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct, or omissions occurring prior to or on the date you sign this Agreement (collectively, the Released Claims).
(b) Scope of Release. The Released Claims include, but are not limited to: (i) all claims arising out of or in any way related to your employment with the Company, the Employment Agreement, or the termination of your employment; (ii) all claims related to your compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (iii) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (iv) all tort claims, including
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claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, wrongful termination, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (v) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (as amended) (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), the California Labor Code (as amended), the California Unruh Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended).
(c) Excluded Claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following are not included in the Released Claims (the Excluded Claims): (i) any rights or claims for indemnification you may have pursuant to any written indemnification agreement with the Company to which you are a party, the charter, bylaws, or operating agreements of the Company, or under applicable law; (ii) any rights or claims which are not waivable as a matter of law; (iii) any rights under the Companys equity plans and award agreements granted thereunder; and (iv) any claims for breach of this Agreement. In addition, nothing in this Agreement prevents you from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or any other government agency, except that you acknowledge and agree that you hereby waive your right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. You represent and warrant that, other than the Excluded Claims, you are not aware of any claims you have or might have against any of the Released Parties that are not included in the Released Claims.
(d) Acknowledgements. You acknowledge that (i) the consideration given to you in exchange for the waiver and release in this Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which you were already entitled; (ii) that you have been paid for all time worked, have received all the leave, leaves of absence and leave benefits and protections for which you are eligible, and have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which you have not already filed a claim; (iii) you have been given sufficient time to consider this Agreement and to consult an attorney or advisor of your choosing; and (iv) you are knowingly and voluntarily executing this Agreement waiving and releasing any claims you may have as of the date you execute it.
(e) ADEA WAIVER. You knowingly and voluntarily waive and release any rights you may have under the ADEA (defined above). You also acknowledge that the consideration given for your releases in this Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which you were already entitled. You are advised by this writing that: (a) your waiver and release do not apply to any claims that may arise after you sign this Agreement; (b) you should consult with an attorney prior to executing this release (and you have done so); (c) you have twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this release (although you may choose to voluntarily execute this release earlier); (d) you have seven (7) days following the execution of this release to revoke this Agreement; and (e) this Agreement will not be effective until the eighth day after you sign this
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Agreement, provided that you have not earlier revoked this Agreement (the Effective Date). Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes you from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. You will not be entitled to receive any of the benefits specified by this Agreement unless and until it becomes effective.
11. SECTION 1542 WAIVER. In giving the applicable releases set forth herein, which include claims which may be unknown at present, each party acknowledges that you or it have or has read and understand(s) Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California which reads as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.
Each party expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits under this section and any law or legal principle of similar effect in any jurisdiction with respect to claims released hereby.
12. NO ADMISSIONS. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that this is a compromise settlement of various matters, and that the promised payments in consideration of this Agreement shall not be construed to be an admission of any liability or obligation by either party to the other party or to any other person whomsoever.
13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire Agreement between you and the Company with regard to the subject matter hereof. It is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein. It may not be modified except in writing signed by you and the Chairman of the Board of the Company. Each party has carefully read this Agreement, has been afforded the opportunity to be advised of its meaning and consequences by his or its respective attorneys, and signed the same of his or its free will.
14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors, assigns, executors, and administrators of each party, and inure to the benefit of each party, its agents, directors, officers, employees, servants, heirs, successors and assigns.
15. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California as applied to contracts made and to be performed entirely within California. The dispute resolution provisions of Section 14 of the Employment Agreement shall apply to this Agreement. Subject to
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the foregoing, the parties agree that any action brought by either party to interpret or enforce any provision of this Agreement shall be brought in, and each party agrees to, and does hereby, submit to the jurisdiction and venue of, the appropriate state or federal court for Los Angeles, California. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO DISPUTES ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND CONSENT TO A BENCH TRIAL WITH THE APPROPRIATE JUDGE ACTING AS THE FINDER OF FACT.
16. SEVERABILITY. If a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction determines that any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired. Such court or arbitrator will have the authority to modify or replace the invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that most accurately represents the parties intention with respect to the invalid or unenforceable term or provision.
17. INDEMNIFICATION. You will indemnify and save harmless the Company from any loss incurred directly or indirectly by reason of the falsity or inaccuracy of any representation made herein. The Company will indemnify and save harmless you from any loss incurred directly or indirectly by reason of the falsity or inaccuracy of any representation made herein. The Company and you acknowledge and agree that the terms of the Companys standard form of indemnification agreement for members of the Board and executive officers of the Company have applied to you in your role as an executive officer of the Company, and the Company hereby affirms its continuing agreements and obligations as set forth in such indemnification agreement with you.
18. AUTHORIZATION. You and the Company warrant and represent that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein and, further, that each of them are fully entitled and duly authorized to give their complete and final general release and discharge.
19. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
20. SECTION HEADINGS. The section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
21. PHOTOCOPIES. A photocopy of this executed Agreement shall be as valid, binding, and effective as the original Agreement.
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22. SECTION 409A. It is intended that all of the benefits and payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, an exemption from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A), and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those exemptions, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed to the greatest extent possible in a manner that complies with Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are deemed by the Company at the time of your separation from service to be a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A, and if any of the payments upon separation from service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be deferred compensation, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to you prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of your separation from service; (ii) the date of your death; or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. If the release revocation period spans two calendar years, payments will commence in the second of those two calendar years to the extent required to comply with Section 409A.
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Please confirm your assent to the foregoing terms and conditions of our Agreement by signing and returning a copy of this letter to me.
Sincerely, | ||||
SIENTRA, INC. |
||||
BY: | ||||
On behalf of the Board of Directors |
Having read and reviewed the foregoing, I hereby agree to and accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement as stated above.
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Caroline Van Hove | Date |
[Signature Page to the Separation Agreement]
Exhibit 99.1
Sientra Appoints Ron Menezes as President and Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey Nugent, Current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Announces His Retirement
Caroline Van Hove, Aesthetics Leader and Current Sientra Director, Succeeds Nugent as Executive Chair of Board of Directors
Santa Barbara, CA November 9, 2020 Sientra, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIEN) (Sientra or the Company), a global medical aesthetics company, announced today that Ron Menezes, former President and General Manager for Almirall Inc., will join Sientra as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sientra, Inc., effective November 10, 2020. Jeffrey Nugent, the Companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2015, also announced his retirement from his current responsibilities. He will remain with Sientra through the end of the year in an advisory role to support Mr. Menezes in the transition and to ensure continuity in carrying out the Companys long-term vision. Caroline Van Hove, current Sientra Director, will expand her position on Sientras Board of Directors and succeed Mr. Nugent as Executive Chair.
Mr. Nugent said, It has been an honor to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sientra over the last five years. In that time, our team has overcome a succession of strategic and executional challenges that, ultimately, made us into a stronger category leader and a more competitive, credible provider and partner to Sientras core plastic surgery customers. As I look to focus on the other passions in my life, I am excited to work with Ron over the next two months to further position Sientra for long-term success.
Mr. Menezes said, This is an exciting time to join Sientra, given the Companys outstanding and sustained performance over the last several years and the opportunity for me to lead a dynamic team and build on this momentum to increase our category leadership position, particularly Sientras core Breast Products business. This business will serve as the foundation of our growth and I look forward to building on the incredible progress the Company has made as we move into the next phase of success for Sientra.
Over nearly 30 years in the pharmaceuticals and aesthetics industries, Mr. Menezes has shown to be a successful, driven commercial leader with a track record of performance. Most recently, he led Almiralls U.S. dermatology division through an impactful turnaround, returning it to profitability by strategically lowering costs associated with product distribution and reorganizing the company. Mr. Menezes was also a member of Almiralls Mergers & Acquisitions team that successfully acquired Allergans dermatology assets in 2018. In 2019, he led the launch of a new molecule for the treatment of acne that far exceeded revenue goals by strategically focusing on improving patients access to the product.
Ms. Van Hove said, Jeff leaves Sientra with a firm foundation in place, strong momentum and an increased focus on breast products that will allow us to continue to deliver additional value for stakeholders. Words cannot express what he has meant to our emergence as a leader. We will miss Jeffs leadership and constant presence and look forward to Ron leading Sientra into a new chapter of anticipated high growth.
Ms. Van Hove brings deep expertise in medical aesthetics, including breast aesthetics, and 20 years of global pharma and medical device experience to Sientras Board of Directors, on which she has served since January 2020. She is currently President and CEO of a venture-backed, clinical-stage medical aesthetics company, and previously held several commercial leadership roles at Allergan.
About Sientra
Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Sientra is a diversified global medical aesthetics company and a leading partner to aesthetic physicians. The Company offers a suite of products designed to make a difference in patients lives by enhancing their body image, growing their self-esteem, and restoring their confidence. Sientra has developed a broad portfolio of products with technologically differentiated characteristics, supported by independent laboratory testing and strong clinical trial outcomes. The Companys Breast Products Segment includes its OPUS® breast implants, the first fifth generation breast implants approved by the FDA for sale in the United States, its ground-breaking Allox2® breast tissue expander with patented dual-port and integral drain technology, and BIOCORNEUM® the #1 performing, preferred and recommended scar gel of plastic surgeons(*). The Companys miraDry Segment, comprised of its miraDry® system, is approved for sale in over 56 international markets and is the only non-surgical, FDA-cleared device indicated for the permanent reduction of underarm sweat and hair and may also reduce odor.
Sientra uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Sientra is routinely posted and is accessible on the Companys investor relations website at www.sientra.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, based on managements current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Companys business, strategy, operations or financial performance, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release. The words believe, may, might, could, will, aim, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect, plan, position, or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include information concerning the Companys ability to position itself as a category leader and the ability to achieve and maintain high growth. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in this press release can be found in the Risk Factors section of Sientras public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and such estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or review any estimate, projection or forward-looking statement. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Companys business.
(*) Data on file
Contact
Investor Relations
805-679-8885