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): August 18, 2021
Alight, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-39299 | 86-1849232 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
(Commission
File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
4 Overlook Point
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(224) 737-7000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ |
Written communication pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
☐ |
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
☐ |
Pre-commencements communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§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. ☐
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading
|
Name of each exchange
|
||
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | ALIT | New York Stock Exchange | ||
Warrants to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock | ALIT.WS | New York Stock Exchange |
Item 5.02 |
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On August 18, 2021, Alight Solutions LLC (“Alight Solutions”), a subsidiary of Alight, Inc. (the “Company”), entered into (i) an amended and restated employment agreement with Stephan Scholl, the Chief Executive Officer of Alight Solutions and the Company (the “Scholl Agreement”) and (ii) an employment agreement with Katie Rooney, the Chief Financial Officer of Alight Solutions and the Company (the “Rooney Agreement” and, together with the Scholl Agreement, the “Agreements”). The Scholl Agreement is intended to supersede Mr. Scholl’s existing employment agreement, which was entered into on April 8, 2020 and the terms of which are substantially similar to the terms of the Scholl Agreement. The Rooney Agreement is intended to supersede Ms. Rooney’s existing severance letter agreement with Alight Solutions, which was entered into on April 3, 2018.
The Scholl Agreement
Under the terms of the Scholl Agreement, Mr. Scholl will continue to serve as our Chief Executive Officer. His initial term of employment will be five years from the effective date of the Scholl Agreement, which term will automatically extend for successive one-year periods unless either party provides written notice not to extend the term. Mr. Scholl will receive a base salary of $800,000 per year, which may be increased (but not decreased) from time to time by our board of directors, and is eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at 200% of his base salary.
The Scholl Agreement also provides that upon a “change in control” (as defined in the Scholl Agreement) of Alight Solutions, any initial equity-based incentive awards granted to Mr. Scholl in connection with the closing of the Company’s business combination on July 2, 2021 (the “Initial Grant”) will immediately vest in full, subject to Mr. Scholl’s continued employment on the date of such change in control. However, if Mr. Scholl’s employment is terminated by Alight Solutions without “cause” or by Mr. Scholl with “good reason” (as each term is defined in the Scholl Agreement), in either case, in the 6-month period prior to a change in control, Mr. Scholl will be deemed employed as of the date of the change in control purposes of vesting with respect to the Initial Grant.
Pursuant to the Scholl Agreement, Mr. Scholl is also entitled to (i) reimbursement by Alight Solutions for costs associated with his use of private aviation for business related purposes, in an amount up to an annual average of $6,700 per hour for up to 200 flight hours per year, and (ii) travel first class on any commercial flight for business purposes.
As more specifically described and set forth in the Scholl Agreement, Mr. Scholl is also eligible to receive severance benefits following certain terminations of his employment. Upon a termination of Mr. Scholl’s employment by us without “cause” or by Mr. Scholl for “good reason” (as each term is defined in the Scholl Agreement), Mr. Scholl will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits, subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims: (i) a severance payment, payable in equal installments over 24 months following termination and equal to two times the sum of: (A) his annual base salary (at the highest rate in effect in the 6-month period preceding his termination date) and (B) his average annual bonus over the two most recent full completed fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which his termination date occurs (and if he was not employed by us for two full fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which his termination date occurs, the amount will be based on his average annualized bonus received in respect of the fiscal years in which he was actually employed); (ii) a pro-rata portion of his annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurs based on actual results for such year; (iii) continued participation in our group health plan for up to 12 months following his termination date; and (iv) access to outplacement services for the 12-month period following his termination date.
The Rooney Agreement
Under the terms of the Rooney Agreement, Ms. Rooney will continue to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. Her initial term of employment will be three years from the effective date of the Rooney Agreement, which term will automatically extend for successive one-year periods unless either party provides written notice not to extend the term. Ms. Rooney will receive a base salary of $500,000 per year, which may be increased (but not decreased) from time to time by our board of directors, and is eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at 100% of her base salary.
As more specifically described and set forth in the Rooney Agreement, Ms. Rooney is also eligible to receive severance benefits following certain terminations of her employment. Upon a termination of Ms. Rooney’s employment by us without “cause” or by Ms. Rooney for “good reason” (as each term is defined in the Rooney Agreement), Ms. Rooney will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits, subject to her timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims: (i) a severance payment, payable in equal installments over 24 months following termination and equal to two times the sum of: (A) her annual base salary (as in effect immediately prior to her termination date or immediately prior to any reduction if her termination is due to a reduction in base salary) and (B) her average annual bonus over the two most recent full completed fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which her termination date occurs; (ii) continued participation in our group health plan for up to 12 months following her termination date; and (iii) access to outplacement services for the 12-month period following her termination date.
The Agreements also subject Mr. Scholl and Ms. Rooney to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality of information, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement covenants. The confidentiality and non-disparagement covenants have an indefinite term, and the non-competition and non-solicitation covenants each have terms effective both during the term of Mr. Scholl’s and Ms. Rooney’s employment and for two years following any termination of employment.
This summary of the Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the text of the Agreements, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Item 9.01 |
Financial Statements and Exhibits |
(d) Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
Exhibit # |
Description |
|
10.1 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2021, by and between Alight Solutions LLC and Stephan Scholl. | |
10.2 | Employment Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2021, by and between Alight Solutions LLC and Katie Rooney. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
SIGNATURE
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.
Alight, Inc. | ||
By: |
/s/ Paulette R. Dodson |
|
Name: Paulette R. Dodson | ||
Title: General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
Date: August 18, 2021
Exhibit 10.1
ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (this Agreement) is made as of August 18, 2021, between Alight Solutions LLC (the Company) and Stephan Scholl (the Executive). This Agreement shall take effect as of the date it is fully executed by both parties (the Effective Date). If the Effective Date does not occur for any or no reason, this Agreement shall be null and void ab initio, and the Prior Agreement (as defined below) shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive previously entered into an Employment Agreement dated April 8, 2020 (the Prior Agreement), which the Company and the Executive intend to replace with this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Executive desires to continue to be employed by the Company on the new terms and conditions contained herein; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall fully supersede the Prior Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Position and Duties.
(a) During the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2 hereof), the Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In this capacity, the Executive shall have the duties, authorities and responsibilities as are required by the Executives position, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the board of directors of the Company (the Board) shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with the Executives position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall devote all of the Executives business time, energy, business judgment, and knowledge to the performance of the Executives duties with the Company; provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from (i) with the prior written approval of the Board, serving on the boards of directors of other business organizations (provided that the Executives service on the board of directors of each of Avaya Holdings Corp. and 1010Data, Inc., respectively, is hereby consented to and shall not require any additional written approval from the Board), (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing the Executives passive personal investments, in each case so long as such activities in the aggregate do not, individually or in the aggregate, interfere or conflict with the Executives duties hereunder or create a fiduciary conflict. The Executive shall report directly to Board. The Executives principal place of employment with the Company shall be Lincolnshire, Illinois, provided that the Executive understands and agrees that the Executive may be required to travel from time to time for business purposes.
(b) As of the Effective Date, the Executive shall continue to serve as a member of the Board. For so long as the Executive remains the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Board will nominate the Executive for re-election as a member of the Board.
2. Employment Term. The Company agrees to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to be so employed, for five (5) years (the Initial Term) commencing as of the Effective Date. On each anniversary of the Effective Date following the conclusion of the Initial Term, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving advanced written notice to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executives employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Sections 7 and 8 hereof. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of the Executives employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the Employment Term.
3. Base Salary. The Company agrees to pay the Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $800,000, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company. The Executives base salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board (or a committee thereof), and may be increased (but not decreased) from time to time by the Board. The base salary as determined herein and as may be increased from time-to-time shall constitute Base Salary for purposes of this Agreement.
4. Annual Bonus. For each calendar year that ends during the Executives employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive payment (the Annual Bonus) based on a target bonus opportunity of 200% of Base Salary (the Target Bonus) with greater or lesser amounts paid for performance above and below target, based upon the attainment of one or more objective performance goals established by the Board (or a committee thereof) after consultation with the Executive. The performance criteria for any particular year shall be provided to the Executive no later than sixty (60) days following the approval by the Board (or a committee thereof). Annual Bonuses, to the extent earned, will be paid consistent with the timing of when bonuses are paid by the Company under the Companys Annual Incentive Plan to which the applicable Annual Bonus relates. Except as otherwise provided in Section 8, payment of any Annual Bonus is contingent upon the Executives employment through the applicable bonus payment date.
5. Equity. Notwithstanding anything set forth in any other plan, program, arrangement or agreement to the contrary, the equity-based incentive award granted to Executive in connection with the close of the Business Combination on July 2, 2021 (Initial Grant) shall immediately vest in full upon a Change in Control, subject to Executives continued employment on the date of the Change in Control; provided that if Executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason, in either case, in the six (6) month period preceding a Change in Control, the Executive shall be deemed employed as of the date of the Change in Control for purposes of this paragraph. Change in Control shall mean a change in control event with respect to the Company for purposes of Code Section 409A. All equity awards other than the Initial Grant shall vest in accordance with the award agreement and plan governing the grant.
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6. Executive Benefits.
(a) Benefit Plans. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee benefit programs maintained by the Company from time to time, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements, except to the extent such plans are duplicative of the benefits otherwise provided hereunder. The Executives participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may amend, modify, or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
(b) Vacations. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time in accordance with the Companys policy as in effect from time to time.
(c) Flight Reimbursement. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be permitted to utilize private aviation for business related purposes for up to 200 flight hours per year, and the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the costs of such private aviation up to an annual average of $6,700 per hour for up to 200 flight hours per year; provided that, the Executive will be required to submit to the Company verification, substantiation and documentation setting forth the nature and cost of such private aviation expenses in accordance with the policies of the Company from time to time. In addition, the Executive shall be entitled to travel first class on any commercial flight for business purposes at the Companys expense, subject to availability of such first class tickets and upon presentation of reasonable substantiation and documentation as the Company may specify from time to time.
(d) Business and Entertainment Expenses. Upon presentation of reasonable substantiation and documentation as the Company may specify from time to time, the Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred and paid by the Executive during the Employment Term in connection with the performance of the Executives duties hereunder.
(e) Work Authorization. The parties hereto shall take all reasonably required steps to obtain and maintain any work permit or other authorization for the Executive that is necessary for the Executive to provide services pursuant to Section 1 hereof and continue to be employed in the United States. The Company will pay (or reimburse to the Executive on a net after-tax basis) all expenses associated with obtaining and retaining work permits and authorizations, and for the Executive and his family in applying for permanent resident status in the United States.
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(f) Indemnification. The Company hereby agrees to indemnify the Executive and hold the Executive harmless to the maximum extent permitted under Delaware law and provided for under the organizational documents of the Company against and in respect of any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), losses, and damages resulting from the Executives good faith performance of the Executives duties and obligations with the Company. The Company will procure and maintain Directors & Officers liability insurance that covers the Executive at a level no less than that provided to any other officer or director of the Company. The foregoing obligations shall survive during the Employment Term plus the applicable statute of limitations period.
7. Termination. The Executives employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:
(a) Disability. Upon ten (10) days prior written notice by the Company to the Executive of termination due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Disability shall mean disability pursuant to the standards set forth in, or in circumstances where the Executive qualifies for receipt of benefits under, the long-term disability plan of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. The Executive shall cooperate in all respects with the Company if a question arises as to whether the Executive has become disabled (including, without limitation, submitting to reasonable examinations by one or more medical doctors and other health care specialists selected by the Company and authorizing such medical doctors and other health care specialists to discuss the Executives condition with the Company).
(b) Death. Automatically upon the date of death of the Executive.
(c) Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of a termination for Cause. Cause shall mean (i) performing an act of fraud, theft, embezzlement or willful misappropriation involving the Executives employment with or service to the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (ii) performing an act of race, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age based discrimination in violation of any Company policy or applicable law, which after an independent investigation, counsel to the Company reasonably concludes will result in liability being imposed on the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or the Executive; (iii) the Executives material violation of the Companys or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates material written policies and procedures including, but not limited to, the Companys Code of Conduct; (iv) the Executives material noncompliance with the terms of this Agreement, or of any material agreement with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries containing, covenants regarding non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and/or non-disclosure obligations; or (v) performing any criminal act resulting in a criminal felony charge being brought (provided such charges are not dropped or otherwise reduced to a charge that does not meet these standards within sixty (60) days) against the Executive or the Executives criminal conviction of a crime of moral turpitude (other than conviction of a minor traffic violation); provided that no such determination may be made under clauses (iii) or (iv) above until the Executive has been given written notice detailing the specific Cause event and a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice to cure such event, but only to the extent the specific Cause event is actually curable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action or inaction taken by the Executive based upon the Executives reasonable reliance on advice of counsel to the Company or the direction of the Board shall not form the basis for Cause.
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(d) Without Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e) Good Reason. Upon written notice by the Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. Good Reason shall mean (i) a reduction in the Executives Base Salary or Target Bonus, (ii) a relocation of the Executives primary place of employment by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location, (iii) the Companys material breach of the terms of this Agreement, or of any material agreement between the Company or any of its affiliates and Executive, or (iv) a reduction in title or a material demotion in the Executives duties, authorities, or responsibilities, in each case, without the Executives written consent; provided that such reduction shall not constitute Good Reason, unless the Executive notifies the Company within thirty (30) days following the initial occurrence of such event, and the Company fails to reverse such event within thirty (30) days of the Companys receipt of such notice. In order to invoke a termination for Good Reason, the Executive must terminate his employment, if at all, within ninety (90) days following the initial occurrence of the Good Reason event.
(f) Without Good Reason. Upon ninety (90) days prior written notice by the Executive to the Company of the Executives voluntary termination of employment without Good Reason (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).
(g) Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement. Upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 hereof.
8. Consequences of Termination.
(a) Death. In the event the Executives employment is terminated due to Executives death, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive or the Executives estate, as the case may be, the amounts set forth below within sixty (60) days following termination of employment (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law) (collectively, Sections 8(a)(i) through 8(a)(v) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the Accrued Amounts).
(i) Any Base Salary earned, but not yet paid by the Company, through date of the Executives termination with the Company (such date, the Termination Date);
(ii) any Annual Bonus earned under the Companys Annual Incentive Plan, but not yet paid by the Company, with respect to a year ending on or preceding the Termination Date;
(iii) any accrued but unused vacation time in accordance with the Companys policy as in effect from time to time;
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(iv) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the Termination Date, provided that such expenses and required substantiation and documentation are submitted within 30 days following such termination and reimbursement under the Companys policy; and
(v) all other payments, benefits, or fringe benefits to which the Executive shall be entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant or this Agreement.
(b) Disability. In the event that the Executives employment and/or Employment Term ends on account of the Executives Disability, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the Accrued Amounts.
(c) Termination for Cause or Without Good Reason or as a Result of Executive Non-Extension of this Agreement. If the Executives employment is terminated (x) by the Company for Cause, (y) by the Executive without Good Reason, or (z) as a result of the Executives non-extension of the Employment Term as provided in Section 2 hereof, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Amounts other than the benefit described in Section 8(a)(ii) hereof.
(d) Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason or as a Result of Company Non-Extension of this Agreement. If the Executives employment by the Company is terminated (x) by the Company other than for Cause (and not due to the Executives death or Disability) or (y) by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, below, subject to Executives continued compliance with the terms of this Agreement (including Executives timely execution and non-revocation of the release as set forth in Section 8(e) herein and continued compliance with Sections 9 and 10):
(i) An amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (i) the Executives Base Salary (at the highest rate in effect in the six (6) month period preceding the Termination Date) and (ii) the Executives average Annual Bonus over the two most recent full completed fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs (provided that, (x) if the Executive was not employed by the Company during each of the two full completed fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, the amount shall be determined based on the Executives average annualized Annual Bonus received in respect of the fiscal years in which the Executive was employed); and (y) if the Executive has not received an Annual Bonus for a full completed fiscal year at any time prior to the Termination Date due to having been a new hire, the amount shall be determined by reference to the Executives target annual cash incentive opportunity), payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Companys normal payroll policies commencing on the first payroll period following the date on which the Release (as defined in Section 8(e) herein) is executed and no longer subject to revocation, and continuing for twenty-four (24) consecutive months thereafter;
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(ii) a pro-rata portion of the Executives Annual Bonus for the year in which the Termination Date occurs based on actual results for such year (determined by multiplying the amount of such bonus which would be due for the full year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full or partial months during the applicable year that the Executive is employed by the Company and the denominator of which is twelve (12)), payable in accordance with Section 4 hereof;
(iii) subject to (A) the Executives timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA), (B) the Executives continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost to the Executive as if the Executive were an employee of the Company (excluding, for purposes of calculating cost, an employees ability to pay premiums with pre-tax dollars), and (C) the Executives continued compliance with the obligations in Sections 9 and 10 hereof, continued participation in the Companys group health plan (to the extent permitted under applicable law and the terms of such plan) which covers the Executive (and the Executives eligible dependents) for a period of twelve (12) months at the Companys expense, provided that the Executive is eligible and remains eligible for COBRA coverage; provided, further, that the Company may modify the continuation coverage contemplated by this Section 8 to the extent reasonably necessary to avoid the imposition of any excise taxes on the Company for failure to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and/or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended (to the extent applicable); and provided, further, that in the event that the Executive obtains other employment that offers group health benefits, such continuation of coverage by the Company under this Section 8 shall immediately cease; and
(iv) for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date, the Executive will have access to Company provided outplacement services at a level commensurate with the Executives position in accordance with the Companys practices as in effect from time to time.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Executive hereby agrees that the Companys obligations to provide the payments set forth in Section 8(d) herein (such payments, the Severance Payments) shall be conditioned upon the Executives execution and nonrevocation of, and compliance with, the Companys release of claims contained in Exhibit A to this Agreement, as modified in the Companys sole discretion to preserve the enforceability of such agreement under applicable local law (the Release), within twenty-eight (28) days of the Executives Termination Date and the Executives continued compliance with any other existing non-competition, non-solicitation of clients and employees, and confidentiality agreements between the Executive and the Company. Any Severance Payments payable under this Agreement shall not be paid until the first scheduled payment date following the date the Release is executed and no longer subject to revocation, with the first such payment being in an amount equal to the total amount to which the Executive would otherwise have been
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entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required; provided, however, that any such amounts that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (Section 409A) shall not be paid until the 28th day following such termination to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required; provided further that a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amount or benefit upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a termination, termination of employment or like terms shall mean separation from service, and if the Executive is deemed a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A on the Termination Date, then any Severance Payments payable to the Executive under this Agreement during the first six months and one day following the Termination Date that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A shall not be paid until the date that is six (6) months and one day following such termination to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled to during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required.
(f) In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by a subsequent employer, other than as set forth in Section 8(d)(iii). The Companys obligations to pay the Executive amounts hereunder shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates.
9. Restrictive Covenants. The Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of the Company, and accordingly agrees to the following restrictive covenants.
(a) Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement.
(i) the Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries, and accordingly agrees as follows:
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(1) During the Employment Term and for a period of two (2) years following the date the Executive ceases to be employed by the Company (together, the Restricted Period), the Executive will not, whether on the Executives own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (for the purposes of this Section 9, a Person), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting any business of the same type or kind as the Covered Business performed by the Restricted Group from or with respect to (A) clients or customers of the Restricted Group with respect to whom the Executive provided services, either alone or with others, or had a business relationship, or on whose account the Executive worked or became familiar, or supervised directly or indirectly the servicing activities with respect to that client or customer, during the twenty-four month period prior to the Executives Termination Date, and further provided such clients or customers were clients or customers of the Restricted Group either on such Termination Date or during the twenty-four months prior thereto, and (B) prospective clients or customers of the Restricted Group which the Executive alone, in combination with others, or in a supervisory capacity, solicited during the eighteen months prior to the Executives Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9(a)(i) shall not be violated by (A) general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company-related persons or entities, (B) the Executive serving solely as a reference, upon request, for any employee of the Company Group, or (C) actions taken by any person or entity with which the Executive is associated if the Executive is not directly or indirectly involved in the matter and has not directly or indirectly identified such Company-related person or entity for soliciting or hiring.
(2) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant:
a. engage in, or acquire a financial interest in or otherwise become actively involved with any Person engaged in, the Covered Business within any country where the Restricted Group engages, or plans to engage, in the Covered Business as of the Executives Termination Date; or
b. intentionally and adversely interfere with, or intentionally attempt to adversely interfere with, business relationships between the members of the Restricted Group and any of their clients, customers, suppliers, partners, members or investors.
(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9, the Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in the Covered Business which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if the Executive (A) is not a controlling person of, or a
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member of a group which controls, such person and (B) does not, directly or indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such Person. In addition, the provisions of this Section 9 shall not be violated by the Executive, during the portion of the Restricted Period commencing after the Employment Term, commencing employment with, or providing services to, a portfolio company of a private equity or financial sponsor that owns, invests in, or operates a business that engages in a Covered Business or otherwise commencing employment with, or providing services to, a subsidiary, division or unit of any entity that engages in a Covered Business, in each case, so long as (i) the Executive does not directly or indirectly perform services (including advisory services) for the entity that is engaged in the Covered Business and (ii) such activities do not interfere or conflict with the Executives duties hereunder or create a fiduciary conflict.
(4) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, whether on the Executives own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:
a. solicit or encourage any employee of the Restricted Group to leave the employment of the Restricted Group;
b. hire any executive-level employee (i.e., vice president level and above or equivalent title ) who was employed by the Restricted Group as of the Executives Termination Date or who left the employment of the Restricted Group coincident with, or within one (1) year prior to, or after, the Executives Termination Date, excluding an executive-level employee whose employment with the Restricted Group ceased at least twelve months prior to the date of such hiring; or
c. encourage any consultant of the Restricted Group to cease working with the Restricted Group.
(5) For purposes of this Section 9:
a. Covered Business means (1) developing and implementing software and services solutions for, and providing (x) health and welfare (including participant advocacy, healthcare navigation, reimbursement accounts, Medicare enrollment services and other ancillary point solutions services) and retirement (including any defined contribution participant financial advisory and self-directed brokerage account services and other ancillary point solutions services) benefits administration services and (y) hosted and cloud-based human resources business process outsourcing administration and implementation services (including payroll processing, HR data management services, cloud advisory, deployment and application management services for cloud human
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capital management and financial platforms, (2) human resource and other related communications consulting services, and/or (3) such businesses (not described in (1) or (2) above) in which the Restricted Group engages or has plans to engage (as evidenced by the investment of time or resources therein), in each case, as of the Executives Termination Date. .
b. Restricted Group means, collectively, the Company and its subsidiaries.
(ii) During the Employment Term and at all times thereafter, the Executive agrees not to make, or cause any other person to make, any communication that is intended to disparage, or has the effect of disparaging, the Company or its affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, shareholders, members, or advisors (or any of its or their respective employees, officers or directors, it being understood that communication made in the Executives good faith performance of the Executives duties hereunder shall not be deemed disparaging for purposes of this Agreement). The Company agrees to instruct the Board and the Restricted Groups executives (and use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with such instruction) not to make negative comments about the Executive or otherwise disparage the Executive in any manner that is likely to be harmful to the Executives business reputation. Nothing set forth herein shall be interpreted to prohibit the Executive and the Restricted Group (or their respective executives), or members of the Board from responding truthfully to incorrect public statements, making truthful statements when required by law, subpoena or court order and/or from responding to any inquiry by any regulatory or investigatory organization.
(b) Confidentiality; Intellectual Property.
(i) Confidentiality.
(1) The Executive will not at any time (whether during the Employment Term or thereafter) (A) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of the Executive or any other Person; or (B) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company and its affiliates (other than the Executives professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations or otherwise in performance of the Executives duties under the Executives employment and pursuant to customary industry practice), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information including without limitation trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company or any of its affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company or any of its affiliates or Subsidiaries on a confidential basis (Confidential Information), without the prior written authorization of the Board.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may deliver or disclose Confidential Information to any federal or state regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Executive to the extent required in connection with any audit or other legal proceeding by such authority, or to any court, arbitrator, or other tribunal (x) in response to any subpoena or other legal compulsory process or (y) in the enforcement of the Executives rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other agreement with the Restricted Group; provided, that the Executive will (to the extent legally permissible) promptly notify the Company in advance so that the Company may seek (at its own expense) a protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive compliance with this Section 9(b).
(2) Confidential Information shall not include any information that is (A) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of the Executives breach of this covenant; (B) made legitimately available to the Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation of which the Executive has knowledge; or (C) required by law to be disclosed; provided that with respect to subsection (C) the Executive shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and reasonably cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.
(3) Except as required by law, the Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than the Executives family (it being understood that, in this Agreement, the term family refers to the Executive, the Executives spouse, children, parents and spouses parents) and advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided that the Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of this Section 9. Subsection (b)(i)(3) of this Section 9 shall terminate if any member of the Restricted Group publicly discloses a copy of this Agreement (or, publicly discloses summaries or excerpts of this Agreement, to the extent so disclosed).
(4) Upon termination of the Executives employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall (A) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company or its affiliates; and (B) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Companys option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans,
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computer files, letters and other data) in the Executives possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in the Executives office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information, except that the Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information.
(5) 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(6) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict the Executive from, or shall be interpreted so as to impede the Executive (or any other individual) from, reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. The Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures, and the Executive shall not be required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made.
(ii) Intellectual Property.
(1) If the Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (Works), either alone or with third parties, at any time during the Executives employment by the Company and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any resources of Company or any of its affiliates (Alight Works), the Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the
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maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all of the Executives right, title, and interest therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition, other intellectual property laws, and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company. If the Executive creates any written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, or any other tangible form or media) of any Alight Works, the Executive will keep and maintain same. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.
(2) The Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Companys expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the rights of the Company or its affiliates in the Alight Works.
(3) The Executive shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company or any of its affiliates any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. The Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company and its affiliates that are from time to time previously disclosed to the Executive, including regarding the protection of Confidential Information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest.
(4) The provisions of subsection (b) of this Section 9 hereof shall survive the termination of the Executives employment for any reason.
(c) Reasonableness of Covenants. In signing this Agreement, the Executive gives the Company assurance that the Executive has carefully read and considered all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed under this Section 9. The Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its affiliates and their trade secrets and confidential information and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area, and that these restraints, individually or in the aggregate, will not prevent the Executive from obtaining other suitable employment during the period in which the Executive is bound by the restraints. The Executive acknowledges that each of these covenants has a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to the Company and its affiliates and that the Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood while such covenants remain in force. The Executive further covenants that the Executive will not challenge the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 9. It is also agreed that the Companys affiliates will have the right to enforce all of the Executives obligations to such affiliates under this Agreement, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Section 9.
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(d) Reformation. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 9 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under applicable law, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.
(e) Tolling. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 9 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
(f) Remedies. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Companys remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this Section 9 would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, the Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond or other security, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available, without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages.
(g) Survival. The Executives obligations under Section 9 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executives employment with the Company for any reason and shall thereafter be enforceable whether or not such termination is found to be wrongful or to constitute or result in a material breach of any contract, including, but not limited to, a breach of any employment contract or of any other material duty owed or claimed to be owed to the Executive by the Company or any Company employee, agent or contractor.
10. Cooperation. Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside counsel), the Executive agrees that while employed by the Company and for the five (5) year period thereafter, the Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters in which the Executive has knowledge as a result of the Executives employment with the Company, and will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of the Executives employment with the Company (collectively, the Claims). The Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company if the Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving Claims that may be filed or threatened against the Company or its affiliates. During the foregoing period, the Executive also agrees to promptly inform the Company (to the extent that the Executive is legally permitted to do so) if the Executive is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or its subsidiaries (or their actions) or another party attempts to obtain information or documents from the Executive (other than in connection with any litigation or other proceeding in which the Executive is a party-in-opposition) with respect to matters the Executive believes in good faith to relate to any investigation of the Company or its affiliates, in each case, regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against the Company or its affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required. During the pendency of any
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litigation or other proceeding involving Claims, the Executive shall not communicate with anyone (other than the Executives attorneys and tax and/or financial advisors and except to the extent that the Executive determines in good faith is necessary in connection with the performance of the Executives duties hereunder) with respect to the facts or subject matter of any pending or potential litigation or regulatory or administrative proceeding involving the Company or any of its affiliates without giving prior written notice to the Company or the Companys counsel. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by the Executive in complying with this Section 10. It is expressly agreed that the Companys rights to avail itself of the Executives advice and consultation services shall at all times be exercised in a reasonable manner, and that adequate notice shall be given to the Executive in such events.
11. Notice. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of transmission, if delivered by confirmed facsimile or electronic mail, (c) on the first business day following the date of deposit, if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Executive:
At the address (or to the facsimile number) shown
in the books and records of the Company.
With copies to (which shall not constitute notice):
McDonald Hopkins LLC
300 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60654
Email: [***]
Attention: Benjamin Panter
If to the Company:
Alight Solutions LLC
4 Overlook Point
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Email: [***]
Attention: Paulette Dodson, General Counsel
Following the date hereof, notice may be delivered to either party at such other address as either party hereto may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be deemed effective upon receipt thereof by the addressee.
12. Section Headings; Inconsistency. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.
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13. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
15. Withholding. The Company may withhold from all payments due to the Executive under this letter agreement all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local, or other law, the Company is required to withhold therefrom.
16. Section 409A.
(a) The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith or exempt therefrom. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.
(b) All expenses or other reimbursements under this Agreement that would constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, (i) shall be paid on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by the Executive, (ii) no such reimbursement or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any taxable year shall in any way affect the Executives right to reimbursement of any other expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year, and (iii) the Executives right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation in exchange for any other benefit.
(c) For purposes of Section 409A, the Executives right to receive any installment payment pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(d) Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.
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(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, be subject to offset, counterclaim or recoupment by any other amount payable to the Executive unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.
17. Assignment.
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, will not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any assignment in violation of this Agreement will be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, this Agreement and all of the Executives rights hereunder will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
(b) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company (a Successor) to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the term Company will mean the Company as defined herein and any Successor and any permitted assignee to which this Agreement is assigned.
18. Amendment/Waiver. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged except by a written document signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion will not be considered a waiver of such partys rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.
19. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements. promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto, including but not limited to the Term Sheet (other than with respect to the Incentive Unit Agreement and the Bonus Agreement). None of the parties will be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any representations and warranties or covenants relating to such subject matter except as specifically set forth herein.
20. Governing Law; Venue. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflicts of law. Each party hereto (i) irrevocably agrees that any legal action, suit or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (unless the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction, in which case each party consents to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware), (ii) unconditionally waives any objection to venue in such jurisdiction, and agrees not to plead or claim forum non conveniens, and (iii) waives their respective rights to a jury trial of any and such legal action, suit or proceeding.
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21. Representations. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the Executive has the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on the Executives part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms, and (b) the Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, and is not subject to any restriction, which, in either case, could prevent the Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing all of the Executives duties and obligations hereunder.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC | ||||
By: /s/ Paulette Dodson | August 18, 2021 | |||
Name: Paulette Dodson |
Date |
|||
Title: General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | ||||
EXECUTIVE | ||||
/s/ Stephan Scholl | August 16, 2021 | |||
Stephan Scholl |
Date |
EXHIBIT A
GENERAL RELEASE
I, , in consideration of and subject to the performance by [Alight Solutions Inc.] (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company), of its obligations under the Employment Agreement dated as of [], 2021 (the Agreement), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company and its respective affiliates and all present, former and future managers, directors, officers, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and its affiliates and direct or indirect owners (collectively, the Released Parties) to the extent provided below (this General Release). The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder. Terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
1. My employment or service with the Company and its affiliates terminated as of [________], and I hereby resign from any position as an officer, member of the board of managers or directors (as applicable) or fiduciary of the Company or its affiliates (or reaffirm any such resignation that may have already occurred). I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 8(d) of the Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive certain of the payments and benefits specified in Section 8(d) of the Agreement unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter. I understand and agree that such payments and benefits are subject to Sections 8, 9, and 10 of the Agreement, which (as noted below) expressly survive my termination of employment and the execution of this General Release. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
2. Except as provided in paragraphs 4 and 5 below and except for the provisions of the Agreement which expressly survive the termination of my employment with the Company, I knowingly and voluntarily (for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date that this General Release becomes effective and enforceable) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, (i) from the beginning of time through the date upon which I execute this Agreement; (ii) arising out of, or relating to, my employment with any Released Parties; (iii) arising out of, or relating to, any agreement and/or any awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of the Released Parties that may apply to me or in which I may participate, including, but not limited to, any rights under bonus plans or programs of Released Parties and/or any other short-term or long-term equity-based or cash-based incentive plans or programs of the Released Parties;
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or (iv) arising out of or connected with my employment with, or my separation or termination from, the Company, including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the Claims).
3. I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by paragraph 2 above.
4. I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
5. I agree that I hereby waive all rights to sue or obtain equitable, remedial or punitive relief from any or all Released Parties of any kind whatsoever in respect of any Claim, including, without limitation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, and any form of injunctive relief. Notwithstanding the above, I further acknowledge that I am not waiving and am not being required to waive any right that cannot be waived under law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding; provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such charge or investigation or proceeding. Additionally, I am not waiving (i) any right to the Accrued Amounts or any severance benefits to which I am entitled under the Agreement, (ii) any claim relating to directors and officers liability insurance coverage or any right of indemnification under the Companys organizational documents or otherwise, or (iii) my rights as an equity or security holder in the Company or its affiliates.
6. In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state or local statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should
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bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims to the maximum extent permitted by law. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending claim of the type described in paragraph 2 above as of the execution of this General Release.
7. I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
8. I agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys fees.
9. I agree that this General Release and the Agreement are confidential and agree not to disclose any information regarding the terms of this General Release or the Agreement, except to my immediate family and any tax, legal or other counsel I have consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or as required by law, and I will instruct each of the foregoing not to disclose the same to anyone.
10. Any non-disclosure provision in this General Release does not prohibit or restrict me (or my attorney) from responding to any inquiry about this General Release or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), any other self-regulatory organization or any governmental entity.
11. I hereby acknowledge that Sections 8(d) and (e), 9, 10, and 13 through 21 shall survive my execution of this General Release.
12. I represent that I am not aware of any claim by me other than the claims that are released by this General Release. I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different than those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of the release set forth in paragraph 2 above and which, if known or suspected at the time of entering into this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release and my decision to enter into it.
13. Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary, this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the Company or by any Released Party of the Agreement after the date hereof.
14. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release 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 shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
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BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
1. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;
2. I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED;
3. I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT;
4. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION;
5. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST [21][45] DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER IT, AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED [21][45]-DAY PERIOD;
6. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
7. I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND
8. I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME.
SIGNED: | DATED: |
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Exhibit 10.2
ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made as of August 18, 2021. This Agreement shall take effect as of the date it is fully executed by both parties (the Effective Date), between Alight Solutions LLC (the Company) and Katie Rooney (the Executive).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Executive currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and the Executive desires to continue to be employed by the Company; and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement as to the terms of the Executives employment with the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Position and Duties.
(a) During the Employment Term (as defined in Section 2 hereof), the Executive shall serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In this capacity, the Executive shall have the duties, authorities and responsibilities as are required by the Executives position, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with the Executives position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall devote all of the Executives business time, energy, business judgment, and knowledge to the performance of the Executives duties with the Company; provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from (i) with the prior written approval of the board of directors of the Company (the Board), serving on the boards of directors of other business organizations, (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing the Executives passive personal investments, in each case, so long as such activities do not, individually or in the aggregate, interfere or conflict with the Executives duties hereunder or create a fiduciary conflict.
(b) The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Executives principal place of employment with the Company shall be Lincolnshire, Illinois, provided that the Executive understands and agrees that the Executive may be required to travel from time to time for business purposes.
2. Employment Term. The Company agrees to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to be so employed, for three (3) years (the Initial Term) commencing as of the Effective Date. On each anniversary of the Effective Date following the conclusion of the Initial Term, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving advanced written notice to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executives employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Sections 6 and 7 hereof. The period of time between the Effective Date and the termination of the Executives employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the Employment Term.
3. Base Salary. The Company agrees to pay the Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $500,000, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company. The Executives base salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board (or a committee thereof), and may be increased (but not decreased) from time to time by the Board. The base salary as determined herein and as may be increased from time-to-time shall constitute Base Salary for purposes of this Agreement.
4. Annual Bonus. For each calendar year that ends during the Executives employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive payment (the Annual Bonus) based on a target bonus opportunity equal to 100% of Base Salary (the Target Bonus) with greater or lesser amounts paid for performance above and below target, based upon the attainment of one or more performance goals established by the Board (or a committee thereof). Annual Bonuses, to the extent earned, will be paid consistent with the timing of when bonuses are paid by the Company under the Companys Annual Incentive Plan to which the applicable Annual Bonus relates. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7, payment of any Annual Bonus is contingent upon the Executives employment through the applicable bonus payment date.
5. Executive Benefits.
(a) Benefit Plans. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee benefit programs maintained by the Company from time to time, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements, except to the extent such plans are duplicative of the benefits otherwise provided hereunder. The Executives participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may amend, modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
(b) Vacations. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time in accordance with the Companys policy as in effect from time to time.
(c) Business and Entertainment Expenses. Upon presentation of reasonable substantiation and documentation as the Company may specify from time to time, the Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred and paid by the Executive during the Employment Term in connection with the performance of the Executives duties hereunder.
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(d) Indemnification. The Company hereby agrees to indemnify the Executive and hold the Executive harmless to the maximum extent permitted under Delaware law and provided for under the organizational documents of the Company against and in respect of any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), losses, and damages resulting from the Executives good faith performance of the Executives duties and obligations with the Company. The Company will provide coverage to the Executive under a Directors & Officers liability insurance policy covering other executives of the Company. The foregoing obligations shall survive during the Employment Term plus the applicable statute of limitations period.
6. Termination. The Executives employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of the following to occur:
(a) Disability. Upon ten (10) days prior written notice by the Company to the Executive of termination due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Disability shall mean disability pursuant to the standards set forth in, or in circumstances where the Executive qualifies for receipt of benefits under, the long-term disability plan of the Company and/or its subsidiaries. The Executive shall cooperate in all respects with the Company if a question arises as to whether the Executive has become disabled (including, without limitation, submitting to reasonable examinations by one or more medical doctors and other health care specialists selected by the Company and authorizing such medical doctors and other health care specialists to discuss the Executives condition with the Company).
(b) Death. Automatically upon the date of death of the Executive.
(c) Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of a termination for Cause. Cause shall mean (i) performing an act of dishonesty, fraud, theft, embezzlement or misappropriation involving the Executives employment with or service to the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (ii) performing an act of race, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age based discrimination, which after investigation, counsel to the Company reasonably concludes will result in liability being imposed on the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or the Executive; (iii) the Executives material violation of the Companys, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the Companys Code of Conduct; (iv) the Executives material noncompliance with the terms of this Agreement or of any agreement with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries containing covenants regarding non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and/or non-disclosure obligations; or (v) performing any criminal act resulting in a criminal felony charge being brought against the Executive or the Executives criminal conviction (other than conviction of a minor traffic violation).
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(d) Without Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e) Good Reason. Upon written notice by the Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. Good Reason shall mean a (i) material reduction in Executives total target annual compensation by more than twenty percent (20%), unless the compensation reduction program affects substantially all similarly situated employees of the Company and does not affect the Executive to a greater extent than other similarly situated employees; (ii) material demotion in the Executives duties and responsibilities or functional management level; (iii) requirement that the Executive relocate more than fifty (50) miles from the Executives principal place of employment; or (iv) material breach by the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement, in each case, (A) without Executives written consent and (B) solely to the extent that the Company fails to correct such event within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice thereof from the Executive, which such notice must be provided within thirty (30) days following the initial occurrence of such event. In order to invoke a termination for Good Reason, the Executive must terminate her employment, if at all, within ninety (90) days following the initial occurrence of the Good Reason event.
(f) Without Good Reason. Upon ninety (90) days prior written notice by the Executive to the Company of the Executives voluntary termination of employment without Good Reason (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).
(g) Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement. Upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 hereof.
7. Consequences of Termination.
(a) Death. In the event the Executives employment is terminated due to Executives death, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive or the Executives estate, as the case may be, the amounts set forth below within sixty (60) days following termination of employment (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law) (collectively, Sections 7(a)(i) through 7(a)(v) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the Accrued Amounts).
(i) Any Base Salary earned, but not yet paid by the Company, through date of the Executives termination with the Company (such date, the Termination Date);
(ii) any Annual Bonus earned, but not yet paid by the Company, with respect to a year ending on or preceding the Termination Date;
(iii) any accrued but unused vacation, if applicable;
(iv) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the Termination Date, provided that such expenses and required substantiation and documentation are submitted within thirty (30) days following such termination and reimbursement under the Companys policy; and
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(v) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which the Executive shall be entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant or this Agreement.
(b) Disability. In the event that the Executives employment and/or Employment Term ends on account of the Executives Disability, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the Accrued Amounts.
(c) Termination for Cause or Without Good Reason or as a Result of Executive Non-Extension of this Agreement. If the Executives employment is terminated (x) by the Company for Cause, (y) by the Executive without Good Reason, or (z) as a result of the Executives non-extension of the Employment Term as provided in Section 2 hereof, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Amounts other than the benefit described in Section 7(a)(ii) hereof.
(d) Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason or as a Result of Company Non-Extension of this Agreement. If the Executives employment by the Company is terminated (x) by the Company other than for Cause (and not due to the Executives death or Disability) or (y) by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, below, subject to Executives continued compliance with the terms of this Agreement (including Executives timely execution and non-revocation of the release as set forth in Section 7(e) herein and continued compliance with Sections 8 and 9):
(i) an amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (A) the Executives Base Salary (as in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date or immediately prior to any reduction if the Executives termination is due to a reduction in Base Salary) and (B) the Executives average Annual Bonus over the two most recent full completed fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Companys normal payroll policies commencing on the first payroll period following the date on which the Release (as defined in Section 7(e) herein) is executed and no longer subject to revocation, and continuing for twenty-four (24) consecutive months thereafter;
(ii) subject to (A) the Executives timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA), (B) the Executives continued copayment of premiums at the same level and cost to the Executive as if the Executive were an employee of the Company (excluding, for purposes of calculating cost, an employees ability to pay premiums with pre-tax dollars), and (C) the Executives continued compliance with the obligations in Sections 8 and 9 hereof, continued participation in the Companys group health plan (to the extent permitted under applicable law and the terms of such plan) which covers the Executive (and the Executives eligible dependents) for a period of twelve (12) months at the Companys expense, provided that the Executive is eligible and remains eligible for COBRA coverage; provided,
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further, that the Company may modify the continuation coverage contemplated by this Section 7 to the extent reasonably necessary to avoid the imposition of any excise taxes on the Company for failure to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and/or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended (to the extent applicable); and provided, further, that in the event that the Executive obtains other employment that offers group health benefits, such continuation of coverage by the Company under this Section 7 shall immediately cease; and
(iii) for twelve (12) months following the date on which the Release is executed and no longer subject to revocation, the Executive will have access to Company provided outplacement services at a level commensurate with the Executives position in accordance with the Companys practices as in effect from time to time.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Executive hereby agrees that the Companys obligations to provide the payments set forth in Section 7(d) herein (such payments, the Severance Payments) shall be conditioned upon the Executives execution and nonrevocation of, and compliance with, the Companys release of claims contained in Exhibit A to this Agreement, as modified in the Companys sole discretion to preserve the enforceability of such agreement under applicable local law (the Release), within twenty-eight (28) days of the Executives Termination Date and the Executives continued compliance with any other existing non-competition, non-solicitation of clients and employees, and confidentiality agreements between the Executive and the Company. Any Severance Payments payable under this Agreement shall not be paid until the first scheduled payment date following the date the Release is executed and no longer subject to revocation, with the first such payment being in an amount equal to the total amount to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required; provided, however, that any such amounts that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (Section 409A) shall not be paid until the 28th day following such termination to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required; provided, further, that a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amount or benefit upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a termination, termination of employment or like terms shall mean separation from service, and if the Executive is deemed a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A on the Termination Date, then any Severance Payments payable to the Executive under this Agreement during the first six months and one day following the Termination Date that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning
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of Section 409A shall not be paid until the date that is six (6) months and one day following such Termination Date to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required.
(f) In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by a subsequent employer, other than as set forth in Section 7(d)(ii). The Companys obligations to pay the Executive amounts hereunder shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
8. Restrictive Covenants. The Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of the Company, and accordingly agrees to the following restrictive covenants.
(a) Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement.
(i) the Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries, and accordingly agrees as follows:
(1) During the Employment Term and for a period of two (2) years following the date the Executive ceases to be employed by the Company (together, the Restricted Period), the Executive will not, whether on the Executives own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise whatsoever (for the purposes of this Section 8, a Person), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting any business of the same type or kind as the Covered Business performed by the Restricted Group from or with respect to (A) clients or customers of the Restricted Group with respect to whom the Executive provided services, either alone or with others, or had a business relationship, or on whose account the Executive worked or became familiar, or supervised directly or indirectly the servicing activities with respect to that client or customer, during the twenty-four (24)-month period prior to the Executives Termination Date, and further provided such clients or customers were clients or customers of the Restricted Group either on such Termination Date or during the twenty-four (24) months prior thereto, and (B) prospective clients or customers of the Restricted Group which the Executive alone, in combination with others, or in a supervisory capacity, solicited during the eighteen (18) months prior to the Executives Termination Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this
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Section 8(a)(i)(1) shall not be violated by (A) general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company-related persons or entities, (B) the Executive serving solely as a reference, upon request, for any customer or client of the Restricted Group, or (C) actions taken by any person or entity with which the Executive is associated if the Executive is not directly or indirectly involved in the matter and has not directly or indirectly identified such Company-related person or entity for soliciting or hiring.
(2) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant:
a. engage in, or acquire a financial interest in or otherwise become actively involved with any Person engaged in, the Covered Business within any country where the Restricted Group engages, or plans to engage, in the Covered Business as of the Executives Termination Date; or
b. intentionally and adversely interfere with, or intentionally attempt to adversely interfere with, business relationships between the members of the Restricted Group and any of their clients, customers, suppliers, partners, members or investors.
(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, the Executive may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in the Covered Business that are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market if the Executive (A) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (B) does not, directly or indirectly, own 2% or more of any class of securities of such Person.
(4) During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, whether on the Executives own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly:
a. solicit or encourage any employee of the Restricted Group to leave the employment of the Restricted Group;
b. hire any executive-level employee (i.e., vice president level and above or equivalent title) who was employed by the Restricted Group as of the Executives Termination Date or who left the employment of the Restricted Group coincident with, or within one (1) year prior to, or after, the Executives Termination Date, excluding an executive-level employee whose employment with the Restricted Group ceased at least twelve (12) months prior to the date of such hiring; or
c. encourage any consultant of the Restricted Group to cease working with the Restricted Group.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 8(a)(i)(4) shall not be violated by (A) general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company-related persons or entities, (B) the Executive serving solely as a reference, upon request, for any employee of the Restricted Group, or (C) actions taken by any person or entity with which the Executive is associated if the Executive is not directly or indirectly involved in the matter and has not directly or indirectly identified such Company-related person or entity for soliciting or hiring.
(5) For purposes of this Section 8:
a. Covered Business means (1) developing and implementing software and services solutions for, and providing (x) health and welfare (including participant advocacy, healthcare navigation, reimbursement accounts, Medicare enrollment services and other ancillary point solutions services) and retirement (including any defined contribution participant financial advisory and self-directed brokerage account services and other ancillary point solutions services) benefits administration services and (y) hosted and cloud-based human resources business process outsourcing administration and implementation services (including payroll processing, HR data management services, cloud advisory, deployment and application management services for cloud human capital management and financial platforms, (2) human resource and other related communications consulting services, and/or (3) such businesses (not described in (1) or (2) above) in which the Restricted Group engages or has plans to engage (as evidenced by the investment of time or resources therein), in each case, as of the Executives Termination Date.
b. Restricted Group means, collectively, the Company, Alight, Inc. and their respective subsidiaries.
(ii) During the Employment Term and at all times thereafter, the Executive agrees not to make, or cause any other person to make, any communication that is intended to disparage, or has the effect of disparaging, the Company or its affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, shareholders, members, or advisors (or any of its or their respective employees, officers or directors, it being understood that communication made in the Executives good faith performance of the Executives duties hereunder shall not be deemed disparaging for purposes of this
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Agreement). The Company agrees to instruct the members of the Board and the Restricted Groups executives not to make negative comments about the Executive or otherwise disparage the Executive in any manner that is likely to be harmful to the Executives business reputation. Nothing set forth herein shall be interpreted to prohibit the Executive and the Restricted Group (or their respective executives), or members of the Board from responding truthfully to incorrect public statements, making truthful statements when required by law, subpoena or court order and/or from responding to any inquiry by any regulatory or investigatory organization.
(iii) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary set forth in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Executive and any member of the Restricted Group, the duration of the Restricted Period set forth herein shall supersede and control the duration of any other post-employment non-solicitation, non-competition or other similar restricted period applicable to the Executive, and any reference to a post-employment restricted period set forth in any other agreement between the Executive and any member of the Restricted Group shall be deemed to reference the duration of the Restricted Period as set forth herein.
(b) Confidentiality; Intellectual Property.
(i) Confidentiality.
(1) The Executive will not at any time (whether during the Employment Term or thereafter) (A) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of the Executive or any other Person; or (B) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer or provide access to any Person outside the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (other than the Executives professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations or otherwise in performance of the Executives duties under the Executives employment and pursuant to customary industry practice), any non-public, proprietary or confidential information including, without limitation, trade secrets, know-how, research and development, software, databases, inventions, processes, formulae, technology, designs and other intellectual property, information concerning finances, investments, profits, pricing, costs, products, services, vendors, customers, clients, partners, investors, personnel, compensation, recruiting, training, advertising, sales, marketing, promotions, government and regulatory activities and approvals concerning the past, current or future business, activities and operations of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or any third party that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries on a confidential basis (Confidential Information), without the prior written authorization of the Board.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may deliver or disclose Confidential Information to any federal or state regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Executive to the extent required in connection with any audit or other legal proceeding by such authority, or to any court, arbitrator, or other tribunal (x) in response to any subpoena or other legal compulsory process or (y) in the enforcement of the Executives rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other agreement with the Restricted Group; provided that the Executive will (to the extent legally permissible) promptly notify the Company in advance so that the Company may seek (at its own expense) a protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive compliance with this Section 8(b).
(2) Confidential Information shall not include any information that is (A) generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of the Executives breach of this covenant; (B) made legitimately available to the Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation of which the Executive has knowledge; or (C) required by law to be disclosed; provided that with respect to subsection (C), the Executive shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and reasonably cooperate with any attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.
(3) Except as required by law, the Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than the Executives family (it being understood that, in this Agreement, the term family refers to the Executive, the Executives spouse, children, parents and spouses parents) and advisors, the existence or contents of this Agreement; provided that the Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the provisions of this Section 8. Subsection (b)(i)(3) of this Section 8 shall terminate if any member of the Restricted Group publicly discloses a copy of this Agreement (or publicly discloses summaries or excerpts of this Agreement, to the extent so disclosed).
(4) Upon termination of the Executives employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall (A) cease and not thereafter commence use of any Confidential Information or intellectual property (including without limitation, any patent, invention, copyright, trade secret, trademark, trade name, logo, domain name or other source indicator) owned or used by the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates; and (B) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the Companys option, all originals and copies in any form or medium (including memoranda, books, papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in the Executives possession or control (including any of the foregoing stored or located in the Executives office, home, laptop or other computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information, except that the Executive may retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any Confidential Information.
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(5) 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(6) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict the Executive from, or shall be interpreted so as to impede the Executive (or any other individual) from, reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. The Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures, and the Executive shall not be required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made.
(ii) Intellectual Property.
(1) If the Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any works of authorship, inventions, intellectual property, materials, documents or other work product (including without limitation, research, reports, software, databases, systems, applications, presentations, textual works, content, or audiovisual materials) (Works), either alone or with third parties, at any time during the Executives employment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any resources of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (Alight Works), the Executive shall promptly and fully disclose same to the Company and hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, all of the Executives right, title, and interest therein (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition, other intellectual property laws, and related laws) to the Company to the extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company. If the Executive creates any written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, or any other tangible form or media) of any Alight Works, the Executive will keep and maintain same. The records will be available to and remain the sole property and intellectual property of the Company at all times.
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(2) The Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all requested documents (including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Companys expense (but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting, enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the rights of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates in the Alight Works.
(3) The Executive shall not improperly use for the benefit of, bring to any premises of, divulge, disclose, communicate, reveal, transfer or provide access to, or share with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property relating to a former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party. The Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates that are from time to time previously disclosed to the Executive, including regarding the protection of Confidential Information and intellectual property and potential conflicts of interest.
(iii) The provisions of subsection (b) of this Section 8 hereof shall survive the termination of the Executives employment for any reason.
(c) Reasonableness of Covenants. In signing this Agreement, the Executive gives the Company assurance that the Executive has carefully read and considered all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed under this Section 8. The Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and their trade secrets and confidential information and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area, and that these restraints, individually or in the aggregate, will not prevent the Executive from obtaining other suitable employment during the period in which the Executive is bound by the restraints. The Executive acknowledges that each of these covenants has a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and that the Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood while such covenants remain in force. The Executive further covenants that the Executive will not challenge the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 8. It is also agreed that the Companys subsidiaries and affiliates will have the right to enforce all of the Executives obligations to such subsidiaries and affiliates under this Agreement, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Section 8.
(d) Reformation. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 8 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under applicable law, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.
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(e) Tolling. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 8, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 8 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.
(f) Remedies. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Companys remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of this Section 8 would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, the Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond or other security, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available, without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages.
(g) Survival. The Executives obligations under Section 8 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executives employment with the Company for any reason and shall thereafter be enforceable whether or not such termination is found to be wrongful or to constitute or result in a material breach of any contract, including, but not limited to, a breach of any employment contract or of any other material duty owed or claimed to be owed to the Executive by the Company or any Company employee, agent or contractor.
9. Cooperation. Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside counsel), the Executive agrees that while employed by the Company and thereafter, the Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters in which the Executive has knowledge as a result of the Executives employment with the Company, and will provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, and will assist the Company and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of the Executives employment with the Company (collectively, the Claims). The Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company if the Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving Claims that may be filed or threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates. The Executive also agrees to promptly inform the Company (to the extent that the Executive is legally permitted to do so) if the Executive is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates (or their actions) or another party attempts to obtain information or documents from the Executive (other than in connection with any litigation or other proceeding in which the Executive is a party-in-opposition) with respect to matters the Executive believes in good faith to relate to any investigation of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, in each case, regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall do so unless legally prohibited. During the pendency of any litigation or other proceeding involving Claims, the Executive shall not communicate with anyone (other than the Executives attorneys and tax and/or financial advisors and except to the extent that the Executive determines in good faith is necessary in connection with the performance of the Executives duties hereunder) with respect to the facts or subject matter of any pending or potential litigation or regulatory or administrative proceeding involving the Company or any of its
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subsidiaries or affiliates without giving prior written notice to the Company or the Companys counsel. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by the Executive in complying with this Section 9. It is expressly agreed that the Companys rights to avail itself of the Executives advice and consultation services shall at all times be exercised in a reasonable manner, and that adequate notice shall be given to the Executive in such events.
10. Notice. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of transmission, if delivered by confirmed facsimile or electronic mail, (c) on the first business day following the date of deposit, if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to the Executive:
At the address (or to the facsimile number) shown
in the books and records of the Company.
If to the Company:
Alight Solutions LLC
4 Overlook Point
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Email: [***]
Attention: Paulette Dodson, General Counsel
Following the date hereof, notice may be delivered to either party at such other address as either party hereto may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be deemed effective upon receipt thereof by the addressee.
11. Section Headings; Inconsistency. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.
12. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
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13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
14. Withholding. The Company may withhold from all payments due to the Executive under this letter agreement all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local, or other law, the Company is required to withhold therefrom.
15. Section 409A.
(a) The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith or exempt therefrom. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates shall be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.
(b) All expenses or other reimbursements under this Agreement that would constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, (i) shall be paid on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by the Executive, (ii) no such reimbursement or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any taxable year shall in any way affect the Executives right to reimbursement of any other expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year, and (iii) the Executives right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation in exchange for any other benefit.
(c) For purposes of Section 409A, the Executives right to receive any installment payment pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(d) Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, be subject to offset, counterclaim or recoupment by any other amount payable to the Executive unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.
16. Assignment.
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and, without the prior written consent of the Company, will not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any assignment in violation of this Agreement will be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, this Agreement and all of the Executives rights hereunder will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
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(b) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company (a Successor) to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the term Company will mean the Company as defined herein and any Successor and any permitted assignee to which this Agreement is assigned.
17. Amendment/Waiver. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged except by a written document signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion will not be considered a waiver of such partys rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.
18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto (including, without limitation, that certain Severance Letter Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2018, by and between the Executive and Alight Solutions LLC). None of the parties will be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any representations and warranties or covenants relating to such subject matter except as specifically set forth herein.
19. Governing Law; Venue. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflicts of law. Each party hereto (a) irrevocably agrees that any legal action, suit or proceeding against it arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (unless the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction, in which case each party consents to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware), (b) unconditionally waives any objection to venue in such jurisdiction, and agrees not to plead or claim forum non conveniens, and (c) waives its or her respective rights to a jury trial of any and such legal action, suit or proceeding.
20. Representations. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the Executive has the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on the Executives part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms, and (b) the Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, and is not subject to any restriction, which, in either case, could prevent the Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing all of the Executives duties and obligations hereunder.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC | ||||||
By: |
/s/ Stephan Scholl |
August 18, 2021 |
||||
Name: Stephan Scholl | Date | |||||
Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
EXECUTIVE | ||||||
/s/ Katie Rooney |
August 11, 2021 |
|||||
Katie Rooney | Date |
Signature Page to Employment Agreement
EXHIBIT A
GENERAL RELEASE
I, , in consideration of and subject to the performance by Alight Solutions LLC (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company), of its obligations under the Employment Agreement dated as of [], 2021 (the Agreement), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company and its respective affiliates and all present, former and future managers, directors, officers, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and its affiliates and direct or indirect owners (collectively, the Released Parties) to the extent provided below (this General Release). The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder. Terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
1. My employment or service with the Company and its affiliates terminated as of [________], and I hereby resign from any position as an officer, member of the board of managers or directors (as applicable) or fiduciary of the Company or its affiliates (or reaffirm any such resignation that may have already occurred). I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 7(d) of the Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive certain of the payments and benefits specified in Section 7(d) of the Agreement unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter. I understand and agree that such payments and benefits are subject to Sections 7, 8, and 9 of the Agreement, which (as noted below) expressly survive my termination of employment and the execution of this General Release. Such payments and benefits will not be considered compensation for purposes of any employee benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement maintained or hereafter established by the Company or its affiliates.
2. Except as provided in paragraphs 4 and 5 below and except for the provisions of the Agreement which expressly survive the termination of my employment with the Company, I knowingly and voluntarily (for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns) release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, suits, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date that this General Release becomes effective and enforceable) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, (i) from the beginning of time through the date upon which I execute this General Release; (ii) arising out of, or relating to, my employment with any Released Parties; (iii) arising out of, or relating to, any agreement and/or any awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of the Released Parties that may apply to me or in which I may participate, including, but not limited to, any rights under bonus plans or programs of Released Parties and/or any other short-term or long-term equity-based or cash-based incentive plans or programs of the Released Parties;
or (iv) arising out of or connected with my employment with, or my separation or termination from, the Company, including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys fees incurred in these matters (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the Claims).
3. I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by paragraph 2 above.
4. I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).
5. I agree that I hereby waive all rights to sue or obtain equitable, remedial or punitive relief from any or all Released Parties of any kind whatsoever in respect of any Claim, including, without limitation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, and any form of injunctive relief. Notwithstanding the above, I further acknowledge that I am not waiving and am not being required to waive any right that cannot be waived under law, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding; provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such charge or investigation or proceeding. Additionally, I am not waiving (i) any right to the Accrued Amounts or any severance benefits to which I am entitled under the Agreement; (ii) any claim relating to directors and officers liability insurance coverage or any right of indemnification under the Companys organizational documents or otherwise; or (iii) my rights as an equity or security holder in the Company or its affiliates.
6. In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state or local statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should
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bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims to the maximum extent permitted by law. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending claim of the type described in paragraph 2 above as of the execution of this General Release.
7. I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.
8. I agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys fees.
9. I agree that this General Release and the Agreement are confidential and agree not to disclose any information regarding the terms of this General Release or the Agreement, except to my immediate family and any tax, legal or other counsel I have consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or as required by law, and I will instruct each of the foregoing not to disclose the same to anyone.
10. Any non-disclosure provision in this General Release does not prohibit or restrict me (or my attorney) from responding to any inquiry about this General Release or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), any other self-regulatory organization or any governmental entity.
11. I hereby acknowledge that Sections 7(d) and (e), 8, 9, and 12 through 20 shall survive my execution of this General Release.
12. I represent that I am not aware of any claim by me other than the claims that are released by this General Release. I acknowledge that I may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different than those which I now know or believe to exist with respect to the subject matter of the release set forth in paragraph 2 above and which, if known or suspected at the time of entering into this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release and my decision to enter into it.
13. Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary, this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the Company or by any Released Party of the Agreement after the date hereof.
14. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release 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 shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
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BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:
1. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;
2. I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED; TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963; THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED;
3. I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT;
4. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION;
5. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST [21][45] DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE TO CONSIDER IT, AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED [21][45]-DAY PERIOD;
6. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;
7. I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND
8. I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME.
SIGNED: | DATED: |
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