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 14, 2017

 

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

 

001-36557

 

51-0105665

(State or other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

4640 Trueman Boulevard,

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

 

43026

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (614) 658-0050

(Former name or former address if changed since last report.)

 

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

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

 

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

 


 

Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

As further described in this Current Report on Form 8-K, on August 17, 2017, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) announced the retirement and resignation of Joseph A. Chlapaty as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, effective as of September 1, 2017 (the “Effective Date”).  Mr. Chlapaty will continue to serve the Board in the honorary role of Chairman Emeritus as a non-voting Board observer.  In connection with his appointment to serve as Chairman Emeritus, the Company entered into a Confidentiality Agreement with Mr. Chlapaty on August 14, 2017, pursuant to which Mr. Chlapaty has agreed to certain confidentiality and standstill provisions associated with his transition to the role of Chairman Emeritus.  The description of the Confidentiality Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Confidentiality Agreement, which has been filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02

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

 

Retirement of Joseph A. Chlapaty as President, CEO and Director

 

On August 14, 2017, Joseph A. Chlapaty submitted to the Company’s Board of Directors notice of his retirement and resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of the Effective Date.

 

Mr. Chlapaty also submitted notice of his resignation from his position as a Class I director and Chairman of the Board, with such resignation to be effective as of the Effective Date.  Mr. Chlapaty’s resignation as a director and as Chairman of the Board did not result from any disagreement with the Board.  Mr. Chlapaty will continue to serve the Board in the honorary role of Chairman Emeritus as a non-voting Board observer.  With the resignation of Mr. Chlapaty as Chairman, the Board has appointed C. Robert Kidder to serve as non-executive Chairman of the Board, commencing as of the Effective Date, to serve until his successor has been elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

In connection with tendering his notice of retir ement and resignation, the Company and Mr. Chlapaty entered into a Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement dated as of August 14, 2017 (the “Amendment”), amending that certain Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement dated as of June 20, 2014 by and between the Company and Mr. Chlapaty (as amended, the “Executive Employment Agreement”). The Amendment amends the Executive Employment Agreement to reflect the employment period continuing through and terminating as of the close of business on September 1, 2017.  The Amendment also modifies the formula for calculating “Accrued Bonus” as defined in the Executive Employment Agreement, as well as increasing the Severance Payment Period as defined in the Executive Employment Agreement to 28 months.  In connection with his retirement, Mr. Chlapaty intends to enter into the form of Release set forth as Exhibit A to the Amendment.  The foregoing description of the Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment, which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 5.02 by reference.

 

Appointment of D. Scott Barbour as President, CEO and Director

 

On August 14, 2017, the Board appointed D. Scott Barbour to replace Joseph A. Chlapaty as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of the Effective Date.  The Board also appointed Mr. Barbour to serve as a Class I director to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Chlapaty, with such appointment commencing as of the Effective Date, to serve in such capacity until his successor has been elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Mr. Barbour, age 55, has served in a variety of roles from 1989 until 2016 with The Emerson Electric Company and its affiliates (collectively, “Emerson Electric”), a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for industrial customers in industrial, residential and commercial markets. From 2011 to 2016, Mr. Barbour served as Executive Vice President/Business Leader of Emerson Network Power. Mr. Barbour holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering degree from Southern Methodist University and a master of

 


 

business administration degree from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.   There were no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which Mr. Barbour was appointed as a director, and there are no related party transactions between the Company and Mr. Barbou r reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. Mr. Barbour has not been assigned to any committee of the Board at this time, with any committee assignments to occur at a later date following the review and recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board.  Mr. Barbour will not receive any additional compensation as a result of his service as a director.

 

In connection with Mr. Barbour’s appointment, the Company and Mr. Barbour have entered into an executive employment agreement effective as of the Effective Date (the “Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Barbour is entitled to an annual base salary of $800,000 and is eligible to participate in compensation plans and programs that are available to or for members of the Company’s management. Mr. Barbour will receive, at a later date, equity based awards of restricted stock with a value of $1,100,000 and non-qualified stock options with a value of $1,100,000, subject execution and delivery of an award agreement.

 

Mr. Barbour is also entitled under the Employment Agreement to certain standard benefits, including vacation, sick leave, and life and long and short term disability insurance. Mr. Barbour will also receive certain perquisites consistent with those provided to other senior executive officers, including reimbursement for pre-approved country club or fitness membership dues. Mr. Barbour is also eligible for pre-approved personal use of Company-owned or leased aircraft, subject to reimbursement to the Company of the variable cost of the aircraft for all occupied flight hours associated with routine personal usage.

 

The Employment Agreement continues until terminated by Mr. Barbour or the Company. The Employment Agreement may be terminated with or without “Cause” (as defined in the Employment Agreement). In the event the Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Barbour for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Barbour will be entitled to receive, as severance, 24 months of continued compensation and a prorated bonus that reflects the number of days in the fiscal year that occurred prior to the date on which Mr. Barbour was terminated. In the event the Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company with Cause, Mr. Barbour will be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary in cash through the Employment Termination Date (as defined in the Employment Agreement) at his then effective base salary rate and reimbursable expenses paid or incurred by him prior to the Employment Termination Date.  The Employment Agreement also includes a two-year non-competition and non-solicitation provision and certain confidentiality covenants.

 

The Company has also entered into an indemnification agreement with Mr. Barbour in substantially the form of the Company’s standard form of indemnification agreement for directors and officers, effective as of the Effective Date.  Such form of indemnification agreement was included as Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-194980), filed on June 6, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The description of the Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Employment Agreement, which has been filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01  Other Events.

 

On August 17, 2017, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Barbour as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the retirement of Mr. Chlapaty.  A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)   Exhibits.

 

10.1 Confidentiality Agreement by and between the Company and Joseph A. Chlapaty.

 

 


 

10.2

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Exe cutive Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Joseph A. Chlapaty.

 

10.3 Executive Employment Agreement by and between the Company and D. Scott Barbour.

 

99.1 Press release issued by the Company.

 


 


 

SIGNATURES

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: August 17, 2017

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Scott A. Cottrill

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Scott A. Cottrill

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

EVP, CFO and Secretary

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.1

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

This Confidentiality Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into effective as of August 14, 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and JOSEPH A. CHLAPATY ( Mr. Chlapaty ”).

Recitals

WHEREAS, on August 14, 2017, Mr. Chlapaty tendered his resignation as a director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, with such resignation to be effective as of September 1, 2017;

WHEREAS, in recognition of Mr. Chlapaty’s past service to the Company, and with the desire for the Company to continue to benefit from Mr. Chlapaty’s knowledge and experience with respect to the Company, the Board has, by a duly adopted resolution, appointed Mr. Chlapaty as Chairman Emeritus of the Board effective as of September 1, 2017, to serve as a non-voting advisor to the Board; and

WHEREAS, in order to ensure compliance with applicable law and regulations, and to ensure that the Chairman Emeritus role is consistent with the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, Mr. Chlapaty and the Company have agreed to enter into this Agreement.

Agreement

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as set forth below.

Section 1. Confidentiality. Mr. Chlapaty recognizes and acknowledges that he has and may, in the future, have access to confidential and proprietary information of the Company by virtue of attendance at Board meetings and otherwise through his position as Chairman Emeritus, which constitutes valuable, special and unique assets of the Company. As used herein, the term “ Confidential Information ” means all information (i) relating to the Company and/or its affiliates of a confidential or non-public nature, including without limitation all data, technology, inventions, discoveries, processes, techniques, trade secrets, formulae, results of investigations and experiments, marketing, production, pricing, buying and sales information, customer lists and other customer information relating to the Company and/or its affiliates, which have been disclosed to Mr. Chlapaty or developed or otherwise obtained by Mr. Chlapaty during his service as director or Chairman Emeritus or (ii) relating to third parties of a confidential or non-public nature disclosed to Mr. Chlapaty during his service as director or Chairman Emeritus to the extent the Company or any of its affiliates remains subject to confidentiality or use restrictions in favor of a third party with respect to such information, other than any information that is or becomes within the public domain, other than through a breach of this Agreement.

 

Mr. Chlapaty acknowledges that Confidential Information is and shall remain the property of the Company. Mr. Chlapaty shall not, either during or after his service as Chairman Emeritus, except in connection with his service as Chairman Emeritus, directly or indirectly use or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information unless required to do so by applicable law or any

 


 

 

governmental authority, or otherwise use all or any part of the Confidential Information for personal gain or in detriment to the Company. Upon request of the Company, at any time during the course of his service as Chairman Emeritus, upon termination of his service as Chairman Emeritus or thereafter, Mr. Chlapaty shall promptly return to the Company all records relating to Confidential Information in whatever form they exist, and by whomever prepared, which are then in his custody, possession and/or control.

 

The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes Mr. Chlapaty against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws (under certain circumstances) if Mr. Chlapaty discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Immunity is available if Mr. Chlapaty discloses a trade secret in either of the following two circumstances: (a) Mr. Chlapaty discloses the trade secret (i) in confidence, (ii) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, and (iii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) in a legal proceeding, Mr. Chlapaty discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public).

 

Section 2. Trading in Securities of the Company; Standstill.

(a) Mr. Chlapaty acknowledges that he is aware that the United States securities laws prohibit any person who has received from an issuer material, non-public information concerning such issuer from purchasing or selling securities of such issuer or from communicating such information to any other person where such information could be used by such person to profit by trading in the Company’s securities or the securities of other companies to which such information relates. While serving as Chairman Emeritus of the Company, Mr. Chlapaty hereby agrees (i) not to trade in the securities of the Company until such time as permitted under applicable securities laws, and (ii) to adhere to and be bound by all insider trading policies now or hereinafter adopted by the Company, subject to all pre-clearance procedures and blackout periods established by the Company and applicable to designated insiders pursuant to such insider trading policies.

 

(b) In consideration of Mr. Chlapaty being furnished with Confidential Information by virtue of his Chairman Emeritus status, Mr. Chlapaty hereby agrees that while serving as a director or Chairman Emeritus of the Board and for a period of 12 months after the termination of his service as a director or Chairman Emeritus, whichever is later, neither he nor any of his affiliates or associates (as such terms are used in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) nor anyone acting on his or their behalf will, unless approved in advance in writing by the Board, directly or indirectly, alone or in concert with others: (i) acquire, offer to acquire, or agree to acquire, directly or indirectly, by purchase or otherwise, any securities or direct or indirect rights to acquire any securities of the Company or any subsidiary thereof or any assets of the Company or any subsidiary or division thereof, provided , that Mr. Chlapaty may (x) acquire shares of the Company’s common stock in open market, non-negotiated transactions provided that his total “beneficial ownership” (as such terms are used in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) in the Company’s common stock does not in the aggregate exceed 20% (assuming the vesting and exercise in full of all rights under existing employee benefit and/or equity incentive plans (and related award agreements) to acquire Company securities through the exercise of stock options, or otherwise), and (y) exercise all rights under existing employee benefit

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and/or equity incentive plans (and related award agreements) to acquire Company securities through the exercise of stock options, or otherwise, (ii) make, or in any way participate in, directly or indirectly, any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are used in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) to vote, or seek to advise or influence any person or entity with respect to the voting of, any voting securities of the Company or its subsidiaries (other than such encouragement, advice or influence as is consistent with the Board’s recommendation in connection with such matter) , (iii) initiate or support any stockholder proposal with respect to the Company, (iv) make any public statements and/or announcement with respect to, or submit a proposal for, or offer of (with or without conditions) any merger, consolidation, business combination, tender or exchange offer, restructuring, recapitalization or other extraordinary transaction involving the Company or its securities, assets or business or any subsidiary or division thereof, or of any successor thereto or any controlling person thereof, or any action which would result in a class of securities of the Company being delisted from a national securities exchange or to ceasing to be authorized to be quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system of a registered national securities association or becoming eligible for termination of registration pursuant to Section 12(g)(4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), or encourage any other person in any such activity, (v) form, join or in any way participate in a “group” (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) in connection with any voting securities of the Company or its subsidiaries, (vi) sell, offer or agree to sell directly or indirectly, through swap or hedging transactions or otherwise, the securities of the Company or any rights decoupled from the underlying securities of the Company to any person or entity if such person or entity, together with its affiliates and associates (as such terms are used in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission), would own, control or otherwise have beneficial ownership or any other ownership interest in the aggregate of more than 5% of the shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding at such time, or (vii) have any discussions or enter into any arrangements, understandings or agreements (whether written or oral) with, or advise, assist or encourage, any other persons in connection with any of the foregoing; provided , however , that neither clause (vi) nor clause (vii) shall preclude Mr. Chlapaty from instructing his broker to sell securities of the Company in open market, non-negotiated transaction nor preclude the tender (or action not to tender) by Mr. Chlapaty or any of his affiliates or associates of any securities of the Company into any tender or exchange offer or vote by Mr. Chlapaty or any of his affiliates or associates for or against any merger, consolidation, acquisition, scheme, arrangement, business combination, recapitalization, reorganization, sale or acquisition of material assets, liquidation, dissolution or other extraordinary transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures or any of their respective securities or a material amount of any of their respective assets or businesses, provided that, in each case, the offer or proposed transaction is made available to all holders of the Company’s common stock on the same terms on a pro rata basis and is approved by the Company’s board of directors. Mr. Chlapaty shall not, directly or indirectly, make, in each case to the Company or a third party, any proposal, statement or inquiry, or disclose any intention, plan or arrangement, whether written or oral, inconsistent with the foregoing. Mr. Chlapaty shall promptly advise the Company of any inquiry or proposal made by any third party with respect to any of the foregoing, including the details thereof. Nothing set forth in this Section 2(b) shall otherwise limit the rights and obligations with respect to the registration of shares of common stock held by Mr. Chlapaty and his affiliates as set forth in that certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 30, 2014, of which the Company and Mr. Chlapaty are party.

 

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Section 3. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or desired to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when personally delivered or when mailed by first class certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth under their respective signatures below or to such other person or addresses as shall be given by notice of any party.

Section 4. Severability. If and to the extent any one or more terms, provisions, covenants and agreements hereof or any portion or portions thereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such terms, provisions, covenants and agreements (or portions thereof) shall be deemed separable from the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and agreements hereof and such holding shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any of the other terms, provisions, covenants and agreements hereof.

Section 5. Remedies . The parties agree that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by Mr. Chlapaty and that in addition to all other remedies it may be entitled to, the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for any such breach. In the event that the Company institutes any legal suit, action, or proceeding against Mr. Chlapaty arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to receive in addition to all other damages to which it may be entitled, the costs incurred by the Company in conducting the suit, action, or proceeding, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and court costs.

 

Section 6. Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No waiver of any right or option hereunder by any party shall operate as a waiver of any other right or option, or the same right or option as respects any subsequent occasion for its exercise, or of any legal remedy. No waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement or of any agreement or covenant contained herein shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other breach or a continuation of the same breach. All remedies provided by this Agreement are in addition to all other remedies by it or the law provided.

Section 7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. In making proof of this Agreement, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.

Section 8. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and Mr. Chlapaty’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. This Agreement shall not be assignable by Mr. Chlapaty, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract personal to Mr. Chlapaty. This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).

Section 9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by Mr. Chlapaty and a duly authorized representative of the Board.

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Section 10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Each party agrees, on behalf of itself and its representatives, to submit to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Delaware to resolve any dispute relating to this Agreement and waive any right to move to dismiss or transfer any such action brought in any such court on the basis of any objection to personal jurisdiction or venue.

Section 11. Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any party. The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

Section 12. Consultation with Counsel. Mr. Chlapaty acknowledges that he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to Mr. Chlapaty concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.

[ Signature page follows ]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Mr. Chlapaty have executed multiple counterparts of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

 

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

 

 

By: /s/ Kevin C. Talley

Name: Kevin C. Talley, EVP & CAO

Address:4640 Trueman Boulevard

Hilliard, OH 43026

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joseph A. Chlapaty

Name: Joseph A. Chlapaty

Address:

 

 

 

Signature Page to Confidentiality Agreement

 

EXHIBIT 10.2

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC.

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

August 14, 2017

 

This Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (this “ Amendment ”) is entered into effective as of the date set forth above (the “Effective Date”) by and between ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Joseph A. Chlapaty (the “ Executive ”).

Background

A.

Effective as of June 20, 2014, the Company and the Executive entered into that certain Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (as amended, the “ Agreement ”); and

B.

The Company and the Executive desire to amend the Agreement to reflect the Executive’s retirement date and transition.

Statement of Agreement

In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as set forth below.

Section 1. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement. The term “Agreement”, as used in the Agreement, shall, unless otherwise specified or unless the context otherwise requires, mean the Agreement and this Amendment, together, it being the intent of the Company and the Executive that each of the foregoing be applied and construed as a single instrument.

Section 2. Amendment . The Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a) the Employment Period shall continue through and terminate as of the close of business on September 1, 2017;

(b) September 1, 2017 shall be the Employment Termination Date;

(c) the Executive’s employment with the Company and the Agreement shall be deemed to have terminated pursuant to Section 9(e), including for purposes of Section 10(a) and Section 10(d);

(d) the definition of “Accrued Bonus” is hereby amended by deleting “three hundred sixty-five (365)” and replacing it with “one hundred fifty-four (154)”;

(e) the definition of “Severance Payment Period” is hereby amended by deleting “twenty-four (24)” and replacing it with “twenty-eight (28)”; and

1

 


 

(f) Exhibit A is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto.

Section 3. Ratification and Reaffirmation of the Agreement . The Company and the Executive hereby ratify and reaffirm all of the terms and conditions of the Agreement, which, as amended and supplemented by this Amendment, shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed multiple counterparts of this Amendment effective as of the Effective Date.

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC.

By: /s/ Kevin C. Talley /s/ Joseph A. Chlapaty

Name: Kevin C. Talley Joseph A. Chlapaty

Title: EVP & CAO

 

2

 


 

Exhibit A

Release

This Release (this “ Release ”) is entered into by JOSEPH A. CHLAPATY (the “ Executive ”) in favor of ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”) and the other Releasees set forth below.

Background

A.

The Executive has been employed by the Company pursuant to the Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement between the Executive and the Company dated as of June 20, 2014 (as amended, the “ Employment Agreement ”);

B.

The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Agreement have terminated, or are being terminated in connection with the execution and delivery of this Release, pursuant to Section 9(e) of the Employment Agreement and the Executive has attained or will on or before the Employment Termination Date attain the age of sixty-eight (68) years; and

C.

Section 10(d) of the Employment Agreement conditions the right of the Executive to receive the applicable termination/severance payments provided for in subsections (I), (III) and (IV) of Section 10(a)(ii) of the Employment Agreement with respect to such termination (the “ Severance ”) on the Executive’s execution and delivery to the Company of this Release.

Statement of Agreement

In consideration of, and as a condition to, the Executive’s right to receive the Severance, the Executive agrees as set forth below.

Section 1. Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Employment Agreement.

Section 2. Release of Claims . The Executive, on behalf of himself and his heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, forever releases (a) the Company, (b) each of the affiliates of the Company, (c) each of the current and former officers and directors (and individuals in other equivalent positions) of the Company and/or any affiliate of the Company and (d) each of the employees, attorneys, agents and insurers of the Company and/or any affiliate of the Company (collectively, “ Releasees ”) from all claims relating to (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company and/or the termination of such employment, (ii) the Employment Agreement and/or the termination of the Employment Agreement and/or (iii) the Executive’s status as, or relationship or dealings with any Releasee in the Executive’s capacity as, a stockholder, officer or director (or in other equivalent positions) of the Company or any of its affiliates arising in whole or in part from events occurring prior to the Employment Termination Date that the Executive now has or may have or that the Executive may hereafter have of any nature whatsoever, be they common law or statutory, legal or equitable, in contract or tort (each such claim, a “ Released Claim ”), including but not limited to claims under the internal policies and procedures of the Company or any of its affiliates, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, and the Family Medical Leave Act, as amended. The Executive hereby waives all rights

A-1

 


 

to assert a claim for relief available under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, and other applicable laws, including but not limited to relief in the form of attorney fees, damages, reinstatement, back pay, or injunctive relief. The Executive further covenants not to bring suit or otherwise institute legal proceedings against any of the Releasees for any Released Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of this Release shall not extend to: (A) the Executive’s post-termination rights under Section 7, Section 10(a) or Section 10(b) of the Employment Agreement, (B) the Executive’s post-termination rights under the Benefit Plans and/or Equity Incentive Plans (or related award agreements) referenced in Section 10(b) of the Employment Agreement, (C) the Executive’s post-termination rights to participate in the Company’s medical and dental plans pursuant to COBRA, (D) the Executive’s rights to receive indemnification and advancement of expenses for actions or omissions occurring prior to the Employment Termination Date including under the Indemnification Agreement, or (E) the Executive’s rights under that certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 30, 2014 by and among the Company, the Executive and certain other parties thereto.  

The Executive understands that nothing in this Release limits the Executive’s ability to (1) file a charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“ Government Agency ”) or (2) communicate with any Government Agency or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company. However, the Executive does forever release the Executive’s right to recover or receive from any Releasee any personal relief, monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, back pay, reinstatement or injunctive relief, with the exception of any whistleblower awards or incentives that may be available for information provided to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, or any federal Inspector General.

Section 3. Review of Release by Executive .

(a) The Executive has been advised to consult with an attorney before executing this Release.

(b) The Executive has been given at least 21 calendar days after receipt of this Release (the “ Consideration Period ”), if he so desires, to consider this Release before signing it. If the Executive signs this Release, the date on which he signs this Release will be the “ Execution Date .” If not signed by the Executive and returned to the Company so that it is received no later than the end of the Consideration Period, this Release will not be valid. In the event the Executive executes and returns this Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, he acknowledges that his decision to do so was voluntary and that he had the opportunity to consider this Release for the entire Consideration Period.

(c) The Company and the Executive agree that this Release will not become effective until 7 calendar days after the Execution Date and that the Executive may, within 7 calendar days after the Execution Date, revoke this Release in its entirety by written notice to the Company. If written notice of revocation is not received by the Company by

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the 8th calendar day after the execution of this Release by the Executive, this Release will become effective and enforceable on that day.

Section 4. Miscellaneous . This Release shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to conflict of law provisions. This Agreement shall bind the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the Executive.

The Executive represents and agrees that he has fully read and understands the meaning of this Release, has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of his choosing, and is voluntarily entering into this Release with the intention of giving up all claims against the Company and other Releasees.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has executed this Release on the Execution Date set forth below.

 

 

Executive :

 

 

Name: Joseph A. Chlapaty

Execution Date:

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

Executive Employment Agreement

This Executive Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into effective as of September 1, 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and D. Scott Barbour (the “ Executive ”). The Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to govern the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with, and service as an officer of, the Company. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in Exhibit A .

In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as set forth below.

Section 1. Employment . The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts such employment with the Company, for the purposes and upon the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. The term of this Agreement is effective for a period commencing on the Effective Date and continuing until terminated as provided in Section 8 (the “ Employment Period ”).

Section 2. Capacities and Duties . During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and/or in such other capacities as are mutually agreed to by the Company and the Executive. The Executive shall have the duties and responsibilities incumbent with the offices and positions with the Company held by the Executive, including such specific duties and responsibilities consistent with such offices and positions as the Board may reasonably establish from time to time. The Executive shall report and be accountable to the Board. The Executive further agrees to serve without additional compensation as an officer and/or director (or in other equivalent positions) of any of the Company’s affiliates, if elected or appointed, during the Employment Period.

Section 3. Performance Covenants . The Executive accepts such employment and agrees to devote his full working time and efforts (except for absences due to illness and vacations) to the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and the performance of the duties and responsibilities above. However, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from devoting a reasonable amount of his time and efforts to civic, community, charitable, professional and trade association affairs and matters, provided the nature and extent of such affairs and/or matters do not unduly detract from the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company.

Section 4. Compensation . For the Executive’s services under this Agreement, the Company shall provide the following:

(a) Base Salary . The Executive shall be paid a base salary at an annual rate of not less than Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000). The Executive’s performance and base salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Company and shall not be decreased unless such decrease is commensurate with a reduction in base salary of the Executive Staff after consultation with the Executive. The base salary shall be paid in periodic installments in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company.

(b) Incentive Compensation . In addition to his base salary, the Executive shall be entitled to receive incentive compensation each fiscal year of the Company in

 


 

accordance with the then-current incentive compensation plans and programs of the Company or any modified and/or new incentive compensation plans and programs of the Company approved by the Board and implemented by the Company which are available to or for members of management of the Company. Any such incentive compensation amounts shall be paid at the times and in the manner provided for in such incentive compensation plans and programs of the Company; provided, however, that all such amounts shall be paid on or before the 15th day of the third month following the end of the fiscal year for which such incentive compensation was earned.

Section 5. Benefit Plans; Equity Incentive Plans; and Vacation Benefits .

(a) Benefit Plans . The Executive shall be entitled to participate in such benefit plans as may, from time to time during the Employment Period, be provided to members of the Executive Staff (collectively, the “ Benefit Plans ”) and on terms generally consistent with those provided to other members of the Executive Staff.

(b) Equity Incentive Plans . The Executive shall be entitled to participate in such equity incentive plans as may, from time to time during the Employment Period, be provided to members of management of the Company (the “ Equity Incentive Plans ”), subject to the terms of any such Equity Incentive Plans and any agreements entered into by the Company and the Executive in connection with awards or grants thereunder.

(c) Vacation Benefits . The Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation during each fiscal year of the Company in accordance with the vacation policies of the Company in effect for the Executive Staff from time to time.

Section 6. Payment or Reimbursement of Expenses .

(a) Expenses Generally . The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for reasonable expenses paid or incurred by the Executive on behalf of the Company in connection with and reasonably necessary for the rendering of his services to the Company hereunder, including expenses for travel, convention and seminar attendance, business entertainment and similar items. Additionally, the Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for club dues, professional association membership fees and other similar items approved in accordance with the Company’s policies with respect thereto.

(b) Reimbursement Procedures . All such reimbursements shall be made as promptly as practicable after the Executive has submitted to the Company vouchers or reports for such expenditures in such reasonable detail and with such supporting receipts and other evidence of expenditures as the Company typically requires for such purposes.

(c) Reimbursement Compliance with Section 409A . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6(a) and Section 6(b) and of any policy of the Company to the contrary: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during any calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, provided that this clause shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect; (ii) the

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reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (iii) the right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

Section 7. Protective Provisions . The provisions set forth in Exhibit B are hereby incorporated by reference.

Section 8. Termination . The Executive’s employment with the Company and this Agreement shall terminate effective upon the first to occur of the following: (a) a date specified by the Company by notice to the Executive for Cause; (b) the death of the Executive; (c) the occurrence of any Disability of the Executive; (d) a date specified by the Executive by notice to the Company for Good Reason; (e) a date specified by the Executive by notice to the Company for either no reason or for any reason other than a reason specified above, provided the Executive gives the Company at least ninety (90) days’ notice of such termination (in which case the Employment Termination Date shall be the date specified in such notice or, in the absence thereof, such date as is ninety (90) days after the Executive gives such notice), provided that the Company in its sole discretion may waive all or any portion of such notice period (in which case the Employment Termination Date shall be the earlier date determined by the Company); or (f) a date specified by the Company by notice to the Executive for either no reason or for any reason other than a reason specified above.

Any notice of termination by either party given under this Section 8 shall clearly state that the terminating party elects to terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company and upon which subsection of this Section 8 such party is relying as the basis for such termination.

If the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated under this Section 8, then the Executive shall have no obligation or duty to be employed with the Company or any of its affiliates in any capacity; and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall have any obligation to employ the Executive in any capacity. On or before the Employment Termination Date, the Executive shall return to the Company all property of the Company and any of its affiliates in the Executive’s possession.

Section 9. Termination/Severance Matters .

(a) Termination/Severance Payments . Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company:

(i) In all events, the Company shall (A) pay to the Executive the Executive’s unpaid base salary in cash through the Employment Termination Date at the Executive’s then effective base salary rate and (B) reimburse the Executive for all expenses paid or incurred by the Executive for which the Executive is entitled to reimbursement by the Company pursuant to Section 6 that remain outstanding as of the Employment Termination Date.

(ii) If the Executive’s employment with the Company has terminated pursuant to Section 8(d) or Section 8(f), then (A) for the Severance Payment Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive his base salary in cash at the Executive’s then effective base salary rate and (B) after the conclusion of the

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Fiscal Year of Termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to the Prorated Bonus.

Payment of any base salary pursuant to the above provisions shall be made at the same time as it would have been made had the Employment Period continued in effect. Payment of any Prorated Bonus pursuant to the above provisions shall be made at the same time that members of the Executive Staff are paid annual incentive compensation amounts from the Executive Staff Bonus Plan upon which such Prorated Bonus is based but in no event later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable Executive Staff Bonus Plan relates. It is intended that each installment of the payments provided under this Section 9(a) shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A, and that neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A. The Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment and there shall be no offset against any amounts due the Executive under this Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain (any amounts due under this Section 9 are in the nature of severance payments, liquidated damages and/or consideration for the covenants set forth in Section 7 and Exhibit B , and are not in the nature of a penalty).

(b) Benefit Plans; Equity Incentive Plans . All rights and benefits which the Executive or his estate or other beneficiaries may have under the Benefit Plans and/or Equity Incentive Plans of the Company in which the Executive shall be participating at the Employment Termination Date shall be determined in accordance with such plans and any agreements entered into by the Company and the Executive in connection therewith or with awards thereunder.

(c) Section 409A Compliance . The provisions set forth in Exhibit C are hereby incorporated by reference.

(d) Certain Termination/Severance Payments Conditioned Upon Executive’s Release of Claims . The Executive’s right to receive any of the termination/severance payments provided for in Section 9(a)(ii)(A) is expressly conditioned upon, and the Company will be obligated to provide the Executive with such termination/severance payments only upon, the execution and delivery to the Company, and non-revocation, by the Executive of a release of all claims against (i) the Company, (ii) each of the affiliates of the Company, (iii) each of the current and former officers and directors (and individuals in other equivalent positions) of the Company and/or any affiliate of the Company and (iv) each of the employees, attorneys, agents and insurers of the Company and/or any affiliate of the Company, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company and the Executive. Such release must be executed by the Executive no less than thirty (30) days after the Employment Termination Date and payments to the Executive of the compensation or benefits hereunder shall commence within forty-five (45) days after the Employment Termination Date; provided that if such forty-five (45) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in another calendar year, payment shall always be made (or commence) in the second calendar year.

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(e) Resignation of All Other Positions . To the extent applicable, the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, for whatever reason, shall also result in the Executive’s resignation or termination , effective as of the Employment Termination Date, from any and all officer and/or director positions (or other equivalent positions) with the Company and any and all of its affiliates. The Executive agrees to cooperate in taking any steps that may be necessary or advisable to effectuate the purpose of this Section 9(e).

(f) General Unsecured Creditor Status . All amounts payable in accordance with this Agreement shall constitute general unsecured obligations of the Company, and the Executive shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to any such payments.

Section 10. Indemnification . The Executive and the Company are entering into that certain Indemnification Agreement between the Company and the Executive dated as of the date of this Agreement (the “ Indemnification Agreement ”), which Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect following the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

Section 11. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any action for breach of, or to enforce, the terms of this Agreement or otherwise related to Executive’s employment shall be tried in, and only in, the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio or such federal district court in Ohio having jurisdiction thereof, and the parties hereby consent to jurisdiction and venue in such courts.

Section 12. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other party, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder, except as and to the extent set forth below.

(a) The Company may unilaterally assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any successor to the Company’s rights and obligations hereunder as a result of any change in control, merger, consolidation, restructuring or reorganization or to any other successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets and the Executive shall continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that, if any such successor fails, prior to or concurrently with the effectiveness of any such succession, to agree in writing in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Executive expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place, then the Executive shall have the right, effected by notice to such successor not later than ninety (90) days after such succession occurs, to terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for Good Reason as though such failure was a breach by the Company of a material covenant or agreement of the Company contained in this Agreement.

(b) If the Executive should die while any amounts are payable to him under this Agreement, or if by reason of his death payments are to be made to him hereunder, then this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Beneficiary and all

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amounts payable hereunder shall then be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Beneficiary.

Without limiting the foregoing, (i) the Executive’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than (A) a transfer by the Executive’s designation of any Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or (B) a transfer by his will or by the laws of descent or distribution, and in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 12 the Company shall have no liability to pay to the purported assignee or transferee any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred, and (ii) to the extent assignment of a party’s rights or obligations under this Agreement is permitted under this Agreement or otherwise given effect by applicable law, the agreements, covenants, terms and provisions of this Agreement shall bind the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties.

As used in this Agreement, “ Company ” means the Company as defined above and any successor to its business and/or assets as described above which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in Section 12(a) or which otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

Section 13. Notices . Any notice or other communication required or desired to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when personally delivered or when mailed by first class certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, addressed to the parties at their respective addresses set forth under their respective signatures below or to such other person or addresses as shall be given by notice of any party.

Section 14. Waiver; Remedies Cumulative . No waiver of any right or option hereunder by any party shall operate as a waiver of any other right or option, or the same right or option as respects any subsequent occasion for its exercise, or of any legal remedy. No waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement or of any agreement or covenant contained herein shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other breach or a continuation of the same breach. All remedies provided by this Agreement are in addition to all other remedies by it or the law provided.

Section 15. Severability . The Company and the Executive intend to comply fully with all laws and matters of public policy relating to employment agreements and restrictive covenants, and this Agreement shall be construed consistently with such laws and public policy to the extent possible. Without limiting Section 7 and Exhibit B , if and to the extent any one or more terms, provisions, covenants and agreements hereof or any portion or portions thereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such terms, provisions, covenants and agreements (or portions thereof) shall be deemed separable from the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and agreements hereof and such holding shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any of the other terms, provisions, covenants and agreements hereof.

Section 16. Miscellaneous . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. In this regard, the following shall not be considered to be pertaining to the same subject matter as this Agreement and accordingly shall be unaffected by this Section 16 and continue in full force and effect: (a) the Indemnification

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Agreement; and (b) agreements between the Company and the Executive relating to any Equity Plan and/or Benefit Plan. This Agreement may not be modified, changed or amended except in a writing signed by each of the parties. This Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original hereof. The captions of the several sections and subsections of this Agreement are not a part of the context hereof, are inserted only for convenience in locating such sections and subsections and shall be ignored in construing this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed multiple counterparts of this Agreement effective as of the Effective Date.

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

 

 

By: /s/ Kevin C. Talley

Name: Kevin C. Talley, EVP & CAO

Address:4640 Trueman Boulevard

Hilliard, OH 43026

 

 

 

 

/s/ D. Scott Barbour

Name: D. Scott Barbour

Address:

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

Definitions

Beneficiary ” means any Person or Persons who are designated by the Executive on a form acceptable to the Company to receive payment of any amounts payable under this Agreement on the death of the Executive; and, unless the Executive has so designated such Person or Persons, his designated beneficiary for any death benefits under this Agreement shall be deemed to be the Person or Persons in the first of the following classes in which there is or are any Person or Persons who survive the Executive: (a) his spouse at the time of his death; (b) his lineal descendants, per stirpes; and (c) his estate.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

Bonus ” means the amount earned in accordance with the Executive Staff Bonus Plan.

Cause ” means: (a) the Executive’s substantial and material non-performance of his duties, continued, willful insubordination or other willful and material failure to adhere to any policy of the Company or any of its affiliates, if the Executive has been given written notice of such non-performance, insubordination or failure and the Executive fails to cure such non-performance, insubordination or failure within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice; (b) the willful misappropriation (or attempted willful misappropriation) of any of the funds or property of the Company or any of its affiliates; or (c) the conviction of, or the entering of a guilty plea or plea of no contest with respect to, (i) a felony, (ii) the equivalent thereof, (iii) any other crime with respect to which active imprisonment is imposed, or (iv) any other crime involving theft, willful misappropriation, embezzlement, fraud or dishonesty.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Disability means the total and permanent disability of the Executive, which shall be deemed to have occurred on the date of the certification to the Company by a physician approved by the Company that the Executive is so mentally or physically disabled as to be incapable of engaging in, and performing the material duties of, the Executive’s employment position, with or without accommodation, provided for in Section 2 and Section 3 and that such disability is likely to be permanent.

Employment Termination Date ” means the date of the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company as provided in Section 8.

Executive Staff ” means the executive officers of the Company appointed from time to time by the Board.

Executive Staff Bonus Plan ” means the then-current incentive compensation plan of the Company under which the Executive Staff receives bonus payments.

Fiscal Year of Termination ” means the fiscal year of the Company in which the Employment Termination Date occurs.

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Good Reason ” means any of the following occurring (without the Executive’s consent): (a) a material reduction by the Company in the Executive’s base salary, excluding one or more reductions (totaling no more than 20% in the aggregate) generally applicable to all of the members of the Executive Staff; (b) the taking of action by the Company which would adversely affect the Executive’s ability to participate in any material Benefit Plan or Equity Incentive Plan or which materially reduces (without comparable replacement by another Benefit Plan or Equity Incentive Plan) the benefits under any material Benefit Plan or Equity Incentive Plan; (c) the taking of action by the Company which would adversely affect the Executive’s ability to participate in or materially reduces the target potential incentive compensation available to the Executive under any material incentive compensation plan or program of the Company when compared with historical target incentive compensation levels available to the Executive under such incentive compensation plan or predecessor incentive compensation plans; (d) the assignment of the Executive to a position, responsibilities or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than his position, responsibilities or duties as of the Effective Date; (e) the assignment of the Executive to a primary work location (i) outside the United States or (ii) at which (A) neither the Company nor any of its affiliates maintain a significant manufacturing facility or significant office or (B) by virtue of such location, the ability of the Executive to perform his duties and responsibilities to the Company is materially impaired (when compared with the primary work location of the Executive immediately prior to such assignment); or (f) a breach by the Company of any of its material covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement. Within forty-five (45) days of Executive’s knowledge of the initial existence of a condition set forth in the definition of Good Reason (“ Condition ”) (or the date on which Executive reasonably would be expected to have knowledge of the initial existence of the Condition), Executive must provide notice to the Company of the existence of the Condition, and the Company shall have forty-five (45) days following receipt of such notice to cure the Condition. If the Condition is cured within forty-five (45) days following such notice, Executive is not entitled to any payment as the result of a termination of employment based on that occurrence of the circumstances that would otherwise constitute Good Reason. If the Condition is not cured within forty-five (45) days following such notice, Executive may resign from employment for Good Reason.

Person ” means any individual, legal entity, partnership, estate, trust, association, organization or governmental body.

Prorated Bonus ” means the product of (a) the Bonus for the Fiscal Year of Termination multiplied by (b) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days occurring during the Fiscal Year of Termination prior to the Employment Termination Date and the denominator of which is the number three hundred sixty-five (365).

Section 409A ” means Section 409A of the Code and corresponding regulations and guidance issued thereunder.

Severance Payment Period ” means the period of twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar months immediately following the Employment Termination Date.

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

Protective Provisions

The provisions set forth in this Exhibit B apply for the protection of the Company.

 

(a) Nondisclosure of Confidential Information . As used herein, the term “ Confidential Information ” means all information (i) relating to the Company and/or its affiliates of a confidential or non-public nature, including without limitation all data, technology, inventions, discoveries, processes, techniques, trade secrets, formulae, results of investigations and experiments, marketing, production, pricing, buying and sales information, customer lists and other customer information relating to the Company and/or its affiliates, which have been disclosed to the Executive or developed or otherwise obtained by the Executive during his employment with the Company or (ii) relating to third parties of a confidential or non-public nature disclosed to the Executive during his employment with the Company to the extent the Company or any of its affiliates remains subject to confidentiality or use restrictions in favor of a third party with respect to such information other than (iii) any information that is or becomes within the public domain, other than through a breach of this Agreement.

The Executive acknowledges that Confidential Information is and shall remain the property of the Company. The Executive shall not, either during or after his employment with the Company, except in connection with his employment with the Company, directly or indirectly use or disclose to any Person any Confidential Information unless required to do so by applicable law or any governmental authority. Upon request of the Company, at any time during the course of his employment with the Company, upon termination of his employment with the Company or thereafter, the Executive shall promptly return to the Company all records relating to Confidential Information in whatever form they exist, and by whomever prepared, which are then in his custody, possession and/or control.

The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes Executive against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws (under certain circumstances) if Executive discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Immunity is available if Executive discloses a trade secret in either of the following two circumstances: (A) Executive discloses the trade secret (1) in confidence, (2) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, and (3) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) in a legal proceeding, Executive discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public).

(b) Covenant Not to Compete . The Executive shall not, except as the Executive engages in such activities on behalf of the Company and/or its affiliates, either during his employment with the Company or at any time within a period of two (2) years following the termination of his employment with the Company (such period of employment and post-employment period of two (2) years together, the “ Restricted Period ”), without the prior written consent of the Company, either individually or in conjunction with any other

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Person, in any capacity, directly or indirectly: (i) in the United States, Canada, or Mexico or in any other country in which the Company or any of its affiliates has a facility or has contracted with others to manufacture products or is included in the exclusive territory of a joint venture of the Company or any of its affiliates, carry on, be engaged in, be employed by, be financially interested in, advise, lend money to, guarantee the debts or obligations of, or permit his name or any part thereof to be utilized by any Person engaged in, any business competitive with any business now, or at any time during the employment of the Executive, carried on by the Company or any of its affiliates; (ii) induce or solicit or attempt to induce or solicit any party to any contract with the Company or any of its affiliates to breach, terminate or cease to perform under such contract; and/or (iii) solicit, divert or pursue or attempt to solicit, divert or pursue any existing business of the Company or any of its affiliates or any prospective business or opportunity which is then being actively considered, planned, developed, contemplated or pursued by the Company or any of its affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Executive’s ownership of equity securities of a Person shall not constitute a breach of the foregoing provisions if (A) such securities are traded on a national securities exchange, (B) such ownership is passive and (C) the total amount of such securities beneficially owned by the Executive does not exceed 1% of the total amount of such securities outstanding.

(c) Covenant Not to Interfere . During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not induce or solicit or attempt to induce or solicit any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates to terminate his or her employment with the Company or any of its affiliates or otherwise interfere with any such relationship.

(d) Remedies . If the Executive breaches any of his covenants and agreements contained herein, then the Company and/or its affiliates shall have the right to enforce any legal or equitable remedy that may be available to the Company and/or its affiliates, including without limitation preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and an accounting for all profits and benefits resulting from the activities constituting such breaches. The Executive acknowledges that any breach of such covenants or agreements hereunder would cause irreparable injury to the Company. This Agreement is intended to limit disclosure of Confidential Information and competition by the Executive to the maximum extent permitted by law. If it is finally determined by any court of competent jurisdiction ruling on this Agreement that the scope or duration of any restriction contained in this Agreement is too extensive to be legally enforceable, then the parties agree that the scope and duration of such restriction shall be the maximum scope and duration which shall be legally enforceable (but in no event shall such scope and/or duration exceed the scope and/or duration expressly provided for in this Agreement), and the Executive hereby consents to the enforcement of such restriction as so modified. The restrictions placed upon the Executive under this Agreement are supplemental to any statutory or common law obligations that may exist or arise out of the relationship between the parties or this Agreement.

(e) Acknowledgments and Agreements by Executive . The Executive has carefully considered the nature and extent of the restrictions upon him and the rights and remedies conferred upon the Company under this Agreement, and hereby acknowledges and agrees the same are reasonable with respect to time and territory, are designed to

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preclude competition which would be unfair to the Company, are fully required to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, and do not confer benefits upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment to the Executive. The Executive further agrees to waive any objection to or defense in respect of the geographical scope and duration of the restriction on competition as set forth in Section 7 and this Exhibit B .

(f) Third Party Rights . The Executive shall not directly or indirectly use in connection with the business of the Company and/or its affiliates or disclose to the Company and/or its affiliates any confidential or non-public information (including intellectual property) of any third party, including any prior employer, without such third party’s written consent. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of his obligations hereunder and as an employee of the Company will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under any agreement to which he is a party or is otherwise bound, including any nondisclosure, nonsolicitation, noncompetition or other similar agreement with any prior employer.

(g) Survival of Provisions . The provisions of Section 7 and this Exhibit B shall survive termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment with the Company.

 

 

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EXHIBIT C

 

Section 409A Compliance

It is intended that any payment or benefit that is provided pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement that is considered to be nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A shall be paid and provided in a manner, at such time, and in such form, as complies with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, including without limitation the requirement that such payment or benefit may only be provided in connection with the occurrence of a permissible payment event contained in Section 409A (e.g., death, disability, or separation from service from the Company and its affiliates as defined for purposes of Section 409A), in order to avoid the unfavorable tax consequences associated with non-compliance therewith. Accordingly, with regard to the provision of any payment or benefit hereunder, the following shall apply:

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company is authorized to amend this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by it to be necessary or appropriate to comply, or to evidence or further evidence required compliance, with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder); provided, however, that before the Company may take any of such actions, the Company shall provide notice to Executive reasonably in advance of such actions explaining the basis for its determination that such actions are necessary and appropriate.

B. If Executive is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), any payment or provision of benefits that is nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and that is made in connection with a separation from service payment event (as determined for purposes of Section 409A) shall not be paid prior to the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of Executive’s separation from service or (y) the date of Executive’s death (the “ 409A Deferral Period ”). In the event such payments are otherwise due to be made in installments or periodically during the 409A Deferral Period, the payments which would otherwise have been made in the 409A Deferral Period shall be accumulated and paid in a lump sum as soon as the 409A Deferral Period ends, and the balance of the payments shall be made as otherwise scheduled. In the event benefits are required to be deferred, any such benefit may be provided during the 409A Deferral Period at Executive’s expense, with Executive having a right to reimbursement from the Company once the 409A Deferral Period ends, and the balance of the benefits shall be provided as otherwise scheduled.

C. For purposes of this Agreement, all rights to payments and benefits hereunder shall be treated as rights to receive a series of separate payments and benefits to the fullest extent allowed by Section 409A. If under this Agreement, an amount is to be paid in two or more installments, for purposes of Section 409A, each installment shall be treated as a separate payment. In the event any payment payable upon termination of employment would be exempt from Section 409A under Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) but for the amount of such payment, the determination of the payments to Executive that are exempt under such provision shall be made by applying the exemption to payments of deferred compensation

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based on chronological order beginning with the payments paid closest in time on or after such termination of employment.

D. No payment shall be made to the Executive pursuant to Section 9 with respect to any period subsequent to the Employment Termination Date unless and until the Executive’s termination of employment shall constitute a “separation from service” as such term is defined for purposes of Section 409A and, for purposes of determining the time of any such payment, all references to termination of employment herein shall be construed to mean the date of Executive’s separation from service.

 

 

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EXHIBIT 99.1

 

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES KEY MANAGEMENT CHANGES

-- Scott Barbour to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer

-- C. Robert Kidder to serve as Chairman of the Board

 

HILLIARD, Ohio – (August 17, 2017) – Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE: WMS) (“ADS” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of water management products and solutions for commercial, residential, infrastructure and agricultural applications, today announced several leadership changes in accordance with its previously communicated succession plan, which will become effective September 1, 2017. The Company’s Board of Directors has named Scott Barbour to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Joe Chlapaty, who has served in that capacity since 2004. The Board also named C. Robert Kidder, its current lead independent director, as Chairman of the Board, and Scott Barbour as a Director. Scott will be replacing Joe Chlapaty who will become Chairman Emeritus of the Board.

 

Mr. Kidder said, “This announcement comes at the right time as we enter the next chapter of the Company’s evolution. Over the years, ADS has proven its ability to thrive on change and we are excited to have Scott lead the team and our Company forward. Scott is a well-rounded executive whose leadership style and skill set aligns well with ADS’ culture and its objectives to drive growth and operational excellence. I am confident that his expertise and experience honed while leading Emerson Electric’s $4.5 billion global Network Power business will position ADS well for future success.”

 

“I am very excited to join the ADS team and to continue the Company’s legacy of revolutionizing the water management industry,” said Mr. Barbour.  “ADS is a great business with outstanding prospects for the future. I look forward to building upon the Company’s industry leadership, commitment to innovation and recent initiatives that drive operating performance improvements by leveraging its talented team and strong financial position.”

 

Mr. Kidder continued, “On behalf of the Board and management, we thank Joe for his countless contributions and dedication to the Company. Under his leadership, ADS has grown from a private organization with $50 million in sales to an industry leader, with an exceptionally strong brand and more than $1.2 billion in sales across multiple end markets and geographies. Over the past 37 years, Joe’s passion for the business and his leadership helped position ADS at the forefront of the markets we serve today.”

 

Mr. Barbour has over 25 years of experience in the industrials sector. Most recently, he worked for Emerson Electric, a global technology and engineering company that provides solutions for customers in industrial, residential and commercial markets as President and CEO of its $4.5 billion Network Power business. Mr. Barbour was responsible for managing major multi-million dollar contract negotiations, leading and implementing a global profitability optimization program, expanding Emerson’s geographic footprint, introducing new product lines, and managing the spin-off and subsequent sale of the Network Power business, now Vertiv. During his tenure at Emerson, Mr. Barbour also held several leadership positions including Group Vice President of Emerson Client Technologies Group, President, Emerson Client Technologies Asia Pacific Division, and President, Emerson Client Technologies Air Conditioning Division. In these roles, Mr. Barbour drove significant technology initiatives, increased profitability and led new product development. Mr. Barbour began his career at Colt Industries, where he worked as a product engineer. Mr. Barbour received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and his Master of Business Administration from the Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University.

 

 

 


 

About the Company

Advanced Drainage Systems is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe, providing a comprehensive suite of water management products and superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and infrastructure marketplace. Its innovative products are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, residential, agriculture and infrastructure applications. The Company has established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging its national sales and distribution platform, its overall product breadth and scale and its manufacturing excellence. Founded in 1966, the Company operates a global network of approximately 60 manufacturing plants and over 30 distribution centers. To learn more about the ADS, please visit the Company’s website at www.ads-pipe.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates and projections regarding the Company’s business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those reflected in forward-looking statements relating to our operations and business include: fluctuations in the price and availability of resins and other raw materials and our ability to pass any increased costs of raw materials on to our customers in a timely manner; volatility in general business and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, including, without limitation, factors relating to availability of credit, interest rates, fluctuations in capital and business and consumer confidence; cyclicality and seasonality of the non-residential and residential construction markets and infrastructure spending; the risks of increasing competition in our existing and future markets, including competition from both manufacturers of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe and manufacturers of products using alternative materials; our ability to continue to convert current demand for concrete, steel and PVC pipe products into demand for our high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe and Allied Products; the effect of weather or seasonality; the loss of any of our significant customers; the risks of doing business internationally; the risks of conducting a portion of our operations through joint ventures; our ability to expand into new geographic or product markets; our ability to achieve the acquisition component of our growth strategy; the risk associated with manufacturing processes; our ability to manage our assets; the risks associated with our product warranties; our ability to manage our supply purchasing and customer credit policies; the risks associated with our self-insured programs; our ability to control labor costs and to attract, train and retain highly-qualified employees and key personnel; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; changes in laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations; our ability to project product mix; the risks associated with our current levels of indebtedness; our ability to meet future capital requirements and fund our liquidity needs; the risk that additional information may arise that would require the Company to make additional adjustments or revisions or to restate the financial statements and other financial data for certain prior periods and any future periods, any further delay in the filing of any filings with the SEC; the review of potential weaknesses or deficiencies in the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, and discovering further weaknesses of which we are not currently aware or which have not been detected and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for the Company to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be

 


 

regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the Company’s expectations, objectives or plans will be achieved in the timeframe anticipated or at all. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


Investor / Media Contact

Michael Higgins

614-658-0050

Mike.Higgins@ads-pipe.com