EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (ROBIN A. WALKER-LEE)
Exhibit 10.17
(▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇)
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of February 1, 2010, by and between TRW
Automotive Inc. (the “Company”) and ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇ (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, Executive desires to be employed by the Company and the Company desires to employ
Executive pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
In consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good and valuable
consideration, the parties agree as follows:
1. Effectiveness; Term of Employment.
a. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall constitute a binding agreement between the
parties as of the date hereof (the “Effective Date”).
b. Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement, Executive shall be
employed by the Company for a period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on December 31,
2011 (the “Employment Term”) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement; provided, however, that commencing January 1, 2012 and on each January 1
thereafter (each an “Extension Date”), the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for an
additional one-year period, unless the Company or Executive provides the other party hereto 60 days
prior written notice before the next Extension Date that the Employment Term shall not be so
extended.
2. Position.
a. During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve as the Company’s Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary once appointed to such positions at the first scheduled meeting of the Board
of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) following the Effective Date. In such position,
Executive shall have such duties and authority as shall be determined from time to time by the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”) and will report to the CEO.
b. During the Employment Term, Executive will devote Executive’s full business time and best
efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other
business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere
with the rendition of such services either directly or indirectly, without the prior written
consent of the Board; provided, that nothing herein shall preclude Executive, subject to
the prior approval of the Board, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, from accepting
appointment to, or continuing to serve on, any board of directors or trustees of any business
corporation or any charitable organization; provided, in each case, and in
the aggregate, that such activities do not conflict or interfere with the performance of
Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 8.
3. Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base
salary at the annual rate of $380,000, payable in regular installments in accordance with the
Company’s usual payment practices. The Board shall annually review Executive’s base salary and
Executive shall be entitled to such increases (but no decreases), if any, as may be determined in
the sole discretion of the Board. Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect from time to time,
is hereinafter referred to as the “Base Salary.”
4. Annual Bonus. Each fiscal year during the Employment Term, Executive shall be
eligible to earn an annual bonus award (an “Annual Bonus”), the target of which will be
seventy-five percent (75%) of Executive’s Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”) based upon the
achievement of objectives established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (the “Compensation Committee”) annually for defined measures of
EBITDAP and cash flow and additional factors determined to be relevant by the Compensation
Committee, which may include industry-specific and general economic conditions as well as strategic
factors. Any Annual Bonus declared by the Company shall be paid to Executive in the calendar year
following the year to which it relates, as soon as administratively practicable following the
determination of the Annual Bonus, but in no event later than March 15th of the calendar year
following the year to which the Annual Bonus relates.
5. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to
participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans (including medical, disability, retirement,
401(k), life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, but not including severance, bonus
and incentive plans) as in effect from time to time (collectively “Employee Benefits”), on the same
basis as those benefits are provided to other senior executives of the Company (other than the
CEO), which currently include the employee benefits listed on Schedule 5A. Executive agrees and
acknowledges that the Company may modify or terminate any of its benefit plans at any time and any
such change or termination would supersede this Agreement. To the extent any reimbursement or
in-kind benefit provided herein is includable in Executive’s income, any such reimbursements or
benefits shall be paid promptly to Executive in accordance with past practice (if any), but in no
event later than December 31st of the year following the year in which Executive incurs the
expense, and the amount of any reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided in one year shall not
affect the amount of any such reimbursement or benefit provided in a subsequent year.
6. Business Expenses. During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses
incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be reimbursed by the
Company in accordance with Company policies. To the extent any reimbursement or in-kind benefit
provided herein is includable in Executive’s income, any such reimbursements or benefits shall be
paid promptly to Executive in accordance with past practice (if any), but in no event later than
December 31st of the year following the year in which Executive incurs the expense, and the amount
of any reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided in one year shall not affect the amount of any
such reimbursement or benefit provided in a subsequent year.
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7. Termination. The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be
terminated by the Company or Executive at any time and for any reason; provided, that
Executive will be required to give the Company at least 60-days advance written notice of any
resignation of Executive’s employment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
the provisions of this Section 7 shall exclusively govern Executive’s rights upon termination
of employment with the Company and its affiliates.
a. By the Company For Cause or By Executive Resignation Without Good Reason.
(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company
for Cause (as defined below) and shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s resignation without
Good Reason (as defined in Section 7(c)).
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (A) Executive’s continued failure to
work on a full-time basis and failure substantially to perform Executive’s duties hereunder (other
than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness),
provided, however, that it is understood that this Section 7(a)(ii) shall not
permit the Company to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause because of dissatisfaction with
the quality of services provided by, or disagreement with the actions taken by, Executive in the
good faith performance of Executive’s duties to the Company, (B) Executive’s conviction of, or plea
of nolo contendere to a crime constituting a felony under the laws of the United
States or any state thereof, (C) Executive’s willful malfeasance or willful misconduct in
connection with Executive’s duties hereunder which has been injurious to the financial condition or
business reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or (D) Executive’s
breach of the provisions of Sections 8 or 9 of this Agreement, other than an insignificant breach
of Section 9 as reasonably determined by the Company; provided, however, that no
act or omission shall be “willful” (1) to the extent taken by Executive at the direction of the CEO
or the Board or (2) if effected with Executive’s reasonable belief that such action or failure to
act was in the Company’s best interest. The Company shall be required to give Executive written
notice of the event(s) constituting Cause for termination for purposes of this Agreement and, in
the case of the event described in clauses (A) or (D) hereof, if curable without additional
financial harm to the Company, Executive shall have 30 days after receipt from the Company of such
notice to cure such event(s) constituting Cause.
(iii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or if Executive
resigns without Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive:
(A) the Base Salary through the date of termination;
(B) any Annual Bonus earned but unpaid as of the date of termination for any
previously completed fiscal year;
(C) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by
Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Executive’s
termination; and
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(D) such employee benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be entitled under the
employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or its affiliates
pursuant to the terms of such plans, programs or arrangements (the amounts described in
clauses (A) through (D) hereof being referred to as the “Accrued Rights”).
Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or resignation
by Executive without Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(a)(iii), Executive shall
have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
b. Disability or Death.
(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s
death and may be terminated by the Company if Executive becomes physically or mentally
incapacitated and is therefore unable for a period of six (6) consecutive months or for an
aggregate of nine (9) months in any twenty-four (24) consecutive month period to perform
Executive’s duties (such incapacity is hereinafter referred to as “Disability”).
(ii) Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for either Disability or death,
Executive or Executive’s estate (as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive:
(A) the Accrued Rights; and
(B) a pro rata portion of any Annual Bonus, if any, that Executive would have been
entitled to receive pursuant to Section 4 hereof for the fiscal year in which such
termination occurs based upon the percentage of such fiscal year that shall have elapsed
through the date of Executive’s termination of employment (the “Pro Rata Bonus”),
payable when such Annual Bonus would have otherwise been payable had Executive’s
employment not terminated.
Following Executive’s termination of employment due to death or Disability, except as set
forth in this Section 7(b)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any
other benefits under this Agreement.
c. By the Company Without Cause (Other than Due to Death or Disability) Prior to a Change
in Control (as defined in Section 7(d)(ii)) or On or Following the First Anniversary of such Change
in Control or Due to Resignation by Executive for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control or On or
Following the First Anniversary of such Change in Control.
(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company
without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) prior to a Change in Control or on or
following the first anniversary of such Change in Control or due to resignation by Executive for
Good Reason prior to a Change in Control or on or following the first anniversary of such Change in
Control.
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(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean:
(A) the failure of the Company to pay or cause to be paid or provide Executive’s
Base Salary, Annual Bonus or Employee Benefits when due hereunder,
(B) any requirement that Executive’s principal office shall be located other than
within the Michigan counties of ▇▇▇▇▇, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw,
(C) any adverse change in Executive’s reporting relationship, or
(D) any material diminution for a period of at least 30 days in Executive’s
authority or responsibilities from those described in Section 2 hereof;
provided, that the events described in clauses (A), (B), (C), or (D) of this Section 7(c)(ii) shall
constitute Good Reason only if the Company fails to cure such event within
(1) thirty days after receipt from Executive of written notice of the event which
constitutes Good Reason pursuant to clauses (B), (C) or (D) or
(2) ten days after receipt from Executive of written notice of the event which
constitutes Good Reason pursuant to clause (A) or such greater period of time, but not
more than thirty days, as shall be required by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and the Treasury Regulations and related guidance promulgated
thereunder (collectively referred to herein as “Section 409A”).
(iii) If (x) Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by
reason of death or Disability) prior to a Change in Control or on or following the first
anniversary of such Change in Control, or (y) Executive resigns for Good Reason prior to a Change
in Control or on or following the first anniversary of such Change in Control, Executive shall be
entitled to receive:
(A) the Accrued Rights;
(B) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8
and 9 (except for insignificant breaches of Section 9 as reasonably determined by the
Company), (x) continued payment of the Executive’s Base Salary and (y) a monthly payment
equal to Executive’s Average Annual Bonus (as defined below) divided by twelve (12), for
a period of eighteen (18) months following the date of such termination;
provided, that Executive shall not be entitled to any other cash severance or
cash termination benefits under any other plans, programs or arrangements of the Company
or its affiliates other than retirement benefit plans; and
(C) continued provision of a car allowance and medical, dental, life insurance and
disability benefit coverage benefits provided at the level provided immediately prior to
the date of such termination for a period of eighteen (18) months immediately following
the date of such termination (the “Continued Benefits”); and
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(D) the Pro Rata Bonus, payable when such bonus would have otherwise been payable
had Executive’s employment not terminated.
As used in this Agreement, “Average Annual Bonus” means the average of the Annual Bonuses
earned by Executive with respect to each of the previously completed fiscal years occurring during
the Employment Term (up to a maximum of the three most recently completed fiscal years) or, if such
termination of employment occurs prior to December 31, 2010, Executive’s Target Annual Bonus.
(iv) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 7(c), if Executive’s employment is
terminated prior to a Change in Control but after the initial discussions with any “person” or
“group” (as such terms are defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) regarding a Change in Control (the “Discussion Period”),
by the Company (i) at the request of such person or group involved in the Change in Control or (ii)
without Cause but otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control and such
Change in Control subsequently occurs or if Executive resigns with Good Reason during the
Discussion Period and such Change in Control subsequently occurs, then Executive shall also be
entitled to (x) the payment of an amount equal to that provided in Section 7(d)(iii)(B)(2) as if
Executive was terminated as of the consummation of such Change in Control and (y) the payment of
the unpaid severance described in Section 7(c)(iii)(B), as soon as practicable, but in no event
later than ten (10) days following such Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event the Change
in Control occurs within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service,
payment of the amounts described in (x) and (y), to the extent they constitute Excess Amounts (as
defined in Section 7.h.(ii)(B)), shall not be paid until the six-month anniversary of the date of
Executive’s separation from service, in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.h.
Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by
reason of Executive’s death or Disability) prior to a Change in Control or on or following the
first anniversary of such Change in Control, or by Executive’s resignation for Good Reason prior to
a Change in Control or on or following the first anniversary of such Change in Control, except as
set forth in Section 7(c)(iii) or Section 7(c)(iv), as applicable, Executive shall have no further
rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
d. By the Company Without Cause (Other than Due to Death or Disability) Following a Change
in Control but Prior to the First Anniversary of such Change in Control or Due to Resignation by
Executive for Good Reason Following a Change in Control but Prior to the First Anniversary of such
Change in Control.
(i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated (x) by the
Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability) following a Change in Control but
prior to the first anniversary of such Change in Control or (y) due to resignation by Executive for
Good Reason following a Change in Control but prior to the first anniversary of such Change in
Control.
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” shall mean (A) the sale or
disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets
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of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (“Holdings”) or the Company to any “person” or “group” (as such
terms are defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than Automotive
Investors L.L.C. (“AI”) or any of its Affiliates (as defined below), (B) any person or group, other
than Holdings, AI or any of its Affiliates, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in
Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the
total voting power of the voting stock of Holdings or the Company, including by way of merger,
consolidation or otherwise and AI or any of its Affiliates do not control the Board of Directors of
Holdings (the “Holdings Board”) or the Board or (C) any “person” or “group” (as defined above)
other than Holdings, AI or its Affiliates acquires (or acquired during the 12-month period ending
on the date of the most recent acquisition of such person or group) ownership of stock of Holdings
or the Company possessing 30 percent or more of the total voting power of the stock of Holdings or
the Company, as applicable, or (D) a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Holdings
(the “Holdings Board”) is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or
election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Holdings Board, as it was constituted
at the beginning of such 12-month period. For purposes of this Section 7(d)(ii), the term
“Affiliate” means any other person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under
direct or indirect common control with AI. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including,
with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control
with”) as used with respect to AI, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of AI, whether through the ownership of
voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.
(iii) If (x) Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to
death or Disability) following a Change in Control but prior to the first anniversary of
such Change in Control or (y) if Executive resigns with Good Reason following a Change in
Control but prior to the first anniversary of such Change in Control, Executive will be entitled to
receive:
(A) the Accrued Rights;
(B) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 8
and 9 (except for insignificant breaches of Section 9 as reasonably determined by the
Company), a lump-sum payment, payable as soon as practicable, but in no event later than
ten (10) business days, following such termination of employment, except as otherwise
provided under Section 7.h. for any Excess Amount (as defined in Section 7.h.(ii)(B)),
equal to the sum of (1) one-and-one-half (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s Base
Salary and (y) Executive’s Average Annual Bonus plus (2) the product of (I) the sum of
(x) and (y) multiplied by (II) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of
months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment until the first
anniversary of the Change in Control and the denominator of which is twelve (12);
provided, that Executive shall not be entitled to any other cash severance or
cash termination benefits under any other plans, programs or arrangements of the Company
or its affiliates other than retirement benefit plans;
(C) the Continued Benefits; and
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(D) the Pro Rata Bonus, payable when such bonus would have otherwise been payable
had Executive’s employment not terminated.
Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by
reason of Executive’s death or Disability) following a Change in Control but prior to the first
anniversary of such Change in Control, or by Executive’s resignation for Good Reason following a
Change in Control but prior to the first anniversary of such Change in Control, except as set forth
in this Section 7(d)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other
benefits under this Agreement.
e. Expiration of Employment Term.
(i) Election Not to Extend the Employment Term. In the event either party elects not
to extend the initial or any extended Employment Term pursuant to Section 1(b), unless Executive’s
employment is earlier terminated pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 7,
Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (whether or not Executive continues as an employee
of the Company thereafter) shall be deemed to occur on the close of business on the last day of the
then-current Employment Term, without further extension.
(ii) Continued Employment Beyond the Expiration of the Employment Term. Unless the
parties otherwise agree in writing, continuation of Executive’s employment with the Company beyond
the expiration of the Employment Term shall be deemed an employment at-will and shall not be deemed
to extend any of the provisions of this Agreement and Executive’s employment may thereafter be
terminated at will by either Executive or the Company; provided that the provisions of
Sections 9 and 10 of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement or Executive’s
termination of employment hereunder. The restrictions of Section 8 will not apply if Executive’s
employment is terminated upon or subsequent to the expiration of the Employment Term.
(iii) Executive’s Termination of Employment Upon the Expiration of the Employment
Term. In the event that Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated upon the
expiration of the Employment Term due to the Company’s election not to renew the Employment Term,
Executive will be entitled to receive the following:
(A) the Accrued Rights;
(B) subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Section 9
(except for insignificant breaches of Section 9 as reasonably determined by the
Company), (x) continued payment of Executive’s Base Salary and (y) a monthly payment
equal to Executive’s Average Annual Bonus (as defined in Section 7.c.(iii)) divided by
twelve (12), for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of such termination;
provided, that Executive shall not be entitled to any other cash severance or cash
termination benefits under any other plans, programs or arrangements of the Company or
its affiliates other than retirement benefit plans;
(C) continued provision of a car allowance and medical, dental, life insurance and
disability benefit coverage benefits provided at the level provided
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immediately prior to
the date of such termination for a period of one (1) year immediately following the date
of such termination; and
(D) the Pro Rata Bonus, payable when such bonus would have otherwise been payable
had Executive’s employment not terminated.
Following such termination of Executive’s employment hereunder as a result of, or following,
either party’s election not to extend the Employment Term, except as set forth in this Section
7(e)(iii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under
this Agreement.
f. Notice of Termination. Any purported termination of employment by the Company or
by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) shall be communicated by written Notice of
Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 11(h) hereof. For purposes of
this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific
termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the
facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of employment under the
provision so indicated.
g. Board/Committee Resignation. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any
reason, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent
applicable, from the Board (and any committees thereof) and the Board of Directors (and any
committees thereof) of any of the Company’s affiliates.
h. In order to comply with Section 409A, the following provisions shall apply:
(i) For purposes of Section 7 of this Agreement, a termination of employment means a
“separation from service” as defined by Section 409A.
(ii) All payments due under Sections 7.c. through e. (other than the Permitted Items,
as defined in Section 7.h.(ii)(C)) following an involuntary separation from service, as
defined by Section 409A, including any resignation by Executive for Good Reason, whether in
connection with any Change in Control or otherwise, shall be made subject to the following:
(A) During the first six (6) months following Executive’s involuntary
separation from service, in no event shall the amount payable hereunder
exceed two times the lesser of (1) Executive’s annualized compensation based
on Executive’s annual rate of pay for the calendar year preceding the
calendar year in which the separation from service occurs and (2) the
limitation in effect under Code Section 401(a)(17) for the year in which
Executive’s separation from service occurs ($245,000 for2010).
(B) To the extent the amount otherwise payable hereunder during the
first six (6) months following Executive’s involuntary separation from
service would, but for subsection (A) above, exceed two
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times the lesser of
(1) Executive’s annualized compensation based on Executive’s annual rate of
pay for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the
separation from service occurs and (2) the limitation in effect under Code
Section 401(a)(17) for the year in which Executive’s separation from service
occurs (referred to herein as the “Excess Amount”), the Excess Amount shall
be accumulated and paid to Executive in a lump sum on the six-month
anniversary of the date of Executive’s separation from service (or the
first business day thereafter, if such anniversary date is not a business
day). Any remaining installments or lump sum payments payable hereunder
shall continue or otherwise be made in accordance with the applicable
provisions of this Agreement.
(C) All amounts to be provided to Executive under Sections 7.c. through
e. shall be taken into account in determining the Excess Amount, and
therefore subject to the six (6) month delay in payment described above,
other than the following (collectively, the “Permitted Items”):
(1) The Accrued Rights.
(2) Any Pro Rata Bonus.
(3) Any benefits continued hereunder for medical, dental, life
insurance and disability benefits following Executive’s separation
from service that are excludable from income.
(4) Expenses or benefits that are includable in income to the
extent such amounts do not exceed the limit in effect under Code
Section 402(g) ($16,500 for2010) for the year in which Executive’s
separation from service occurs.
Accordingly, the Permitted Items may be paid or provided to Executive during
the first six months following separation from service in accordance with
the applicable provisions of this Agreement.
(iii) To the extent any reimbursement for an expense or in-kind benefit incurred prior to
separation from service is includable in Executive’s income, such reimbursements shall be paid
promptly to Executive in accordance with past practice, but in no event later than December 31st of
the year following the year in which Executive incurs the expense, and the amount of any
reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided in one year shall not affect the amount of any such
reimbursement or benefit provided in a subsequent year.
i. Amounts otherwise payable under Sections 7.c.(iv) or 7.d.(iii) that are delayed for a
period of six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service in accordance with Section
7.h. and the entire amount payable under Section 7.e.(iii), shall be contributed by the Company to
a grantor trust established by the Company with an independent trustee immediately following the
occurrence of all events giving rise to Executive’s entitlement to such amounts. The costs and
fees associated with establishing and maintaining such grantor trust shall be borne by the Company.
The amounts held in trust shall be invested in a stable
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value fund or other similar investment
vehicle, which seeks to preserve principal while earning interest income. The investment vehicle
shall be selected by an independent investment manager appointed by the Company. The interest
income realized shall be included in and paid to Executive as and when Executive’s severance
payments under this Section 7 are made.
8. Non-Competition.
a. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of
the Company and its affiliates and accordingly agrees as follows:
(i) During the Employment Term and for a period of eighteen (18) months following the date
Executive ceases to be employed by the Company (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will not,
whether on Executive’s 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 (“Person”), directly or indirectly solicit or assist in soliciting in
connection with a Competitive Business (as defined in Section 8(a)(ii)(A)), other than solicitation
or assistance on behalf of, a Permitted Competitive Employer (as defined in Section 8(a)(ii)(E)),
the business of any client or prospective client:
(A) with whom Executive had personal contact or dealings on behalf of the Company
during the one year period preceding Executive’s termination of employment;
(B) with whom employees reporting to Executive have had personal contact or
dealings on behalf of the Company during the one year period immediately preceding
Executive’s termination of employment; or
(C) for whom Executive had direct or indirect responsibility during the one year
period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment.
(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly:
(A) engage in any business that competes with any business of the Company or its
subsidiaries that represents at least 10% of the consolidated revenues of the Company
and its subsidiaries in any geographic area (including, without limitation, any business
which the Company or its subsidiaries have specific plans to conduct in the future and
as to which Executive is aware of such planning) (a “Competitive Business”);
(B) enter the employ of, or render any services to, any Person (or any division or
controlled or controlling affiliate of any Person) who or which engages in a Competitive
Business;
(C) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, a
Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder,
officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or
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(D) act to discourage, or attempt to discourage, business relationships
(whether formed before, on or after the date of this Agreement) between the Company or
any of its affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers, partners, members or investors
of the Company or its affiliates.
(E) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 8(a)(ii) shall not preclude
Executive from entering the employ of, rendering services to, acquiring a financial
interest in, or otherwise becoming actively involved in, any Person (a “Permitted
Competitive Employer”) which engages in a Competitive Business if the gross revenues of
all such Competitive Businesses of such Person and its affiliates for the Person’s most
recently completed fiscal year did not equal or exceed $500,000,000.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may, directly or
indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in the business of the
Company or its affiliates which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on
the over-the-counter market if Executive (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group
which controls, such person and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class
of securities of such Person.
(iv) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether on Executive’s own behalf or
on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, directly or indirectly (except to the extent any
current or former employees described below are retained through general public advertisement):
(A) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the
employment of the Company or its affiliates; or
(B) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of
the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the
employment of the Company or its affiliates coincident with, or within one year prior to
or after, the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.
b. It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the
restrictions contained in this Section 8 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is
made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction
contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of
this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply to such maximum time
and territory and to such maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be
enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction
contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make
it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions
contained herein.
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9. Confidentiality; Intellectual Property.
a. Confidentiality.
(i) Executive will not at any time (whether during or after Executive’s employment with the
Company) (x) retain or use for the benefit, purposes or account of
Executive or any other Person; or (y) disclose, divulge, reveal, communicate, share, transfer
or provide access to any Person outside the Company and its subsidiaries (other than its
professional advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations), 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, strategies and plans — concerning the past, current or future business,
activities and operations of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and/or any third party
that has disclosed or provided any of same to the Company on a confidential basis (“Confidential
Information”) without the prior written authorization of the Board. Notwithstanding anything in
this Agreement to the contrary, Executive may disclose Confidential Information to customers,
suppliers, insurers, lenders, investors and other parties in the performance of Executive’s duties
hereunder, provided that Executive reasonably believes such disclosure to be in the best interests
of the Company.
(ii) “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that is (a) generally known
to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant or any
breach of other confidentiality obligations by third parties; (b) made legitimately available to
Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; or (c) required by law
to be disclosed; provided, that Executive shall give prompt written notice to the Company
of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required, and cooperate with any
attempts by the Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment. This Section 9(a)(ii)
shall not be construed to preclude Executive from using Executive’s acquired knowledge, experience
and expertise gained during the Employment Term in any subsequent employment, provided that such
use does not include the disclosure or other use in any manner of Confidential Information.
(iii) Except as required by law, Executive will not disclose to anyone, other than
Executive’s immediate family and legal or financial advisors, the existence or contents of this
Agreement; provided, that Executive may disclose to any prospective future employer the
provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Agreement provided they agree to maintain the
confidentiality of such terms.
(iv) Upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive
shall (x) 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, its
subsidiaries or affiliates; (y) immediately destroy, delete, or return to the Company, at the
Company’s option, all originals and copies in any form or medium
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(including memoranda, books,
papers, plans, computer files, letters and other data) in Executive’s possession or control
(including any of the foregoing stored or located in Executive’s office, home, laptop or other
computer, whether or not Company property) that contain Confidential Information or otherwise
relate to the business of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries, except that Executive may
retain only those portions of any personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do not contain any
Confidential Information; and (z) notify and fully
cooperate with the Company regarding the delivery or destruction of any other Confidential
Information of which Executive is or becomes aware.
b. Intellectual Property.
(i) If Executive has created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to or improved 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, prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, that are relevant to or implicated
by such employment (“Prior Works”), Executive hereby grants the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive,
royalty-free, worldwide, assignable, sublicensable license under all rights and intellectual
property rights (including rights under patent, industrial property, copyright, trademark, trade
secret, unfair competition and related laws) therein for all purposes in connection with the
Company’s current and future business. A list of all such material Works as of the date hereof is
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
(ii) If Executive creates, invents, designs, develops, contributes to or improves any Works,
either alone or with third parties, at any time during Executive’s employment by the Company and
within the scope of such employment and/or with the use of any Company resources (“Company Works”),
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 rights and
intellectual property rights therein (including rights under patent, industrial property,
copyright, trademark, trade secret, unfair competition and related laws) to the Company to the
extent ownership of any such rights does not vest originally in the Company.
(iii) Executive shall take all requested actions and execute all requested documents
(including any licenses or assignments required by a government contract) at the Company’s expense
(but without further remuneration) to assist the Company in validating, maintaining, protecting,
enforcing, perfecting, recording, patenting or registering any of the Company’s rights in the Prior
Works and Company Works. If the Company is unable for any other reason to secure Executive’s
signature on any document for this purpose, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and
appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney
in fact, to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute any documents and to do all
other lawfully permitted acts in connection with the foregoing.
(iv) 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
any confidential, proprietary or non-public information or intellectual property
14
relating to a
former employer or other third party without the prior written permission of such third party.
Executive hereby indemnifies, holds harmless and agrees to defend the Company and its officers,
directors, partners, employees, agents and representatives from any breach of the foregoing
covenant. Executive shall comply with all relevant policies and guidelines of the Company,
including regarding the protection of confidential information and intellectual property and
potential conflicts of interest. Executive acknowledges that the Company may
amend any such policies and guidelines from time to time, and that Executive remains at all
times bound by their most current version.
(v) The provisions of Section 9 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment for
any reason.
10. Specific Performance. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s
remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 8 or Section
9 would be inadequate and the Company would suffer irreparable damages as a result of such breach
or threatened breach. In recognition of this fact, 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, shall be entitled to cease making any payments or providing any benefit otherwise required by
this Agreement and obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary
restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then
be available.
11. Miscellaneous.
a. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
b. Entire Agreement/Amendments. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of
the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company. There are no restrictions,
agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the
subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be
altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto.
c. No Waiver. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of
this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party’s rights or deprive
such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term
of this Agreement.
d. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this
Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected
thereby.
e. Assignment. This Agreement, and all of Executive’s rights and duties hereunder,
shall not be assignable or delegable by Executive. Any purported assignment or delegation by
Executive in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void ab initio and of no
15
force and
effect. This Agreement may be assigned by the Company to a person or entity which is an affiliate
or a successor in interest to substantially all of the business operations of the Company. Upon
such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and
obligations of such affiliate or successor person or entity.
f. No Mitigation; No Set Off. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise and
the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement shall not be reduced by any
compensation earned as a result of Executive’s other employment or otherwise. The Company’s
obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder
shall not be subject to set off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the
Company or its affiliates.
g. Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs,
distributees, devisees and legatees.
h. Notice. For the purpose 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 when
delivered by hand or overnight courier or three days after it has been mailed by United States
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses
set forth below in this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to
the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be
effective only upon receipt.
If to the Company:
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
If to Executive:
To the most recent address of Executive set forth in the personnel records of the Company.
i. Executive Representation. Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company
that (a) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the
performance by Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder does not and shall not constitute a breach
of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to
which Executive is a party or otherwise bound, and (b) Executive is not a party to or bound by any
employment agreement, noncompetition agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person
or entity.
j. Attorney’s Fees. If Executive incurs legal fees and expenses in an effort to
secure, preserve or establish entitlement to compensation and benefits under this Agreement, the
Company shall reimburse Executive for such fees and expenses to the extent that the Executive
substantially prevails in such dispute. To the extent any reimbursement provided
16
herein is
includable in Executive’s income, any such reimbursement shall be paid promptly to Executive, but
in no event later than December 31st of the year following the year in which Executive’s
right to such reimbursement is established hereunder, and the amount of any reimbursement provided
in one year shall not affect the amount of any such reimbursement provided in a subsequent year.
k. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, to the
extent permitted by law, against judgments, claims, losses, damages, fines, amounts paid in
settlement and expenses, including attorney’s fees (paid quarterly) incurred by Executive, in
connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) with respect
to the Company or activities engaged in by Executive in the course of employment with the Company
in which Executive is made, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness. Executive shall
also be given the benefit of any directors and officers liability insurance policy that protects
other senior executives of the Company.
l. Cooperation. Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in
connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which
relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder. This provision shall survive
any termination of this Agreement.
m. Withholding Taxes. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this
Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any
applicable law or regulation.
n. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be
an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same
instrument.
17
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and
year first above written.
TRW Automotive Inc.
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By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇ | |||
Name: |
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Title: |
Exhibit A
List of Prior Works
None.
Schedule 5A
Benefits Summary
Benefits Equalization Plan — Executive may enroll beginning with the next available
open enrollment period
A nonqualified benefit plan which allows participants to make-up deferrals, including the
Company match, if any, to the Company’s 401(k) Plan otherwise unavailable due to limitation under
the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan is unfunded with book investments which mirror those available
within the TRW Automotive Retirement Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, the Company’s salaried
401(k) Plan. Executive is an unsecured creditor with respect to amounts deferred under this Plan.
| Company Vehicle |
A car allowance during the Employment Term at a level comparable to that provided to other
senior executives of the Company based in the U.S. (other than the CEO).
| Financial Planning |
Financial counseling through AYCO in accordance with the Unanimous Written Consent of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of TRW Automotive Inc. dated April 30, 2004.
Life Insurance
Coverage provided comparable to that provided to other senior executives of the Company (other
than the CEO).
Long-Term Disability
Provides benefits in an amount equal to 40% of eligible compensation for those disabled in
accordance with the terms of the Plan. Participants may enroll for an additional 20% of eligible
compensation. Participant contributions are required for the additional benefit.
TRW Automotive Defined Contribution Salaried Retirement Plan
A non-qualified plan under which the Company will make periodic contributions on your behalf
in an amount equal to 10% of eligible earnings wherein eligible earnings are defined as annual Base
Salary and Annual Bonus. While this Plan is in the developmental stage, it is envisioned that this
Plan will be unfunded with book investments which mirror those available within the TRW Automotive
Retirement Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, the Company’s salaried 401(k) Plan. Executive will
be an unsecured creditor with respect to amounts contributed under this Plan.