EXECUTIVE SEPARATION AGREEMENT And GENERAL RELEASE

Exhibit 10(u)(iv)

EXECUTIVE SEPARATION AGREEMENT

 

And

 

GENERAL RELEASE

 

THIS EXECUTIVE SEPARATION AGREEMENT is dated as of December 12, 2019, by and between Albany International Corp., its subsidiaries and affiliates (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Albany” or “the Company”) and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇. (hereinafter referred to as “Executive”).

 

WITNESSETH

 

WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by Albany in a key senior management role; and

WHEREAS, Executive has notified Albany of his desire to retire; and

WHEREAS, Albany wishes for Executive to remain in its employment through, at most, June 30, 2020 in order to assist in an orderly transition of his duties; and

WHEREAS, Executive and Albany each believe that it is in their best interests to set forth their agreement in writing; and

WHEREAS, the parties now seek to enter into this Executive Separation Agreement and General Release (the “Agreement”) with the intent to establish a mutually acceptable date upon which Executive’s employment shall terminate, to provide Executive with the certain protections as stated herein and to settle and compromise any and all potential disputes that may exist between the parties; and

WHEREAS, each party is entering into this Agreement on a voluntary basis, and with the intent that is shall supersede all prior agreements between the parties involving the matters addressed herein.

Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises, covenants and conditions set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Albany and Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                  Executive acknowledges that on January 3, 2020 he was given this Agreement and was afforded 21 days to consider same.

 

2.                  Executive was, and hereby is, advised to consult a lawyer before signing this Agreement and did in fact have the opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel.

 

3.                  Executive may accept this Agreement only by signing, dating and delivering the Agreement to Albany (in the manner set forth in Paragraph 25) on or before Albany’s normal

close of business on January 3, 2020. Time is of the essence with regard to this Paragraph 3.

4.       Executive may revoke this Agreement at any time within seven (7) days after signing and delivering it to Albany by notifying Albany in writing (in the manner set forth in Paragraph 25) of Executive’s decision to revoke. Time is of the essence with regard to this Paragraph 4.

 

5.       Executive’s employment with Albany shall terminate on June 30, 2020 (the “Separation Date”), unless terminated earlier in accordance with Paragraph 8 hereof.

 

6.       From the date hereof until the date Executive’s employment with Albany terminates, Executive shall, in addition to his current duties, assist in identifying his successor, and assist in the transition of his duties and responsibilities as directed by his supervisor. During the remainder of Executive’s employment with Albany, Albany shall continue to pay Executive at his current rate of compensation less (i) applicable withholdings for taxes, (ii) deductions for premiums due from Executive for any health care or life insurance coverage provided by or through Albany, (iii) 401(k), profit-sharing or other Albany benefit plan contributions and (iv) any other applicable or agreed upon withholdings.

 

7.       Executive agrees that on or after the Separation Date he shall execute an additional release in the form annexed hereto (the “Supplemental Release”) covering the period from the date of Executive’s execution of this Agreement through the Separation Date. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the obligations to be performed by Albany under this Agreement after the Separation Date shall be contingent upon the execution of the Supplemental Release. Failure to execute the Supplemental Release, however, will not affect the validity of the release contained in Paragraph 12 of this Agreement.

 

8.        Albany reserves the right to terminate Executive prior to the Separation Date with or without Cause. Cause shall be deemed to exist if Albany determines that Executive has:

 

(i) undertaken a position in competition with Albany;

(ii) caused substantial harm to Albany with intent to do so or as a result of gross negligence in the performance of his duties; or

(iii) wrongfully and substantially enriched herself at the expense of Albany.

 

9.       At the termination of Executive’s employment by Albany, either on the Separation Agreement or earlier for any reason except Cause, and after the irrevocability of this Agreement, Albany agrees to provide Executive the following severance benefits. Executive acknowledges and agrees that these severance benefits constitute adequate legal consideration for the promises and representations made by him in this Agreement, including the covenants set forth in paragraphs 12, 14, 15, and 16, and are in lieu of any benefits payable under any severance plan or agreement now in existence or adopted prior to the Separation Date:

 

(a)               Albany will pay Executive his gross monthly salary in effect as of the Separation Date, less applicable withholdings and deductions required by law or

otherwise agreed to by the parties, for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Severance Period”). Payment will be made in regular monthly installments by check, or direct deposit beginning on the first regular payday following the Separation Date and irrevocability of this Agreement (and may contain a pro rata payment to account for any prepaid, but unearned salary). In the event Executive dies before the last payment is made hereunder, the balance of such payments shall be paid to his spouse or, if he shall have no such spouse at that time, to his estate.

(b)               Should Executive elect, pursuant to the protections afforded by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), to continue group health care coverage as is from time to time provided by or through Albany to all similarly situated eligible employees, Albany shall pay the then applicable COBRA premium for each month of Executive’s eligibility through the Severance Period, or until Executive terminates such coverage, whichever shall occur first. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge that Executive’s COBRA election could result in the Executive’s irrevocable forfeiture of any retiree health care benefits he might otherwise be entitled to receive under the applicable company-sponsored health care plan, and that it may be more advantageous for Executive to elect retiree health care benefits under such plan as of his Separation Date. This election must be made on or before the last day of employment. In the event Executive elects retiree health care as of the Separation Date, Albany shall pay Employee an additional monthly sum of $1,300 per month for a period of 12 months. This payment will be paid directly to Executive (subject to tax withholdings) as an additional severance payment.

(c)               Albany reserves the right to modify, supplement, amend or eliminate the coverages described in clauses (b) above for all similarly situated employees, including, without limitation, the eligibility requirements and/or premiums, deductibles, co-payments or other charges relating thereto.

(d)               Executive shall remain eligible for a bonuses relating to the services he performed in 2019 and those he will perform in 2020. Any bonuses awarded shall be determined and paid in accordance with Albany’s annual performance incentive plan and, with respect to the bonus for services to be performed in 2020, shall be prorated for the actual time worked.

(e)               To compensate Executive for the loss of any unvested phantom stock units previously granted, Albany shall pay Executive an additional lump sum payment equal to one-half of the unvested restricted stock units forfeited as a result of his retirement on the Separation Date. Such payment may be delayed until the first regularly-scheduled payroll date following the sixth month anniversary of Executive’s Separation Date if required by law. The amount of such payment shall be calculated in accordance with formula applicable for calculating the payment of the restricted stock units which vest as a result of his termination.

(f)                Effective on the Separation Date, Executive will no longer be an employee of Albany, and will cease to accrue benefits under any pension, 401(k), profit-sharing or other Albany employee welfare benefit plan.

(g)               All unpaid severance or other benefits hereunder shall be suspended if Executive remains employed, or is re-employed, by the Company in any capacity during the Severance Period.

 

10.       Executive acknowledges and agrees that, except for this Agreement, Executive would have no right to receive the benefits described in Paragraph 9. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that in the event Executive voluntarily terminates his employment with Albany prior to the Separation Date, or if Albany terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, he shall then not be entitled to any of the severance benefits described in Paragraph 9. In addition, Albany may, in its sole discretion, release Executive from his duties prior to June 30, 2020 without terminating Executive’s employment, in which event the commencement of severance benefits would be delayed until the Separation Date and Executive would remain an employee of Albany until the Separation Date entitled to receive, through the Separation Date, his salary and all other employee benefits except group life and disability insurance, which would terminate upon a release from duties.

 

11.       As used in this Agreement, the term “Albany” means, individually and collectively, Albany International Corp., and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates Albany, as well as their respective employee welfare benefit plans, employee pension benefit plans, successors and assigns, as well as all present and former shareholders, directors, officers, fiduciaries, agents, representatives and employees of those companies and other entities.

 

12.       By signing this Agreement Executive immediately gives up and releases Albany from, and respect to, any and all rights and claims that Executive may have against Albany, whether or not Executive presently is aware of such rights or claims. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing:

 

(a)               Executive on behalf of herself, his agents, spouse, representatives, assignees, attorneys, heirs, executors and administrators, fully releases Albany and Albany’s past and present successors, assigns, parents, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents and representatives from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, grievances, debts, sums of moneys, controversies, agreements, promises, damages, back and front pay, costs, expenses, attorneys fees, and remedies of any type, which Executive now has or hereafter may have, by reason of any matter, cause, act or omission arising out of or in connection with Executive’s employment or the termination of his employment with Albany, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any claims, demands or actions arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights act of 1991, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and any other federal, state or local statute, ordinance or common law of any state regarding employment, discrimination in employment, or the termination of employment. Nothing herein, however, shall be deemed a waiver of any vested rights or entitlements Executive may have under any retirement or other employee benefit plans administered by Albany. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive is not waiving any right that cannot, as a matter of law, be voluntarily waived, including the right to file a claim, or participate in the adjudication of claim of discrimination filed with any state or federal administrative agency, though Executive

expressly waives any right to recover any monetary damages as a result of any claim being filed with any state or federal administrative agency, except to the extent such waiver is improper or invalid, including as described in the immediately following sentence. Notwithstanding anything herein or in any other agreement with or policy (including without limitation any code of conduct or employee manual) of the Company, nothing herein or therein is intended to or shall: (i) prohibit Executive from making reports of possible violations of federal law or regulation (even if Executive participated in such violations) to, and cooperating with, any governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇ Act of 2002 or of any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation; (ii) require notification to or prior approval by the Company of any such reporting or cooperation; or (iii) result in a waiver or other limitation of Executive’s rights and remedies as a whistleblower, including to a monetary award; provided, however, that Executive is not authorized (and the above should not be read as permitting Executive) to disclose communications that were made for the purpose of receiving legal advice or that contain legal advice or that are protected by the attorney work product or similar privilege. Furthermore, Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, if such filings are made under seal. 

(b)               If Executive breaches any obligation under this Agreement, including without limitation the obligations set forth in Paragraphs 14, 15, or 16, Executive agrees that Albany shall not be obligated to continue to make payments under Paragraph 9, and to reimburse Albany for all payments made pursuant to Paragraph 9.

 

13.        This Agreement does not constitute an admission by Albany of any liability to Executive, and Executive understands and agrees that Albany denies any such liability to Executive.

 

14.        Executive specifically agrees and promises that he will not directly or indirectly disparage Albany, (as defined in Paragraph 11) or any of Albany’s officers, directors, employees, attorneys or representatives, or any of Albany’s products or services in any manner, at any time, to any person or entity. Albany specifically agrees and promises that it will not directly or indirectly disparage Executive in any manner, at any time, to any person or entity. “Disparage” is defined as, but not limited to, any utterance whatsoever either verbal, in writing, by gesture or any behavior of any kind that might tend to or actually harm or injure the other party, whether intended or not.

 

15.       Executive acknowledges that as a consequence of his employment by Albany, proprietary and confidential information relating to the business of Albany may be or have been disclosed to or developed or acquired by Executive which is not generally known to the trade or the general public and which is of considerable value to Albany. Such information includes, without limitation, information about trade secrets, inventions, patents, licenses, research

projects, costs, profits, markets, sales, customer lists, computer programs, records, and software; plans for future development, and any other information not available to the trade or the general public, including information obtained from or developed in conjunction with a third party that is subject to a confidentiality or similar agreement between Albany and such third party. Executive acknowledges and agrees that his relationship with Albany with respect to such information is and shall be fiduciary in nature. During the remainder of, and after, his employment by Albany, Executive shall not use such information for his own benefit, or for the benefit of any other employer or for any other purpose whatsoever other than the performance of his work for Albany, and Executive shall maintain all such information in confidence and shall not disclose any thereof to any person other than employees of Albany authorized to receive such information. This obligation is in addition to any similar obligations of Executive pursuant to the other agreements. Executive further agrees to return any property belonging to Albany at the end of his employment.

 

16.        Executive further acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of Albany’s business and accordingly agrees as follows:

 

A.       During the Severance Period, 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”), Executive shall not directly or indirectly:

(h)      engage in any business which is in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the same geographical areas as the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates are engaged in their business (a “Competitive Business”);

(ii) enter into the employ of, or render any services to, any Person in respect of any Competitive Business;

(iii) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer, director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; provided, however, that in no event shall ownership of less than 2% of the outstanding capital stock of any corporation, in and of itself, be deemed a violation of this covenant if such capital stock is listed on a national securities exchange or regularly traded in an over-the-counter market; or

(iv) interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, any business relationships (whether formed before or after the Separation Date) between the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and their customers, clients, suppliers or investors.

 

B.       During the Severance Period, whether on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of or in conjunction with any Person, Executive shall not directly or indirectly:

(i) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave the employment of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; or

(ii) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates as of the Separation Date or, if later, within the six-month period prior to such date of hire.

 

It is expressly understood and agreed by Executive that although Executive considers the restrictions in this Paragraph 16 to be reasonable, if a final determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Paragraph 16 is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Paragraph shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as such court or arbitrator may determine or indicate to be enforceable. It is also expressly agreed and acknowledged that Albany’s payment of the severance benefits under this Agreement shall be sufficient consideration for the covenants in this Paragraph. Thus, Executive acknowledges that if he breaches any obligation under this Paragraph, Albany shall be relieved from making any further payments under paragraph 10 hereof, and further agrees to reimburse Albany for all payments previously made pursuant to paragraph 9.

 

17.       This Agreement supersedes all prior oral or written understandings among the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and constitutes the entire agreement between Albany and Executive relating to the subject matter thereof, including, without limitation that certain Severance Agreement between the parties dated January 1, 2016. Neither this Agreement nor any provision thereof may be changed, waived, modified or amended orally, but only by a written instrument signed by the party against whom the enforcement of such change, waiver, modification or amendment is sought.

 

18.       Executive acknowledges that he has read this entire Agreement, that he fully understands its meaning and effect, and that he has voluntarily signed this Agreement.

 

19.       Executive understands that the release contained in paragraph 12 hereof is a general release, and represents that he has been advised to seek counsel on the legal and practical effect of a general release, and recognizes that he is executing and delivering this release, intending thereby to be legally bound by the terms and provisions thereof, of his own free will, without promises or threats or the exertion of duress. He also acknowledges that he has had adequate time to review it, have it explained to her, and understands its provisions.

 

20.       Executive and Albany intend for every provision of this Agreement to be fully enforceable. But, if a court with jurisdiction over this Agreement determines that all or part of any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable for any reason, Albany and Executive intend for each remaining provision and part to be fully enforceable as though the unenforceable provision or part had not been included in this Agreement.

 

21.       The payments and the payment schedules set forth herein are intended to be exempt from, or comply with, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”). Accordingly, the Agreement shall be interpreted and performed so as to be exempt from Section 409A, but if that is not possible, the Agreement shall be interpreted and performed so as to comply with Section 409A. In the event any payments or benefits are deemed by the IRS to be non-compliant, this Agreement, at Executive’s option, shall be modified, to the extent practical,

so as to make it compliant by altering the payments or the timing of their receipt. The methodology to effect or address any necessary modifications shall be subject to reasonable and mutual agreement between the parties. It is the intent of the parties that this Agreement provides payments and benefits that are either exempt from the distribution requirements of Section 409A of Code, or satisfy those requirements. Any distribution that is subject to the requirements of Section 409A may only be made based on the Executive's "separation from service" (as that term is defined under the final regulations under Section 409A). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event that (i) a distribution of benefits is subject to Section 409A, (ii) at the time the distribution would otherwise be made to the Executive, the Executive is a "specified Executive" (as that term is defined in the final regulations under Section 409A), and (iii) the distribution would otherwise be made during the 6-month period commencing on the date of the Executive's separation from service, then such distribution will instead be paid to the Executive in a lump sum at the end of the 6-month period. The foregoing delay in the distribution of benefits shall be made in conformance with the final regulations under Section 409A.

 

22.       Executive shall forfeit any unpaid severance benefits due pursuant to this Agreement and shall, upon demand, repay any severance benefits already paid hereunder if, after the Separation Date:

 

23.       Albany and Executive agree that a breach by Executive of the provisions of this Agreement may cause irreparable harm to the Company which will be difficult to quantify and for which money damages will not be adequate. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that Albany shall have the right to obtain an injunction against the Executive, without any requirement for posting any bond or other security, enjoining any such breach or threatened breach in addition to any other rights or remedies available to the Company on account of any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement. Executive and Albany each further agree that if an action is commenced by any party alleging breach of this Agreement, the non-prevailing party shall be liable to the prevailing party for any and all available legal and equitable relief, as well as reasonable attorneys' fees and costs associated with pursuing or defending such legal action.

 

24.       The terms of this agreement are binding upon and shall be for the benefit of Executive and Albany, as well as their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

25.       Notices or other deliveries required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement by Executive to Albany shall, except to the extent otherwise required by law, be deemed given or made if delivered by hand or by express mail or overnight courier service to Albany International Corp., ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇.

 

26.       This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire.

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, a duly authorized representative of Albany and Executive have signed this Agreement to be effective as of the day and year first set forth above.

Albany International Corp.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇		Date   1/2/2020

 

 

THE UNDERSIGNED FURTHER STATES THAT HE HAS CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND KNOWS THE CONTENTS THEREOF AND SIGNS THE SAME AS HIS OWN FREE ACT. THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.

 

 

/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇.		Date  Dec. 12, 2019
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇.

 

 

 

FOR COMPANY USE ONLY

 

The foregoing Mutual Separation Agreement and General Release, signed and dated by Executive, was received by me on behalf of Albany International Corp. this _20th__ day of January, 2020.

 

/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. Gaug________________________

▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇

 

SUPPLEMENTAL RELEASE

 

This supplemental release given to Albany International Corp. ("Albany") by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇. "Executive") is executed in consideration for the covenants made by Albany in a Release and Separation Agreement dated as of December 12, 2019.

 

The Executive and his heirs, assigns, and agents release, waive, and discharge Albany, its directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, and agents from each and every claim, action or right of any sort, known or unknown, arising on or before the date of this Supplemental Release.

 

(1)    The foregoing release includes, but is not limited to, any claim of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap or disability, age, veteran status, special disabled veteran status, citizenship status; any other claim based on a statutory prohibition; any claim arising out of or related to an express or implied employment contract, any other contract affecting terms and conditions of employment, or a covenant of good faith and fair dealing; all tort claims; and all claims for attorney’s fees or expenses.

 

(2)    The Executive represents that he understands the foregoing release, that rights and claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, are among the rights and claims against Albany he is releasing, and that he understands that he is not releasing any rights or claims arising after the date of this Supplemental Release.

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

____________________                             DATE:_________________

 

▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇.

 

 

 

 

WITNESS:_____________________