EXHIBIT 10(aj)
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated October 31, 2001 is made and entered into by and
between CompuCom Systems, a Delaware corporation ("Employer"), and ▇▇▇▇ ▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, an executive employee of Employer ("Executive").
Recitals
A. Executive is employed by Employer in an executive capacity and Executive
has agreed to continue as an employee of Employer pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.
B. Employer desires that the Executive continue as an employee of Employer
in order to provide the necessary leadership and senior management skills that
are important to the success of Employer. Employer believes that retaining the
Executive's services as an employee of Employer and the benefits of his/her
business experience are of material importance to Employer and Employer's
shareholders.
Agreement
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Executive's continued employment by
Employer and the mutual promises and covenants contained herein the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Employer and Executive intend by
this Agreement to specify the terms and conditions of Executive's employment
relationship with Employer.
Section I. General Duties of Employer and Executive.
1.1. Employer agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to accept
employment by Employer and to serve Employer in an executive capacity upon the
terms and conditions set forth herein. The duties and responsibilities of
Executive shall include those described for the particular position held by
Executive while employed hereunder in the Bylaws of Employer or other documents
of Employer, and shall also include such other or additional duties, for
Employer, as may from time-to-time be assigned to Executive by the Board of
Directors of Employer or any duly authorized committee thereof. The executive
capacity that Executive shall hold while this Agreement is in effect shall be
that position as determined by the Board of Directors, or any duly authorized
committee thereof, from time to time in its sole discretion. While employed
hereunder, the initial position that Executive shall hold (until such time as
such position may be changed as aforesaid) shall be the position of Senior Vice
President Services.
1.2. While employed hereunder, Executive shall obey the lawful directions
of the Board of Directors of Employer, or any duly authorized committee thereof,
and shall use his best efforts to promote the interests of Employer and to
maintain and to promote the reputation thereof. While employed hereunder,
Executive shall devote his/her time, efforts, skills and
attention to the affairs of Employer in order that he/she shall faithfully
perform his/her duties and obligations hereunder and such as may be assigned to
or vested in him/her by the Board of Directors of Employer, or any duly
authorized committee thereof.
1.3. While this Agreement is in effect, Executive may from time to time
engage in any businesses or activities that do not compete directly and
materially with Employer, provided that such businesses or activities do not
materially interfere with his/her performance of the duties assigned to him/her
in compliance with this Agreement by the Board of Directors of Employer or any
duly authorized committee thereof. In any event, Executive is permitted to (i)
invest his/her personal assets as a passive investor in such form or manner as
Executive may choose in his/her discretion, (ii) participate in various
charitable efforts, and (iii) serve as a director or officer of any other entity
or organization that does not compete with Employer.
Section 2. Compensation and Benefits.
2.1. As compensation for services to Employer, Employer shall pay to
Executive, while this Agreement is in effect, a salary at a monthly rate of
$20,833. Any increases to such rate shall be at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee duly elected by the Board of Directors. The salary shall
be payable in equal bi-weekly installments, subject only to such payroll and
withholding deductions as may be required by law and other deductions applied
generally to employees of Employer for insurance and other employee benefit
plans. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company's
Management Incentive Compensation Plan ("MICP) at a rate of 100% of base salary.
This bonus will be subject to the parameters set forth by the Compensation
Committee each year and the amount of payment will be determined by such
Committee.
2.2. Upon Executive's furnishing to Employer customary and reasonable
documentary support (such as receipts or paid bills) evidencing costs and
expenses incurred by him/her in the performance of his/her services and duties
hereunder (including, without limitation, travel and entertainment expenses) and
containing sufficient information to establish the amount, date, place and
essential character of the expenditure, Executive shall be reimbursed for such
costs and expenses in accordance with Employer's normal expense reimbursement
policy.
2.3. As long as this Agreement is in effect, Employer will purchase and
maintain for Executive's benefit a guaranteed renewable term life insurance
policy having a death benefit of three times annual salary up to $800,000.00.
Unless prohibited by any policy or plan under which such insurance is provided,
Executive will have the right to purchase at Executive's cost additional
coverage under such policy or plan. Employer will not permit, even in the event
of termination of Executive or of this Agreement for any reason, any such policy
to lapse without offering Executive the opportunity to take up the premium
payments and continue the policy in force.
2.4. Executive shall have the right to participate in any additional
compensation, medical and dental insurance plan, 401(k) plan, other benefit,
life insurance or other plan
or arrangement of Employer now or hereafter existing for the benefit of
executive officers of Employer.
2.5. Executive shall be entitled to such vacation (in no event less than
three (3) weeks per year), holidays and other paid or unpaid leaves of absence
as consistent with Employer's normal policies or as otherwise approved by the
Compensation Committee.
2.6. Executive agrees to submit to and Employer agrees to pay for one
complete physical examination on an annual basis at the ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Clinic (or
similar medical clinic) in Dallas, Texas.
2.7. As long as this agreement is in effect, Employer will purchase and
maintain for Executive's benefit a comprehensive long-term disability insurance
policy. Employer will not permit, even in the event of termination of Executive
or of this agreement for any reason, any such policy to lapse without offering
Executive the opportunity to assume up the premium payments and continue the
policy in force.
Section 3. Preservation of Business; Fiduciary Responsibility.
Executive shall use his/her best efforts to preserve the business and
organization of Employer, to keep available to Employer the services of present
employees and to preserve the business relations of Employer. Executive shall
not commit any act, or in any way assist others to commit any act, that would
injure Employer. So long as the Executive is employed by Employer, Executive
shall observe and fulfill proper standards of fiduciary responsibility attendant
upon his/her service and office.
Section 4. Initial Term; Extensions of the Term.
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the effective date hereof and
be ongoing until the employment relationship is terminated for reasons outlined
in this agreement.
Section 5. Termination. Employer or Executive may terminate Executive's
employment under this Agreement at any time, but only on the following terms:
5.1. Executive may terminate his/her employment under this Agreement at any
time upon at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Employer.
5.2. Employer may terminate Executive's employment under this Agreement at
any time, without prior notice, for "due cause" upon the good faith
determination by the Board of Directors of Employer that "due cause" exists for
the termination of the employment relationship. As used herein, the term "due
cause" shall mean any of the following events:
(i) any intentional misapplication by Executive of Employer's funds,
or any other act of dishonesty injurious to Employer committed by
Executive; or
(ii) Executive's conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; or
(iii)Executive's illegal use or possession of any controlled
substance or chronic abuse of alcoholic beverages; or
or
(iv) Executive's breach, non-performance or non-observance of any of
the terms of this Agreement if such breach, non-performance or
non-observance shall continue beyond a period of ten (10)
business days immediately after notice thereof by Employer to
Executive; or
(v) any other action by the Executive involving willful and
deliberate malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of
Executive's duties.
5.3. In the event Executive is incapacitated by accident, sickness or
otherwise so as to render Executive mentally or physically incapable of
performing the services required under Section 1 of this Agreement for a period
of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive business days, and such incapacity is
confirmed by the written opinion of two (2) practicing medical doctors licensed
by and in good standing in the state in which they maintain offices for the
practice of medicine, upon the expiration of such period or at any time
reasonably thereafter, or in the event of Executive's death, Employer may
terminate Executive's employment under this Agreement upon giving Executive or
his/her legal representative written notice at least thirty (30) days' prior to
the termination date. Executive agrees, after written notice by the Board of
Directors of Employer or a duly authorized committee or officer of Employer, to
submit to examinations by such practicing medical doctors selected by the Board
of Directors of Employer or a duly authorized committee or officer of Employer.
5.4. Employer may terminate Executive's employment under this Agreement at
any time for any reason whatsoever, even without "due cause," by giving a
written notice of termination to Executive, in which case the employment
relationship shall terminate immediately upon the giving of such notice.
Section 6. Effect of Termination.
6.1. In the event the employment relationship is terminated (a) by
Executive upon thirty (30) days' written notice pursuant to Subsection 5.1
hereof, (b) by Employer for "due cause" pursuant to Subsection 5.2 hereof, or
(c) by Executive breaching this Agreement by refusing to continue his/her
employment and failing to give the requisite thirty (30)
days' written notice, all compensation and benefits shall cease as of the date
of termination, other than: (i) those benefits that are provided by retirement
and benefit plans and programs specifically adopted and approved by Employer for
Executive that are earned and vested by the date of termination, (ii)
Executive's pro rata annual salary through the date of termination, and (iii)
those benefits required by law to be made available to terminating employees.
6.2. If Executive's employment relationship is terminated pursuant to
Subsection 5.3 hereof due to Executive's incapacity or death, Executive (or, in
the event of Executive's death, Executive's legal representative) will be
entitled to those benefits that are provided by retirement and benefits plans
and programs specifically adopted and approved by Employer for Executive that
are earned and vested at the date of termination and, even though no longer
employed by Employer, shall continue to receive salary compensation and benefits
continuation (payable in the manner as prescribed in the third sentence of
Subsection 2.1) for a two year period.
6.3. If Employer (i) terminates the employment of Executive other than
pursuant to Subsection 5.2 hereof for "due cause" or other than for a disability
or death pursuant to Subsection 5.3 hereof, (ii) demotes the Executive to a
position below the level of the position described in Subsection 1.1 or the then
current position, (iii) relocates the position outside of a 40 mile geographical
radius or (iv) decreases Executive's salary below the Executive's current level
or reduces the employee benefits and perquisites below the level provided for by
the terms of Section 2 hereof, other than as a result of any amendment or
termination of any employee and/or executive benefit plan or arrangement, which
amendment or termination is applicable to all qualifying executives of Employer,
then such action by Employer, unless consented to in writing by Executive, shall
be deemed to be a constructive termination by Employer of Executive's employment
(a "Constructive Termination"). In the event of a Constructive Termination,
Executive shall be entitled to receive, in a lump sum within ten (10) days after
the date of the Constructive Termination, an amount equal to two years salary
and benefits continuation as described in Section 2 for a two year period. The
Company will also provide outplacement assistance to Executive in an amount not
to exceed $25,000, if so desired by the Executive.
6.4. For purposes of this Section 6, the term "salary" shall mean the sum
of (i) the annual rate of compensation provided to Executive by Employer under
Subsection 2.1 immediately prior to the Constructive Termination plus (ii) the
targeted cash annual bonuses (MICP) or other cash incentive compensation paid to
Executive (based upon most recent position) by Employer, and plus (iii) the
prorated amount of the Executive's current year's targeted cash annual bonus
(MICP).
6.5. In the event of a Constructive Termination, all other rights and
benefits Executive may have under the employee and/or executive benefit plans
and arrangements of Employer generally shall be determined in accordance with
the terms and conditions of such plans and arrangements and shall continue for a
two year period.
Section 7. Covenants of Noncompetition.
7.1. Executive acknowledges that he/she has received and/or will receive
specialized knowledge and training from Employer during the term of this
Agreement, and that such knowledge and training would provide an unfair
advantage if used to compete with Employer. For a one (1) year period after the
termination of employment, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly
solicit, entice or induce any Employer customer to become a client, customer,
OEM/distributor or reseller of any other person, firm, or corporation with the
respect to products and/or services then sold by Employer or to cease doing
business with Employer, and will not approach any such person, firm, or
corporation for such purpose or authorize or knowingly approve the taking of
such action by any other person. Executive also agrees that, for a period of one
(1) year after the termination of employment, he/she will not, either directly
or indirectly, solicit any employee or other independent contractor of Employer
to terminate his/her employment or contract with Employer.
Section 8. Change in Control.
8.1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if a
"Change in Control" (as defined below) of Employer occurs and, within six months
from the date of the Change in Control, Executive voluntarily terminates his/her
employment under Subsection 5.1, then Executive, even though no longer employed
by Employer, shall be entitled to all payments provided in Subsection 6.3,
including two (2) years of the Executive's targeted cash annual bonus (MICP)
plus a prorated bonus at target for the current year as stated in Subsection
6.4, payable in a lump sum within ten (10) days after the date of termination.
Additionally, benefits will continue for a two year period as described in
Section 2.
8.2. If a Change in Control occurs during the course of this Agreement, the
Board of Directors will cause to vest, within ten (10) days of the effective
date of the Change in Control, all remaining unvested stock options granted to
Executive.
8.3. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change in Control" of the
Employer shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) any "person" (as such term is
used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended) other than any Employer employee stock ownership plan or the Employer,
becomes the beneficial owner (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of
securities of Employer representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of
Employer's then outstanding securities, (ii) the Board ceases to consist of a
majority of Continuing Directors (as defined below) or (iii) a person (as
defined in clause (i) above) acquires (or, during the 12-month period ending on
the date for the most recent acquisition by such person or group of persons, has
acquired) gross assets of Employer that have an aggregate market value greater
than or equal to over 50% of the fair market value of all of the gross assets of
Employer immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions, or (iv) Employer
is no longer publicly traded. It is clearly understood, however, that no
change of control will be considered as having occurred as long as Employer
continues to be publicly traded and Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. maintains
ownership of more than 35% of the outstanding common shares of Employer,
controls the election of the Board of Directors and remains the single largest
shareholder of Employer.
8.4. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Continuing Director" shall mean a
member of the Board of Directors who either (i) is a member of the Board of
Directors at the date of this Agreement or (ii) is nominated or appointed to
serve as a director by a majority of the then Continuing Directors.
8.5.Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if (a) there is
a change in the ownership or control of Employer or (b) in the ownership of a
substantial portion of the assets of Employer within the meaning of Section 280G
of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 280G"), the payments to be paid to
Executive in the nature of compensation to be received by or for the benefit of
Executive and contingent upon such event (the "Termination Payments") would
create an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G, then
Employer shall make the Termination Payments in substantially equal
installments, the first installment being due within ten (10) days after the
date of termination and each subsequent installment being due on January 31 of
each year, such that the aggregate present value of all Termination Payments,
whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, will be as close as possible to
two times Executive's base salary and targeted cash bonuses, within the meaning
of Section 280G. It is the intention of this Subsection 8.5 to avoid excise
taxes on Executive under Section 4999 of the Code and the disallowance of a
deduction to Employer pursuant to Section 280G. However, if Employer makes an
error which triggers the excise tax or elects to pay Executive in lump sum and
triggers the tax, Executive will be entitled to receive a gross up to cover
incremental taxes owed.
Section 9. Inventions.
9.1.Any and all inventions, product, discoveries, improvements, processes,
formulae, manufacturing methods or techniques, designs or styles (collectively,
"Inventions") made, developed or created by Executive, alone or in conjunction
with others, during regular hours of work or otherwise, during the term of
Executive's employment with Employer that may be directly or indirectly related
to the business of, or tests being carried out by, Employer, or any of its
subsidiaries, shall be promptly disclosed by Executive to Employer and shall be
Employer's exclusive property.
9.2.Executive will, upon Employer's request and without additional
compensation, execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of
Employer's counsel to direct the issuance of patents to Employer with respect to
Inventions that are to be Employer's exclusive property under this Section 9 or
to vest in the Employer title to such Inventions; the expense of securing any
patent, however, shall be borne by Employer.
9.3. Executive will hold for Employer's sole benefit any Invention that is
to be Employer's exclusive property under this Section 9 for which no patent is
issued.
9.4. Executive grants to Employer a royalty-free, nonexclusive irrevocable
license for any Inventions developed prior to the employment with Employer that
he has not reserved that are used by Executive in the performance of his duties
for Employer. Employee represents and warrants that any work produced by
Executive will not, to the best knowledge of Executive, infringe on any other
person's or entity's copyright or other proprietary rights, and Employee will
hold Employer harmless from any claims and losses based on such infringements.
Section 10. No Violation. Executive represents that he/she is not bound by
any agreement with any former employer or other party that would be violated by
Executive's work for Employer.
Section 11. Confidential and Proprietary Information.
11.1. Executive acknowledges and agrees that he/she will not, without the
prior written consent of Employer, at any time during the term of this Agreement
or any time thereafter, except as may be required by competent legal authority
or as required by Employer to be disclosed in the course of performing
Executive's duties under this Agreement for Employer, use or disclose to any
person, firm or other legal entity, any confidential records, secrets or
information related to Employer or any parent, subsidiary or affiliated person
or entity (collectively, "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information
shall include, without limitation, information about Employer's Inventions,
customer lists, customer contracts, vendor contracts, and non-public financial
information. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Confidential Information
of Employer and/or its affiliates that he/she has acquired, or may acquire, were
received, or will be received in confidence and as a fiduciary of Employer.
Executive will exercise utmost diligence to protect and guard such Confidential
Information.
11.2. Executive agrees that he/she will not take with him/her upon the
termination of this Agreement, any document or paper, or any photocopy or
reproduction or duplication thereof, relating to any Confidential Information.
Section 12. Return of Employer's Property. Upon the termination of this
Agreement or whenever requested by Employer, Executive shall immediately deliver
to Employer all property in his/her possession or under his/her control
belonging to Employer, in good condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
Section 13. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that the breach, or
threatened breach, by Executive of the provisions of this Agreement shall cause
irreparable harm to Employer, which harm cannot be fully redressed by the
payment of damages to Employer. Accordingly, Employer shall be entitled, in
addition to any other right or remedy it may have at law or in equity, to an
injunction enjoining or restraining Executive from any violation or threatened
violation of this Agreement.
Section 14. Arbitration.
14.1. As concluded by the parties and as evidenced by the signatures of the
parties, any dispute between the parties arising out of any section of this
Agreement except Sections 7, 9 and 11, will, on the written notice of one party
served on the other, be submitted to arbitration complying with and governed by
the provisions of the Texas General Arbitration Act, Articles 224 through 238-20
of the Texas Revised Civil Statutes.
14.2. Each of the parties will appoint one person as an arbitrator to hear
and determine the dispute and if they are unable to agree, then the two
arbitrators so chosen will select a third impartial arbitrator whose decision
will be final and conclusive upon the parties.
14.3.The expenses of such arbitration will be borne by the losing party or
in such proportion as the arbitrators decide.
14.4 A material or anticipatory breach of any section of this Agreement
shall not release either party from the obligations of this Section 14.
Section 15. Miscellaneous.
15.1. If any provision contained in this Agreement is for any reason held
to be totally invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be fully severable,
and in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added
automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms as may
be valid and enforceable.
15.2All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder or
necessary or convenient in connection herewith shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given when mailed by registered mail or certified mail,
return receipt requested, as follows (provided that notice of change of address
shall be deemed given only when received):
if to Employer:
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
if to Executive:
or to such other names or addresses as Employer or Executive, as the case may
be, shall designate by notice to the other party hereto in the manner specified
in this Subsection 15.2.
15.3. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
Employer, its successors, legal representatives and assigns, and upon Executive,
his/her heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, legatees and assigns.
Executive agrees that his/her rights and obligations hereunder are personal to
him/her and may not be assigned without the express written consent of Employer.
15.4. This Agreement replaces and merges all previous agreements and
discussions relating to the same or similar subject matters between Executive
and Employer with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This
Agreement may not be modified in any respect by any verbal statement,
representation or agreement made by any employee, officer, or representative of
Employer or by any written agreement unless signed by an authorized officer of
Employer.
15.5. The laws of the State of Texas will govern the interpretation,
validity and effect of this Agreement without regard to the place of execution
or the place for performance thereof, and Employer and Executive agree that the
state and federal courts situated in Dallas County, Texas shall have personal
jurisdiction over Employer and Executive to hear all disputes arising under this
Agreement. This agreement is to be at least partially performed in Dallas
County, Texas, and, as such, Employer and Executive agree that venue shall be
proper with the state or federal courts in Dallas County, Texas to hear such
disputes. In the event either Employer or Executive is not able to effect
service of process upon the other with respect to such disputes, Employer and
Executive expressly agree that the Secretary of State for the State of Texas
shall be an agent of Employer and/or the Executive to receive service of process
on behalf of Employer and/or the Executive with respect to such disputes.
15.6. Executive and Employer shall execute and deliver any and all
additional instruments and agreements that may be necessary or proper to carry
out the purposes of this Agreement.
15.7. The descriptive headings of the several sections of this Agreement
are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this
Agreement.
15.8. If either party should file a lawsuit against the other to enforce
any right such party has hereunder, the prevailing party shall also be entitled
to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of suit in addition to any other
relief awarded such prevailing party.
15.9. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of
which shall be considered one and the same agreement.
15.10 Executive acknowledges that Executive has had the opportunity to read
this Agreement and discuss it with advisors and legal counsel, if Executive has
so chosen. Executive also acknowledges the importance of this Agreement and that
Employer is relying on this Agreement in continuing an employment relationship
with Executive.
The undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have executed this
Agreement on the date first written above.
EMPLOYER:
CompuCom Systems, Inc.
By: --------------------------------
Its:--------------------------------
EXECUTIVE:
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