Exhibit 10.1
Portions of this Exhibit have been redacted because they are both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. Information that was omitted has been noted in this document with a placeholder identified by the mark “[***]”
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of October 4, 2021, and effective as of October 18, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) by and between PDS Biotechnology Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Matthew Hill (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ Executive in the role of Chief Financial Officer;
WHEREAS, Executive and the Company desire (i) to enter into this Agreement to govern the employment of the Executive, and (ii) for this Agreement to supersede and replace any and all agreements, terms, and discussions between the parties; and
WHEREAS, the Executive desires to accept employment with the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are mutually acknowledged, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions.
(a) “Accrued Obligations” shall mean (i) all accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the Date of Termination, (ii) any unpaid or unreimbursed business expenses incurred in accordance with Section 6 hereof, and (iii) all vested benefits (including, if applicable, equity awards) in accordance with the terms of the governing documents.
(b) “Base Salary” shall mean the salary provided for in Section 4(a) hereof, as adjusted from time to time.
(c) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s failure, neglect, or refusal to perform in any material respect to Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement (in each case, except where due to a Disability, sickness or illness); (ii) any act of Executive that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, the effect of injuring the business of the Company or its subsidiaries in any material respect; (iii) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to: (x) a felony or (y) any other criminal charge that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company or otherwise result in material injury to the reputation or business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iv) Executive’s commission of an act of fraud or embezzlement against the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (v) any material violation by Executive of the policies of the Company, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or business conduct, and those otherwise set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Company, as may be amended from time to time; (vi) Executive’s material violation of federal or state securities laws; or (vii) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement or material breach of the Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement.
(e) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(f) “Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement” shall mean the Employee Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement, executed by the Company and Executive O and attached hereto as Exhibit A.
(g) “Date of Termination” shall mean the date on which Executive’s employment terminates.
(h) “Disability” shall mean any physical or mental disability or infirmity of Executive that prevents Executive from performing Executive’s duties with or without a reasonable accommodation for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive days during any twelve (12) month period. Any question as to the existence, extent, or potentiality of Executive’s Disability upon which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician selected by the Company and approved by Executive (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld). The determination of any such physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement. Executive understands that Executive is a “key employee” in connection with any leave qualifying for coverage under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”).
(i) “Good Reason” shall mean, without Executive’s written consent, (i) a material diminution in Executive’s title, duties, or responsibilities as set forth in Section 3 hereof; (ii) a material reduction in Base Salary as set forth in Section 4(a) hereof (other than pursuant to a reduction applicable to all similarly situated executives); (iii) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company (other than a provision that is covered by clause (i) or (ii)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Company reasonably believes that Executive may have engaged in conduct that could constitute Cause hereunder, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, suspend Executive’s duties or employment, and in no event shall any such suspension constitute an event pursuant to which Executive may terminate employment with Good Reason or otherwise constitute a breach of this Agreement by the Company; provided, that no such suspension shall alter the Company’s obligations under this Agreement during such period of suspension.
(j) “Release of Claims” shall mean a separation agreement in a form acceptable to the Company under which Executive releases the Company and certain other persons and entities from any and all claims and causes of action and the execution of which is a condition precedent to Executive’s eligibility for the payments and benefits described in Sections 7(d) and 7(e).
(k) “Severance Benefits” shall mean continued payment of Base Salary during the Severance Term, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.
(l) “Severance Term” shall mean a period commencing on the first pay day following the effective date of the Release of Claims executed by Executive in connection with a termination of Executive’s employment without Cause or resignation with Good Reason and continuing for a period of twelve (12) months.
Section 2. Acceptance and Term.
The Company agrees to employ Executive on an at-will basis, and Executive agrees to accept such employment and serve the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. The term of employment under this Agreement (referred to herein as the “Term”) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated by either party at any time, subject to the provisions herein.
Section 3. Position, Duties, and Responsibilities; Place of Performance.
(a) Position, Duties and Responsibilities. During the Term, Executive shall be engaged to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (together with such other position or positions consistent with Executive’s title or as the Company shall specify from time to time) and shall have such duties and responsibilities as are commensurate therewith and such other duties as may be assigned and/or prescribed from time to time by Executive’s supervisor and/or the Board. Executive shall report to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
(b) Performance. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time, attention, skill, and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement and shall not engage in any other business or occupation during the Term, including, without limitation, any activity that (x) conflicts with the interests of the Company, (y) interferes with the proper and efficient performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, or (z) interferes with Executive’s exercise of judgment in the Company’s best interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) serving, with the prior written consent of the Board, as a member of the boards of directors or advisory boards (or their equivalents in the case of a non-corporate entity) of non-competing businesses, non-profits and charitable organizations, (ii) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and affairs; provided, however, that the activities set out in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall be limited by Executive so as not to interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder and so that no such position creates an actual or potential conflict of interest. Executive represents that, attached hereto as Exhibit B, is a comprehensive list of all outside professional activities with which Executive is currently involved or reasonably expects to become involved. Company hereby acknowledges that Executive’s participation in the foregoing activities at the participation levels as of the Effective Date is permitted under this paragraph, provided that the same do not interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder or create an actual or potential conflict of interest. In the event that, during Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive desires to engage in other non-competitive outside professional activities, not included on such list, Executive will first seek written approval from the President and Chief Executive Officer and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 4. Compensation.
(a) Base Salary. During the Term, in exchange for Executive’s satisfactory performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, Executive will be paid a Base Salary at the rate of $350,000 per annum, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular salary payment schedule and subject to applicable taxes and withholdings. The Base Salary of the Executive for subsequent years of this Agreement may be increased, decreased, or may stay the same, depending on the Executive’s performance and the performance of the Company.
(b) Annual Bonus. In addition to Executive’s Base Salary, during the Term, Executive will be eligible to earn an annual discretionary performance-based bonus, with a target bonus opportunity equal to 35% of the Base Salary. Performance metrics with respect to said bonus will be determined by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board. The first Annual Bonus after execution of this Agreement for performance in year 2021 shall be at the discretion of the Board, provided that Executive will receive a percentage of the Bonus comparable to other executives for that portion of bonus assigned to Company performance in 2021. For specificity, the Executive, as it pertains to the first Annual Bonus for performance in year 2021, is eligible for the full bonus opportunity of 35% of the Base Salary provided at the discretion of the Board and there is no proration of the first Annual Bonus based on time worked for the Company. Executive shall be eligible for said bonus only if Executive is employed on the last day of the performance period. Any earned annual bonus will be paid by March 15th of the year following the year in which the applicable performance period ends and Executive will need to be employed by the Company at the time the annual bonus is paid.
(c) Equity Awards. In addition to Executive’s Base Salary and bonus eligibility, as a material inducement to Executive joining the Company, Executive will receive a nonqualified stock option to purchase 202,800 shares of the Company’s common stock under the PDS Biotechnology Corporation 2019 Inducement Plan (as amended, the “Inducement Plan”), subject to the approval of the Board and the requirements under the inducement grant exception under Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4). The exercise price of the options will be at fair market value on the date of grant and shall be subject to 4 year vesting period with 25% of the options vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining options vesting in equal parts over the 36 month period thereafter. The terms of this grant shall be subject to and governed by the Inducement Plan and a stock option agreement between Executive and the Company. During the Term, Executive shall be eligible to be granted such additional equity awards by the Company, as determined by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, in its sole discretion.
Section 5. Executive Benefits.
During the Term, Executive shall be offered participation in health insurance and other benefits provided generally to similarly situated executives of the Company, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements of the applicable benefit plans (which shall govern). Executive shall be eligible for the same number of holidays and vacation days as well as any other benefits, except those excluded herein, in each case, as are generally allowed to similarly-situated executives of the Company in accordance with the Company policy as in effect from time to time. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the Company’s ability to amend, suspend, or terminate any benefit plan or policy at any time without providing Executive notice, and the right to do so is expressly reserved.
Section 6. Reimbursement of Business Expenses.
During the Term, the Company shall reimburse Executive for documented, out-of-pocket business expenses reasonably incurred by Executive in the course of performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, which are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to business expenses, and subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting of such expenses.
Section 7. Termination of Employment.
(a) General. Executive’s employment with the Company, and the Term, shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (i) Executive’s death, (ii) a termination by reason of a Disability, (iii) a termination by the Company with or without Cause, or (iv) a termination by Executive with or without Good Reason. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the payment (or commencement of a series of payments) hereunder of any nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) upon a termination of employment shall be delayed until such time as Executive has also undergone a “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(h), at which time such nonqualified deferred compensation (calculated as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder) shall be paid (or commence to be paid) to Executive on the schedule set forth in this provision as if Executive had undergone such termination of employment (under the same circumstances) on the date of Executive’s ultimate “separation from service.”
(b) Termination Due to Death or Disability. Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company, in its sole discretion, upon the occurrence of a Disability, with such termination to be effective upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of such termination. In the event of Executive’s termination as a result of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive or Executive’s estate or beneficiaries, as the case may be, shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations, and Executive shall have no further rights to or interest in any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(c) Termination by the Company with Cause.
| (i) | The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time with Cause, effective upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of such termination; provided, however, that with respect to any Cause termination relying on clause (i), (ii), (v) or (vii) of the definition of Cause set forth in Section 1(d) hereof, to the extent that such act or acts or failure or failures to act are curable, Executive shall be given ten (10) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate him with Cause, such notice to state the act or acts or failure or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination with Cause is based, and such termination shall be effective at the expiration of such ten (10) day notice period unless Executive has fully cured such act or acts or failure or failures to act, to the Company’s complete satisfaction. |
| (ii) | In the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment with Cause, Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. Following such termination of Executive’s employment with Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(c)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to or interest in any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of employment by the Company with Cause shall be receipt of the Accrued Obligations. |
(d) Termination by the Company without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time without Cause, immediately upon written notice thereof or on such later date as may be set forth in the notice of termination. In the event that, during the Term, Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability), Executive shall be eligible for the Accrued Obligations, and, provided that Executive fully executes (and does not revoke) the Release of Claims as described in Section 7(h), Executive shall also be eligible for (i) the Severance Benefits and (ii) reimbursement for Executive’s (and Executive’s eligible dependents’) health care continuation (COBRA) premiums for twelve (12) months following such termination (provided that (A) such COBRA benefits shall not be provided beyond the date on which Executive obtains comparable coverage from a subsequent employer and (B) such benefits shall not be provided to the extent that the Company determines that it would result in any fine, penalty or violation of law for being a discriminatory benefit or otherwise) (the “COBRA Benefits”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Severance Benefits and the COBRA Benefits shall immediately terminate, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive with respect thereto, and any Severance Benefits and COBRA Benefits that were provided will be reimbursed or repaid promptly by Executive to the Company (except that Executive may retain the first $1,000 of Severance Benefits, which Executive acknowledges and agrees will be adequate consideration for the Release of Claims), in the event that Executive breaches any provision of the Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement or the Release of Claims. Any such termination, reimbursement or repayment of Severance Benefits or COBRA Benefits shall have no effect on the Release of Claims or any of Executive’s post-employment obligations to the Company. Following termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(d), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of employment by the Company without Cause shall be receipt of the Severance Benefits and the COBRA Benefits, subject to Executive’s execution and non-revocation of the Release of Claims, and the Accrued Obligations.
(e) Termination by Executive with Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment with Good Reason by providing the Company ninety (90) days’ written notice setting forth in reasonable specificity the event that constitutes Good Reason, which written notice, to be effective, must be provided to the Company within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of such event. During such ninety (90) day notice period, the Company shall have a cure right. If the Company does not cure such event constituting Good Reason within such 90-day period, Executive shall have thirty (30) days from the end of such cure period to terminate Executive’s employment with Good Reason by providing written notice thereof to the Company (and if Executive fails to provide such notice within such 30-day period, Executive will be deemed to have accepted the Company’s cure of the event constituting Good Reason or otherwise waived such Good Reason event). In the event of such a Good Reason termination during the Term, Executive shall be entitled to the same payments and benefits as provided in Section 7(d) hereof for a termination by the Company without Cause, subject to the same conditions on payment and benefits (and forfeiture and repayment) as described in Section 7(d) hereof. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive with Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(e), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of employment with Good Reason shall be receipt of the Severance Benefits and the COBRA Benefits, subject to Executive’s execution and non-revocation of the Release of Claims, and the Accrued Obligations.
(f) Termination by Executive without Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment without Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice of such termination. In the event of a termination of employment by Executive under this Section 7(f), Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 7(f), the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, by written notice, accelerate the Date of Termination without changing the characterization of such termination as a termination by Executive without Good Reason (and no severance pay, notice pay or pay in lieu of notice or similar pay shall be owed to Executive). Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive without Good Reason, Executive shall have no further rights to or interest in any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy upon a termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason shall be receipt of the Accrued Obligations.
(g) Release of Claims. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the provision of severance benefits pursuant to subsections (d), (e) or (g) of this Section 7 (other than the Accrued Obligations) shall be conditioned upon Executive’s execution, delivery to the Company, and non-revocation of the Release of Claims (and the expiration of any revocation period contained in such Release of Claims), such that the Release of Claims becomes effective, with all revocation periods having expired unexercised, within sixty (60) days after the Date of Termination. If Executive fails to execute the Release of Claims in such a timely manner, or timely revokes Executive’s execution of the Release of Claims following its execution, Executive shall not be entitled to any of the severance benefits under Sections 7(d) 7(e), or 7(g) (other than the Accrued Obligations). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such sixty (60) day period ends in a calendar year after the calendar year in which Executive’s employment terminates, then, to the extent required by Section 409A of the Code, any payment of any amount or provision of any benefit under Sections 7(d), 7(e), or 7(g) or otherwise that would have been made during the calendar year in which Executive’s employment terminates shall instead be withheld and paid on the first payroll date in the calendar year after the calendar year in which Executive’s employment terminates, after which any remaining severance benefits shall thereafter be provided to Executive according to the applicable schedule set forth herein as if no such delay had occurred.
Section 8. Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement; Cooperation.
(a) Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement. As a condition to Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive is entering into the Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and the obligations and responsibilities set forth therein shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment regardless of the reason for the termination.
(b) Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall cooperate fully with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while the Company employed Executive, provided that the Executive will not have an obligation under this paragraph with respect to any claim in which the Executive has filed directly against the Company or related persons or entities or the Company has filed directly against Executive. The Executive’s full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries at mutually convenient times. During and after Executive’s employment, Executive also shall cooperate fully with the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company, provided that Executive will not have any obligation under this paragraph with respect to any claim in which Executive has filed directly against the Company or related persons or entities or the Company has filed directly against Executive. The Company shall reimburse Executive for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive in connection with Executive’s performance of Executive’s obligations pursuant to this Section 8(b).
Section 9. Section 409A.
This Agreement is intended to comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A (to the extent applicable) and the parties hereto agree to interpret this Agreement in the least restrictive manner consistent therewith. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, severance pay pursuant to Sections 7(d), 7(e), or 7(g) constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations and thus, to the extent of payments made from the date of termination of Executive’s employment through March 15 of the calendar year following such termination, such payments are intended to constitute “short-term deferral” under Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. To the extent that severance payments or benefits are made following said March 15, they are intended to be payable upon an “involuntary separation from service” pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations, to the maximum extent permitted by said provision. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder, and a payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement or otherwise would be subject to additional tax under Code Section 409A if such payment or benefit is paid within six (6) months after Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), then such payment or benefit shall not be paid (or commence) during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from service except as provided in the immediately following sentence. In such an event, any payments or benefits that would otherwise have been made or provided during such six-month period and which would have incurred such additional tax under Code Section 409A shall instead be paid to Executive in a lump-sum cash payment on the earlier of (i) the first regular payroll date of the seventh month following Executive’s separation from service or (ii) the 10th business day following Executive’s death (but not earlier than such payments otherwise would have been made). In addition, no reimbursement or in-kind benefit shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount available for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during any calendar year shall not affect the amount available for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in a subsequent calendar year. Any reimbursement to which Executive is entitled hereunder shall be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such expenses were incurred. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall have any liability to Executive or to any other person or entity if the payments and benefits provided in this Agreement that are intended to be exempt from or compliant with Code Section 409A are not so exempt or compliant.
Section 10. Parachute Payment.
In the event that (i) Executive becomes entitled to any payments or benefits hereunder or otherwise from the Company or any of its affiliates which constitute a “parachute payment” as defined in Code Section 280G (the “
Total Payments”)
and (ii) Executive is subject to an excise tax imposed under Code Section 4999 (the “
Excise Tax”), then
,
if it would be economically advantageous for Executive, the Total Payments shall be reduced by an amount (including zero) that results in the receipt by Executive on an after tax basis (including the applicable federal, state and local income taxes, and the Excise Tax) of the greatest Total Payments, notwithstanding that some or all of the portion of the Total Payments
may be subject to the Excise Tax. Any such reduction in payments and benefits shall be applied first against the latest scheduled cash payments; then current cash payments; then any equity or equity derivatives that are included under Code Section 280G at full value rather than accelerated value with the highest value reduced first; then other non-cash or non-equity based benefits will be reduced (in the order of latest scheduled payments and benefits to earliest scheduled payments); and finally, any equity or equity derivatives included under Code Section 280G at an accelerated value (and not at full value) shall be reduced with the highest value reduced first (as such values are determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q&A 24). All calculations hereunder shall be performed by a nationally recognized independent accounting firm selected by the Company, with the full cost of such firm being borne by the Company. Any determinations made by such firm shall be final and binding on Executive and the Company.
Section 11. Clawback.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any equity-based or incentive compensation provided to Executive, including any bonuses or equity awards provided pursuant to Sections 4(b) or 4(c) of this Agreement, shall be subject to any “clawback” required by law or by any national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed, or to any clawback or recoupment policy otherwise adopted by the Company from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall any reduction in the amount of compensation ultimately provided to or retained by Executive on account of this Section 11 constitute an event pursuant to which Executive may terminate employment for Good Reason or otherwise constitute a breach of this Agreement by the Company.
Section 12. No Conflict with Existing Obligations.
Executive represents that Executive’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement and Executive’s duties as an executive of the Company do not and will not breach any agreement or obligation of any kind made prior to Executive’s employment by the Company, including agreements or obligations Executive may have with prior employers or entities for which Executive has provided services. Executive has not entered into, and Executive agrees that Executive will not enter into, any agreement or obligation, either written or oral, in conflict herewith.
Section 13. Assignment.
This Agreement for personal services shall not be assigned by Executive. This Agreement is assignable by the Company and will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the Company (and by Executive’s signature below, Executive consents to any such assignment). Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company.
Section 14. Arbitration; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
Section 15. In consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company, the Company and Executive agree that any and all controversies, claims, or disputes with anyone (including the Company, Executive and any executive, officer, director, shareholder or benefit plan of the Company in their capacity as such or otherwise) arising out of, relating to, or resulting from Executive’s employment with the Company or the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, including any relating to this Agreement, will be subject to binding arbitration. Disputes which Executive and Company hereby agree to arbitrate, AND THEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY, include, but are not limited to, any statutory claims under state or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Conscientious Executive Protection Act, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and any other federal, state or local discrimination, retaliation or wrongful termination claims or other statutory or common law claims. Executive further understands that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive. Executive and Company agree that any arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) and that a single neutral arbitrator will be selected in a manner consistent with its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes (the “Rules”), which are available on AAA’s website at https://www.adr.org/Rules. All arbitration fees and costs shall be paid by the Company (except that if Executive initiates such arbitration, Executive shall be responsible for covering a portion of such costs equivalent to the filing fees Executive would have incurred had Executive asserted such claim in a court of competent jurisdiction), but the parties shall be responsible for payment of their own attorneys’ and professional fees. Executive and Company agree that the arbitrator will administer and conduct any arbitration in a manner consistent with the Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall limit or alter the Company’s right to seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction under (and as described in) the Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement. Additionally, (i) nothing in this Section 15 shall prevent Employee from filing a complaint or charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJDCR), or any similar federal or state administrative agency, including claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance benefits, and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the agreement to arbitrate under this Section 15 does not cover: (A) claims for workers’ compensation benefits; (B) claims for unemployment compensation benefits; or (C) claims for sexual harassment or abuse or claims of discrimination that are based on the same facts and circumstances or otherwise related to excluded sexual harassment and abuse claims if any applicable federal, state, or local law prohibits mandatory arbitration of those claims. By their initials below, the Company and Executive acknowledge and agree that they have read and are agreeing to the terms of this Section 15:
| Company Initials: | FBA
| | Executive Initials: | MH
| |
Section 16. Voluntary Nature of Agreement.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by the Company or anyone else. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and that Executive has asked any questions needed for Executive to understand the terms, consequences and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understands it. Finally, Executive agrees that Executive has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of Executive’s choice before signing this Agreement.
Section 17. Other.
(a) Waiver of Breach. The waiver by the Company of a breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement or the Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of the Company’s rights with respect to any subsequent breach by the Executive. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the waiving party.
(b) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, exclusive of its conflict of laws rules, and the parties hereto agree and stipulate that this Agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into in the State of New Jersey, regardless of where it was negotiated, implemented and/or executed.
(c) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unimpaired, and shall continue in full force and effect.
(d) Construction. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with its plain meaning, and the rule that ambiguities shall be construed against the drafter of the document shall not apply in connection with the construction or interpretation hereof.
(e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
(f) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement contain the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior or contemporaneous promises, understandings, or agreements, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing, signed by both parties.
(g) Survivorship. The provisions of Sections 1, 7(d), 7(e), 7(g) and Sections 8 through 16 shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company and this Agreement.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.
| | PDS BIOTECHNOLOGY CORPORATION |
| | |
Date: October 4, 2021 | /s/ Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD |
| | |
| | By: | Frank Bedu-Addo, PhD |
| | Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| | | |
| | EXECUTIVE |
| | | |
Date: October 4, 2021 | /s/ Matthew Hill |
| | |
| | Matthew Hill |
Exhibit A
EMPLOYEE CONFIDENTIALITY AND INVENTION ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
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