Employment Agreement, by and between Issa Jouaneh and The Staffing Edge ULC (on behalf of Emerald X, LLC), dated April 19, 2021, as amended on May 17, 2021, November 7, 2022 and January 6, 2023
EXHIBIT 10.43
Employment Agreement
This Agreement dated this 19 day of April, 2021
BETWEEN: The Staffing Edge ULC operating as The Payroll Edge
(hereinafter called the “Employer”)
On its own behalf and on behalf of Papaya Global Client’s: Emerald Expositions
(hereinafter called the “Client”)
AND: Issa Jouaneh
Newmarket, ON L3X 3K6
(hereinafter called the “Employee”)
Position:
Conditions of Employment: In consideration of employment, the Employee is aware that the Agreement is valid only upon the following conditions:
Compensation: See Schedule “A”.
Vacation Pay:
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Statutory Holidays: The Employer provides for paid statutory holidays, as long as the Employee meets the qualifying requirements. The Employee agrees that their entitlement to receive statutory holiday pay will depend upon on the regulations provided for in the provincial employment standards legislation, as amended.
Out of Country Travel:
It is the Employee’s responsibility to understand that they are not covered by the Employer for out of country travel and it is the Employee’s responsibility to purchase coverage where required. In addition, the Employee is responsible to track their time out of the country such that the they are not exceeding the maximum time permitted as to ensure that there is no interruption to the Employee’s provincial health coverage and residency. If at any time during the course of employment a visa is required, it is the Employee’s responsibility to arrange for such documents.
Probationary Period:
It is agreed that the first ninety (90) days of employment shall be a probationary period where the Employee’s suitability for the position will be assessed. Subject to the minimum provisions of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, it is agreed that during the probationary period, this Agreement may be terminated for any reason by the Employer or Employee. The Employer shall not have any further obligation to the Employee at this time other than payment of unpaid but accrued wages and vacation pay, if any. The Employer reserves the right to extend the probationary period by a further ninety (90) days if additional time is required to determine the Employee’s suitability for continued employment. In the event that the probationary period is extended and the Employer determines the Employee is not suitable for the position, the Employee shall be entitled to notice or pay in lieu thereof pursuant to the Termination section of this Agreement and in accordance with the applicable provincial employment standards legislation, as amended.
Termination and Layoffs:
The Employee agrees that the provisions of this Termination clause apply to the current and any future position which the Employee may achieve, regardless of seniority, level of responsibility or level of remuneration, or any change of employment to a related employer, as provided for herein.
Employer may terminate the Employee's employment at any time without cause by providing the Employee with one (1) week of written notice of termination within the Employee’s first year of service and two additional weeks’ notice of termination per completed year thereafter, up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) weeks, or such notice, severance pay, if owing, accrued vacation pay and any other compensation or benefits that may be required to meet the requirements of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, whichever is greater. The Employee understands and agrees that the notice requirements contained in this section constitute a material inducement to the Employer to enter into this Agreement and to employ the Employee, and that the Employer would not enter into this Agreement absent such inducement.
Where an Employee is terminated without cause, all benefits will only be continued during the statutory notice period under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and, in the case of group benefits, continuance is subject to group insurance coverage being available from the insurer.
The Employee agrees that any entitlement to notice or pay in lieu of notice in excess of the Employee’s statutory entitlements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, is subject to mitigation and is conditional upon the Employee executing a Full and Final Release in favour of the Employer as prepared by the Employer at the time of the termination of the Employee’s employment.
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It is acknowledged and agreed that the Employer may, at its sole option, elect to pay the Employee's salary over the course of the notice period in lieu of any notice required by this Agreement, or provide any combination of working notice and pay in lieu of notice at the Employer’s discretion.
The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the payments, benefits and other compensation set out in this section shall constitute the Employee’s sole entitlement to notice, pay in lieu of notice, severance or other compensation on termination whether by statute or at common law.
In no event shall the Employee receive less than the minimum entitlements of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and in the event that any portion of this contract is found in violation of such minimum standards, the minimum standard shall replace the provision and shall apply, but not more.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee's employment may be terminated for cause (as recognised under applicable statute and at common law) by the Employer at any time without notice, compensation or benefit continuation (except as required by the Employment Standards Act, 2000. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, the term "cause" shall be deemed to include a material breach of the provisions of this Agreement.
This Agreement and the Employee’s employment hereunder may be terminated at any time by the Employee providing the Employer with not less than thirty (30) days' written notice, provided that the Employer may waive any notice in excess of that required by the Employment Standards Act, 2000, at its sole discretion.
It is acknowledged and agreed that the Employer reserves the right to temporarily layoff the Employee, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable employment standards legislation. If a layoff is deemed necessary by management for any reason whatsoever, then the employees chosen will be at the sole discretion of management, regardless of tenure, title, status, remuneration, or seniority. Such temporary layoff shall not constitute a dismissal or constructive dismissal so long as they layoff is executed in accordance with, and does not exceed the times allowed by, the applicable provincial employment standards legislation.
The Employee agrees that the provisions of this Temporary Layoff provision apply to the current and any future position which the Employee may achieve, regardless of seniority, level of responsibility, level of remuneration, or any change of employment to a related employer, as provided herein.
Employee Covenants:
Works Made for Hire:
The Employee understands, acknowledges, and agrees that all rights to any intellectual property so far as such intellectual property relates to services provided under this Agreement and to any and all inventions, processes and improvements (whether or not protectable under patent laws); techniques, ideas, concepts and programs; works of authorship and information fixed in any tangible medium (whether or not protectable under copyright laws) and all moral rights therein; copyrights, designs, patents, patent applications, patent registrations, trademarks, trade names, and trade secrets covering such intellectual property (collectively referred to as "Innovations") shall belong solely to the Employer, and the Employer’s clients. All such Innovations which constitute works of authorship shall be “"works made in the course of employment " pursuant to the Copyright Act (Canada) and “works made for hire” pursuant to the Copyright Act (U.S.A.). The Employee grants to the Employer, and the Employer’s clients, a royalty-free, non- exclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, translate, publish, make derivative works, use and dispose of, and to authorize others so to do, any and all proprietary, copyrighted or copyrightable material and other intellectual property or Innovations created, derived, developed or made in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the Employee’s employment with the Employer, whether alone or with others, and whether during regular working hours or through the use of facilities and properties of the Employer or otherwise which may in any way relate to the business of the Employer, or the Employer’s clients. The Employee hereby agrees: (a) to assign, and does hereby assign, to the Employer, and the
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Employer’s clients, all of the Employee’s right, title and interest in and to all Innovations and does hereby waive all moral rights that the Employee may have therein in favour of the Employer; and (b) at the Employer’s request, the Employee will provide whatever assistance the Employer, and the Employer’s clients, may require and to do all such things and execute all such documents as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to obtain and maintain the Innovations, the applications, registrations and/or common law rights therefor, as well as all additions, modifications thereto, in any and all countries worldwide, and to vest title thereto in the Employer, and the Employer’s clients. The Employee agrees not to assert any rights or claims based on any intellectual property or other rights for the use of the Innovations by, or on behalf of, the Employer, or the Employer’s clients. The Employee hereby irrevocably appoints and designates the Employer and its duly authorized officers and agents as their agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for, and in the Employee’s behalf, and instead of the Employee, to take such actions as the Employer believes are necessary to effect the foregoing assignment in accordance with applicable laws.
Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information:
The Employee understands and agrees that he will, from time to time, be privy to personal, sensitive, confidential and privileged information concerning the Client, its customers and the business affairs, and the business affairs of the Employer (collectively, herein after referred to as the “Companies”).
As used in this section, the words "confidential information" includes:
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Non-Solicitation:
The Employee agrees that they shall not, without the prior written consent of the Companies, either directly or indirectly, individually or in partnership, jointly or in conjunction with any other natural or legal person, partnership, association, syndicate, employer or corporation, whether as principal, agent, shareholder, director, officer, employee, consultant or in any other capacity, or in any other manner whatsoever, except upon the request and on behalf of the Companies, during the term of the Employee’s employment and for the period of twelve (12) months following the date that the Employee ceases to be an employee, regardless of who initiated the termination or how it should occur, do the following:
Non-Competition:
During the term of this agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months after the cessation of employment of the Employee for any reason, the Employee will not, within the area in which the Client is currently doing business or any new territory in which the Client does business during the period of the Employee’s employment, on the Employee’s own behalf or on behalf of any person, corporation or other entity, whether directly or indirectly, alone or in connection with any person, corporation or other entity, have any financial or other interest in or be employed or engaged by in the same or similar capacity as that in which the Employee serves or served the Client on behalf of the Employer, any business which is the same as, similar to, or otherwise competitive with the Business of the Client.
Enforcement:
The Employee agrees that the Employer and/or the Client would suffer irreparable damage in the event that the Employee breaches or threatens to breach this Agreement, and that money damages or other legal remedies would not be an adequate remedy for any such damages. Accordingly, the Employee acknowledges and hereby agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach by the Employee of this Agreement, in addition to other available remedies, the Employer shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent or restrain breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement by the Employee, and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of, or to enforce compliance with, the covenants and obligations of the Employee under this Agreement. The Employee hereby agrees not to raise any objections to the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance to prevent or restrain breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement by the Employee. The Employee hereby waives (i) any defenses in any action for
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specific performance, including the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate and (ii) any requirement to post a bond or other security as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.
Scope of Covenants:
The Parties hereto agree and acknowledge that the covenants against solicitation and competition contained in this Agreement are reasonable and fair in all respects and are necessary to protect the interests of the Employer and/or the Client, as applicable.
Privacy Policy and Disclosure Consent:
Miscellaneous:
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| The Staffing Edge ULC o/a The Payroll Edge |
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| Employee |
Signature: | /s/ Anna Lorkovic |
| Signature: | /s/ Issa Jouaneh |
| Anna Lorkovic Manager, Payroll Service |
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| Issa Jouaneh |
Date: |
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| Date: |
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Schedule “A”
Details of Employment
Position: EVP, Emerald Xcelerator
Start Date: March 22, 2021
Job Duties:
EVP, Emerald Xcelerator, and the employee will initially report to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. As a Company employee, you will:
Compensation:
Annual base salary of $342,500 CDN paid in twenty-six (26) equal payments (biweekly), subject to an annual review at the discretion of the client.
Vacation:
The Employee will be entitled to unlimited paid time off in excess of the minimum vacation requirements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (Ontario).
Annual Discretionary Bonus:
The employee will be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus in a target amount equal to up to $250,000 (the “Annual Bonus Target”). With respect to the Annual Bonus Target: (i) up to $100,000 of the Annual Bonus Target will be based upon the Client’s over financial performance in an applicable year and such other factors as determined by the Client; and (ii) up to $150,000 of the Annual Bonus Target will be based upon specific performance metrics determined by the Client for the successful launch of new trade show events. Whether or not any bonus payment will be made to the employee, and, if so, in what amount, will be determined by the Client in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the amount of your 2021 Annual Bonus will be equal to not less than $100,000.
The Employer reserves the right to either discontinue or amend the terms of this incentive plan at any time during the term of employment at its sole discretion.
Any incentive payment provided by the Employer in any year shall not be construed as a guarantee of or entitlement to any payment in subsequent years or a guarantee of or entitlement to any specific amount of payment.
The incentive payment does not accrue, is not earned and is not payable until the date it is paid out to the Employee.
The Employee must be employed by the Employer at the time of plan payout to receive an incentive payment. For example, if the Employee is employed as at the fiscal year end date but departs from the Employer for any reason before the date the incentive is paid, he/she is not eligible to receive any incentive payment, pro-rated or otherwise. For clarity, the Employee is considered to have “departed” from the Employer on the last day that he/she performs work for the Employer, irrespective of whether she is entitled to termination payments under the terms of her employment agreement. The only exception is where the incentive payment is paid out during the Employee’s statutory
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notice period under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Employee will be entitled to receive any incentive earned.
Bonus payout will typically occur in February, following completion of the fiscal year. The payout date is subject to change each year but is anticipated to take place not later than March 15th in the year following the fiscal year end.
During the first year of employment, a pro-rated incentive, if earned, will be paid to the Employee as per the terms of this Agreement.
Expenses: In order to be reimbursed for expenses, the Employee must remit a filled-out expense report outlining the expenses incurred for the previous month. All applicable receipts must be sent along with the expense report. Expenses will be reimbursed on the following pay cycle upon receiving approval.
Employee | |
Signature: | /s/ Issa Jouaneh |
| Issa Jouaneh |
Date: |
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Addendum to Employment Agreement
Dated the 17th day of May 2021
Between: The Staffing Edge ULC operating as The Payroll Edge
(hereinafter called the Employer)
AND: Issa Jouaneh
Newmarket, ON L3X 3K6
(hereinafter called the “Employee”)
on behalf of Papaya Global Client: Emerald Expositions (hereinafter called the “Client”)
All employment legislation referred to in this Employment Agreement is for the province of Ontario.
WHEREAS the Employer and Employee have entered into an Employment Agreement dated the 19th day of April 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”).
WHEREAS The Employer and Employee agrees to amend the Employment Agreement to read as outlined below effective May 1st, 2021.
Benefits: Subject to the insurer’s eligibility requirements (if any), the Employee will be eligible for benefits upon employment, as outlined in the Benefits Handbook provided by the insurance company, Sun Life Financial, contracted by the Employer. All plans are governed and shall be interpreted in accordance with the written terms of the contract between the Employer and the insurer or the Employee and the insurer. Please note that the costs of any AD&D, and Life Insurance will be covered by the Employer as agreed upon by the employee, making this benefit a taxable benefit to the employee upon claim. The Employer reserves the right to amend or discontinue its insurance coverage or contributions in the future as the Employer deems necessary or advisable in its sole and absolute discretion.
The benefit coverage cost will be shared by the Client and Employee 50/50. The Employer agrees to provide the employee with a supplemental health benefit plan which will commence on upon employment, as per the Benefits handbook provided. Benefits will begin as soon as your application is processed; however, benefits are not binding until the insurance company has approved such application.
Out of Country Travel: You will be provided with travel insurance as per the benefit handbook provided. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that each trip meets the requirements for coverage when out of country. If a trip is not covered through the provided plan it is the employee’s responsibility to purchase additional coverage. In addition the employee is responsible to track his/her time out of the country ensuring that the he/she is not exceeding the allotted time allowed out of country to ensure there is no interruption to the employees provincial health coverage and residency. The employer will provide the employee with travel letters to assist in the entry into the U.S. for all work- related travel. If at any time a Visa is required, it will be the employee’s responsibility to arrange for the Visa documents.
For good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged) the parties agree as follows:
1. That all other terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement shall remain as written in the original document.
Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any counterpart signature transmitted by facsimile or by sending a scanned copy by electronic mail or similar electronic
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transmission shall be deemed an original signature.
Effect of this Agreement: This Agreement amends the Employment Agreement. In the event of any conflict between any provision of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement, the provision of this Agreement shall govern. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions of the parties, whether oral or written.
There are no warranties, representations or other agreements between the parties in
connection with the subject matter of this Agreement and the Employment Agreement except as specifically set forth in this Agreement and the employment. This Agreement may not be
supplemented, modified or amended without the prior express written consent of both parties.
Language: The parties hereby confirm their express agreement that this Agreement and all documents directly or indirectly related thereto be drawn up in English. Les parties présentées sont expressément exigés que las présente entente ainsi que tous documents connexes soint rédigés en anglasi.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
The Staffing Edge ULC o/a The Payroll Edge |
| Employee | ||
Signature: | /s/ Anna Lorkovic |
| Signature: | /s/ Issa Jouaneh |
| Anna Lorkovic, Payroll Service Manager |
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| Issa Jouaneh |
Date: |
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| Date: |
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Addendum to Employment Agreement
Dated the 7th day of November 2022
Between: People 2.0 Workforce Services Canada ULC (hereinafter called the Employer)
AND: Issa Jouaneh
Newmarket, ON L3X 3K6
(hereinafter called the “Employee”)
on behalf of Papaya Global Client: Emerald Expositions (hereinafter called the “Client”)
All employment legislation referred to in this Employment Agreement is for the province of Ontario.
WHEREAS the Employer and Employee have entered into an Employment Agreement dated the 19th day of April 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”).
WHEREAS The Employer and Employee agrees to amend the Employment Agreement to read as outlined below effective January 1st, 2023.
Position:
The employee’s title will be changed to President, Connections Group, Emerald.
Duties and Responsibilities:
See Schedule “A”
Compensation:
The annual base salary will increase to $608,000.00 CAD paid in twenty-six (26) equal payments (bi-weekly).
Annual Discretionary Bonus:
The employee will be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus in a target amount equal to up to $608,000.00
(the “Annual Bonus Target”).
For good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged) the parties agree as follows:
Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any counterpart signature transmitted by facsimile or by sending a scanned copy by electronic mail or similar electronic transmission shall be deemed an original signature.
Effect of this Agreement: This Agreement amends the Employment Agreement. In the event of any conflict between any provision of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement, the provision of this Agreement shall govern. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions of the parties, whether oral or written. There are no warranties, representations or other agreements between the parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement and the Employment Agreement except as specifically set forth in this Agreement and the employment. This Agreement may not be supplemented, modified or amended without the prior express written consent of both parties.
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Language: The parties hereby confirm their express agreement that this Agreement and all documents directly or indirectly related thereto be drawn up in English. Les parties présentées sont expressément exigés que las présente entente ainsi que tous documents connexes soint rédigés en anglasi.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
People 2.0 Workforce Services Canada ULC |
| Employee | ||
Signature: | /s/ Deborah Nowicki |
| Signature: | /s/ Issa Jouaneh |
| Misti Elder, VP, International Programs |
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| Issa Jouaneh |
Date: |
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| Date: |
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Schedule “A”
Position: President, Connections Group, Emerald
Start Date: January 1st, 2023 Job Duties:
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Addendum to Employment Agreement
Dated the 6th day of January 2023
Between: People 2.0 Workforce Services Canada ULC (hereinafter called the Employer)
AND: Issa Jouaneh
Newmarket, ON L3X 3K6
(hereinafter called the “Employee”)
on behalf of Papaya Global Client: Emerald Expositions (hereinafter called the “Client”)
All employment legislation referred to in this Employment Agreement is for the province of Ontario.
WHEREAS the Employer and Employee have entered into an Employment Agreement dated the 19th day of April 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”).
WHEREAS The Employer and Employee agrees to amend the Employment Agreement to read as outlined below effective January 1st, 2023.
Position:
The employee’s title will be changed to President, Connections Group, Emerald.
Duties and Responsibilities:
See Schedule “A”
Compensation:
The annual base salary will increase to $609,107.77 CAD paid in twenty-six (26) equal payments (bi-weekly).
Annual Discretionary Bonus:
The employee will be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus in a target amount equal to up to $609,107.77
(the “Annual Bonus Target”).
For good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged) the parties agree as follows:
Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any counterpart signature transmitted by facsimile or by sending a scanned copy by electronic mail or similar electronic transmission shall be deemed an original signature.
Effect of this Agreement: This Agreement amends the Employment Agreement. In the event of any conflict between any provision of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement, the provision of this Agreement shall govern. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions of the parties, whether oral or written. There are no warranties, representations or other agreements between the parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement and the Employment Agreement except as specifically set forth in this Agreement and the employment. This Agreement may not be supplemented, modified or amended without the prior express written consent of both parties.
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Language: The parties hereby confirm their express agreement that this Agreement and all documents directly or indirectly related thereto be drawn up in English. Les parties présentées sont expressément exigés que las présente entente ainsi que tous documents connexes soint rédigés en anglasi.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
People 2.0 Workforce Services Canada ULC |
| Employee | ||
Signature: | /s/ Debbie Nowicki |
| Signature: | /s/ Issa Jouaneh |
| Debbie Nowicki SVP Shared Service |
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| Issa Jouaneh |
Date: |
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| Date: |
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Schedule “A”
Position: President, Connections Group, Emerald
Start Date: January 1, 2023 Job Duties:
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