Exhibit 10.53

(ii) Restricted Stock Units. Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee, you will also be awarded $1,750,000 in restricted stock units under the Plan at the same time your stock option grant is made. Your restricted stock units will be performance-based which means that you will not vest in those units unless (i) you attain the performance goals established for you within the first 30 days of your accepting this new role and (ii) you continue in Gilead's employ until the completion of the applicable performance period, subject to pro-rated vesting in the event of your death or permanent disability. The performance period for each of your goals will be set at the time the goal is established and approved by the Compensation Committee, and the combined performance period for all of your goals will usually not exceed five years. To the extent a performance goal is not attained within the established performance period for that goal, the restricted stock units tied to that performance goal will be forfeited. For each restricted stock unit which vests in accordance with such vesting provisions, you will receive one share of Gilead common stock following the completion of the applicable performance period and the Compensation Committee's certification of the attained performance goals. However, the issuance of those vested shares will be subject to Gilead’s collection of the applicable withholding taxes.