Employment Agreement between David Seybold and TTEC Digital, LLC effective November 28, 2022
Exhibit 10.81
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Executive Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is by and between TTEC Digital, LLC, a Colorado company (“TTEC” or the “Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of TTEC Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“TTEC Parent”), and David Seybold ("Executive" or “Seybold”), each a “Party” and together the “Parties.” The Executive Employment Agreement is executed to be effective November 28, 2022 (“Effective Date”). The Company and Seybold agree that the effective date may be sooner or later than December 8, 2022 due only to the final determination of Executive’s current employment notice period.
1.Appointment.
2.Compensation.
In addition, the Compensation Committee of the Board may, but shall not be obligated to, adjust the Executive’s VIP award upward based on TTEC Parent and TTEC Digital segment’s performance against annual metrics set by the Board and deemed to be that year’s business imperatives, such as but not limited to annual bookings and backlog, revenue, adjusted EBITDA, operating income, and cash flow.
Currently, TTEC offers its equity grants in the form of time based restricted stock units (the “RSUs) and performance restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) vesting over a period of years. Until and unless modified by the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Executive shall be eligible for an annual RSU equity grant opportunity and annual PRSU equity grant opportunity of $312,500, each, in fair market value of TTEC equity, based on the market value of TTEC stock at the time of the grant. The RSU grants are usually time based with a four-year vesting schedule; while the PRSUs are performance-based equity with a three-year cliff-vesting schedule based on the performance of the business during the three-year measurement period, and an opportunity to overperform up to 200% of the original grant.
The RSUs/PRSUs are granted under the terms of grant-specific agreements that are approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board from time to time (“Equity Agreements). These Equity Agreements provide vesting schedules, performance metrics, if any, and other material terms of each grant. TTEC Parent and the Compensation Committee of the Board reserve the right, at their discretion, to change the terms of future Equity Agreements and the equity granted thereunder. The use of the RSUs/PRSUs, as part of the annual equity grant, is discretionary and may be substituted, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board, by other equity instruments in accordance with incentive compensation plans adopted by TTEC Parent from time to time. All grants as part of TTEC Parent Equity program are subject to Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines included in this Agreement as Exhibit D.
The timing for the payment of the VIP and Equity awards, if any, is determined from time to time (usually annually) by the Compensation Committee of the Board.
To the extent the Effective Date of this Agreement is after January 1, 2023, the VIP and Equity compensation eligibility for the first year of employment will be prorated, in the straight line, based on the actual days the Executive works for the Company in the first year of employment.
Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board, TTEC Parent shall grant to the Executive the value creation performance based restricted stock (“VC-PRSU”) award in the amount of 50,000 VC-PRSUs. This VC-PRSU award will cliff-vest in 2026, based on TTEC Digital business segment’s performance during 2025 fiscal year. The actual number of TTEC shares that will vest in connection with this VC-PRSU award will depend on TTEC Digital business segment’s 2025 revenue and adjusted EBITDA and may range between zero and 100,000 shares (200% of the initial grant) in TTEC stock. Specific terms and conditions of the award and its terms of vesting are documented in a VCP-PRSU agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit E and incorporated herein by reference (“VC Equity Agreement.”)
This VC-PRSU one-time award is separate and distinct from the Executive’s annual equity compensation incentive opportunities outlined in Paragraph 2(c) of this Agreement.
4.Benefits.
a.Health and Welfare Benefits. Mr. Seybold and his dependents shall be eligible to participate in TTEC health and wellness plans in a manner similar to others at his level of responsibility at TTEC Parent, including participation for the Executive and his dependents in TTEC group medical, vision, and dental insurance and other welfare plans, as they continue or change from time to time. The eligibility for most wellness benefits starts on the first day of the month following 30 days’ employment tenure with the Company, and given the Effective Date will start for the Executive on February 1, 2023.
b.Miscellaneous Benefits. The Executive shall be eligible for benefits generally applicable to other senior management employees of the Company, as they are in effect from time to time, including TTEC 401(k) Plan and its Deferred Compensation Plan.
c.Paid Leave. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in paid time off (“PTO”) and sick leave benefit programs pursuant to the Company’s current time off/leave policy (or any other vacation/sick policy then in effect). The Executive will also be paid for time off for holidays in accordance with the TTEC holiday policy.
5.Change in Control.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” event shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following:
(i)Any consolidation, merger or other similar transaction (i) involving TTEC Parent, if TTEC Parent is not the continuing or surviving corporation, or (ii) which contemplates that all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of TTEC Parent would be controlled by another corporation or legal entities not controlled by TTEC Parent;
(ii) Any sale, lease, exchange or transfer (in one transaction or series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of TTEC Parent (a “Disposition”); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to any Disposition with respect to which, following such Disposition, more than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the receiving entity for the Disposition are directly or indirectly (beneficially or otherwise) owned by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of at least 51% of the outstanding common stock and/or other voting securities of TTEC Parent immediately prior to such Disposition, in substantially the same proportion of total ownership as their ownership immediately prior to such Disposition;
(iii)Approval by the stockholders of TTEC Parent of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of TTEC, unless such plan or proposal is abandoned within 60 days following such approval;
(iv) The acquisition by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”)), or two or more persons acting in concert, of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of 51% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of TTEC Parent; provided, however, that for purposes of the foregoing, the term “person” shall exclude Kenneth D. Tuchman and his affiliates; provided, further that the foregoing shall exclude any such acquisition (1) made directly from TTEC Parent, (2) made by TTEC Parent (directly or through an affiliated company), or (3) made by a TTEC employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by TTEC Parent or any of its affiliates; or
6.Termination and Payments, Benefits On Termination.
a.Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate his employment with the Company with 90 days’ written notice of his intention. The parties may mutually agree to a different separation date including shorter notice period.
Mr. Seybold is not entitled to severance compensation, continuation of benefits, or VIP pro-ration, if he terminates his employment with the Company pursuant to this Paragraph 6(a).
b. Termination by the Company without Cause. Except as set forth in Paragraphs 6(c) (termination for Cause), Paragraph 6(d) (termination due to death), Paragraph 6(e) (termination due to disability), Paragraph 6(h) (Constructive Termination or Good Reason), and Paragraph 6(g) (Change in Control), the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment with 30 days’ written notice for any reason or no reason. In case of termination pursuant to this Paragraph 6(b), the Executives shall be entitled to:
(iii) Value Creation Program Payout. Unvested VC-PRSUs granted pursuant to TTEC Value Creation Program shall vest in case of Executive’s employment being termination by the Company without Cause pursuant to the provisions of the VC Equity Agreement.
(iv) Prorated VIP Cash Bonus. Annual cash bonus provided pursuant to Paragraph 2(b) (VIP bonus) shall be paid as provided in Paragraph 2(d) in March of the year following the performance year based on the audited results of TTEC operations for the full performance year and prorated, in straight line, based on the actual number of days the Executive was with the business during the performance year.
If the Company terminates this Agreement without Cause under this Paragraph 6(b), and the Company pays Mr. Seybold the compensation earned as of the effective date of the termination, and provides to Mr. Seybold incremental compensation and continuation of benefits on the terms specified in this Paragraph 6(b), the Company’s acts in doing so shall be in complete accord and satisfaction of any claim that Mr. Seybold has or may at any time have for compensation, benefits or payments of any kind from the Company or TTEC Parent arising from or relating in whole or part to the Executive’s employment with the Company and/or this Agreement. If the separation agreement and legal release referenced above is not signed within thirty (30) days from the date that such agreement is presented to Mr. Seybold (which the Company shall present no later than fifteen (15) days after the effective date of Executive’s termination), then Mr. Seybold waives his right to receive any severance or other compensation pursuant to this Agreement, even if Mr. Seybold were to successfully litigate any claim against the Company and/or TTEC Parent.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall have the following meaning:
(v) Use of any controlled substance or alcohol while performing Executive’s duties, except as part of a TTEC Parent, TTEC Digital company-sponsored event such as a trade conference or customer entertainment, but only in moderation and in a professional manner that reflects positively on TTEC Parent and the Company; with visible inebriation at a business-related social engagement constituting a cause for immediate termination;
If the act or acts constituting Cause are susceptible of cure, the Company will provide Executive with written notice setting forth the acts constituting Cause and providing the Executive with the opportunity to cure, assuming that such cure may be achieved in a reasonable time not to exceed thirty (30) business days of receipt of such notice. Any recurrence of acts constituting Cause within one (1) year of the original occurrence will void Executive’s right to such pre-termination right to cure.
f.Continuing Obligations. Mr. Seybold shall remain subject to the Company’s Agreement to Protect Confidential Information, Assign Inventions and Prevent Unfair Competition and Unfair Solicitation (“Confidentiality Agreements”), Equity Agreements, and any other similar agreements executed at any time during his employment, including without limitation this Agreement, all of which survive termination of employment.
g.Termination In Connection with Change in Control Event. If a Change in Control event occurs, and at any time within fifteen (15) months of such Change in Control event’s effective date (“COC Period”) the Company, TTEC Parent, or its successor terminate Executive’s employment without Cause (as that term is defined in Paragraph 6(c)) whether such termination occurs outright or pursuant to a Constructive Termination (as defined in Paragraph 6(h)), the Executive shall be entitled to and the Company, TTEC Parent or its successor shall cause the following to occur:
(iv) Prorated VIP Cash Bonus. Annual cash bonus provided pursuant to Paragraph 2(b) (VIP bonus) shall be paid as provided in Paragraph 2(d), in March of the year following the performance year, based on the audited results of TTEC operations for the full performance year and prorated, in straight line, based on the actual number of days the Executive was with the business during the performance year.
(v)Termination Ahead of Change in Control Event. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive’s employment is terminated (actually or pursuant to a Constructive Termination as defined in Paragraph 6(h) of this Agreement) within three (3) months before a Change in Control event occurs, then for purposes of this Agreement, the effective date of Change in Control event shall be deemed to be the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.
h. "Good Reason" or “Constructive Termination.” The Executive may terminate his employment with the Company for Good Reason with 90 days’ notice; provided the Company may elect to accept the Executive’s resignation sooner at its discretion. Termination by Executive for “Good Reason” or “Constructive Termination” by the Company may be triggered if, without Executive's express written consent, the occurrence of any of the following (in connection with or independent of a Change in Control event):
An action taken in good faith and which is remedied by TTEC Parent or successor within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of the Executive’s notice thereof shall not constitute Good Reason or Constructive Termination under this Agreement. Executive must provide notice of termination of employment within thirty (30) calendar days of Executive’s knowledge of an event constituting “Good Reason” or such event shall not constitute Good Reason or Constructive Termination under this Agreement.
In case of termination pursuant to this Paragraph 6(h), the Executives shall be entitled to:
7.Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.
As a senior member of the executive leadership team for TTEC Parent and the CEO of TTEC Digital, the Executive shall be privy to TTEC Parent and TTEC Digital company-wide significant proprietary and confidential information, including global business and go to market strategy, financial and technology strategy, proprietary recruiting and onboarding methodologies, pricing and product offerings, and client acquisition and retention, TTEC marketplace strength and limitations, and other TTEC trade secrets related to TTEC overall and to the Executive’s specific areas of responsibility (collectively “TTEC Confidential Information”). Therefore, the Executive agrees
The Executive also acknowledges that while employed by the Company or otherwise affiliated with TTEC Parent, the Executive has access to proprietary and unique trade secret information that would be valuable or useful to Company’s and TTEC Parent’s competitors and that the Executive has access to Company’s valuable customer relationships and thus acknowledges that the restrictions on the Executive’s future employment and business activities in TTEC’s industry as set forth in this Paragraph 7 are fair and reasonable.
The Executive acknowledges and he is prepared for the possibility that his standard of living may be reduced during the non-competition and/or non-solicitation period and assumes and accepts any risk associated with that possibility, and further acknowledges that any such drop in the Executive’s standard of living does not constitute undue hardship.
f.Impact of COC on Restrictive Covenants. If Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to provisions of Paragraph 6(g) (Change in Control event) and if Executive is paid Change in Control related compensation and receives other benefits as provided in that Paragraph, the Executive agrees for the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation undertakings of this Paragraph 7 to be extended from eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) months; and
g. Consequences of Breach. If Executive breaches any of the material covenants and undertakings set forth in this Paragraph 7:
(i)The Executive and those who aid him in such breach shall be liable for all costs and business losses including any damages and out-of-pocket expenses associated with or resulting from such breach;
(ii) TTEC Parent nor the Company have any further liabilities to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation no liability for any compensation including cash bonuses or equity not yet granted or granted and unvested;
(iii) All unvested equity held by the Executive shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled;
(iv) The value of any vested equity received by the Executive in connection with his employment with the Company must be paid by the Executive back to the Company since one of the primary purposes of the equity awards would not have been realized by TTEC Parent;
8.Miscellaneous.
The employment arrangement contemplated by this Agreement includes other related documents in addition to this Executive Employment Agreement, some of which are TTEC Parent and the Company’s standard documents not otherwise tailored to this transaction. To the extent any provisions of these related agreements contradict the clear provisions and terms of this Executive Employment Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall be controlling.
Concurrently with any Change in Control event or a business combination that may impact the legal implications of this Agreement, the Company, TTEC Parent shall cause any successor or transferee to assume unconditionally, by written instrument delivered to the Executive, all of the obligations of the Company and TTEC Parent hereunder. Failure of the Company or TTEC Parent to obtain such assumption prior to the effectiveness of any Change in Control event or other business combination, shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Constructive Termination entitling the Executive to resign, within thirty (30) calendar days of consummation of such Change in Control event or business combination, and receive compensation and benefits as provided in Paragraph 6(g).
This Agreement is for personal services and Mr. Seybold’s may not and shall not assign his rights or obligations hereunder.
d.Governing Law and Dispute Resolution.
(i)Good Faith Negotiation Requirement. Mr. Seybold, TTEC Parent and the Company agree that in the event of any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to Mr. Seybold’s employment with and/or separation from the Company, they shall negotiate in good faith to resolve the controversy or claim privately, amicably and confidentially. Each Party may consult with counsel in connection with such negotiations.
(ii)Governing Law. This Agreement will be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado without regard to conflict of law principles.
(iii)Disputes. The Parties agree that any action arising from or relating in any way to this Agreement, shall be resolved and tried in the state or federal courts situated in Denver, Colorado. The parties consent to jurisdiction and venue of those courts to the greatest extent allowed by law. In this regard, the Executive acknowledges and admits to all or a combination of several following substantial contacts with Colorado; the Executive is employed, provides services for or otherwise is affiliated with an legal entity headquartered in the state of Colorado; the Executive receives the compensation in a form of checks or wire transfers that are drawn either directly or indirectly, from bank accounts in Colorado; the Executive regularly interacts with, contacts and is contacted by other TTEC and Company employees and executives in Colorado; the Executive either routinely travels to or attends business meetings in Colorado; and the Executive receives substantial compensation and benefits as a result of TTEC Parent being a corporation headquartered in and subject to the laws of Colorado. Based on these and other contacts, the Executive acknowledges that he could reasonably be subject to the laws of Colorado.
e.Severability. If any court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain fully enforceable. To the extent that any court concludes that any provision of this Agreement is void or voidable, the court shall reform such provision(s) to render the provision(s) enforceable, but only to the extent absolutely necessary to render the provision(s) enforceable.
f.Modification of Agreement. This Agreement or any other term or condition of employment may not be modified by word or deed, except in writing signed by the Executive and the Global Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer, or Chief Executive Officer for TTEC Parent.
g.Waiver. No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed waived, nor shall there be an estoppel against the enforcement of any such provision, except by a writing signed by the party charged with the waiver or estoppel. No waiver shall be deemed continuing unless specifically stated therein, and the written waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived, and not for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.
h.Construction. Whenever applicable, masculine and neutral pronouns shall equally apply to the feminine genders; the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. The Parties have reviewed and understand this Agreement, and each has had a full opportunity to negotiate the agreement's terms and to consult with counsel of their own choosing. Therefore, the Parties expressly waive all applicable common law and statutory rules of construction that any provision of this Agreement should be construed against the agreement's drafter, and agree that this Agreement and all amendments thereto shall be construed as a whole, according to the fair meaning of the language used.
i. Dodd-Frank Recoupment Provisions. TTEC Incentive Recoupment Policy, noted as Exhibit H, is incorporated in this Agreement by reference.
j. | Greatest Net Benefit. |
Mr. Seybold acknowledges and agrees that he reviewed and fully understands the terms and provisions of this Agreement; that he enters into it freely, knowingly, and mindful of the fact that it creates important legal obligations and affects his legal rights; and that he understands the need to and has had the opportunity to consult with counsel (if he so wishes) concerning this Agreement with legal counsel.
Executive ____________________ David Seybold Date: _________________ | TTEC Digital LLC ________________________ Regina M. Paolillo, Global Chief Operating Officer Date: October 27, 2022 |
List of Exhibits
Exhibit A:Directors & Executive Officers U.S. Securities Laws Handbook
Attached in a separate document
Exhibit B: TTEC Ethics Code: How TTEC Does Business
https://www.ttec.com/sites/default/files/how-ttec-does-business-our-ethics-code-for-employees-suppliers-and-partners.pdf
Exhibit C:TTEC Executive and Senior Financial Officers Ethics Code
https://investors.ttec.com/static-files/1cc30592-98f2-45ff-8679-5ea0dbf24e37
Exhibit D:Executive Stock Holding Ownership Guidelines
Incorporated in this document
Exhibit E:Value Creation Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
Attached in a separate document
Exhibit F:Welcome Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
Attached in a separate document
Exhibit G:Sample Separation and Release Agreement
Incorporated in this document
Exhibit H:TTEC Executive Incentive Recoupment Policy
https://investors.ttec.com/static-files/c8d8459a-049e-472a-a3ef-35654486a970
Exhibit I:Assurance in Connection with Obligations to Prior Employers
Attached in a separate document
Exhibit D
Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines
Equity provides the opportunity for the company to further invest in the employees who passionately uphold our values while driving the business with an entrepreneurial spirit. Company leaders who think and act like owners are crucial to our success and encouraging star players to actively participate in company growth is key to building our future together.
When a company’s board of directors, shareholders and employees align their interest in organization’s long- term success, the stage is set for true transformation. To that end, TTEC has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines to encourage company leaders (vice president-level and above) to align their interests with TTEC and our stockholders and to focus on value creation, while sharing in the company’s success. The following are answers to questions you may have about TTEC’s new Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines.
Q. Why are we implementing an Ownership Guideline?
A. The Guidelines are designed to align our senior leaders’ interests with our shareholders’ interest, driving a long-term vision and commitment to creating company value. The Executive Ownership Guidelines are also designed to:
• Support confidence in company strategy to execute our business transformation
• Allow us to remain an attractive and competitive choice for executive-level talent by adopting best practices
• Align executive behavior with external shareholder expectation
• Drive long-term accountability
• Enable company success
Q. Do I have to buy TTEC stock to meet this holding Guideline?
A. TTEC does not expect you to buy TTEC stock to meet the holdings Guidelines, and how you meet them is entirely up to you. Most employees will be able to meet the requirement by holding a portion of their annual equity grant (net of tax), as it vests.
Q. How much stock should I hold as a company leader?
A. The new Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines call for TTEC vice presidents and above to hold a multiplier of base compensation in TTEC stock (based on Fair Market Value (FMV) of stock as it trades on NASDAQ). Employees will have five years from the start of this requirement (or promotion into a new role) to meet the holding Guidelines.
Executive Target Holding Amount Level within 5 Years |
Chief Executive Officer for a Business Segment Global Chief Operating Officer 4x current Base Salary |
Chief Financial Officer 3x current Base Salary |
Chief Revenue Officer and 2.5x current Base Salary Other Executive Vice President level Executives |
General Counsel Chief Information Officer Chief Security Officer Chief People Officer 1.5x current Base Salary Business Segment Chief Operating Officers and Other Senior Vice President level Executives |
Group Vice President 0.5x current Base Salary |
Q. How many shares should I consider holding from each RSU grant to meet the holding Guidelines?
A. How much you hold from each grant and from each vesting event is entirely up to you. Based on basic modeling, however, we believe that if you hold a percentage of each vesting event from annual Equity Grants (net of tax as indicated in the table below) you should comfortably reach the holding requirement in five years or sooner.
The holding guideline can be satisfied with any stock you hold including:
• the exercise of options to purchase the company’s common stock
• the vesting of restricted stock; and
• the vesting of performance shares.
Executive Guideline of Percentage of Level Net Shares to Hold |
All Senior Vice President and Above Executives 75% |
Group Vice President 50% |
Once the holding target is reached, you should maintain it during your entire tenure in the role; and as your role changes be aware of the changes in the holding guidelines as well.
Q. | Which holdings are considered in calculating my target holding amount? |
A. | The following holdings will be considered when measuring stock ownership: |
shares owned outright, including shares owned jointly with a spouse;
• shares obtained through the exercise of stock options;
• shares issued upon the vesting of restricted stock and performance shares; and
• earned performance shares.
Q. What happens if I don’t reach my target holding amount within the five-year time frame due to market volatility or amount of my equity awards?
A. If the actual Equity Grants you receive and/or market price volatility does not allow an employee to reach the target holding level within the required five-year time frame, the company does not expect employees to invest out of pocket. The company expects the Equity Grants you receive to be the source for the holding requirement and we look to you as a leader to exercise a good faith effort to honor the requirements. If the Equity Grants you receive or market volatility creates a challenge, discuss the matter with your supervisor and your HC partner for a practical resolution.
Q. What if I have a special situation (hardship) that makes maintaining the holding requirement difficult for me?
A. The Executive Ownership Guidelines is designed to align your interests with the company’s interests and position you to share in our success. If your personal situation makes the compliance with the Ownership Guidelines a hardship, speak to your HC partner and the Executive Committee level executive responsible for your business segment for guidance and support.
Q. Whom should I contact with questions?
A. If you have questions, please contact Pam LeMasters, vice president, Total Rewards via email or by phone at ###-###-####.
Exhibit G
To Executive Employment Agreement
(Sample Severance Agreement and Release of Claims
Not Customized for Mr. Seybold)
[DATE]
PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
[NAME]
[ADDRESS]
Dear [NAME]:
As you have been advised, your employment with TTEC Services Corporation (“TTEC” or “the Company”) will terminate effective the close of business on ____________ (“Termination Date”). This letter contains a Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims (“Agreement”) intended to resolve any and all disputes arising from your employment and your separation from employment with TTEC on mutually agreeable terms as set forth below. Please review it carefully, and if it is acceptable to you, sign and return an original copy to TTEC Human Capital Department, 9197 S. Peoria Street, Englewood, Colorado 80112 Attn: Settlement Agreements, either by mail or by hand delivery. If you are 40 or over, you have been provided 21 days from the date of this Agreement to consider whether to enter into this Agreement.
SETTLEMENT Agreement and Release of Claims
This Agreement is made between ______________ (“you”) and TTEC (collectively, the “Parties”). In consideration of the mutual promises and other benefits set forth herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. | Settlement Payment: Provided that you sign and return this Agreement, and it thereafter becomes effective as described below, you will receive a settlement payment equivalent to ___________________of your base salary, for a total amount of $__________________ (“Settlement Payment”). Payment shall be made in bi-weekly installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll schedule, less applicable federal, state, and local taxes and other authorized deductions and shall be started within 15 days of the Termination Date. |
2. | Benefits: Your current medical, dental, vision and healthcare flexible spending account coverage (to the extent that you have a positive balance in that account as of today’s date) will be continued until the Termination Date. After the Termination Date, you may continue your existing medical insurance coverage at your own expense pursuant to your rights under federal law (commonly referred to as “COBRA”). You will receive information on COBRA in a later mailing. |
3. | Other Compensation Due You: You will receive payment for any salary earned through the date of your separation from the Company, less applicable taxes and authorized or required withholding deductions. You understand that you will be paid your earned wages and commissions, if any, set forth in this paragraph regardless of whether you sign this Agreement. |
4. | Reimbursement for Business Expenses: Within five days of the Termination Date, you will provide to the Company expense reports detailing all items, if any, for which you seek reimbursement, and the required supporting documentation for such expenses. If you hold a corporate credit card account, and there is an outstanding amount due and owing on that account, you must submit documentation showing that the account |
has been paid in full within five days of the Termination Date and understand and agree that if you do not, the Company may withhold any amounts due and owing on that account from the Settlement Payment. Your expense reports and supporting documentation will be subject to the same level of review that all other similar submissions receive from the Company’s Accounting Department. The Company will reimburse you in accordance with its existing policies and procedures. In addition, you will provide supporting documentation for all previously filed expense reports and agree to cooperate with the Company’s Accounting Department to resolve in good faith any issues relating to expenses. |
5. | Return and Prohibition of Removal of Company Property and Records. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, you shall return all Company property and records on the Termination Date. In the event you fail to return such property or records provided herein, you shall be liable to the Company for the value of all such property and records, and all reasonable costs, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by the Company in recovering such property or records. Company property and records shall include, but is not limited to, cell phones, pagers, BlackBerry devices, tablets, laptops, printers, fax machines, and any Company related document whether in written or electronic form and whether created by you or another person or entity. Company equipment, files or business information of any kind, whether written, electronic, digital, or otherwise, shall not be copied, taken or otherwise used by you without the prior written consent of the Company. In addition, the Company reserves the right to pursue all legal and equitable relief available for breach of this paragraph. |
6. | Agreement to Protect Confidential Information, Assign Inventions, and Prevent Unfair Competition and Unfair Solicitation. You understand that all terms and conditions of your “Agreement to Protect Confidential Information, Assign Inventions, and Prevent Unfair Competition and Unfair Solicitation” (the “Non-Compete Agreement”) and any other applicable employment documents you signed during your employment at TTEC, survive Termination and shall remain in full force and effect. |
7. | Acknowledgment: You understand and agree that, absent this Agreement, you would not otherwise be entitled to the payment specified in Paragraph 1. Further, by signing this Agreement, you agree that you are entitled only to the payments described in this Agreement and that you are not entitled to any payments that are not specifically listed in this Agreement, excluding vested rights you may have pursuant to the Company’s 401(k), Stock Option, Restricted Stock Units and Life Insurance plans. |
8. | General Release of All Claims: In exchange for the Company’s payments in Paragraph 1, you promise that you will not sue TTEC Services Corporation, including its past and present parents, subsidiaries, partnerships, affiliated companies, officers, directors, employees, or agents. By signing below, you release TTEC Services Corporation, including its past and present parents, subsidiaries, partnerships, affiliated companies, officers, directors, employees or agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”), from any and all claims you may have, known or unknown, that are releasable by private agreement, arising at any time through the date that this Agreement becomes effective, which is eight [8] days after you sign it without revoking it. The release specifically includes and is not limited to: |
a. | any and all rights or claims under any of the following laws: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000-e, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended; the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended; the National Labor Relations Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866, 1871, and 1991; the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the Employment Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; the Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended; the Conscientious Employment Protection Act, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and any other federal, state, or local employment statute, law, or ordinance, including any and all claims of employment discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, |
national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, lawful off-duty conduct, or retaliation; and
b. | any and all common-law claims such as wrongful discharge, violation of public policy, breach of contract, promissory estoppel, defamation, negligence, infliction of emotional distress, any intentional torts, outrageous conduct, interference with contract, fraud, misrepresentation, and invasion of privacy; and |
c. | any and all claims for any of the following: money damages (including actual, compensatory, liquidated or punitive damages), equitable relief such as reinstatement or injunctive relief, front or back pay, wages, commissions, bonuses, benefits, sick pay, PTO pay, vacation pay, costs, interest, expenses, attorney fees, or any other remedies; and |
d. | any and all claims arising under any federal or state "whistleblower" law, including without limitation the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Whistleblower Protection Act, and common-law wrongful discharge in violation of public policy. |
9. | Age Waiver for Executive 40 Years Old or More: By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that: |
a. | The General Release in this Agreement includes a waiver and release of all claims you may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.); |
b. | You have carefully read, and understand, this Agreement; |
c. | You have twenty-one (21) days from the date of this Agreement to consider your rights and obligations under this Agreement and if you elect to sign it sooner, have done so knowingly, voluntarily, and after giving it your due consideration; |
d. | You were, and hereby are, advised to consult with an attorney and/or any other advisors of your choice before signing this Agreement; |
e. | You understand that this Agreement is legally binding and by signing it you give up certain rights; |
f. | You have voluntarily chosen to enter into this Agreement and have not been forced or pressured in any way to sign it; |
g. | You knowingly and voluntarily release the Released Parties from any and all claims you may have, known or unknown, in exchange for the payments and benefits you have obtained by signing this Agreement, and that these payments are in addition to any payments or benefits you would have otherwise received if you did not sign this Agreement; |
h. | You have seven (7) days from the date you sign this Agreement to change your mind and revoke your acceptance. To be effective, your revocation must be in writing and tendered to TTEC Corporate Headquarters, Human Capital Department, 9197 S. Peoria Street, Englewood, Colorado 80112 Attn: Settlement Agreements, either by mail or by hand delivery, within the seven (7) day period. If by mail, the revocation must be: 1) postmarked within the seven (7) day period; 2) properly addressed; and 3) sent by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. The Agreement will become effective on the eighth day after you sign it, provided you do not revoke your acceptance. You understand that the Company is not required to make the payments described herein unless and until this Agreement becomes effective; and |
i. | You understand that this Agreement does not waive any rights or claims that may arise after this Agreement is signed and becomes effective, which is after the Company’s actual receipt of your signed signature page and after the 7-day revocation period has expired. |
10. | No Admission of Wrongdoing: By entering into this Agreement, neither you nor the Company nor any of the Released Parties suggest or admit any wrongdoing or violation of law. |
11. | No Claims Filed: As a condition of the Company entering into this Agreement, you represent that you have not filed, and do not intend to file, any lawsuit against the Company, or any of the other Released Parties. This Agreement shall not be construed to prohibit you from filing a charge or complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or participating in any investigation or proceedings conducted by either entity. |
12. | Confidentiality: You agree that the terms of this Agreement are confidential. You also agree not to tell anyone about this Agreement and not to disclose any information contained in this Agreement to anyone, other than your lawyer, financial advisor and immediate family members, unless you are compelled to do so by law. If you do tell your lawyer, financial advisor or immediate family members about this Agreement or its contents, you must immediately tell them that they must keep it confidential as well. |
13. | Breach of this Agreement: You promise to abide by the terms and conditions in this Agreement and understand that if you do not, the Company is entitled to seek damages and injunctive relief. |
14. | Entire Agreement: This Agreement, together with the Arbitration Agreement, Agreement to Protect Confidential Information, Assign Inventions and Non-Solicitation (collectively, the "Executive Agreements") constitute the complete understanding between the Parties concerning all matters affecting your employment with the Company, the termination thereof and any ongoing responsibilities. You hereby affirm and will comply with any and all ongoing obligations contained in the Executive Agreements, including obligations relating to confidentiality of Company information and binding arbitration. Moreover, you acknowledge that no promises or representations have been made to induce you to sign this Agreement other than as expressly set forth herein and that you have signed this Agreement as a free and voluntary act. |
15. | Severability. If any clause, provision or paragraph of this Agreement is found to be void, invalid or unenforceable, such finding shall have no effect on the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue to be in full force and effect. Each provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
16. | Changes to the Agreement: This Agreement may not be changed unless the changes are in writing and signed by you and an authorized representative of the Company. |
17. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, excluding its choice of law rules, and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. |
If you agree, please sign and return to the Company as instructed above.
By signing below, you accept
this Agreement and all of
the terms herein.
TTEC Services Corporation
By:______________________________
By:______________________________
Date: October 19, 2022Date:______________________________