Employment Terms Amendment Letter between Vector Group Ltd. and Howard M. Lorber (Post-Distribution)
This letter agreement between Vector Group Ltd. and Howard M. Lorber outlines changes to Lorber's employment terms following the company's distribution transaction with Douglas Elliman Inc. (Spinco). Upon the distribution's completion and Lorber's continued employment, he is permitted to serve as Spinco's President and CEO, with adjusted time commitments to Vector. His base salary is set at $1,800,000 per year, with additional allowances for lodging, business expenses, and a club membership. Other terms of his original employment agreement remain unchanged. The agreement is effective only if the distribution occurs and Lorber remains employed through that date.
Exhibit 10.3
[Vector Letterhead]
December 21, 2021
Howard M. Lorber
At the Address on File with the Company
Dear Howard:
This letter confirms our mutual understanding regarding your employment with Vector Group Ltd. (the Company) following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement (the Distribution Agreement) by and between the Company and Douglas Elliman Inc. (Spinco) dated as of December 21, 2021. This letter becomes effective as of, and is conditioned upon the occurrence of, the Distribution Date (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) and your continued employment with the Company through that date. In the event the Distribution Date does not occur, or your employment with the Company terminates for any reason prior to the Distribution Date, then this letter will be null and void and of no force or effect.
Notwithstanding the requirements in your Employment Agreement with the Company dated as of January 27, 2006 (the Employment Agreement) to devote substantially all of your working hours to performing services for the Company, the Company consents to the commencement of your service as Spincos President and Chief Executive Officer and on its Board of Directors effective as of the Distribution Date, and recognizes that your responsibilities to Spinco will preclude you from devoting substantially all of your business time and attention to the Companys affairs.
In exchange for such consent, you agree to devote to the Companys affairs a sufficiently substantial portion of your business time and attention as may be reasonably necessary to accomplish the objectives of the Company. You also agree that, effective as of the Distribution Date, (i) the Company will pay you a base salary at the rate of $1,800,000 per annum and (ii) the Company will provide you with a $3,750 per month allowance for lodging and related business expenses and you will be entitled to a club membership and dues at one (1) club. You further acknowledge and agree that the foregoing changes to your compensation will not give rise to any rights to voluntarily termination your employment in connection with Section 6(e) of your Employment Agreement and collect severance.
Except as expressly set forth herein, the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. This letter may not be amended except by a writing executed by the parties hereto. This letter will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without reference to principles of conflicts of law.
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If you agree that this letter correctly memorializes our understanding, please sign and return this letter, which will become a binding agreement on our receipt.
Sincerely, | ||
Vector Group Ltd. | ||
By: | /s/ James B. Kirkland III | |
Name: | James B. Kirkland III | |
Title: | Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
Accepted and Agreed: |
/s/ Howard M. Lorber |
Howard M. Lorber |
Date: December 21, 2021 |