Severance Agreement - Qwest Communications International Inc. and John W. Richardson
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Severance Agreement ("Agreement"), which is effective as of July 28, 2003 (the "Effective Date"), is by and between John W. Richardson ("Executive"), who is an officer of Qwest Communications International, Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal executive offices in Denver, Colorado or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates ("Company") and who is employed by Qwest Services Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company, and Company and any successor thereto:
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to encourage Executive's continued service and dedication in the performance of Executive's duties; and
WHEREAS, in order to induce Executive to remain in the employ of the Company, and in consideration for Executive's continued service to the Company, the Company agrees that Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event that Executive's employment with the Company is terminated in the circumstances described herein.
Therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth below, Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT; AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT. This Agreement does not contain any promise or representation concerning the duration of Executive's employment. Executive's employment is at-will, and may be altered or terminated by either Executive or the Company at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This at-will employment relationship may not be modified unless in a written agreement signed by Executive and either the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Human Resources Officer.
2. CHANGE IN CONTROL
a. CHANGE IN CONTROL DEFINED: For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control" shall have the definition currently in the Qwest Equity Incentive Plan ("Stock Plan").
b. STOCK OPTIONS/EQUITY: The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, periodically grant Executive additional stock options or other awards under the Stock Plan. Notwithstanding the terms of any stock option agreement to the contrary, pursuant to the Board of Directors' resolution effective September 19, 2002, upon a Change in Control, all awards granted to Executive after September 19, 2002 under the Stock Plan shall immediately vest and all stock options shall remain exercisable for the full term of such option.
3. TERMINATION.
a. Termination for Cause. The Company may, in its sole discretion, immediately terminate this Agreement and Executive's employment for Cause by giving notice to Executive. If Executive's employment is terminated for Cause pursuant to this paragraph 3.a., Executive shall not be entitled to any severance payment or any other post-employment obligation provided under this Agreement. Any one or more of the following events shall, for purposes of this Agreement, constitute Cause:
(1) Commission of an act deemed by the Company in its sole discretion to be an act of dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation or other act of moral turpitude that would reflect negatively upon Qwest or compromise the effective performance of Executive's duties;
(2) Unlawful conduct resulting in material injury to Qwest, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion;
(3) Conviction of (or pleading nolo contendere to) a felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
(4) Continued failure to perform Executive's duties to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer (other than such failure resulting from Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after the Chief Executive Officer delivers written notice to Executive specifically identifying the manner in which Executive has failed to substantially perform his or her duties and Executive has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to substantially perform his or her duties; or
(5) Willful violation of the Qwest Code of Conduct or other Qwest policies resulting in injury to Qwest, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion.
For two years following a Change in Control, a termination for Cause shall require the approval of the Board of Directors.
b. Severance Payments When Termination Not By Executive.
(1) Termination without Cause by Company. The parties agree that the Company may terminate Executive's employment without Cause. Except under circumstances described in subparagraph 3.b.(2) below, if Company terminates Executive's employment without Cause, and Executive signs a complete waiver and release of claims against Qwest acceptable to Company in the form attached hereto as Attachment A ("Waiver"), then Company shall pay Executive the "Standard Severance Amount" defined below. The Waiver includes, among other terms, a provision requiring Executive to pay back to Qwest any severance received by Executive if after the payments are made it is determined that, while employed by Qwest or any Qwest entity, Executive engaged in conduct constituting Cause. The Waiver does not include a release of Qwest's obligations, if any, to indemnify Executive under Qwest bylaws or applicable state law. The Standard Severance Amount will equal Executive's highest annual base salary during the 12 months preceding the termination of Executive's employment. The Standard Severance Amount will be paid over a 12-month period through the Company's regular management payroll processes. If, at the end of the 12-month period, Executive has not breached or threatened to breach any part of this Agreement, Executive will also receive a lump-sum payment equal to Executive's highest target bonus percentage or sales incentive in effect during the 12 months preceding the termination of Executive's employment, prorated for the portion of the bonus payment measurement period in which Executive was employed before the termination of Executive's employment, minus any applicable or legally-required withholdings.
(2) Change in Control Termination. If Company (with the required approval of the Board of Directors) terminates Executive's employment without Cause within two years following a Change in Control, then, provided Executive signs a Waiver, as described in subparagraph 3.b.(1) above, Company shall pay Executive the Change in Control Severance Amount defined in the following sentence: The Change in Control Severance Amount payable to Executive will equal (a) (i) two times Executive's annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of Executive's employment, or, if greater, Executive's annual base salary in effect at the time of the Change in Control, plus (ii) two times Executive's target annual bonus or annual sales incentive in effect at the time of the termination of Executive's employment, or, if greater, Executive's target annual bonus in effect at the time of the Change in Control plus (b) a pro rata bonus or sales incentive payment for the portion of the bonus payment measurement period in which Executive was employed before the termination of Executive's employment, calculated using individual, business unit and company performance at 100% of target. The Change in Control Severance amount will be paid in a lump sum within 30 days of receiving the signed Waiver.
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c. Change in Control Termination for Good Reason. Executive may terminate his or her employment for Good Reason after giving written notice to the Company within sixty (60) days after an event constituting Good Reason, (as defined in subparagraph 3.c.(1) below). If Executive terminates Executive's employment for Good Reason within two years following a Change in Control, then, provided Executive signs a Waiver (as defined in subparagraph 3.b.(1) above), Company shall pay Executive the Change in Control Severance Amount, as described in subparagraph 3.b.(2) above in a lump sum within 30 days of receiving the signed Waiver.
(1) Termination for Good Reason Following a Change in Control. For purposes of this subparagraph 3.c., Good Reason shall mean:
"Good Reason" shall not include any other circumstances, including but not limited to, Executive's discharge for Cause, Executive's resignation or retirement (other than in the circumstances set forth in (A)-(E) above), or any leave of absence.
d. COBRA Coverage. If Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to subparagraph 3.b. above, Executive may be eligible for Qwest-subsidized COBRA for a period of 12 months (unless Executive becomes ineligible for or forfeits severance benefits pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) following the Executive's election of COBRA health care continuation coverage (generally beginning as of the first day of the first month following the month in which Executive is designated as terminated on the Qwest payroll system) on the same basis as for active employees under the group medical plan. If Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to subparagraph 3.c. above, then the 12 months in the previous sentence shall be increased to 18 months. Executive may continue coverage under COBRA for any period remaining under Internal Revenue Code Section 4980B after the subsidized period is exhausted by paying the full coverage premium(s) set forth in the Executive's COBRA billing statements. This provision shall not extend the period for which any Executive is eligible for COBRA continuation coverage.
4. OFFSET. To the extent permitted by law, any severance benefits received under this Agreement may be reduced by the amount(s) of any outstanding monetary debts Executive owes to Qwest. Such debts will be treated as satisfied to the extent of the withheld payments.
It is the express intent of Qwest that the monies received under this Agreement be a set-off against amounts to which you are entitled under any applicable state unemployment statute.
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5. NONDISCLOSURE. Executive will not disclose outside of Qwest or to any person within Qwest who does not have a legitimate business need to know, any Confidential Information (as defined below) during Executive's employment with the Company or any other Qwest entity. Executive will not disclose to anyone or make any use of any Confidential Information of Qwest after Executive's employment with Qwest ends for any reason, except as required by law after timely notice is given by Executive to Qwest. This agreement not to disclose or use Confidential Information means, among other things, that Executive, for a period of 12 months beginning on the effective date of the termination of Executive's employment with the Company or any other Qwest entity for any reason, may not take or perform a job whose responsibilities would likely lead Executive to disclose or use Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the assumption and performance of such responsibilities, in that situation, would likely result in the disclosure or use of Confidential Information and would likely result in irreparable injury to Qwest. Moreover, during Executive's employment with Qwest, Executive shall not disclose or use for the benefit of Qwest, Executive or any other person or entity any confidential or trade secret information belonging to any former employer or other person or entity to which Executive owes a duty of confidence or nondisclosure of such information. If a court determines that this provision is too broad, Executive and Company agree that the court shall modify the provision to the extent (but not more than is) necessary to make the provision enforceable. "Confidential Information" is any oral or written information not generally known outside of Qwest, including without limitation, trade secrets, intellectual property, software and documentation, customer information (including, without limitation, customer lists), company policies, practices and codes of conduct, internal analyses, analyses of competitive products, strategies, merger and acquisition plans, marketing plans, corporate financial information, information related to negotiations with third parties, information protected by Qwest's privileges (such as the attorney-client privilege), internal audit reports, contracts and sales proposals, training materials, employment and personnel records, performance evaluations, and other sensitive information. This agreement does not relieve Executive of any obligations Executive has to Qwest under law. Nothing in this agreement shall limit, restrict, preclude or influence Executive's testimony in any way or cause Executive not to provide truthful testimony or information in any manner or in response to any inquiry by a governmental official.
6. NONCOMPETE. In light of Executive's senior level position with Qwest, an international corporation engaged in a highly competitive business environment, for a period of 12 months beginning on the effective date of the termination of Executive's employment with the Company or any other Qwest entity, regardless of the reason for the termination and regardless of the party bringing about the termination, Executive agrees not to work for, own more than 2% of the common stock of, advise, represent or assist in any other way any person or entity that competes with, or intends to compete with the Company or any other Qwest entity with respect to any product sold or service performed by the Company or any other Qwest entity in any state or country in which the Company or any other Qwest entity sells such products or performs such services. If a court determines that this provision is too broad, Executive and Company agree that the court should modify the provision to the extent (but not more than is) necessary to make the provision enforceable.
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7. NONSOLICITATION/NO-HIRE. For a period of one year beginning on the effective date of the termination of Executive's employment with the Company or any other Qwest entity, regardless of the reason for the termination and regardless of the party bringing about the termination, Executive agrees not to induce any employee of Qwest to leave Qwest's employment. This agreement means, among other things, that Executive may not have any part in hiring anyone who is a Qwest employee, even if Executive is contacted by the Qwest employee first. For these purposes, employees of Qwest shall include all persons who are employed by the Company or any other Qwest entity at the time Executive violates this paragraph 7 or were employed by the Company or any other Qwest entity at any time during the six months preceding such violation. If a court determines that this provision is too broad, Executive and Company agree that the court should modify the provision to the extent (but not more than is) necessary to make the provision enforceable.
8. REMEDIES FOR VIOLATION OF PARAGRAPHS 5, 6, OR 7. The Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages caused to Qwest which might result from any breach by the Executive of the promises set forth in paragraphs 5, 6, and 7, and that in any event money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Accordingly, subject to paragraph 9, the Executive agrees that if the Executive breaches, or proposes to breach, any portion of this Agreement, Qwest or the Company shall be entitled, in addition to all other remedies that it may have, to an injunction or other appropriate equitable relief to restrain any such breach without showing or proving any actual damage to Qwest.
9. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY. By signing this Agreement, Executive voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently waives any right he or she may have to a jury trial for all claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement and any other claim arising out of or relating to Executive's employment with or termination from the Company. The Company also hereby voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently waives any right it might otherwise have to a jury trial for all claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement and any other claim arising out of or relating to Executive's employment with or termination from the Company.
10. COOPERATION AND REIMBURSEMENT. Executive agrees, both during Executive's employment and following the termination of Executive's employment, to cooperate reasonably with the Company or any other Qwest entity in connection with any dispute, lawsuit, arbitration, or any internal or external investigation involving Qwest or any of their predecessors (a "Proceeding") with respect to which Qwest believes in good faith that Executive may possess relevant information. In that event, upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times, and for reasonable periods, Executive agrees to make himself or herself available for interviews, witness preparation sessions, and appearances in connection with any Proceeding (including, but not limited to, appearances at depositions, hearings and trials). Recognizing that upon Executive's separation from Company, participating in interviews or witness preparation sessions may be a burden, Company agrees to reimburse Executive for the time Executive spends involved in interviews and witness preparation sessions requested by Qwest at a rate equal to Executive's final base salary, computed on an hourly basis (assuming a 40 hour work week), for such time actually spent in such interviews or witness preparation sessions. In addition, Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses Executive incurs in connection with such interviews and witness preparation sessions. Company will not be obligated to reimburse Executive for lost wages, lost opportunities, or other financial consequences of such cooperation, or to make any other payment to Executive other than the payments by Company referred to in the two previous sentences of this paragraph of this Agreement; provided, however, nothing in this paragraph 10 shall impair or limit any
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rights or entitlement Executive may have to indemnification and director's and officer's liability insurance coverage. The parties further agree that Company will not, and will not be obligated to, reimburse Executive for any time spent testifying in any Proceeding (including, but not limited to, appearances at depositions, hearings and trials), although Company will reimburse reasonable expenses for such appearances, as provided above. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit, restrict, preclude, require or influence Executive's testimony in any Proceeding or cause Executive not to provide truthful testimony or information in any matter or in response to any inquiry by a government official or representative. Company's obligation to reimburse Executive as described above is conditional upon Executive providing, at all times, information that he objectively, reasonably and in good faith believes to be truthful in connection with any Proceeding.
11. INDEMNIFICATION. Both during Executive's employment and after the termination of Executive's employment for any reason, Company, or any subsidiary or successor of Company of which Executive is an officer or member of the board of directors, shall indemnify Executive to the fullest extent required or permitted by its Bylaws and applicable law.
12. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive, Executive's assigns, the Company, any other Qwest entity, and their successors and assigns.
13. CHOICE OF LAW. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal law, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Colorado.
14. SEVERABILITY. If one or more terms, provisions or parts of this Agreement are found by a court or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, the terms, provisions or parts shall be modified to the extent (but not more than is) necessary to make the provision enforceable. Additionally, all other terms, provisions and parts of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
15. COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters addressed in this Agreement, and supersedes all prior representations, understandings and agreements of the parties with respect to the matters addressed in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any and all prior agreements for the payment of severance benefits. The parties acknowledge that no promises or representations have been made to induce Company or Executive to sign this Agreement other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement, and that each party has signed this Agreement as a free and voluntary act. No term or provision of this Agreement may be modified or extinguished, in whole or in part, except by a writing which is dated and signed by both Executive and the Chief Executive Officer of Company and approved by the Board Of Directors.
16. CONSTRUCTION; REPRESENTATION. In any interpretation of this Agreement, any ambiguities shall not be construed against any party on the basis that the party was the drafter. Executive represents that Executive is knowledgeable and sophisticated as to business matters, including the subject matter of this Agreement, that he or she has read this Agreement and that he understands its terms. Executive acknowledges that, prior to assenting to the terms of this Agreement, Executive has been encouraged to, and has been given a reasonable amount of time to review it, to consult with counsel of Executive's choice, and to negotiate at arm's-length with the Company as to its contents. Executive and Company agree that the language used in this Agreement is the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and that they have entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily and without pressure or coercion from anyone.
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17. CONDITIONAL REPAYMENT OF PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS. If Executive receives benefits under Paragraph 3.b.(1) above, and, within two years following Executive's termination of employment, Company determines that during Executive's employment with Qwest, Executive engaged in conduct that would have constituted "Cause" for termination (as defined in 3.a. above), regardless of (i) when during Executive's employment with Qwest such conduct occurred, (ii) when Qwest knew or learns of such conduct or should have known of such conduct, or (iii) what Qwest now knows or should have known about Executive's conduct, then Company shall provide to Executive (or, if applicable, Executive's estate or beneficiary) written notification of such determination, which written notification shall expressly set forth the basis for Company's determination in reasonable detail. After Company provides this written notification to Executive, it may stop or withhold any payments which have not been made under this Agreement. If Executive disputes that such Cause exists or existed, Executive and his or her counsel shall make a presentation to the Company to request that Company withdraw such determination. If the matter is not settled or resolved after Executive's presentation to the Company, either party may commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction, subject to the waiver of any right to jury trial in Paragraph 9 above. In addition, if Executive breaches Executive's obligations under the Nondisclosure (Paragraph 5) or Noncompete (Paragraph 6) provisions of this Agreement, Company may stop or withhold any payments which have not been made under this Agreement.
If a court finds that Cause exists or existed or that Executive has breached Executive's obligations under the Nondisclosure or Noncompete provisions of this Agreement, or if Executive does not timely commence an action disputing Company's Cause determination, Executive shall make prompt repayment to Company of the cash payments provided in Section 3 of this Agreement and other benefits received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the value of any discounted COBRA coverage). Consistent with applicable law, any repayments shall include an interest factor equal to the applicable federal short term interest rate pursuant to Internal Revenue Code section 1274. Interest shall begin to accrue on the 31st day after Executive (or, if applicable, Executive's estate or beneficiary) received Company's written notification of its determination that such Cause exists or existed, and shall continue to accrue until complete repayment is made to Company. If Company notifies Executive (or, if applicable, Executive's estate or beneficiary) in writing of the determination that Cause for termination exists prior to having made the payment required pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement, such payment shall not be made unless the Company withdraws its determination, if the arbitrator determines that Cause did not exist, or if the parties agree otherwise.
18. RE-EMPLOYMENT. Executive agrees that if at any time during Executive's severance period Executive accepts employment with Qwest Communications International, Inc., Qwest Services Corporation, any of their wholly-owned subsidiaries or any successor(s) thereto, all severance benefits to which Executive is entitled for the remainder of his or her severance period shall cease effective the date Executive accepts the position.
19. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver by either Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach by either party.
20. HEADINGS. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute part of the Agreement and shall not limit, be used to interpret or otherwise affect in any way the provisions of the Agreement.
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21. NOTICES. Any notices provided hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed effective on the earlier of personal delivery (including personal delivery by telecopy or private overnight carrier) or the third day after mailing by first class mail to the recipient at the address indicated below:
To the Company: | Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Qwest Communications International, Inc. 1801 California Street Denver, CO 80202 | ||
To Executive: | John W. Richardson 3932 Forestridge Drive Richfield, OH 44286 | ||
With a copy to: | _____________________ |
or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties now execute this Agreement, to be effective as of the Effective Date.
| QWEST COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL INC.: | |||
By: | /s/ BARRY K. ALLEN Barry K. Allen Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer | ||
Executive: | |||
By: | /s/ JOHN W. RICHARDSON John W. Richardson SVP—Controller | ||
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ATTACHMENT A
WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
1. Release and Waiver of Claims and Covenant Not to Sue.
As a free and voluntary act, you hereby release and discharge and covenant not to sue, Qwest Communications International Inc., any present or former subsidiary or affiliated Company, any predecessor (including U S WEST and all its affiliates) or successor, and the directors, officers, employees, shareholders and agents of any or all of them, (hereinafter "Qwest"), from any and all debts, obligations, claims, liability, damages, punitive damages, demands, judgments and/or causes of action of any kind whatsoever, including specifically but not exclusively:
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AGREEMENT
I have read and I understand the terms of the foregoing Waiver and Release, and I hereby agree to all of the terms of the foregoing Agreement.
(Employee's Signature) | (Date) |
Please return all pages of this signed agreement to:
Executive Compensation
1801 California Street
Suite 4500
Denver, Colorado 80202
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