IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.
(Signature Page to Eugene A. Hall Amended and Restated Employment Agreement)
Exhibit A
RELEASE AGREEMENT
This Release Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made by and between Eugene A. Hall (“Executive”) and Gartner, Inc. (“Company”) (jointly referred to as the “Parties”).
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises made herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1.Consideration. The Company agrees to provide Executive with the consideration set forth in the Employment Agreement between Executive and the Company dated effective April __2011 (the “Employment Agreement”). No consideration shall be due or payable to Executive by the Company until the Effective Date of this Agreement, as that term is defined below.
2.Payment of Salary. Executive acknowledges and represents that the Company has paid all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation, interest, severance, stock, stock options, vesting, fees, business expenses, and any and all benefits and compensation due to Executive, with the exception of the consideration provided for in this Agreement.
3.Release of Claims. Executive agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company and its current and former: officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations and assigns (the “Releasees”). Executive, on his own behalf, and on behalf of his respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby fully and forever releases the Company and the other Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, any claim, duty, obligation or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement including, without limitation:
(a) any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment with the Company or the termination of that employment;
(b) any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of, shares of Company stock, including, but not limited to, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;
(c) any and all claims under the law of any jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, wrongful discharge of employment; constructive discharge from employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic
advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; and conversion;
(d) any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Sarbanes Oxley Act; the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act; the Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Law; and the Connecticut General Statute Title 31;
(e) any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state, constitution;
(f) any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;
(g) any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the non-withholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive as a result of this Agreement; and
(h) any and all claims for attorney fees and costs.
The Company and Executive agree that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to (a) any obligations incurred under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the obligation to provide the consideration referenced inSection 1, (b) payment of accrued benefits under an employee benefit plan, to the extent and in the manner prescribed by the plan documents; (c) the election of continued healthcare coverage under an employee health plan pursuant to COBRA; (d) the application for and/or receipt of unemployment benefits to the extent eligible; (e) the receipt of indemnification under the Company’s charter, bylaws or other organizational documents of the Company, or (f) any claims for benefits under the Director & Officer insurance of the Company.
4.Acknowledgement of Waiver of Claims Under ADEA. Executive acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”) and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled. Executive further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing that:
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| a. he should consult with an attorneyprior to executing this Agreement; |
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| b. he has twenty-one (21) calendar days within which to consider this Agreement; |
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| c. he has seven (7) calendar days following his execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement; |
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| d. this ADEA waiver shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired; and, |
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| e. nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. |
ANY REVOCATION SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND DELIVERED TO LEWIS G. SCHWARTZ, AT 56 TOP GALLANT ROAD, STAMFORD, CT 06904 ON OR BEFORE 11:59 P.M. ON THE SEVENTH DAY AFTER EXECUTIVE’S EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
5.No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Executive represents that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Executive also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against any of the Releasees.
6.No Assistance. Executive agrees that he will not knowingly counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so. Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or court order to the Company. If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Executive shall state no more than that he cannot provide counsel or assistance.
7.Breach. Executive acknowledges and agrees that any breach of any provision of this Agreement by Executive shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Company immediately to recover the consideration provided to Executive under this Agreement.
8.Non-Disparagement. The Parties agree to refrain from (i) any defamation, libel or slander, or (ii) tortious interference with the contracts and relationships, in either case, of the other Party (and, in the case of Executive, the Releasees as well).
9.No Admission of Liability. The Parties understand and acknowledge that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of potential claims. No action taken by the Parties, previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be construed to be: (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any claims made, or (b) an admission by either party of any fault or liability whatsoever to the other party or to any third party.
10.No Representations. Each party represents that it has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Neither party has relied upon any representations or statements made by the other party hereto which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.
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11.Severability. In the event that any provision in this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision so long as the remaining provisions remain intelligible and continue to reflect the original intent of the Parties.
12.Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.
13.No Oral Modification. Any modification or amendment of this Agreement, or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement, shall be effective only if placed in writing and signed by both Parties or their authorized representatives.
14.Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action.
15.Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard for choice of law provisions.
16.Effective Date. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth day after it has been signed by both Parties (the “Effective Date”), provided that Employee has not revoked the Agreement before that date. This Agreement shall become effective or enforceable, and the consideration provided herein shall not be payable, until the Effective Date.
17.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.
18.Voluntary Execution of Agreement. This Agreement is executed voluntarily and with the full intent of releasing all claims, and without any duress or undue influence by any of the Parties. The Parties acknowledge that:
(a) They have read this Agreement;
(b) They have been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of their own choice or that they have voluntarily declined to seek such counsel;
(c) They understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains; and
(d) They are fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the dates set forth below.
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Dated: | | | By: | | |
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| | | | For Gartner, Inc. | |
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Dated: | | | By: | | |
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| | | | Eugene A. Hall | |
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