Exhibit 10.9

 

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JOSEPH V. TRIPODI

 

ADDRESS REPLY TO:

CHIEF MARKETING AND

 

P.O. DRAWER 1734

COMMERCIAL OFFICER

 

ATLANTA, GA 30301

 

 

404-676-3697

February 24, 2009

 

Mr. Robert Leechman

The Coca-Cola Company

Atlanta, Georgia 30301

 

Dear Robert:

 

This letter outlines the terms of your separation agreement with The Coca-Cola
Company.

 

1.             Effective February 28, 2009, you and the Company have mutually
agreed that you will step down from your current position of Chief Customer and
Commercial Officer.  Thereafter, through the “Separation Date” (as hereinafter
defined), you will continue to work your normal schedule as a Senior Advisor
working on special projects as requested and assigned through my office and as
described in Appendix A.

 

2.             You will be repatriated to London, England, effective March 1,
2009 (the “Repatriation Date”).  On June 1, 2009, you will become employed by
Soft Drinks International, Inc.  You and the Company have mutually agreed that
your employment will terminate on December 31, 2009 (the “Separation Date”). 
You shall remain entitled to receive and be paid all compensation, vacation, and
benefits otherwise arising and accruing or available to you through and
including the Separation Date.  Any remaining but unused vacation to which you
are entitled as of the Separation Date shall be paid to you in cash. 
Additionally, you will be reimbursed or paid for up to $7,500 in financial
planning and related expenses incurred by you prior to your Separation Date.

 

3.             If you sign the enclosed release, you will be eligible for a
benefit under the Company’s Severance Pay Plan equivalent to two years of
salary, based on your current annual salary of $489,300.  This amount will be
paid in a lump sum amount on your Separation Date.

 

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4.             The Company will pay to relocate you to the U.K.  Your move must
be complete, and all expenses submitted, by December 31, 2009.

 

5.             All allowances under the International Service Associate policy
terminate on the Repatriation Date.  You shall continue to be eligible and
participate in the Company’s International Service Program including its Tax
Equalization Policy for all services rendered through the Repatriation Date.

 

6.             Your retirement benefits will consist of those benefits from the
International Thrift Plan, the Overseas Retirement Plan (the “ORP”), and all
other Company plans in which you participate which benefits are vested as of
your Separation Date.  You are currently (and as of the Separation Date shall
remain) fully vested under the International Thrift Plan and the ORP and will
receive a lump sum distribution of your International Thrift Plan account and
the value of any benefit you earned under the ORP according to the terms of such
applicable plans, which amounts will be paid in a lump sum six months following
your Separation Date.

 

7.             You will receive an annual incentive award for 2008 based upon
actual Company performance and your performance; provided that the actual
payment amount of such award shall not be less than $331,745.  This award will
be paid on or about March 15, 2009.  Your participation and any award made to
you under such annual incentive plan shall be determined in a manner consistent
with the terms of such plan as historically utilized and based on criteria
policies and procedures consistent with those applicable to Company executives
having a title and grade level equivalent to yours.

 

8.             You will receive an annual incentive award for 2009 based upon
actual Company performance and your performance; provided that the actual
payment amount of such award shall be computed using no less than an 100%
individual performance factor.  The actual payment amount is contingent upon
actual Company performance and your performance.  Any award will be paid on or
about March 15, 2010.  Your participation and any award made to you under such
annual incentive plan shall be determined in a manner consistent with the terms
of such plan as historically utilized and based on criteria policies and
procedures consistent with those applicable to Company executives having a title
and grade level equivalent to yours.

 

9.             Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s long term incentive
programs and plans and your related Restricted Stock Agreements, you shall
remain and be eligible

 

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to receive your rights and benefits under each of these plans as summarized
below.  You will not receive any additional equity grants after the date hereof.

 

2005-2007 Plan

·      Total of 12,450 restricted shares earned will be released within 90 days
of your Separation Date.

 

2006-2008 Plan

·      All PSUs are forfeited.

 

2007-2009 Plan

·      All PSUs are forfeited.

 

2008-2010 Plan

·      All PSUs are forfeited.

 

10.           All options which you previously have received and in which you
are vested as of the Separation Date will be exercisable according to the terms
of the Company’s applicable stock option plans and programs as well as your
related Stock Option Grant Agreements.  When you exercise your vested stock
options, you will be personally liable for paying any taxes owed on such
exercises.  You will not receive any additional stock option grants after the
date hereof.

 

11.           You will be eligible for a maximum of 12 months of Company-paid
COBRA (provided you remain eligible for COBRA coverage) commencing from and
after the Separation Date.  Thereafter, you will be provided information
regarding continued COBRA coverage at your own expense.

 

12.           The Company will provide at its expense outplacement services
through a designated services provider for not less than 12 months after
Separation Date.

 

13.           If permitted by the applicable plan or policy, benefits and
payments described herein may be offset for amounts owed to the Company or any
affiliate under the Tax Equalization Policy.

 

14.           The terms and conditions in this letter are further conditioned
upon your signing (as of the Separation Date) and adhering to the attached Full
and Complete Release and Agreement on Confidentiality and Competition, and will
be subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee.

 

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Robert, thank you for the time you have devoted to the Company.  Please feel
free to give me a call if you have any questions or would like more information
regarding the above.

 

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Joseph V. Tripodi

 

Joseph V. Tripodi

 

 

 

Agreed to and accepted this 25th day of February, 2009

 

 

/s/ Robert Leechman

 

Robert Leechman

 

 

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Appendix A

 

·      Participate, as requested, in major sponsorship and customer activities

·      Consult, as requested, with the Company’s UK division in the development
of marketing, commercial and customer communications plans for the 2012 Olympic
Games

·      Advise and consult on the Retail Research Councils

·      Advise and consult on the Association Landscape Consolidation Project

 

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FULL AND COMPLETE RELEASE
AND AGREEMENT ON COMPETITION,
TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Release.

 

I, Robert Leechman, in consideration of severance payments under The Coca-Cola
Company Severance Pay Plan, the payments and benefits described in the attached
letter dated February 24, 2009 (the “Separation Letter”), and other good and
valuable consideration, for myself and my heirs, executors, administrators and
assigns, do hereby knowingly and voluntarily release and forever discharge The
Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, joint ventures, joint
venture partners, and benefit plans (collectively “the Company”), and their
respective current and former directors, officers, administrators, trustees,
employees, agents, and other representatives (collectively and along with the
Company the “Releasees”), from all debts, claims, actions, causes of action
(including without limitation those under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938,
as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq. (the “FLSA”); the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. (“ERISA”); the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq.
(“WARN”); and those federal, state, local, and foreign laws prohibiting
employment discrimination based on age, sex, race, color, national origin,
religion, disability, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, or any
other protected trait or characteristic, or retaliation for engaging in any
protected activity, including without limitation the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq. (the “ADEA”), as amended by the
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, 104 Stat. 978 (the “OWBPA”); the Equal Pay
Act of 1963, 9 U.S.C.§ 206, et seq. (the “EPA”); Title VII of The Civil Rights
Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. (“Title VII”); the Civil
Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981; the Civil Rights Act of 1991, 42 U.S.C. §
1981a; the Americans with Disabilities Act,

 

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42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (the “ADA”); the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.
§ 791 et seq.; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2601 and
2611 et seq. (the “FMLA”); and comparable state, local, and foreign causes of
action, whether statutory or common law), suits, dues, sums of money, accounts,
reckonings, covenants, contracts, claims for costs or attorneys’ fees,
controversies, agreements, promises, and all liabilities of any kind or nature
whatsoever, at law, in equity, or otherwise, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, fixed or
contingent, which I ever had, now have, or may have, or which I, my heirs,
executors, administrators or assigns hereafter can, shall, or may have, from the
beginning of time through the date on which I sign this Full and Complete
Release and Agreement on Trade Secrets, Competition and Confidentiality (this
“Agreement”), including without limitation those arising out of or related to my
employment or separation from employment with the Company.

 

I acknowledge and represent that (1) I have received all leave required under
the FMLA, and (2) do not claim that Releasees violated or denied me rights under
the FMLA.  I further acknowledge and represent that I (1) was properly
classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended (“FLSA”),
(2) have been fully paid for hours I worked for the Company and (3) do not claim
that Releasees violated or denied me rights under the FLSA.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that I do not hereby
waive, but rather I have retained and shall continue to have all rights and
entitlements to receive and the Company shall remain obligated to fully perform
and pay (or cause to be performed or paid) (i) all amounts or payments owed to
me as contemplated under the Separation Letter, (ii) all of my rights to seek
and receive indemnification from the Company for and with respect to all acts,
errors or omissions committed by me in my

 

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capacity as a shareholder, director, officer, employee, fiduciary, agent or
representative of the Company all in the manner provided under the Company’s
by-laws (as hereinafter contemplated) and applicable law, (iii) all of my
accrued and vested benefits (including pension or deferred compensation
benefits) as determined through and including the Effective Date under the
Company’s applicable and governing plans and programs including without
limitation all rights received or attributable to any coverage extended me under
any insurance policies maintained with or through third parties, and (iv) all of
my accrued rights under the terms of the Company’s International Service Program
and the Company’s Tax Equalization Policy.

 

I fully understand and agree that:

 

1.               this Agreement is in exchange for severance benefits under the
Company Severance Pay Plan, the payments and benefits described in the
Separation Letter, and other special compensation to which I would otherwise not
be entitled;

 

2.               no rights or claims are released or waived that may arise after
the date this Agreement is signed by me;

 

3.               nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit me from challenging
the validity of the above release as to any claims under the ADEA or from filing
a charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the
“EEOC”) or any other government agency so long as I do not seek, accept or
receive any individual relief whether monetary or equitable in or as a result of
any such charge or complaint;

 

4.               I am hereby advised to consult with an attorney before signing
this Agreement;

 

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5.               I have 21 days from my receipt of this Agreement within which
to consider whether to sign it;

 

6.               I have seven days following my signature of this Agreement to
revoke the Agreement; and

 

7.               this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until
the revocation period of seven days has expired.

 

If I choose to revoke this Agreement, I must do so by notifying the Company in
writing.  This written notice of revocation must be mailed by U.S. first class
mail, or U.S. certified mail within the seven-day revocation period and
addressed as follows:

 

The Coca-Cola Company
Ginny Sutton

One Coca-Cola

Plaza Atlanta, GA 30313

 

If there is any claim for loss of consortium, or any other similar claim,
arising out of or related to my employment or separation of employment with the
Company, I will indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any liability,
including costs and expenses (as well as reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by
the Company as a result of any such claim.

 

Company Release.

 

For and in consideration of my release of the Company under the preceding
provisions and my undertaking of all covenants and agreements provided under
this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the Company for and on
behalf of itself does hereby knowingly and voluntarily release and forever
discharge me and my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns (collectively
the “Executive Released Parties”), from

 

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all debts, claims, actions, causes of action, suits, dues, sums of money,
accounts, reckonings, covenants, contracts, claims for costs or attorneys’ fees,
controversies, agreements, promises, and all liabilities of any kind or nature
whatsoever, at law, in equity, or otherwise, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, fixed or
contingent, which the Company ever had, now have, or may have, or which the
Company hereafter can, shall or may have, from the beginning of time through and
including the Effective Date, including without limitation those arising out of
or related to my employment or my separation from employment with the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that the Company does
not hereby waive, but rather the Company shall have retained and continue to
have all rights and entitlements to enforce all of its rights and my obligations
as against me as provided or contemplated under and in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement or the Separation Letter, under the terms of the Company’s
International Service Program, and under the terms of the Company’s Tax
Equalization Policy.

 

Future Cooperation.

 

I agree and covenant that I shall, to the extent reasonably requested in
writing, cooperate with and serve in any capacity requested by the Company in
any investigation and/or threatened or pending litigation (now or in the future)
in which the Company is a party, and regarding which I, by virtue of my
employment with the Company, have knowledge or information relevant to said
litigation, including, but not limited to, (1) meeting with representatives of
the Company to provide truthful information regarding my knowledge, and
(2) providing, in any jurisdiction in which the Company requests, truthful
testimony relevant to said litigation; provided that in all events the Company
shall (a) reimburse me for actual

 

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and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation including
all travel, lodging and accommodations, (b) remain and be exclusively
responsible for all costs incurred in undertaking such litigation including all
attorneys’ fees, court costs, and other expenses, and (c) notify me as promptly
as possible as to its need for my assistance and cooperate with me in scheduling
my participation so as to reasonably accommodate my other personal and
professional obligations and commitments.

 

Trade Secrets and Confidential Information.

 

I covenant and agree that I have held and shall continue to hold in confidence
all Trade Secrets of the Company that came into my knowledge during my
employment by the Company and shall not disclose, publish or make use of at any
time such Trade Secrets for as long as the information remains a Trade Secret. 
“Trade Secret” means any technical or non-technical data, formula, pattern,
compilation, program, device, method, technique, drawing, process, financial
data, financial plan, product plan, list of actual or potential customers or
suppliers or other information similar to any of the foregoing, which is not
commonly known or available to the public and which (1) derives economic value,
actual or potential, from not being generally known to and not being readily
ascertainable by proper means by other persons who can derive economic value
from its disclosure or use, and (2) is the subject of efforts that are
reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

 

I also covenant and agree that, for the period beginning on the date I sign this
Agreement and ending two years after the date my employment ends,
(“Nondisclosure Period”), I will hold in confidence all Confidential Information
of the Company that came into my knowledge during my employment by the Company
and will not disclose, publish or make

 

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use of such Confidential Information.  “Confidential Information” means any data
or information, other than Trade Secrets, that is valuable to the Company and
not generally known to the public or to competitors of the Company but shall not
include either (i) any information which is available from any public source
other than by means of my disclosure of such information to such source, or
(ii) any information generated by me in the course of my employment which
consists of contact information related to my personal or professional
affiliations consisting solely of names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail
addresses.

 

The restrictions stated in this Agreement are in addition to and not in lieu of
protections afforded to trade secrets and confidential information under
applicable state law.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall be
interpreted as diminishing or otherwise limiting the Company’s right under
applicable state law.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained herein
shall prevent me from disclosing or otherwise utilizing any information (i) in
any manner required by applicable law, judicial order or other governmental
mandate or investigation provided I shall advise the Company of any such
intended disposition or use and reasonably cooperate with the Company in
allowing the Company to seek and obtain from the recipient governmental or
judicial body any protective order or assurance of confidentiality regarding
such information, or (ii) in fulfillment of my duties or obligations owed to the
Company, or (iii) to the limited extent reasonably necessary to permit my
defense of any claim made against me or my enforcement of any rights held by me
which claim or rights are dependent upon the information so disclosed provided I
shall advise the Company of any such intended disposition or use and reasonably
cooperate with the Company in allowing the Company to seek and obtain from
recipient governmental or

 

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judicial body any protective order or assurance of confidentiality regarding
such information.

 

Return of Materials.

 

I further covenant and agree that I have or shall promptly deliver to the
Company all memoranda, notes, records, manuals or other documents, including all
copies of such materials and all documentation prepared or produced in
connection therewith, containing Trade Secrets or Confidential Information
regarding the Company’s business, whether made or compiled by me or furnished to
me by virtue of my employment with the Company.  I have or shall promptly
deliver to the Company all vehicles, computers, credit cards, telephones,
handheld electronic devices, office equipment, and other property furnished to
me by virtue of my employment with the Company.

 

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No Publicity.

 

During the Nondisclosure Period, I will not publish any opinion, fact, or
material, deliver any lecture or address, participate in the making of any film,
radio broadcast or television transmission, or communicate with any
representative of the media relating to confidential matters regarding the
business or affairs of the Company which I was involved during my employment
with the Company.  I understand that nothing in this Agreement or in this
paragraph: (1) is intended in any way to intimidate, coerce, deter, persuade, or
compensate me with respect to providing, withholding, or restricting any
communication whatsoever to the extent prohibited by law; (2) shall prevent me
from filing and administrative charge with the EEOC or participating in an
investigation or proceeding by the EEOC or any other governmental agency;
(3) shall prevent me from providing testimony or evidence if I am subpoenaed or
ordered by a court or other governmental authority to do so; (4) shall prevent
me from listing or presenting my prior employment with the Company as part of my
curriculum vitae or personal biography; or (5) shall prevent me from undertaking
any such activities otherwise prohibited hereunder with respect to presentations
focusing on me and my personal experience or knowledge which may include
ancillary and historical recitations of my past experiences with the Company and
which do not otherwise involve disclosure of matters or materials which have not
been previously or otherwise publicly released.

 

Non Compete and Non Solicitation.

 

Definitions.

 

For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

 

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(a)       “Non Solicitation Period” means the period beginning on the date I
sign this Agreement and ending on December 31, 2011.

 

(b)       “Restricted Activities” means the development or oversight of sales
and marketing or related operation activities for Restricted Businesses.

 

(c)       “Territory” means North America and the European Union.

 

(d)       “Restricted Businesses” means 1) companies whose primary business is
the manufacture, sale, distribution and marketing of carbonated soft drinks,
coffee, tea, water, juices or fruit-based beverages (“Non-alcoholic Beverages”),
and 2) companies whose business includes the manufacture, sale, distribution and
marketing of Non-alcoholic Beverages, but for whom such business(es) may not be
the company’s primary business (“Non-Beverage Companies”).

 

(e)       “Competing Business Segment” means any subsidiary, division or unit of
the business of a company, where such subsidiary, division or unit manufactures,
sells, distributes or markets Non-alcoholic Beverages.

 

Non Compete.

 

I hereby covenant that I will not, within the Territory prior to December 31,
2011, without the prior written consent of the Chief Marketing Officer, engage
in any Restricted Activities for or on behalf of (including in a consulting
capacity) any Restricted Business.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, I may perform
services for Non-Beverage Companies (other than PepsiCo, its subsidiaries and
affiliates, including but not limited to Pepsi Bottling Group) that have a
Competing Business Segment, provided I do not perform services for such
Competing Business Segment, and provided I notify the Chief Marketing Officer of
the nature of such service in writing within a reasonable

 

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time prior to beginning of such services.

 

Non Solicitation of Employees.

 

I hereby covenant and agree that I will not, within the Territory and during the
Non Solicitation Period, without the prior written consent of the Chief
Marketing Officer, solicit or attempt to solicit for employment for or on behalf
of any corporation, partnership, venture or other business entity any person
who, on the last day of my employment with the Company or within twelve months
prior to that date, was employed by the Company and with whom I had professional
interaction during the last twelve months of my employment with the Company
(whether or not such person would commit a breach of contract).

 

Non Solicitation of Customers,

 

I hereby covenant and agree that I will not, for or on behalf of any Restricted
Business, within the Territory and during the Non Solicitation Period, without
the prior written consent of the Chief Marketing Officer, solicit or attempt to
solicit, directly or indirectly, any business comprising or related to the
Restricted Businesses from any of the Company’s customers, including actively
sought prospective customers, with whom I had professional interaction during my
employment with the Company (collectively “Company Customers”).

 

Reasonable and Necessary Restrictions.

 

I acknowledge that during the course of my employment with the Company I have
received or will receive and had or will have access to Confidential Information
and Trade Secrets of the Company, including but not limited to confidential and
secret business and marketing plans, strategies, and studies, detailed
client/customer/bottler lists and information relating to the operations and
business requirements of those clients/customers/bottlers and, accordingly, I am
willing to enter into the covenants contained in this Agreement in order to

 

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provide the Company with what I consider to be reasonable protection for its
interests.

 

I acknowledge that the restrictions, prohibitions and other provisions hereof,
are reasonable, fair and equitable in scope, terms and duration, and are
necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company.

 

I acknowledge and agree that in the event I breach, or threaten in any way to
breach, or it is inevitable that I will breach, any of the provisions of this
Agreement, damages shall be an inadequate remedy and the Company shall be
entitled, without bond, to seek injunctive or other equitable relief in addition
to all other rights otherwise available to the Company at law or in equity.

 

Indemnification.

 

Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights I may have under Article VII
of the Company’s by-laws in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

 

Complete Agreement.

 

This Agreement together with the Separation Letter is the complete understanding
between me and the Company in respect of the subject matter of this Agreement
and, supersedes all prior agreements relating to the same subject matter.  I
have not relied upon any representations, promises or agreements of any kind
except those set forth herein or in the Separation Letter in signing this
Agreement.

 

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Severability.

 

In the event that any provision of this Agreement should be held to be invalid
or unenforceable, each and all of the other provisions of this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect.  If any provision of this Agreement is found to
be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified as necessary to
permit this Agreement to be upheld and enforced to the maximum extent permitted
by law.

 

Governing Law.

 

Except to the extent preempted by Federal Law, this Agreement is to be governed
and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware (except to the extent that
Delaware conflicts of law rules would call for the application of the law of
another jurisdiction) and any and all disputes arising under this Agreement are
to be resolved exclusively by courts sitting in Delaware.  I hereby consent to
the jurisdiction of such courts.

 

Successors and Assigns.

 

This Agreement inures to the benefit of the Company and its successors and
assigns and to the benefit of my heirs, executors, administrators, to the extent
not precluded by the Company’s benefit or compensation plans.

 

Amendment/Waiver.

 

No amendment, modification or discharge of this Agreement shall be valid or
binding unless set forth in writing and duly executed by each of the parties
hereto.

 

Acknowledgment.

 

Each of the undersigned has carefully read this Agreement, fully understand each
of its terms and conditions, and intend to abide by this Agreement in every
respect.  As such, each of the undersigned individually or through its duly
authorized officers knowingly and

 

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voluntarily signs this Agreement under his or its respective hand and seal as
his or its respective legally binding and enforceable obligation.

 

(SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE)

 

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Signature:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Leechman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

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