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Execution Copy




EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT




     This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into on August 10, 2007 but
effective as of the 1st day of March, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), between HCC INSURANCE HOLDINGS,
INC. (“HCC” or “Company”) and EDWARD H. ELLIS, JR. (“Executive”), sometimes collectively referred
to herein as the “Parties.”



R E C I T A L S:




     WHEREAS, Executive is to be employed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of HCC (“CFO”);



     WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of Directors of HCC (the “Board”) to (i) directly
engage Executive as an officer of HCC and (ii) directly engage, if elected, the services of
Executive as a director of HCC or its subsidiaries or affiliates; and



     WHEREAS, Executive is desirous of committing himself to serve HCC on the terms herein
provided.



     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and
agreements set forth below, the Parties agree as follows:



     1. Term. The Company hereby agrees to employ Executive as an Executive Vice President
and its CFO, and Executive hereby agrees to accept such employment, on the terms and conditions set
forth herein, for the period (the “Term”) commencing on the Effective Date and expiring at the
earlier to occur of (a) 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2009 (the “Expiration Date”) and (b) the
Termination Date (as hereinafter defined).



     2. Duties.



          (a) Duties as Employee of the Company. Executive shall, subject to the supervision of
HCC’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), act as CFO and be responsible for oversight of investments,
Treasury, internal audit, mergers and acquisitions and rating agencies in the ordinary course of
its business with all such powers with respect to such management and control as may be reasonably
incident to such responsibilities. Executive may also be responsible for special corporate
projects as designated by the CEO. During normal business hours, Executive shall devote
substantially all of his time and attention to diligently attending to the business of the Company.
During the Term, Executive shall not directly or indirectly render any services of a business,
commercial, or professional nature to any other person, firm, corporation, or organization, whether
for compensation or otherwise, without the prior consent of the CEO. However, Executive shall have
the right to engage in such activities as may be appropriate in order to manage his personal
investments and in educational, charitable and philanthropic activities so long as such activities
do not interfere or conflict with the performance of his duties to the Company hereunder. The
conduct of such activity shall not be deemed to materially interfere or conflict with Executive’s
performance of his duties until Executive has been notified in writing thereof and given a
reasonable period in which to cure same.




 









 








     (b) Relinquishment. It is understood and agreed that Executive may be asked to
relinquish the position of CFO to a qualified successor appointed by the Board and that such action
shall in no way (1) change the other current responsibilities of Executive (including oversight of
investments, Treasury, internal audit, mergers and acquisitions and rating agencies) or those which
may be added from time-to-time by the CEO; (2) constitute “Good Reason” or “Cause” (as hereinafter
defined); or (3) otherwise affect this Agreement.



     (c) Other Duties.



          (1) If elected, Executive agrees to serve in one or more executive offices of any of HCC’s
subsidiaries including managerial committees or directorships and managerial committees, provided
Executive is indemnified for serving in any and all such capacities in a manner acceptable to the
Company and Executive. Executive agrees that while a full time employee he shall not be entitled
to receive any compensation, if elected, for serving as a director of HCC, or in any capacities of
HCC’s subsidiaries other than the compensation to be paid to Executive by the Company pursuant to
this Agreement. If Executive is not a full time employee, he shall be compensated as an outside
director of HCC, if elected.




          (2) Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has read and considered the written business
policies and procedures of HCC as posted on HCC’s intranet and that he will abide by such policies
and procedures throughout the term of his employment with the Company. Executive further agrees
that he will familiarize himself with any amendments to the policies and procedures and that he
will abide by such policies and procedures as they may change from time to time.




     3. Compensation and Related Matters.



          (a) Base Salary. From the Effective Date through December 31, 2007, Executive shall
receive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) paid by the Company at the annual rate of $500,000,
payable not less frequently than in substantially equal monthly installments (or such other, more
frequent times as executives of HCC normally are paid). Effective as of January 1, 2008, the
annual rate of Executive’s Base Salary shall increase to $525,000, and effective as of January 1,
2009, the annual rate of Executive’s Base Salary shall increase to $550,000; provided that no
increase shall take effect after the Termination Date.




          (b) Bonus Payments. During the Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive, in
addition to the Base Salary, an annual cash bonus payment in amounts to be determined as follows.




               (1) If Executive is a participant under the 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive
Plan”) for a calendar year during the Term, then Executive’s bonus payment, if any, for such year
shall be determined and paid in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan.



               (2) If Executive is not a participant in the Incentive Plan for a calendar year during the
term, then Executive’s bonus payment, if any, for such year shall be determined in the sole
discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) and payable in
a lump sum within 30 days after the Compensation Committee’s determination of the
amount of said cash bonus. The Board or Compensation Committee may unilaterally reduce or



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eliminate any such annual bonus payment, if any, up until the time the bonus is actually paid (and
notwithstanding any earlier, tentative determination of the bonus amount). There shall be no
minimum bonus payable to Executive under this subsection (2), and, except as provided in Sections
4(c)(5) and 4(d)(4) no bonus shall be payable to Executive pursuant to this subsection (2) for a
year if Executive’s Termination Date occurs at any time during such year.




     (c) Expenses. During the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to
receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by him (in accordance
with the policies and procedures established by the Board for the Company’s senior executive
officers) in performing services hereunder, provided that Executive properly accounts therefor in
accordance with Company policy.



     (d) Medical and Other Benefits.



          (1) Other Benefits. From time to time the Company may make available other
compensation and employee benefit plans and arrangements. During the Term Executive shall be
eligible to participate in such other compensation and employee benefit plans and arrangements,
except the Company’s paid time off policy, on the same basis as similarly situated senior executive
officers and key management employees of the Company, subject to and on a basis consistent with the
terms, conditions, and overall administration of such plans and arrangements, as amended from time
to time. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to confer upon Executive or any other person
(including any beneficiary or dependent of Executive) any rights under or with respect to any such
plan or arrangement or to amend any such plan or arrangement, and Executive and each other person
(including any beneficiary) shall be entitled to look only to the express terms of any such plan or
arrangement for his or her rights thereunder. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or
arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be deemed to be in lieu of
the Base Salary payable to Executive pursuant to Section 3(a).




          (2) Continuation of Health Coverage after a Voluntary Termination or Termination for
Cause. If Executive’s employment ceases pursuant to Section 4(e), Executive and/or his
“qualified beneficiaries” (as defined by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
1985, as amended (“COBRA”)) shall be eligible to continue coverage under the Company’s group health
plans in which they participate on the Termination Date (including any successor health plans, the
“Company Health Plans”) only to the extent permitted by the terms of those plans in accordance with
the requirements of COBRA. Executive and/or his qualified beneficiaries shall pay the full cost of
any Company Health Plan coverage continued pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.




          (3) Continuation of Health Coverage after Death.





               (i) If Executive’s employment ceases pursuant to Section 4(c), each qualified
beneficiary of Executive shall be eligible to continue coverage under the Company
Health Plans in which they participated on the Termination Date until the expiration
of the maximum required period for continuation coverage under COBRA, determined as
if such qualified beneficiary elected COBRA continuation coverage and
paid the required premium for such continuation coverage. The Company shall
pay the full required premium for such continuation coverage, which shall satisfy
any obligation to provide continuation coverage under COBRA for such period.



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          (ii) After the continuation coverage under subsection (i) above ends, the
Company shall reimburse Executive’s qualified beneficiaries who would have been
eligible for coverage under the Company Health Plans at such time had Executive
continued to be an active employee of the Company for the cost of the premium for
(A) an individual health insurance policy or policies which provide benefits during
the Extended Coverage Period (as hereinafter defined) which are comparable in the
aggregate to the benefits provided under the Company Health Plans (exclusive of the
Company’s health flexible spending account plan) or (B) health coverage under any
other employer health plan which is available to the qualified beneficiaries and
which provides benefits during the Extended Coverage Period which are comparable in
the aggregate to the benefits provided under the Company Health Plans (exclusive of
the Company’s health flexible spending account plan); provided, however, that the
Company shall not reimburse the cost of such health coverage for a qualified
beneficiary (including Executive’s spouse) to the extent that coverage extends
beyond the Extended Coverage Period for such qualified beneficiary. Such
reimbursement shall be subject to the requirements of Section 3(d)(5).




     (4) Continuation of Health Coverage after Other Termination Events.



          (i) If Executive’s employment ceases pursuant to Section 4(b), 4(d), or 4(f),
or if Executive ceases to be an employee of the Company on or after January 1, 2010
for any reason other than termination for Cause, Executive and each of his qualified
beneficiaries shall be eligible to continue coverage under the Company Health Plans
in which they participate on the Termination Date until the expiration of the
maximum required period for continuation coverage under COBRA, determined as if
Executive and each such qualified beneficiary elected COBRA continuation coverage
and paid the required premium for such continuation coverage. The Company shall pay
the full required premium for such continuation coverage, which shall satisfy any
obligation to provide continuation coverage under COBRA for such period.




          (ii) After the continuation coverage under subsection (i) above ends, the
Company shall reimburse Executive for the cost of the premium for (A) an individual
health insurance policy or policies which provide benefits to Executive and his
qualified beneficiaries who would have been eligible for coverage under the Company
Health Plans at such time had Executive continued to be an active employee of the
Company during the Extended Coverage Period (as hereinafter defined), which benefits
are comparable in the aggregate to the benefits provided under the Company Health
Plans (exclusive of the Company’s health flexible spending account plan and
determined after applying the Company Health Plan provisions regarding coordination
of benefits if other health coverage is available to Executive) or (B) health
coverage under any other employer health plan which is




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available to Executive and
such
qualified beneficiaries and which provides benefits during the Extended
Coverage Period which are comparable in the aggregate to the benefits provided under
the Company Health Plans (exclusive of the Company’s health flexible spending
account plan); provided, however, that the Company shall not reimburse the cost of
such health coverage for Executive or for a qualified beneficiary (including
Executive’s spouse) to the extent such coverage extends beyond the Extended Coverage
Period for Executive or for such qualified beneficiary. Such reimbursement shall be
subject to the requirements of Section 3(d)(5).



          (5) The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement under the provisions of Sections 3(d)(3)
and 3(d)(4) which refer to this Section 3(d)(5) during the taxable year of the recipient of such
reimbursements shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year.
The recipient must submit such eligible expenses to the Company within a reasonable period of time
after the expenses are incurred, and payment for any such expenses must occur on or before the last
day of the recipient’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred
(expenses submitted after this payment deadline shall not be eligible for reimbursement). The
right to reimbursement of such expenses is not subject to liquidation or exchange for any other
benefit.




          (6) The “Extended Coverage Period” for Executive or a qualified beneficiary (including
Executive’s spouse) is the period (i) beginning on the date on which deemed COBRA continuation
coverage ends and (ii) ending on the earlier to occur of (A) in the case of Executive, the date
Executive becomes entitled to Medicare coverage and, in the case of Executive’s spouse, the date
Executive’s spouse becomes entitled to Medicare coverage and (B) the date on which Executive’s
qualified beneficiary (other than Executive’s spouse) would have ceased to be eligible for coverage
under the terms of the Company Health Plans if Executive had continued to be an active employee of
the Company.




     (e) Vacations. Executive shall be entitled to twenty-five (25) paid vacation days per
year during the Term, or such additional number as may be determined by the Board from time to
time, but in no event shall any unused vacation days carry over from year-to-year. For purposes of
this Section, weekends shall not count as vacation days, and Executive shall also be entitled to
all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executive officers.



     (f) Proration. The Base Salary, bonus, and vacation payable to Executive hereunder in
respect of any calendar year during which Executive is employed by the Company for less than the
entire year, unless otherwise provided in the applicable arrangement, shall be prorated in
accordance with the number of days in such calendar year during which he is so employed.



     (g) Air Travel. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to domestic first class
and international business class air travel, where available, when traveling on Company business,
and Executive agrees to use any upgrade programs or opportunities for such travel whenever
feasible.



     (h) Stock Options. Stock options, if any, issued to Executive during the Term shall
be issued under a stock option agreement containing terms with respect to vesting and exercise



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upon
the occurrence of certain termination events that are substantially the same as those set forth on
Exhibit 3(h) hereto, subject to any then required approval by the Compensation Committee of
the Board.




     4. Termination.



          (a) Definitions.




               (1) "Cause” shall mean any of the following:




                    (i) Material dishonesty by Executive which is not the result of an inadvertent
or innocent mistake of Executive with respect to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries;




                    (ii) Willful misfeasance or nonfeasance of duty by Executive;




                    (iii) Material violation by Executive of any material term of this Agreement;
or




                    (iv) Conviction of Executive of any felony, any crime involving moral
turpitude, or any crime (other than a vehicular offense not involving DUI or
personal injury) which in some material fashion results in the injury of the
Company’s and any of its subsidiaries’ reputation, business, or business
relationships.


Executive may not be terminated for Cause unless and until there has been delivered to Executive
written notice from the CEO supplying the particulars of Executive’s acts or omissions that the
Board believes constitute Cause, a reasonable period of time (not less than 30 days) has been given
to Executive after such notice to either cure the same or to meet with the CEO, with his attorney
if so desired by Executive, and following which the CEO reaffirms that Executive has been
terminated for Cause as of the date set forth in the final notice to Executive.




               (2) A "Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:




                    (i) Any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) other than a trustee or other fiduciary
holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company becomes the
“beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934), directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the Company’s then outstanding
voting common stock; or




                    (ii) The shareholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the
Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation (a) in
which a majority of the directors of the surviving entity were directors of the
Company prior to such consolidation or merger, and (b) which would result in the
voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to
represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being changed into



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voting
securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting
power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately
after such merger or consolidation; or




                    (iii) The shareholders approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or
an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all
of the Company’s assets.



               (3) A "Disability” shall mean the inability of Executive to engage in any substantial
gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be
expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than
twelve (12) months. Executive shall be considered to have a Disability (i) if he is determined to
be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration or (ii) if he is determined to be
disabled under HCC’s long-term disability plan in which Executive participates and if such plan
defines “disability” in a manner that is consistent with the immediately preceding sentence.



               (4) A "Good Reason” shall mean any of the following (without Executive’s express
written consent):




                    (i) A material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or
responsibilities;




                    (ii) A material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary ;




                    (iii) A relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices, or Executive’s
relocation to any place other than the principal executive offices, exceeding a
distance of fifty (50) miles from the Company’s current executive office located in
Houston, Texas, except for reasonably required travel by Executive on the Company’s
business; or




                    (iv) Any material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement.


However, Good Reason shall exist with respect to a matter specified above only if such matter is
not corrected by the Company within thirty (30) days after the Company’s receipt of written notice
of such matter from Executive. Any such notice from Executive must be provided within thirty (30)
days after the initial existence of the specified event. In no event shall a termination by
Executive occurring more than ninety (90) days following the initial date of the event described
above be a termination for Good Reason due to such event.




               (5) "Termination Date” shall mean the date Executive’s employment with the Company
terminates or is terminated for any reason pursuant to this Agreement. For purposes of Sections
4(d) and 18(a), Executive’s employment with the Company shall be considered terminated only if
Executive has a “separation from service” with the Company and its controlled subsidiaries and
affiliates as such term is defined for purposes of sections 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) and 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (including any related Treasury regulations) (the
“Code”). To the extent permitted by Code section 409A, Executive may be



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considered to have such a
separation from service even if (i) he continues to provide services as a non-employee director of
the Company or any of its controlled subsidiaries or affiliates and/or (ii) he continues to
provide limited services as an employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its
controlled subsidiaries or affiliates.




     (b) Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason: Benefits. In the event
the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause during the Term, or if
Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason during the Term, this
Agreement shall terminate, and Executive shall be entitled to the following severance benefits:



          (1) An amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been payable after the Termination Date
and before the Expiration Date, payable in a lump sum in cash, appropriately discounted for present
value at the rate of return on 90-day Treasury bills in existence at the Termination Date. Such
amount shall be paid within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date and, in any event, shall be
paid after such Termination Date and before March 15 of the year following the year containing such
Termination Date;




          (2) If Executive is a participant in the Incentive Plan, his entitlement to a bonus following
the Termination Date shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan. If
Executive is not a participant in the Incentive Plan, he shall not be entitled to any bonus
payments after the Termination Date;




          (3) A lump sum cash payment in the amount of $1350.00 times the number of months after the
Termination Date and before the Expiration Date in lieu of any other benefits that cease on the
Termination Date. Such amount shall be appropriately discounted for present value at the rate of
return on 90-day Treasury bills in existence at the Termination Date and shall be paid within
thirty (30) days after the Termination Date and, in any event, shall be paid after such Termination
Date and before March 15 of the year following the year containing such Termination Date.
Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments for such other benefits;




          (4) Health coverage or reimbursement for the cost of health coverage, as provided in Section
3(d)(4);




          (5) All accrued Base Salary through the Termination Date and all unreimbursed expenses through
the Termination Date in accordance with Section 3(c). Such amounts shall be paid to Executive in a
lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date; and




          (6) Executive shall be free to accept other employment, and there shall be no offset of any
employment compensation earned by Executive in such other employment against payments due Executive
under this Section 4. Without limiting the foregoing, there shall be no offset of any compensation
received from such other employment against the Base Salary set forth above, unless Executive
accepts employment that is in violation of his obligations under Section 5 of this Agreement.




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     (c) Termination In Event of Death: Benefits. If Executive’s employment is terminated
by reason of Executive’s death during the Term, this Agreement shall terminate without further
obligation to Executive’s estate or legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for



          (1) Payment of all accrued Base Salary and unreimbursed expenses (in accordance with Section
3(c)) due through the date of death. Such amounts shall be paid to Executive’s estate in a lump
sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date;




          (2) Health coverage or reimbursement for the cost of health coverage for Executive’s eligible
qualified beneficiaries in accordance with Section 3(d)(3);




          (3) A lump sum cash payment in the amount of $1350.00 times the lesser of (i) eighteen (18)
months or (ii) the number of months after Executive’s death and before the Expiration Date in lieu
of any other benefits that cease on the date of Executive’s death. Such amount shall be
appropriately discounted for present value at the rate of return on 90-day Treasury bills in
existence at the Termination Date and shall be paid within thirty (30) days after the Termination
Date and, in any event, shall be paid after such Termination Date and before March 15 of the year
following the year containing such Termination Date. Executive shall not be entitled to any
additional payments for such other benefits;




          (4) Payment of an additional amount equal to Executive’s Base Salary for the lesser of (i)
eighteen (18) months or (ii) the period from the Termination Date to the Expiration Date. Such
amount shall be appropriately discounted for present value at the rate of return on 90-day Treasury
bills in existence at the Termination Date and shall be paid to Executive’s estate in a lump sum in
cash within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date; provided that such amount shall in any
event be paid after such Termination Date and before March 15 of the year following the year
containing such Termination Date; and




          (5) If Executive is a participant in the Incentive Plan, his entitlement to a bonus following
the Termination Date shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan. If
Executive is not a participant in the Incentive Plan, he shall be entitled to consideration for a
bonus payment under Section 3(b)(2) with respect to the year in which Executive dies; provided that
the payment of any such bonus, if any, shall in any event occur on or after such date of death and
before March 15 of the year following the year of death.




     (d) Termination In Event of Disability: Benefits. If Executive’s employment is
terminated by reason of Executive’s Disability during the Term, this Agreement shall terminate and
Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits (without any reduction or offset for any
long-term disability benefits Executive actually receives):



          (1) Payment of all accrued Base Salary through the Termination Date and all unreimbursed
expenses through the Termination Date in accordance with Section 3(c). Such amounts shall be paid
to Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date;




          (2) Health coverage or reimbursement for the cost of health coverage as provided in Section
3(d)(4);




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          (3) Payment of an amount equal to Executive’s Base Salary for the lesser of (i) eighteen (18)
months or (ii) the period from the Termination Date to the Expiration Date. Such amount shall be
appropriately discounted for present value at the rate of return on 90-day Treasury bills in
existence at the Termination Date and shall be payable in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30)
days after the Termination Date; provided that such amount shall in any event be paid after such
Termination Date and before March 15 of the year following the year containing such Termination
Date;




          (4) If Executive is a participant in the Incentive Plan, his entitlement to a bonus following
the Termination Date shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan. If
Executive is not a participant in the Incentive Plan, he shall be entitled to consideration for a
bonus payment under Section 3(b)(2) with respect to the year in which Executive’s employment
terminates due to Disability; provided that any payment of such bonus, if any, shall in any event
occur on or after such Termination Date and before March 15 of the year following the year
containing such Termination Date; and




          (5) A lump sum cash payment in the amount of $1350.00 times the lesser of (i) eighteen (18)
months or (ii) the number of months after Executive’s Termination Date and before the Expiration
Date in lieu of any other benefits that cease on the date of Executive’s Termination Date. Such
amount shall be appropriately discounted for present value at the rate of return on 90-day Treasury
bills in existence at the Termination Date and shall be paid within thirty (30) days after the
Termination Date and, in any event, shall be paid after such Termination Date and before March 15
of the year following the year containing such Termination Date. Executive shall not be entitled
to any additional payments for such other benefits.




     (e) Voluntary Termination by Executive and Termination for Cause: Benefits.
Executive may terminate his employment with the Company without Good Reason (including without
limitation a voluntary retirement from the Company on or after January 1, 2010, but excluding a
termination pursuant to Section 4(f)) by giving written notice of his intent and stating an
effective Termination Date at least ninety (90) days after the date of such notice; provided,
however, that the Company may accelerate such effective date by paying Executive’s Base Salary
through the proposed Termination Date and also vesting awards (including stock option awards
granted on, before, or after the Effective Date) that would have vested but for this acceleration
of the proposed Termination Date. The provisions of this Section 4(e) requiring the vesting of any
stock options due to the Company’s acceleration of the Termination Date constitute an amendment to
the terms of each applicable option agreement. Upon such a termination by Executive, or upon
termination for Cause by the Company, this Agreement shall terminate, and the Company shall pay to
Executive



          (1) Payment of all accrued Base Salary and unreimbursed expenses (in accordance with Section
3(c)) through the Termination Date. Such amounts shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum in cash
within sixty (60) days after the Termination Date.




     (f) Voluntary Termination by Executive after a Change of Control: Benefits. If
Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities are materially diminished within twelve (12)
months after a Change of Control occurs, Executive notifies the Company of such diminution



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within
thirty (30) days, and the Company does not fully correct the condition within thirty (30) days
after receiving such notice, Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company
and shall be entitled to the following severance benefits:




               (1) An amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been payable after the Termination Date
and before the Expiration Date, payable in a lump sum in cash, appropriately discounted for present
value at the rate of return on 90-day Treasury bills in existence at the Termination Date. Such
amount shall be paid within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date and, in any event, shall be
paid after such Termination Date and before March 15 of the year following the year containing such
Termination Date;



               (2) If Executive is a participant in the Incentive Plan, his entitlement to a bonus following
the Termination Date shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan. If
Executive is not a participant in the Incentive Plan, he shall not be entitled to any bonus
payments after the Termination Date;



               (3) A lump sum cash payment in the amount of $1350.00 times the number of months after the
Termination Date and before the Expiration Date in lieu of any other benefits that cease on the
Termination Date. Such amount shall be appropriately discounted for present value at the rate of
return on 90-day Treasury bills in existence at the Termination Date and shall be paid within
thirty (30) days after the Termination Date and, in any event, shall be paid after such Termination
Date and before March 15 of the year following the year containing such Termination Date.
Executive shall not be entitled to any additional payments for such other benefits;



               (4) Health coverage or reimbursement for the cost of health coverage as provided in Section
3(d)(4);



               (5) All accrued Base Salary through the Termination Date and all unreimbursed expenses through
the Termination Date in accordance with Section 3(c). Such amounts shall be paid to Executive in a
lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date; and



               (6) Executive shall be free to accept other employment, and there shall be no offset of any
employment compensation earned by Executive in such other employment against payments due Executive
under this Section 4. Without limiting the foregoing, there shall be no offset of any compensation
received from such other employment against the Base Salary set forth above unless Executive
accepts employment that is in violation of his obligations under Section 5 of this Agreement.



          (g) Director Positions. Upon termination of employment for any reason, Executive
shall immediately tender his resignation from any and all officer and board of director positions
held with the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates.




     5. Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality. At the inception of this
employment relationship, and continuing on an ongoing basis, the Company agrees to give Executive
Confidential Information (including, without limitation, Confidential Information, as



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defined
below, of the Company’s affiliates) which Executive has not had access to or knowledge of before
the execution of this Agreement. At the time this Agreement is made, the Company agrees to provide
Executive with initial and ongoing Specialized Training, which Executive has not had access to or
knowledge of before the execution of this Agreement. “Specialized Training” includes the training
the Company provides to its employees that is unique to its business and enhances Executive’s
ability to perform Executive’s job duties effectively. Specialized Training includes, without
limitation, orientation training; sales methods/techniques training; operation methods training;
and computer and systems training.




     In consideration of the foregoing, Executive agrees as follows:



          (a) Non-Competition During Employment. Executive agrees that, in consideration for
the Company’s promise to provide Executive with Confidential Information and Specialized Training,
during the Term he will not compete, or prepare to compete, with the Company by engaging in the
conception, design, development, production, marketing, or servicing of any product or service that
is substantially similar to the products or services which the Company provides, and that he will
not work for, in any capacity, assist, or become affiliated with as an owner, partner, etc., either
directly or indirectly, any individual or business which offers or performs services, or offers or
provides products substantially similar to the services and products provided by Company.




          (b) Conflicts of Interest. Executive agrees that during the Term, he will not engage,
either directly or indirectly, in any activity (a “Conflict of Interest”) which might adversely
affect the Company or its affiliates, including ownership of a material interest in any supplier,
contractor, distributor, subcontractor, customer or other entity with which the Company does
business or accepting any material payment, service, loan, gift, trip, entertainment, or other
favor from a supplier, contractor, distributor, subcontractor, customer or other entity with which
the Company does business, and that Executive will promptly inform the Chairman of the Board of the
Company in writing as to each offer received by Executive to engage in any such activity.
Executive further agrees to disclose to the Company any other facts of which Executive becomes
aware which might in Executive’s good faith judgment reasonably be expected to involve or give rise
to a Conflict of Interest or potential Conflict of Interest.




          (c) Non-Competition After Termination. Executive agrees that Executive shall not, at
any time during the period of two (2) years after the termination of the Term for any reason,
within any of the markets in which the Company has sold products or services or formulated a plan
to sell products or services into a market during the last twelve (12) months of Executive’s
employ; engage in or contribute Executive’s knowledge to any work which is competitive with or
similar to a product, process, apparatus, service, or development on which Executive worked or with
respect to which Executive had access to Confidential Information while employed by the Company.
Following the expiration of said two (2) year period, Executive shall continue to be obligated
under the Confidential Information Section of this Agreement not to use or to disclose Confidential
Information of the Company so long as it shall not be publicly available. It is understood that
the geographical
area set forth in this covenant is divisible so that if this clause is invalid or
unenforceable in an included geographic area, that area is severable and the clause remains in
effect for the remaining included geographic areas in which the clause is valid.





12









 








     (d) Non-Solicitation of Customers. Executive further agrees that for a period of two
(2) years after the termination of the Term, he will not solicit or accept any business from any
customer or client or prospective customer or client with whom Executive dealt or solicited while
employed by Company during the last twelve (12) months of his employment.



     (e) Non-Solicitation of Employees. Executive agrees that for the duration of the
Term, and for a period of two (2) years after the termination of the Term he will not either
directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or on behalf of others, solicit, attempt to hire, or hire
any person employed by the Company or any person that has been employed by the Company within the
previous six (6) months to work for Executive or for another entity, firm, corporation, or
individual.



     (f) Confidential Information. Executive further agrees that he will not, except as
the Company may otherwise consent or direct in writing, reveal or disclose, sell, use, lecture
upon, publish or otherwise disclose to any third party any Confidential Information or proprietary
information of the Company, or authorize anyone else to do these things at any time either during
or subsequent to his employment with the Company. This Section shall continue in full force and
effect after termination of Executive’s employment and after the termination of this Agreement.
Executive’s obligations under this Section with respect to any specific Confidential Information
and proprietary information shall cease when that specific portion of the Confidential Information
and proprietary information becomes publicly known, in its entirety and without combining portions
of such information obtained separately. It is understood that such Confidential Information and
proprietary information of the Company include matters that Executive conceives or develops, as
well as matters Executive learns from other employees of Company. Confidential Information is
defined to include information: (1) disclosed to or known by Executive as a consequence of or
through his employment with the Company; (2) not generally known outside the Company; and (3) which
relates to any aspect of the Company or its business, finances, operation plans, budgets, research,
or strategic development. “Confidential Information” includes, but is not limited to the Company’s
trade secrets, proprietary information, financial documents, long range plans, customer lists,
employer compensation, marketing strategy, data bases, costing data, computer software developed by
the Company, investments made by the Company, and any information provided to the Company by a
third party under restrictions against disclosure or use by the Company or others.



     (g) Return of Documents, Equipment, Etc. All writings, records, and other documents
and things comprising, containing, describing, discussing, explaining, or evidencing any
Confidential Information, and all equipment, components, parts, tools, and the like in Executive’s
custody or possession that have been obtained or prepared in the course of Executive’s employment
with the Company shall be the exclusive property of the Company, shall not be copied and/or removed
from the premises of the Company, except in pursuit of the business of the Company, and shall be
delivered to the Company, without Executive retaining any copies, upon notification of the
termination of Executive’s employment or at any other time requested by the Company. The Company
shall have the right to retain, access, and inspect all property of Executive of any kind in the
office, work area, Executive’s residence or houses, and on the premises of the Company upon
termination of Executive’s employment and at any time during employment by the Company to
ensure compliance with the terms of this Agreement. All office equipment, telecommunications
equipment and equipment of a like or similar kind installed by the Company at the residence of
Executive to facilitate necessary communication and assist Executive in the performance of his



13









 




duties shall be conveyed to Executive without the payment of consideration upon termination of
Executive’s employment for any reason and after an opportunity for inspection and removal of
Company information. The Parties understand and agree that the materials described in this Section
5(g) exclude all of Executive’s personal files, personal e-mail correspondence, personal notes and
professional readers.




     (h) Reaffirm Obligations. Upon termination of his employment with the Company,
Executive, if requested by Company, shall reaffirm in writing Executive’s recognition of the
importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the Company’s Confidential Information and
proprietary information, and reaffirm any other obligations set forth in this Agreement.



     (i) Prior Disclosure. Executive represents and warrants that he has not used or
disclosed any Confidential Information he may have obtained from the Company prior to signing this
Agreement, in any way inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.



     (j) Confidential Information of Prior Companies. Executive will not disclose or use
during the period of his employment with the Company any proprietary or Confidential Information or
copyrighted works which Executive may have acquired because of employment with an employer other
than the Company or acquired from any other third party, whether such information is in Executive’s
memory or embodied in a writing or other physical form.



     (k) Breach. Executive agrees that any breach of Sections 5(a), (c), (d), (e) or (f)
above cannot be remedied solely by money damages, and that in addition to any other remedies the
Company may have, the Company is entitled to obtain injunctive relief against Executive. Nothing
herein, however, shall be construed as limiting Company’s right to pursue any other available
remedy at law or in equity, including recovery of damages and termination of this Agreement and/or
any payments that may be due pursuant to this Agreement.



     (l) Right to Enter Agreement. Executive represents and covenants to Company that he
has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and that the execution of this Agreement
will not breach or constitute a default of any other agreement or contract to which he is a party
or by which he is bound.



     (m) Extension of Post-Employment Restrictions. In the event Executive breaches
Sections 5(c), (d), or (e) above, the restrictive time periods contained in those provisions will
be extended by the period of time Executive was in violation of such provisions. The restrictive
time periods contained in Sections 5(c), (d), or (e) shall likewise be extended during any time
period in which litigation is pending by Executive against the Company or by the Company against
Executive with regard to the enforcement of the provisions of Section 5 of this Agreement.



     (n) Enforceability. The agreements contained in Section 5 are independent of the
other agreements contained herein. Accordingly, failure of the Company to comply with any of its
obligations outside of this Section does not excuse Executive from complying with the
agreements contained herein.



     (o) Ownership in Publicly Traded Company. Executive’s ownership in a publicly traded
business entity in competition with the Company shall not be regarded by the Parties



14









 




as employment
in a competitive activity in violation of this Section, provided that Executive’s ownership
interest in such company is passive and constitutes no more than a two percent (2%) ownership in
the stock of such publicly traded company.




     6. Assignment. This Agreement cannot be assigned by Executive. The Company may
assign this Agreement only to a successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger,
consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and assets of the Company
provided such successor expressly agrees in writing reasonably satisfactory to Executive to assume
and perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be
required to perform it if no such succession and assignment had taken place. The Company shall
obtain the assumption and performance of this Agreement by any such successor; provided, however,
that such commitment by the Company (including a failure to satisfy such commitment) shall not give
Executive the right to object to or enjoin any transaction among the Company, any of its
affiliates, and any such successor. To the extent a failure by the Company to satisfy the
foregoing commitment constitutes a material breach of this Agreement and to the extent not cured in
accordance with Section 4(a)(4), such failure shall constitute “Good Reason” pursuant to Section
4(a)(4)(iv).



     7. Binding Agreement. Executive understands that his obligations under this Agreement
are binding upon Executive’s heirs, successors, personal representatives, and legal
representatives.



     8. Survivability. The provisions of this Agreement which call for performance after
the end of the Term, including, without limitation, the agreements contained in Section
3(d)(2)-(6), and Section 5, shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.



     9. Notices. All notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and sent
certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as set forth below, or by delivering the same
in person to such party, or by transmission by facsimile to the number set forth below. Notice
deposited in the United States Mail, mailed in the manner described herein above, shall be
effective upon deposit. Notice given in any other manner shall be effective only if and when
received:



	 	 	 
	If to Executive:

	 	Edward H. Ellis, Jr.
	 

	 	1826 Castlerock
	 

	 	Houston, Texas 77090
	 

	 	Fax: (281) 397-6440
	 
	 	 
	If to Company:

	 	HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.
	 

	 	13403 Northwest Freeway
	 

	 	Houston, Texas 77040
	 

	 	Fax: (713) 462-2401
	 

	 	Attention: General Counsel






     10. Waiver. No waiver by either party to this Agreement of any right to enforce any
term or condition of this Agreement, or of any breach hereof, shall be deemed a waiver of such
right in the future or of any other right or remedy available under this Agreement.



15









 





     11. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be void,
invalid, unenforceable, or against public policy, such provisions shall be deemed severable from
the Agreement, and the remaining provisions of the Agreement will remain unaffected and in full
force and effect.



     12. Arbitration. Except as provided in subsection (d) below, in the event any dispute
arises out of or related to Executive’s employment with or by the Company, or
separation/termination therefrom, which cannot be resolved by the Parties to this Agreement, such
dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration. Except as provided in subsection (d)
below, arbitration of such disputes is mandatory and in lieu of any and all civil causes of action
and lawsuits either party may have against the other arising out of Executive’s employment with the
Company, or separation therefrom.



          (a) The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the National Rules for the
resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). If the Parties
cannot agree on an arbitrator, a list of seven (7) arbitrators will be requested from AAA, and the
arbitrator will be selected using alternate strikes with Executive striking first. Subject to
subsection (c) below, cost of the arbitration will be shared equally by Executive and Company.
Such arbitration shall be held in Houston, Texas.




          (b) Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction thereof by the filing of a petition to enforce the award. Costs of filing may be
recovered by the party that initiates such action to have the award enforced.




          (c) The Company shall promptly reimburse Executive for all eligible, reasonable costs and
expenses incurred in connection with any dispute, controversy, or claim submitted to binding
arbitration in accordance with this Section in an amount up to, but not exceeding an amount equal
to twenty percent (20%) of Executive’s Base Salary per taxable year of Executive, unless Executive
was terminated for Cause, in which event Executive shall not be entitled to reimbursement unless
and until it is determined he was terminated other than for Cause. To be eligible for
reimbursement under this subsection (c), (1) the expenses must be incurred during the period
beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the date that is ten (10) years after the end of the
Term and (2) the expenses must be submitted to the Company for reimbursement within ninety (90)
days after the end of the taxable year of Executive in which the expenses were incurred. Amounts
eligible for reimbursement shall be paid to Executive before the last day of the taxable year of
Executive following the taxable year in which the expenses were incurred. The amount of expenses
eligible for
reimbursement during Executive’s taxable year may not affect the expenses eligible for
reimbursement in any other taxable year of Executive. Executive’s right to reimbursement under
this subsection (c) may not be assigned, alienated, or exchanged for any other benefit.




          (d) It is specifically agreed by the Parties that any enforcement action by the Company
against Executive for equitable relief, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief under
Section 5 of this Agreement shall not be subject to this Section requiring arbitration and that the
Company shall not be required to seek arbitration against Executive for any purported violation by
Executive of his obligations under Section 5 of this Agreement.





16









 








     13. Entire Agreement. The terms and provisions contained herein shall constitute the
entire agreement between the parties with respect to Executive’s employment with Company during the
time period covered by this Agreement. This Agreement replaces and supersedes any and all existing
Agreements entered into between Executive and the Company relating generally to the same subject
matter, if any, and shall be binding upon Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, or other
legal representatives or assigns.



     14. Modification of Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed or modified or
released or discharged or abandoned or otherwise terminated, in whole or in part, except by an
instrument in writing signed by Executive and an officer or other authorized executive of Company.



     15. Effective Date. It is understood by the Parties that this Agreement shall be
effective as of the Effective Date when signed by both the Company and Executive.



     16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflicts of law principles.



     17. Jurisdiction and Venue. With respect to any litigation regarding this Agreement,
Executive agrees to venue in the state or federal courts in Harris County, Texas, and agrees to
waive and does hereby waive any defenses and/or arguments based upon improper venue and/or lack of
personal jurisdiction. By entering into this Agreement, Executive agrees to personal jurisdiction
in the state and federal courts in Harris County, Texas.



     18. Compliance With Code Section 409A.



          (a) Delay in Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,
(i) if upon the Termination Date Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code
section 409A (determined by applying the default rules applicable under such Code section except to
the extent such rules are modified by a written resolution that is adopted by the Compensation
Committee and that applies for purposes of all deferred compensation plans of the Company and its
affiliates) and the deferral of any amounts otherwise payable under this Agreement as a result of
Executive’s termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or
additional tax to Executive under Code section 409A, then the Company will defer the payment of any
such amounts hereunder until the date that is six months following the Termination Date, at which
time any such delayed amounts will be paid to Executive in a single lump sum, with interest from
the date otherwise payable at the rate of return on 90-day Treasury bills in existence at the
Termination Date, and (ii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive
hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Code section 409A,
such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other
benefits compliant under Code Section 409A.




          (b) Overall Compliance. To the extent any provision of this Agreement or any omission
from the Agreement would (absent this Section 18(b) cause amounts to be includable in income under
Code section 409A(a)(1), the Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to comply
with the requirements of Code section 409A; provided, however, that this Section 18(b) shall not
apply and shall not be construed to amend any provision of the Agreement to




17









 







the extent this Section
18(b) or any amendment required thereby would itself cause any amounts to be includable in income
under Code section 409A(a)(1).




     (c) Reformation. If any provision of this Agreement would cause Executive to occur
any additional tax under Code section 409A, the parties will in good faith attempt to reform the
provision in a manner that maintains, to the extent possible, the original intent of the applicable
provision without violating the provisions of Code section 409A.



     (d) Code Section 409A Excise Tax Gross Up. If the terms of this Agreement (as may be
modified under Sections 18(b) and 18(c)) or any action or omission by the Company in its
performance under this Agreement, causes any payment or benefit received or to be received by
Executive from the Company pursuant to this Agreement (the “Agreement Payments”) to be subject to
the excise tax and additional interest imposed by Code section 409A(a)(1)(B) (the “409A Excise
Tax”), the Company shall pay Executive, at the time specified below, an additional amount (the
“409A Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount that Executive retains, after deduction of the
409A Excise Tax on the Agreement Payments; any federal, state, and local income and employment
taxes; any additional 409A Excise Taxes upon the 409A Gross-Up Payment; and any interest,
penalties, or additions to tax payable by Executive with respect thereto, shall be equal to the
total present value (using the applicable federal rate (as defined in section 1274(d) of the Code)
in such calculation) of the Agreement Payments at the time such payments are to be made. Payment
of such additional amount shall occur on or before the earlier to occur of (i) the date which the
Company is required to withhold any such taxes and (ii) the date on which Executive remits such
taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (to the extent not withheld). For purposes of determining
the amount of the 409A Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at
the highest marginal rates of federal income taxation applicable to individuals in the calendar
year in which the 409A Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the
highest marginal rates of taxation applicable to individuals as are in effect in the state and
locality of Executive’s residence in the calendar year in which the 409A Gross-Up Payment is to be
made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of
such state and local taxes, taking into account any limitations applicable to individuals subject
to federal income tax at the highest marginal rates. This Section 18(d) does not require the
Company to pay, reimburse, or gross up Executive with respect to excise taxes imposed under any
other section of the Code or under state or local law.



[remainder of page intentionally left blank]





18









 








     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement in multiple copies,
effective as of the Effective Date.



	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	COMPANY:
	EXECUTIVE:	 	 	 	HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Edward H. Ellis, Jr.	 	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Frank J. Bramanti
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Edward H. Ellis, Jr.	 	 	 	 	 	Frank J. Bramanti,
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Chief Executive Officer
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Date:
	 	August 10, 2007 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	Date:   August 10, 2007
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	Acknowledged by:
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	By:
	 	/s/ John N. Molbeck, Jr.
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	John N. Molbeck, Jr.,
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	President and Chief Operating Officer
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Date:	 	August 10, 2007





signature page

employment agreement — ellis















 








Exhibit 3(h)

Option Vesting and Exercise Provisions




Termination of Employment.


1. In the event the employment of the Employee is terminated by the Employee for Good Reason (as
such term is defined in the Employment Agreement between the Company and the Employee entered into
on August 10, 2007 but effective as of the 1st day of March, 2007 (the “Employment
Agreement")) or by the Company without Cause (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement),
the Employee shall have the right to exercise this option for the full number of shares not
previously exercised or any portion thereof, except as to the issuance of fractional shares, to the
full extent of this option at any time within the unexpired term of this option.



2. In the event the employment of the Employee is terminated for Cause or by Employee without Good
Reason, the Employee shall have the right at any time within thirty (30) days after the termination
of such employment or, if shorter, during the unexpired term of this option, to exercise this
option for the full number of shares not previously exercised or any portion thereof, except as to
the issuance of fractional shares, but only to the extent this option was otherwise exercisable in
accordance with Paragraph 4 hereof as of the date of such termination of employment.



3. In the event the employment of the Employee is terminated by reason of Disability, then the
Employee shall have the right to exercise this option for the full number of shares not previously
exercised or any portion thereof, except as to the issuance of fractional shares, to the full
extent of this option at any time within the unexpired term of this option.



4. In the event of the death of the Employee while in the employ of the Company or the
Subsidiaries, this option may be exercised for the full number of shares not previously exercised,
or any portion thereof, except as to the issuance of fractional shares, to the full extent of this
option at any time within the unexpired term of this option, by the person or persons to whom the
Employee’s rights under this option shall pass by the Employee’s will or by the laws of descent and
distribution, whichever is applicable.



5. In the event the Employee terminates his employment on a Change of Control (as defined in the
Employment Agreement), then the Employee shall have the right to exercise this option for the full
number of shares not previously exercised or any portion thereof, except as to the issuance of
fractional shares, to the full extent of this option at any time within the unexpired term of this
option.




exhibit 3(h)