Exhibit 10(i)(d)



 EXHIBIT 10(i)(d) 
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 This EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of this day of             , 2007, by and among Ralph N. Strayhorn
III (the “Executive”), BNC Bancorp, a North Carolina corporation (the “Corporation”), and Bank of North Carolina, a North Carolina-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation (the
“Bank”). The Corporation and the Bank are hereinafter sometimes referred to together or individually as the “Employer.” 
 WHEREAS, the Executive is the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Employer, possessing unique skills, knowledge, and experience relating to the
Employer’s business, and the Executive has made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the profitability, growth, and financial strength of the Employer and affiliates, 
 WHEREAS, desiring to assure itself of the continuity of management, to establish minimum severance benefits for
certain of its officers and other key employees, including the Executive, if a Change in Control occurs, to provide additional inducement for the Executive to remain in the employ of the Employer as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative
Officer, and to ensure that officers and other key employees are not practically disabled from discharging their duties if a proposed or actual transaction involving a Change in Control arises, the Employer and the Executive entered into an
Employment Agreement dated as of July 21, 2006, 
 WHEREAS, the Executive and the Employer intend
that this Agreement shall supersede in its entirety the July 21, 2006 Employment Agreement, and 
 WHEREAS, none of the conditions or events included in the definition of the term “golden parachute payment” that is set forth in section 18(k)(4)(A)(ii) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12
U.S.C. 1828(k)(4)(A)(ii)] and in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule 359.1(f)(1)(ii) [12 CFR 359.1(f)(1)(ii)] exists or, to the best knowledge of the Employer, is contemplated insofar as the Employer or any affiliates are concerned.

 NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows. 
 ARTICLE 1 
 EMPLOYMENT 
 1.1 Employment. The Employer hereby employs the Executive to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer according to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement and for the period stated in section 1.3. The Executive hereby accepts employment according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and for the period stated in section 1.3. 







 1.2 Duties. The Executive shall serve under the direction of the President and Chief Executive
Officer and in accordance with the Employer’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as each may be amended or restated from time to time. The Executive shall serve the Employer faithfully, diligently, competently, and to the best of the
Executive’s ability. The Executive shall exclusively devote full time, energy, and attention to the business of the Employer and to the promotion of the Employer’s interests throughout the term of this Agreement, except during periods of
illness or periods of vacation and leaves of absence consistent with Employer policy. Without the written consent of the Corporation and the Bank, the Executive shall not render services to or for any person, firm, corporation, or other entity or
organization in exchange for compensation, regardless of the form in which such compensation is paid and regardless of whether it is paid directly or indirectly to the Executive. Nothing in this section 1.2 shall prevent the Executive from managing
personal investments and affairs, provided that doing so does not interfere with the proper performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities. 
 1.3 Term of Employment. The initial term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three years, commencing July 21, 2006. On the first anniversary of the July 21, 2006 effective date of this
Agreement and on each anniversary thereafter, this Agreement shall be extended automatically for one additional year unless the board of directors determines that the term shall not be extended. If the board of directors determines not to extend the
term, it shall promptly notify the Executive in writing. If the board decides not to extend the term, this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in force until its term expires. The board’s decision not to extend the term shall not – by
itself – give the Executive any rights to claim an adverse change in position, compensation, or circumstances or otherwise to claim entitlement to severance benefits under Articles 4 or 5 of this Agreement. References herein to the term of this
Agreement shall refer to the initial term, as the same may be extended. Unless sooner terminated, the Executive’s employment shall terminate when the Executive attains age 65. 
 1.4 Service on the Board of Directors. The Executive is currently serving as a director of each of the Corporation and the Bank. The Corporation
shall nominate the Executive for election as a director at such times as necessary so that the Executive will, if elected by stockholders, remain a director of the Corporation throughout the term of this Agreement. The Executive hereby consents to
serving as a director and to being named as a director of the Corporation in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The board of directors of each of the Corporation and the Bank shall undertake every lawful effort to ensure
that the Executive continues throughout the term of employment to be elected or reelected as a director of the Bank. The Executive shall be deemed to have resigned as a director of each of the Corporation and the Bank effective immediately after
termination of the Executive’s employment under Article 3 of this Agreement, regardless of whether the Executive submits a formal, written resignation as director. 
  


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 ARTICLE 2 
 COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS 
 2.1 Base Salary. In consideration of the Executive’s performance of the obligations under this Employment Agreement, the Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Executive an annual salary of not less
than $                    , payable in monthly installments. The Executive’s salary shall be reviewed annually by the Compensation
Committee of the Employer’s board of directors or by such other board committee as has jurisdiction over executive compensation. The Executive’s salary shall be increased no more frequently than annually to account for cost of living
increases. The Executive’s salary also may be increased beyond the amount necessary to account for cost of living increases at the discretion of the committee having jurisdiction over executive compensation. However, the Executive’s salary
shall not be reduced. The Executive’s salary, as the same may be increased from time to time, is referred to in this Agreement as the “Base Salary.” 
 2.2 Benefit Plans and Perquisites. The Executive shall be entitled throughout the term of this Agreement to participate in any and all officer or
employee compensation, bonus, incentive, and benefit plans in effect from time to time, including without limitation plans providing pension, medical, dental, disability, and group life benefits, including the Bank’s 401(k) Plan, and to receive
any and all other fringe benefits provided from time to time, provided that the Executive satisfies the eligibility requirements for the plans or benefits. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing – 
 (a) Participation in stock plans. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Employer’s stock option plans and other stock-based
compensation, incentive, bonus, or purchase plans existing on the date of this Agreement or adopted during the term of this Agreement. 
 (b)
Club dues. During the term of this Agreement, the Employer shall pay or cause to be paid the Executive’s membership assessments and dues in appropriate local civic clubs. The Employer shall pay the initiation and entrance fees,
assessments, and monthly dues for the Executive’s and the Executive’s family’s membership in one country club. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Employer’s obligation to pay initiation and entrance fees,
assessments, and monthly expenses shall terminate. If the Executive desires to retain the country club membership, the Executive shall be solely responsible for any unpaid initiation and entrance fees, assessments, and ongoing monthly dues.

 (c) Reimbursement of business expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses
incurred performing the obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to all reasonable business travel and entertainment expenses incurred while acting at the request of or in the service of the Employer and reasonable expenses for
attendance at annual and other periodic meetings of trade associations. 
 (d) Use of automobile. The Executive shall have the use of
an automobile titled in the Employer’s name for carrying out the Executive’s duties, the insurance and maintenance expenses of which shall be paid by the Employer. As additional compensation, the Executive 

  

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may use the automobile for personal purposes, provided that the Executive renders an accounting of business and personal use in accordance with regulations
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to permit use of the vehicle by the Executive’s family members. 
 (e) Continuing legal education and Bar membership expenses. The Employer shall pay the Executive’s annual dues and membership fees to the
North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, and one local bar association. The Executive shall be responsible for complying with the rules of the North Carolina State Bar relating to continuing legal education
(“CLE”). Except as set forth below, the Employer shall reimburse the Executive for travel, lodging, and tuition the Executive reasonably incurs to attend CLE courses necessary for compliance with the North Carolina State
Bar’s rules. However, the Employer shall not be required to reimburse the Executive for any expenses incurred to attend CLE courses held outside the State of North Carolina unless, before registering for the out-of-state course, the Executive
provides to the Employer’s board of directors a description of the out-of-state CLE course (including an estimate of expenses associated with attendance) and obtains the board of directors’ approval to attend the out-of-state CLE course.
To receive reimbursement of expenses associated with attendance at any CLE course, the Executive must present to the Employer a completed expense report accompanied by appropriate documentation of the expenses actually incurred by the Executive.

 2.3 Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to paid annual vacation and sick leave in accordance with the policies established
from time to time by the Employer. The Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation for failure to use allotted vacation or sick leave, nor shall the Executive be entitled to accumulate unused sick leave from one year to the next
unless authorized to do so by the Employer’s board of directors or by the Employer’s vacation and sick leave policy(ies). Unless authorized by the Employer’s board of directors or by the Employer’s vacation policy, vacation days
not used in a given year may not be carried over from one calendar year to the next. 
 2.4 Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) Indemnification. The Employer shall indemnify the Executive or cause the Executive to be indemnified for activities as a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Employer or as a person who is serving or has served at the
Employer’s request (a “representative”) as a director, officer, employee, agent, or trustee of an affiliated corporation, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, domestic or foreign, in which the Employer has a direct
or indirect ownership interest against expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred (“Expenses”) in connection with any claim
against the Executive that is the subject of any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other type of proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or otherwise and whether formal or informal (a
“Proceeding”), to which the Executive was, is, or is threatened to be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been such a director, officer, employee, agent, or representative. 
  

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 The indemnification provided herein shall not be exclusive of any other indemnification or right to which
the Executive may be entitled and shall continue after the Executive has ceased to occupy a position as an officer, director, employee, agent or representative with respect to Proceedings relating to or arising out of the Executive’s acts or
omissions during the Executive’s service in such position. The benefits provided to the Executive under this Agreement for the Executive’s service as a representative shall be payable if and only if and only to the extent that
reimbursement to the Executive by the affiliated entity with which the Executive has served as a representative, whether pursuant to agreement, applicable law, articles of incorporation or association, by-laws or regulations of the entity, or
insurance maintained by the affiliated entity, is insufficient to compensate the Executive for Expenses actually incurred and otherwise payable by the Employer under this Agreement. Any payments in fact made to or on behalf of the Executive directly
or indirectly by the affiliated entity with which the Executive served as a representative shall reduce the obligation of the Employer hereunder. 
 (b) Exclusions. Despite any contrary provision within this Agreement, however, nothing in this Agreement requires indemnification, reimbursement, or payment by the Corporation or the Bank, and the Executive shall not be entitled to
demand indemnification, reimbursement or payment hereunder – 
 1) if and to the extent indemnification, reimbursement,
or payment constitutes a “prohibited indemnification payment” within the meaning of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule 359.1(l)(1) [12 CFR 359.1(l)(1)], or 
 2) for any claim or any part thereof as to which the Executive shall have been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, from which
no appeal is or can be taken, by clear and convincing evidence, to have acted with deliberate intent to cause injury to the Employer or with reckless disregard for the best interests of the Employer, or 
 3) for any claim or any part thereof arising under section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a result of which the Executive
is required to pay any penalty, fine, settlement, or judgment, or 
 4) for any obligation of the Executive based upon or
attributable to the Executive gaining in fact any personal gain, profit, or advantage to which the Executive was not entitled, or 
 5) any proceeding initiated by the Executive without the consent or authorization of the Employer’s board of directors, but this exclusion shall not apply to claims brought by the Executive (x) to enforce the
Executive’s rights under this Agreement, or (y) in any Proceeding initiated by another person or entity, regardless of whether the claims were brought by the Executive against a person or entity who was otherwise a party to the
proceeding. 
 (c) Insurance. The Employer shall maintain or cause to be maintained liability insurance covering the Executive
throughout the term of this Agreement. 
  

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 ARTICLE 3 
 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT 
 3.1
Termination Because of Death or Disability. (a) Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically on the date of the Executive’s death. If the Executive dies in active service to the Employer, the
Executive’s estate shall receive any sums due to the Executive as Base Salary and reimbursement of expenses through the end of the month in which death occurred, any bonus earned or accrued through the date of death, including any unvested
amounts awarded for previous years, and for twelve months after the Executive’s death the Employer shall provide without cost to the Executive’s family continuing health care coverage under COBRA substantially identical to that provided
for the Executive before death. 
 (b) Disability. By delivery of written notice 30 days in advance to the Executive, the Employer may
terminate the Executive’s employment if the Executive is disabled. For purposes of this Agreement the Executive shall be considered “disabled” if an independent physician selected by the Employer and reasonably
acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative determines that, because of illness or accident, the Executive is unable to perform the Executive’s duties and will be unable to perform those duties for 90 consecutive
days. The Executive shall not be considered disabled, however, if the Executive returns to work on a full-time basis within 30 days after the Employer gives notice of termination due to disability. If the Executive is terminated by either of the
Corporation or the Bank because of disability, the Executive’s employment with the other shall also terminate at the same time. During the period of incapacity leading up to the termination of the Executive’s employment under this
provision, the Employer shall continue to pay the full Base Salary at the rate then in effect and all perquisites and other benefits (other than bonus) until the Executive becomes eligible for benefits under any disability plan or insurance program
maintained by the Employer, provided that the amount of the Employer’s payments to the Executive under this section 3.1(b) shall be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, payable to the Executive for the same period under any disability
benefit or pension plan covering the Executive. Furthermore, the Executive shall receive any bonus earned or accrued through the date of incapacity, including any unvested amounts awarded for previous years. 
 3.2 Involuntary Termination with Cause. The Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment with Cause. If the Executive’s employment
terminates with Cause, the Executive shall receive the Base Salary through the date on which termination becomes effective and reimbursement of expenses to which the Executive is entitled when termination becomes effective. If the Executive is
terminated with Cause by either of the Corporation or the Bank, the Executive shall be deemed also to have been terminated with Cause by the other. The Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated with Cause under this Agreement unless and
until there is delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the board of directors called and held for such purpose, which resolution shall (x) contain findings that, in the good faith opinion of the
board, the Executive has committed an act constituting Cause, and (y) specify the particulars thereof. The resolution of the board of directors shall be deemed to have been duly adopted if and only if it is adopted by the affirmative
vote of at least 75% of the 

  

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directors of the Corporation then in office or 75% of the directors of the Bank then in office, in either case excluding the Executive, at a meeting duly
called and held for that purpose. Notice of the meeting and the proposed termination with Cause shall be given to the Executive a reasonable time before the board’s meeting. The Executive and the Executive’s counsel (if the Executive
chooses to have counsel present) shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the board at the meeting. Nothing in this Agreement limits the Executive’s or beneficiaries’ right to contest the validity or propriety of the board’s
determination of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement “Cause” means any of the following – 
 (a) an
intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, or theft by the Executive in the course of employment. For purposes of this Agreement no act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be deemed to have been intentional if it was due primarily to
an error in judgment or negligence. An act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered intentional if it is not in good faith and if it is without a reasonable belief that the action or failure to act is in the best interests
of the Employer, or 
 (b) intentional violation of any law or significant policy of the Employer that, in the Employer’s sole judgment,
has an adverse effect on the Employer, or 
 (c) the Executive’s gross negligence or gross neglect of duties in the performance of
duties, or 
 (d) intentional wrongful damage by the Executive to the business or property of the Employer, including without limitation the
Employer’s reputation, which in the Employer’s sole judgment causes material harm to the Employer, or 
 (e) a breach by the
Executive of fiduciary duties or misconduct involving dishonesty, in either case whether in the Executive’s capacity as an officer or as a director, or 
 (f) a breach by the Executive of this Agreement that, in the Employer’s sole judgment, is a material breach, which breach is not corrected by the Executive within ten days after receiving written notice of the
breach, or 
 (g) removal of the Executive from office or permanent prohibition of the Executive from participating in the Bank’s
affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), or 
 (h)
conviction of the Executive for or plea of no contest to a felony or conviction of or plea of no contest to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or the actual incarceration of the Executive for 45 consecutive days or more. 
 3.3 Voluntary Termination by the Executive Without Good Reason. If the Executive terminates employment without Good Reason, the Executive shall
receive the Base Salary and expense reimbursement to which the Executive is entitled through the date on which termination becomes effective. 
  

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 3.4 Involuntary Termination Without Cause and Voluntary Termination with Good Reason. With written
notice to the Executive 90 days in advance, the Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause. Termination shall take effect at the end of the 90-day period. With advance written notice to the Employer as provided in paragraph
(b), the Executive may terminate employment with Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates involuntarily without Cause or voluntarily but with Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits specified in Article 4 of
this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement a voluntary termination by the Executive will be considered a voluntary termination with Good Reason if the conditions stated in both paragraphs (a) and (b) are satisfied – 
 (a) a voluntary termination by the Executive will be considered a voluntary termination with Good Reason if any of the following occur without the
Executive’s advance written consent, and the term Good Reason shall mean the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive’s advance written consent – 
 1) a material diminution of the Executive’s Base Salary, 
 2) a material diminution of the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities, 
 3) a material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of the supervisor to whom the Executive is required to report,

 4) a material diminution in the budget over which the Executive retains authority, 
 5) a material change in the geographic location at which the Executive must perform services for the Employer, or 
 6) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Employer of this Agreement. 
 (b) the Executive must give notice to the Employer of the existence of one or more of the conditions described in paragraph (a) within 90 days after
the initial existence of the condition, and the Employer shall have 30 days thereafter to remedy the condition. In addition, the Executive’s voluntary termination because of the existence of one or more of the conditions described in paragraph
(a) must occur within 24 months after the initial existence of the condition. 
 ARTICLE 4 
 SEVERANCE COMPENSATION 
 4.1 Continued Salary after Termination Without Cause or Termination with Good Reason. (a) Subject to the possibility that cash severance after employment termination 

  

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might be delayed under section 4.1(b), if the Executive’s employment terminates involuntarily but without Cause or if the Executive voluntarily
terminates employment with Good Reason, 30 days after employment termination the Employer shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum an amount equal to the Executive’s Base Salary for the unexpired term of this Agreement, without discount.

 (b) If when employment termination occurs the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of section 409A of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, and if continued Base Salary under section 4.1(a) would be considered deferred compensation under section 409A, and finally if an exemption from the six-month delay requirement of section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) is not available, the
Executive’s continued Base Salary under section 4.1(a) for the first six months after employment termination shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum on the first day of the seventh month after the month in which the Executive’s
employment terminates. References in this Agreement to section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 include rules, regulations, and guidance of general application issued by the Department of the Treasury under Internal Revenue Code section
409A. 
 4.2 Post-Termination Insurance Coverage. (a) Subject to section 4.2(b), if the Executive’s employment terminates
involuntarily but without Cause, voluntarily but with Good Reason, or because of disability, the Employer shall continue or cause to be continued at the Employer’s expense life and medical insurance benefits in effect during and in accordance
with the same scheduling prevailing in the two years preceding the date of the Executive’s termination. The benefits provided under this section 4.2 shall continue until the first to occur of (w) the Executive’s return to
employment with the Employer or another employer, (x) the Executive’s attainment of age 65, (y) the Executive’s death, or (z) the end of the term remaining under this Agreement at the time of the
Executive’s termination. 
 (b) If (x) under the terms of the applicable policy or policies for the insurance benefits
specified in section 4.2(a) it is not possible to continue the Executive’s coverage, or (y) when employment termination occurs the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, if any of the continued insurance coverage benefits specified in section 4.2(a) would be considered deferred compensation under section 409A, and finally if an exemption from the six-month delay requirement of section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) is not
available for that particular insurance benefit, instead of continued insurance coverage under section 4.2(a) the Employer shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum an amount in cash equal to the present value of the Employer’s projected
cost to maintain that particular insurance benefit had the Executive’s employment not terminated, assuming continued coverage for the lesser of 36 months or the number of months until the Executive attains age 65. The lump-sum payment shall be
made 30 days after employment termination or, if section 4.1(b) applies and a six-month payment delay is required by Internal Revenue Code section 409A, on the first day of the seventh month after the month in which the Executive’s employment
terminates. 
 4.3 Additional Severance Benefits. (a) Cash-out of the value of unvested stock options. If the Employer
terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or if the 

  

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Executive terminates employment with Good Reason before full vesting of stock options then held by the Executive, the Executive shall be entitled to receive
from the Employer an amount in cash equal to the intrinsic value of the Executive’s unvested stock options as of the effective date of termination. For this purpose intrinsic value means the per share fair market value of the Corporation common
stock minus the option exercise price per share, multiplied by the number of shares acquirable by the unvested options. If the common stock is traded on an exchange or over the counter, fair market value shall mean the closing price on the trading
day immediately before the date of termination. If the common stock is not traded on an exchange or over the counter, the per share fair market value of the Corporation common stock shall be determined by the Corporation’s board of directors in
good faith. Amounts payable under this paragraph (a) shall be paid in a single lump sum 30 days after termination of the Executive’s employment or, if section 4.1(b) applies and a six-month delay is required under Internal Revenue Code
section 409A, on the first day of the seventh month after the month in which the Executive’s employment terminates. 
 (b)
Outplacement and support. If the Employer terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or if the Executive terminates employment with Good Reason, the Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Executive reasonable outplacement
expenses in an amount up to $25,000, and for one year after termination the Employer shall provide the Executive with the use of office space and reasonable office support facilities, including secretarial assistance. 
 4.4 Benefits under Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 Are Conditional upon the Executive Entering into a Noncompetition Agreement in the Form Attached as
Appendix A. The Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits under sections 4.1, 4.2, or 4.3 of this Agreement unless the Executive executes and complies with the terms of a noncompetition agreement in substantially the form attached to this
Agreement as Appendix A. Execution of and compliance with the terms of the noncompetition agreement is not required, however, if a Change in Control shall have occurred within 12 months before termination of the Executive’s employment or if
benefits are paid or payable to the Executive under Article 5 of this Agreement. 
 ARTICLE 5 
 CHANGE IN CONTROL BENEFITS 
 5.1 Change in Control Termination Benefits. (a) If a Change in Control occurs during the term of this Agreement, the Employer shall make or
cause to be made a lump-sum payment to the Executive in an amount in cash equal to three times the Executive’s annual compensation. For this purpose annual compensation means (x) the Executive’s Base Salary when the Change in
Control occurs plus (y) any cash bonus or cash incentive compensation earned for the calendar year ended immediately before the year in which the Change in Control occurs, regardless of when the bonus or incentive compensation earned for
the preceding calendar year is paid and regardless of whether all or part of the bonus or incentive compensation 

  

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is subject to elective deferral or vesting. Annual compensation shall be calculated without regard to any deferrals under qualified or nonqualified plans,
but annual compensation shall not include interest or other earnings credited to the Executive under qualified or nonqualified plans. The amount payable to the Executive hereunder shall not be reduced to account for the time value of money or
discounted to present value. The payment required under this paragraph (a) is payable within 15 business days after the Change in Control occurs. If the Executive receives payment under this section 5.1 the Executive shall not be entitled to
continued Base Salary under section 4.1 of this Agreement. The Executive shall be entitled to benefits under this section 5.1(a) on no more than one occasion during the term of this Agreement. 
 (b) If the Executive’s employment terminates involuntarily but without Cause or voluntarily but with Good Reason before a Change in Control occurs
but after discussions with a third party regarding a Change in Control commence, and if those discussions ultimately conclude with a Change in Control, the Executive shall be deemed to have been terminated after the Change in Control occurred and
shall be entitled under this section 5.1(b) to cash in an amount equal to the difference between the amount that would have been payable under section 5.1(a) had the Executive’s employment not terminated before the Change in Control and the
amount of cash severance already paid to the Executive after employment termination under section 4.1. The Employer shall pay the benefit under this section 5.1(b) to the Executive in a single lump sum within 15 business days after the later of
(x) the first day of the seventh month after the month in which the Executive’s employment terminates and (y) the date of the Change in Control. 
 (c) In addition to insurance benefits under section 4.2 to which the Executive may be entitled after employment termination and the outplacement and
other benefits specified in section 4.3, if after a Change in Control the Executive’s employment terminates involuntarily without Cause or voluntarily but for Good Reason the Employer shall cause the Executive to become fully vested in any
non-qualified plans, programs, or arrangements in which the Executive participated if the plan, program, or arrangement does not address the effect of a change in control or termination after a change in control. 
 5.2 Definition of Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement “Change in Control” means a change in control as
defined in Internal Revenue Code section 409A and rules, regulations, and guidance of general application thereunder issued by the Department of the Treasury, including – 
 (a) Change in ownership: a change in ownership of the Corporation occurs on the date any one person or group accumulates ownership of Corporation
stock constituting more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of Corporation stock, 
 (b) Change in effective
control: (x) any one person or more than one person acting as a group acquires within a 12-month period ownership of Corporation stock possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of Corporation stock, or (y) a
majority of the Corporation’s board of directors is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed in advance by a majority of the Corporation’s board of directors, or 
  

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 (c) Change in ownership of a substantial portion of assets: a change in ownership of a substantial
portion of the Corporation’s assets occurs if in a 12-month period any one person or more than one person acting as a group acquires from the Corporation assets having a total gross fair market value equal to or exceeding 40% of the total gross
fair market value of all of the Corporation’s assets immediately before the acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the Corporation’s assets, or the value of the assets being disposed of,
determined without regard to any liabilities associated with the assets. 
 5.3 Gross-Up for Taxes. (a) Additional payment to
account for Excise Taxes. If the Executive receives the lump sum payment under section 5.1 of this Employment Agreement and acceleration of benefits under any other benefit, compensation, or incentive plan or arrangement with the Employer
(collectively, the “Total Benefits”), and if any part of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax under section 280G and section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Excise Tax”), the
Employer shall pay to the Executive the following additional amounts, consisting of (x) a payment equal to the Excise Tax payable by the Executive under section 4999 on the Total Benefits (the “Excise Tax
Payment”) and (y) a payment equal to the amount necessary to provide the Excise Tax Payment net of all income, payroll, and excise taxes. Together, the additional amounts described in clauses (x) and
(y) are referred to in this Employment Agreement as the “Gross-Up Payment Amount.” Payment of the Gross-Up Payment Amount shall be made in addition to the amount set forth in section 5.1. 
 Calculating the Excise Tax. For purposes of determining whether any of the Total Benefits will be subject to the Excise Tax and for purposes of
determining the amount of the Excise Tax, 
  

	 	1)	Determination of “parachute payments” subject to the Excise Tax: any other payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive in connection with a
Change in Control or the Executive’s termination of employment (whether under the terms of this Employment Agreement or any other agreement or any other benefit plan or arrangement with the Employer, any person whose actions result in a Change
in Control, or any person affiliated with the Employer or such person) shall be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all “excess parachute
payments” within the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of the certified public accounting firm that is retained by the Employer as of the date immediately before the
Change in Control (the “Accounting Firm”) such other payments or benefits do not constitute (in whole or in part) parachute payments, or such excess parachute payments represent (in whole or in part) reasonable compensation
for services actually rendered within the meaning of section 280G(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code in excess of the “base amount” (as defined in section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), or are otherwise not subject to the Excise
Tax, 

  

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	 	2)	Calculation of benefits subject to the Excise Tax: the amount of the Total Benefits that shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal to the lesser of
(x) the total amount of the Total Benefits reduced by the amount of such Total Benefits that in the opinion of the Accounting Firm are not parachute payments, or (y) the amount of excess parachute payments within the meaning
of section 280G(b)(1) (after applying clause (1), above), and 

  

	 	3)	Value of noncash benefits and deferred payments: the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Accounting Firm in accordance
with the principles of sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

 Assumed Marginal Income Tax
Rate. For purposes of determining the Gross-Up Payment Amount, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the calendar years in which the Gross-Up Payment Amount is to be
made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the Executive’s residence on the date of termination of employment, net of the reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained
from deduction of state and local taxes (calculated by assuming that any reduction under section 68 of the Internal Revenue Code in the amount of itemized deductions allowable to the Executive applies first to reduce the amount of state and local
income taxes that would otherwise be deductible by the Executive, and applicable federal FICA and Medicare withholding taxes). 
 Return
of Reduced Excise Tax Payment or Payment of Additional Excise Tax. If the Excise Tax is later determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder when the Executive’s employment terminated, the Executive shall repay to the
Employer – when the amount of the reduction in Excise Tax is finally determined – the portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the reduction (plus that portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the Excise Tax,
federal, state and local income taxes and FICA and Medicare withholding taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment Amount being repaid by the Executive to the extent that the repayment results in a reduction in Excise Tax, FICA and Medicare withholding
taxes and/or a federal, state or local income tax deduction). 
 If the Excise Tax is later determined to be more than the amount taken into
account hereunder when the Executive’s employment terminated (due, for example, to a payment whose existence or amount cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment Amount), the Employer shall make an additional payment to the
Executive for that excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by the Executive for the excess) when the amount of the excess is finally determined. 
 (b) Responsibilities of the Accounting Firm and the Employer. Determinations Shall Be Made by the Accounting Firm. Subject to the provisions of section 5.3(a), all determinations required to be made
under this section 5.3(b) – including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment Amount is required, the amount of the Gross-Up Payment Amount and the assumptions to be used to arrive at the determination (collectively, the
“Determination”) – shall be made by the 

  

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Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Employer and the Executive within 15 business days after receipt of notice
from the Employer or the Executive that there has been a Gross-Up Payment Amount, or such earlier time as is requested by the Employer. 
 Fees and Expenses of the Accounting Firm and Agreement with the Accounting Firm. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Employer. The Employer shall enter into any agreement requested by the
Accounting Firm in connection with the performance of its services hereunder. 
 Accounting Firm’s Opinion. If the Accounting
Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, the Accounting Firm shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion to that effect and to the effect that failure to report Excise Tax, if any, on the Executive’s applicable
federal income tax return will not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar penalty. 
 Accounting Firm’s Determination Is
Binding; Underpayment and Overpayment. The Determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding on the Employer and the Executive. Because of the uncertainty when the Determination is made whether any of the Total Benefits will be subject to
the Excise Tax, it is possible that a Gross-Up Payment Amount that should have been made will not have been made by the Employer (“Underpayment”), or that a Gross-Up Payment Amount will be made that should not have been made
by the Employer (“Overpayment”). If after a Determination by the Accounting Firm the Executive is required to make a payment of additional Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment. The
Underpayment (together with interest at the rate provided in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) shall be paid promptly by the Employer to or for the benefit of the Executive. If the Gross-Up Payment Amount exceeds the amount
necessary to reimburse the Executive for the Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Overpayment. The Overpayment (together with interest at the rate provided in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) shall be
paid promptly by the Executive to or for the benefit of the Employer. Provided that the Executive’s expenses are reimbursed by the Employer, the Executive shall cooperate with any reasonable requests by the Employer in any contests or disputes
with the Internal Revenue Service relating to the Excise Tax. 
 Accounting Firm Conflict of Interest. If the Accounting Firm is
serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity, or group effecting the Change in Control, the Executive may appoint another nationally recognized public accounting firm to make the Determinations required hereunder (in which case the
term “Accounting Firm” as used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the accounting firm appointed by the Executive). 
  

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 ARTICLE 6 
 CONFIDENTIALITY AND CREATIVE WORK 
 6.1 Non-disclosure. The Executive covenants and agrees not to reveal to any person, firm, or corporation any confidential information of any nature concerning the Employer or its business, or anything connected
therewith. As used in this Article 6, the term “confidential information” means all of the Employer’s and affiliates’ confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets in existence on the date hereof or
existing at any time during the term of this Agreement, including but not limited to – 
 (a) the whole or any portion or phase of any
business plans, financial information, purchasing data, supplier data, accounting data, or other financial information, 
 (b) the whole or
any portion or phase of any research and development information, design procedures, algorithms or processes, or other technical information, 
 (c) the whole or any portion or phase of any marketing or sales information, sales records, customer lists, prices, sales projections, or other sales information, and 
 (d) trade secrets, as defined from time to time by the laws of the State of North Carolina. 
 Despite the foregoing, confidential information excludes information that – as of the date hereof or at any time after the date hereof – is
published or disseminated without obligation of confidence or that becomes a part of the public domain (x) by or through action of the Employer, or (y) otherwise than by or at the direction of the Executive. This section 6.1
does not prohibit disclosure required by an order of a court having jurisdiction or a subpoena from an appropriate governmental agency or disclosure made by the Executive in the ordinary course of business and within the scope of the
Executive’s authority. 
 6.2 Return of Materials. The Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Employer upon termination,
upon expiration of this Agreement, or as soon thereafter as possible, all written information and any other similar items furnished by the Employer or prepared by the Executive in connection with the Executive’s services hereunder. The
Executive will retain no copies thereof after termination of this Agreement or termination of the Executive’s employment. 
 6.3
Injunctive Relief. The Executive acknowledges that it is impossible to measure in money the damages that will accrue to the Employer if the Executive fails to observe the obligations imposed by this Article 6. Accordingly, if the Employer
institutes an action to enforce the provisions hereof, the Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law is available to the Employer, and the Executive agrees not to urge in any such action the claim or defense that an
adequate remedy at law exists. 
 6.4 Affiliates’ Confidential Information is Covered; Confidentiality Obligation Survives
Termination. For purposes of this Agreement the term “affiliate” of the Employer includes the Corporation, the Bank, and any entity that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled
by, or is under common control with the Corporation or the Bank. The rights and obligations set forth in this Article 6 shall survive termination of this Agreement. 
  

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 6.5 Creative Work. The Executive agrees that all creative work and work product, including but not
limited to all technology, business management tools, processes, software, patents, trademarks, and copyrights developed by the Executive during the term of this Agreement, regardless of when or where such work or work product was produced,
constitutes work made for hire, all rights of which are owned by the Employer. The Executive hereby assigns to the Employer all rights, title, and interest, whether by way of copyrights, trade secret, trademark, patent, or otherwise, in all such
work or work product, regardless of whether the same is subject to protection by patent, trademark, or copyright laws. 
 ARTICLE 7 
 MISCELLANEOUS 
 7.1 Successors and Assigns. (a) This Agreement is binding on successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Employer and any
successor to the Employer, including any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization, or otherwise. But this Agreement and the
Employer’s obligations under this Agreement are not otherwise assignable, transferable, or delegable by the Employer. By agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, the Employer shall require any successor to all or
substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Employer would be required to perform had no succession occurred. 
 (b) This Agreement is enforceable by the Executive’s heirs. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, and legatees. 
 (c) This
Agreement is personal in nature and is not assignable. This Agreement is personal in nature. Without written consent of the other parties, no party shall assign, transfer, or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations under this
Agreement, except as expressly provided herein. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Executive’s right to receive payments hereunder is not assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a security
interest, or otherwise, except for a transfer by the Executive’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution. If the Executive attempts an assignment or transfer that is contrary to this section 7.1, the Employer shall have no liability to
pay any amount to the assignee or transferee. 
 7.2 Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Forum. This Agreement shall be construed under
and governed by the internal laws of the State of North Carolina, without giving effect to any conflict of laws provision or rule (whether of the State of North Carolina or any other 

  

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jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of North Carolina. By entering into this Agreement, the
Executive acknowledges that the Executive is subject to the jurisdiction of both the federal and state courts in the State of North Carolina. Any actions or proceedings instituted under this Agreement shall be brought and tried solely in courts
located in Davidson County, North Carolina or in the federal court having jurisdiction in Thomasville, North Carolina. The Executive expressly waives the right to have any such actions or proceedings brought or tried elsewhere. 
 7.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties concerning the employment of the Executive, and any oral or
written statements, representations, agreements, or understandings made or entered into prior to or contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement are hereby rescinded, revoked, and rendered null and void by the parties. This Agreement
supersedes in its entirety the July 21, 2006 Employment Agreement entered into by the Executive and the Employer. 
 7.4 Notices.
Any notice under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been effectively made or given if in writing and personally delivered, delivered by mail properly addressed in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid by certified or registered mail, delivered by a
reputable overnight delivery service, or sent by facsimile. Unless otherwise changed by notice, notice shall be properly addressed to the Executive if addressed to the address of the Executive on the books and records of the Employer at the time of
the delivery of such notice, and properly addressed to the Employer if addressed to BNC Bancorp, 831 Julian Avenue, Thomasville, North Carolina 27361-1148, Attention: Corporate Secretary. 
 7.5 Severability. In the case of conflict between any provision of this Agreement and any statute, regulation, or judicial precedent, the latter
shall prevail, but the affected provisions of this Agreement shall be curtailed and limited solely to the extent necessary to bring them within the requirements of law. If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be indefinite, invalid, void or voidable, or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect unless that would clearly be contrary to the intentions of the parties or would result in an injustice.

 7.6 Captions and Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are solely for convenience. The captions in no way define, limit, or
describe the scope or intent of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 
 7.7 No Duty to Mitigate. The Employer hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult and could be impossible (x) for the Executive to
find reasonably comparable employment after employment termination, and (y) to measure the amount of damages the Executive may suffer as a result of termination. Additionally, the Employer acknowledges that its general severance pay
plans do not provide for mitigation, offset, or reduction of any severance payment received thereunder. The Employer further acknowledges that the payment of severance benefits under 

  

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this Agreement is reasonable and shall be liquidated damages. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this
Agreement by seeking other employment. Moreover, the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits provided as the result of employment of the Executive or as a result of the
Executive being self-employed after employment termination. 
 7.8 Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, released,
discharged, abandoned, changed, or modified in any manner, except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto. The failure of any party hereto to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed
to be a waiver of any such provision, nor affect the validity of this Agreement or any part thereof or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver or any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver
of any other or subsequent breach. 
 7.9 Payment of Legal Fees. The Employer is aware that after a Change in Control management could
cause or attempt to cause the Employer to refuse to comply with its obligations under this Agreement, or could institute or cause or attempt to cause the Employer to institute litigation seeking to have this Agreement declared unenforceable, or
could take or attempt to take other action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Agreement. In these circumstances the purpose of this Agreement would be frustrated. The Employer desires that the Executive not be required to incur the
expenses associated with the enforcement of rights under this Agreement, whether by litigation or other legal action, because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be granted to the Executive
hereunder. The Employer desires that the Executive not be forced to negotiate settlement of rights under this Agreement under threat of incurring expenses. Accordingly, if after a Change in Control occurs it appears to the Executive that
(x) the Employer has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement, or (y) the Employer or any other person has taken any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or instituted any
litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish, or to recover from the Executive the benefits intended to be provided to the Executive hereunder, the Employer irrevocably authorizes the Executive from time to time to retain counsel of
the Executive’s choice, at the Employer’s expense as provided in this section 7.9, to represent the Executive in the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Employer or any director,
officer, stockholder, or other person affiliated with the Employer, in any jurisdiction. Despite any existing or previous attorney-client relationship between the Employer and any counsel chosen by the Executive under this section 7.9, the Employer
irrevocably consents to the Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with that counsel, and the Employer and the Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Executive and that counsel. The fees and
expenses of counsel selected from time to time by the Executive as provided in this section shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Employer on a regular, periodic basis upon presentation by the Executive of a statement or statements
prepared by counsel in accordance with counsel’s customary practices, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $500,000, whether suit be brought or not, and whether or not incurred in trial, bankruptcy, or appellate proceedings. 

  

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The Employer’s obligation to pay the Executive’s legal fees provided by this section 7.9 operates separately from and in addition to any legal fee
reimbursement obligation the Employer may have with the Executive under any separate severance or other agreement. Despite anything in this Agreement to the contrary however, the Employer shall not be required to pay or reimburse the
Executive’s legal expenses if doing so would violate section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)] and Rule 359.3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [12 CFR 359.3]. 
 7.10 Consultation with Counsel and Interpretation of this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive has had the
assistance of counsel of the Executive’s choosing in the negotiation of this Agreement, or has chosen not to have the assistance of counsel. Both parties hereto having participated in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement, they hereby
agree that there shall not be strict interpretation against either party in connection with any review of this Agreement in which interpretation thereof is an issue. 
 7.11 Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. The Employer and the Executive intend that their exercise of authority or discretion under this Agreement shall comply with section 409A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If when the Executive’s employment terminates the Executive is a specified employee, as defined in section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and if any payments under this Agreement, including Articles 4
or 5, will result in additional tax or interest to the Executive because of section 409A, then despite any contrary provision of this Agreement the Executive shall not be entitled to the payments until the earliest of (x) the date that
is at least six months after termination of the Executive’s employment for reasons other than the Executive’s death, (y) the date of the Executive’s death, or (z) any earlier date that does not result in
additional tax or interest to the Executive under section 409A. As promptly as possible after the end of the period during which payments are delayed under this provision, the entire amount of the delayed payments shall be paid to the Executive in a
single lump sum. If any provision of this Agreement does not satisfy the requirements of section 409A, such provision shall nevertheless be applied in a manner consistent with those requirements. If any provision of this Agreement would subject the
Executive to additional tax or interest under section 409A, the Employer shall reform the provision. However, the Employer shall maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without subjecting the
Executive to additional tax or interest, and the Employer shall not be required to incur any additional compensation expense as a result of the reformed provision. 
  

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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have
executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above. 
  

									
	BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA	 		 	BNC BANCORP
					
	By:	 	  
	 		 	By:	 	  

					
	Its:	 	  
	 		 	Its:	 	  

		 		 		 		 	
		 		 		 	EXECUTIVE
				
		 		 		 	  

		 		 		 	Ralph N. Strayhorn III

  

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