snss-ex101_673.htm



Exhibit 10.1 

 

April 21, 2017 

 

Eric H. Bjerkholt

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

395 Oyster Point Blvd., Suite 400

South San Francisco, CA 94080 

 

Dear Eric:

The purpose of this letter is to set forth the transition and resignation agreement (the “Agreement”) between you and Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Sunesis” or the “Company”).  On April 7, 2017 you tendered your resignation as an officer and as an employee of the Company, which resignations the Company accepted.  Set forth below are the terms agreed to between you and the Company for an orderly transition of your responsibilities, and an exchange of consideration in the mutual interests of both you and Sunesis.

1.Transition.  You have resigned as an officer and employee of Sunesis effective April 27, 2017 (the “Resignation Date”).  Until the Resignation Date, you will continue your full-time duties in exchange for continued compensation at your current rate and benefits eligibility.  You hereby acknowledge that your termination of employment is not a Constructive Termination as defined in that certain Third Amended and Restated Executive Severance Benefits Agreement (the “Severance Agreement”) between you and the Company dated April 13, 2016.

2.Accrued Salary and Paid Time Off.  On the Resignation Date, the Company will pay you all accrued salary, and all accrued and unused vacation earned through the Resignation Date, subject to standard payroll deductions and withholdings.  

3.Health Care Coverage.  Your group health care coverage under the Company’s health care plans will continue through April 30, 2017.  Thereafter, to the extent provided by the federal COBRA law or, if applicable, state insurance laws, and by the Company’s current group health insurance policies, you may continue your group health insurance benefits at your own expense.  

4.Consulting Agreement.  Upon signing this agreement, the Company will enter into the consulting agreement set forth in Exhibit A (the “Consulting Agreement”).  As part of this Agreement and the Consulting Agreement, you understand and agree that the options and any other Company equity granted to you during your employment will continue to vest from the Resignation Date through June 30, 2017, when vesting as to all of your options and equity grants shall cease.  After June 30, 2017 and for the remaining period of time that you are performing services under the Consulting Agreement, no further vesting shall occur.  

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Eric H. Bjerkholt

April 21, 2017

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5.Other Compensation or Benefits.  You acknowledge that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, you will not receive any additional compensation or benefits after the Resignation Date, including any severance benefits from the Company under the terms of that certain offer letter from the Company dated December 1, 2003 (“Offer Letter”) or of the Severance Agreement.  You further agree that you have not earned, and will not receive, any bonus compensation for your services in 2017.

6.Expense Reimbursements.  You agree that, within ten (10) days after the Resignation Date, you will submit your final documented expense reimbursement statement reflecting all business expenses you incurred through the Resignation Date, if any, for which you seek reimbursement.  The Company will reimburse you for these expenses pursuant to its regular business practice.  

7.Return of Company Property.  By the Resignation Date, you agree to return to the Company all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other Company property within your possession, custody or control, including, but not limited to, Company files, notes, drawings, records, business plans and forecasts, financial information, specifications, computer-recorded information, tangible property (including, but not limited to), credit cards, entry cards, identification badges, and keys; and, any materials of any kind that contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of the Company (and all reproductions thereof); provided, however, that you are permitted to retain any Company property that is necessary for the performance of services under the Consulting Agreement. You agree to return any such property on or before the expiration of the Term of the Consulting Agreement, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. 

8.Proprietary Information Obligations.  You acknowledge and agree to abide by your continuing obligations under your Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B. .

9.Confidentiality.  The provisions of this Agreement will be held in strictest confidence by you and the Company and will not be publicized or disclosed in any manner whatsoever; provided, however, that:  (a) you may disclose this Agreement in confidence to your immediate family; (b) the parties may disclose this Agreement in confidence to their respective attorneys, accountants, auditors, tax preparers, and financial advisors; (c) the Company may disclose this Agreement as necessary to fulfill standard or legally required corporate reporting or disclosure requirements; (d) the parties may disclose this Agreement insofar as such disclosure may be necessary to enforce its terms or as otherwise required by law; (e) during the Term of the Consulting Agreement, you are permitted to disclose that you are serving as a consultant to the Company; and (f) you may disclose the fact or terms of this Agreement to any Government Agency.  

10.General.  This Agreement, including Exhibit A and Exhibit B, constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement between you and the Company with regard to its subject matter.  It is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein, and it supersedes 

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Eric H. Bjerkholt

April 21, 2017

Page 3 

any other such promises, warranties or representations.  This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in a writing signed by both you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.  This Agreement will bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of both you and the Company, and inure to the benefit of both you and the Company, their heirs, successors and assigns.  If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, this determination will not affect any other provision of this Agreement and the provision in question will be modified so as to be rendered enforceable.  This Agreement will be deemed to have been entered into and will be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California as applied to contracts made and to be performed entirely within California.  Any ambiguity in this Agreement shall not be construed against either party as the drafter.  Any waiver of a breach of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any successive breach.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and facsimile signatures will suffice as original signatures.

If this Agreement is acceptable to you, please sign below and Exhibit A, and return the originals to me.

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

By: /s/ DANIEL N. SWISHER, JR

           Daniel N. Swisher, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit A – Consulting Agreement

Exhibit B – Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement 

I have read, understand and agree fully to the foregoing Agreement:

/s/ ERIC H. BJERKHOLT           4/26/17
Eric H. BjerkholtDate 

 

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Exhibit A

SUNESIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

Effective Date:April 28, 2017

Expiration Date:December 31, 2017

This Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) is entered into by and between Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“SUNESIS”) and Eric H. Bjerkholt (“CONSULTANT”) in connection with and as Exhibit A to the Agreement (the “Agreement”) between the parties of even date herewith. SUNESIS desires to have CONSULTANT serve as a non-exclusive consultant to SUNESIS under the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, CONSULTANT and SUNESIS agree as follows:


	
1.
	
SERVICES AND COMPENSATION.  





	
 
	
a.
	
Consulting Services.  During the Term of this Consulting Agreement, CONSULTANT will from time to time provide consulting services (the “Services”) to SUNESIS as described on Attachment 1 attached to this Consulting Agreement.  CONSULTANT shall use best efforts to perform the Services in a manner satisfactory to SUNESIS.  Without limiting the foregoing, CONSULTANT shall provide Services to SUNESIS in accordance with generally accepted professional standards as applied to similar projects performed under similar conditions prevailing in the industry at the time such Services are rendered to SUNESIS. CONSULTANT shall not subcontract any portion of CONSULTANT’s duties or obligations under this Consulting Agreement without the prior written consent of SUNESIS.  





	
 
	
b.
	
SUNESIS Liaison; Reports.  CONSULTANT will report to the SUNESIS representative or agent (hereinafter, the “SUNESIS Liaison”, specified on Attachment 1) concerning the Services performed under this Consulting Agreement.  The nature and frequency of these reports will be left to the discretion of the SUNESIS Liaison.  Any and all written reports prepared by CONSULTANT shall be the Confidential Information (as defined below) and sole property of SUNESIS.





	
 
	
c.
	
Support.  SUNESIS may from time to time provide CONSULTANT with such support facilities and space at SUNESIS as may be required in SUNESIS’ sole judgment to enable CONSULTANT to properly perform the Services.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, CONSULTANT shall be responsible for securing, at CONSULTANT’s sole expense, such other facilities, equipment, space and any other items that are not expenses per Section 1d below that are required by CONSULTANT to perform the Services.





	
 
	
d.
	
Compensation.  In consideration for CONSULTANT’s performance of Services, SUNESIS will pay CONSULTANT in accordance with the fees and payment terms and other consideration set forth in Attachment 1.  CONSULTANT shall send SUNESIS an invoice monthly for services rendered.  Unless otherwise set forth in Attachment 1, SUNESIS shall make payments to CONSULTANT within thirty (30) days of invoice receipt.




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e.
	
Expenses.  CONSULTANT shall be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses incurred while performing Services on behalf of SUNESIS, including travel (i.e. airfare, meals and lodging), provided such expenses are approved by SUNESIS in advance.  All air travel on behalf of SUNESIS shall be coach class unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties.  As a condition to receipt of reimbursement, CONSULTANT shall be required to submit to SUNESIS reasonable evidence that the amount involved was expended and related to Services provided under this Consulting Agreement.





	
2.
	
CONFIDENTIALITY.  





	
 
	
a.
	
Confidential Information.  As used in this Consulting Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information (i) pertaining to any aspects of SUNESIS’ business, including but not limited to its research, technical data, products, services, plans for products or services, customers and potential customers, markets and marketing, finances, financial projections, employees (including employee compensation), patents, patent applications, developments, inventions, processes, designs, drawings, engineering, formulae, regulatory information, medical reports, clinical data and analysis, compounds, chemical structures, compositions, microorganisms or other cell types, proteins, peptides, reagents, cell lines, genetic or other biological materials, chemical formulas, business plans, and agreements with third parties, disclosed to CONSULTANT by SUNESIS either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or otherwise, or (ii) created by CONSULTANT as part of the Services, whether or not during working hours.  Confidential Information also includes any information, which SUNESIS has received from a third party which SUNESIS is obligated to treat as confidential or proprietary.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include information that CONSULTANT can demonstrate by competent written proof: (x) was in the public domain at the time it was disclosed or has entered the public domain through no fault of CONSULTANT; (y) was known to CONSULTANT, other than under an obligation of confidentiality, at the time of disclosure; or (z) was received by CONSULTANT from a third party authorized to make such disclosure.





	
 
	
b.
	
Confidentiality Obligations.  





	
 
	
i.
	
CONSULTANT shall not, during the Term of this Consulting Agreement and for ten (10) years after the date of expiration or termination of this Consulting Agreement, use any Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever other than the performance of the Services on behalf of SUNESIS, or disclose Confidential Information to any third party.  CONSULTANT agrees not to make copies of Confidential Information except as authorized by SUNESIS.  CONSULTANT agrees that Confidential Information, including any copies thereof, shall remain the sole property of SUNESIS.  





	
 
	
ii.
	
CONSULTANT shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use, access or disclosure of Confidential Information, including but not limited to (A) using the highest degree of care that it utilizes to protect its own most sensitive confidential information of a similar nature, (B) maintaining any such Confidential Information or any information derived therefrom wholly separate from information provided to CONSULTANT by any third party or belonging thereto, (C) not taking any such Confidential Information into the facilities of any third party, (D) not copying or reverse engineering any such Confidential Information, except to the extent necessary to perform the Services, and (E) immediately informing SUNESIS, in writing, of any actual or suspected unauthorized use, disclosure or access to Confidential Information.  




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iii.
	
Upon expiration or termination of this Consulting Agreement, or upon SUNESIS’ earlier request, CONSULTANT will deliver to SUNESIS all Confidential Information and any property relating thereto and all tangible embodiments thereof in CONSULTANT’s possession or control.  





	
 
	
iv.
	
The foregoing notwithstanding, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1833(b), CONSULTANT shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.  Nothing in this Consulting Agreement shall limit CONSULTANT’s right to report possible violations of law or regulation with any federal, state or local government agency or to discuss the terms and conditions of CONSULTANT’s engagement by SUNESIS to the extent that such disclosure is protected under applicable provisions of law or regulation, including but not limited to “whistleblower” statutes or other similar provisions that protect such disclosure.





	
3.
	
TERM AND TERMINATION.





	
 
	
a.
	
Term.  Provided that CONSULTANT has signed the Agreement without exercising any right of revocation, the Term of this Consulting Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until the Expiration Date (the “Term”), unless terminated before the Expiration Date as set forth in Section 3b below.  





	
 
	
b.
	
Mutual Termination.  This Consulting Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause, and without prejudice to any right or remedy a party may have due to any failure of the other party to perform their obligations under this Consulting Agreement, upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party.  In addition, SUNESIS may terminate this Consulting Agreement immediately and without prior notice if CONSULTANT is in breach of any material provision of this Consulting Agreement, the Agreement, or Exhibit B to the Agreement.  SUNESIS shall have the right to prohibit CONSULTANT from performing any services during any applicable notice period.  





	
 
	
c.
	
Effect of Termination.  Upon the effective date of expiration or termination of this Consulting Agreement, there shall be an accounting of costs and expenses related to this Consulting Agreement, conducted by CONSULTANT and subject to verification by SUNESIS.  Within thirty (30) days after receipt of adequate documentation therefor, SUNESIS shall make a payment to CONSULTANT.  Except as provided in this Section 3c, SUNESIS shall have no obligation of payment to CONSULTANT for Services performed after the date of expiration or termination.  In no event shall SUNESIS have any obligation with respect to fees or expenses otherwise not approved by SUNESIS in accordance with Section 1e.  If this Consulting Agreement expires or is terminated prior to completion of Services for any reason whatsoever, in addition to those obligations set forth in Section 2b(iii) above, CONSULTANT shall furnish SUNESIS with any partial or completed work product created pursuant to this Consulting Agreement, including, without limitation, any partial or completed deliverables.  If SUNESIS plans to continue the Services, CONSULTANT shall assist in smoothly transferring the conduct of the Services to SUNESIS or its designee. 




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d.
	
Survival Clause.  Sections 2, 4, and 7 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Consulting Agreement for any reason.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3d, all rights and obligations of the parties herein shall terminate upon the expiration or termination of this Consulting Agreement.





	
4.
	
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.  CONSULTANT’s relationship with SUNESIS will be that of an independent contractor and not that of an employee.  CONSULTANT shall not be eligible for any employee benefits or unemployment benefits, nor will SUNESIS make deductions from payments made to CONSULTANT for taxes, unless as otherwise required by law, all of which will be CONSULTANT’s responsibility.  CONSULTANT will have no authority to enter into contracts that bind SUNESIS or create obligations on the part of SUNESIS without the prior express written authorization of SUNESIS.





	
5.
	
CONFLICTING OBLIGATIONS.  CONSULTANT hereby certifies that CONSULTANT has no outstanding agreement or obligation that is in conflict with any of the provisions of this Consulting Agreement, or that would preclude CONSULTANT from complying with the provisions hereof, and further certifies that CONSULTANT will not enter into any such conflicting agreement during the Term of this Consulting Agreement.





	
6.
	
INDEMNIFICATION.  SUNESIS will indemnify CONSULTANT for all losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including advancement of reasonable attorneys’ fees, resulting from any and all actions, demands or claims arising from CONSULTANT’S provision of the Services in good faith.





	
7.
	
MISCELLANEOUS.





	
 
	
a.
	
No Conflict:  Valid and Binding.  CONSULTANT represents that neither the execution of this Consulting Agreement nor the performance of CONSULTANT’s obligations under this Consulting Agreement will result in a violation or breach of any other agreement by which CONSULTANT is bound.  SUNESIS represents that this Consulting Agreement has been duly authorized and executed and is a valid and legally binding obligation of SUNESIS, subject to no conflicting agreements.





	
 
	
b.
	
Use of Name.  Neither party shall have the right to use the name of the other party without such other party’s prior written consent, except that it is understood that the name of CONSULTANT may appear in certain SUNESIS disclosure documents, including those required by securities laws and in other regulatory and administrative filings in the ordinary course of SUNESIS’ business.





	
 
	
c.
	
Remedies.  CONSULTANT acknowledges that SUNESIS may have no adequate remedy at law to enforce Section 2 hereof.  In the event of a violation by CONSULTANT of Section 2, SUNESIS shall have the right to seek injunctive or similar relief, as well as all other relevant damages, without the requirement of posting bond or other similar measures.





	
 
	
d.
	
Choice of Law.  The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Consulting Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws.  





	
 
	
e.
	
Arbitration.  Any dispute, claim or controversy based on, arising out of or relating to CONSULTANT’s engagement under this Consulting Agreement shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in San Mateo County, California, before a single neutral arbitrator in 




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accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes (the “Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Arbitration may be compelled pursuant to the California Arbitration Act (Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1280 et seq.). If the parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator, one shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with its Rules. Each party shall pay the fees of its own attorneys, the expenses of its witnesses and all other expenses connected with presenting its case; however, CONSULTANT and SUNESIS agree that, to the extent permitted by law, the arbitrator may, in his or her discretion, award reasonable attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party. Other costs of the arbitration, including the cost of any record or transcripts of the arbitration, AAA’s administrative fees, the fee of the arbitrator, and all other fees and costs, shall be borne equally by the parties. This Section 7e is intended to be the exclusive method for resolving any and all claims by the parties against each other for payment of damages under this Consulting Agreement or relating to CONSULTANT’s engagement hereunder; provided, however, that neither this Consulting Agreement nor the submission to arbitration shall limit the parties’ right to seek provisional relief, including, without limitation, injunctive relief, in any court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 1281.8 or any similar statute of an applicable jurisdiction. Seeking any such relief shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such party’s right to compel arbitration. Both CONSULTANT and SUNESIS expressly waive their right to a jury trial. Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1717, each party warrants that it was represented by counsel in the negotiation and execution of this Consulting Agreement, including the attorneys’ fees provision herein.





	
 
	
f.
	
Notices.  Any notice required or permitted by this Consulting Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient upon receipt, when delivered personally or by courier, overnight delivery service or confirmed facsimile, or forty-eight (48) hours after being deposited in the regular mail as certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, if such notice is addressed to the party to be notified at such party’s address or facsimile number as set forth with the signatures below, or as subsequently modified by written notice. Notices to SUNESIS shall be sent to the attention of Legal Affairs.





	
 
	
g.
	
Assignment.  Due to the personal nature of the Services to be rendered hereunder, CONSULTANT may not assign this Consulting Agreement.  SUNESIS may assign this Consulting Agreement without the consent of CONSULTANT.  Subject to the foregoing, this Consulting Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each of the heirs, assigns and successors of the respective parties.





	
 
	
h.
	
Severability.  If one or more provisions of this Consulting Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith.  In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Consulting Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Consulting Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Consulting Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. 





	
 
	
i.
	
Waiver.  Waiver or forbearance by either party or the failure by either party to claim a breach of any provision of this Consulting Agreement or exercise any right or remedy provided by this Consulting Agreement or applicable law shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent breach of any provision hereof.




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j.
	
Advice of Counsel.  EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, IN EXECUTING THIS CONSULTING AGREEMENT, SUCH PARTY HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL, AND HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS CONSULTING AGREEMENT.  THIS CONSULTING AGREEMENT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AGAINST ANY PARTY BY REASON OF THE DRAFTING OR PREPARATION HEREOF. 





	
 
	
k.
	
Headings.  Headings are used in this Consulting Agreement for reference only and shall not be considered when interpreting this Consulting Agreement. 





	
 
	
l.
	
Amendments.  Any Term of this Consulting Agreement may be amended or modified only with the written consent of the parties.  





	
 
	
m.
	
Entire Agreement.  This Consulting Agreement, including the Attachment 1 hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between SUNESIS and CONSULTANT with respect to the subject matter of this Consulting Agreement and supersedes all prior written and oral agreements between the parties regarding the subject matter of this Consulting Agreement.  





	
 
	
n.
	
Counterparts.  This Consulting Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument, and may be executed through the use of facsimiles.




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Consulting Agreement, effective as of the Effective Date, on the dates set forth below.

SUNESIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.CONSULTANT

395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400Eric H. Bjerkholt

South San Francisco, California 94080

 

 

By: /s/ DANIEL N. SWISHER, JR/s/ ERIC H. BJERKHOLT

President and Chief Executive Officer 

Date Signed: 4/24/17           Date Signed: 4/26/17

 

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ATTACHMENT 1

 

SERVICES AND FEES

 


	
I.
	
Services to be provided to SUNESIS, include but are not limited to:  Upon request by the SUNESIS Liaison, or a designee of the SUNESIS Liaison, CONSULTANT shall provide services within CONSULTANT’s areas of expertise and experience.  The Services shall be performed only by Eric H. Bjerkholt.  





	
II.
	
Remuneration:





	
 
	
Hourly Rate:
	
$275 per hour, prorated for partial hours.




All requests for payment will be in a form of a detailed monthly invoice and sent electronically to dswisher@sunesis.com, with a copy to AP@sunesis.com


	
 
	
Equity:
	
During the Term of this Consulting Agreement Mr. Bjerkholt will be deemed in “Continuous Service” for purposes of exercising any vested shares subject to his options to purchase SUNESIS common stock.  Any equity in SUNESIS that has been granted to Eric H. Bjerkholt prior to the Effective Date shall continue to vest during the Term from the Effective Date through June 30, 2017 whereupon all vesting shall cease.  Except as described in this Attachment 1, all other rights and obligations with respect to Mr. Bjerkholt’s equity will be as set forth in the applicable stock option agreement(s), grant notice(s) and plan documents.    




III.  SUNESIS Liaison :

Daniel N. Swisher, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer 

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

395 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400

South San Francisco, CA 94080

 

 

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Exhibit B

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION and 

invention assignment AgreemenT

 

 

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