# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001511337
**File Stem:** 0001104659-25-091234
**Filing Date:** 2025-9
**Character Count:** 76228
**Document Hash:** d712660253e290c275dbd47b37e39945
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-25-091234.hdr.sgml**: 20250918

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-25-091234

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 15

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20250915

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250918

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250918

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** RLJ Lodging Trust
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001511337
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 05 Real Estate & Construction
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-35169
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251323473

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 7373 WISCONSIN AVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1500
- **CITY:** BETHESDA
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20814
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 301-280-7777

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 7373 WISCONSIN AVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1500
- **CITY:** BETHESDA
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20814

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 15, 2025

**RLJ LODGING TRUST**

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Maryland** | **001-35169** | **27-4706509** |
| (State or Other Jurisdiction<br>of Incorporation) | (Commission<br>File Number) | (IRS Employer<br>Identification No.) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; **7373 Wisconsin Avenue**, **Suite 1500** <br> **Bethesda** **, Maryland** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**20814** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | &nbsp;&nbsp;(Zip Code) |

---

**(301) 280-7777**

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

**Not Applicable**

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instructions A.2. below):

◻ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

◻ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which<br> registered |
| Common Shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share | RLJ | New York Stock Exchange |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ◻

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

**Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers**

On September 15, 2025, the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company") appointed Nikhil Bhalla as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company.

Mr. Bhalla, 51, joined the Company in July 2015, serving as Vice President, Finance and Financial Planning & Analysis from July 2015 to March 2019, Vice President and Treasurer, Corporate Strategy & Investor Relations from March 2019 to March 2021 and Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer from March 2021 to September 2025. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Bhalla served as Vice President, Equity Research at FBR Capital Markets & Co. from September 2008 to July 2015, Director, Feasibility & Strategic Analysis at Host Hotels & Resorts from June 2006 to July 2008 and Senior Associate at Susquehanna International Group, LLP from January 2005 to May 2006. Mr. Bhalla received a bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration from the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, India in 1995 and a master's degree in hospitality administration and management from Cornell University in 2003.

In connection with his appointment, the Company and RLJ Lodging Trust, L.P., the Company's operating partnership, entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Bhalla (the "Employment Agreement"), pursuant to which Mr. Bhalla will be employed as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company.

The Employment Agreement is effective as of September 15, 2025. Including the automatic renewal term set forth in the agreement, the term of the Employment Agreement runs until September 15, 2029. Mr. Bhalla's annual base salary will be $425,000, which base salary is subject to annual review and may be increased but not decreased from time to time. Mr. Bhalla is eligible to receive (i) an annual cash bonus, with a target cash bonus opportunity equal to 75% of his then-current base salary and (ii) ongoing equity incentive awards.

The Employment Agreement also (i) sets forth Mr. Bhalla's right to severance payments and/or benefits upon his termination of employment and (ii) contains customary non-competition and non-solicitation covenants that apply during the term and for 12 months following the expiration or termination of Mr. Bhalla's employment.

A copy of the Employment Agreement is attached to this report as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference. The summary set forth above is qualified in its entirety by reference to Exhibit 10.1.

As a result of Mr. Bhalla's appointment as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Leslie D. Hale ceased serving as interim principal financial officer of the Company.

**Item 8.01. Other Events**

On September 18, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Bhalla as Chief Financial Officer. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

**Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits**

(d) The following exhibit is filed as part of this report:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br> Number** | **Description** |
| [10.1](tm2526402d1_ex10-1.htm) | [Employment Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2025, by and among RLJ Lodging Trust, RLJ Lodging Trust, L.P. and Nikhil Bhalla](tm2526402d1_ex10-1.htm) |
| [99.1](tm2526402d1_ex99-1.htm) | [Press release dated September 18, 2025](tm2526402d1_ex99-1.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL documents) |

---

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **RLJ LODGING TRUST** | **RLJ LODGING TRUST** |
| Date: September 18, 2025 | By: | /s/ Leslie D. Hale |
|  |  | Leslie D. Hale |
|  |  | President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

**NIKHIL BHALLA<br> EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT**

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made this 15th day of September, 2025, by RLJ Lodging Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the "Company") and RLJ Lodging Trust, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership"), each with its principal place of business at 7373 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500, Bethesda, MD 20814, and Nikhil Bhalla, residing at the address on file with the Company (the "Executive").

WHEREAS, the Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership;

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company desire to enter into the Agreement to reflect the Executive's executive capacities in the Company's business and provide for the Company's and Operating Partnership's employment of the Executive

WHEREAS, this Agreement will be effective upon the date set forth above;

WHEREAS, the allocation of the rights and obligations between the Company and the Operating Partnership shall be determined by separate agreement of those parties; and

WHEREAS, for purposes of this Agreement, the term "Company" shall be understood to include the Operating Partnership, unless the context otherwise requires.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, the parties agree as follows:

**1.** **Term of Employment** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company hereby continues its employment of the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts such ongoing employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period next described (the "Employment Period"). Unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 5, the Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be for a term commencing on the date of this Agreement (the "Commencement Date") and ending on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date (the "Initial Term"). If not previously terminated in accordance with this Agreement, the Employment Period shall be extended for an additional twelve (12) month period immediately following the Initial Term (such extension, the "Renewal Term"), unless the Company or the Executive provides written notice to the contrary at least sixty (60) days before the last day of the Initial Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If the parties have failed to extend this Agreement or enter into a new agreement on or before the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term, as applicable, the Executive's employment shall terminate at the end of the applicable term and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6(c), the Company's only obligation to Executive upon such termination will be to accelerate, as of the last day of the applicable term, the vesting of the unvested portion of any then-outstanding equity awards subject to time-based vesting (excluding any award that references and proclaims to supersede this Agreement and as to which the provisions of such award shall control, each a "Special Award") and to pay the amounts set forth in Section 6(a); provided, however, that the Company shall not provide the acceleration described in this sentence if: (i) the Agreement was not extended because the Executive provided the written notice to the contrary as described in Section 1(a); or (ii) the parties did not enter into a new agreement because either the Executive declined to enter into the then-standard form executive employment agreement offered to the Executive by the Company or the Executive notified the Company that the Executive did not wish to continue employment with the Company after the applicable term. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is employed on the last day of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term, as applicable, the Board shall determine the amount of any annual bonus to award the Executive for the fiscal year in which the end of such term occurs, based on the criteria set forth in Section 4(b) and pro-rated for the portion of the fiscal year the Executive remains employed. The Company shall pay any such bonus on the date on which the Company's other employees receive bonuses, regardless of whether the Executive is employed by the Company on that date.

**2.** **Title; Duties** 

The Executive currently serves as Treasurer and will serve as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President as of the Commencement Date. The Executive shall report to the President and Chief Executive Officer, who shall have the authority to direct, control and supervise the activities of the Executive. The Executive shall perform such services consistent with his position as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President and Chief Executive Officer and/or the Board of Trustees and as are consistent with the bylaws of the Company and the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership as it may be further amended from time to time, including, but not limited to, managing the affairs of the Company and the Operating Partnership.

**3.** **Extent of Services** 

The Executive agrees not to engage in any business activities during the Employment Period except those which are for the sole benefit of the Company and its subsidiaries, and to devote his entire business time, attention, skill, and effort to the performance of his duties under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may, without impairing or otherwise adversely affecting the Executive's performance of his duties to the Company, (i) engage in personal investments and charitable, professional and civic activities, and (ii) with the prior approval of the Board of Trustees, serve on the boards of directors of corporations other than the Company, provided, however, that no such approval shall be necessary for the Executive's continued service on any board of directors or board of trustees on which he was serving on the date of this Agreement, all of which have been previously disclosed to the Board of Trustees in writing. The Executive shall perform his duties to the best of his ability, shall adhere to the Company's published policies and procedures, and shall use his best efforts to promote the Company's interests, reputation, business and welfare.

**4.** **Compensation and Benefits** 

During the Employment Period:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Salary</u>.
 The Company will continue to pay the Executive a gross base annual salary rate ("Base
 Salary") of Four Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($425,000). The Base Salary shall
 be payable in arrears in approximately equal semi-monthly installments (except that the first
 and last such semi-monthly installments may be prorated if necessary) on the Company's
 regularly scheduled payroll dates, minus such deductions as may be required by law or reasonably
 requested by the Executive. The Company's Compensation Committee (the "Compensation
 Committee") shall review his Base Salary annually in conjunction with its regular review
 of employee salaries and may increase (but not decrease) the Executive's Base Salary
 as in effect from time to time as the Compensation Committee shall deem appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Annual Bonus</u>. The Executive shall be entitled to earn bonuses with respect to each fiscal year
 (or partial fiscal year), based upon the Executive's and the Company's achievement
 of performance objectives set by the Company for each fiscal year of the Employment Period,
 with a target bonus of 75% of the Executive's Base Salary for such fiscal year (or
 partial fiscal year). Any such bonus earned by the Executive shall be paid annually by March 15
 of the year following the end of the year for which the bonus was earned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Option, Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit and LTIP Unit Grants</u>. The Executive will be eligible
 for grants of options to purchase the Company's common shares of beneficial interest
 ("common shares"), grants of Company restricted common shares, restricted common
 share units and long-term incentive units in the Operating Partnership subject to certain
 time vesting requirements and other conditions set forth in the applicable award agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Other Benefits</u>. The Executive shall be entitled to paid time off and holiday pay in accordance
 with the Company's policies in effect from time to time and shall be eligible to participate
 in such life, health, and disability insurance, pension, deferred compensation and incentive
 plans, options and awards, performance bonuses and other benefits as the Company extends,
 as a matter of policy, to its executive employees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Reimbursement of Business Expenses</u>. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable travel,
 entertainment and other expenses incurred or paid by the Executive in connection with, or
 related to, the performance of his duties, responsibilities or services under this Agreement,
 upon presentation by the Executive of documentation, expense statements, vouchers, and/or
 such other supporting information as the Company may reasonably request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Timing of Reimbursements</u>. Any reimbursement under this Agreement that is taxable to the Executive
 shall be made in no event later than sixty (60) days following the calendar year in which
 the Executive incurred the expense.

**5.** **Termination** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Termination by the Company for Cause</u>. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment
 under this Agreement at any time for Cause, upon written notice by the Company to the Executive.
 For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" for termination shall mean any of the
 following: (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with the performance
 of duties; (ii) conviction of a felony; (iii) conviction of any other criminal
 offense involving an act of dishonesty intended to result in substantial personal enrichment
 of the Executive at the expense of the Company or its subsidiaries; or (iv) material
 breach of any term of any employment, consulting or other services, confidentiality, intellectual
 property or non-competition agreements, if any, between the Executive and the Company, which,
 if such breach is curable, such breach is not cured within fifteen (15) calendar days following
 the Executive's receipt of written notice of such breach, with such detail as sufficient
 to apprise the Executive of the nature and extent of such breach.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Termination by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive Without Good Reason</u>. The Company may
 terminate this Agreement at any time without Cause or the Executive may resign without Good
 Reason (as defined below), upon giving the other party thirty (30) days' written notice.
 At the Company's sole discretion, it may substitute thirty (30) days' Base Salary
 (or any lesser portion for any shortened period provided) in lieu of notice. Any Base Salary
 paid to the Executive in lieu of notice shall not be offset against any entitlement the Executive
 may have to the Severance Payment pursuant to Section 6(c). For purposes of this Agreement,
 the non-renewal of the Employment Period at the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term
 does not constitute termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Termination by the Executive for Good Reason</u>. The Executive may terminate his employment under this
 Agreement at any time for Good Reason, upon written notice by the Executive to the Company.
 For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" for termination shall mean, without
 the Executive's consent: (i) the assignment to the Executive of substantial duties
 or responsibilities inconsistent with the Executive's position at the Company, or any
 other action by the Company which results in a substantial diminution of the Executive's
 duties or responsibilities other than any such reduction which is remedied by the Company
 within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice thereof from the Executive; (ii) a
 requirement that the Executive work principally from a location that is thirty (30) miles
 further from the Executive's residence than the Company's address first written
 above; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive's aggregate Base Salary and
 other compensation (including the target bonus amount and retirement plans, welfare plans
 and fringe benefits) taken as a whole, excluding any reductions caused by the failure to
 achieve performance targets and excluding any reductions on account of the provisions of
 this Agreement; or (iv) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement. Good Reason
 shall not exist pursuant to any subsection of this Section 5(c) unless (A) the
 Executive shall have delivered notice to the Board of Trustees within ninety (90) days of
 the initial occurrence of such event constituting Good Reason, and (B) the Board fails
 to remedy the circumstances giving rise to the Executive's notice within thirty (30)
 days of receipt of notice. The Executive must terminate his employment under this Section 5(c) at
 a time agreed reasonably with the Company, but in any event within one hundred fifty (150)
 days from the initial occurrence of an event constituting Good Reason. For purposes of Good
 Reason, the Company shall be defined to include any successor to the Company which has assumed
 the obligations of the Company through merger, acquisition, stock purchase, asset purchase
 or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, the non-renewal of the Employment Period at
 the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term does not constitute termination without Cause
 or resignation for Good Reason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Executive's Death or Disability</u>. The Executive's employment shall terminate immediately upon
 his death or, upon written notice as set forth below, his Disability. As used in this Agreement,
 "Disability" shall mean such physical or mental impairment as would render the
 Executive unable to perform each of the essential duties of the Executive's position
 by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which is potentially
 permanent in character or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less
 than twelve (12) months. If the Employment Period is terminated by reason of the Executive's
 Disability, either party shall give thirty (30) days' advance written notice to that
 effect to the other.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Executive's Retirement</u>. The Executive's employment shall terminate upon his Retirement. As
 used in this Agreement, "Retirement" shall mean the point in which the Executive
 has reached the age of sixty-five (65) and has decided to exit the workforce completely.
 If the Employment Period is terminated by reason of the Executive's Retirement, the
 Executive shall give one hundred eighty (180) days' advance notice to the effect to
 the Company.

**6.** **Effect of Termination** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>General</u>.
 Regardless of the reason for any termination of employment and subject to this Section 6,
 the Executive (or the Executive's estate if the Employment Period ends on account of
 the Executive's death) shall be entitled to (i) payment of any unpaid portion
 of his Base Salary through the effective date of termination; (ii) reimbursement for
 any outstanding reasonable business expense he has incurred in performing his duties hereunder
 in accordance with Company policy; (iii) continued insurance benefits to the extent
 required by law; and (iv) payment of any vested but unpaid rights as may be required
 independent of this Agreement by the terms of any bonus or other incentive pay or equity
 plan, or any other employee benefit plan or program of the Company. Upon termination of employment
 for any reason, the Executive shall resign from all boards and committees of the Company,
 its affiliates and its subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Termination by the Company for Cause or by the Executive Without Good Reason</u>. If the Company terminates
 the Executive's employment for Cause or the Executive terminates his employment without
 Good Reason, the Executive shall have no rights or claims against the Company except to receive
 the payments and benefits described in Section 6(a).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Termination by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason</u>. Except as provided
 in Section 1(b), if during the Employment Period the Company terminates the Executive's
 employment without Cause pursuant to Section 5(b), or the Executive terminates employment
 with Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(c), the Executive shall be entitled to receive,
 in addition to the items referenced in Section 6(a), the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) a
 pro rata bonus for the year of termination but, in connection with a termination other than
 a termination at or after a "Change of Control" (as defined in the RLJ Lodging
 Trust 2021 Equity Incentive Plan), only to the extent performance goals for the calendar
 year of termination are achieved, payable at the same time bonuses are paid for such year
 but in no event later than March 15 of the fiscal year following his termination;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) continued
 payment of his Base Salary, at the rate in effect on his last day of employment (but in no
 event in an annual amount less than as set forth in Section 4(a)), for a period of twelve
 (12) months. Such amount shall be paid in approximately equal installments on the Company's
 regularly scheduled payroll dates, subject to all legally required payroll deductions and
 withholdings for sums owed by the Executive to the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) continued
 payment by the Company for the Executive's life and health insurance coverage for twelve
 (12) months to the same extent that the Company paid for such coverage immediately prior
 to the termination of the Executive's employment and subject to the eligibility requirements
 and other terms and conditions of such insurance coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
 (A) if any plan pursuant to which the Company is providing such coverage is not, or
 ceases prior to the expiration of the period of continuation coverage to be, exempt from
 the application of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
 "Code") ("Section 409A") under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(a)(5),
 or (B) the Company is otherwise unable to continue to cover the Executive under its
 group health plans, then, in either case, an amount equal to the monthly plan premium payment
 shall thereafter be paid to the Executive as currently taxable compensation in substantially
 equal monthly installments over the twelve (12) month period (or the remaining portion thereof);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) payment
 equal to one (1) times the Executive's target annual bonus for the year of termination.
 The payment provided for in this paragraph (iv) shall be made in a lump sum on the first
 anniversary of the date of the Executive's termination of employment; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) vesting
 as of the last day of his employment in any unvested portion of any equity awards previously
 granted to the Executive by the Company (excluding a Special Award); provided, however, that
 the Company may, in connection with a termination other than a termination at or after a
 "Change of Control" (as defined in the RLJ Lodging Trust 2021 Equity Incentive
 Plan) with respect to awards the vesting of which is conditioned on the achievement of performance
 goals, condition accelerated vesting on the ultimate achievement of the performance goals,
 in which case such awards shall remain outstanding until certification of achievement of
 the performance goals, and such awards shall vest or be forfeited as of such certification
 date based on the level of achievement of the performance goals.

None of the benefits described in this Section 6(c) (the "Severance Payment") will be payable unless the Executive has signed a general release (attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A)</u> within forty-five (45) days of date of termination, which has (and not until it has) become irrevocable, satisfactory to the Company in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, releasing the Company, its affiliates, and its trustees, directors, officers and employees, from any and all claims or potential claims arising from or related to the Executive's employment or termination of employment. Any payment conditioned on execution of the general release that was not made because the general release was not signed and had not become irrevocable shall be made within ten (10) days after the general release becomes irrevocable, provided that as to payments and benefits which are subject to Section 409A if the end of the forty-five (45) day plus seven (7) day revocation period occurs in a year subsequent to the year in which the termination of employment occurs, the payments will be made in the subsequent year. Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section 6(c) shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum, and all remaining payments due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Termination In the Event of Death, Disability or Retirement</u>.

In the event of a termination of employment due to death, Disability or Retirement, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the items referenced in Section 6(a), as well as any performance bonus for that fiscal year and accelerating vesting of equity awards, each as specifically set forth below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If the Executive's
 employment terminates because of his death, the unvested portion of any equity awards previously
 granted to the Executive by the Company (excluding a Special Award) shall become fully vested
 as of the date of his death, and the Executive's estate shall be entitled to receive
 a pro-rata share of any performance bonus to which he otherwise would have been entitled
 for the fiscal year in which his death occurs (regardless of whether performance goals for
 that fiscal year are achieved) payable at the same time bonuses are paid for such year but
 in no event later than March 15 of the fiscal year following his death.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) In
 the event the Executive's employment terminates due to his Disability, as of the effective
 date of the termination notice specified in Section 5(d), the Executive shall vest in
 any unvested portion of any equity awards previously granted to the Executive by the Company
 (excluding a Special Award), and the Executive shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata share
 of any performance bonus to which he otherwise would have been entitled for the fiscal year
 in which his Disability occurs (regardless of whether performance goals for that fiscal year
 are achieved) payable at the same time bonuses are paid for such year but in no event later
 than March 15 of the fiscal year following his Disability.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) In the event
 the Executive's employment terminates due to his Retirement, the unvested portion of
 any equity awards previously granted to the Executive by the Company (excluding a Special
 Award) shall be fully vested as of the date of his termination; provided, however, that the
 Company may, with respect to awards the vesting of which is conditioned on the achievement
 of performance goals, condition accelerated vesting on the ultimate achievement of the performance
 goals, in which case such awards shall remain outstanding until certification of achievement
 of the performance goals, and such awards shall vest or be forfeited as of such certification
 date based on the level of achievement of the performance goals. The Executive also shall
 be entitled to payment of a pro rata portion of any performance bonus for the fiscal year
 of the Executive's Retirement only to the extent performance goals for that fiscal
 year are achieved. The pro rata performance bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive
 at the same time bonuses are paid for such year but in no event later than March 15
 of the fiscal year following his Retirement.

**7.** **Confidentiality** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Definition of Proprietary Information</u>. The Executive acknowledges that he may be furnished or may
 otherwise receive or have access to confidential information which relates to the Company's
 past, present or future business activities, strategies, services or products, research and
 development; financial analysis and data; improvements, inventions, processes, techniques,
 designs or other technical data; profit margins and other financial information; fee arrangements;
 compilations for marketing or development; confidential personnel and payroll information;
 or other information regarding administrative, management, or financial activities of the
 Company, or of a third party which provided proprietary information to the Company on a confidential
 basis. All such information, including in any electronic form, and including any materials
 or documents containing such information, shall be considered by the Company and the Executive
 as proprietary and confidential (the "Proprietary Information").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Exclusions</u>.
 Notwithstanding the foregoing, Proprietary Information shall not include information in the
 public domain not as a result of a breach of any duty by the Executive or any other person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Obligations</u>.
 The Executive shall maintain the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information and shall
 not (i) disclose or disseminate the Proprietary Information to any third party, including
 employees of the Company (or its affiliates) without a legitimate business need to know during
 the Employment Period; (ii) remove the Proprietary Information from the Company's
 premises without a valid business purpose; or (iii) use the Proprietary Information
 for his own benefit or for the benefit of any third party. Nothing herein shall prevent the
 Executive from (A) complying with a valid subpoena or other legal requirement for disclosure
 of the Proprietary Information, provided that the Executive shall use good faith efforts
 to notify the Company promptly and in advance of disclosure if he believes that he is under
 a legal requirement to disclose the Proprietary Information otherwise protected from disclosure
 under this subsection and if the Executive remains legally compelled to make such disclosure,
 the Executive may only disclose that portion of the information that the Executive is required
 to disclose and shall use best efforts to ensure that such information is afforded confidential
 treatment; (B) disclosing the terms and conditions of this Agreement to the Executive's
 spouse or tax, accounting, financial or legal advisors, so long as they agree verbally or
 in writing to be bound by the obligations of this subsection; or (C) reporting a possible
 violation of law to a governmental entity or law enforcement, including making a disclosure
 that is protected under the whistle blower protections of applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Defend Trade Secrets Act</u>. The Executive hereby acknowledges and understands that an individual
 may not be held liable under any criminal or civil federal or state trade secret law for
 disclosure of a trade secret: (i) made in confidence to a government official, either
 directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating
 a suspected violation of law or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit
 or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, the Executive further
 acknowledges and understands that an individual suing an employer for retaliation based on
 the reporting of a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to his or her attorney
 and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, so long as any document containing
 the trade secret is filed under seal and the individual does not disclose the trade secret
 except pursuant to court order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Return of Proprietary Information</u>. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that all the Proprietary
 Information used or generated during the course of working for the Company is the property
 of the Company. The Executive agrees to deliver to the Company all documents and other tangibles
 containing the Proprietary Information immediately upon termination of his employment.

**8.** **Noncompetition** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Restriction on Competition</u>. For the period of the Executive's employment with the Company and
 for twelve (12) months following the expiration or termination of the Executive's employment
 by the Company (the "Restricted Period"), the Executive agrees not to engage,
 directly or indirectly, as a manager, employee, consultant, partner, principal, agent, representative,
 or in any other individual or representative capacity in any material business that the Company
 conducts as of the date of the Executive's termination of employment, including but
 not limited to investments primarily in premium-branded, focused-service and compact full-service
 hotels, where material is defined as fifteen percent (15%) of the gross revenues of the Company
 based on the most recent quarterly earnings. Executive further agrees that for the period
 of the Executive's employment with the Company and for the Restricted Period, the Executive
 will not engage, directly or indirectly, as an owner, director, trustee, member, stockholder,
 or in any other corporate capacity in any material business that the Company conducts as
 of the date of the Executive's termination of employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
 the Executive shall not be deemed to have violated this Section 8(a) solely (i) by
 reason of his passive ownership of 1% or less of the outstanding stock of any publicly traded
 corporation or other entity, (ii) by providing legal, accounting or audit services as
 an employee or partner of a professional services organization or (iii) by providing
 services to any investment banking or other institution that do not relate to any material
 business that the Company conducts as of the date of the Executive's termination of
 employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Non-Solicitation of Clients</u>. During the Restricted Period, the Executive agrees not to solicit, directly
 or indirectly, on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person(s), any client of the Company
 to whom the Company had provided services at any time during the Executive's employment
 with the Company in any line of business that the Company conducts as of the date of the
 Executive's termination of employment or that the Company is actively soliciting, for
 the purpose of marketing or providing any service competitive with any service then offered
 by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Non-Solicitation of Employees</u>. During the Restricted Period, the Executive agrees that he will not, directly
 or indirectly, hire or attempt to hire or cause any business, other than an affiliate of
 the Company, to hire any person who is then or was at any time during the preceding six (6) months
 an employee of the Company and who is at the time of such hire or attempted hire, or was
 at the date of such employee's separation from the Company a vice president, senior
 vice president or executive vice president or other senior executive employee of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Acknowledgement</u>.
 The Executive acknowledges that he will acquire much Proprietary Information concerning the
 past, present and future business of the Company as the result of his employment, as well
 as access to the relationships between the Company and its clients and employees. The Executive
 further acknowledges that the business of the Company is very competitive and that competition
 by him in that business during his employment, or after his employment terminates, would
 severely injure the Company. The Executive understands and agrees that the restrictions contained
 in this Section 8 are reasonable and are required for the Company's legitimate
 protection, and do not unduly limit his ability to earn a livelihood.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Rights and Remedies upon Breach</u>. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any breach by him
 of any of the provisions of Sections 7 and 8 (the "Restrictive Covenants") would
 result in irreparable injury and damage for which money damages would not provide an adequate
 remedy. Therefore, if the Executive breaches, or threatens to commit a breach of, any of
 the provisions of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company and its affiliates shall have the
 following rights and remedies, each of which rights and remedies shall be independent of
 the other and severally enforceable, and all of which rights and remedies shall be in addition
 to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the Company and its affiliates
 under law or in equity (including, without limitation, the recovery of damages):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The
 right and remedy to have the Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced (without posting
 bond and without the need to prove damages) by any court of competent jurisdiction, including,
 without limitation, the right to an entry against the Executive of restraining orders and
 injunctions (preliminary, mandatory, temporary and permanent) against violations, threatened
 or actual, and whether or not then continuing, of such covenants; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The
 right and remedy to require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company and
 its affiliates all compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments or other benefits
 (collectively, "Benefits") derived or received by him as the result of any transactions
 constituting a breach of the Restrictive Covenants, and the Executive shall account for and
 pay over such Benefits to the Company and, if applicable, its affected affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Without
 limiting Section 14(k), if any court or other decision-maker of competent jurisdiction
 determines that any of the Restrictive Covenants, or any part thereof, is unenforceable because
 of the duration or geographical scope of such provision, then, after such determination has
 become final and unappealable, the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be,
 shall be reduced so that such provision becomes enforceable and, in its reduced form, such
 provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.

**9.** **Executive Representation** 

The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that he is not now under any obligation of a contractual or other nature to any person, business or other entity which is inconsistent or in conflict with this Agreement or which would prevent him from performing his obligations under this Agreement.

**10.** **Mediation and Arbitration** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except
 as provided in Section 10(b) and 10(c), any disputes between the Company and the
 Executive in any way concerning the Executive's employment, the termination of his
 employment, this Agreement or its enforcement shall be subject to mediation. If the Company
 and the Executive cannot agree upon a mediator, each shall select one name from a list of
 mediators maintained by any bona fide dispute resolution provider or other private mediator;
 the two selected shall then choose a third person who will serve as the sole mediator. The
 first mediation session shall occur within forty-five (45) calendar days following the notice
 of a dispute. If within sixty (60) days of the first mediation session the claim is not resolved,
 either party may request that the dispute be settled exclusively by arbitration in the State
 of Maryland by a single arbitrator, selected in the same manner as the mediator, in accordance
 with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect
 at the time of submission to arbitration. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator's
 award in any court having jurisdiction. For purposes of entering any judgment upon an award
 rendered by the arbitrator, any or all of the following courts have jurisdiction: (i) the
 United States District Court for the District of Maryland, (ii) any of the courts of
 the State of Maryland, or (iii) any other court having jurisdiction. Any service of
 process or notice requirements in any such proceeding shall be satisfied if the rules of
 such court relating thereto have been substantially satisfied. The Company and the Executive
 waive to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which it may now or
 hereafter have to such jurisdiction and any defense of inconvenient forum. A judgment upon
 an award rendered by the arbitrators may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the
 judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Each party shall bear its or his costs and
 expenses arising in connection with any arbitration proceeding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Notwithstanding
 the foregoing, the Company, in its sole discretion, may bring an action in any court of competent
 jurisdiction to seek injunctive relief and such other relief as the Company shall elect to
 enforce the Restrictive Covenants. If the courts of any one or more of such jurisdictions
 hold the Restrictive Covenants wholly unenforceable by reason of breadth of scope or otherwise
 it is the intention of the Company and the Executive that such determination not bar or in
 any way affect the Company's right, or the right of any of its affiliates, to the relief
 provided in Section 8(e) above in the courts of any other jurisdiction within the
 geographical scope of such Restrictive Covenants, as to breaches of such Restrictive Covenants
 in such other respective jurisdictions, such Restrictive Covenants as they relate to each
 jurisdiction being, for this purpose, severable, diverse and independent covenants, subject,
 where appropriate, to the doctrine of res judicata. The parties hereby agree to waive any
 right to a trial by jury for any and all disputes hereunder (whether or not relating to the
 Restrictive Covenants).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Notwithstanding
 the foregoing, the Company or the Executive may bring an action in any court of competent
 jurisdiction to resolve any dispute under or seek the enforcement of Section 6.

**11.** **Section 409A**.

To the extent the Executive would be subject to the additional twenty percent (20%) tax imposed on certain deferred compensation arrangements pursuant to Section 409A, as a result of any provision of this Agreement, such provision shall be deemed amended to the minimum extent necessary to avoid application of such tax and preserve to the maximum extent possible the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company, and the parties shall promptly execute any amendment reasonably necessary to implement this Section 11.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) For
 purposes of Section 409A, the Executive's right to receive installment payments
 pursuant to this Agreement including, without limitation, each severance payment and health
 insurance payment shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct
 payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The
 Executive will be deemed to have a date of termination for purposes of determining the timing
 of any payments or benefits hereunder that are classified as deferred compensation only upon
 a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Notwithstanding
 any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if at the time of the Executive's
 separation from service, (i) the Executive is a specified employee (within the meaning
 of Section 409A and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from
 time to time), and (ii) the Company makes a good faith determination that an amount
 payable on account of such separation from service to the Executive constitutes deferred
 compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) the payment of which is required to
 be delayed pursuant to the six (6) month delay rule set forth in Section 409A
 in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A (the "Delay Period"),
 then the Company will not pay such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but will
 instead pay it in a lump sum on the first business day after such six (6) month period
 (or upon the Executive's death, if earlier), together with interest for the period
 of delay, compounded annually, equal to the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal)
 in effect as of the dates the payments should otherwise have been provided. To the extent
 that any benefits to be provided during the Delay Period are considered deferred compensation
 under Section 409A provided on account of a "separation from service," and
 such benefits are not otherwise exempt from Section 409A, the Executive shall pay the
 cost of such benefit during the Delay Period, and the Company shall reimburse the Executive,
 to the extent that such costs would otherwise have been paid by the Company or to the extent
 that such benefits would otherwise have been provided by the Company at no cost to the Executive,
 the Company's share of the cost of such benefits upon expiration of the Delay Period,
 and any remaining benefits shall be reimbursed or provided by the Company in accordance with
 the procedures specified herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) (i) Any
 amount that the Executive is entitled to be reimbursed under this Agreement will be reimbursed
 to the Executive as promptly as practical and in any event not later than the last day of
 the calendar year after the calendar year in which the expenses are incurred, (ii) any
 right to reimbursement or in kind benefits will not be subject to liquidation or exchange
 for another benefit, and (iii) the amount of the expenses eligible for reimbursement
 during any taxable year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement
 in any other taxable year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Whenever
 a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days
 (e.g., "payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination"),
 the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion
 of the Company.

**12.** **Parachute Payment Limitations** 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or of any other agreement, contract, or understanding heretofore or hereafter entered into by the Executive and the Company or its affiliates, except an agreement, contract, or understanding hereafter entered into that expressly modifies or excludes application of this Section 12 (the "Other Agreements"), and notwithstanding any formal or informal plan or other arrangement heretofore or hereafter adopted by the Company or any of its affiliates for the direct or indirect compensation of the Executive (including groups or classes of participants or beneficiaries of which the Executive is a member), whether or not such compensation is deferred, is in cash, or is in the form of a benefit to or for the Executive (a "Benefit Arrangement"), if the Executive is a "disqualified individual," as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code, any right to receive any payment or other benefit under this Agreement shall not become exercisable or vested (i) to the extent that such right to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit, taking into account all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Executive under the Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements, would cause any payment or benefit to the Executive under this Agreement to be considered a "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then in effect (a "Parachute Payment") <u>and</u> (ii) if, as a result of receiving a Parachute Payment, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Executive from the Company or any of its affiliates under this Agreement, all Other Agreements, and all Benefit Arrangements would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be received by the Executive without causing any such payment or benefit to be considered a Parachute Payment. In the event that the receipt of any such right to exercise, vesting, payment, or benefit under this Agreement, in conjunction with all other rights, payments, or benefits to or for the Executive under the Agreement, any Other Agreement or any Benefit Arrangement would cause the Executive to be considered to have received a Parachute Payment under this Agreement that would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Executive as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, then the Executive shall have the right, in the Executive's sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits under this Agreement, any Other Agreements, and any Benefit Arrangements that should be reduced or eliminated so as to avoid having the payment or benefit to the Executive under this Agreement be deemed to be a Parachute Payment; provided, however, that, to the extent any payment or benefit constitutes deferred compensation under Section 409A, in order to comply with Section 409A, the reduction or elimination will be performed in the following order: (A) reduction of cash payments; (B) reduction of COBRA benefits; (C) cancellation of acceleration of vesting on any equity awards for which the exercise price exceeds the then fair market value of the underlying equity; and (D) cancellation of acceleration of vesting of equity awards not covered under (C) above; provided, however that in the event that acceleration of vesting of equity awards is to be cancelled, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of such equity awards, that is, later granted equity awards shall be canceled before earlier granted equity awards.

**13.** **Clawback Policies** 

The Executive is subject to any recoupment or clawback policies that the Company may implement or maintain at any time regarding incentive-based compensation, which is granted or awarded to the Executive on or after the date of this Agreement. Such policies may include the right to recover incentive-based compensation (including stock options awarded as compensation) awarded or received during the three-year period preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under federal securities laws. The Executive agrees to amend any awards and agreements entered into on or after the date of this Agreement as the Company may request to reasonably implement such policies.

**14.** **Miscellaneous** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Payment of Financial Obligations</u>. The payment or provision to the Executive by the Company
 of any remuneration, benefits or other financial obligations pursuant to this Agreement and
 any indemnification obligations, shall be allocated between the Company and the Operating
 Partnership by the Compensation Committee based on any reasonable method.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Notices</u>.
 All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
 effective (i) upon personal delivery, (ii) upon deposit with the United States
 Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or (iii) in the case
 of facsimile transmission or delivery by nationally recognized overnight delivery service,
 when received, addressed as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If
 to the Company, to:

RLJ Lodging Trust

7373 Wisconsin Avenue

Suite 1500

Bethesda, MD 20814

Attention: General Counsel

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If
 to the Executive, to:

Executive

Address on file with the Company

or to such other address or addresses as either party shall designate to the other in writing from time to time by like notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Pronouns</u>.
 Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding
 masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular forms of nouns and pronouns shall include
 the plural, and vice versa.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes
 all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject
 matter of this Agreement, including without limitation the Prior Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Amendment</u>.
 This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by the Company
 and the Executive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Governing Law</u>. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the
 laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) <u>Successors and Assigns</u>. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
 and their respective successors and assigns, including any entity with which or into which
 the Company may be merged or which may succeed to its assets or business or any entity to
 which the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided, however,
 that the obligations of the Executive are personal and shall not be assigned or delegated
 by him.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Waiver</u>.
 No delays or omission by the Company or the Executive in exercising any right under this
 Agreement shall operate as a waiver of that or any other right. A waiver or consent by the
 Company shall not be effective unless consented to by the Operating Partnership and vice
 versa. A waiver or consent given by the Company or the Executive on any one occasion shall
 be effective only in that instance and shall not be construed as a bar or waiver of any right
 on any other occasion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) <u>Captions</u>.
 The captions appearing in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no
 way define, limit or affect the scope or substance of any section of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) <u>Severability</u>.
 In case any provision of this Agreement shall be held by a court or arbitrator with jurisdiction
 over the parties to this Agreement to be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, such
 provision shall be restated to reflect as nearly as possible the original intentions of the
 parties in accordance with applicable law, and the validity, legality and enforceability
 of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) <u>Counterparts</u>.
 This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
 an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| RLJ LODGING TRUST | RLJ LODGING TRUST |
| By: | /s/ Leslie D. Hale |
| Name: | Leslie D. Hale |
| Title: | President & Chief Executive Officer |
| RLJ LODGING TRUST, L.P. | RLJ LODGING TRUST, L.P. |
| By: | RLJ Lodging Trust, its general partner |
| By: | /s/ Leslie D. Hale |
| Name: | Leslie D. Hale |
| Title: | President & Chief Executive Officer |
| EXECUTIVE | EXECUTIVE |
| /s/ Nikhil Bhalla | /s/ Nikhil Bhalla |
| Nikhil Bhalla | Nikhil Bhalla |

---

<u>Exhibit A</u>

**WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT**

THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (this "**Release**") is entered into as of [ ] (the "**Effective Date**"), by Nikhil Bhalla ("**Executive**") in consideration of severance pay (the "**Severance Payment**") provided to Executive by RLJ Lodging Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the "**Company**") and RLJ Lodging Trust, L.P. (together with the Company, the "**Company Group**"), pursuant to the Employment Agreement by and among the Company Group and Executive (the "**Employment Agreement**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. **<u>Waiver and Release</u>.** Subject to the last sentence of the first paragraph of this Section 1, Executive, on his own behalf and on behalf of his heirs, executors, administrators, attorneys and assigns, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably releases, waives and forever discharges the Company Group and each of their affiliates, parents, successors, predecessors, and the subsidiaries, directors, trustees, owners, members, shareholders, officers, agents, and employees of the Company Group and their affiliates, parents, successors, predecessors, and subsidiaries (collectively, all of the foregoing are referred to as the "**Employer**"), from any and all causes of action, claims and damages, including attorneys' fees, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, presently asserted or otherwise arising through the date of his signing of this Release, concerning his employment or separation from employment. Subject to the last sentence of the first paragraph of this Section 1, this Release includes, but is not limited to, any payments, benefits or damages arising under any federal law (including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Executive Order 11246, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, each as amended, and all other employment discrimination laws whatsoever as may be created or amended from time to time); any claim arising under any state or local laws, ordinances or regulations (including, but not limited to, any state or local laws, ordinances or regulations requiring that advance notice be given of certain workforce reductions); and any claim arising under any common law principle or public policy, including, but not limited to, all suits in tort or contract, such as wrongful termination, defamation, emotional distress, invasion of privacy or loss of consortium. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Release to the contrary, this Release does not encompass, and Executive does not release, waive or discharge, the obligations of the Company Group (a) to make the payments and provide the other benefits contemplated by the Employment Agreement, or (b) under any restricted stock agreement, option agreement or other agreement pertaining to Executive's equity ownership, or (c) under any indemnification or similar agreement with Executive or indemnification under the Articles of Incorporation, Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, Bylaws or other governing instruments of the Company Group.

Executive understands that by signing this Release, he is not waiving any claims or administrative charges which cannot be waived by law. Nothing in this Release shall be construed to prohibit Executive from commencing or otherwise assisting in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal, state or local government agency; provided, however, Executive waives any right to monetary recovery or individual relief in connection with any such proceeding or should one be pursued on his behalf arising out of or related to his employment with and/or separation from employment with the Company Group. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein prevents Executive from pursuing a whistleblower claim under applicable law.

Executive further agrees without any reservation whatsoever, never to sue the Employer or become a party to a lawsuit on the basis of any and all claims of any type lawfully and validly released in this Release.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. **<u>Acknowledgments</u>.** Executive is signing this Release knowingly and voluntarily. He acknowledges that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) He is hereby advised in writing to consult an attorney before signing this Release;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) He has relied solely on his own judgment and/or that of his attorney regarding the consideration for and the terms of this Release and is signing this Release knowingly and voluntarily of his own free will;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) He is not entitled to the Severance Payment unless he agrees to and honors the terms of this Release;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) He has been given at least twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider this Release, or he expressly waives his right to have at least twenty-one (21) days to consider this Release;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) He may revoke this Release within seven (7) calendar days after signing it by submitting a written notice of revocation to the Employer. He further understands that this Release is not effective or enforceable until after the seven (7) day period of revocation has expired without revocation, and that if he revokes this Release within the seven (7) day revocation period, he will not receive the Severance Payment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) He has read and understands the Release and further understands that, subject to the limitations contained herein, it includes a general release of any and all known and unknown, foreseen or unforeseen claims presently asserted or otherwise arising through the date of his signing of this Release that he may have against the Employer; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) No statements made or conduct by the Employer has in any way coerced or unduly influenced him to execute this Release.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. **<u>No Admission of Liability</u>.** This Release does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing on the part of the Employer, the Employer does not admit there has been any wrongdoing whatsoever against the Executive, and the Employer expressly denies that any wrongdoing has occurred.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. **<u>Entire Agreement</u>.** There are no other agreements of any nature between the Employer and Executive with respect to the matters discussed in this Release, except as expressly stated herein, and in signing this Release, Executive is not relying on any agreements or representations, except those expressly contained in this Release.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. **<u>Execution</u>.** It is not necessary that the Employer sign this Release following Executive's full and complete execution of it for it to become fully effective and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. **<u>Severability</u>.** If any provision of this Release is found, held or deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void, unlawful or unenforceable under any applicable statute or controlling law, the remainder of this Release shall continue in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. **<u>Governing Law</u>.** This Release shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, excluding the choice of law rules thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. **<u>Headings</u>.** Section and subsection headings contained in this Release are inserted for the convenience of reference only. Section and subsection headings shall not be deemed to be a part of this Release for any purpose, and they shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Release as of the day and year first herein above written.

---

| |
|:---|
| EXECUTIVE: |
| Nikhil Bhalla |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

![](tm2526402d1_ex99-1img001.jpg)

**Press Release**

**RLJ Lodging Trust Appoints Nikhil Bhalla as Chief Financial Officer**

Bethesda, MD, September 18, 2025 – RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company") (NYSE: RLJ) announced today the appointment of Nikhil Bhalla as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Since joining the Company in 2015, Nikhil has held a variety of leadership positions, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. During his tenure at RLJ, Nikhil has demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple critical areas, including corporate strategy, treasury, investor relations, as well as financial planning and analysis functions.

"Nikhil has made many contributions to the success of RLJ and has been an invaluable member of our leadership team for over a decade, consistently demonstrating strategic insight, financial acumen, and operational excellence, making him the ideal choice for CFO," said Leslie D. Hale, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "His deep understanding of our industry, institutional knowledge, combined with broad financial expertise, makes him well suited to continue to capitalize on our strong balance sheet, advance our financial strategy and support our growth initiatives. This promotion also reflects the strength and depth of our internal talent pipeline, and our ability to develop and advance exceptional leaders from within our organization."

"I'm honored to assume this expanded role and excited about the opportunities ahead for RLJ," said Nikhil. "Having worked closely with our talented team, I look forward to continuing to build on our strong financial foundation while supporting our strategic initiatives and delivering value for our shareholders."

Prior to joining RLJ, Nikhil served as Vice President of Equity Research at FBR Capital Markets & Co. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Host Hotels & Resorts and CB Richard Ellis, building extensive experience in hospitality and real estate sectors. He earned his master's degree in management from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.

**<u>About RLJ</u>**

RLJ Lodging Trust ("RLJ") is a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust that owns 94 premium-branded, rooms-oriented, high-margin, urban-centric hotels located within the heart of demand locations. Our hotels are geographically diverse and concentrated in major urban markets that provide multiple demand generators from business, leisure, and other travelers.

**<u>Forward-Looking Statements</u>**

*This press release contains certain statements, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to the Company's business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, that are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the use of the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "may," "will," "will continue," "intend," "should," "may," or similar expressions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, beliefs and expectations, such forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events or guarantees of future performance and our actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and urges investors to carefully review the disclosures the Company makes concerning risks and uncertainties in the sections entitled "Risk Factors," "Forward-Looking Statements," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.*

###

**<u>Additional Contact:</u>**

**Leslie D. Hale, President and Chief Executive Officer – (301) 280-7777**

**Nikhil Bhalla, Chief Financial Officer – (301) 280-7758**

*For additional information or to receive press releases via email, please visit our website:*

*http://www.rljlodgingtrust.com*