# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001888654
**File Stem:** 0001193125-23-075809
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 92035
**Document Hash:** 86974c00baefb0d8d2574fb3deed7b32
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-23-075809.hdr.sgml**: 20230321

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-23-075809

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 17

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20230320

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

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230321

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230321

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** 5E Advanced Materials, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001888654
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** MINING, QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS) [1400]
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0630

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-41279
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23750222

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 9329 MARIPOSA
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 210
- **CITY:** HESPERIA
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92344
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 442 292 2120

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 9329 MARIPOSA
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 210
- **CITY:** HESPERIA
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92344

?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ? 8-K

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### UNITED STATES

### SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

#### WASHINGTON, DC 20549

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### FORM 8-K

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#### CURRENT REPORT

#### PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)

#### OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

#### Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): March 20, 2023

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## 5E Advanced Materials, Inc.

#### (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-41279** | **87-3426517** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction**<br> **of Incorporation)** | **(Commission**<br> **file number)** | **(I.R.S. Employer**<br> **Identification No.)** |

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#### 19500 State Highway 249, Suite 125, Houston, Texas 77070

#### (Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

#### Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (346) 439-9656

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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:

☐ Written communication 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 communication pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communication 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:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading**<br> **Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange**<br> **on which registered** |
| Common Stock | FEAM | Nasdaq Global Select Market |

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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. ☐

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.02.** | **Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.**  |

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#### Appointment of Susan Brennan as CEO
On March 21, 2023, the Board of Directors (the "<u>Board</u>") of 5E Advanced Materials, Inc. ("<u>5E</u>" or the "<u>Company</u>") announced the appointment of Ms. Susan Brennan as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 24, 2023 (the "<u>Effective Date</u>"). Ms. Brennan will succeed Mr. Anthony Hall, whose designation as the Company's principal executive officer will terminate as of the Effective Date. Mr. Hall will commence an immediate process, aided by the Company's Chairman, Mr. David Salisbury, to transition the CEO function to Ms. Brennan and ensure a quick and effective handover.

Ms. Brennan, age 60, has served as the President of Susan Brennan Leadership, LLC, a consulting firm that advises companies in the energy, automotive, and technology industries, since October 2022. Before launching Susan Brennan Leadership, LLC, Ms. Brennan served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Romeo Power, an energy technology leader delivering electrification solutions for complex commercial vehicle applications, from August 2021 to October 2022. From November 2013 to August 2021, Ms. Brennan served as the Chief Operations Officer of Bloom Energy Corporation. Previously, she spent decades in a variety of leadership positions in the automotive manufacturing industry, including at Nissan North America, the Ford Motor Company, and the Douglas and Lomason Company. Ms. Brennan holds a Master of Business Administration in Economics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Illinois-Campaign-Urbana.

The Board has approved Ms. Brennan's employment as Chief Executive Officer as set forth in an Employment Agreement (the "<u>Employment Agreement</u>"). Ms. Brennan will receive a base salary of $500,000 per year and participate in the Company's annual incentive plans for executive officers as further described in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, with a target bonus opportunity of eighty percent (80%) of her annual base salary. She will receive an annual equity award for fiscal year 2023 with a value equivalent to $1.0 million, which is expected to consist of fifty percent (50%) restricted share units ("<u>RSUs</u>") and fifty percent (50%) performance share units ("<u>PSUs</u>"), in each case subject to applicable vesting terms (including performance vesting terms) to be determined by the Board or its Compensation Committee. All equity grants will be made under the Company's 2022 Equity Compensation Plan (the "<u>Equity Compensation Plan</u>"). Ms. Brennan will also be eligible to receive an additional one-time sign-on bonus of 400,000 stock options having a per share exercise price of one and a half (1.5) times the average ten (10) day closing stock price for the ten (10) trading days immediately prior to the Effective Date (the "<u>Sign-On Bonus</u>"). Ms. Brennan will also be eligible to participate in other Company benefit plans consistent with the Company's other executives. The Sign-On Bonus and any RSUs or PSUs awarded under the Equity Compensation Plan to Ms. Brennan are subject to shareholder approval.

Ms. Brennan's Employment Agreement provides severance benefits to her if her employment is terminated by the Company for reasons other than for cause, or by Ms. Brennan for good reasons (as each term is defined in the employment agreement). However, if such termination is within three months prior to or within 12 months immediately after a change in control of the Company (the "<u>Change in Control Period</u>"), Ms. Brennan would receive a higher level of severance benefits. Severance benefits under the Employment Agreement and in connection with a change of control are "double trigger" and any payments under the Employment Agreement are subject to Ms. Brennan's execution of a general release in favor of the Company and its affiliates, and their respective officers and directors, as well as compliance with a perpetual confidentiality obligation, a non-disparagement obligation, a covenant not to compete, and a covenant not to solicit the Company's customers or employees during employment and for 18 months following any termination of employment. Finally, pursuant to the terms of the equity awards Ms. Brennan receives under the Equity Compensation Plan, if Ms. Brennan is terminated by the Company for reasons other than for cause, by her for good reason, or by reason of her death or disability, she may be entitled to accelerated vesting, and/or pro-rated vesting, for certain of her equity or equity-linked awards, depending on whether the termination is during a Change in Control Period.

The foregoing summary of Ms. Brennan's Employment Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by the Employment Agreement, a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1.

A copy of the press release related to these announcements is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01.** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.**  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Exhibits

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Exhibit<br>No.* | *Description* |
| 10.1 | [Employment Agreement, dated March 20, 2023.](d470164dex101.htm) |
| 99.1 | [Press Release, dated March 21, 2023.](d470164dex991.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |

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#### 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 thereunto duly authorized.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **5E Advanced Materials, Inc.** | **5E Advanced Materials, Inc.** |
| By: | /s/ Chantel Jordan |
|  | Chantel Jordan |
|  | Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief People Officer |

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Date: March 21, 2023

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1** 

**Employment Agreement** 

This Employment Agreement (the "**Agreement**") is made and entered into as of March 20, 2023, by and between Susan Seilheimer Brennan (the "**Executive**") and 5E Advanced Materials, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**Company**").

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be employed by the Company on such terms and conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and obligations set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. <u>Term</u>. The Executive's employment hereunder shall be effective as of April 24, 2023 (the "**Effective Date**"). The period during which the Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the "**Employment Term.**"

2. <u>Position and Duties</u>.

2.1 <u>Position</u>. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, reporting to the Company Board of Directors (the "**Board**"). In such position, the Executive shall have such duties, authority, and responsibilities as shall be determined from time to time by the Board, which duties, authority, and responsibilities are consistent with the Executive's position. It is intended that the Executive shall also serve as a member of the Board or as an officer or director of any affiliate of the Company for no additional compensation.

2.2 <u>Duties</u>. The Executive shall take guidance from the Board regarding targets, specific duties and priorities but, in general, the Executive shall be expected to maximize shareholder value over the long-term, while ensuring that the highest standards of safety, ethics, and compliance are achieved and maintained by the Company and its staff. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall devote substantially all of the Executive's business time and attention to the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession, or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the performance of such services either directly or indirectly without the prior written consent of the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will be permitted to (a) with the prior written consent of the Board (which consent can be withheld by the Board in its discretion), act or serve as a director, trustee, committee member, or principal of any type of business, civic, or charitable organization as long as such activities are disclosed in writing to the Board Audit Committee Chair in accordance with the Company's Code of Business Conduct, and that such consent is hereby granted in respect of the Executive's service as an independent director of Senior plc, and (b) purchase or own less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation; provided that, such ownership represents a passive investment and that the Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation;

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provided further that, the activities described in clauses (a) and (b) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive's duties and responsibilities to the Company as provided hereunder, and do not represent a conflict of interest with the Company, including, but not limited to, the obligations set forth in Section 2 hereof.

3. <u>Place of Performance</u>. The principal place of the Executive's employment shall be at the Company's headquarters, currently in Houston, Texas. The Executive shall be required to travel from time to time for business-related purposes as relevant to Sections 2.1 and 2.2 above and as reasonably directed by the Board.

4. <u>Compensation</u>.

4.1 <u>Base Salary</u>. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual base salary of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in periodic installments in accordance with the Company's customary payroll practices and applicable wage payment laws, but no less frequently than monthly. The Executive's base salary shall, after the first complete fiscal year of the Employment Term, be reviewed at least annually by the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "**Compensation Committee**"), and the Board (or Compensation Committee) may, but shall not be required to, increase the base salary during the Employment Term. However, the Executive's base salary may not be decreased during the Employment Term without the Executive's consent other than as part of an across-the-board salary reduction that applies in the same manner to all senior executives. The Executive's annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as "**Base Salary**".

4.2 <u>Annual Bonus</u>. For each complete fiscal year of the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the "**Annual Bonus**"). As of the Effective Date, the Executive's annual target bonus opportunity shall be equal to eighty percent (80%) of Base Salary (the "**Target Bonus**"), based on the achievement of Company target performance goals established by the Board or the Compensation Committee; provided that, depending on results, the Executive's actual Annual Bonus, if any, may be higher or lower than the Target Bonus, as determined by the Board or Compensation Committee. If the Company achieves superior performance goals established by the Board or Compensation Committee, then the Executive shall be eligible to receive an Annual Bonus up to one hundred sixty percent (160%) of Base Salary; provided further that, if the Company does not achieve annual target performance goals established by the Board or Compensation Committee but achieves threshold performance goals established by the Board or Compensation Committee, then the Executive shall be eligible to receive an Annual Bonus no less than forty percent (40%) of Base Salary. If threshold performance goals are not achieved, then the Executive shall not receive an Annual Bonus for such fiscal year. For the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the last day of the applicable fiscal year, the Executive shall be eligible to receive a prorated Annual Bonus (calculated as the Annual Bonus that would have been paid for the entire fiscal year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of days the Executive worked in the applicable fiscal year, and the denominator of which is equal to the total number of days in such year).

(a) The Annual Bonus, if any, will be paid within two and a half (2.5) months after the end of the applicable fiscal year.

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(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.2, (i) the Annual Bonus will be subject to the terms of the Company annual bonus plan under which it is granted and (ii) in order to be eligible to receive an Annual Bonus, the Executive must be employed by the Company on the last day of the applicable fiscal year.

4.3 <u>Signing Bonus</u>. Subject to shareholder approval as may be required under applicable listing rules, within seven (7) days following the Company Annual Meeting, the Company shall grant the Executive a signing bonus of four hundred thousand (400,000) stock options having a per-share exercise price of one and a half (1.5) times the average ten (10) day closing stock price for the ten (10) trading days immediately prior to the Effective Date (the "**Signing Bonus**"). Such stock options shall cliff vest on the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date, subject to the Executive's continued employment with the Company through such vesting date. All other terms for such stock options shall be set forth in a stock option award agreement approved by the Board or Compensation Committee and shall be no less favorable than those that apply to similarly situated executive officers of the Company.

4.4 <u>Equity Awards</u>. Subject to shareholder approval as may be required under applicable listing rules, with respect to each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual long-term equity incentive award with a value equivalent to two (2) times Base Salary. The make-up of these incentives is currently divided equally with fifty percent (50%) comprising Restricted Share Units ("**RSUs**") and fifty percent (50%) comprising Performance Share Units ("**PSUs**"), with the RSUs vesting thirty-three and one third percent (33.333%) annually over a three (3) year period, and the PSUs vesting over a three (3)-year performance cycle based on achievement of Company performance metrics for such period as set forth in the applicable award agreement. The future make-up may be modified at the discretion of the Board or Compensation Committee but the value will be maintained.

4.5 <u>Fringe Benefits and Perquisites</u>. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits and perquisites consistent with the practices of the Company and governing benefit plan requirements (including plan eligibility provisions), and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits or perquisites (or both) to similarly situated executives of the Company.

4.6 <u>Employee Benefits</u>. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, "**Employee Benefit Plans**"), on a basis which is no less favorable than is provided to other similarly situated executives of the Company, to the extent consistent with applicable law and the terms of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate any of the Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of such Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law.

4.7 <u>Vacation; Paid Time Off</u>. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to twenty-five (25) working days paid vacation days per calendar year (prorated for partial years) in accordance with the Company's vacation policies, as in effect from time to time. The Executive shall receive other paid time off in accordance with the Company's policies for executive officers as such policies may exist from time to time.

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4.8 <u>Relocation Expenses</u>. The Company shall pay, or reimburse the Executive for, all reasonable relocation expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the Executive's relocation to the Company's headquarters, or any other location as may be agreed by the Board, in accordance with the terms of the Company's relocation policy as may be established or the terms set by the Compensation Committee, with such relocation to take place by October 5, 2023. If the Executive terminates employment without Good Reason (as defined below) before April 2, 2024, the Executive shall be required to repay the Company the gross amount of any relocation expenses paid or reimbursed under this Section 4.8 and the Company's relocation policy or the terms set by the Compensation Committee.

4.9 <u>Business Expenses</u>. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment, and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's travel and expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

4.10 <u>Indemnification</u>. In the event that the Executive is made a party or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (a "**Proceeding**"), other than any Proceeding initiated by the Executive or the Company related to any contest or dispute between the Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates with respect to this Agreement or the Executive's employment hereunder, by reason of the fact that the Executive is or was a director or officer of the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member, employee, or agent of another corporation or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, the Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company as described in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto as **Exhibit A**.

4.11 <u>Clawback Provisions</u>. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based or other compensation paid to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, or stock exchange listing requirement will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation, or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).

5. <u>Termination of Employment</u>. The Employment Term and the Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by either the Company or the Executive at any time and for any reason; provided that, unless otherwise provided herein, the Executive shall be required to give the Company at least ninety (90) days advance written notice of any termination of the Executive's employment. Upon termination of the Executive's employment during the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits described in this Section 5 and shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates.

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5.1 <u>For Cause or Without Good Reason</u>.

(a) The Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined below) or by the Executive without Good Reason. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by the Executive without Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive:

(i) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary and accrued but unused vacation which shall be paid on the pay date immediately following the Termination Date (as defined below) in accordance with the Company's customary payroll procedures but in any event no later than required by applicable law;

(ii) any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus with respect to any completed fiscal year immediately preceding the Termination Date, which shall be paid on the otherwise applicable payment date except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement;

(iii) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by the Executive, which shall be subject to and paid in accordance with the Company's expense reimbursement policy; and

(iv) such employee benefits (including equity compensation), if any, to which the Executive may be entitled under the Company's employee benefit plans as of the Termination Date; provided that, in no event shall the Executive be entitled to any payments in the nature of severance or termination payments except as specifically provided herein.

Items 5.1(a)(i) through 5.1(a)(iv) are referred to herein collectively as the "**Accrued Amounts**".

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, "**Cause**" shall mean:

(i) the Executive's willful failure to perform Executive's duties (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness);

(ii) the Executive's willful failure to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Company Board of Directors;

(iii) the Executive's willful engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct, or gross misconduct, which is, in each case, materially injurious to the Company or its affiliates;

(iv) the Executive's embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, whether or not related to the Executive's employment with the Company;

(v) the Executive's conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, if such felony or other crime is work-related, materially impairs the Executive's ability to perform services for the Company, or results in material harm to the Company or its affiliates;

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(vi) the Executive's material violation of the Company's written policies or codes of conduct, including but not limited to written policies related to discrimination, harassment, performance of illegal or unethical activities, and ethical misconduct, violation of securities laws, or violation of any law regarding employment discrimination or sexual harassment;

(vii) the Executive's willful unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information (as defined below);

(viii) the Executive's willful material breach of any material obligation under this Agreement or any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company; or

(ix) the Executive's engagement in conduct that brings or is reasonably likely to bring the Company materially negative publicity or into material public disgrace, embarrassment, or disrepute.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive's action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or on the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.

Except for a failure, breach, or refusal which, by its nature, cannot reasonably be expected to be cured, the Executive shall have fifteen (15) business days from the delivery of written notice by the Company within which to cure any acts constituting Cause; provided however, that, if the Company reasonably expects irreparable injury from a delay of fifteen (15) business days, the Company may give the Executive notice of such shorter period within which to cure as is reasonable under the circumstances, which may include the termination of the Executive's employment without notice and with immediate effect. The Company may place the Executive on paid leave for up to sixty (60) days while it is determining whether there is a basis to terminate the Executive's employment for Cause. Any such action by the Company will not constitute Good Reason.

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, "**Good Reason**" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, in each case during the Employment Term without the Executive's written consent:

(i) a material reduction in the Executive's Target Bonus opportunity;

(ii) after the initial relocation as determined under Section 4.8, a relocation of the Executive's principal place of employment by more than fifty (50) miles;

(iii) any material breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement;

(iv) the Company's failure to obtain an agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no succession had taken place, except where such assumption occurs by operation of law;

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(v) a material, adverse change in the Executive's title, authority, duties, or responsibilities (other than temporarily while the Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated or as required by applicable law) taking into account the Company's size, status as a public company, and capitalization as of the date of this Agreement; or

(vi) a material adverse change in the reporting structure applicable to the Executive.

The Executive cannot terminate employment for Good Reason unless the Executive has provided written notice to the Company of the existence of the circumstances providing grounds for termination for Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the Executive's initial discovery of the existence of such grounds and the Company has had at least thirty (30) days from the date on which such notice is provided to cure such circumstances. If the Executive does not terminate employment for Good Reason within thirty (30) days after the first occurrence of the applicable grounds, then the Executive will be deemed to have waived the right to terminate for Good Reason with respect to such grounds.

5.2 <u>Without Cause or for Good Reason, Not in Connection with a Change in Control</u>. The Employment Term and the Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause. In the event of such termination that occurs outside the CIC Period (as defined below), the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and subject to the Executive's compliance with Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, and Section 9 of this Agreement and the Executive's execution of a release of claims in favor of the Company, its affiliates and their respective officers and directors in a form provided by the Company (the "**Release**") and such irrevocable Release becoming effective within forty-five (45) days following the Termination Date (such forty-five (45)-day period, the "**Release Execution Period**"), the Executive shall be entitled to receive the following:

(a) a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of the Executive's Base Salary for the year in which the Termination Date occurs, which shall be paid within fifteen (15) days following the Release Execution Period;

(b) a payment equal to the product of (i) the Target Bonus and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (the "**Pro-Rata Bonus**"). This amount shall be paid on the date that annual bonuses are paid to similarly situated executives, but in no event later than two-and-a-half (2.5) months following the end of the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs;

(c) if the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("**COBRA**"), the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the difference between the monthly COBRA premium paid by the Executive for the Executive and the Executive's dependents and the monthly premium amount paid by similarly situated active executives. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on

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the fifth (5th) day of the month immediately following the month in which the Executive timely remits the premium payment. The Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earliest of: (i) the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of the Termination Date; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (iii) the date on which the Executive receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company's making payments under this Section 5.2(c) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the Affordable Care Act (the "**ACA**"), or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder), the parties agree to reform this Section 5.2(c) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA; and

(d) notwithstanding the terms of the Company Equity Compensation Plan or any applicable award agreements: all outstanding unvested stock options granted to the Executive during the Employment Term shall become fully vested and exercisable for the remainder of their full term.

5.3 <u>Without Cause or for Good Reason upon a Change in Control</u>. The Employment Term and the Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause. In the event of such termination that occurs during the CIC Period (defined as that period commencing on the date that is three (3) months prior to a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Company Equity Compensation Plan) and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following a Change in Control), the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and subject to the Executive's compliance with Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, and Section 9 of this Agreement and the Executive's execution of a Release and such irrevocable Release becoming effective within the Release Execution Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive all of the following:

(a) a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of the Executive's Base Salary for the year in which the Termination Date occurs, which shall be paid within fifteen (15) days following the Release Execution Period;

(b) an amount equal to the Pro Rata Bonus for the year in which the termination occurs;

(c) if the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under COBRA, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the difference between the monthly COBRA premium paid by the Executive for the Executive and the Executive's dependents and the monthly premium amount paid by similarly situated active executives. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on the fifth (5th) day of the month immediately following the month in which the Executive timely remits the premium payment. The Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earliest of: (i) the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of the Termination Date; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (iii) the date on which the Executive receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company's making payments under this Section 5.3(c) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the ACA, or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder), the parties agree to reform this Section 5.3(c) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA; and

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(d) notwithstanding the terms of the Company Equity Compensation Plan or any applicable award agreements: accelerated vesting of all then-outstanding and unvested Company stock options and RSUs. In the event that (i) there are PSUs outstanding and within twelve (12) months of the end of their respective performance period(s), and (ii) there is a reasonable probability that the respective performance goal(s) for such PSUs would have been achieved at target (or above) absent the Change in Control, as assessed by the Board or Compensation Committee, then such PSUs that would have vested within such twelve (12) month period following the Change in Control shall also vest based on target performance.

5.4 <u>Death or Disability</u>.

(a) The Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate automatically on the Executive's death during the Employment Term, and the Company may terminate the Executive's employment on account of the Executive's Disability.

(b) If the Executive's employment is terminated during the Employment Term on account of the Executive's death or Disability, the Executive (or the Executive's estate and/or beneficiaries, as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the following:

(i) the Accrued Amounts; and

(ii) an amount equal to the Pro Rata Bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, which shall be paid within fourteen (14) days following the Termination Date; and

(iii) vesting of such stock options, RSUs and PSUs as the Executive is entitled to at the Termination Date, subject to the terms and conditions of those awards, in which past awards have provided for the Board's ability to have the absolute discretion to accelerate the vesting date of certain equity awards.

Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all payments made in connection with the Executive's Disability shall be provided in a manner which is consistent with federal and state law.

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, "**Disability**" shall mean the Executive's inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform the essential functions of the Executive's job, with or without reasonable accommodation, for one hundred eighty (180) days out of any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period or one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days. Any question as to the existence of the Executive's Disability as to which the Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to the Executive and the Company. If the Executive and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third who shall make such determination in writing. The determination of Disability made in writing to the Company and the Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.

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5.5 <u>Notice of Termination</u>. Any termination of the Executive's employment hereunder by the Company or by the Executive during the Employment Term (other than termination pursuant to Section 5.4(a) on account of the Executive's death) shall be communicated by written notice of termination ("**Notice of Termination**") to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 28. The Notice of Termination shall specify:

(a) The termination provision of this Agreement relied upon;

(b) To the extent applicable, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated; and

(c) The applicable Termination Date.

5.6 <u>Termination Date</u>. The Executive's "**Termination Date**" shall be:

(a) If the Executive's employment hereunder terminates on account of the Executive's death, the date of the Executive's death;

(b) If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated on account of the Executive's Disability, the date that it is determined that the Executive has a Disability;

(c) If the Company terminates the Executive's employment hereunder for Cause, the date the Notice of Termination is delivered to the Executive;

(d) If the Company terminates the Executive's employment hereunder without Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall be no less than ninety (90) days following the date on which the Notice of Termination is delivered; provided that, the Company shall have the option to provide the Executive with a lump sum payment equal to ninety (90) days' Base Salary in lieu of such notice or require the Executive to work a certain number of days to established by the Board within the notice period including for the full ninety (90) days or a shorter period of time in which any Base Salary in lieu of such notice shall be prorated (multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of days the Executive worked in the notice period, and the denominator of which is equal to ninety (90) days), which shall be paid in a lump sum on the Executive's Termination Date and for all purposes of this Agreement, the Executive's Termination Date shall be the date on which such Notice of Termination is delivered, or any subsequent date as determined by the Company between the Notice of Termination and ninety (90) days following;

(e) If the Executive terminates the Executive's employment hereunder with or without Good Reason, the date specified in the Executive's Notice of Termination, which shall be no less than ninety (90) days following the date on which the Notice of Termination is delivered; and

(f) Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Termination Date shall not occur until the date on which the Executive incurs a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A ("**Section 409A**") of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations thereunder (the "**Code**").

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5.7 <u>Mitigation</u>. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and except as provided in Section 5.2(c), any amounts payable pursuant to this Section shall not be reduced by compensation the Executive earns on account of employment with another employer.

5.8 <u>Resignation of All Other Positions</u>. On termination of the Executive's employment hereunder for any reason, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all positions that the Executive holds as an officer or member of the Board (or a committee thereof) of the Company or any of its affiliates.

6. <u>Cooperation</u>. The parties agree that certain matters in which the Executive will be involved during the Employment Term may necessitate the Executive's cooperation in the future. Accordingly, following the termination of the Executive's employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably requested by the Board, the Executive shall cooperate with the Company in connection with matters arising out of the Executive's service to the Company; provided that, the Company shall make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption of the Executive's other activities. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation and, to the extent that the Executive is required to spend substantial time on such matters, the Company shall compensate the Executive at an hourly rate based on the Executive's Base Salary on the Termination Date.

7. <u>Confidential Information</u>. The Executive understands and acknowledges that during the Employment Term, the Executive will have access to and learn about Confidential Information, as defined below.

7.1 <u>Confidential Information Defined</u>.

(a) <u>Definition</u>. For purposes of this Agreement, "**Confidential Information**" includes, but is not limited to, all information not generally known to the public, in spoken, printed, electronic, or any other form or medium, relating directly or indirectly to: business processes, practices, methods, policies, plans, publications, documents, research, operations, services, strategies, techniques, agreements, contracts, terms of agreements, transactions, potential transactions, negotiations, pending negotiations, know-how, trade secrets, computer programs, computer software, applications, operating systems, software design, web design, work-in-process, databases, device configurations, embedded data, compilations, metadata, technologies, manuals, records, articles, systems, material, sources of material, supplier information, vendor information, financial information, results, accounting information, accounting records, legal information, marketing information, advertising information, pricing information, credit information, design information, payroll information, staffing information, personnel information, employee lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, developments, reports, internal controls, security procedures, graphics, drawings, sketches, market studies, sales information, revenue, costs, formulae, notes, communications, algorithms, product plans, designs, styles, models, ideas, audiovisual programs, inventions, unpublished patent applications, original works of authorship, discoveries, experimental processes, experimental results, specifications, customer information, customer lists, client information, client lists, manufacturing information, factory lists, distributor lists, and buyer lists of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (the **"Company Group"**) or its businesses or any existing or prospective customer, supplier, investor or other associated third party, or of any other person or entity that has entrusted information to the Company Group in confidence.

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The Executive understands that the above list is not exhaustive, and that Confidential Information also includes other information that is marked or otherwise identified as confidential or proprietary, or that would otherwise appear to a reasonable person to be confidential or proprietary in the context and circumstances in which the information is known or used.

The Executive understands and agrees that Confidential Information includes information developed by the Executive in the course of employment by the Company as if the Company furnished the same Confidential Information to the Executive in the first instance. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public at the time of disclosure to the Executive; provided that, such disclosure is through no direct or indirect fault of the Executive or person(s) acting on the Executive's behalf.

(b) <u>Company Creation and Use of Confidential Information</u>. The Executive understands and acknowledges that the Company Group has invested, and continues to invest, substantial time, money, and specialized knowledge into developing its resources, creating a customer base, generating customer and potential customer lists, training its employees, and improving its offerings in the field of boron and lithium mining and specialty chemicals and downstream derivatives related to same. The Executive understands and acknowledges that as a result of these efforts, the Company Group has created, and continues to use and create Confidential Information. This Confidential Information provides the Company Group with a competitive advantage over others in the marketplace.

(c) <u>Disclosure and Use Restrictions</u>. The Executive agrees and covenants: (i) to treat all Confidential Information as strictly confidential; (ii) not to directly or indirectly disclose, publish, communicate, or make available Confidential Information, or allow it to be disclosed, published, communicated, or made available, in whole or part, to any entity or person whatsoever (including other employees of the Company Group) not having a need to know and authority to know and use the Confidential Information in connection with the business of the Company Group and, in any event, not to anyone outside of the direct employ of the Company Group except as required in the performance of the Executive's authorized employment duties to the Company or with the prior consent of the Board Chair acting on behalf of the Company Group in each instance (and then, such disclosure shall be made only within the limits and to the extent of such duties or consent); and (iii) not to access or use any Confidential Information, and not to copy any documents, records, files, media, or other resources containing any Confidential Information, or remove any such documents, records, files, media, or other resources from the premises or control of the Company Group, except as required in the performance of the Executive's authorized employment duties to the Company.

(d) <u>Permitted disclosures</u>. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or pursuant to the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, regulation, or order. The Executive shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to the Company's SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

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(e) <u>Permitted Communications</u>. Nothing herein prohibits or restricts the Executive (or the Executive's attorney) from initiating communications directly with, responding to an inquiry from, or providing testimony before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), any other self-regulatory organization, or any other federal or state regulatory authority regarding a possible securities law violation.

(f) <u>Notice of Immunity Under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996, as amended by the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 ("DTSA").</u> Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

(i) The Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that:

(A) is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or

(B) is made in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding.

(ii) If the Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the Company's trade secrets to the Executive's attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the Executive:

(A) files any document containing trade secrets under seal; and

(B) does not disclose trade secrets, except pursuant to court order.

The Executive understands and acknowledges that the Executive's obligations under this Agreement with regard to any particular Confidential Information shall commence immediately upon the Executive first having access to such Confidential Information (whether before or after the Executive begins employment by the Company) and shall continue during and after the Executive's employment by the Company until such time as such Confidential Information has become public knowledge other than as a result of the Executive's breach of this Agreement or breach by those acting in concert with the Executive or on the Executive's behalf.

8. <u>Restrictive Covenants</u>.

8.1 <u>Acknowledgement</u>. The Executive understands that the nature of the Executive's position gives the Executive access to and knowledge of Confidential Information and places the Executive in a position of trust and confidence with the Company Group. The Executive understands and acknowledges that the intellectual or artistic services the Executive provides to the Company Group are unique, special, or extraordinary.

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The Executive further understands and acknowledges that the Company Group's ability to reserve these for the exclusive knowledge and use of the Company Group is of great competitive importance and commercial value to the Company Group, and that improper use or disclosure by the Executive is likely to result in unfair or unlawful competitive activity.

8.2 <u>Non-Competition</u>. Because of the Company Group 's legitimate business interest as described herein and the good and valuable consideration offered to the Executive, during the Employment Term and for the eighteen (18) months, to run consecutively, beginning on the last day of the Executive's employment with the Company, regardless of the reason for the termination and whether employment is terminated at the option of the Executive or the Company Group, the Executive agrees and covenants not to engage in Prohibited Activity (as defined below) within the business of boron and lithium mining or production or the manufacture of boron-based or lithium-based specialty products, including technology and research and development related to boron and boron-derivatives.

For purposes of this Section 8, "**Prohibited Activity**" is activity in which the Executive contributes the Executive's knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, employer, owner, operator, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, employee, partner, director, stockholder, officer, volunteer, intern, or any other similar capacity to an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company Group, including those engaged in the business of business of boron and lithium mining or production or the manufacture of boron-based or lithium-based specialty products, including technology and research and development related to boron and boron-derivatives. Prohibited Activity also includes activity that may require or inevitably requires disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary information or Confidential Information.

Nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that the Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.

This Section 8 does not, in any way, restrict or impede the Executive from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order. The Executive shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to the Company SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

8.3 <u>Non-Solicitation of Employees</u>. The Executive agrees and covenants not to directly or indirectly solicit, hire, recruit, attempt to hire or recruit, or induce the termination of employment of any employee of the Company Group, or attempt to do so, during eighteen (18), to run consecutively, beginning on the last day of the Executive's employment with the Company.

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8.4 <u>Non-Solicitation of Customers</u>. The Executive understands and acknowledges that because of the Executive's experience with and relationship to the Company Group, the Executive will have access to and learn about much or all of the Company Group's customer information. "**Customer Information**" includes, but is not limited to, names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, order history, order preferences, chain of command, decisionmakers, pricing information, and other information identifying facts and circumstances specific to the customer and relevant to sales.

The Executive understands and acknowledges that loss of this customer relationship and/or goodwill will cause significant and irreparable harm.

The Executive agrees and covenants, during the Employment Term and for eighteen (18) months, to run consecutively, beginning on the last day of the Executive's employment with the Company, not to directly or indirectly solicit, contact (including but not limited to e-mail, regular mail, express mail, telephone, fax, instant message, or social media), attempt to contact, or meet with the Company's current, former or prospective customers for purposes of offering or accepting goods or services similar to or competitive with those offered by the Company.

This restriction shall only apply to:

(a) Customers or prospective customers the Executive contacted in any way during the past twelve (12) months;

(b) Customers about whom the Executive has trade secret or Confidential Information;

(c) Customers who became customers during the Executive's employment with the Company; and

(d) Customers about whom the Executive has information that is not available publicly.

9. <u>Non-Disparagement</u>. The Executive agrees and covenants that the Executive will not at any time make, publish or communicate to any person or entity or in any public forum any defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments, or statements concerning the Company Group or its businesses, or any of its employees, officers, and existing and prospective customers, suppliers, investors, and other associated third parties.

This Section 9 does not, in any way, restrict or impede the Executive from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order. The Executive shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to the Company's SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

The Company agrees and covenants that it shall direct its officers and directors to refrain from making any defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments, or statements concerning the Executive to any third parties.

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10. <u>Acknowledgement</u>. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the services to be rendered by the Executive to the Company are of a special and unique character; that the Executive will obtain knowledge and skill relevant to the Company's industry, methods of doing business and marketing strategies by virtue of the Executive's employment; and that the restrictive covenants and other terms and conditions of this Agreement are reasonable and reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interest of the Company Group.

The Executive further acknowledges that the benefits provided to the Executive under this Agreement, including the amount of the Executive's compensation reflects, in part, the Executive's obligations and the Company's rights under Section 7, Section 8, and Section 9 of this Agreement; that the Executive has no expectation of any additional compensation, royalties or other payment of any kind not otherwise referenced herein in connection herewith; and that the Executive will not suffer undue hardship by reason of full compliance with the terms and conditions of Section 7, Section 8, and Section 9 of this Agreement or the Company's enforcement thereof.

11. <u>Remedies</u>. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Executive of Section 7, Section 8, or Section 9 of this Agreement, the Executive hereby consents and agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek, in addition to other available remedies, a temporary or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against such breach or threatened breach from any court of competent jurisdiction, and that money damages would not afford an adequate remedy, without the necessity of showing any actual damages, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned equitable relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies, monetary damages, or other available forms of relief.

12. <u>Arbitration</u>. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or any breach of this Agreement or the Executive's employment, whether the claim arises in contract, tort, or statute, shall be submitted to and decided by binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be administered exclusively by American Arbitration Association and shall be conducted consistent with the rules, regulations, and requirements thereof as well as any requirements imposed by state law. Any arbitral award determination shall be final and binding upon the parties.

13. <u>Proprietary Rights</u>.

13.1 <u>Work Product</u>. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that all right, title, and interest in and to all writings, works of authorship, technology, inventions, discoveries, processes, techniques, methods, ideas, concepts, research, proposals, materials, and all other work product of any nature whatsoever, that are created, prepared, produced, authored, edited, amended, conceived, or reduced to practice by the Executive individually or jointly with others during the Employment Term and relate in any way to the business or contemplated business, products, activities, research, or development of the Company or result from any work performed by the Executive for the Company (in each case, regardless of when or where prepared or whose equipment or other resources is used in preparing the same), all rights and claims related to the foregoing, and all printed, physical and electronic copies, and other tangible embodiments thereof (collectively, "**Work Product**"), as well as any and all rights in and to US and foreign (a) patents, patent disclosures and inventions (whether patentable or not), (b) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, logos, corporate names, and domain names, and other similar designations of source

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or origin, together with the goodwill symbolized by any of the foregoing, (c) copyrights and copyrightable works (including computer programs), mask works, and rights in data and databases, (d) trade secrets, know-how, and other Confidential Information, and (e) all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all registrations and applications for, and renewals and extensions of, such rights, all improvements thereto and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection in any part of the world (collectively, "**Intellectual Property Rights**"), shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company.

Provided the Executive obtains prior written consent from the Company for any references to the Company in the Executive's writings or works of authorship, the Executive may pursue certain writings or works of authorship that are personal in nature and unrelated to the business of the Company, the development of which does not interfere or conflict with the Executive's duties. These include, but are not limited to, the following: website and blog (susanbrennanleadership.com); book based on life story (working title, *The Art of the Possible*); and a university course related to the Executive's career, which has been the subject of guest lectures in the past; none of these involve reference to the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, these activities are not Work Product.

For purposes of this Agreement, Work Product includes, but is not limited to, Company Group information.

13.2 <u>Work Made for Hire; Assignment</u>. The Executive acknowledges that, by reason of being employed by the Company at the relevant times, to the extent permitted by law, all of the Work Product consisting of copyrightable subject matter is "work made for hire" as defined in 17 U.S.C. § 101 and such copyrights are therefore owned by the Company. To the extent that the foregoing does not apply, the Executive hereby irrevocably assigns to the Company, for no additional consideration, the Executive's entire right, title, and interest in and to all Work Product and Intellectual Property Rights therein, including the right to sue, counterclaim, and recover for all past, present, and future infringement, misappropriation, or dilution thereof, and all rights corresponding thereto throughout the world. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to reduce or limit the Company's rights, title, or interest in any Work Product or Intellectual Property Rights so as to be less in any respect than that the Company would have had in the absence of this Agreement.

13.3 <u>Further Assurances; Power of Attorney</u>. During and after the Employment Term, the Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company to (a) apply for, obtain, perfect, and transfer to the Company the Work Product as well as any and all Intellectual Property Rights in the Work Product in any jurisdiction in the world; and (b) maintain, protect and enforce the same, including, without limitation, giving testimony and executing and delivering to the Company any and all applications, oaths, declarations, affidavits, waivers, assignments, and other documents and instruments as shall be requested by the Company. The Executive hereby irrevocably grants the Company power of attorney to execute and deliver any such documents on the Executive's behalf in the Executive's name and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to transfer the Work Product to the Company and further the transfer, prosecution, issuance, and maintenance of all Intellectual Property Rights therein, to the full extent permitted by law, if the Executive does not promptly cooperate with the Company's request (without limiting the rights the Company shall have in such circumstances by operation of law). The power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall not be affected by the Executive's subsequent incapacity.

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13.4 <u>No License</u>. The Executive understands that this Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to, grant the Executive any license or right of any nature with respect to any Work Product or Intellectual Property Rights or any Confidential Information, materials, software, or other tools made available to the Executive by the Company.

14. <u>Security</u>.

14.1 <u>Security and Access</u>. The Executive agrees and covenants (a) to comply with all Company Group security policies and procedures as in force from time to time ("**Facilities and Information Technology Resources**"); (b) not to access or use any Facilities and Information Technology Resources except as authorized by the Company; and (iii) not to access or use any Facilities and Information Technology Resources in any manner after the termination of the Executive's employment by the Company, whether termination is voluntary or involuntary. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly in the event the Executive learns of any violation of the foregoing by others, or of any other misappropriation or unauthorized access, use, reproduction, or reverse engineering of, or tampering with any Facilities and Information Technology Resources or other Company Group property or materials by others.

15. <u>Publicity</u>. The Executive hereby irrevocably consents to any and all uses and displays, by the Company Group and its agents, representatives and licensees, of the Executive's name, voice, likeness, image, appearance, and biographical information in, on or in connection with any pictures, photographs, audio and video recordings, digital images, websites, television programs and advertising, other advertising and publicity, sales and marketing brochures, books, magazines, other publications, CDs, DVDs, tapes, and all other printed and electronic forms and media throughout the world, at any time during or after the Employment Term, for all legitimate commercial and business purposes of the Company Group ("**Permitted Uses**") without further consent from or royalty, payment, or other compensation to the Executive. The Executive hereby forever waives and releases the Company Group and its directors, officers, employees, and agents from any and all claims, actions, damages, losses, costs, expenses, and liability of any kind, arising under any legal or equitable theory whatsoever at any time during or after the Employment Term, arising directly or indirectly from the Company Group's and its agents', representatives', and licensees' exercise of their rights in connection with any Permitted Uses.

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16. <u>Governing Law: Jurisdiction and Venue</u>. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Texas without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any action or proceeding by either of the parties to enforce this Agreement shall be brought only in a state or federal court located in the state of Texas, county of Harris. The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive the defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding in such venue.

17. <u>Stock Ownership Requirements</u>. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be expected to maintain ownership of Company common stock having a value equal to approximately two times the Base Salary in accordance with guidelines established by the Compensation Committee from time to time. The Executive will be required to meet this ownership requirement within five years after the Effective Date.

18. <u>Entire Agreement</u>. Unless specifically provided herein, this Agreement contains all of the understandings and representations between the Executive and the Company pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. The parties mutually agree that the Agreement can be specifically enforced in court and can be cited as evidence in legal proceedings alleging breach of the Agreement.

19. <u>Modification and Waiver</u>. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by the Chair of the Board or Compensation Committee. No waiver by either of the parties of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party hereto shall be deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any prior or subsequent time, nor shall the failure of or delay by either of the parties in exercising any right, power, or privilege hereunder operate as a waiver thereof to preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power, or privilege.

20. <u>Severability</u>. Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be enforceable only if modified, or if any portion of this Agreement shall be held as unenforceable and thus stricken, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be binding upon the parties with any such modification to become a part hereof and treated as though originally set forth in this Agreement.

The parties further agree that any such court is expressly authorized to modify any such unenforceable provision of this Agreement in lieu of severing such unenforceable provision from this Agreement in its entirety, whether by rewriting the offending provision, deleting any or all of the offending provision, adding additional language to this Agreement, or by making such other modifications as it deems warranted to carry out the intent and agreement of the parties as embodied herein to the maximum extent permitted by law.

The parties expressly agree that this Agreement as so modified by the court shall be binding upon and enforceable against each of them. In any event, should one or more of the provisions of this Agreement be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and if such provision or provisions are not modified as provided above, this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions had not been set forth herein.

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21. <u>Captions</u>. Captions and headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the caption or heading of any section or paragraph.

22. <u>Counterparts</u>. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

23. <u>Tolling</u>. Should the Executive violate any of the terms of the restrictive covenant obligations articulated herein, the obligation at issue will run from the first date on which the Executive ceases to be in violation of such obligation.

24. <u>Excise Tax.</u> 

24.1 If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive (including, without limitation, any payments or benefits received in connection with a Change in Control or the Executive's termination of employment, whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement, or agreement, or otherwise) (each such payment, a **"280G Payment"** and, collectively, the **"280G Payments"**) constitute "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the total of all 280G Payments, after reduction for all state and federal taxes (including the tax described in Section 4999 of the Code, if applicable) with respect to all such 280G Payments (the **"Total After-Tax Payments"**), would be increased by the limitation or elimination of any 280G Payment, then the 280G Payments shall be reduced to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to maximize the Total After-Tax Payments to the Executive.

24.2 All calculations and determinations under this Section 24 shall be made by an independent accounting firm or independent tax counsel appointed by the Company (the **"Tax Counsel"**) whose determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and the Executive for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section 24.2, the Tax Counsel may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code. The Company and the Executive shall furnish the Tax Counsel with such information and documents as the Tax Counsel may reasonably request in order to make its determinations under this Section 24.2. The Company shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with its services.

25. <u>Section</u> <u>409A</u>.

25.1 <u>General Compliance</u>. This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, payments provided under this Agreement may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any payments under this Agreement that may be excluded from Section 409A either as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service or as a short-term

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deferral shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Any payments to be made under this Agreement upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a "separation from service" under Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by the Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

25.2 <u>Specified Employees</u>. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any payment or benefit provided to the Executive in connection with the Executive's termination of employment is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A and the Executive is determined to be a "specified employee" as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(b)(i), then such payment or benefit shall not be paid until the first payroll date following the six-month anniversary of the Termination Date or, if earlier, on the Executive's death (the "**Specified Employee Payment Date**"). The aggregate of any payments that would otherwise have been paid before the Specified Employee Payment Date shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the Specified Employee Payment Date and thereafter, any remaining payments shall be paid without delay in accordance with their original schedule.

25.3 <u>Reimbursements</u>. To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following:

(a) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year;

(b) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and

(c) any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

25.4 <u>Tax Gross-ups</u>. Any tax gross-up payments provided under this Agreement shall be paid to the Executive on or before December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related taxes.

26. <u>Notification to Subsequent Employer</u>. When the Executive's employment with the Company terminates, the Executive agrees to notify any subsequent employer of the restrictive covenants sections contained in this Agreement. The Executive will also deliver a copy of such notice to the Company before the Executive commences employment with any subsequent employer. In addition, the Executive authorizes the Company to provide a copy of the restrictive covenants sections of this Agreement to third parties, including but not limited to, the Executive's subsequent, anticipated, or possible future employer.

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27. <u>Successors and Assigns</u>. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and shall not be assigned by the Executive. Any purported assignment by the Executive shall be null and void from the initial date of the purported assignment. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.

28. <u>Notice</u>. Notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by overnight carrier to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or such other addresses as specified by the parties by like notice):

If to the Company:

5E Advanced Materials, Inc.

19500 State Highway 249, Suite 125

Houston, Texas 77070

Attn: SVP, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief People Officer

If to the Executive:

To the Executive's most recent address on the Company's payroll records.

29. <u>Representations of the Executive</u>. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that:

(a) The Executive's acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of duties hereunder will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under any contract, agreement, or understanding to which the Executive is a party or is otherwise bound.

(b) The Executive's acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of duties hereunder will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition, or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.

30. <u>Withholding</u>. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.

31. <u>Survival</u>. Upon the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall survive such expiration or other termination to the extent necessary to carry out the intentions of the parties under this Agreement.

32. <u>Acknowledgement of Full Understanding</u>. THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE EXECUTIVE HAS FULLY READ, UNDERSTANDS AND VOLUNTARILY ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT. THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT, BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, (I) THE

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EXECUTIVE HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE COMPANY REGARDING ITS TERMS, (II) THE EXECUTIVE HAS CONSULTEDWITH AN ATTORNEY AND HAS BEEN INDIVIDUALLY REPRESENTED BY LEGAL COUNSEL IN NEGOTIATING THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE CHOICE OF TEXAS LAW AS THE GOVERNING LAW OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE COURTS OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HARRIS, AS VENUE FOR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, AND (III) THE EXECUTIVE CONSENTS TO SUCH GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

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

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 5E ADVANCED MATERIALS, INC. | 5E ADVANCED MATERIALS, INC. |
| By: | /s/ Chantel Jordan |
| Name: Chantel Jordan | Name: Chantel Jordan |
| Title: SVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary,<br>and Chief People Officer | Title: SVP, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary,<br>and Chief People Officer |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| EXECUTIVE | EXECUTIVE |
| Signature: | /s/ Susan Seilheimer Brennan |
| Print Name: | Susan Seilheimer Brennan |

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## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![LOGO](g470164page01a.jpg) | **PRESS RELEASE**<br>March 21, 2023 |

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**5E ADVANCED MATERIALS APPOINTS EXPERIENCED GLOBAL EXECUTIVE AS CEO** 

**HIGHLIGHTS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **5E Advanced Materials appoints, an experienced global executive, Ms. Susan Seilheimer Brennan as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Prior to her appointment at 5E Advanced Materials, Ms. Brennan was President and CEO of NYSE-listed Romeo Power (NYSE:RMO), a leader in advanced electrification solutions for commercial vehicles** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **This appointment is an integral part of the 5E Advanced Materials business strategy to become a globally significant producer of boron and lithium** 

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5E Advanced Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: FEAM) (ASX: 5EA) ("5E" or the "Company"), a boron and lithium company with U.S. government Critical Infrastructure designation for its 5E Boron Americas (Fort Cady) Complex, is pleased to advise that it has appointed Ms. Susan Seilheimer Brennan as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer commencing April 24, 2023.

Ms. Brennan has an extensive global leadership background, particularly in the battery technology and electric vehicle industries. Most recently, as the CEO of NYSE listed Romeo Power (NYSE: RMO), she was responsible for leading an organization which developed a suite of battery technology products designed for commercial vehicles. She also led the successful sale of Romeo Power to Nikola Corporation, a provider of zero-emissions transportation and energy infrastructure solutions. Prior to her role at Romeo Power, Ms. Brennan was the COO of Bloom Energy, a leader in fuel cell technology, that completed a successful IPO after the leadership team grew the business to almost $1B USD.

Ms. Brennan has had extensive experience in successful project delivery and operations, including Director of Manufacturing Operations for Ford Motor Company, and then at Nissan North America, as Vice President of Manufacturing. Earlier in her career Ms. Brennan had experience with chemical process development at Hoechst Celanese.

Ms. Brennan holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana and a Master of Business Administration from University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a Non-executive Director of Senior PLC, Founder and Board member of the Southern Automotive Women's Forum and a former advisor of The Pathways Group at Stanford University. Ms Brennan is also an advisor to the Dean of Engineering at University of California at Long Beach, as well as Ambassador for DoE flagship C3E program – Clean Energy, Education and Empowerment.

As CEO, Ms. Brennan will lead all facets of the Company as it progresses its business strategy to become a fully integrated globally significant producer of boron, lithium and advanced materials based in the United States of America.

The Company's Principal Executive Officer, Mr. Anthony Hall, will commence an immediate process, aided by Chairman, Mr. David Salisbury, to transition the CEO function to Ms. Brennan and ensure a quick and effective handover.

**Commenting on Susan's appointment, David Salisbury, 5E Advanced Materials Chairman noted:** 

*"We are delighted with the appointment of Ms. Brennan as CEO, she has an ideal mix of leadership experience across large and small company operations, substantial hands-on results at pre-revenue business buildout and delivering successful outcomes for all stakeholders. The Board of 5E ran a rigorous process to ensure we were able to secure the best possible CEO to progress the Company's strategy forward to become a fully integrated, globally significant producer of boron and lithium.*

*We look forward to working with Susan and the broader senior management team to deliver positive outcomes for our shareholders and broader stakeholders."*![LOGO](g470164pag001a.jpg)

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![LOGO](g470164page2a.jpg)

**About 5E Advanced Materials, Inc.** 

5E Advanced Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: FEAM) (ASX: 5EA) is focused on becoming a vertically integrated global leader and supplier of boron specialty and advanced materials, complemented by lithium co-product production. The Company's mission is to become a supplier of these critical materials to industries addressing global decarbonization, food and domestic security. Boron and lithium products will target applications in the fields of electric transportation, clean energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind power, fertilizers, and domestic security. The business strategy and objectives are to develop capabilities ranging from upstream extraction and product sales of boric acid, lithium carbonate and potentially other co-products, to downstream boron advanced material processing and development. The business is based on our large domestic boron and lithium resource, which is located in Southern California and designated as Critical Infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

**Forward Looking Statements and Disclosures** 

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding our business strategy, plans, goal, and objectives are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "budget," "target," "aim," "strategy," "estimate," "plan," "guidance," "outlook," "intent," "may," "should," "could," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on 5E's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to the extraction of the critical materials we intend to produce and advanced materials production and development. These risks include, but are not limited to: our limited operating history in the borates and lithium industries and no revenue from our proposed extraction operations at our properties; our need for substantial additional financing to execute our business plan and our ability to access capital and the financial markets; our status as an exploration stage company dependant on a single project with no known Regulation S-K 1300 mineral reserves and the inherent uncertainty in estimates of mineral resources; our lack of history in mineral production and the significant risks associated with achieving our business strategies, including our downstream processing ambitions; our incurrence of significant net operating losses to date and plans to incur continued losses for the foreseeable future; risks and uncertainties relating to the development of the Fort Cady project, including our ability to timely and successfully complete our Small Scale Boron Facility; and other risks. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to, and no reliance should be place on, any information, including projections, estimates, targets, and opinions contained herein, and no liability whatsoever is accepted as to any errors, omissions, or misstatements contained herein. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as to the date of this press release.

For additional information regarding these various factors, you should carefully review the risk factors and other disclosures in the Company's Form 10-K filed on September 28, 2022, as well as our Forms 10-Q filed on November 10, 2022 and February 9, 2023. Additional risks are also disclosed by 5E in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission throughout the year as well as in its filings under the Australian Securities Exchange. Any forward-looking statements are given only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, 5E expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements. Additionally, 5E undertakes no obligation to comment on third party analyses or statements regarding 5E's actual or expected financial or operating results or its securities.

**Authorized for release by:** David Salisbury, Chairman of the Board of Directors

**For further information contact:** 

J.T. Starzecki Chief Marketing Officer <u>jstarzecki@5eadvancedmaterials.com</u> Ph: +1 (612) 719-5076 Chris Sullivan Media <u>chris@craftandcapital.com</u> Ph: +1 (917) 902-0617

![LOGO](g470164pag001a.jpg)