Document:

Exhibit

Exhibit 10.3
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made by and between Western Refining GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and Gary R. Dalke (“Executive”), effective August 15, 2016 (the “Effective Date”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Executive has announced his retirement from the position of Chief Financial Officer effective August 15, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Company is desirous of continuing to employ Executive in a non-executive capacity on the terms and conditions and for the consideration hereinafter set forth, and Executive is desirous of continuing to be employed by the Company on such terms and conditions and for such consideration;
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive previously entered into the Employment Agreement dated January 24, 2006 (as previously amended, the “Original Employment Agreement”), but wish to amend and restate the Original Employment Agreement in its entirety pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows, effective as of the Effective Date:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Section 1.01.    Definitions.
(a)    “Affiliate” means, with respect to any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, company, trust, entity, public body or government (a “Person”), any Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.  The term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as used in this definition means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.  With respect to any natural person, the term “Affiliate” means (i) the spouse or children (including those by adoption) and siblings of such Person; and any trust whose primary beneficiary is such Person, such Person’s spouse, such Person’s siblings and/or one or more of such Person’s lineal descendants, (i) the legal representative or guardian of such Person or of any such immediate family member in the event such Person or any such immediate family member becomes 

    

mentally incompetent and (i) any Person controlled by or under common control with any one or more of such Person and the Persons described in clauses ‎(i) or ‎(ii) preceding.
(b)    “Cause” means Executive 
(i)    has committed an act of fraud, embezzlement or willful breach of a fiduciary duty to WNR (including the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary material information of WNR), or
(ii)    has been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pleaded no contest to, a crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude.
(c)    “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d)    “Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Parent.
(e)    “Disability” means that, as a result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, he shall have been absent from the performance of his duties for six consecutive months and he shall not have returned to performance of his duties within 30 days after written notice of termination is given to Executive by the Company (provided, however, that such notice may not be given prior to 30 days before the expiration of such six-month period).
(f)    “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(g)    “Involuntary Termination” means a termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause or an automatic termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 3.02(b).  A termination of Executive’s employment as a result of a resignation by Executive, termination for Cause or termination as a result of death or Disability is not an “Involuntary Termination”.
(h)    “Parent” means Western Refining, Inc.
(i)    “WNR” means the Company and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, the Parent.
Section 1.02.    Interpretations.  In this Agreement, unless a clear contrary intention appears, (a) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision, (a) reference to any Article or Section means such Article or Section hereof, (a) the words “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) means including, without limiting the generality of any description preceding such term and (a) where any provision of this Agreement refers to action to be taken by either party, or which such party is prohibited from taking an action, such provision shall be applicable whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such party.

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ARTICLE 2
EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES
Section 2.01.    Employment.  Effective as of the Effective Date and continuing for the period of time set forth in ‎Section 3.01 of this Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Company shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Section 2.02.    Positions.  From and after the Effective Date, the Company shall employ Executive in the position of Senior Advisor or in such other positions as the parties may mutually agree.
Section 2.03.    Duties and Services.  Executive agrees to serve in the position(s) referred to in ‎Section 2.02 and to perform diligently the duties and services reasonably required by the Company. Executive’s employment shall also be subject to the policies maintained and established by the Company and the Parent that are of general applicability to the Company’s and the Parent’s employees, as such policies may be amended from time to time.
Section 2.04.    Duty of Loyalty.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive owes a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act at all times in the best interests of the Company and the Parent.  In keeping with such duty, Executive shall make full disclosure to the Company and the Parent of all business opportunities pertaining to the Company’s and the Parent’s businesses and shall not appropriate for Executive’s own benefit business opportunities concerning the Company’s and the Parent’s businesses.
ARTICLE 3
TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Section 3.01.    Term.  Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, the Company agrees to employ Executive for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on August 31, 2017 (the “Expiration Date”).  
Section 3.02.    The Company’s Right To Terminate.  (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of ‎Section 3.01, the Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any time for any of the following reasons:
(i)    upon Executive’s death;
(ii)    upon Executive’s Disability;
(iii)    for Cause; or
(iv)    for any other reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of the Company.

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(b)    Notwithstanding the provisions of ‎Section 3.01, Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall automatically terminate 10 business days following the date that Jeff Stevens ceases to be Chief Executive Officer for any reason.
Section 3.03.    Executive’s Right To Terminate.  Notwithstanding the provisions of ‎Section 3.01, Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment under this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of Executive.
Section 3.04.    Notice Of Termination.  If the Company desires to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder at any time prior to the Expiration Date, it shall do so by giving written notice to Executive that it has elected to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions of this Agreement or rights arising under this Agreement.  If Executive desires to terminate his employment hereunder at any time prior to the Expiration Date, he shall do so by giving written notice to the Company that he has elected to terminate his employment hereunder and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other provisions of this Agreement or rights arising under this Agreement.
Section 3.05.    Deemed Resignations.  Any termination of Executive’s employment shall constitute an automatic resignation of Executive from any other position he has with the Company and each of its Affiliates, if applicable. 
ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Section 4.01.    Base Salary.  During the period that Executive is employed under this Agreement, Executive shall receive an annual base salary of $250,000.  Executive’s annual base salary shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s standard policy regarding payment of compensation but no less frequently than monthly.  Executive will make himself available for up to 30 hours a week to work on projects as requested by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
Section 4.02.    Bonuses.  For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, Executive shall continue to be eligible to participate in the Company’s and the Parent’s annual bonus plan or plans applicable to him for such year as previously approved by the Compensation Committee.  For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, if he remains through the Expiration Date, Executive may be eligible to receive a bonus if approved by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in his sole discretion.
Section 4.03.    Equity Awards.  Executive will not be eligible for new equity-based grants.  Executive’s currently outstanding equity awards (excluding any Performance Awards, the “Equity Awards”) will continue to vest on their current terms until the Expiration Date; provided that if Executive remains employed hereunder until the Expiration Date, or if Executive’s employment terminates earlier due to Involuntary Termination, all of Executive’s outstanding Equity Awards will become fully vested, 

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subject to and effective upon Executive signing and letting become effective a general release of claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”) on or before the last day of the minimum required waiver consideration period provided under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act or other applicable law or such other date as may be specified by the Company in the Release.  If Executive’s employment terminates prior to the Expiration Date due to Executive’s death or Disability, any then-outstanding Equity Awards shall become fully vested in accordance with the applicable provisions of the underlying award agreement. 
Section 4.04.    Performance Awards.  The three-year performance awards currently outstanding with ongoing performance periods (the “Performance Awards”) will remain in effect through the Expiration Date in accordance with their terms; provided that, subject to Executive signing and letting become effective the Release as set forth above, if Executive remains employed hereunder until the Expiration Date, or if Executive’s employment terminates earlier due to Involuntary Termination, any then-outstanding Performance Awards will remain outstanding and eligible to become earned, vested and paid on a pro rata basis (reflecting the period from the beginning of the applicable performance period through the date of termination of Executive compared to the date on which the performance period would have ended), based on the actual achievement of the Performance Awards, as determined by the Compensation Committee following the end of the applicable performance period; provided further that if Executive’s employment terminates prior to the Expiration Date due to Executive’s death or Disability, any then-outstanding Performance Awards shall be deemed earned at target level and shall become vested on a pro rata basis (reflecting the period from the beginning of the applicable performance period through the date of termination of Executive compared to the date on which the performance period would have ended), which vested award shall be paid or settled within 60 days follownig such termination.  
Section 4.05.    Other Perquisites.  During the Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall be afforded the following benefits as incidences of his employment: 
(a)    Business and Entertainment Expenses.  Subject to the Company’s standard policies and procedures with respect to expense reimbursement as applied to its employees generally, the Company shall no less frequently than monthly reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of Executive, reasonable and appropriate expenses incurred by Executive for business related purposes, including dues and fees to industry and professional organizations and costs of entertainment and business development.
(b)    Other Company Benefits.  Executive and, to the extent applicable, Executive’s spouse, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter be, available to other executives or employees of the Company or the Parent.  Such benefits, plans and programs shall include, without limitation, any profit sharing plan, thrift plan, health insurance or health care plan, life insurance, disability insurance, pension plan, supplemental retirement plan, vacation and 

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sick leave plan, and the like which may be maintained by the Company or the Parent.  Neither the Company nor the Parent shall, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated to institute, maintain or refrain from changing, amending or discontinuing any such benefit plan or program, as long as such changes are similarly applicable to employees generally.
Section 4.06.    Parachute Payments.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code), and the benefits provided for in this Agreement, together with any other payments and benefits which Executive has the right to receive from WNR, would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the benefits provided hereunder (beginning with any benefit to be paid in cash hereunder) shall be either(a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of such total amounts and benefits received by Executive from the Company will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of such amounts and benefits received by Executive shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Executive (taking into account any applicable excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code and any other applicable taxes).  The determination as to whether any such reduction in the amount of the benefits provided hereunder is necessary shall be made by the Compensation Committee in good faith.  If a reduced cash payment is made and through error or otherwise that payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from WNR used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Executive’s base amount, then Executive shall immediately repay such excess to the Company upon notification that an overpayment has been made.  Nothing in this ‎Section  shall require the Company to be responsible for, or have any liability or obligation with respect to, Executive’s excise tax liabilities under Section 4999 of the Code. 
Section 4.07.    Other Benefits.  This Agreement governs the rights and obligations of Executive and the Company with respect to Executive’s base salary, equity awards and certain perquisites of employment.  Except as expressly provided herein, Executive’s rights and obligations both during the term of his employment and thereafter with respect to deferred compensation, life insurance policies insuring the life of Executive and other benefits under the plans and programs maintained by the Company or the Parent shall be governed by the separate agreements, plans and other documents and instruments governing such matters.
ARTICLE 5
PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Section 5.01.    Disclosure to and Property of the Company.  All information, designs, ideas, concepts, improvements, product developments, discoveries and inventions, whether patentable or not, that are conceived, made, developed or acquired by Executive, individually or in conjunction with others, during the period of Executive’s 

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employment by the Company (whether during business hours or otherwise and whether on the Company’s premises or otherwise) that relate to WNR’s business, trade secrets, products or services (including, without limitation, all such information relating to corporate opportunities, product specification, compositions, manufacturing and distribution methods and processes, research, financial and sales data, pricing terms, evaluations, opinions, interpretations, acquisition prospects, the identity of customers or their requirements, the identity of key contacts within a customer’s organizations or within the organization of acquisition prospects, marketing and merchandising techniques, business plans, computer software or programs, computer software and database technologies, prospective names and marks) (collectively, the “Confidential Information”) shall be disclosed to WNR and are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of WNR.  Moreover, all documents, videotapes, written presentations, brochures, drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, e-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, maps, drawings, architectural renditions, models and all other writings or materials of any type embodying any of such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries, inventions and other similar forms of expression (collectively, “Work Product”) are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of WNR.  Upon Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver such Confidential Information and Work Product, and all copies thereof, to WNR.
Section 5.02.    Disclosure to Executive.  WNR has and will disclose to Executive, or place Executive in a position to have access to or develop, Confidential Information and Work Product of WNR; and/or has and will entrust Executive with business opportunities of WNR; and/or has and will place Executive in a position to develop business goodwill on behalf of WNR.  Executive agrees to preserve and protect the confidentiality of all Confidential Information or Work Product of WNR.
Section 5.03.    No Unauthorized Use or Disclosure.  Executive agrees that he will not, at any time during or after Executive’s employment by the Company, make any unauthorized disclosure of, and will prevent the removal from WNR’s premises of, Confidential Information or Work Product of WNR, or make any use thereof, except in the carrying out of Executive’s responsibilities during the course of Executive’s employment with the Company.  Executive shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all persons or entities to whom any Confidential Information shall be disclosed by him under this Agreement to observe the terms and conditions set forth herein as though each such person or entity was bound hereby.  Executive shall have no obligation under this Agreement to keep confidential any Confidential Information if and to the extent that disclosure thereof is specifically required by law; provided, however, that in the event disclosure is required by applicable law, Executive shall provide WNR with prompt notice of such requirement prior to making any such disclosure so that WNR may seek an appropriate protective order.  At the request of WNR at any time, Executive agrees to deliver to WNR all Confidential Information that he may possess or control.  Executive agrees that all Confidential Information of WNR (whether now or hereafter existing) conceived, discovered or made by him during the period of Executive’s employment by 

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the Company exclusively belongs to WNR (and not to Executive), and Executive will promptly disclose such Confidential Information to WNR and perform all actions reasonably requested by WNR to establish and confirm such exclusive ownership.  Affiliates of the Company, including, without limitation, the Parent, shall be third-party beneficiaries of Executive’s obligations under this Article ‎5.  As a result of Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive may also from time to time have access to, or knowledge of, Confidential Information or Work Product of third parties, such as customers, suppliers, partners, joint venturers and the like, of WNR.  Executive also agrees to preserve and protect the confidentiality of such third-party Confidential Information and Work Product to the same extent, and on the same basis, as WNR’s Confidential Information and Work Product.
Section 5.04.    Ownership by the Company.  If, during Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive creates any work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression that is the subject matter of copyright (such as videotapes, written presentations, computer programs, e-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, drawings, maps, architectural renditions, models, manuals, brochures or the like) relating to the Company’s business, products or services, whether such work is created solely by Executive or jointly with others (whether during business hours or otherwise and whether on the Company’s premises or otherwise), including any Work Product, the Company shall be deemed the author of such work if the work is prepared by Executive in the scope of Executive’s employment; or, if the work is not prepared by Executive within the scope of Executive’s employment but is specially ordered by the Company as a contribution to a collective work, as a part of an audiovisual work, as a translation, as a supplementary work, as a compilation, or as an instructional text, then the work shall be considered to be work made-for-hire, and the Company shall be the author of the work.  If such work is neither prepared by Executive within the scope of Executive’s employment nor a work specially ordered that is deemed to be a work made-for-hire, then Executive hereby agrees to assign, and by these presents does assign, to the Company all of Executive’s worldwide right, title and interest in and to such work and all rights of copyright therein.
Section 5.05.    Assistance By Executive.  During the period of Executive’s employment by the Company and thereafter, Executive shall reasonably assist the Company and its nominee, at any time, in (a) the protection of WNR’s worldwide right, title and interest in and to Work Product, (a) the execution of all formal assignment documents requested by WNR or its nominee and (a) the execution of all lawful oaths and applications for patents and registration of copyright in the United States and foreign countries.
Section 5.06.    Remedies.  Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Article ‎5 by Executive, and WNR shall be entitled to enforce the provisions of this Article ‎5 by terminating payments then owing to Executive under this Agreement or otherwise and to specific performance and injunctive relief as remedies for such breach or any threatened breach.  Such remedies 

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shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach of this Article ‎5 but shall be in addition to all remedies available at law or in equity, including the recovery of damages from Executive and his agents.
ARTICLE 6
NON-COMPETE
Section 6.01.    Acknowledgments.  Executive acknowledges that WNR has engaged, and that WNR will continue to engage, in the business of refining, transporting and/or marketing (either wholesale or retail) petroleum products by pipeline, truck or other methods (the “Business”) in (a) that portion of Texas which is West of U.S. Interstate Highway 35 (as it may be renamed or redesignated in the future), (a) New Mexico, (a) Arizona and (a) Juarez, Mexico (collectively, the “Territory”).
Section 6.02.    Restriction.  Employee covenants and agrees that, from the Effective Date until the Expiration Date (the “Restricted Period”), for any reason, Executive will not:
(a)    directly or indirectly (whether as principal, agent, independent contractor, partner or otherwise) own, manage, operate, control, participate in, perform services for or otherwise carry on a business similar to or competitive with the Business anywhere in the Territory or in any other state in the United States in which WNR or any Affiliate of WNR has refined or sold petroleum products within the period of twelve (12) months prior to the termination of such employment; or
(b)    induce or attempt to persuade any employee, agent, customer or supplier of WNR or any Affiliate of WNR to terminate such employment, agency or business relationship in order to enter into any such relationship on behalf of any other business organization.
Section 6.03.    Stock Ownership.  Notwithstanding anything in this Article ‎6 to the contrary, Executive shall not be prohibited from owning in excess of 2% in the aggregate of any class of capital stock of any corporation if such stock is publicly traded and listed on any national or regional stock exchange or on the NASDAQ market system.
ARTICLE 7
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.01.    Indemnification.  If Executive shall obtain any money judgment or otherwise prevail with respect to any litigation brought by Executive or the Company to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, hereby indemnifies Executive for his reasonable attorneys’ fees, other reasonable professional fees and disbursements incurred in such litigation and hereby agrees (a) to pay in full all such fees and disbursements and (a) to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Executive from the earliest date that payment to him should have been made under this Agreement until such 

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judgment shall have been paid in full, which interest shall be calculated at 2% plus the prime or base rate of interest as reported from time to time in the Wall Street Journal.
Section 7.02.    Payment Obligations Absolute.  Except as specifically provided in ‎Section 5.06, the Company’s obligation to pay (or cause one of its subsidiaries or the Parent to pay) Executive the amounts and to make the arrangements provided in this Agreement shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company (including its subsidiaries and the Parent) may have against him or anyone else.  All amounts payable by the Company (including its subsidiaries and the Parent hereunder) shall be paid without notice or demand.  
Section 7.03.    Notices.  For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or when sent by recognized overnight delivery service, addressed as follows:
If to the Company:
Western Refining GP, LLC 
6500 Trowbridge Drive 
El Paso, Texas 79905 
Attention: General Counsel
If to Executive:
4347 Jokake Drive
Scottsdale Arizona 85251

or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices or changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
Section 7.04.    Applicable Law.  This Agreement is entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the State of Texas, without reference to its choice of law provisions.
Section 7.05.    No Waiver.  No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
Section 7.06.    Severability.  Any provision in this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction by reason of applicable law shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability 

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without invalidating or affecting the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 7.07.    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same agreement.
Section 7.08.    Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions.  The Company may withhold from any benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal employee deductions made with respect to the Company’s employees generally.
Section 7.09.    Section 409A.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each term as defined in Section 409A of the Code), as determined by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such separation from service is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in the payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) until the date that is at least six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service with the Company (or the earliest date permitted under Section 409A of the Code), whereupon the Company will pay Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative amounts that would have otherwise been previously paid to Executive under this Agreement during the period in which such payments or benefits were deferred.  All amounts payable hereunder are intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code pursuant to the “short-term deferral” exception thereunder and shall be paid within such short-term deferral” period.  To the extent such exemption is not available, with respect to the provisions of this Agreement which provide for “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, this Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the Regulations thereunder and shall be so interpreted, construed and administered.  If under the terms of this Agreement the execution of the Release is a condition precedent to Executive receiving payments or benefits under this Agreement, if the period during which Executive has discretion to execute and/or revoke the Release straddles two calendar years, the payments and benefits, to the extent they constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, shall be paid in the second of the two calendar years, regardless of within which calendar year Executive actually delivers the executed Release to the Company. 
Section 7.10.    Headings.  The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

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Section 7.11.    Gender and Plurals.  Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.
Section 7.12.    Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor of the Company, by merger or otherwise.  This Agreement shall also be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Executive and his estate.  If Executive shall die prior to full payment of amounts due pursuant to this Agreement, such amounts shall be payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to his estate.  The Company may assign this Agreement to a successor business, the Parent or any Affiliate or subsidiary of the Company upon written notice to Executive.  Executive shall not have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate or assign this Agreement or the rights hereunder, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Section 7.13.    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and contains all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to such subject matter.  Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, all understandings and agreements preceding the date of execution of this Agreement and relating to the subject matter hereof are hereby null and void and of no further force and effect, including, without limitation, the Original Employment Agreement and any other prior employment and severance agreements, if any, by and between the Company and Executive.  Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.

	
		
	THE COMPANY:

	WESTERN REFINING GP, LLC

	By:
	/s/ Jeff A. Stevens

	 
	Name:   Jeff A. Stevens 

	 
	Title:   Chief Executive Officer

	
		
	EXECUTIVE

	 
	 

	 

	By:
	/s/ Gary R. Dalke

	 
	Name:   Gary R. Dalke

    

EXHIBIT A
Form of Release

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Execution Copy

SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Separation and Release Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Gary R. Dalke ("EMPLOYEE") and WESTERN REFINING COMPANY, L.P. (“WNR”).

EMPLOYEE and WNR have terminated their employment relationship and have agreed upon a separation package.  EMPLOYEE has also voluntarily decided to waive any rights or claims he has or may have against WNR, and to execute this Agreement in return for the payment and promises described below.

In return for the mutual promises and agreements set forth below, EMPLOYEE and WNR agree to the following:

1.    Termination Date.   EMPLOYEE and WNR have agreed that EMPLOYEE’s last day of employment is August 31, 2017 (the “Termination Date”). As of the Termination Date, EMPLOYEE resigns from any position he held, if any, as an officer, director, trustee, or similar position, with WNR and/or any of its affiliated entities and WNR accepts that resignation.

2.    Consideration and Severance Pay.  In exchange for EMPLOYEE entering into this Agreement, WNR agrees to provide EMPLOYEE the compensation and benefits set forth in the Employment Agreement to which this Agreement is attached.

3.    Release. In return for the payments and benefits described above, EMPLOYEE, individually and on behalf of his heirs, assigns, and legal representatives completely releases and forever discharges WNR, including WESTERN REFINING COMPANY, L.P., WESTERN REFINING, INC., their parent, subsidiary and affiliated entities, and all of their employees, officers, directors, agents, servants, and representatives (hereinafter referred to “RELEASED ENTITIES”), of and from any and all claims, demands, actions, and causes of action of every kind, nature, and description whatsoever, at law or in equity, including, but not limited to, all claims he now has, may have, or may acquire in the future, on account of or in any way arising from his employment or termination of employment with WNR, including but not limited to, all claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Arizona Civil Rights Act, the Arizona Minimum Wage law, and the Arizona Equal Pay Act , as well as all other statutory and common law claims of any kind or character, with the sole exception of those claims that by law cannot be released.

4.    Release of Age Discrimination Claims. Also in consideration of the promises and understandings contained in this Agreement, EMPLOYEE hereby specifically releases, waives, acquits and forever discharges any claims, causes of action, or suits for claims, if any, which have arisen as of the date of this Agreement under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), or under the age provisions of applicable state law.  EMPLOYEE further acknowledges having been advised by this writing that:
		
	(a)
	he is knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the ADEA, as amended;

		
	(b)
	the consideration given for the waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which he is or may have been entitled;

    

Execution Copy

		
	(c)
	this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise after execution date of this Agreement; 

(d)    he has the right to consult with an attorney before executing this Agreement; 
		
	(e)
	he has twenty-one (21) days to consider this Agreement and no changes to this Agreement, whether material or immaterial, restart the 21 day period (although he may choose to voluntarily execute this Agreement earlier and doing so waives any right to review it for longer); 

		
	(f)
	he has seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement by the Parties to revoke the Agreement; and to effectuate EMPLOYEE’s revocation, WNR must receive written notice no later than 11:59 p.m. on the seventh (7th) day after he executes this Agreement at the following address: Victor Rueda, Vice President Human Resources, Western Refining, 1250 W. Washington, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281; and

		
	(g)
	this Agreement shall not become effective until the eighth (8th) day after he executes this Agreement, and on the condition that he has not previously revoked the Agreement (“Effective Date”);

5.     No Interference with Rights.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to waive claims (i) for unemployment or workers' compensation benefits, (ii) for vested rights under ERISA-covered employee benefit plans as applicable on the date Employee signs this Agreement, (iii) that may arise after Employee signs this Agreement, or (iv) which cannot be released by private agreement. In addition, nothing in this Agreement including but not limited to the release of claims, proprietary information, confidentiality, cooperation, and non-disparagement provisions, prevent Employee from filing a charge or complaint with or from participating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other any federal, state or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws, or from exercising rights under Section 7 of the NLRA to engage in joint activity with other employees, although by signing this Agreement, EMPLOYEE is waiving rights to individual relief based on claims asserted in such a charge or complaint, or asserted by any third-party on EMPLOYEE's behalf, except where such a waiver of individual relief is prohibited.

7.    Confidentiality. EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that the contents of and facts surrounding this Agreement, including the amount of consideration specified above and the fact that a payment was made, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed in any manner except to EMPLOYEE’s spouse, attorney, or tax advisor, a governmental authority, or as compelled by judicial process or otherwise required by law.  

8.     Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information.  EMPLOYEE understands and agrees that he will not at any time following the termination of his employment, disclose to anyone (whether or not the disclosure is for EMPLOYEE’s personal benefit) any secret or confidential information of WNR, including without limitation the following: any technical or non-technical data, formulae, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, procedures, manuals, financial data, business plans, lists of actual or potential customers, information about customer requirements, costs and sources of supplies and equipment, lists of executives, any information 

Execution Copy

regarding WNR’s products, marketing or database, expansion or acquisition plans, legal strategies, pending litigation, or other business-related matters of which EMPLOYEE has knowledge, whether protected by the attorney-client privilege or not, which are not generally known to the public. Such information is extremely valuable to WNR and EMPLOYEE agrees to keep it confidential whether or not it is deemed to be a “trade secret” under applicable law.

9.    Return of Company Property. EMPLOYEE represents that within 24 hours of his last day of employment, he will return to WNR all property belonging to WNR, including without limitation all correspondence, files, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, purchase-sale agreements, legal forms and models, financial documents, cell phones, credit cards, keys, and any other documents or data concerning WNR’s business, with the sole exception of specific documents identified in writing by EMPLOYEE and approved by WNR, provided such documents do not contain company-specific information, such as but not limited to, the names of companies purchased and the amounts paid, or other confidential information not otherwise known to the public. 

10.    Non-Disparagement.  EMPLOYEE shall at all times hereafter refrain from any activity harmful to or making any disparaging or negative statements, whether offered as fact or opinion,  concerning the RELEASED ENTITIES, either publicly or privately, unless lawfully subpoenaed, ordered by the court, or pursuant to a governmental investigation.

11.    Modifications.  This Separation and Release Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between EMPLOYEE and WNR and may not be modified except in writing signed by both parties.

12.    No Admission of Liability.  By entering into this release, WNR does not admit any liability to EMPLOYEE.

13.    Choice of Law.  The laws of the State of Arizona shall govern this Agreement.  The parties further understand and agree that, in any legal proceeding arising under this Agreement, venue shall be in Maricopa County, Arizona.

In signing this document, I state that I have read this Agreement, that I have had the opportunity to review it with an attorney of my choice, and that I fully understand and voluntarily enter into it.

Signed this ________ day of _______________, 2016.

	
	
	 

	Gary R. DalkeExhibit

                                                

Exhibit 10.33

SEVERANCE AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT

This SEVERANCE AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), effective this 16th of August, 2016 (“Effective Date”) by and between WPX Energy, Inc., WPX Energy Services Company, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively the “Company”), and Michael Fiser (the “Executive”), sets forth the terms and understandings regarding the Executive’s separation from the Company.

WHEREAS, the Executive currently serves as SVP Marketing; and

WHEREAS, the Executive’s employment is to be terminated; and 

WHEREAS, the Company is providing to the Executive severance benefits pursuant to the WPX Energy Executive Severance Pay Plan (“Plan”), subject to the Executive’s timely execution of this Agreement and the Release described herein and subject to the Executive’s satisfaction of all other terms and conditions described in the Plan and this Agreement; and 

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company wish to settle their mutual rights and obligations arising in connection with the Executive’s service with the Company and the Executive’s separation from such service; and

WHEREAS, in consideration of the rights and benefits under this Agreement, the Executive has agreed to enter into certain covenants for the benefit of the Company as set forth herein. 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, including the restrictive covenants, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows: 

1.     Separation from Service

(a)     Employment Termination. The Executive’s employment shall be terminated on September 2, 2016 (the “Termination Date”).  Effective on the Termination Date, the Executive hereby resigns from any and all officer and director positions the Executive may have with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. The Executive shall promptly execute any additional documentation the Company may request to reflect such resignations. 

(b)     Transition Period. For the period from the Effective Date through the Termination Date (such period, the “Transition Period”), the Executive shall continue as an employee of the Company and shall perform such duties and responsibilities as shall be reasonably requested by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company, including as necessary to effect a smooth and effective transition of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities. During the Transition Period, the Executive shall remain subject to all applicable Company policies and procedures, including without limitation the Company’s securities trading policies for officers and directors. 

2.     Compensation

(a)     Base Salary through Termination Date. The Executive shall be entitled to continue to receive the Executive’s current annual base salary through the Termination Date, which shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices. 

                                                

(b)     Employee Benefits. Until the Termination Date, the Executive shall continue to be entitled to participate as an active employee in those employee benefit plans and programs in which the Executive currently participates, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans. Effective as of the Termination Date, the Executive’s active participation in such plans shall cease, and the Executive shall continue to have all rights to accrued and vested benefits under such plans in accordance with their terms. 

3.     Severance Benefits and Conditions   

(a)     Severance Payment.  Subject to Section 3(e), the Executive shall receive a severance payment equal to the sum of: 

(1)    Four hundred eighty-six thousand dollars ($486,000) which is equal to 1.5x the Executive’s “Base Salary”, as such term is defined in the Plan, plus

(2)    an additional payment of $316,828.05 which is equal to the Executive’s “Average AIP Payment” as such term is defined in the Plan. 

(b)     COBRA Equivalent Payment.  Subject to Section 3(e), if the Executive is enrolled in Company-sponsored medical and prescription coverage on the Executive’s Termination Date, the Executive will receive an additional severance payment equal to the monthly premium for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) continuation coverage for the medical and prescription coverage elected by the Executive and in effect on such date multiplied by twelve (12) (the “COBRA Equivalent Payment”).  Dental, vision and health care flexible spending account coverage premiums will not be included in determining such payment.  

(c)    Additional Payment.    Subject to Section 3(e), although such payment is not required to be made to the Executive pursuant to the Plan or any other agreement, policy, practice, incentive compensation plan or award agreement, in lieu of the equity award that was communicated to Executive in 2016 and disclosed via Form 4, Company will pay Executive in the amount of $400,000.00, less applicable withholdings required by law.  Nothing in this Agreement should be construed as an indication or affirmation that Executive was otherwise entitled to an equity award or payment in lieu of an equity award for the year 2016 and by agreeing to accept this Additional Payment, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, Executive specifically waives any and all claims, known and unknown, related to any equity awards for 2016 that were or were not granted to Executive.  

(d)     Time of Severance Payment.  Subject to Section 3(e) and Section 21, payment of the amounts described in Sections 3(a), (b) and (c) shall be made during the sixty (60) day period following the Termination Date.  If such amounts could be paid in more than one calendar year, they will be paid in the latest calendar year in which the payment could be made.

(e)     Release of Claims. The rights, payments, and benefits to be provided to the Executive under this Agreement are subject to the Executive’s execution and delivery to the Company and non-revocation of an effective general release and waiver of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”), which must be executed and delivered to the Company during the fifty (50) day period following the Termination Date. 

(f)     Employment Status. This Agreement is not intended to and does not alter the Executive’s status as an at-will employee or create a contract of employment for any definite period 

                                                

of time.

(g)    Rehire.  In the event the Executive is rehired by the Company after the receipt of benefits described in Sections 3(a) and (b), the Executive shall be subject to the repayment provisions described in Section 3.6 of the Plan.

(h)    Outplacement Services.  The Company will pay up to $25,000 for executive outplacement services provided to the Executive by a reputable third party outplacement provider approved by the Company, provided that such expenses must be incurred within nine (9) months after the Executive’s Termination Date, but in all events no payments for such outplacement services will be made after fifteen (15) months following the Participant’s Termination Date.  

4.     Accrued Rights. The Company shall pay and provide to the Executive in accordance with its customary practices: (i) all base salary earned but not yet paid through the Termination Date, (ii) reimbursement for any and all business expenses properly incurred prior to the Termination Date, payable in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Company’s reimbursement policy and submitted for reimbursement within sixty (60) days of the Termination Date, and (iii) any employee benefits required to be provided to the Executive pursuant to the terms of the Company’s employee benefit plans and as required by applicable law. 

5.     Outstanding Equity Awards. All outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, or other forms of equity compensation held by the Executive as of the Termination Date shall be governed by the terms of the incentive compensation plans and award agreements pursuant to which such awards were issued to the Executive, with the Termination Date constituting the date of the Executive’s termination of service for purposes of such grants.  

 6.     Indemnification. The Executive (i) shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company on the same terms as other executive officers and directors to the greatest extent permitted under applicable law as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended and the Company’s by-laws as such exist on the Termination Date, or such greater rights that may be provided by amendment to such by-laws from time to time, if the Executive was, is or is threatened to be made to a party to any pending, completed, or threatened action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, administrative hearing, or any other proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, and whether formal or informal, by reason of the fact that the Executive is or was, or had agreed to become, a director, officer, employee, agent, or fiduciary of the Company or any other entity which the Executive is or was serving at the request of the Company, against all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and all claims, damages, liabilities, and losses incurred or suffered by the Executive or to which the Executive may become subject for any reason, and (ii) shall be entitled to advancement of any such indemnifiable expenses in accordance with the Company’s by-laws as such exist on the Termination Date, or such greater rights that may be provided by amendment to such by-laws from time to time. 

7.     Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance. The Executive shall be entitled to coverage under a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy issued in favor of Company in an amount no less than, and on the same terms as those provided to, other executive officers and directors of the Company. 

8.     Restrictive Covenants

(a)     Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges that in the course of performing services for the Company and its affiliates, the Executive may have obtained information, observations, and data (including but not limited to information concerning current or prospective 

                                                

exploration and development activities, information concerning business strategies or plans, financial information relating to the business of the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates, accounts, customers, vendors, employees, and other affairs) that is not otherwise in the public domain (collectively, “Confidential Information”). The Executive recognizes that all such Confidential Information is the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its affiliates or of third parties to which the Company or an affiliate owes a duty of confidentiality, that it is the Company’s policy to safeguard and keep confidential all such Confidential Information, and that disclosure of Confidential Information to an unauthorized third party would cause irreparable damage to the Company and its affiliates. The Executive agrees that, except as required by the duties of the Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its affiliates and except in connection with enforcing the Executive’s rights under this Agreement or if compelled by a court or governmental agency, in each case provided that prior written notice is given to the Company, the Executive will not, without the written consent of the Company, willfully disseminate or otherwise disclose, directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information disclosed to the Executive or otherwise obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment with the Company or its affiliates, and will take all necessary precautions to prevent disclosure to any unauthorized individual or entity (whether or not such individual or entity is employed or engaged by, or is otherwise affiliated with, the Company or any affiliate), and will use the Confidential Information solely for the benefit of the Company and its affiliates and will not use the Confidential Information for the benefit of any other individual or entity nor permit its use for the benefit of the Executive. These obligations shall continue during and after the Executive’s termination from service and for so long as the Confidential Information remains Confidential Information.  For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in the foregoing shall preclude the Executive from disclosing Confidential Information for purposes of reporting a violation of state or federal law to a relevant law enforcement agency, including, without limitation, to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any similar provision of state or federal law and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(b)     Non-Competition.  From the date hereof and continuing for six (6) months following the Termination Date, the Executive agrees that without the written consent of the Company, the Executive shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, in any capacity: 

(i)     engage or participate in, become employed by, serve as a director of, or render advisory or consulting or other services in connection with, any energy business and any individual or entity (and any branch, office or operation thereof) which engages in, or proposes to engage in (with the Executive’s assistance) any of the following in which the Executive has been engaged in the twelve (12) months preceding the Termination Date: the exploration and/or production of oil or gas which is located anywhere in the United States (a “Competitive Business”); provided, however, that after the Termination Date, this Section 8(b)(i) shall not preclude the Executive from (A) being an employee of, or consultant to, any business unit of a Competitive Business if (x) such business unit does not qualify as a Competitive Business in its own right and (y) the Executive does not have any direct or indirect involvement in, or responsibility for, any operations of such Competitive Business that cause it to qualify as a Competitive Business, or (B) with the approval of an Authorized Company Executive, being a consultant to, an advisor to, a director of, or an employee of a Competitive Business (for purposes of this Section 8(b), an “Authorized Company Executive” shall mean the individual then serving as the Chief Executive Officer); or

(ii) make or retain any financial investment, whether in the form of equity or debt, or own any interest, in any Competitive Business. Nothing in this subsection shall, however, 

                                                

restrict the Executive from making an investment in any Competitive Business if such investment does not (A) represent more than 1% of the aggregate market value of the outstanding capital stock or debt (as applicable) of such Competitive Business, (B) give the Executive any right or ability, directly or indirectly, to control or influence the policy decisions or management of such Competitive Business, or (C) create a conflict of interest between the Executive’s duties to the Company and its affiliates or under this Agreement and the Executive’s interest in such investment. 

(c)     Non-Solicitation. From the date hereof and continuing for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date, the Executive agrees that without the written consent of the Company, the Executive shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, in any capacity: 

(i)     cause or attempt to cause any employee, director, or consultant of the Company or an affiliate to terminate his or her relationship with the Company or an affiliate; 

(ii)     employ, engage as a consultant or adviser, or solicit the employment or engagement as a consultant or adviser, of any employee of the Company or an affiliate (other than by the Company or its affiliates), or cause or attempt to cause any person or entity to do any of the foregoing; 

(iii)     interfere with the relationship of the Company or an affiliate with, or endeavor to entice away from the Company or an affiliate, any person or entity who or which at any time during the period commencing twelve (12) months prior to the Termination Date was or is, to the Executive’s knowledge, a material customer or material supplier of, or maintained a material business relationship with, the Company or an affiliate; or; 

(iv)     solicit the sale of goods, services or a combination of goods and services from the established customers of the Company or an affiliate. 

(d)    Non-Disparagement. 

(i)     The Executive agrees not to make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written, directly or indirectly) that (A) accuses or implies that the Company or any of its affiliates, together with their respective present or former officers, directors, partners, stockholders, employees, and agents, and each of their predecessors, successors, and assigns, engaged in any wrongful, unlawful or improper conduct, whether relating to the Executive’s employment (or the separation therefrom), the business or operations of the Company or otherwise; or (B) disparages, impugns, or in any way reflects adversely upon the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, together with their respective present or former officers, directors, partners, stockholders, employees, and agents, and each of their predecessors, successors, and assigns. 

(ii)     The Company agrees that it will not, and will instruct the members of the Board of Directors of the Company and the executive officers of the Company to not, disparage or denigrate the Executive orally or in writing (including, without limitation, any comments or statements relating to the Executive’s performance at the Company). 

(iii)     Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude the Executive or the Company from providing truthful testimony or 

                                                

information pursuant to subpoena, court order, or other similar legal or regulatory process, provided, that to the extent permitted by law, the Executive will promptly inform the Company of any such obligation prior to participating in any such proceedings. 

(e)    Duty to Inform.

The Executive agrees to inform any employer, business, entity, or individual with whom the Executive becomes associated in a business capacity during the term of the restrictions of this Section 8 of Executive’s obligations under this Section 8.

(f)     Reasonableness of Restrictive Covenants. 

(i)     The Executive acknowledges that the covenants contained in this Agreement are reasonable in the scope of the activities restricted, the geographic area covered by the restrictions, and the duration of the restrictions, and that such covenants are reasonably necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate interests in its Confidential Information, its proprietary work, and in its relationships with its employees, customers, suppliers, and agents. 

(ii)     The Company has, and the Executive has had an opportunity to, consult with their respective legal counsel and to be advised concerning the reasonableness and propriety of such covenants. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s observance of the covenants contained herein will not deprive the Executive of the ability to earn a livelihood or to support the Executive’s dependents. 

(g)     Right to Injunction: Survival of Undertakings. 

(i)     In recognition of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information, and in recognition of the necessity of the limited restrictions imposed by this Agreement, the Executive and the Company agree that it would be impossible to measure solely in money the damages which the Company would suffer if the Executive were to breach any of the Executive’s obligations hereunder. The Executive acknowledges that any breach of any provision of this Agreement would irreparably injure the Company. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that if the Executive breaches any of the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies to which the Company may be entitled under this Agreement or otherwise, to an injunction to be issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, to restrain any breach, or threatened breach, of any provision of this Agreement without the necessity of posting a bond or other security therefore, and the Executive hereby waives any right to assert any claim or defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law for any such breach. 

(ii)     If a court determines that any covenant included in this Section 8 is unenforceable in whole or in part because of such covenant’s duration or geographical or other scope, such court shall have the power to modify the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, so as to cause such covenant as so modified to be enforceable. Furthermore, if a court determines that a certain form of remedy or relief sought by the Company for the breach of a covenant included in this Section 8 is unavailable under applicable law, such a finding shall not prohibit the Company from obtaining a different form of remedy or relief with respect to such breach which such court has not found to be unavailable. 

                                                

(iii)     All of the provisions of this Agreement shall survive any separation from service of the Executive. 

(h)     Effect of Breach of Covenants. If a court of competent jurisdiction shall have found that the Executive is in material breach of any restrictive covenant contained in this Agreement or the Release, the Executive forfeits the Executive’s right to receive any payment or benefit under this Agreement and shall pay to the Company the value of any payment or benefit previously received by the Executive under this Agreement. 

9.     Cooperation. Following the Termination Date, the Executive agrees to fully cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Company and its counsel in connection with any general business matters, transition of work, agency investigations or audits or litigation or corporate matters, and to be reasonably available to the Company to do so at times and locations as to not interfere with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to any future employer, job seeking opportunities, or any personal responsibilities. 

10.     Return of Company Property. The Executive shall promptly following the Termination Date return to the Company all documents, records, files, and other information and property belonging or relating to the Company, its affiliates, customers, clients, or employees. The Executive acknowledges that all such materials are, and will remain, the exclusive property of the Company, and the Executive may not retain originals or copies of such materials without the express written approval of the Company. Any Company-related information shall be expunged from any home equipment, and any office connectivity or other continued internet or similar services provided by the Company shall cease. 

11.     Recoupment. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not impact any rights or restrictions under the Company’s Recoupment Policy for incentive compensation, as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and referred to in the Company’s most recent proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as such Recoupment Policy may be amended from time to time, and the Executive acknowledges and agrees the Executive remains subject to the terms of such policy following the Termination Date. 

12.     Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. 

13.     Waiver. No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provision or condition at the time or at any prior or subsequent time. 

14.     Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma, without reference to its choice of law rules. 

15.     Withholding. The Company shall deduct or withhold, or require the Executive to remit to the Company, the minimum statutory amount to satisfy federal, state or local taxes required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any benefit provided hereunder. 

16.     Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all other agreements expressly incorporated or referred to herein, shall constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive is not eligible for and shall not receive any additional separation or severance payment under any plan or 

                                                

program maintained by the Company. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive is not relying on any representations or promises by any representative of the Company concerning the meaning of any aspect of this Agreement or the Release. This Agreement and the Release may not be altered or modified other than in a writing signed by the Executive and an authorized representative of the Company. 

17.     Notices. All notices given hereunder shall be given in writing, shall specifically refer to this Agreement and shall be personally delivered or sent by telecopy or other electronic facsimile transmission or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at the address set forth below or at such other address as may hereafter be designated by notice given in compliance with the terms hereof: 

If to the Executive:    At the most recent address on the Company’s records

If to the Company:    WPX Energy, Inc.
3500 One Williams Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172-0172
Attention: General Counsel
Facsimile: (539) 573-5608

If notice is mailed, such notice shall be effective upon mailing, or if notice is personally delivered or sent by telecopy or other electronic facsimile transmission, it shall be effective upon receipt.

18.     Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive, the Company and their respective heirs, successors and assigns, except that the Executive may not assign the Executive’s rights or delegate the Executive’s obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company. 

19.     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 

20.     Section 409A. 

(a)     Compliance. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement are either exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”), and this Agreement shall be interpreted to that end. The parties acknowledge and agree that the interpretation of Section 409A and its application to the terms of this Agreement is uncertain and may be subject to change as additional guidance and interpretations become available. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A. 

(b)     Six Month Delay for Specified Employees. If any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to the Executive in connection with the Executive’s separation from service is determined, in whole or in part, to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and the Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A, no part of such payments shall be paid before the day that is six (6) months plus one (1) day after the Termination Date or, if earlier, the Executive’s death (the “New Payment Date”). The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid to the Executive during the period between the Termination Date and the New Payment Date shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on such New Payment Date. Thereafter, any payments that remain outstanding as of the day immediately following the New Payment Date shall be paid without delay over the time period originally scheduled, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. 

                                                

(c)     Separation from Service. A separation from service shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a separation from service until such separation is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service. 

(d)     Payments for Reimbursements and In-Kind Benefits. All reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Executive incurs such expense. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year. 

(e)     Payments within Specified Number of Days. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment shall be within the sole discretion of the Company. 

(f)     Installments as Separate Payment. If under this Agreement, an amount is paid in two (2) or more installments, for purposes of Section 409A, each installment shall be treated as a separate payment. 
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

                                                

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the dates set forth below.

WPX ENERGY, INC.

By:   /s/ Richard E. Muncrief    

Date:   August 16, 2016

Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer

WPX ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY, LLC

By:   /s/ Richard E. Muncrief    

Date:   August 16, 2016

Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer

EXECUTIVE:

By: /s/ Michael Fiser    
                        
Date:  August 16, 2016

[Signature Page to Severance and Restrictive Covenant Agreement]

                                                

Exhibit A

RELEASE AGREEMENT

This RELEASE AGREEMENT (this “Release”), dated              , 20___, by and between WPX Energy, Inc., WPX Energy Services Company, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively the “Company”), and Michael Fiser (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company have entered into a Severance and Restrictive Covenant Agreement dated _____________________, 20___ (the “Severance Agreement”); 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration for receiving separation benefits under the Severance Agreement and in consideration of the representations, covenants and mutual promises set forth in this Release, the parties agree as follows: 

1.     Release. Except with respect to all of the Company’s obligations under the Severance Agreement, the Executive, and the Executive’s heirs, executors, assigns, agents, legal representatives, and personal representatives, hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges the Company, its agents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, shareholders, partners, members, managers, successors, assigns and affiliates (the “Released Parties”), of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorney’s fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising out of or in any way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any time prior to the  execution of this Release that arose out of or were related to the Executive’s employment with the Company or the Executive’s separation from service with the Company including, but not limited to, claims or demands related to wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company, vacation pay, fringe benefits, expense reimbursements, sabbatical benefits, severance benefits, or any other form of compensation or equity or thing of value whatsoever; claims pursuant to under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, et seq.; 42 U.S.C. § 1981; 42 U.S.C. § 1983; 42 U.S.C. § 1985; 42 U.S.C. § 1986; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d); the National Labor Relations Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 160, et seq.; the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. § 1001, et seq.; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, 29 U.S.C.§ 621, et seq.; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C.§ 2601 et seq.; the Equal Pay Act; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (as amended) and similar laws in other jurisdictions; the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act, Okla. Stat., tit. 25, §§ 1101, et seq., and any claims for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, discrimination, harassment, defamation, infliction of emotional distress, termination in violation of public policy, retaliation, including workers’ compensation retaliation under state statutes, tort law; contract law; wrongful discharge; discrimination; fraud; libel; slander; defamation; harassment; emotional distress; breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; or claims for whistle-blowing, or other claims arising under any local, state or federal regulation, statute or common law. This Release does not apply to the payment of any and all benefits and/or monies earned, accrued, vested or otherwise owing, if any, to the Executive under the terms of a Company sponsored tax qualified retirement or savings plan and/or any non-qualified deferred compensation plan(s) sponsored by the Company, except that the Executive hereby releases and waives any claims that the Executive’s separation from service was to avoid payment of such benefits or payments, and that, as a result of the Executive’s separation, the Executive is entitled to additional benefits or payments. Additionally, this Release does not apply to the indemnification provided or any other payments or benefits to which the Executive is entitled pursuant to the Severance 

                                                

Agreement (including, without limitation, in the outstanding equity awards referenced in Section 5 thereof). This Release does not apply to any claim or rights which might arise out of the actions of the Company after the date the Executive signs this Release or any other claims or rights that Executive is prohibited from waiving under applicable law.

2.     Covenant Not to Sue. By signing this Release, the Executive covenants, agrees, represents and warrants that the Executive has not filed and will not in the future file any lawsuits, complaints, petitions or accusatory pleadings in a court of law or in conjunction with a dispute resolution program against any of the Released Parties based upon, arising out of or in any way related to any event or events occurring prior to the signing of this Release, including, without limitation, the Executive’s employment with any of the Released Parties or the termination thereof. Nothing in this Release shall limit the Executive’s right to file a charge or complaint with any state or federal agency or to participate or cooperate in such a matter. However, the Executive expressly waives all rights to recovery for any damages or compensation awarded as a result of any suit or proceeding brought by any third party or governmental agency on the Executive’s behalf.  For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing does not extend to any monetary award from a law enforcement agency, including, without limitation, the Securities and Exchange Commission, relating to reporting by the Executive of a violation of state or federal law.

3.     No Assignment of Claims. By signing this Release, the Executive further covenants, agrees, represents and warrants that the Executive has not heretofore assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer, to any person or entity, any claim or any portion thereof or interest therein and acknowledges that this Release shall be binding upon the Executive and upon the Executive’s heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each of the Released Parties, and to their heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns. 

4.     No Release of Vested Benefits or Health and Welfare Benefits. Except as to claims based grants or failure to grant equity in 2016, by signing this Release, the Executive does not release or discharge any right to any vested, deferred benefit in any qualified employee benefit plan which provides for retirement, pension, savings, thrift and/or employee stock ownership or any benefit due the Executive as a participant in any employee health and welfare plan, as such terms are used under ERISA, which is maintained by any of the Released Parties that employed the Executive. 

5.     No Admission of Liability. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Release and the payments to be made by the Company to the Executive hereunder, the Released Parties do not admit any manner of liability to the Executive. This Release has been entered into as a means of settling any and all disputes between the Released Parties and the Executive. 

6.     No Inducement. The Executive agrees that no promise or inducement to enter into this Release has been offered or made except as set forth in this Release or the Severance Agreement, that the Executive is entering into this Release without any threat or coercion and without reliance or any statement or representation made on behalf of the Company or by any person employed by or representing the Company, except for the written provisions and promises contained in this Release or the Severance Agreement. 

7.     Damages. The parties agree that damages incurred as a result of a breach of this Release will be difficult to measure. It is, therefore, further agreed that, in addition to any other remedies, equitable relief will be available in the case of a breach of this Release. It is also agreed that, in the event the Executive files a claim against the Company with respect to a claim released by the Executive herein (other than a proceeding before the EEOC), the Company may withhold, retain, or require reimbursement of all or any portion of the benefits and Separation Payment under the Severance Agreement until such claim is withdrawn by the Executive. 

                                                

8.     Advice of Counsel; Time to Consider; Revocation. The Executive acknowledges the following: 

(a)     The Executive has read this Release, and understands its legal and binding effect. The Executive is acting voluntarily and of the Executive’s own free will in executing this Release.

(b)     The Executive has been advised to seek and has had the opportunity to seek legal counsel in connection with this Release. 

(c)     The Executive was given at least forty-five (45) days to consider the terms of this Release before signing it. 

The Executive understands that, if the Executive signs this Release, the Executive may revoke it within seven (7) days after signing it by delivering written notification of intent to revoke within that seven (7) day period. The Executive understands that this Release will not be effective until after the seven (7) day period has expired.

9.     Severability. If all or any part of this Release is declared by any court, arbitrator or governmental authority to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, such unlawfulness, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other portion of this Release. Any section or a part of a section declared to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of the section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid. To the extent that any provision of this Release is adjudicated to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable because it is overbroad, that provision shall not be void but rather shall be limited only to the extent required by applicable law and enforced as so limited. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that this Section is reasonable in view of the parties’ respective interests. 

10.     Amendment. This Release shall not be altered, amended, or modified except by written instrument executed by the Company and the Executive. A waiver of any portion of this Release shall not be deemed a waiver of any other portion of this Release. 

11.     Counterparts. This Release may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. 

12.     Headings. The headings of this Release are not part of the provisions hereof and shall not have any force or effect. 

13.     Rules of Construction. Reference to a specific law shall include such law, any valid regulation promulgated thereunder, and any comparable provision of any future legislation amending, supplementing or superseding such section. 

14.     Applicable Law. The provisions of this Release shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma without regard to its choice of law principles. 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

                                                

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Release as of the dates set forth below.

WPX ENERGY, INC.

By: /s/     

Date:   _______________________________

Title:    _______________________________

WPX ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY, LLC

By: /s/     

Date:    _______________________________

Title:  ________________________________

EXECUTIVE:

By: /s/     

Date:   _______________________________

[Signature Page to Release Agreement]

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