Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

GTT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”)
is made between GTT Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Steven Berns (the
 “Executive”). It is entered into as of April 6, 2020 (“Effective Date”) and shall
become effective immediately upon signature and has already been approved by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s
Board of Directors.

 

		1.	Employment; Scheduled Term. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company agrees to employ Executive,
and Executive accepts employment and agrees to be employed by Company during the time period commencing on the Effective Date and
ending on the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 7 below. The obligations of Executive set forth in the
Executive Assignment of Inventions and Confidentiality Agreement referred to in Section 6 below shall survive the Scheduled
Term and shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of the cause of such termination, in accordance
with the terms thereof. Executive hereby represents and warrants to Company that Executive is free to enter into and fully perform
this Agreement and the agreements referred to herein without breach or violation of any agreement or contract to which Executive
is a party or by which Executive is bound.

 

		2.	Duties. Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with such duties and responsibilities
as may from time to time be assigned to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of Company (the “
Board ”), commensurate with and customarily assigned to Executive’s title and position described in this
sentence. The duties and services to be performed by Executive under this Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the
“Services”. Executive shall report solely and exclusively directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Executive
agrees that he shall use his reasonable best efforts, ability and experience to conscientiously perform all of the duties and obligations
reasonably assigned to him under and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. At Company’s option, it will be entitled
to reasonable use of Executive’s name, solely in his role as an executive of the Company, in a positive image, in promotional,
advertising and other materials used in the ordinary course of its business without additional compensation unless prohibited by
law. Executive will reasonably comply with and be bound by Company’s operating policies, procedures, and practices from time
to time in effect, as published and generally made available to the employees of the Company, during Executive’s employment.
Executive shall be based in New York City, provided that Executive acknowledges and agrees that he may be required periodically
to travel for Company business, including to Company’s facility located in Tyson’s Corner, VA.

 

		3.	Exclusive Service. During the term of employment, Executive will not perform services for any other entity if
such service would be in conflict with the Company’s business interests. Executive will apply his skill and experience to
the performance of his duties and advancing Company’s interests in accordance with Executive’s experience and skills.
Accordingly, Executive shall not engage in any outside work, business, consulting activity or render any commercial or professional
services, directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of himself or any other person or organization, whether for compensation or
otherwise, if such services would be in conflict with the Company’s business interests, except with the prior written approval
of Company and Executive shall otherwise do nothing inconsistent with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from (i) participating in trade associations or industry organizations that
are related to the business of Company or his role as a financial executive, (ii) engaging in charitable, educational, civic or
political activities, (iii) engaging in personal investment activities for the Executive and his family that do not give rise to
any conflicts of interest with Company, or (iv) serving as a member of the two for profit Boards of Directors on which he is currently
serving, in each case so long as such interests do not materially interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance
of Executive’s duties hereunder. Moreover, express approval is granted herein for Executive to hold two (2) additional Boards
of Directors positions in other for profit organizations,
provided that such directorship does not give rise to any conflicts of interest with Company or materially interfere, individually
or in the aggregate, with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

 

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		4.	Non-Competition and Other Covenants

 

4.1 Non-Competition Agreement. Beginning
the Effective Date and continuing for so long thereafter as Executive is employed by Company or a subsidiary or affiliate of Company,
and for one (1) year following the termination of Executive’s employment with Company (collectively, the “Restricted
Period”), Executive will not, directly or indirectly, individually or as an employee, partner, officer, director or shareholder
(except to the extent permitted in Section 3 above) or in any other capacity whatsoever of or for any person, firm, partnership,
company or corporation other than Company or its subsidiaries:

 

(a) Own, manage, operate,
sell, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation, sales or control of or be connected in any manner with any
business directly engaged, in the geographical areas referred to in Section 4.2 below, in the design, research, development,
marketing, sale, or licensing of managed data network services that are substantially similar to or competitive with the business
of Company and any of its controlled affiliates; or

 

(b) Recruit, attempt
to hire, solicit, or assist others in recruiting or hiring, in or with respect to the geographical areas referred to in Section 4.2
below, any person who is an employee, consultant or independent contractor of Company or any of its subsidiaries with whom Executive
had direct and regular contact in the course of his duties hereunder or induce or attempt to induce any such employee, consultant
or independent contractor to terminate his or her employment with Company or any of its subsidiaries; provided, however,
that this prohibition shall not apply to any employee, consultant or independent contractor who first initiates contact, without
prior solicitation from Executive, related to employment in response to a general advertisement or recruitment program, or through
an employment agency, made available to the public generally and not directed at Company’s employees, consultants or independent
contractors.

 

4.2 Geographical Areas. The geographical
areas in which the restrictions provided for in this Section 4 apply include all cities, counties and states of the United
States, and all other countries in which Company (or any of its subsidiaries) are conducting business or are contemplating conducting
business at the time. Executive acknowledges that the scope and period of restrictions and the geographical area to which the restrictions
imposed in this Section 4 applies are fair and reasonable and are reasonably required for the protection of Company and that
this Agreement accurately describes the business to which the restrictions are intended to apply. Executive acknowledges that the
covenants set forth in this Section 4 have been granted in consideration for his employment by the Company.

 

4.3 Non-Solicitation of Customers.
In addition to, and not in limitation of, the non-competition covenants of Executive set forth above in this Section 4, Executive
agrees with Company that, for the Restricted Period, Executive will not, either for Executive or for any other person or entity,
directly or indirectly (other than for Company and any of its subsidiaries or affiliates), attempt to sell, license or provide
the same or similar products or services as are then provided, or are then proposed to be provided, by Company or any subsidiary
or affiliate of Company, to, or solicit such business from, any customer of Company who is a customer of Company during the Restricted
Period or was a customer of the Company within the preceding 12 month period from the date in question, to the extent that Executive
had direct dealings with such customer.

 

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4.4  Omitted.

 

4.5 Amendment to Retain Enforceability.
It is the intent of the parties that the provisions of this Section 4 will be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under
applicable law. If any particular provision or portion of this Section is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, this Agreement
will be deemed amended to revise that provision or portion to the minimum extent necessary to render it enforceable. Such amendment
will apply only with respect to the operation of this paragraph in the particular jurisdiction in which such adjudication was made.

 

4.6 Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges
that any breach of the covenants of this Section 4 could result in immediate and irreparable injury to Company and, accordingly,
consents that the Company may have the right to seek injunctive relief and such other equitable remedies for the benefit of Company
as may be appropriate in the event such a breach occurs or is threatened. The foregoing remedies will be in addition to all other
legal remedies to which Company may be entitled hereunder, including, without limitation, monetary damages.

 

5.  Compensation and Benefits

 

5.1 Salary. During the term of this
Agreement, Company shall pay Executive a salary of $550,000 per annum. Executive’s salary shall be payable as earned at Company’s
customary payroll periods in accordance with Company’s customary payroll practices. Executive’s salary shall be subject
to review and adjustment not less than annually, and may be increased but not decreased, in accordance with Company’s customary
practices concerning salary review for similarly situated senior executive employees of Company or its subsidiaries.

 

5.2 Benefits. Executive shall participate
in Company’s employee benefit plans of general application as they may exist from time to time, including without limitation
those plans covering pension and profit sharing, executive bonuses, stock purchases, stock options, and those plans covering life,
health, and dental insurance in accordance with the rules established for individual participation in any such plan and applicable
law. Executive will receive such other benefits, including vacation, holidays and sick leave, as Company generally provides to
its senior executive employees holding similar positions as that of Executive as well as any future benefits or changes to existing
benefits offered to similarly situated senior executive employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, regardless of Executive’s
service tenure, including but not limited to enhanced vesting terms or conditions for Equity-Based Grants, expense allowances,
deferred compensation plans. Executive has received a summary of Company’s standard employee benefits policies in effect
as of the date hereof. The Company reserves the right to change or otherwise modify, in its sole discretion, the benefits offered
herein to conform to the Company’s general policies as may be changed from time to time during the term of this Agreement,
but no such change shall result in the termination, waiver, delay or diminution of any previously granted or accrued benefits.
Executive shall be entitled to not less than four (4) weeks paid vacation for each calendar year during the term of his employment.

 

5.3 Bonus. Executive will be
eligible to earn a target annual cash bonus during his employment with Company of not less than eighty (80%) percent of his
salary level under Section 5.1 (prorated for any partial year) for the time period of the bonus determination.
Executive’s Bonus eligibility for subsequent years is intended to reflect a comparable ratio of Bonus eligibility to
Salary. However, Executive’s Bonus eligibility will be subject to review and adjustment in accordance with
Company’s customary practices concerning compensation review for similarly situated employees of the Company or its
subsidiaries, but the target shall not be less than eighty (80%) percent of his salary for the time period of the bonus
determination. All bonus payments would be awarded subject to the sole discretion of the Board, based upon the Board’s
evaluation of the performance of Executive and the Company. The bonus shall be paid to Executive no later than March 15
following the year in which such bonus is earned.

 

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5.4 Equity-Based Grants. (a)       Executive
has been granted 225,000 shares of restricted stock of Company under Company’s Employee, Director & Consultant Stock
Plan (the “Plan”). Such shares of restricted stock shall vest in four (4) equal amounts over a four
(4) year period with the first 25% of restricted stock granted vesting on the first anniversary of the effective date of such
grant, and the balance to vest equally every three months for the remaining three year term, subject to acceleration upon a Change
in Control, all as more particularly set forth in the restricted stock agreement customarily used by the Company pursuant to the
Plan.

 

(b)       Executive
has been granted 60,000 performance restricted shares tied to a successful Apollo closing by December 31, 2021 (defined as closing
and funding of the acquisition as approved by the Board by no later than December 31, 2021) with post-closing time vesting of two
(2) years from such closing paid in eight (8) equal consecutive quarterly amounts (time vesting may occur after December 31, 2021).

 

(c)       Executive
has been granted 40,000 ‘Leverage’ performance restricted shares tied to achieving Company’s long-term target
of 4X Total Leverage (as defined below) or better on a quarterly reported basis by December 31, 2023 with post achievement time
vesting of one (1) year from the first date such target is achieved paid in four (4) equal quarterly amounts and maintaining 4X
total leverage or better target at each such time vesting quarter (time vesting may occur after December 31, 2023). For purposes
of this Section, Total Leverage = (Total Debt, less Cash) / LQA Adj EBITDA.

 

(d)       Executive
shall be eligible to receive additional equity-based awards in such amounts and at such times (and with such vesting periods) as
determined by the Compensation Committee periodically but not less than on an annual basis.

 

All existing equity grants, including restricted stock, stock
options, and all other equity and equity participation grants of any type, will immediately vest upon the “Change of Control”
of the Company.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Change of Control" shall mean: (i) The Company is merged, consolidated
or reorganized into or with another corporation or other legal person (an “Acquirer”) and, as a result of such
merger, consolidation or reorganization, less than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally
in the election of directors of the surviving, resulting or acquiring corporation or other legal person are owned, directly or
indirectly, in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization,
other than by the Acquirer or any corporation or other legal person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the
Acquirer; (ii) the Company sells all or substantially all of its business and/or assets to an Acquirer, of which less than fifty
percent (50%) of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors are owned, directly
or indirectly, in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such sale, other than by any corporation
or other legal person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Acquirer;; or (iii) any other transaction or
series of related transactions having an economic effect substantially equivalent to any of the foregoing in subsections (i) or
(ii) immediately above.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any acquisition by the Company
or any of its subsidiaries shall not be deemed a Change in Control unless (x) the persons who held Company voting securities immediately
prior to consummation of such transaction no longer continue to hold at least 50% of the voting power of the stock of the surviving
entity in such transaction immediately following consummation of such transaction (or its ultimate parent company if the surviving
entity is a subsidiary) and (y) the Company’s directors immediately prior to consummation of the acquisition no longer constitute
a majority of the board of directors of the surviving entity (or its ultimate parent entity if the surviving entity is a subsidiary)
following such acquisition.

 

5.5 Expenses. Company will reimburse
Executive for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by Executive in connection with Company’s business are in accordance
with Company’s applicable policy and are properly documented and accounted for in accordance with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Service. Company shall reimburse Executive in accordance with its travel and entertainment practices, but not
less than on a monthly basis, for his business travel and entertainment expenses which will include expenses related to Executive
being in Company’s office in Tyson’s Corner, VA (and such other Company or customer facilities) as necessary to execute
his responsibilities, including the reasonable costs of an apartment in the Tyson’s Corner vicinity.

 

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6.  Proprietary Rights.
Executive hereby agrees to execute an Executive Invention Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement with Company in substantially
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and mutually agreed upon between the parties.

 

7.  Termination

 

7.1 Upon Death. The Executive’s
employment hereunder shall terminate automatically upon the death of the Executive. The Company shall pay to the Executive’s
beneficiaries or estate, as appropriate, the compensation to which he is entitled pursuant to Section 5.1 through the end
of the month in which death occurs, plus all accrued bonuses and his bonus for the year of his death (prorated to his date of death).

 

7.2 Upon Disability. If, in the opinion
of a medical doctor specializing in the appropriate medical specialty, the Executive is prevented from properly performing his
duties hereunder by reason of any physical or mental incapacity for a period of more than 180 days in the aggregate in any
twelve month period, then, to the extent permitted by law, the Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate and Executive
shall receive all compensation due him pursuant to Section 5.1 through the date of termination, plus all accrued bonuses and
his bonus for the year of his death (prorated to his date of death) as well as the continuation of health benefits for a period
of twelve (12) months after the termination of his employment. Nothing in this Section 7.2 shall affect the Executive’s
rights under any Company sponsored disability plan in which he is a participant.

 

7.3 By Company for Cause. Company may
terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause (as defined below) at any time by giving written notice to the Executive.
The Company shall pay Executive the compensation to which he is entitled pursuant to Section 5.1 through the end of the day
of such termination plus any accrued but unpaid bonus for any previous period. For purposes of this Agreement, the Company shall
have “Cause” to terminate the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement only if: (i) the
Executive materially breaches any material provision of this Agreement after written notice identifying the substance of the material
breach and fails to remedy such breach within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice; (ii) Executive fails or refuses
to comply with any lawful and appropriate direction or instruction of a material nature of Company’s Board of Directors,
consistent with his position, duties and responsibilities hereunder, which failure or refusal is not timely cured within thirty
(30) days of receiving written notice of such failure of refusal , (iii)  Executive commits an act of fraud, embezzlement
or misappropriation of funds, (iv)  Executive commits a material breach of his fiduciary duty based on a good faith determination
by the Board and fails to remedy such alleged breach within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of such breach , (v) 
Executive engages in willful misconduct in the performance of his duties hereunder, and fails to remedy such breach within thirty
(30) days of receiving written notice thereof from the Board, provided, however, that no act, or failure to act, by Executive
shall be considered an act of “willful misconduct” unless committed without good faith and without a reasonable belief
that the act or omission was in or not opposed to the Company’s best interest; or (vi)  Executive is convicted of a
felony or a crime of moral turpitude.

 

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7.4 By Company without Cause; By Executive for
Good Reason. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, without any Cause, and Executive
may resign for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined), without any liability other than to pay to the Executive: (i) his base salary
through the effective date of termination; (ii) the continuation of base salary and health benefits (or the economic equivalent
thereof) for a period of twelve (12) months after the termination of his employment; (iii) his annual bonus on a pro-rated basis
through the effective date of termination as measured for that calendar year, plus any accrued but unpaid bonus for any previous
period; plus (iv) 100% of the target annual bonus the Executive would have been eligible to receive for the twelve (12) month period
after the date of termination. The Executive and the Company will execute a Separation of Employment and Release Agreement in a
form reasonably acceptable to the Company and Executive.

 

7.5 Definition of Good Reason. For purposes
hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination by the Executive within ninety (90) days following (i) a material
change in the Executive’s duties such that he is no longer the Chief Financial Officer of the Company or his duties or responsibilities
are materially reduced or changed; (ii) a change in his reporting so that he is no longer reporting solely and exclusively to the
Chief Executive Officer; (iii) the relocation of Executive’s principal place of business to a location further than thirty
(30) miles from the Empire State Building in New York City; (iii) the assignment to the Executive of duties that are inconsistent
with his position or that materially alter his ability to function as Chief Financial Officer; (iv) a reduction in the Executive’s
total base compensation (including a reduction in base salary or bonus target) as set forth in Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4;
(v) a failure of a successor to the business and operations of Company to assume this Agreement in its entirety; or (vi) a material
breach by Company of any material term or provision of this Agreement which breach is not cured within thirty (30) days of it receiving
Executive’s written notice of such breach.

 

7.6 By Executive without Cause. The
Executive may terminate his employment hereunder with thirty (30) days’ notice at any time. The Company shall pay Executive
the compensation to which he is entitled pursuant to Section 5.1 through the end of the last day of employment in connection
with such termination.

 

7.7 Surrender of Records
and Property. Upon termination of his employment with Company for any reason, the Executive shall deliver promptly to Company
all records, manuals, books, blank forms, documents, letters, memoranda, notes, notebooks, reports, data, tables, calculations
or copies thereof, whether in tangible or electronic format or media, which are the property of Company or which relate in any
way to the business, products, practices or techniques of Company, and all other property, trade secrets and confidential information
of Company, including, but not limited to, all documents or electronic records which in whole or in part contain any trade secrets
or confidential information of Company, which in any of these cases are in his possession or under his control. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent Executive from retaining electronic or manual copies of material solely for or related
to compliance with regulatory requirements or related to his personal financial and tax matters.

 

7.8 Survival. Notwithstanding
any termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, and unless specifically provided therein, the Executive shall remain
bound by the provisions of this Agreement which specifically relate to periods, activities or obligations which this Agreement
specifically states shall survive the termination of the Executive’s employment. Further, Company’s obligation to pay
the amounts and benefits in Section 7.4 and 7.5 upon Company’s termination of the Executive’s employment without Cause,
or termination by Executive for Good Reason, respectively, shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

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8. 
Miscellaneous

 

8.1 Severability If any provision of
this Agreement shall be found by any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, then the parties
hereby waive such provision to the extent that it is found to be invalid or unenforceable and to the extent that to do so would
not deprive one of the parties of the substantial benefit of its bargain. Such provision shall, to the extent allowable by law
and the preceding sentence, be modified by such arbitrator or court so that it becomes enforceable and, as modified, shall be enforced
as any other provision hereof, all the other provisions continuing in full force and effect.

 

8.2 Remedies Company and Executive acknowledge
that the service to be provided by Executive is of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and intellectual character, which
gives it peculiar value the loss of which cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated in damages in an action at law. Accordingly,
Executive and Company hereby consent and agree that for any breach or violation by Executive of any of the provisions of this Agreement
including, without limitation, Section 3 and 4, a restraining order and/or injunction may be sought against either of the
parties, in addition to any other rights and remedies the parties may have, at law or equity, including without limitation the
recovery of money damages.

 

8.3 No Waiver The failure by either
party at any time to require performance or compliance by the other of any of its obligations or agreements shall in no way affect
the right to require such performance or compliance at any time thereafter. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision
hereof shall not be taken or held to be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of such provision or as a waiver of the
provision itself. No waiver of any kind shall be effective or binding, unless it is in writing and is signed by the party against
whom such waiver is sought to be enforced.

 

8.4 Assignment. This Agreement and all
rights hereunder are personal to Executive and may not be transferred or assigned by Executive at any time. Company may assign
its rights, together with its obligations hereunder, to any subsidiary, affiliate or successor of Company, or in connection with
any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all the business and assets of Company or any of their respective
subsidiaries or affiliates, whether by sale of stock, sale of assets, merger, consolidation or otherwise; provided, that
any such assignee assumes Company’s obligations hereunder; and provided, further that the vesting of
all equity grants made to Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately accelerate and vest upon a Change in Control.
This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the persons or entities that are permitted, by the terms of
this Agreement, to be successors, assigns and personal representatives and heirs of the respective parties hereto, as the case
may be.

 

8.5 Withholding All sums payable to
Executive hereunder shall be subject to all federal, state, local and other withholding and similar taxes and payments required
by applicable law to be withheld by Company.

 

8.6 Entire Agreement This Agreement
(and the exhibit(s) hereto) constitutes the entire and only agreement and understanding between the parties relating to employment
of Executive with Company and this Agreement supersedes and cancels any and all previous contracts, arrangements or understandings
with respect to Executive’s employment; except that the Executive Invention Assignment and Confidentiality
Agreement shall remain as an independent contract and shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms.

 

8.7 Amendment This Agreement may be
amended, modified, superseded, cancelled, renewed or extended only by an agreement in writing executed by both parties hereto.

 

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8.8 Notices All notices and other communications
required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and hand delivered, sent by telecopier, sent by certified first
class mail, postage pre-paid, or sent by nationally recognized express courier service. Such notices and other communications shall
be effective upon receipt if hand delivered or sent by telecopier, five (5) days after mailing if sent by mail, and one (l) day
after dispatch if sent by express courier, to the following addresses, or such other addresses as any party shall notify the other
parties:

	 	 	 	 
	 	If to Company: 	GTT Communications, Inc. 	 
	 	 	7900 Tysons One Place 	 
	 	 	McLean, VA 22102 	 
	 	 	Attn: Chris McKee, General Counsel 	 
	 	If to Executive:	 
	 	 	Steven Berns	 
	 	 	Address as shown in the Company’s payroll records	 

 

8.9 Binding Nature This Agreement shall
be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of the respective parties
hereto, as the case may be.

 

8.10 Headings The headings contained
in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall in no way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. In
this Agreement, the singular includes the plural, the plural included the singular, the masculine gender includes both male and
female reference, and the word “or” is used in the inclusive sense.

 

8.11 Counterparts This Agreement may
be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which, taken together, constitute
one and the same agreement.

 

8.12 Governing Law. This Agreement and
the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without
giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws.

 

9. Indemnification

 

9.1 Corporate Acts: In his/her capacity
as a director, manager, officer, or employee of the Company or serving or having served any other entity as a director, manager,
officer, or the Executive at the Company’s request, the Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to
the fullest extent allowed by law, the Company’s charter and by-laws, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts arising from any and
all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Executive may
be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise by reason of the Executive’s status, which relate to or
arise out of the Company, their assets, business or affairs. The Company shall advance all expenses incurred by the Executive in
connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any civil or criminal action or proceeding referenced in this
Section 9, including but not necessarily limited to legal counsel, expert witnesses or other legal or litigation-related expenses.
The Executive shall be entitled to coverage under the Company’s directors and officers liability insurance policy in effect
at any time to no lesser extent than any other officers or directors of the Company. After the Executive is no longer employed
by the Company, the Company shall keep in effect the provisions of this Section 9, which provision shall not be amended except
as required by applicable law or except to make changes permitted by law that would enlarge the right of indemnification of the
Executive.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the
provisions of this Section 9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of the Employment Period for any
reason.

 

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9.2 Personal Guarantees: The Company
shall indemnify and hold harmless the Executive for any liability incurred by him/her by reason of his/her execution of any personal
guarantee for the Company’s benefit (including but not limited to personal guarantees in connection with office or equipment
leases, commercial loans or promissory notes); provided that nothing herein shall be construed or implied in any manner to expect
or require Executive to enter into any such guarantee

 

9.3 The indemnification provision of this Section
9 shall be in addition to any other liability the Company otherwise may have to the Executive to indemnify him for his conduct
in connection with his efforts on the Company’s behalf.

 

10. Section 409A The parties intend
that any compensation, benefits and other amounts payable or provided to the Executive under this Agreement be paid or provided
in compliance with Section 409A of the Code and all regulations, guidance, and other interpretative authority issued thereunder
(collectively, “Section 409A”) such that there will be no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties for the
Executive under Section 409A as a result of the payments and benefits so paid or provided to him. The parties agree to modify this
Agreement, or the timing (but not the amount) of the payment of the severance or other compensation, or both, to the extent necessary
to comply with Section 409A. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other provision of this Agreement,
the payments and benefits to be provided to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions set forth below.

 

		(a)	Any payment subject to Section 409A that is triggered by a termination from employment shall be triggered by a “separation
from service,” as defined in the regulations issued under Section 409A.

 

		(b)	If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of the Section 409A at the time of the Executive’s
 “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, then any payment otherwise required to be made to the
Executive under this Agreement on account of the Executive’s separation from service, to the extent such payment (after taking
in to account all exclusions applicable to such payment under Section 409A) is properly treated as deferred compensation subject
to Section 409A, shall not be made until the first business day after (i) the expiration of six months from the date of the Executive’s
separation from service, or (ii) if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death (the “Delayed Payment Date”).
On the Delayed Payment Date, there shall be paid to the Executive or, if the Executive has died, to the Executive’s estate,
in a single cash lump sum, an amount equal to aggregate amount of the payments delayed pursuant to the preceding sentence, plus
interest thereon at the Delayed Payment Interest Rate (as defined below) computed from the date on which each such delayed payment
otherwise would have been made to the Executive until the Delayed Payment Date. For purposes of the foregoing, the “Delayed
Payment Interest Rate” shall mean the national average annual rate of interest payable on jumbo six-month bank certificates
of deposit, as quoted in the business section of the most recently published Sunday edition of The New York Times preceding the
date as of which Executive is treated as having incurred a separation from service for purposes of Section 409A.

 

		(c)	All expenses eligible for reimbursement hereunder that are taxable to the Executive shall be paid to the Executive no earlier
than in the seventh month after separation from service and no later than December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar
year in which such expenses were incurred. The expenses incurred by the Executive in any calendar year that are eligible for reimbursement
under this Agreement shall not affect the expenses incurred by the Executive in any other calendar year that are eligible for reimbursement
hereunder. The Executive’s right to receive any reimbursement hereunder shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for
any other benefit.

 

    Page 9 of 10

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company and Executive have executed
this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

	“Company”	“Executive”
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	/s/
    Chris McKee	/s/ Steven Berns
	By:	Chris McKee	By:	Steven
    Berns

 

    Page 10 of 10Document

FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT

        THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into as of April 2, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and between:  PEOPLES BANCORP INC., an Ohio corporation (“Borrower”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association (“Lender”); and has reference to the following facts and circumstances: (the “Recitals”):

        A. Borrower and Lender are parties to the Loan Agreement dated as of April 3, 2019 (as amended, the “Agreement”; all capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement as amended by this Amendment).

        B. Borrower desires to extend the Revolving Credit Period and Lender agrees to said extension on the terms and conditions set forth below.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Borrower and Lender agree as follows:

        1. Recitals.  The Recitals are true and correct, and, together with the defined terms set forth herein, are incorporated by this reference.

        2. Amendments to Agreement.  As of the Effective Date, the Agreement is amended as follows:

(a) The definition of “Revolving Credit Period” in Section 1.01 (Definitions) of the Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:

        Revolving Credit Period means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending April 1, 2021; provided, however, that the Revolving Credit Period shall end on the date the Revolving Credit Commitment is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or otherwise..

(b) The following definitions of “Base Rate”, “Base Rate Loans”, “Benchmark Replacement”, “LIBOR” “Benchmark Replacement Adjustment”, “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes”, “Benchmark Replacement Date”, “Benchmark Transition Event”, “Benchmark Unavailability Period”, “Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website”, “Prime Rate” and “Relevant Governmental Body” are added to Section 1.01 (Definitions) of the Agreement:

Base Rate means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to (a) the greater of (i) zero and (ii) the Prime Rate for such day plus (b) an Applicable Margin deemed appropriate by Lender (which may be zero but not less than zero).

Base Rate Loans mean Loans that, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.10, bears interest at the Base Rate

Benchmark Replacement means the sum of: (a) an alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by Lender, giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body and (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a rate of interest as a replacement to the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) for U.S. syndicated or bilateral credit facilities denominated in Dollars that are substantially similar to the credit facilities under this Agreement and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that, if the Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than zero, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be zero (0) for the purposes of this Agreement.

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment means, with respect to any replacement under this Agreement of LIBOR with an alternative benchmark rate, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been 
        
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selected by Lender giving due consideration to (a) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative benchmark rate by the Relevant Governmental Body and (b) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative benchmark rate at such time for U.S. syndicated or bilateral credit facilities denominated in Dollars that are substantially similar to the credit facilities under this Agreement, which adjustment or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment pursuant to clause (b) is published on an information service as selected by Lender from time to time and as may be updated periodically.

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other administrative matters) that Lender decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by Lender in a manner substantially consistent with then-prevailing market practice (or, if Lender decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if Lender determines that no market practice for the administration of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as Lender decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement).

Benchmark Replacement Date means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to LIBOR:  (a) in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) or (iv) of Section 2.08(b), the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of LIBOR permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide LIBOR; (b) in the case of clause (i) of Section 2.08(b), the earlier of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein; and (ii) the date specified by Lender by notice to Borrower; and (c) in the case of clause (v) of Section 2.08(b), the date specified by Lender by notice to Borrower.

Benchmark Transition Event is defined in Section 2.08(b).

Benchmark Unavailability Period means, if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBOR and solely to the extent that LIBOR has not been replaced hereunder with a Benchmark Replacement, the period (a) beginning at the time that such Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced LIBOR for all purposes under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with Section 2.08(b) and (b) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced LIBOR for all purposes under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents pursuant to Section 2.08(b).

Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at http://www.newyorkfed.org or any successor source.

Prime Rate means a rate per annum equal to the prime rate announced by Lender from time to time, changing as and when such rate changes.  The prime rate is not necessarily the lowest rate charged to any customer.

        Relevant Governmental Body means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.

(c) The following provisions are added to the Agreement as Section 2.08 (Availability of Types of Borrowings; Adequacy of Interest Rate):

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2.08 Availability of Types of Loans; Adequacy of Interest Rate.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, if Lender determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that:  (i) deposits of a type and maturity appropriate to match fund Loans are not available to Lender in the relevant market; or (ii) the interest rate applicable to Loans is not ascertainable or available (including, without limitation, because the applicable Reuters Screen (or on any successor or substitute page on such screen) is unavailable) or does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost of making or maintaining Loans, then Lender shall suspend the availability of Loans and require any affected Loans to be repaid or converted to Base Rate Loans.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, if Lender determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that any one or more of the following (each, a “Benchmark Transition Event”) has occurred:  (i) the circumstances set forth in Section 2.08(a)(ii) have arisen (including, without limitation, a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR described in clause (ii) of this Section 2.08(b) announcing that LIBOR is no longer representative) and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; (ii) ICE Benchmark Administration (or any Person that has taken over the administration of LIBOR for deposits in Dollars that is acceptable to Lender) discontinues its administration and publication of LIBOR for deposits in Dollars; (iii) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of LIBOR described in clause (ii) of this Section 2.08(b) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease as of a specific date to provide LIBOR (permanently or indefinitely); provided that, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator that is acceptable to Lender that will continue to provide LIBOR after such specified date; (iv) a public statement by the supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR described in clause (ii) of this Section 2.08(b), the U.S. Federal Reserve System, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over such administrator for LIBOR, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over such administrator for LIBOR, or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over such administrator for LIBOR, which states that such administrator of LIBOR has ceased or will cease as of a specific date to provide LIBOR (permanently or indefinitely); provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that is acceptable to Lender that will continue to provide LIBOR after such specified date; or (v) syndicated or bilateral credit facilities are being executed or amended, as the case may be, to incorporate or adopt a new benchmark interest rate to replace LIBOR for deposits in Dollars, then Lender may amend this Agreement to replace LIBOR with a Benchmark Replacement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 8.09, any such amendment with respect to a Benchmark Transition Event will become effective without any further action or consent of Borrower at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth Business Day after Lender has provided such proposed amendment to Borrower.  No replacement of LIBOR with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this Section 2.08(b) will occur prior to the date set forth in the applicable amendment.

(c) In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, Lender will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of Borrower.

(d) Lender will promptly notify Borrower of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event (other than pursuant to 2.08(b)(v)), (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement. and (iii) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period.  Any determination, decision or election that may be made by Lender pursuant to this Section 2.08(b), including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in Lender’s sole discretion and without consent from Borrower, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.08(b).

(e) Upon notice to Borrower by Lender in accordance with Section 5.10 of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period and until a Benchmark Replacement is determined 
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in accordance with this Section 2.08(b), (i) any request pursuant to Section 2.8 that requests the conversion of any Loan to, or continuation of any Loan may be revoked by Borrower and if not revoked shall be ineffective and any such Loan shall be continued as or converted to, as the case may be, a Base Rate Loan, and (ii) if any request pursuant to Section 2.01(b) requests a Loan, such request may be revoked by Borrower and if not revoked such Loan shall be made as a Base Rate Loan.

3. Costs and Expenses.  Borrower shall reimburse Lender upon demand for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, Attorneys’ Fees and expenses) incurred by Lender in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and any and all other agreements, documents, instruments and/or certificates relating to the amendment of Borrower’s existing credit facilities with Lender.  Borrower further agree to pay or reimburse Lender for (a) any stamp or other taxes (excluding income or gross receipts taxes) which may be payable with respect to the execution, delivery, filing and/or recording of any of the Loan Documents, and (b) the cost of any filings and searches, including, without limitation, Uniform Commercial Code filings and searches.  

        4. References to Agreement.  All references in the Agreement to “this Agreement” and any other references of similar import shall mean the Agreement as amended by this Amendment.  Except to the extent specifically amended by this Amendment, all of the terms, provisions, conditions, covenants, representations and warranties contained in the Agreement and the Note shall be and remain in full force and effect and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed.

        5. Successors and Assigns.  This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower and Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrower may not assign, transfer or delegate any of its rights or obligations under the Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

        6. Representations and Warranties.  Borrower represents and warrants to Lender that as of the Effective Date:

        (a) the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Amendment are within the corporate powers of Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and require no action by or in respect of, consent of or filing, recording or registration with, any governmental or regulatory instrumentality, authority, body, agency or official or any other Person;

        (b) the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Amendment do not conflict with, or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under or result in any violation of, the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of Borrower, any applicable law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment or decree of any governmental authority or any agreement, document or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower or any of its Property is bound or to which Borrower or any of its Property is subject;

        (c) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);

        (d) all of the representations and warranties made by Borrower in the Agreement and/or in any other Loan Document are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of this Amendment as if made on and as of the date of this Amendment; 

        (e) after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default under or within the meaning of the Agreement has occurred and is continuing; and

(f) the information included in any Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered by Borrower to Lender is true and correct in all respects,

        7. Inconsistency.  In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between this Amendment and the Agreement, the terms, provisions and conditions contained in this Amendment shall govern and control.

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        8. Governing Law.  This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Ohio (without reference to conflict of law principles) but giving effect to Federal laws applicable to national banks.

        9. Entire Agreement.  The Agreement, this Amendment and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (oral or written) relating to the subject matter thereof.

        10. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be signed in any number of counterparts (including facsimile counterparts), each of which shall be an original with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

        11. Conditions Precedent.  Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Amendment to the contrary, this Amendment shall not be effective unless and until Agent shall have received:

        (a) this Amendment, duly executed by Borrower;

        (b) a Certificate of Secretary (with resolutions attached), certified by the Secretary of Borrower; and

(c) such other documents and information as reasonably requested by Lender.

        Borrower and Lender executed this Amendment as of the Effective Date.

[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGES]

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SIGNATURE PAGE- BORROWER
FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT

             Borrower: 

             PEOPLES BANCORP INC.

             By: /s/ JOHN C. ROGERS
             Name:  John C. Rogers
             Title:  Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

        
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SIGNATURE PAGE- LENDER
FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT

             Lender:

             U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

             By: /s/ CHRIS CAVACINI
             Name:  Chris Cavacini
             Title:  Senior Vice President

        
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